visit finland aurora boreal

The 13 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Finland This Winter

Among Scandinavian countries, Finland is often overlooked. People love Denmark with its delicious food, Sweden with its striking design, and Norway is one of the world’s top aurora destinations .

Meanwhile, Finland is easily just as good (or maybe better) when it comes to seeing the northern lights – plus you can enjoy dog sledding, sauna breaks, and delicious Finnish pastries when you’re not out looking for the aurora borealis !

If you’ve decided to go a bit off the beaten path in trying to see the northern lights , Finland might be the perfect destination for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the northern lights in Finland, plus where to go, when to see them, and popular tours that increase your chances of an unforgettable aurora experience.

This post was originally published in July 2018, and was updated most recently in August 2023 for the coming winter.

Table of Contents

What are the Northern Lights?

If you’ve arrived on this post while searching for ‘how to see the northern lights in Finland,’ you probably already know what the northern lights are… but do you understand the science behind the beautiful lights that dance across the night sky?

Historically, Finnish people believed that the northern lights were caused by the firefox, a creature who ran so quickly across the snow that his paws kicked up sparks into the night sky. In fact, the Finnish word for the northern lights is “revontulet,” which translates as “fox fires.” Other northern lights mythology in Finland held that the aurora was the spouts sprayed into the night sky by whales.

In fact, the northern lights are caused by the sun. When particles are emitted by the sun and strike atoms in the earth’s atmosphere, these atoms light up, producing the beautiful colors you can see in the  aurora borealis . Speaking of translations, this classical name for the northern lights was coined by Galileo, and means “north wind.” As you can only see the  aurora borealis  in the northern hemisphere, and it dances like the wind across the sky, this name makes sense too!

When to See the Northern Lights in Finland

While it would be great to see the northern lights year-round in Finland, part of what makes the experience special is that you can only experience it during certain parts of the year. As you can see from the above photo, there’s a clear season where you can see the aurora – but it’s not limited only to winter.

Read on to learn about the different seasons in Finland and your chances of seeing the aurora in each.

• Autumn (August to October) – As the cold weather comes to Finland in the autumn, this is your first chance in the calendar year to see the northern lights. From late August (though more commonly after the autumnal equinox in September ), you can see aurora on a dark night in northern Finland. By day, you can enjoy the fall foliage and watch Finland’s many lakes slowly begin to freeze over.
• Winter (November to March) – Winter is long in Finland, giving you ample opportunity to visit and see the northern lights. You can spend the December holidays experiencing a winter wonderland or visit during the ‘shoulder season’ of March as the seasons begin to change – both are good months to visit as the skies are dark and the northern lights are commonly visible.
• Spring (April to May) – Spring is brief and dramatic in Finland; though it may start as early as April , you may experience snow on the ground through May in parts of Lapland! As spring approaches, you’ll see flowers poking through the snow and fresh green nibs on the tree branches. Days will become longer, making it harder to see the aurora, though you might still get lucky if the skies are clear and you’re willing to stay up late.
• Summer (June to July) – Similar to other countries where you can see the northern lights , Summer is the opposite season to visit if you want to go aurora chasing. Long days and midnight sun make it virtually impossible to find a dark night sky in which to view the aurora.

While summer is a great season to visit if you want to experience Finnish lake culture and explore the country under a beautiful blanket of green foliage, plan to visit on the opposite half of the year for northern lights viewing opportunities.

The Best Places in Finland to See the Northern Lights

As you might expect from a country that’s as far north as Finland, there are a  lot  of great spots where you can see the northern lights. In fact, under the right conditions, you can see the northern lights  anywhere in Finland!

Read on for some of the top spots if you’re planning an aurora trip to Finland, especially those in the northern part of the country: Lapland.

1. Rovaniemi

The city of Rovaniemi is among the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights. This natural wonder can be found here up to 150 times a year. You might have to walk a little way outside the city for the best view, but it can sometimes be seen even within its limits.

Utsjoki is a town in far northern Finland, near the Norwegian border. The whole municipality is home to only about 1,200 people, so the area is largely undeveloped and the skies overhead are astonishingly dark. Seeing the northern lights from Utsjoki and the surrounding area is very common during the winter months. In the event of days where it’s not possible, you can easily drive to Norway for a better view!

Along with its famous Snow Castle, the town of Kemi is in the perfect position for viewing the Northern Lights. The best way to view them is by renting one of its glass villas. These are located on the outskirts of town and provide all the modern comforts a person could ask for while you wait to see this amazing phenomenon.

If roughing it is more your style, you might consider giving Nellim a visit. The residents of this small, lakeside community claim it’s the best spot in Finland to see the Northern Lights. In this place, you can go dogsledding by day and Aurora hunting by night.

Kittilä is a popular resort town in Finland. There are many activities available here from skiing to dogsledding to snowmobiling. There are also tours available where you can participate in a number of different activities as you go searching for the Northern Lights in the evening.

6. Saariselkä

Saariselkä is another popular tourist area located in the mountains of Finland. The Northern Lights can be seen from here up to 200 nights per year. You are likely to see it on almost any dark, clear night during the winter months.

Ivalo is a small village just outside of Saariselkä. From here, you can take a tour in which you go hunting for the Aurora Borealis. The tour is led by a Northern Lights expert that can take you to all the best spots while teaching you how to photograph this natural wonder.

8. Sodankylä

Sodankylä is a small town surrounded by wilderness. It’s a popular place for ice fishing, snowmobile driving, snowshoe walking, and other various activities. It’s lack of light pollution also makes it an ideal spot to view the Northern Lights.

9. Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Pyhä-Luosto National Park is Finland’s oldest national park. It’s isolation from city lights also makes it very easy to see the Northern Lights. You can go hiking during the day before finding a nice, dark spot to watch nature’s light show.

10. Oulanka National Park

This is another popular national park in Finland. One unique aspect of this park is that it has numerous wooden cabins that are free to use by hikers. This is excellent for those who’d like somewhere to settle down while waiting for the Northern Lights.

11. Kakslauttanen

Kakslauttanen is an arctic resort located only thirty minutes away from the airport. It features a number of unique accommodation choices, including log cabins, snow igloos, and glass igloos. Its glass igloos, in particular, are a fantastic option for those who’d like to watch the sky in comfort.

12. Kilpisjarvi

Kilpisjarvi is a very small village located near the northernmost point of Finland. Its isolation from the rest of civilization makes it very easy to find the Northern Lights. From here, you can take a snowmobile tour to the borders of Sweden and Norway for one of the best Aurora Borealis viewing areas.

Muonio is another small village in northern Finland. It’s located directly under the aurora oval, which means you won’t have any trouble seeing the Northern Lights. In fact, you can see them in the sky on almost every other night from Muonio.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Helsinki?

Maybe you only have a short time in Finland or are only planning to visit Helsinki. I get it – vacation time is hard to come by! If you can’t plan a trip further north to see the northern lights from one of these destinations, you might wonder if it’s possible to see them at all.

It is possible to see the northern lights in Helsinki , but as is the case with urban stargazing, the conditions have to be just right. There must be a clear sky and a strong solar storm that produces aurora bright enough to be seen through the light pollution. As Helsinki is home to over 600,000 and snow amplifies the light pollution of the city, it’s a special night when you get a really great aurora show – but it’s definitely possible!

Aurora Alert Services in Finland

There are several good northern lights forecast tools you can use in Finland:

• The  Aurora Forecast offers a simple but powerful website that predicts the aurora. You can easily see most of northern Europe on a single map and get a sense for your chances to see the northern lights on any given night. ( aurora-service.eu )
• The  Finnish Meteorological Institute  has a website that predicts space weather around the country. ( ilmatieteenlaitos.fi )
• The  Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory at the University of Oulu takes regular photos from their “ All-Sky Camera ” which can help you see if the aurora is happening. ( sgo.fi )

When you  do see the northern lights, don’t be surprised if you’re a bit speechless – even if you’ve seen them before. They’re no view on earth quite like the aurora, and you certainly won’t forget this experience!

Popular Day Trips & Tours to See the Northern Lights

If you prefer to visit a new place with a guide or as part of the tour, you can still see the northern lights! Here are some of the coolest tour options in Finland:

• Nordic Visitor offers tours in Sweden and Finland, but their Finland ones are all pretty sweet. For example: visit Santa in Lapland  (3 nights), stay in a snowcastle (3 nights), and treat yourself to the classic winter Lapland experience (4 nights).
• As if it’s not cold enough watching the aurora from land, consider an  ice floating aurora viewing tour from Safartica .
• As their name suggests,  Aurora Holidays offers two aurora-hunting trips – one in autumn and another in winter –, plus other cool tours like learning about the indigenous Sámi culture and dogsledding.
• Aurora Service (the same who have the great aurora prediction site) also offer northern lights tours . They have both 3-night and 4-night options named Valhalla and Asgard, and operate at the 70° latitude!

You can also find other tours by searching Google, if none of these seem perfect for you (but seriously, ice floating? dog sledding? What more do you need!). Do you have other questions about seeing the northern lights in Finland? Let me know in the comments!

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Valerie Stimac

Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. She grew up in Alaska, has lived across the U.S., and traveled around the world to enjoy the night sky from many different perspectives. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth.

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When and where to see the Northern Lights in Finland

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Finnish Lapland offers the perfect latitude as the Northern Lights are mostly appearing in the skies near the North and South Poles. It has to be dark enough, making Lapland an ideal place to see the amazing dancing lights in the sky.  

Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, are visible between September and mid-April. Because of our location at Aurora Village, there is a great chance for you to see the magic happen during the Aurora season from our own yard. We are located in the middle of nature, far away from light pollution, bright lights, and buildings, making our area ideal for the Auroras to appear in the sky. We also offer Aurora activities to make sure you have multiple options to see the magical dancing lights!   

What do I need to know about the Northern Lights?

Here we have collected the most asked questions and everything you need to know about the Aurora Borealis.   

How are the Northern Lights formed?

Aurora Borealis are natural light displays that shimmer in the sky. Most auroras happen about 97-1,000 kilometers (60-620 miles) above the Earth’s surface.  

