Have you ever watched the sky dance in shades of green, pink, and violet? The Northern Lights in Finland are one of nature’s most enthralling experiences, to witness this natural show. They are also popular for their vast Arctic wilderness, minimal light pollution, and creative and unique accommodations like glass igloos and snow-covered cabins. Finland offers an unparalleled experience of the Northern Lights, unlike any other.
Through this blog, you’ll delve into every detail related to the Northern Lights, including the weather, ways to reach Finland, the best time to experience the Northern Lights in Finland, and places to stay and activities to do in Finland.
What are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), and Why Do They Happen?
The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, mostly seen in high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle like Finland, Norway, Iceland, and parts of Canada and Alaska. It happens because charged particles from the sun (like electrons and protons) hit Earth’s magnetic field. The field pulls them toward the poles, where they collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. These collisions create beautiful, glowing lights in the sky known as the mesmerising aurora.
Different gases produce different colours. The green colour comes from oxygen high up. Mixing oxygen and nitrogen, it generates a pink and purple colour. Red is rare and comes directly from even higher in the sky. Blue is generated from nitrogen lower down. Each gas creates a different colour after being hit by energy from the sun, which is why the lights look so colourful.
Best Season And Times To Experience The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights in Finland are most visible from the end of August to April. Auroras, caused by solar winds, occur around the year, but the nights need to be dark enough for us to be able to catch a glimpse of this phenomenal light show. That is why autumn, winter, and spring are the best times to see the Northern Lights.
How To Travel In Finland To Experience The Northern Lights
To see the Northern Lights in Finland, you should first visit Helsinki and then take a connecting flight to Lapland. There are various destinations where you can experience the Northern Lights.
- Rovaniemi – Gateway to Lapland and home to Santa Claus Village.
- Saariselkä – Great access to wilderness, fewer crowds, and the best lodging.
- Kilpisjärvi – One of the most aurora-active regions in Finland.
- Luosto – Famous for its aurora alerts and cosy glass igloos.
January To March: Best Season To Experience The Northern Lights in Finland
These are the golden months for the people who want to see the Northern Lights in Finland. The long nights and clearer skies mean an amazing experience of the Northern Lights. Snow covers the countryside, accompanied by wonderful winter adventures, such as husky sledging and snowmobiling. Additionally, March is the best month due to its balance of light, snow, and activity.
Activities To Do During The Northern Lights Tour In Finland:
- Northern Lights Wilderness Tour in Rovaniemi
- Searching for northern lights with snowshoes
- Night Sky tour with snowshoes
- Northern lights Reindeer safari
- Private Northern Lights Skiing Adventures
Also Read: Top 8 hiking Trails For Adventure Enthusiasts
Some Tips to Witness The Northern Lights in Finland:
- Check the forecast: Use apps like Aurora Alert or websites from the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
- Stay for several nights: Plan to spend at least 3–5 nights watching the Northern Lights in Finland.
- Dress appropriately: Winters in Lapland are cold—think thermal layers, waterproof boots, and insulated jackets.
- Stay up late: The best time is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
See the Magic of Northern Lights in Finland
The Northern Lights in Finland are not just a scientific event; they are also an important part of myths, legends, and culture. Native Sami people in Lapland once believed the lights were spirits or omens. Finland offers one of the most accessible and best ways to witness the Northern Lights. It has a long aurora season, vast wilderness, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re tied up in a glass igloo or surrounded by a snowy plain, the magic of the aurora is always amazing and worth experiencing.