Where to see the northern lights in Finland: the best aurora locations

If you want to maximise your chances of seeing the aurora borealis on your northern lights holiday, you need to pick the right destination.

Finland is one of the best places to see the northern lights — but only if you travel to the north of the country. Here, we share the best places to see the aurora borealis in Finland.

Can you see the northern lights in Finland?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Finland. But it all depends on where you go. In the north of Finland, the aurora borealis is visible on roughly 200 nights per year. But in the south of the country, it only appears on 10 to 20 nights per year.

So — to have the best chance of seeing the northern lights on a trip to Finland — you need to travel north, to Finnish Lapland.

Finnish Lapland can be found above the Arctic Circle, within the aurora zone. This is a zone that lies between 65 and 72 degrees north of the equator. Here, the aurora borealis appears with the greatest frequency and intensity.

Where to see the northern lights in Finland

The best places to see the northern lights in Finland are:

• Rovaniemi
• Kuusamo
• Saariselkä
• Ivalo
• Lake Inari

These destinations are all in the north of Finland.

Can you see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official home of Santa Claus. The town sits just below the Arctic Circle and makes a great base for winter activities.

You can see the northern lights in Rovaniemi. But you have the best chance of seeing the aurora if you go beyond the bright lights of the town, out into the surrounding countryside.

On an Aurora Nights holiday to Rovaniemi, you’ll go on northern lights excursions, travelling with your aurora guide to places with dark, cloudless skies.

Can you see the northern lights in Saariselkä?

Saariselkä is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Finland. This small village is much further north than Rovaniemi and lies 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

Here, you’re close to beautiful Lake Inari and the unspoilt scenery of Ivalo. It’s a great location for ice fishing, reindeer sleigh rides and cross-country skiing.

You can meet Santa in Saariselkä — and sledge or snowmobile through breath-taking scenery to places where the aurora is most likely to appear.

Can you see the northern lights in Kuusamo?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Kuusamo. This region lies southeast of Rovaniemi and is home to the Ruka Ski Resort.

It’s a place of forested hills and large lakes, which are completely frozen over in winter. You can take a trip to a frozen waterfall, go kick-sledding and experience traditional Sámi culture at a reindeer farm.

You can also go on aurora excursions, travelling by snowmobile, under twinkling stars, to the best northern lights locations.

Can you see the northern lights in Helsinki?

Helsinki, Finland’s capital city, sits on the country’s southern coast. It’s known for its architecture, café culture and an incredible selection of public saunas.

Helsinki is well worth a visit. But because of its southerly location, Helsinki isn’t the best place to see the northern lights in Finland. The aurora very rarely appears here.

That’s why — when planning a bespoke aurora holiday in Finland — we recommend travellers spend a couple of nights in Helsinki before heading north to the aurora zone in Finnish Lapland.

How to see the northern lights in Finland

The northern lights are caused by solar activity. This varies from day to day — so, to see the aurora borealis, you need a bit of luck.

However, you can maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights in Finland by visiting northern destinations with:

• Little or no artificial light
• Clear, cloudless skies
• A great view of the night sky — hilltops and lakeside locations are ideal

When you book a northern lights holiday to Finnish Lapland with Aurora Nights, we tick every box on this list.

You stay in lodges out in the wilderness. Or — if you prefer to be in the hustle of a town — we take you away from bright lights, on exciting northern lights excursions.

Your aurora guide will closely monitor local weather and solar forecasts. Then take you across Finland’s snowy fells to find dark, cloudless skies where the northern lights are most likely to be visible. We can also arrange aurora wake-up calls and accommodation with panoramic views of the night sky.

The beauty of our northern lights locations in Finnish Lapland is that they offer plenty of daytime adventure too. You can go husky sledding, snowmobiling or snowshoeing — and even pay a visit to Santa and his elves. Then, wrap up warm, ready to chase the aurora each night.