The movement that forms auroras begins on the sun. In the hearth of the solar, particles are created and when they forge escape, they have some electrical charge with them while solar energy launches them to space. Only a very few make it through to Earth and even fewer strike molecules in our atmosphere.    

What happens then, causes the different colors of Auroras. Normally, the oxygen releases the solar energy in sheets of green, but sometimes when the particles penetrate deeper, touching the nitrogen molecules the Auroras are shown as violet. On rare occasions, energetic solar winds can create red Auroras.   

What color are the Northern Lights?

The most common color for the Northern Lights is green due to the forming process explained above. The second common color is violet and the rarest is blood-red or blue. However, i n many cases, the Northern Lights can look grey through human eyes, but with a good camera, you can take photos when they can be seen as green.  

Where can I see the Northern Lights?

Finland, together with Norway, are the most popular destination for seeing the Northern Lights in Europe. In Finland, you can see the Northern Lights during the Aurora season, when you go north of the Arctic Circle. Basically, the more North you go, you can uplevel your changes to see the glowing lights in the sky.   In the northernmost Finnish region of Inari, there is a small village called Ivalo, where our Aurora Village is located.   The village is in the middle of nature, far away from the light pollution and city lights, which are crucial points for seeing bright Aurora.  

Besides Finland, the best places to spot the Aurora are in Norway, Swedish Lapland, Iceland, Greenland, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, and Canada. Remember that in all these countries you need to do your research as the Northern Lights are only shown in specific areas when the weather and luck allow it.  

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

Auroras are visible between September and mid-April, whenever it gets dark enough. During the summer in Lapland, the Northern Lights are not visible due to the midnight sun. During the Aurora season, we can see the dancing lights statistically for 5 out of 7 nights, if the sky is clear,  at our area in Ivalo, Lapland. They are slightly more active during autumn and spring equinox than the rest of the winter. The best time to see the Auroras is at midnight and a few hours before and after. However, Auroras may occur randomly anytime from just after sunset until dawn.

What is the Aurora KP index?

The Kp-index can help you to understand the weather conditions that might affect seeing Auroras. The KP-index explains the disturbance by the solar wind to the Earth’s magnetic field. The faster the solar wind, the bigger the disturbance. The KP-index ranges from 0 to 9, with zero representing the quiet and nine the intense storm. The best KP index for seeing Auroras vary from 5 to greater.   

Do the Northern Lights move?

To answer the question, we need to go back to how the Aurora are formed. The shape of the Northern Lights can change as the solar wind’s magnetic field interacts with the Earth’s field. Normally it is quite slow, but it can also happen very rapidly, which makes the Northern Lights more active.  

When the KPI index is high and there is a storm, the aurora are more active and much brighter. You can also see some aurora with a dim light in the sky, that don’t move a lot when they are formed just with the solar wind.   When the Aurora is bright, it looks like a living thing in the sky, forming some shapes of sheets or ribbons with bright colors.

What is the best weather to see the Northern Lights?

You need a dark and clear sky, active sun, and some luck to see the Aurora Borealis. The solar wind (KP index) should also be in the middle ground higher (5 to 9) in Ivalo we often see them already at level 2.  

How to capture the  Northern Lights on camera or phone?

Capturing the Northern Lights for that perfect, Instagrammable photo is a challenge – but we are here for it. When doing the hunt alone, we recommend checking the weather first and visiting a website for aurora forecasts to make sure that the conditions are on your side.  

However, we are here for you. In all our Aurora activities, there will be a photographer with you to take photos from the trip, including Auroras if possible. 

How to take a photo of the Northern Lights with a smartphone? Read more about the camera settings to triple your changes to capture the perfect Insta shot from here .

How does climate change affect the Northern Lights?

As the auroras are created by interactions between solar particles and the oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, climate change is not affecting the Northern Lights.  However, as the weather conditions change for worse and worse, we can not say for sure what the future brings and if the forecasting will get difficult.   

Northern Lights myths

There are several myths about the magical lights in the sky. Wonder why, as the name of Aurora Borealis comes from Latin, meaning “the Northern goddess of the dawn” as aurora means the goddess of the dawn, and Borealis signifies the north.  

In Finnish, the Aurora Borealis is called “ revontulet”, which translates to “fox fires” in English. One Finnish folk tale suggests that the Northern Lights are caused by a magical fox sweeping his tail across the snow and sending sparks up into the sky.  

There are also several folk tales, suggesting that the Aurora is the spirit of the dead or magic spells by the unrecognized forces of light and dark. Some believe, that a baby conceived under the Northern Lights will be beautiful and lucky. And these are only a scratch of the surface, as the magical and dancing lights are intriguing for many.  

Is 2022 a good year to see the Northern Lights?

The short answer is yes!   We cannot predict nature’s will, but we have already seen magical Northern Lights above our village here in Ivalo, Finland, starting from the end of August. Also, the weather forecast and KP index look favorable for seeing the Northern Lights in the area.

Welcome to the village of the Northern Lights  

We can truthfully and proudly say that we get the amazing Northern Light shows in our own yard many times a week, during the Aurora season when the sky is clear. At Aurora village, you can see the Aurora Borealis from our glass roof igloos, and enjoy the view from the comfort of your cozy and warm bed. We have placed all our cabin glass roofs to the Northern sky, where the Aurora might appear.    

We want to make sure that you have as many opportunities as possible to see the amazing phenomena, and therefore we have sky cameras on our premises, so we can send an alarm through an app when the Auroras are visible directly to your phone. You’ll get the alerts by purchasing a code from us, that you can use for the Northern Lights Alert -App. 

However, if you want to double your chances, we recommend booking our special Aurora tours. In the autumn, you can get guided by a professional Aurora hunter by car. The guide will do all the research for you and take you to places, where the sky is most clear on that day. All the tours are personalized as the guide will make sure to take you to the spots where there is the highest possibility to see the dancing lights in the sky.  

During the winter season, you can also choose to go aurora hunting with a snowmobile or snowshoes or even with a heated Aurora Sleight towed by a snowmobile, with our experienced guide to guide you towards the magic of the sky. You can check Aurora activities and a wide range of other activities here .  

Want to hear more from experience ? Read our blog posts about the aurora season and Aurora storm written by an Aurora hunter & CEO of All about Lapland, Alexander Kuznetsov, who is a passionate aurora hunter.  

We gladly welcome you to our village of the magical Aurora. Experiencing the dancing lights in the sky is an experience that will last in your memories for a lifetime.  

Sources:   

National Geography

Ilmatieteenlaitos

Visit Finland

Lapland.fi 

Aurora Forecast

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See the real Northern Lights at Aurora Village Ivalo

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Best Time and Place to See the Northern Lights in Finland

Every winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the aurora borealis dances across the sky in a spectacular natural light show. Now imagine gazing up and seeing the rippling multi-coloured curtains of light arc across the night sky for yourself.

Soaking up northern lights views is a bucket list experience for many. Continue reading for our tips on the best time to see the northern lights in Finland. Not only that, we'll share our favourite places to go aurora-hunting and how to maximise your chances of spotting the northern lights.

• Chase the aurora borealis on a northern lights tour in Lapland

Is Finland a good place to see the northern lights?

Absolutely! Finland is one of the best destinations in Europe to see the aurora borealis.

As well as chasing the northern lights, Finland is the perfect place for enjoying activities in the snow like dog sledding. You also have the chance to meet Santa in his homeland, and stay in a hotel made of ice and snow. You can do all of this on a fun family trip to Lapland or a romantic getaway for two .

Where can you see the northern lights in Finland?

Finland stretches from its southern capital, Helsinki, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, over 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) north into the Arctic Circle. While it’s possible to catch the occasional glimpse of the aurora in southern Finland, you’ll have a much better chance if you head north.

In the country’s northern reaches is Finnish Lapland. Here you’ll discover a landscape peppered with lakes and forested national parks ripe for exploring.

Lapland’s northern latitude means that it lies within the “northern lights belt” or “aurora zone”, a band encircling the earth at latitudes of 65-72°N. In this region the aurora borealis can be seen with the greatest intensity and frequency.

• What causes the northern lights? Find out in our blog what are the northern lights?
• Visit Swedish or Finnish Lapland on a  classic Lapland tour

Where to stay in Finland for northern lights hunting?

So now that you know Lapland is the best place to go in Finland for northern lights hunting, it’s time to get down to specifics.

A couple of the best places to see the northern lights in Finland are Rovaniemi and Kemi. Why, you ask? Because here you can connect with local guides who will share their insider knowledge and favourite aurora-viewing vantage points with you.

1. Rovaniemi

Renowned as the “official hometown” of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is the ideal place if you’re looking for a dream family trip. With unique places to stay and dining experiences, from the authentic to the sophisticated, couples will also love Rovaniemi.

At Santa Claus Village , the whole family can enjoy visiting Santa’s workshop and stroking the velvety nose of a reindeer. Then why not spend an afternoon dog sledding through the snow-blanketed countryside?

Later, leave the bustling town (and its light pollution) behind to seek the northern lights on a snowmobile excursion. If snowmobiling sounds a little too thrilling, then you can opt for one of the many other guided aurora excursions on offer.

Rovaniemi has accommodation options to suit every budget. Make the most of this winter wonderland and stay in a cosy log cabin with a wood burning fire in the Finnish countryside.

Alternatively, on a romantic getaway you’ll love sleeping under the stars in a glass igloo hotel after a day of captivating winter activities. Think lying under a glass dome at the Arctic SnowHotel , looking up at the stars simply waiting for the lights to come to you. What could be more romantic?

• Related: Glass igloos in finland – Your guide

Although further south, Kemi is still located within the aurora zone. Being a small town, it is also the perfect choice if you are seeking peace and quiet alongside the aurora.

From Kemi, try your hand at ice fishing or take a tour on the Sampo Icebreaker ship. To ramp things up a notch, enjoy a guided aurora hunt by snowmobile.

Because of Kemi’s remote location on the shores of the frozen Bothnian Bay, light pollution is low. This means you have a good chance of seeing the northern lights from your accommodation.

Come evening, enjoy a sought-after viewing experience and keep the magic going from a glass-fronted seaside cabin. Savour a glass of warming glögg (mulled wine) and continue watching the spectacle through floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows.

