Finland: Yllas, Levi, Saariselka, Luosto-Pyha, Rovaniemi.

Yllas ski resort. Street illumination here is switched off during the Northern Lights (after 22.00), so limited light pollution and good sky view.
Luosto ski resort. Hotel Aurora there with large windows and “Aurora Alarm” that beeps whenever the Northern Lights appear.
Saariselka. There are few Glass igloos resorts like Northern Light village, Kakslauttanen, Aurora village Ivalo, Muotka igloos. This type of accommodation is specially designed for Northern Lights experience and staff at some of them, like Northern Light village, are experts in Northern lights and photographing it.
Levi ski-resort. There are some accommodation options, like Panorama hotel, log cabins, or Igloo resort, top of the fell with amazing open 360 view.
Rovaniemi. Probably the most popular place in Finnish Lapland to visit, but not the best to see the Northern Lights because of the light pollution of big city. Nevertheless even in the city center there are few spots where it is possible to see the Lights and make good pictures (see map below) and many professional companies who make Aurora guided tours.

Best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland

- Best Time of the Year: September, March
- Best Time of the Day: 22.00 - 2.00

- Ruska season in Lapland (autumn colours).
- Dark nights (Note: nights are darker without snow!!!)
- No extreme cold. Lakes are free from ice. Possibilities for great pichtures with Lights reflection on the water.
- Northern lights activities like: evening camp-sites, hiking in the wilderness, etc.

- First snow covers the Lapland in November. Snow shoeing Northern light tours might be already possible. Note: as snow comes from clouds, so ... sky view will be blocked by clouds.
- December has longest possible nights during a year, so longer time with darkness and chances to see the Aurora.
- It might be extremely cold during Christmas-New Year time. Expensive time in terms of accommodation prices. Snow cover Lapland usually in Nov-Dec, so it will reduce chances to see Aurora because of the clouds and snowfalls.
- January can be very, very cold. Nevertheless, it is sometimes said that the Northern Lights are more likely to appear on colder nights.

- Weather becomes not so serve, most of the winter snow has fallen already (in average less clouds), nights still dark and long, days are more bright and many winter activities available. Note: this time of the year is skiing holidays in Finland. Majority of locals travel from Southern Finland to North. So be ready to book accommodation. Activities in advance.

BE READY FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN HANKASALMI OBSERVATORY

For those who are really interested in the Northern Lights phenomena, there is Hankasalmi Northern Lights Observatory in Central Finland (half way from Helsinki to Lapland, 300 km north from Helsinki). It has been a center of worldwide Northern Lights research for over 40 years.

Scientists will tell you everything about the Northern Lights, how they are born, if they make any sound and many other things. Hankasalmi Observatory is located in the middle of a dark countryside far away from light pollution. It is the first place in the whole world starting to record the possible sounds of the Northern Lights. Observatory guests will be introduced to All Sky Camera. Visit Aurora Borealis Exhibition. If the sky is clear, you may watch the stars with the telescope assisted by your guide. To complete your experience, it is possible to stay overnight in a glass roofed cabin 15 minutes drive from Observatory - Revontuli Resort.

Observatory visits are possible year-round. However, plan a tour in dark evening times (from mid August till mid April) to get the most out of the experience. Price in 2019 is from 49€/person (groups 6-12 persons).

Revontuli All Sky Aurora Igloo

15km from Hankasalmen Observatory is all-sky Aurora cabins by the lake. The area is one of the darkest places in Central Finland to spot Northern Lights. The heated glass guarantees a clear sky view also in winter.

SERVICE AROUND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Northern Lights FAQ

The Northern Lights in Helsinki

The Northern Lights can be also seen in Helsinki. Find out the best time and places where to see the Aurora in Helsinki here.

Northern Light Images Gallery

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon with the charm of mystery. Everyone who has seen the Northern Lights is trying to photograph it. It is never the same. Is an endless source of inspiration. Take a look for some great Aurora pictures below.

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