Best time to see the northern lights in Finland

Now you know where to see the northern lights in Lapland. But when should you visit?
The northern lights season in Finland runs from September to March. This is the best time to see the aurora borealis in Finnish Lapland.

Here’s what you can expect from a northern lights trip to Finland, month by month.

September and October in Finland

Finns call this time “ruska”. It’s when the landscape bursts into a blaze of autumn colour. During September and October, lakes are free from ice and hiking trails are free from snow. There are around 12 hours of daylight — and nights are extra dark. That’s because there’s no snow, which reflects light back into the sky.

November in Finland

The start of November usually brings the first snowfall. This is a great time to visit Finland if you want to enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing, husky sledding and snowmobiling. But bear in mind that with snow comes cloudy skies, which means the aurora isn’t always visible.

December and January in Finland

This is the coldest and darkest time of the year. Temperatures don’t rise above freezing and there are just a few hours of daylight each day. Far north, in places like Saariselkä, the sun sets at the start of December and doesn’t rise again until early January. These long, dark nights mean better aurora visibility.

February and March in Finland

In February and March, temperatures continue to be very cold. But you’re more likely to get clear skies, ideal for aurora sightings. Snow is still on the ground, too. So you can enjoy your choice of exciting snow-based activities.

Spring and summer in Finland

Finland is a beautiful place to visit in spring and summer months. But you’re extremely unlikely to see the aurora borealis during this time. That’s because the sun is up for most of every day. And in places like Saariselkä, it doesn’t set at all from the end of May to the middle of July. The best time to see the northern lights in Finland is autumn and winter.

Still not sure when to plan your northern lights trip to Finnish Lapland? Get in touch with the Aurora Nights team. Tell us what you want to see and do on your aurora holiday and we’ll recommend the best time of year to visit.

5 reasons to see the aurora borealis in Finland

Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. And there are lots of other excellent reasons to choose this destination for your aurora holiday.

1. Embark on exciting outdoor adventures

Mush your own team of huskies or sit under cosy blankets on a reindeer sleigh ride. Feel the thrill on a snowmobile excursion or try your hand at ice fishing. There are lots of unforgettable outdoor activities to enjoy on your trip to Finland.

2. Stay in cosy log cabin and glass igloo accommodation

Finland boasts some of the most exceptional accommodation in the Nordics. You can stay in a traditional log cabin with a roaring fire. Sleep under the stars in a cosy glass igloo. Or stay in an aurora birdhouse cabin, with a private hot tub and panoramic views of the icy landscape.

3. Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna

Sauna culture is a big part of Finnish life. In fact, Finns say this tradition is one of the things that makes Finland the happiest country in the world. On an aurora holiday, most accommodation options come with a private sauna, where you can relax and unwind after a day in the great outdoors.

4. Meet Santa and his elves

Finland is the official home of Santa Claus. So, while in Finnish Lapland, you can visit Santa and his mischievous elves. Help the elves at the post office and step into Santa’s magical office, where every child receives a special gift.

5. Marvel at pristine Arctic scenery

The scenery in Finnish Lapland is like something out of a fairy tale. Trees laden with snow. Vast, frozen lakes. Icy taiga forests. A landscape bathed in a beautiful, soft twilight. Escaping into this peaceful wilderness is an experience you’ll never forget.

Where else can you see the northern lights in Europe?

Finland isn’t the only place in Europe to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis appears in all locations within the Arctic Circle. This includes northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Iceland.

All these destinations have a unique appeal. Iceland is renowned for its volcanic scenery and hot springs. Norway is famed for its fjords and whale watching. Sweden boasts the incredible Ice Hotel, rich Sámi culture and the famously clear skies of Abisko National Park.

Why not browse our other northern lights destinations for some holiday inspiration?

• Northern lights holidays in Norway
• Northern lights holidays in Sweden
• Northern lights holidays in Iceland

And remember — because Aurora Nights holidays are tailor-made — you can incorporate as many destinations as you like into your northern lights trip. Ask us to plan a multi-destination tour and experience the very best that the Nordics have to offer.