Otherwise, a unique overnight stay at the SnowCastle awaits. Exactly as it sounds, this incredible hotel is sculpted from snow and ice. It is reincarnated afresh each year by contributing artists! Fall asleep cocooned in an insulated sleeping bag in a bedroom carved from ice.

• Related: 5 Reasons to visit Lapland in winter and Lapland for grown-ups

Best time to go to Finland for northern lights hunting

The northern lights occur all year round but are only visible during the hours of darkness. Give yourself the best chance of seeing them by visiting Finland in winter when skies are at their darkest for the longest.

WHEN CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN FINLAND?

The best time to see the northern lights in Finland is from December to March. During these months there are also plenty of fun winter activities for you to enjoy. So even if the weather isn’t on your side, you will still have an incredible time in Lapland.

What month is best to see the northern lights in Finland? Well, there are pros and cons of visiting at different times of the year.

1. Mid-winter

From December through to January, there is lots going on in Lapland! Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi around Christmas for the ultimate festive experience. Or ring in the New Year with a once-in-a-lifetime stay at the SnowCastle Hotel in Kemi.

At this time of year, glistening snow carpets the landscape adding an extra layer of magic. Of course clouds bring snow, which means less clear nights for aurora spotting. Despite this, you’ll still have a high chance of seeing the northern lights if you plan in extra time to work around potential snowfall.

• Explore these holidays to Lapland in January and December
• Make this year’s festivities memorable on a Christmas or New Year tour in Lapland

2. Late winter and early spring

February and March are also great months for seeing the aurora. The skies tend to be clearer, meaning you'll have more opportunities to see the lights. The towns will be quieter than at Christmas, and you’ll meet more Finns who visit the region's ski resorts at this time of year.

• Discover these Lapland trips in March and February

3. Late summer and autumn

Can you see the northern lights in Finland in August? Technically, yes. Although auroral activity is high approaching the autumn equinox, there are fewer hours of darkness. This means late nights and less chances of spotting the aurora.

• Not sure what to pack for the time of year? Or wondering what the weather will be like on your northern lights tour in Finland? Find out in our Lapland travel guide

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

The best time to see the northern lights tends to be from 10 PM to 2 AM. For this reason most northern lights excursions begin at night.

How to keep energised into the evening? Indulge in Scandi coffee culture - enjoy a late afternoon coffee and sweet cinnamon bun.   

Remember, the aurora is a natural event so the lights won’t appear on cue. But if you are determined your persistence may pay off! Stay out for an hour or two before retreating to your cosy room. Some hotels also offer an aurora alarm service, so that even if you do head to bed you won’t miss out.

• Check out our handy northern lights travel guide for more tips and useful information for your trip

How to see the northern lights in Finland?

To boost your chances of spotting the northern lights, seek out these key ingredients. 

1. Low light pollution

The aurora is brightest and easiest to see when you’re away from cities and towns with high levels of light pollution. Immerse yourself in northern Finland’s wilderness landscapes, away from artificial lights.

2. Dark nights

Increase your chances of witnessing the aurora by taking advantage of the long Finnish winter nights. Between December and early April, the dark skies will allow you to see the aurora borealis clearly.

3. Clear skies

The final ingredient you need to spot the northern lights is clear skies. Any cloud cover will block your view of the aurora, so keep an eye on the weather forecast during your trip.

How often do the northern lights occur in Finland?

The weather may be outside of your control, but picking the right location isn’t. Stack the odds in your favour and head to northern Finland. Here the northern lights appear roughly 200 nights of the year. Bear in mind that the number of aurora sightings falls dramatically as you head south.

Although some effort is required to see the aurora, this will just make your experience all the more special. We promise!

Good to know: our dedicated travel consultants research and organise everything ahead of time so you don’t have to. We also work with knowledgeable guides who will take you to the best places to see the lights.  

• Top tip : Set up aurora forecast alerts from websites and apps that will do the hard work of checking conditions for you. Getting alerts from the Finnish Meteorological Institute will give you the best chance of success on your trip.

Legends and science behind the aurora

Now we know the best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland, what is it that causes the northern lights? Before science could explain this natural phenomenon, local people developed myths and legends of their own.

The Finnish word for the northern lights, revontulet, translates as “fox fires” and originates from the indigenous Sami people of Lapland. The Sami told tales of a fox that sped through the snow casting colourful sparks up into the sky in its wake.

Nowadays scientists agree that the aurora borealis is caused by solar activity. Wind from the sun sends electronically charged particles towards Earth. The particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field when they arrive at the edge of the atmosphere, causing magical light displays.

The aurora australis is the same phenomenon as the aurora borealis, but it occurs in the Southern Hemisphere.

Where else can you see the northern lights in Europe?

If you are planning to chase the aurora in Europe this winter, you may find yourself asking the question: is Norway , Iceland , Sweden or Finland better for northern lights hunting? The answer is that you have a high chance of seeing the northern lights in all four countries.

Although each has its advantages, in Finland you can choose from plenty of fun winter activities. We recommend snowmobiling, dog sledding, meeting reindeer and even paying a visit to Santa Claus himself!

• Explore expert-curated northern lights tours in Europe and find the right destination for you
• Related: Best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

Our travel experts make finding the right northern lights tour for you simpler. Whether you are looking for a bucket list Christmas trip or a unique honeymoon experience, we can tailor and adjust tours to suit your needs.

A dedicated travel consultant will organise hotels, excursions and transfers on your behalf. Not only that, you can contact us on your trip using our 24/7 helpline.

All you need to do is relax and look forward to an amazing trip! Contact us and realise your dream of taking a northern lights tour in Lapland .

Born and raised in Scotland, Catherine has a background in trip organisation and design. When not travelling, or writing about travels, you can find her rock climbing and exploring remote corners of Scotland. Her top travel experiences include cycling along India’s Brahmaputra River, wandering the souks of Marrakech, and mountaineering in the Alps.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Northern Lights – Your Lapland Guide to Aurora Borealis

Looking for more information on finding and capturing auroras? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you get the most out of your Northern Lights trip to Finnish Lapland.

If you come to northern Finland in mid-June, you might be surprised to learn there are no Northern Lights. There’s not even nights anymore. To help you get the most out of your Northern Lights experience, here’s a guide packed with tips from local guides and photographers on how you can find the firefoxes and take a killer photo or three.

When can you see auroras in Lapland?

Let’s do a small test. Look out the window. If you’re in the Arctic, and it’s dark outside, you have a 50/50 or better chance of seeing the Northern Lights on any given night. The farther north you are, the more likely you are to see the whirling whorls with you own eyes. In other words,  autumn  and winter are the best times to see the auroras.

Of course, the Northern Lights are like the weather … in fact, they are weather, sent to us by the sun. Predicting auroras is more a science than a guessing game, but there’s never any guarantee, no matter where you are or when you  visit Lapland in winter .

Dark Skies, Crossed Fingers

The best months to see the Northern Lights are usually September and March, when there’s around 12 hours of day and night. However, your chances of seeing auroras is still pretty good in between, as winter in Lapland is full of starry skies and long nights.

Make sure you bring some coffee, if you’re an early bird, as the best time of night to see them is generally between 9pm and 1am, though they are often witnessed at all hours. The only necessary ingredients are Arctic locales, dark skies and a little luck. Aurora guides will often take you out to a secluded spot, where you can enjoy the winter night, a campfire, and a cup of coffee or six while you wait.

How can I get an aurora forecast? 

Aurora forecasts are a popular way to keep tabs on those slithery specters. There are many websites and tracking services like  Aurora Alert that let you follow the auroras. Keep in mind, however, they become much less accurate the farther you forecast.

Finland also offers aurora alert services , and many hotels and most glass igloos also offer personalized aurora alerts, so you don’t have to worry about sleeping away while the auroras dance overhead.

How do I prepare for an aurora hunt?

Sometimes you can just grab your camera and head outside. However, for most of the year, hunting auroras isn’t quite so simple. Winters in northern Finland range from mild, when the temperature drops just below zero, and the snow is wet and crunchy, to -40°C, when your eyelashes freeze shut, and your lips chap just from the thought of going outside.

Prep is key

Dress in layers, bring food & water, flashlights, cellphones, hand warmers & use the buddy system. Check our tips to keep warm by dressing right, and read the Aurora Hunter checklists to keep safe & capture dreamy photos.

Find out more aurora hunting fun in Lapland from these articles:

How can I photograph auroras in Lapland?

Capturing the Northern Lights for that perfect Instagram post is a challenge, but it’s one that many in Lapland have risen to meet. There are numerous recommendations and details you should consider. Check out our  Aurora Hunter checklist  to help you prepare for the big night.

The easiest way is to go on an aurora safari with an experienced local guide. Many are photographers who can help you get the most out of your camera, whether it’s an expensive DSLR or even your phone.

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• Aurora Hunter: How to Photograph Northern Lights

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Northern Lights

See the best northern lights in finland.

The alluring dance of Northern Lights across the sky delights visitors and locals alike from early autumn until late winter. Lapland North is one of the best places to see northern lights in Finland and in Lapland because it is situated right under the aurora oval. Welcome to experience your own magical aurora holiday in Finnish Lapland!

The mystical northern lights

This typical phenomenon of the polar region, also referred to as aurora borealis, occurs when the particles accelerated by the magnetic field of the Earth collide with airborne particles. Lapland North Destinations is conveniently located under the Aurora oval, which means that the possibility for seeing the Northern Lights is excellent in the area.

On average, Northern Lights can be seen in Lapland North area up to 200 nights a year from September to April – whenever the sky is clear from clouds and it is dark enough.

Aurora hunting tours

Best way to see the northern lights is to join a northern light tour. There are many ways to enjoy the hunt and with a bit of luck, you will enjoy the lights as well!

Aurora hunt by car allows covering longer distances in search of clear skies on cloudy nights. Searching for the lights on snowmobile lets you enjoy the thrill of speed as well. A sleigh ride with reindeer or huskies in the night-time is undoubtedly an unforgettable excursion.

