What is Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display in the Earth's sky that is visible in high-latitude regions, including Finland. The lights are caused by the interaction between the Earth's magnetosphere and charged particles from the sun, which are funneled towards the poles by the Earth's magnetic field.
Where in Finland
In Finland, the Northern Lights are most commonly visible in the Lapland region, which is located in the far north of the country. They are typically visible from late September to early April, and are most active during the equinoxes in March and September.
When to Visit
To see the Northern Lights in Finland, it's best to go during the colder months when there are fewer hours of daylight and the sky is darker. You'll also want to go to a location that is as far away from light pollution as possible.
How to See The Northern Lights
Many tour operators in Finland offer guided Northern Lights tours, which can take you to the best viewing locations and provide helpful information about the phenomenon. In addition to tours, there are many resorts in Finland that offer opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Some resorts are located in the Lapland region, which is known for its high likelihood of clear skies and strong Northern Lights activity.
Here are a some resorts in Finland that offer Northern Lights viewing:
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Located in the Lapland region, this resort features glass igloos and Northern Lights alarms that wake guests up when the lights are active.
- Levi Hotel Spa - This resort, located in the Levi ski resort area, has a Northern Lights viewing terrace and offers Northern Lights tours.
- Ruka Safaris - Located in the Ruka ski resort area, this company offers Northern Lights tours by snowmobile or reindeer-pulled sled.
- Aurora Village - This resort, located in the Lapland region, has a variety of Northern Lights viewing options, including a heated Aurora Cabin, a glass-roofed Aurora Dome, and a traditional Finnish Kota hut.
- Hotel Iso-Syöte - Located in the Lapland region, this resort has a Northern Lights viewing terrace and offers guided Northern Lights tours.
It's worth noting that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so there is no guarantee that you will see them. However, staying at a resort in an area with a high likelihood of Northern Lights activity and going on a guided tour can increase your chances of seeing this beautiful display.
Photo: Petri Jauhiainen/Vastavalo; Visit Finland