If you are a traveller looking for the best place to go on your trip to see the Northern Lights, you are most definitely on the right post. Some of you may be wondering what the Northern Lights are; in this article, we will be talking about the Northern Lights and their beauty, which is perceived in Finland. Northern Lights can be viewed differently from different places.
Thus, we will share a list of the best places in Finland where one can visit and catch the beauty of the Northern Lights.
1. What are the Northern Lights?
Scientifically speaking, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are caused by the sun ejecting particles in the sky from the corona, which we call the upper atmosphere, that creates solar winds. Aurora is born when these solar winds slam onto Earth’s ionosphere (several layers in the atmosphere make up the ionosphere).
One might even question how we get different colors of the Aurora Borealis. Those happen due to the chemical reaction when the northern lights are dictated by the chemical composition of our Earth’s atmosphere.
2. 14 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Finland
In a country famous for its Northern Lights, you can very well guess that there would be multiple places to visit the Northern Lights.
This is why we have prepared a list for you with some of our recommendations so that you are prepared for where you would like to visit.
2.1. Utsjoki
A village in northern Finland near the Norwegian border called Utsjoki is home to only around 1200 people. The area is relatively underdeveloped, which makes looking at the dark skies easier.
Seeing northern lights from Utsjoki is very common, especially in winter. Situated in the Utsjoki part of the property, Osman Kelohovi, Vetsituvat, Seitatie 6 North, and Tenon Nakoalamokit are some places you can stay.
2.2. Kittilä
One of the popular holiday resorts in Finland is Kittilä. It is one of the best-known destinations in Finland for watching the northern lights.
Kittilä has a population of over 6000 people. While staying here, you can do many things. You can go skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and much more. You can also take the northern lights tour here while participating in many activities.
There are many places you can stay in Kittilä, like Golden Crown – Levin Iglut, Holiday Home Utsu 1, Levi Suites Levin Klubi, and Levi President, amongst many others.
2.3. Ivalo
To get to Ivalo, you can go by car or fly, as this is a small town with many visitors from Helsinki who usually go to Kakslauttanen. But, it is advised to stay in Ivalo and watch the northern lights from here since the conditions are suitable for viewing too.
You can tour here to help you hunt for the Aurora Borealis. These tours are handled by experts and local guides who know the best places to take you so you can get the experience while teaching you how to capture this beautiful vision.
You can get good deals if you are correct on time. Some hotels include Ivalo River Camping, Kultahippu Hotel & Apartments, Ukonjärven Holiday Village, and even Näverniemi Holiday Center, among many more places.
2.4. Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Pyhä-Luosto National Park was established in 2005 and covers an area of 144 square kilometers. Its distance from the city lights makes it easier to see the northern lights.
While you stay here, you can do various things during the day, like hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and much more. You can even experience the midnight sun here around midsummer.
Walking from the hotel, you can even experience the most beautiful gorges on the planet, named the Iso Kuru.
Check out Ski-Inn Hotel Pyhatunturi, Lapland Hotel Luostotuntur, Luostontie, Hotel Luosto, and Arctic Lodges Lapland as possible places to stay.
2.5. Sodankylä
Surrounded by wildness, Sodankylä is a small town famous for shoe walking, ice fishing, snowshoe walking, snowmobile walking, and much more. Due to the lack of pollution and clear skies, Sodankylä becomes an ideal place to see the northern lights of Finland.
Check out Hotel Sodankyla, Vuotson Maja B&B, Polar Aurora Cabins, and Camping Nilimella, among others where you can stay.
2.6. Nellim
Said to be the best place to see the northern lights by the lakeside community, Nellim is a small lakeside town in Finland. Due to its smaller town, fewer accommodations can be explored within a day. People usually stop here for a quick stop to rest before heading out to other cities. You can also enjoy dog sledding here.
But, because it is a smaller place with fewer people, you can look at the northern lights better.
Check out the Wilderness Hotel Nellim & Igloos, which looks over the beautiful Lake, Ski-Inn MastonAitio Cabins, Basecamp Oulanka, and Matkailumaja Heikkala Cottages. Most places to stay are quite close to the National Parks.
2.7. Oulanka National Park
Oulanka National Park is a national park in Finland’s Northern Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions, covering 270 square kilometers of land. One of the most appealing traits of this Oulanka National Park is that hikers have wooden cabins they can stay in for the night. These cabins are entirely free for use and come in handy for everyone waiting to see the northern lights.
They also offer outdoor activities for you to enjoy in the morning, like canoeing and rafting, as well as superb hiking.