Glass roofed cabins

Have you ever considered an accommodation option that is an experience in itself? Aurora accommodation in a glass roofed cabin under the starry sky, watching the Northern Lights dancing above your bed is truly an experience to remember!

Big panorama windows with a full view of the surrounding nature add that special something to your stay. Staying in aurora accommodation allows you to enjoy the hues of polar night and the vicinity of nature with comfort.

Services for all needs

The northern light season lasts for the whole autumn and winter, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the services of the area! Treat yourself with Lappish tastes, relax in a cosy cabin and get to know the arctic Sámi culture.

Aurora chasing in the autumn foliage

In autumn the colorful foliage delights visitors, as the nature change color into deep shades of red, yellow and orange. Crisp and sunny autumn days are spent outdoors. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the autumn scenery along the well-marked trails.

As the evening comes, it is time to chase the Northern Lights. Why not bring your camera along and try to catch the aurora borealis reflected on the surface of a lake?

The Winter Wonderland is full of activities for the whole family

In Lapland North Destinations, the winter lasts well over half a year, so there are plenty of opportunities for the snowy winter activities.

In Lapland North you can hop on a sleigh pulled by adorable huskies or reindeer, or experience the thrill of speed on a snowmobile safari. In the evening you can join an aurora hunting excursion and learn how to photograph the night sky and northern lights.

Experience genuine Sámi culture

The northernmost Lapland has a rich and unique local culture. Lapland North Destinations are located in the homelands of the Sámi, Europe’s only recognized indigenous people. Sámi culture is a vibrant part of everyday life and visitors are invited to explore more with local, Sámi-run companies.

The village of Inari is the heart of the Sámi culture in Finland. The Sámi Museum, Sámi Cultural centre and Sámi parliament are all located in Inari. Utsjoki is Finland’s only municipality with a majority of Sámi population.

Accommodation for all budgets

Whether you prefer to sleep under a duvet or a starry sky, there is a wide range of accommodation options available. From a high-class villa to an aurora cabin, or an all-inclusive hotel to a camping site – you can find it all in Lapland North. Cozy holiday apartment or an igloo hotel offer a personal touch to your dream holiday.

Taste the flavors of the North

In Lappish cuisine, the meat often comes from the area’s reindeer herders. Fish originates from the clear waters of the Inari region and the nearby Arctic Ocean. Berries, mushroom and wild herbs are picked from the local forests.

Whether you are in a fine-dining restaurant or on an outdoor lunch during your ice-fishing trip, you can taste the pure northern flavors in every mouthful.

Northern lights with local aurora guides

Local excursion guides know all the best locations for observing the Northern Lights. On an aurora hunting tour, you can learn a great deal about the Northern Lights.

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Experiences for your holiday

Before the evening comes and you head out to hunt the auroras, you can enjoy the Lappish nature and numerous services in the area. Here are some examples, which are available during the northern lights season!

Wellness & sauna

Food experiences, culture & local life, photography tours, rental equipment, horse-back riding, hiking & outdoors, accessibility.

You can reach Finland’s northernmost airport Ivalo with direct flights from central Europe and via Helsinki with multiple connections. During the winter months, there are also connections from European cities, not to forget the numerous charter flights. You can also fly or take the train  to Rovaniemi and continue your way up north by bus.

How to get here?

Inari-Saariselkä is far away in the North, yet just a few hours from Southern Finland. You can get to Lapland with multiple ways, and often the trip is an experience in itself.

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How to get around.

When travelling through the arctic hills, you must remember that distances are quite often long. Be sure to enjoy the views while making your way from a destination to another.

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Read more about Aurora Borealis

Photographer’s aurora hunt, chasing the northern lights, explore the destinations.

Lapland North Destinations in northernmost Finnish Lapland, with many exciting destinations and sights within. In the villages of Lapland North, you will find your true nature.

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Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi, Lapland

Northern Lights Tours

Northern Lights at the Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi is your perfect destination for witnessing the magnificent Auroras. The captivating astral show can be visible from late August until early April – until the nights are too bright to see the Auroras. There are endless ways and places for Northern Lights viewing around Rovaniemi , most of them literally a step away from the city center.

Seasons when Northern Lights appear

Autumn : September and October

Typical daytime temperatures in the Autumn:

• September: 5 to 15 degrees Celsius
• October: 0 to 10 degrees Celsius

Early winter

Early winter : November

Average temperature: -10 to 5 degrees Celsius

Christmas time in Rovaniemi

Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi

Winter : From November until March

Typical daytime temperatures in the winter:

• December: -20 to -10 degrees Celsius
• January: -30 to -15 degrees Celsius
• February: -20 to -15 degrees Celsius
• March: -15 to -5 degrees Celsius

Average length of the day at wintertime:

• December: 2,5 hours
• January: 4 hours
• February: 8 hours
• March: 12 hours

Nature’s bucket list light show in Lapland

The one unforgettable experience that sums up a perfect visit in Lapland, Finland? It must be the unforgettable Northern Lights! The Aurora Borealis are a magical phenomenon that lights up the Arctic sky, and for many it’s the bucket list experience that makes one’s heart sing.

The myth and the science behind the Aurora Borealis

The magical lights in the northern skies have always been a source of myths and beliefs. The peoples of the north have believed the Auroras are the souls of the dead, or the armors of the Valkyries glimmering when they ride the sky at night.

In Finnish language the word for Northern Lights – ‘revontulet’ – refers to a mystical firefox that lights the sky on fire with its tail.

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Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until end of March or beginning of April

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Arctic Capital

Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.

Santa Claus

There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.

Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland, lies right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the arctic. See more here.

Sustainable Rovaniemi

The local companies have been joining forces for Sustainable Travel Finland trademark that offers a concrete toolkit for travel destinations to help Finland’s travel destinations to adopt sustainable procedures and to make sustainable choices in their business.

Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.

Polar Night

Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.

Snow And Ice

For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!

Autumn Colours

When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!

Discover the Northern Lights in Finland

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Northern Light over Rovaniemi in Finland

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• Map & transport

Northern Lights in Finland

Finland is one of the best places to discover the Northern Lights and attracts many visitors worldwide.

Far from the city lights, you stand amidst the darkness, looking up at the sky. The Northern Lights dance across the firmament in marvellous colours, a firework created by nature itself. You are enjoying a view almost impossible to describe and an unforgettable experience in Finland .

See more about the Northern Lights

The aurora borealis lights the sky over Lapland on up to 200 nights of the year and on approximately one out of three nights in Rovaniemi . The best time to watch the northern lights is from September to late March. The best time to catch the Northern Lights is just before midnight, but this remains a matter of luck, and no reliable forecasts can give. In summer, the sky is too bright to experience the light. Aurora Borealis is to see on a clear night, although its appearance is unpredictable, and it is never guaranteed to see it. Sometimes, the lights flare up for a brief moment only, at other times, a fortunate watcher may enjoy the spectacle for several hours.

Lapland and the Northern Light

The Local beliefs about the Northern Light. The Finnish word for the Northern Lights means “foxfire” and stems from the ancient belief that they are sparked by a fox sweeping - falls with its tail. The scientific term aurora borealis means “arctic dawn.” In the heart of Finnish Lapland, you have the best chance to experience the unique charms of the mysterious Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi's most famous holiday destination up here attracts many tourists worldwide, especially during the Northern Light season. Here nature’s most spectacular light show can also be viewed in a range of purpose-built spaces like ice hotels and glass igloos to luxury suites.

See more: Northern Lights in the Nordic countries

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• Longitude: 25.724999

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How to see the northern lights in FINLAND: the ULTIMATE guide

If there is one winter activity you need to tick off your travel bucket list, it is observing the northern lights in Finland, and here is your ultimate guide to making it a reality. Have your camera at the ready.

There is nothing quite like feasting your eyes on one of nature’s best wonders, the aurora borealis. Finland is one of the best destinations to observe this natural phenomenon. 

Not only does Finland provide an excellent backdrop for viewing the dancing skies, but you can take advantage of the fact that some of the best remote locations in the country are free from light pollution, making Finland a top spot for seeing the northern lights.

Northern lights in Finland –  the best time to go

Winter in Finland is exceptional, with plenty of outdoor activities, a winter wonderland landscape, and the chance to visit Santa’s Village in Lapland. Of course, it is also an excellent place to observe the northern lights, making Finland a perfect winter destination. 

Knowing the best time to see the aurora when planning a winter trip to Finland is crucial, so you don’t miss out; let us give you the lowdown. 

While this solar phenomenon can be spotted from August to April, the best chances to see them in all their dancing glory are between December and March. To have even higher chances, you will need complete darkness, no light pollution, and, of course, a clear sky.

The best place to see the northern lights in Finland is way up north in Lapland, an area familiar to many who associate it with being the home of Santa and his reindeer. 

This region has excellent hotels, ski resorts, and frozen lakes, making it a perfect winter destination for fun winter activities such as aurora hunting. 

Where to stay –  the best locations in Finland

The north of the country is the best place to see the northern lights in Finland. Here you will have plenty of cosy hotels, aurora villages, fun winter activities, and tour companies who are on hand to give you the best aurora experience. 

Here are a few of the best places to stay in Lapland if you want to observe the night sky: 

• Rovaniemi  is the capital of Lapland and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. It is ideal for those wanting a small city vibe, bustling activity, and nightlife, while being close enough to visit some remote locations for aurora hunting. 
• Kemi  is another excellent option: a small port town just north of Oulu. The northern lights can be seen from here 100 days per year, but it is still advised to venture further into nature to have the best chance to see them without any light pollution. 
• Oulu  is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora, and if you have a dark cloudless sky, you could be in luck. This active city is full of culture and fun activities, but when planning to see the northern lights, try to get out of the city to find clearer skies. 
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort  is one of the most unique places to observe the aurora borealis since you will be staying in fascinating igloos, allowing you to feel closer to nature than ever.
• Saariselkä  is home to the Urho Kekkonen National Park. This area experiences the northern lights on average 200 days a year.
• Ivalo , a town in Finnish Lapland, the Arctic Circle, offers a small-town rustic vibe. The nearby Hammastunturi Wilderness Area has very little light pollution, while the resort of Kakslauttanen is just thirty minutes from Ivalo’s airport.

