Northern Lights in Finland: Best Places and Viewing Tips
Discover Finland's best Northern Lights spots, ideal viewing seasons, aurora photography tips and travel planning advice
Imagine standing beneath a beautiful Arctic sky as waves of green and purple light dance across the darkness. The Northern Lights in Finland is a very memorable event to travellers around the world as it is a magical natural phenomenon which is referred to as the aurora borealis. Finland is a spectacular place and has exciting opportunities to observe this natural wonder, whether in the snow-covered forests of Lapland, or in cosy glass igloos or serene frozen lakes. Finland has the most incredible landscapes and unforgettable experiences whether you are on a romantic vacation, a family vacation or an adventure winter vacation.
Finland tour packages from Dubai may make it easier to organise flights, accommodation, sightseeing and winter activities to ensure that travellers have an adventure in the Arctic. Arooha Tours assists travellers to have a look at the available holiday options, which suit their interests and budgets. In addition to viewing aurora, you can also go husky sledding, ride reindeer, go on snowmobiles, and traditional Finnish saunas. When you have the right destination, the right time to travel, coupled with a bit of patience you can make your Finnish holiday to be very special. The following are some of the most popular places to visit and some tips that will help you plan your Northern Lights adventure.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Finland
1. Rovaniemi: Perfect for First-Time Visitors
Rovaniemi is considered to be one of the most frequently visited places in Finnish Lapland. It is situated close to the arctic circle, and it provides a mix of gorgeous winter landscape, comfortable stay and adventurous activities. Tourists are also able to take guided tours to see the aurora, which are conducted by going out of the city to seek darker skies.
Explore the Santa Claus Village, ride a reindeer or visit exciting snowmobile tours during the day. The destinations and good tourist facilities will be enjoyed by families and couples.
Best: Families, first-time travellers and comfort-seeking adventure travellers.
2. Saariselkä: Peaceful Wilderness
Saariselkä can suit the needs of a traveller who wants to be in a calm and picturesque place in the Arctic. This destination is surrounded by forests and rolling fells, which provide the possibility to spend the night sky without being crowded with urban areas.
Huge glass cabins are also a great attraction where one is able to spend time in watching the sky as he/she relaxes inside. There are also the Urho Kekkonen National Park nearby where visitors can take a walk and participate in guided tours on the aurora.
Best in: Couples, photographers, as well as nature lovers.
3. Inari: Nature and Samish culture
Inari is an excellent place to combine the viewing of the aurora and culture. It is found in the north of Lapland and is characterized by lake Inari, isolated wilderness and its association with Sami culture.
The landscapes around make wonderful scenes to be captured at night especially in winter. The local cultural institutions and respectful, locally guided experiences can also teach the travellers about the Sámi heritage.
Best: Cultural traveller, photographers and those who want to relax in tranquil environment.
4. Levi: Adventure and Relaxation
Levi is a vibrant winter resort which provides skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile rides and many other outdoor activities. Tourists are allowed to go on guided tours to seek the aurora amidst the snowy terrain after spending a day on an adventure trip of the area.
Hotels, restaurants, cosy cabins and amenities to meet various forms of travel are also available in the destination.
Best with: Adventure lovers, friends and those who love winter sports.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Finland
The Northern Lights are typically seen during the late-August or September and early April when it is dark enough to view the lights.
September through October: Have dark nights and fall nature, and it is usually not as cold as midwinter.
November- January: Enjoy snowy forests, holiday sites and traditional Arctic sceneries. Temperatures are very very cold.
Feb-March: Have fun during winter, snowy days and slowly rising daylight to explore.
The most appropriate time varies with your choice and weathered conditions around. A clear sky and adequate darkness are necessary and the visibility of the aurora is also dependent on the solar activity. By staying some nights in northern Finland, you have more chances of seeing the lights yet there is never a guarantee of seeing them.
Essential Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
1. Choose Dark Locations
Get out of the streetlights and the buildings which are so well lit. Remote rural, appropriate lakeside sites, and special areas of wilderness viewing tend to be more favorable in viewing the aurora.
2. Check Weather and Aurora Forecasts
Check the forecasts of cloud cover and of aurora before going outside. Stunning aurora can be hidden as well in case of heavy clouds in the sky.
3. Spend a few Nights
Book at least three nights in the North of Finland. The longer duration of stay will allow you to have more chances to find good weather and clear skies along with favourable aurora.
4. Wear Warm Clothing
It can be very cold during Finnish winter nights. Thermal clothing, jackets, warm gloves, heavy socks, winter boots, and hats. Wearing in layers will assist you to stay warm as you wait outside.
5. Prepare Your Camera
Beautiful shots of the aurora can be taken with a camera having manual settings and a tripod. Begin with a large aperture, appropriate ISO, and a shutter setting of a few seconds, and vary depending on the motion of the lights and light intensity. Night photos can also be taken on the smartphones that have night photography features and the results are impressive.
6. Consider a Guided Tour
Local guides would assist in finding the right places to view the aurora, keep track of weather and can tell you more about the aurora. Transportation, photography support and warm drinks are included in some of the tours.
Keep in mind that it must be patient. The lights can either come in abruptly, be dim, or even evolve into bright waves in the sky.
Exciting Activities to Enjoy in Finland
There are a number of memorable experiences in the Arctic that can be added to your aurora holiday:
Glass igloo stays: Have a rest in a comfortable place with a night sky view.
Husky sledding: Take a tour on snowy roads on the sleds which are trained.
Reindeer rides: Learn about the conventional reindeer related activities in Lapland.
Snowmobile safaris: See winter scenes on guided tours.
Finnish saunas: Relax in a frozen day.
Local food: Savor local food including fish, berries, and other local foods.
These activities together with aurora viewing are an all-round winter holiday that is full of adventure and relaxation.
Planning Your Finland Northern Lights Holiday
The five to seven day trip is sufficient to visit one or two places, to enjoy winter activities and a couple of evenings hunting the aurora. Select where to stay depending on your budget, the activities you want to do and the comfort you want.
Be sure to include flights, transfers, meals, accommodation, excursions, winter clothes and travel insurance. Reserving most popular glass igloos and guided activities ahead of time is especially beneficial during the most popular winter vacation times.
Flight connections, visa requirements based on passport and existing entry rules are also among the issues that travellers leaving Dubai need to look into before they make a booking. Arooha Tours has the ability to assist you in searching the right holiday packages and contrasting the existing itineraries of your Arctic vacation.
Conclusion
The Northern lights at Finland are a splendid experience that gives one a chance to feel the magic of the arctic. Finland has everything to offer to any traveller, starting with family-friendly attractions of Rovaniemi and its picturesque forests, continuing with the calmness of Saariselkas forests, the cultural experience of Inari and the adventurous winter in Levi. The right season, spending several days, monitoring the forecasts and wearing warm clothes can make your aurora holiday as pleasant as possible.
Begin to organize your escape to the Arctic with Arooha Tours and find out what ways to travel that would best fit your style. Even though the aurora is not a sure thing, the snowy sceneries, spectacular accommodations and incredible winter activities in Finland make every trip memorable. Get ready to have an adventure of a lifetime and find out the beauty of the Northern Lights in Finland.