Northern Lights in Finland: The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Aurora Borealis
Finland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. With vast Arctic wilderness, minimal light pollution, and well-developed aurora tourism, Finland offers unforgettable experiences — from chasing lights in Lapland to sleeping under the stars in glass igloos.
This detailed guide covers the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland, top places, how to increase your chances, and unique stays like glass igloos.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are natural light displays caused when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions create stunning colours — green, purple, pink, and red — dancing across the Arctic sky.
Finland lies directly under the Auroral Oval, making it one of the most reliable destinations for aurora sightings.
Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland
Aurora Season in Finland
- Best months: September to March
- Peak season: December to February
- Best time of day: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Seasonal Breakdown
- September–October: Dark skies, mild cold, fewer tourists
- November–February: Long nights, snowy landscapes, peak aurora visibility
- March: Longer daylight with excellent auroras and winter activities
Tip: Clear skies and high solar activity are more important than extreme cold.
The Best Places to See Northern Lights in Finland
1. Finnish Lapland (Best Overall)
Lapland offers up to 200 aurora nights per year.
Top locations:
- Rovaniemi: Accessible, great for first-time visitors
- Levi: Ski resort with aurora tours
- Ylläs: Minimal light pollution
- Saariselkä: Close to wilderness areas
- Inari & Lake Inari: One of the best aurora hotspots
2. Kakslauttanen
Famous for glass igloos, Kakslauttanen allows you to watch the Northern Lights directly from your bed.
3. Kilpisjärvi
Located in northwestern Finland, this remote village has some of the clearest skies and highest aurora frequency.
4. Ivalo
Near Inari, Ivalo is a popular base for aurora safaris and photography tours.
How to See the Northern Lights in Finland
1. Go Away from City Lights
Light pollution reduces visibility. Stay in rural or wilderness areas for the best experience.
2. Use Aurora Forecasts
Check solar activity (KP Index), cloud cover and weather conditions. Higher KP index combined with clear skies means better chances.
3. Join Northern Lights Tours
Guided aurora tours increase your success rate. Popular options include:
- Aurora chasing by minivan
- Snowmobile aurora safaris
- Reindeer sleigh aurora tours
- Snowshoeing under the aurora
Local guides track weather and solar conditions in real time.
4. Stay Multiple Nights
Plan at least 3–5 nights in Lapland to improve your chances of seeing the lights.
Glass Igloos in Finland: Watching Aurora from Your Bed
One of Finland’s most iconic experiences is staying in a glass igloo.
What is a Glass Igloo? A heated accommodation with a thermal glass roof that allows you to watch the Northern Lights while staying warm and comfortable.
Best Glass Igloo Resorts in Finland
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
- Levin Iglut
- Apukka Resort
- Northern Lights Village (Levi & Saariselkä)
- Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Most igloos include: Heated glass ceilings, aurora alarms, private bathrooms and luxury Arctic views.
Book early, especially for December–February.
Best Activities to Combine with Northern Lights
- Husky safaris
- Reindeer sleigh rides
- Snowmobiling
- Ice fishing
- Sauna & ice swimming
- Visiting Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi)
These activities make waiting for the aurora even more memorable.
Photography Tips for Northern Lights
- Use a tripod
- Manual mode camera
- Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or lower)
- ISO 800–3200
- Exposure 5–15 seconds
Smartphones with night mode can also capture auroras surprisingly well.
Travel Tips for Northern Lights in Finland
- Dress in layers (thermal wear is essential)
- Temperatures can drop to -30°C in winter
- Rent winter boots and clothing if needed
- Fly to Rovaniemi, Ivalo, or Kittilä airports
Final Thoughts: Is Finland Worth It for Northern Lights?
Absolutely. Finland offers high aurora visibility, stunning Arctic landscapes, comfortable infrastructure, and unique stays like glass igloos.
Whether you’re a photographer, honeymooner, or adventure traveller, seeing the Northern Lights in Finland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