Things to know –  our top tips for seeing the northern lights in Finland

• The best time of day to see the northern lights in Finland is when the sky is at its darkest, either at midnight or a few hours either side of midnight. 
• The Sami people are Europe’s indigenous people who originate in the northernmost parts of Sweden, Finland, and Norway, so don’t miss out on learning about their fascinating culture while in Lapland. And remember to travel sustainably .
• Santa’s Village is located close to Rovaniemi and thrives at Christmas time, making this an excellent place for families who want to enjoy a festive getaway and see the northern lights in Finland. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus!
• You can sign up for free alerts from the Finnish Meteorologic Institute, which update you on the probability of seeing the aurora, which is a great way to plan your sighting. 
• During the winter, you can expect the temperature to range from zero to -30 C (32 – -22 F), so be prepared with plenty of layers and warm clothing. Keep an eye on the forecasting, too.
• Fun daytime activities in northern Finland include husky dog sledging, sauna and ice bath combinations, skiing, snowshoeing, and much more. 

Notable mentions 

• The location of Finland – one of the friendliest countries in Europe  – in the middle of the aurora zone means it is not obstructed by clouds or fog like other regions, making it a prime location for northern lights tours. 
• August and September are great times to avoid crowds, get lower prices and still have a chance to see the aurora borealis as the winter season begins. 
• The Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi gives you a great insight into the Arctic Region and in-depth information about the northern lights, making it a great place to learn more. 
• While northern Finland is the best place to see the aurora borealis, keep your eyes peeled in Helsinki and find a high point of the city as they can be spotted here on occasion too. 
• Many resorts offer log cabins and even glass igloos with outdoor jacuzzies to spend a night in the wilderness in Finnish national parks. Marvel at the earth’s atmosphere in comfort through the glass ceilings.

FAQs about the northern lights in Finland

Can you see the northern lights every night in Finland? 

From late August to April, you can see the northern lights in Finland every day, as long as there is a clear sky, no light pollution, and complete darkness. 

What month is best to see the northern lights in Finland? 

December and January are the deep winter months in Finland, which make it a great time to see the lights in all their glory. Unfortunately, these are also the coldest months, so always dress accordingly when venturing out into nature for aurora hunting. 

We also recommend September and October. During these months, there is a high level of geomagnetic activity, which means more solar storms. Furthermore, lack of snow means the lights reflect beautifully on the water.

What time of night is best for northern lights in Finland? 

Midnight or a few hours either side of midnight is the best time to view the northern lights in Finland since this is the darkest time of the night. 

We cannot recommend Finland enough for its wide range of fun winter activities, excellent tours, and unique accommodations. It’s one of the best locations worldwide for observing the northern lights. So, what are you waiting for?

Jade is a seasoned traveller, yoga enthusiast, adventure seeker and travel writer passionate about seeing the world and sharing hidden gems with others. As well as having travelled to 91 countries thus far, she has written for several websites, including The World Bucket List, Meanwhile in Ireland and Ireland Before You Die. In 2022 Jade’s first book ‘ The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Guide’ was published and is currently available on Amazon. She is a keen writer of satirical articles, as well as ‘The best things to do’ and ‘The best dishes to try’ around the globe. Jade is currently on a campervan adventure around Europe, where she continues to get her travel and food inspiration. She is excited to share what she discovers with her readers.

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Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – Best Time and Places

Home | Northern Lights | Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – Best Time and Places

Traveling to see the Northern Lights in Finland is totally worth it. There are parts of Finland where you can not only observe the aurora borealis up to 200 times a year but also experience bright, intense displays.

I’ve photographed the Northern Lights in Finland many times, and the breathtaking landscapes and gorgeous aurora displays are completely unlike anywhere else.

Of course, in order to see amazing views of the “Green Lady,” you have to know the best time and places in Finland to see the Northern Lights . That’s where this article comes in – by the time you’ve finished reading it, you should be able to plan a trip to Finland that will give you the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis in all its spectacular glory.

Ready to find out where to see the Northern Lights in Finland ? Let’s get into it!

Best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland

Best places in finland to see the northern lights, best finland aurora borealis tours.

The best Finland Northern Lights months are September to March . Within this time, the end of September and mid-March would be the best times when the solar activity increases. It is possible to see the Northern Lights in Finland on a dark night in August, but there are fewer hours of darkness at that time of year, which means you will have less of a chance of seeing an aurora display.

Best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland – Olli Sorvari

Weather is also an important consideration for the best time of year for Northern Lights in Finland . From December to January, Finland is often quite snowy, which can mean clouds and therefore lower visibility for aurora displays. If you visit Finland at this time of year, be prepared to plan your aurora chasing around cloudy weather.

From February to March, skies tend to be much clearer, and there aren’t as many tourists as in December to January. If you can, plan your visit to Finland anytime from September to November or from February to March , the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland .

In terms of the best time of day to see the aurora in Finland, it tends to be from 10 PM to 2 AM, when the sky is darker and the Lights are most active.

What month is best to see Northern Lights in Finland?

In summary, these are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Finland :

• September, October, and November – The weather in September and October tends to be warmer than throughout the winter, so if you’ll be doing your aurora viewing outside, this is the best time of year for it. Also, solar activity increases around the autumn equinox, which will improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
• December and January – The nights are longer and very dark, so as long as the sky isn’t cloudy, you should get great views of the Northern Lights. Because it’s the holiday season, Finnish Lapland (the best place in Finland to see the Northern Lights and also Santa’s supposed residence) can get a lot of visitors around this time. One thing’s for sure – the snow on the ground will add a festive atmosphere to both your trip and your Finland aurora photos.
• February and March – Fewer crowds and clearer skies mean you’ll have a great chance to see the Northern Lights in a peaceful setting. Also, around the spring equinox in March, solar activity levels increase, creating spectacular aurora displays .

Now that you know when to visit Finland to see the Northern Lights , you’ll of course be wondering where to see Northern Lights in Finland . Luckily, the answer is easy: Finnish Lapland is the best place in Finland to see the aurora borealis .

This region is in the northern part of Finland and is located within the so-called “aurora zone.” Within the zone, there is a) a better chance to see a Northern Lights display and b) a better chance that the display will be more intense, both of which are ideal for aurora chasers.

To sum it up, these are the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights :

• Rovaniemi – Aurora displays can be seen here up to 150 times per year.
• Kemi – The best place to watch the aurora dance from the comfort of a glass villa.
• Saariselkä – One of the most likely places to see the Northern Lights, since the aurora borealis can be seen here up to 200 times per year.
• Ivalo – Small village outside Saariselkä that’s a great, quiet location to see the Northern Lights.
• Kakslauttanen – A resort with very little light pollution that is only 30 minutes from Ivalo’s airport, so it’s rather convenient to get to.
• Ylläs – The streetlamps in this village are shut off at 10 PM so everyone can see the aurora borealis without any light pollution.
• Levi – The biggest ski resort in Finland. Ideal if you want to see the Northern Lights while skiing or from the top of a mountain.

1. Rovaniemi

If you want to have one of the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland , head to Rovaniemi ; there are aurora displays here up to 150 times per year! The best view is usually from outside the city limits because there can be light pollution from the city’s lights, but you can also sometimes see the Northern Lights from within the city.

Rovaniemi is also the official hometown of Santa Claus in Finnish Lapland, so it’s an especially festive place to visit around Christmastime. Stay at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle , one of the best Northern Lights hotels in Finland , if you want the full Christmassy experience, or book a treehouse suite at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel , where you’ll be able to watch aurora displays from your bedroom.

You can even enjoy a Northern Lights snowmobile tour with campfire snacks , what is very recommended if you have never seeing the Aurora before.

Kemi is one of the most intriguing locations to see the Northern Lights in Finland . It’s home to the biggest snow fort in the world, Snow Castle , which houses a hotel, restaurant, and chapel. The structure is rebuilt every winter, so you’ll always see something different.

Kemi’s remote location on the shores of Bothnian Bay means you’ll experience quiet and low light pollution. Kemi’s Seaside Glass Villas , which is one of the best Northern Lights hotels in Finland , offer sea views from the glass walls of your bedroom, so if you’re lucky enough to see an aurora display, it will shimmer over a beautiful expanse of ocean.

3. Saariselkä

You’re practically guaranteed to see the Northern Lights in Saariselkä , where aurora displays are visible up to 200 times per year. It’s highly likely that you’ll see a Finland aurora borealis on any clear night during the winter.

Saariselkä is located near Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected areas, where you can explore lovely, forested landscapes. Saariselkä itself is home to a series of mountains, so there’s no shortage of beautiful natural scenery.

A great place to stay in Saariselkä is Northern Lights Village , which has cabins with glass roofs, so you can enjoy aurora displays from the comfort of your room, and laser-heated windows, so you can easily clear off any snow that’s blocking your view.

For tours, I recommend this one, which will take you to the most picturesque spots to photograph the Northern Lights.

Ivalo is a small village outside Saariselkä and the northernmost location on our list of the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights . As you probably know, the farther north you go, the better the chance of seeing the Northern Lights, so Ivalo is a fantastic location to take in the Northern Lights over Finland .

Bunk in a cozy cabin at the Aurora Village and glimpse Finland’s Northern Lights through a glass roof.

5. Kakslauttanen

One of the most popular places in Finland to see Northern Lights is Kakslauttanen . This resort is located about 30 minutes from Ivalo Airport and 10 minutes from Saariselkä, so it’s easier to get to and less remote than many other Finnish Northern Lights locations.

That being said, there is very little light pollution around Kakslauttanen, so there’s still a good chance of seeing an aurora display from there.

The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a very famous Finnish Northern Lights hotel and is considered one of the top 10 Northern Lights hotels in the world . There are plenty of options for accommodation within the resort (glass igloos, wooden chalets, snow igloos, a traditional Finnish house), so your accommodation’s level of comfort and style is entirely up to you.

If you want to see the aurora borealis in Finland , you won’t find any place as accommodating as Ylläs is. In this village, the streetlights are shut off at 10 PM so that everyone can more easily see the Northern Lights.

