Finland Northern Lights: Where to See Aurora Borealis in Lapland and Southern Finland?
Thanks to its geographical position near or beyond the Arctic Circle, and its vast expanses far from light sources, the "land of a thousand lakes" is ideal for seeing the...
Thanks to its geographical position near or beyond the Arctic Circle, and its vast expanses situated far from light sources, the "land of a thousand lakes" is ideal for seeing the northern lights! From the far north to the south of the country, passing through Lapland: discover the must-see locations where to see the Northern Lights in Finland…
What are the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Finland?
Certain regions in the North, such as Lapland, allow you to observe the green rays during nearly 200 nights per year (if weather conditions are favorable). The further south you go (and the farther from the Arctic Circle), the less visible the auroras become. Nevertheless, it's possible to catch a glimpse of them on around fifteen nights in the central and southern regions…
In Kuusamo
Kuusamo is a city in northeastern Finland, located in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region. It borders Russia and, while situated just at the entrance to Finnish Lapland, it is not administratively part of it.
Between August and November, this isolated region offers an ideal setting for observing the Northern Lights, while the emerald-green lights reflect off the surface of lakes and ponds, creating a striking spectacle.
As with our Arctic Adventures circuit, many other outdoor activities can be practiced alongside Northern Lights observation:
skiing at its major resort,
going on snowmobile safaris,
meeting local wildlife (including reindeer),
sleeping in an igloo,
and more
Observing the Northern Lights: with or without a guide? It's entirely possible to observe the Northern Lights without a guide (smartphone applications actually make this activity easier). However, heading out on an excursion with a local guide offers other advantages: ● They know cleared spots (some of which are off the beaten path), ● They adapt the itinerary if weather doesn't offer optimal viewing conditions, ● They ensure safety and provide the necessary equipment for better viewing, ● They explain the phenomenon, local culture, and wildlife (enriching the experience), ● They share stories and myths linked to the phenomenon, ● They give advice on photographing them well. |
In Lapland (Lappi)
Lapland (Lappi in Finnish and Lapland in English) is a vast region located at the far north of Finland, beyond the Arctic Circle. It extends across four countries: Finland, Norway, Sweden, and a small part of Russia.
Finnish Lapland is a wild region with very sparse population (only 3% of the total population lives on its territory), featuring pure air and a particularly clear sky, ideal for observing the Northern Lights.
Nevertheless, it's an easily accessible region; served by five main airports – Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, Kuusamo, and Kemi-Tornio – with flights of just 1 hour 15 minutes between Rovaniemi and Helsinki!
Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Renowned for its rocky ridges, waterfalls, gorges, and ski resort, Pyhä-Luosto National Park is also a superb spot for observing the Northern Lights.
Numerous excursions are organized there day and night. In certain hotel establishments, the Aurora Alert Realtime alert system can be installed free of charge on your smartphone (to receive a notification when auroras are visible).
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Located in eastern Lapland, Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the country's largest. Prized for its numerous hiking trails (allowing exploration of Mount Kiilopää and Ahopää), it also serves as a viewing spot for admiring the Northern Lights. These can also be seen in nearby areas but outside the park, such as the villages of Ivalo and Inari.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
Known as Finland's third largest national park, Pallas-Yllästunturi also stands out for its characteristic rounded hills (fells) and proximity to the Sammaltunturi weather station at Pallas (where the air is reputed to be the purest in the world, according to the WHO).
During the polar night, the Ylläs resort is an ideal place to catch sight of the Northern Lights. In addition to being situated at 719 meters altitude: the resort implements a "light pollution limitation" policy. Also, from November to February, starting at 10 p.m., all lights are turned off to facilitate viewing of the auroras.
Accommodations in the surrounding area have been designed to offer clear views of the sky. The most favorable period for observing the phenomenon in this park extends from early December to early January.
The village of Kilpisjärvi
Kilpisjärvi is a small village nestled at the foot of Mount Saana, near the Norwegian and Swedish borders. With approximately 75% of nights favorable for the appearance of the Northern Lights, it is one of the places in Finland where the probability of seeing them is highest.
Kilpisjärvi has several observation spots, including the shores of Lakes Siilasjärvi and Oikovuopio. The auroras are visible around midnight in the village. The village also features numerous hiking trails. In winter, you can also go on snowmobile or dog sledding excursions.
The municipality of Utsjoki
At the far north of Finland, you'll find Utsjoki. This municipality, which groups three villages – Utsjoki, Karigasniemi, and Nuorgam – benefits from a clear sky with very little light pollution. During the Northern Lights season, from late August to early April, they appear between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
The best observation points are found outside the centers of the villages, far from artificial lights. Some accommodations, such as the Utsjoki Arctic Resort, offer a clear view of the sky. During your stay, you can also go snowshoeing, as well as snowmobile or dog sledding excursions.