Checking out Basecamp Oulanka, Ski-Inn RukaValley, Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne, Ski-Inn RukaVillage, and Scandic Rukahovi as some of your options would be helpful.
2.8. Muonio
Muonio is a municipality in Finland. It is the best place to see the Aurora Oval since this small village is directly under it. Here, you won’t have trouble looking at the lights since the northern lights are visible almost every other night, which makes this the perfect place.
While waiting for the night, you can pass the time by visiting Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, checking out the fish library, visiting Muonio Church, and more. Usually, people see Muonio as a stepping stone for other destinations, but you must not miss out on this beautiful place.
Check out Arriniva Cottages, Motel SEO Muonio, Luongasloma Chalets, and Arctic Skylight Lodge. It is always good to do your research before booking.
2.9. Kilpisjarvi
Located near the northernmost point of Finland is a very small village called Kilpisjarvi. Due to its isolation from civilization, it is an excellent place to see the northern lights of Finland. In Kilpisjarvi, you can take a snowmobile tour, which takes you to the borders of Sweden and Norway, which have some of the best Aurora borealis viewing areas.
While you wait for the night, you can check out The Three Nations’ Border Point, Kilpisjarvi Visitor Centre, Tsahkal Falls, and much more.
Among many great places, you can check out Tundra Holiday Resort, Saivaara Mokit Cottage, Lapland Hotels Kilpis, Haltinmaa Cottages, or Santa’s Chalets Rakka.
2.10. Kemi
Kemi is a famous place to see the Northern Lights. It is recommended to rent a glass villa, usually located on the outskirts of the town. You can get the comfort you look for here and the northern lights.
Due to its remote location, Kemi is the perfect place for peace as you look at the northern lights. While you are visiting the area, it is also recommended that you try ice fishing or take the Sampo Icebreaker ship tour.
You can check out the Nova Skyland Hotel, Seaside Glass Villas, Hotel Merihovi, and Old Pine Husky Lodge, among many other unique places to stay. It is always better to pre-book.
2.11. Kakslauttanen
Kakslauttanenis is the world’s best place to see the northern lights. It is also the closest to the airport.
Kakslauttanen is an Arctic resort with multiple accommodations, like snow, log cabins, and even glass igloos. These are the best options to watch the night sky comfortably and stay overnight.
You can have the whole igloo experience at Glass Igloos, check out the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village, Aurora Queen Resort, or Wilderness Hotel, amongst many others.
2.12. Saariselkä
This famous tourist place in Finland called Saariselkä is high in Finland’s snowy mountains. Saariselkä is a resort village in Finland. You can see the northern lights, so people come here more often. Here, you can see the lights during dark and clear winter nights.
There are many places where you can stay in Saariselkä. You can check out Fell Centre Kiilopaa, Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, the Holiday Club Saariselka, the Northern Lights Village Saariselka, or even Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
2.13. Inari
Inari is the northernmost point in Lapland. There is little to no light pollution, which makes it an excellent place to see the northern lights. You can head to the frozen Lake Inari, which has a tremendous view of the northern lights.
While going north is good for seeing the lights, it also has very cold weather. You must also stay prepared for the weather and remember to stay away from artificial lights.
You can also check places like Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus, Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, Siida Sami Museum and Nature Center, and Tuula’s Reindeer, among many others, to wait for the night.
There are multiple places where you can stay in Inari. You can stay at the Holiday Village Inari, Nature Experience Glamping, Villa Lanca Activities, Luontomökki ja Old Town Jokivene, and Youth Center Vasatokka.
2.14. Rovaniemi
Saving the best for last, Rovaniemi is among the best places you can visit in Finland to see the northern lights. Here, you can see the lights around 150 times a year, making it a very likely place to see the northern lights.
You may have to walk a few meters to see the lights, but it depends on when you are visiting as, at times, one can also see them within limits.
You may or may not have heard this, but Rovaniemi is called the official hometown of Santa Claus. This Santa village is the best place for your dream family trip. You can visit Santa’s workshop and much more here.
If you have the time, you should also book the Northern Lights trip, which will take you out of the city.
You can stay at the Santa Claus Holiday Village and experience the Igloo life by staying at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, Arctic Hotel or Nova Skyland Hotel, among many more places.
Key Takeaways
If you come at the right time, you might be able to catch it too. Always pre-book because even if you cannot control the weather, you can always pick the right place to visit.
You can check out our complete guide for Norway’s Northern Lights to learn more about the Northern Lights in Finland and be more prepared before visiting this beautiful country.
Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Arnab Nandi