Ylläs is near Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, which has the world’s cleanest air. The park has plenty of fells (mountain-like structures) and forests, which provide the perfect foreground for Northern Lights Finland pictures .

I highly recommend staying at Lodge 67° N in the Ylläs area. It’s a cozy hotel that’s owned by a couple and has several saunas that are ideal for relaxing after a long night of aurora hunting.

If you would like to join a tour to increase our chances of dancing with “Lady Aurora”, book this wonderful tour.

Levi is home to the biggest ski resort in Finland as well as plenty of bustling activity. If you want to keep busy outside of aurora chasing, this is the place for you: you can go skiing, snowboarding, bar hopping, horseback riding, ice fishing, and more.

Of course, since Levi is in the “aurora zone,” it is also a great place to see the Northern Lights. You may have to venture a bit out of town to get the best view, but it will absolutely be worth it to see the Northern Lights in Finland .

If you want to sleep under the Northern Lights while you’re in Finland, look no further than Levi Igloos . These glass igloos have outdoor jacuzzies and private terraces, so you can do your Finland aurora chasing in comfort and style.

For tours, I recommend this Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour ; you will live an experience you will never forget .

There is so much to see and do in Finland, but so many visitors visit specifically to see the Northern Lights, particularly in the wintertime. Thankfully, that it’s not difficult since there are many Finland aurora borealis tours .

You can’t go wrong with any of the one-night tours I’ve listed above, but if you prefer a Finland Northern Lights tour package , these are my favorite ones:

• 3-Day Aurora Hunt in Ivalo
• 5-Day Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer in Rovaniemi
• 7-Day Aurora & Santa Claus Town on the Arctic Circle
• 10-Day Lapland Adventure in Winter Wonderland

Finally, if you really want to get the best possible Northern Lights Finland photos, check out our guide to photographing the Northern Lights .

24 replies on “ Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – Best Time and Places ”

hi, planning a trip to Finland or Norway for 13 days, March 15, 2025 onwards for the Northern lights. What be a good place to see them?

Regarding Finland, if you’re going to be in the center of the country, Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland. Further north, Saariselkä and Ivalo are very good. As for Norway, we loved Senja and the Lofoten Islands. We have a complete guide to seeing the Northern Lights in Norway , too. Good luck!

We are planning to travel to Finland around first week of May 2024. Which part of Finland would you recommend visiting at that particular time for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights? Thank you.

Hi Tejaswini,

May is too late to see the Northern Lights in Finland, but if you really want to try, go as far north as possible (Saariselkä or Ivalo).

We are planning to travel to Finland around 20th of October. Which part of Finland would you recommend visiting at that particular time for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights? Thank you

Hi Di, Any of the places in this guide will be wonderful for seeing the Northern Lights in Finland. Rovaniemi is particularly popular since it has aurora sightings for about half the year.

Hello, we are thinking about going to Lapland Feb end (Feb 18-24). Based upon your experience is this a good time for Aurora viewing or it is cloudy during that time period?

Hey there, Yes, that should be an excellent time to see the Northern Lights in Finland 🙂

Hi, we plan to go to Saariselka for 7 days in either a) late Sept to early October; or b) first half of October); or c) second half of November. Will there be good chance for us to see the Northern Lights in any of these periods? Would greatly appreciate your advice and response. Thank you very much.

Hi Remy, Yes, all of those time slots are perfect for seeing Finland’s Northern Lights in Saariselkä. 🙂 Enjoy!

Are we like we likely to see the northern lights at kakslauttenrn September 1-3?

Hi Sharen, Yes, you have good chances of seeing the Finland Northern Lights in Kakslauttanen in early September! Good luck! 🙂

Hello! Great guide. Have you been to Ranua? Do you know if it’s a great spot for seeing the lights over Christmas?

Hi there, You should have good chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland at Christmas, even in Ranua. Let me know how it goes!

Hi, If I go to Lapland from 23rd Oct till 27th Oct, will I be able to see the Northern Lights?

Hi ChweeSan, Yes, you will have a good chance of seeing the Finland Northern Lights during this time!

Hi, I’m thinking of going to Saariselkä in November, will I be able to see the Northern Lights and go dog sledding in snow? Which part of November would be a better time? Thank you.

Hi Shireen, Yes, any time in November would be a great time to see the Northern Lights in Finland. You should also be able to book the dog sledding excursion.

Hello, could I check which part of March would be a great time to see the northern lights? Also wondering which part of March will I still be able to get the full snow experience I.e., thick snow on the ground, skiing and snowmobiling

Beginning to mid march will give you the best “winter” Northern Lights experience in Finland 😉

I plan to go to Enontekiö in November. Will I see the northern lights?

Hi Laura, Yes! You should have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Enontekiö if you go in November. Have fun!

I’ll be in Suomussalmi and Kuhmo area in early September. Will I be able to see Northern Lights at this latitude.BE

It’s difficult to see Northern Lights in that latitude of Finland but not impossible. You just need dark, clear skies, and a huge solar storm.

I will cross my fingers for you! Ascen

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• Scientific themes
• Space and Earth Observation

Auroras in Finland

Finland is one of the best inhabited regions in the world for viewing northern lights, i.e. auroras.

Finland is on the southern rim of the auroral oval. The probability for seeing auroras is best in the northernmost part of the country, i.e. in Lapland.  During geomagnetic storms the auroral oval expands southward and then auroras are seen also in Central and Southern Finland.

The statistical probability for seeing auroras during a dark and cloudless night is approximately:

at Kilpisjärvi: 75 % of nights

in Lapland (e.g. ski resorts Ylläs, Levi, Saariselkä): roughly 50 % of nights

in the central part of Finland (e.g. Oulu, Kuusamo): roughly 25 % of nights

on the south coast (e.g. Helsinki, Turku): once in a month on average.

The typical time for auroral displays is at midnight, and a couple of hours before and after. However, auroras may occur randomly anytime when the sky is dark enough for seeing them.

Auroras occur quite evenly throughout the year, although the rate is slightly higher during spring and autumn than during winter and summer. However, in summer the nights are generally too light for seeing the auroras. Especially so in Lapland, where the sun does not set at all during a period around midsummer. Considering also the weather, the best time for seeing auroras in Northern Finland is in March and early April.

The solar activity, which varies with the 11-year sunspot cycle, also affects the frequency of auroras. The amount of large auroral displays tends to follow the amount of sunspots with a lag of a couple of years. This solar cycle effect is most pronounced in Southern Finland. In Lapland auroras are quite common always, even during solar minimum.

Real-time information

ISES RWC Finland provides real-time information on the level of geomagnetic disturbances in Finland. Geomagnetic activity is closely linked with auroras: when the activity level exceeds a location-specific threshold, it is probable to see auroras (weather permitting). Following the magnetic activity serves as nowcasting: when activity reaches a "red" level in the service on the station closest to you, it is time to go out to watch the sky.

Nighttime, the service also displays images from selected all sky cameras in Finland.

Tips for aurora watching

Find a dark, open place preferably far away from town lights. As auroras are most often seen on the northern sky, try to find an unrestricted view at least toward the northern horizon.

Optimal weather for watching auroras, dark and cloudless night, is practically always cold in Finland. Dress very warmly.

Lying on a mattress may be a more comfortable way to gaze up than bending your neck backward for lengthy times.

Watch a video

Reseacher Sini Merikallio explains the basics of northern lights or aurora borealis in 3 minutes.

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How to Experience the Northern Lights From a Glass Igloo or Villa in Finland

Get ready for an awe-inspiring vacation.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Finland

When to see the northern lights.

• What to Pack
• Best Glass Igloos and Hotels for Aurora Viewing in Finland

Courtesy of Hotel and Igloo Village Kakslauttanen

Seeing the northern lights in person is a major goal for many travelers. The show put on by Mother Nature (or, more accurately, by the sun experiencing a coronal mass ejection and sending charged particles hurtling toward Earth that appear as gorgeous green, pink, and purple lights) is truly a sight to behold. If you're ready to chase the northern lights, it’s time to plan a trip to Finland. 

Finland has become a major destination for northern lights seekers because the aurora borealis is visible there some 200 nights a year, and there are plentiful hotels and resorts ready to host you with accommodations designed so you can see the lights from your bed. Here’s everything you need to plan an epic northern lights trip to Finland, including the best glass igloos, snow huts, and luxe villas to book.

Adventure Tip

Now is the time to book your once-in-a-lifetime northern lights adventure. The sun is expected to reach solar maximum in 2024 or 2025, and auroras may appear more frequently and intensely during this period.

The key to a good northern lights viewing experience is to get as far away from city lights as possible. The darker the area, the brighter the lights will appear. That’s why it’s a good idea to head to northern Finnish destinations at or above the Arctic Circle, like Lapland. As Visit Finland notes , you can see the lights in the southern portion of the country, but they only shine here about 10-20 nights per year. 

Courtesy of Octala

Give yourself the best chance at seeing the lights by booking a visit between late August and early April. Visit Finland says this is when the skies are darkest and the nights are likely to be clear enough to view the lights. During this time, the northern lights are usually present at least every other night. That means, even if you plan for just a long winter weekend, there's a solid chance you may get to see the northern lights for yourself. You can even keep an eye on Northern Lights activities via the Finnish Meteorological Association’s space weather website . 

What to Pack 

Prepare for chilly weather when you go northern lights hunting in Finland. For example, in Kiruna, Finland's northernmost city, the average winter temperature barely cracks 25°F, according to WeatherSpark . January is the coldest month, with an average low of 2°F and a high of 17°F.

That said, you'll want to pack more than a few extra layers, especially if you expect to head out into the wilderness to view the lights. Visit Finland notes that the lights can be fickle, appearing or disappearing at any time throughout the night (usually between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.), meaning would-be viewers should expect to stay out for several hours. So yes, pack the extra socks. And gloves. And do not — we repeat, do not — forget to pack your camera and tripod, as you'll undoubtedly want to document this unforgettable experience. 

Courtesy of Arctic Treehouse

Best Glass Igloos and Hotels for Aurora Viewing in Finland 

Arctic treehouse hotel.