In central and southern Finland
During geomagnetic storms, caused by more intense solar activity, the phenomenon extends southward. A few days per year, it is therefore possible to see the Northern Lights in other areas beyond the far north…
The city of Jyväskylä
Located 270 km north of Helsinki, Jyväskylä is one of the least illuminated areas of southern Finland. The Northern Lights can be observed there from late August to March. In its surroundings, the city is home to the Hankasalmi Observatory, which has a 40 cm optical telescope and a 3-meter radio telescope. A few days per year, guided visits (by observatory scientists) are organized to introduce the public to the site and observe the sky.
The city of Tampere
Finland's third-largest city, Tampere is situated between Lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. Between January and late March, if the sky is clear and if the geomagnetic activity index reaches 4 or 5 on the KP scale, it's possible to catch sight of the Northern Lights. If that's the case, move away from the city and head toward the lakes to admire the spectacle!
The cities of Helsinki and Turku
The Northern Lights are quite difficult to see in Helsinki, but the chances are not completely zero. Indeed, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), the phenomenon can be observed there about once a month. To do so, it's advisable to move away from urban areas in favor of more isolated places, far from the city lights.
One of the essential observation spots in the Finnish capital is the "Observatory Hill." Located in the Ullanlinna district, it rises above the city and offers a clear sky. "Ullanlinna Hill" is also home to the former Astronomical Observatory, inaugurated in 1834…
This neoclassical building now hosts The exhibition center of Helsinki University Museum Flame: a permanent exhibition where it's possible to see many scientific objects; particularly in the disciplines of geology and astronomy. Plan on €10 per adult and €7 per child.
In Turku, a city located 170 km west of Helsinki (on the southwestern coast), it's also possible to see the Northern Lights about once a month.
What is a Northern Light (Aurora Borealis)?The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere. These interactions occur primarily near the magnetic poles (points of "convergence") and create visible phenomena in the sky. The color of these light displays varies depending on altitude and the atoms involved in the process. The Northern Lights can be green (the most common color), but also red (at high altitude), blue or purple (near the horizon), yellow, or pink. Earth's inclination relative to the sun also influences the observation of auroras, depending on the season and their brightness. |
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland?
In Finland
The Northern Lights occur regularly throughout the year. Nevertheless, depending on weather conditions and sky brightness, they are more or less visible.
Summer (from late to mid-September), the days are too bright to distinguish them well (particularly during the summer solstice when the sun doesn't set for several days to several weeks, depending on latitude).
Winter (from November to March), the chances are quite high, but on condition that the sky is clear and there isn't too much snow.
In the south of the country: removed from the Arctic Circle, this part of the country is less favorable for seeing the Northern Lights. However, you can catch glimpses of them from late September to late March, when the night sky is dark enough – and provided that geomagnetic activity is strong enough, with a KP index ≥ 5–6, in certain areas. In summer, the sky is far too bright to see them in this part of the country.
Times: the Northern Lights are (more or less) visible between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., depending on the regions.
In Lapland
In Lapland, the Northern Lights can be observed for approximately eight months, from late August to early April. During this period, there are times when they are more visible than others.
Month | Probability of seeing | Weather conditions |
November | Moderate | Snow begins to fall |
December | High | Sky still cloudy |
February | Excellent | Snowfall diminishes |
April | Fairly good | From early April, nights begin to shorten… |
Note: don't forget that you often need to travel long distances (to get away from city lights) and wait in the cold for a chance to catch sight of the Northern Lights. In December, January, and February, temperatures are extremely cold: observing the phenomenon is not an activity suited for children.
Frequently asked questions
In Finnish Lapland, conditions are favorable for observing the Northern Lights during nearly 200 nights per year, provided the sky is clear. The most favorable period extends from late August to early April, with peak probability in February and March.
The KP index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. In Lapland, a KP of 1 to 2 is often sufficient to observe auroras under clear skies. In central and southern regions (Tampere, Helsinki), a minimum KP of 4 to 6 is required. You can track this index in real time on the Finnish Meteorological Institute website or through applications like Spaceweatherlive.
Yes, it's possible but rare. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Northern Lights can be observed in Helsinki about once a month, during strong geomagnetic storms. You then need to move away from city lights and head to Observatory Hill in the Ullanlinna district to enjoy a clear sky.
Several applications allow you to track Northern Lights forecasts: Spaceweatherlive, which offers real-time data and even allows you to observe the phenomenon remotely, and My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, where users share their photos. You can also consult the official ISES RWC Finland website managed by the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Observing the Northern Lights in Lapland requires waiting in the cold, sometimes down to -30°C in December, January, and February. These extreme conditions are not recommended for young children. The months of September, October, and March, with less severe temperatures, are more suitable for families with children.
No, it's not mandatory to use a guide to observe the Northern Lights in Lapland. Smartphone applications allow you to manage the experience independently. However, a local guide adds genuine value: they know cleared and less touristy spots, adapt the itinerary according to weather, provide suitable equipment, and enrich the experience with cultural and scientific explanations.