Perhaps the most famous igloo accommodation in Finland is the Arctic Treehouse Hotel , located in Rovaniemi. With just 37 rooms, it's a place where guests can expect ultra-personalized service. Each room comes with all-glass walls and calming neutral-toned interiors which place all the focus on the view outside. All you need to do is cozy up in bed and wait for the show to begin. 

Seeking some luxury on your northern lights getaway? Book a stay at Octola . The high-end accommodation has just 12 rooms and two chalets spread across nearly 1,000 acres of private land that is home to wild reindeer and plenty of dark places to see the lights at night. Want to bring some friends along? Whole resort buyouts are available. 

Kemi Seaside Glass Villas

For a minimalist stay, book a few nights at Kemi Seaside Glass Villas . Located near SnowCastle , the all-glass villas (which include a glass roof) make it feel as though there's nothing between you and the natural landscape all around. 

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village

The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village is another rather popular location for northern lights seekers and Instagrammers. The resort boasts more than 200,000 Instagram followers who flock to the page to see the gorgeous images of both the northern lights and the resort itself. Made up of glass igloos, the resort allows every guest to view the lights from the comfort of their own little hub. The resort also has log cabins available for those looking for added privacy. 

Lucky Ranch

For a unique Finnish experience, book a stay at Lucky Ranch . The low-key accommodation has traditional rooms available, but you're not here for traditional. Instead, book one of its snow huts. Yes, they are made entirely out of snow, so you can't get the same viewing experience from bed, but you may be willing to trade that for bragging rights. And, Lucky Ranch happens to be in a prime northern lights location above the Arctic Circle, so you can always just step outside the hut, look up, and see the lights.

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Best time to travel to Finland

Northern Lights in Finland 2024-2025

Check out the amazing colorful aurora shimmering in the sky for a once in a lifetime experience

Best time : September–March

For around 200 nights per year, some regions of Finland witness the stunning natural phenomenon known as aurora borealis. Even though hunting the aurora is a matter of luck, in Finland's Lapland, it's actually quite easy to catch a glimpse of the amazing colorful lights that show up on every other clear night.

When is the best time to see Northern Lights

The season for northern lights in Finland is quite long and stretches from September through March. As a matter of fact, autumn and early spring are the best time for catching the northern lights, as solar activity is quite intense and reliable. March is also considered to be the month with the clearest skies.

Most often, the aurora borealis can be seen at midnight, as well as a few hours before and after. However, the auroras can occur at any other time when the sky is dark enough to see them.

Northern Lights Forecast

You can observe the brightest aurora at around midnight or until 2 am. The mystical shimmering in the sky can last for just a few minutes at a time so be patient not to miss it. Your main obstacle can be cloudiness, so don't forget to check the aurora forecast or sign up for alerts from the Finnish Meteorological Institute to be ready to run outside at the right moment.

Place to see Northern Lights in Finland

Before you head to a specific location, know that there is a universal rule that will help you get the best experience in your chosen area. You need to find a dark, open place, as far as possible from city lights. Since auroras are most often seen in the northern sky, it is worth finding an unobstructed view at least towards the northern horizon.

The northernmost part of the country—Lapland—is the best destination for aurora borealis chasers. It can be reached by train or plane from the capital of Helsinki . You can go on a Northern Lights snowmobile adventure, try dog-sledding or snowshoeing, or just watch the Northern Lights with comfort in a glass igloo. The warm and cozy glass rooms even have an aurora alarm so you won't miss it.

To increase your chances of seeing aurora Borealis, you need to travel to the Finnish "northern arm" region. The village of Kilpisjärvi in the municipality of Enontekiö boasts 75% chance of catching the northern lights. The neighboring Utsjoki municipality which borders Norway , provides the same high likelihood to see the phenomenon. Sodankylä and nearby Inari, Kittilä, Rovaniemi, and Savukoski municipalities also sport a good chance to witness the phenomenon.

Ivalo in Inari municipality has an Aurora Village with snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice karting, and horse sled riding. Rovaniemi witnesses northern lights about 150 times a year. However, you'll have to get out of the city for the best view because of light pollution. Keep in mind that in the winter, the temperature in Lapland can drop to -30°C (-22°F), so pack lots of warm layers and insulated boots.

Your chances to see northern lights will be a bit lower in Kemi, located near the city of Tornio, on the Swedish border. Aurora shows up in local skies for about 100 nights per year. However, the town, situated on the Bothnian Bay, boasts a Snow Castle, which looks stunning with northern lights in the background. There are also many hotels and lodging options.

Your chances of seeing the phenomenon of northern lights in Helsinki (located in Uusimaa of southern Finland) are much lower than in Lapland. However, with a bit of luck, you can still catch a glimpse of dancing lights here on a clear, dark night in the fall or early spring. The popular spots for local aurora chasers include the 98-ft (30-m) Observatory Hill (Tähtitorninmäki), which is located in the park near the South harbor in Ullanlinna district. You can also try other parks in Helsinki or get out of the city to avoid light pollution.

Although the Northern Lights are not very common in Turku, they can occasionally be seen, on average, once a month. The area around the Student Village is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, for example, by taking a bike or walking path on the north bank of the river.

How to capture Northern Lights on your camera

Choose the manual mode to shoot the Northern Lights for better results. Focus the camera on the farthest point. It is also advisable to focus in daylight and mark the correct lens position rather than doing it in the dark. The aperture of the camera should be opened as wide as possible. this will ensure both the Northern Lights and the sky behind are in focus. In addition, the shutter speed should be as fast as possible. Make sure your ISO is at least 2000.

Practical info

Viewing the Aurora Borealis in Finland is best between September and March, especially in Lapland. Solar activity is high during this period, resulting in a high frequency of sightings. The month of March is believed to be the clearest for viewing the Northern Lights, and you can witness the brightest auroras around midnight. Note that viewing the Northern Lights is dependent on luck, and the weather plays a crucial role.

Lapland, located in the northernmost part of Finland, is the most favored location for Aurora Borealis observation. The chances of viewing the Northern Lights are high in municipalities such as Utsjoki, Inari, Sodankylä, Kittilä, Rovaniemi, and Savukoski, all of which fall under Lapland. Ivalo and Rovaniemi offer adventurous snow and ice activities, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, and horse sled riding, among others, while enjoying the Northern Lights.

Other than witnessing the Aurora Borealis, many activities can be enjoyed in the snow-topped wonderland of Finland. You can go snowmobiling, dog-sledding, snowshoeing or observe the Northern Light while relaxing in a cozy glass igloo. Aurora village in the Inari municipality provides travelers with various adventure sports options such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice karting, and horse sled riding. In Rovaniemi, get out of the city to observe Northern Lights and enjoy thrilling activities in the snow. Kemi is also an excellent option for its stunning Snow Castle and accommodations with a beautiful view of the Aurora Borealis.

Although witnessing the Northern Lights in Helsinki is less likely than in Lapland, if weather conditions are favorable, the lights may be visible on a dark night during fall or early spring. The Ullanlinna district features the observatory hill in the South harbor's park which is an excellent spot for aurora viewing. You can also move away from the town to avoid light pollution and increase your chances of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

When traveling to Lapland, pack enough warm layers of clothing, insulated boots, thick gloves, and a warm hat, as temperatures can get incredibly low, even dropping to -30°C. In November pack sunglasses since daylight can be intense. Winter activities such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing all require adequate winter clothing to stay warm, and extra batteries for your camera to capture the stunning view of the Northern Lights.

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When is the Best Time to See Northern Lights FINLAND?

An important part of planning a trip to Finland is selecting the best time to see Northern Lights Finland. In this article, we discuss the best time of year to visit this stoic Nordic country, and how to choose the best conditions for seeing the lights.

The aurora borealis is a beautiful natural phenomenon that can be seen within the auroral zone. Due to its location, Finland is an excellent place to view the northern lights throughout the spring, winter, and fall. However, they are not visible all the time and if you are serious about seeing the aurora you need to plan your vacation dates accordingly. In this article, we explain the best times to see the aurora borealis in Finland, and why.

When Is the Best Time to See Northern Lights Finland?

The northern lights are ever-present, and the only reason they cannot be viewed throughout the summer months is due to the lack of dark skies. At the equator, the number of hours of daylight stays roughly the same year-round. As you move further north, the number of hours of daylight increases during the summer and decreases during winter. At the northernmost points of the planet, it can stay sunny 24 hours a day during the summer. As a result, it’s impossible to view the aurora borealis from the Earth’s surface.

During the wintertime, on the other hand, the northernmost points of the planet are stuck in perpetual darkness. While it is the perfect time to get a glimpse of the elusive lights, is also generally too cold for most people. Instead, some of the best times to view the northern lights in Finland, are during the spring and fall, as these seasons provide the perfect combination of warmth and darkness.

When visiting Finland during the spring or fall, the best time to catch a glimpse of the northern lights is between 5 PM and 2 AM. They generally are not visible for long periods of time, as they tend to fade in and out throughout the evening. On an average night, a hunter may catch a glimpse of the elusive lights for no more than about 20 minutes at a time.

“Late Autumn to Early Spring is the Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland”

August to October

The first opportunity to view the northern lights in Finland occurs during the autumn. As the warm summers begin to cool, and the days grow shorter, the opportunity to view the elusive lights increases. While autumn begins in August, the autumnal equinox actually starts in September. As the equinox passes, the chances of viewing the aurora increases exponentially every single day.

November to March

Without a question, winter is the best time of year in which to view the elusive lights. Because the days are so short during the winter months, you are rewarded with ample time for stargazing. However, with shorter days come colder nights. As the snow begins to fall and lakes begin to ice over, the land is covered with a cool chill that can be too much for some. Although the opportunities to view the northern lights are increased substantially, you must be ready to deal with the subfreezing temperatures.

April to May

Just like autumn, spring is an amazing time of year to visit Finland. While there may still be snow on the ground, it is slowly melting and giving way to brightly colored flowers. The days slowly become longer, making it harder to view the elusive lights at night. Nevertheless, as the snows of winter melt, the temperatures increase, which creates a much more favorable viewing experience for visitors to the north.

June to July

By the time summer rolls around, the days are extremely long and warm. It is a great time to visit Finland if you want to see the sights, but not for viewing the aurora borealis. During the peak of the summer, it is simply impossible to view the northern lights due to the midnight sun. Even at the beginning and end of summertime, there are still relatively few hours of absolute darkness for which to spend hunting for the elusive lights.

What Are the Best Conditions for Viewing the Northern Lights Finland?

When it comes to catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis, you need to have the perfect conditions. The most important things to keep in mind when hunting for the elusive lights are to ensure that there is a new moon, limited light pollution, and excellent solar activity.

Many people forget just how important the phases of the moon are when it comes to viewing the aurora borealis. During a full moon, the intensity of the sunlight is reflected off the surface of the moon, lighting up the countryside. This creates large amounts of light pollution that can interfere with the viewing experience. It is always best to go hunting for the northern lights during a new moon.

Light Pollution

One cannot overemphasize the importance of light pollution. Although it is possible to view the aurora borealis from the center of a small town during the peak of a solar cycle, there is generally too much light pollution to view the natural phenomenon clearly. This light pollution is created by streetlights, stoplights, household lights, and more. Light reflects off of the atmosphere, making it harder to view the nighttime skies.

Solar Cycle

Understanding the solar cycle is imperative to hunting for the elusive lights. Whenever the solar cycle is at its peak, more energy is ejected from the sun, which helps to increase the visibility of the northern lights. In fact, during the peak of the last solar cycle, the northern lights could be viewed as far south as Ireland and Scotland. But, at the lowest point of the solar cycle, even viewing the auroras in Finland can be a difficult task.

Conclusion on Best Time to See Northern Lights Finland

We hope with this quick guide you now have a good idea of the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland, to inform your trip-planning. For more information on choosing the best time and place, we suggest you also read our article on how to choose the best time to see Northern Lights and best places to see Northern Lights in Finland . If you’re flexible on your travel dates, also check out our article on the best years to see the aurora , since not every year is equally good for seeing them. While catching the aurora borealis is never guaranteed, this information will offer you the best possible chance of seeing them when you do visit.

Happy aurora chasing!

Sources and Further Reading:

• Finnish Meteorological Institute https://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/auroras-and-space-weather
• Visit Rovaniemi https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/

Related posts:

• Where Can You See Northern Lights in FINLAND?
• How to See Northern Lights FINLAND LAPLAND
• ICELAND Northern Lights Month-by-Month Planner
• How to Catch the Northern Lights from GREENLAND

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14 Magical Glass Igloos in Finland to See the Northern Lights

Seeing the aurora borealis is one of the most common bucket list items out there — and  Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to do it !

The Lapland area is home to the largest concentration of glass igloos in Finland, so you have plenty to choose from!

There are also aurora cabins with glass walls, snow hotels with real snow igloos, and more: creative Northern lights hotels in Finland are really something special.

This post will cover all kinds of places to stay in Finland to see the Northern lights

So get ready to enjoy a marvelous winter wonderland at some of the best glass igloo resorts in Finland for observing the Northern lights.

Table of Contents

What’s It Like to Stay in a Glass Igloo in Finland?

Don’t shiver at the term igloo! These are thermal glass igloos which are well heated.

They are named “glass igloos” because they have the shape of a snow igloo, but instead of ice, there is a see-through glass dome.

This is the perfect place to watch the aurora from!

Many glass igloos are made for two people to stay in.

They will typically have a small kitchen, a private bathroom with shower facilities, and a double bed which you can watch the aurora from.

Typically, there will also be a main building on-site where there is a concierge who will help you book outdoor activities.

Think fun winter activities like snowmobile safaris, cross country skiing, husky sledding, or even a reindeer farm visit — anything you want on your Lapland winter itinerary , these hotels can likely help you arrange!

There is also often a restaurant on-site in a separate building.

Also, free parking is often provided as many of these igloo hotels are rather remote once you leave the Rovaniemi area.

Most glass igloos in Finland will also have other amenities for guest to enjoy, like smoke saunas, an outdoor jacuzzi, its own restaurant, etc.

The best hotels will have all of this and then some!

My Top 3 Picks for Glass Igloos in Finland

No time to read the full article and just want my top picks?

Here are my three favorite glass igloo hotels in Finland to get you started on your search!

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Apukka Resort ✔️ Husky and reindeer farm on site ✔️ Unique snow sauna & portable sauna amenities

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle ✔️ Nordic-chic interiors with boutique feel ✔️ Located near Santa’s Village, Rovaniemi

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos ✔️ On-site snow hotel to visit and explore ✔️ Close to Rovaniemi for all activities and restaurants

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in a Glass Igloo in Finland?

It can be quite expensive, but if you’re going all the way to the Arctic Circle for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is worth spending a night or two in a famous Finland glass igloo resort.

Glass igloos in Finland typically cost about $600-800 USD per night during peak season — even for a small glass igloo for two.

However, while this is the general baseline price, you might find some to be more expensive.

This is especially true during peak times around Christmas and the New Year, when the cheaper igloos will book up far in advance.

You’ll also want to budget for any meals during your Finnish glass igloo stay!

Breakfast is typically included, other meals are typically not.

Keep in mind that many of these glass igloos are in remote parts of Finland, where you will not be able to easily find restaurants nearby.

Luckily, most igloo hotels have on-site a la carte restaurants, so you won’t have to worry about that. Some glass igloos even have small kitchens as well if you prefer to save money by booking.

Finally, you’ll want to also factor in any activity costs that you want to organize.

If you’re staying in a glass igloo near Rovaniemi, it may be cheaper to organize your   winter activities  independently. 

On the other hand, if you’re staying somewhere more remote, you will likely have to organize through your hotel.

Another factor is transit costs to and from your hotel.

Glass igloo hotels sometimes can be quite far from airports!

When you’re trying to pick one, I suggest thinking about distance from an airport, as well as whether you plan to rent a car or not.

Also, consider if the glass igloo hotel provides any sort of transfer service.

Lastly, keep in mind that most glass igloo hotels in Finland are open year-round.

While they are very popular during Northern lights season, if you come during the summer months, you can enjoy the magical midnight sun and beautiful Finnish nature.

Best Finland Glass Igloos & Northern Lights Hotels (Broken Down by Region)

Northern lights hotels & glass igloos near rovaniemi, glass resort – view property here.

One of the best igloo hotels in Finland can be found right in Rovaniemi, and it’s the perfect place to stay in Rovaniemi in winter:  Glass Resort , located right in Santa Claus Village.

Each of these glass igloos are climate-controlled, and the location is perfect — just five miles out of central Rovaniemi (shuttle services are provided!).

This is just a short walk to Santa Claus Village’s shops and restaurants, yet in a beautiful winter wonderland.

Each igloo includes a private bathroom with a rain shower, bathrobe, and slippers.

They also each have their very own tablet which you can use to contact the front desk with any questions — and also get Northern lights alerts so you can awake to see the lights dancing above without needing to stay up! 

They even have a button you can press to defrost the glass for the perfect view — they’ve really thought of everything.

The premium igloos for two even include a private sauna, and there are also family igloos for four with an alcove for two more people to sleep!

Check availability, prices, and reviews here!

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – View Property Here

Another glass igloo hotel located in Santa Claus Village, this is a great place to stay for a bucket list experience.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle  offer everything you want in a Finland glass igloo experience: a wake-up aurora alarm, comfortable rooms with heating and an en-suite bathroom, an on-site restaurant.

These glass igloos are stylishly furnished, more similar to a boutique hotel room than a ‘glamping’ type experience.

The views of the Northern lights as they dance above, combined with the prime location of the hotel, make this a one-of-a-kind place to stay near Rovaniemi.

It is quite similar to the other option listed above, since they are located very near each other.

I suggest comparing dates and availability to find the best combination of price and amenities to you.

Arctic Treehouse Hotel – View Property Here

For a unique and memorable stay watching the Northern lights in Finland, the  Arctic Treehouse Hotel  is hard to beat.

Despite the treehouse name, it has a ton of modern amenities, including all the things you’d expect like WiFi.

So, why treehouse in the name? Well, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel features unique mini-cabins perched on stilts for a perfect unobstructed view.

Each room houses a cozy bed that faces an enormous panoramic window — perfect for watching the Northern lights, even without leaving bed!

Each cabin suite has an en-suite bathroom, and some even have kitchenettes in case you prefer to self-cater during your stay, although there is also an on-site restaurant.

There are also Arctic Glass Houses which are more like a chalet, but with tons and tons of windows so you can see the aurora from any room in the house.

These private chalets also include an en-suite sauna in addition to a kitchenette, two bathrooms, and space for up to four guests.

There’s also the Arctic Scene Executive Suite, which has its own private sauna and bathtub — perfect if you’re coming to Rovaniemi for a honeymoon, anniversary, or celebration and want an extra special experience!

This hotel is located right next to Santa Park (perfect if you have kids who want to meet ‘Santa Claus’) and a short distance from all the amenities in town at Rovaniemi, including Santa Claus Village.

The staff is also happy to help you organize all sorts of Finnish winter activities like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobile rides, dog sledding, and more!

Check reviews, room types, and availability at Arctic Treehouse Hotel here!

Apukka Resort – View Property Here

15 minutes away from   Rovaniemi   is a charming town called Apukka, home to  Apukka Resort , a gorgeous lakefront property.

Because it’s located a bit outside of the town of Rovaniemi, you’ll be able to enjoy beautifully clear night skies without the light pollution of the city. Even if the Northern lights don’t dance, you’ll love the chance to admire the starry sky!

Apukka Resort is also home to a husky and reindeer farm, so you can go on a husky safari or try a reindeer safari with the reindeer that were — and are — so important to the indigenous Sami people who are the original stewards of this land.

They also offer horse sleigh rides, and you can get a discount on winter activities if you book directly with them.

What sets Apukka apart are all the unique amenities, especially their sauna offerings: we’re not just talking glass igloos, but also an  ice sauna (what?!) and even  moveable saunas that are portable and transported on skis !

You can also rent a private hot tub and sauna experience, with either an electric sauna or the traditional wood-heated sauna.

The interior of the glass igloos are minimalist but with nice touches that make your stay more comfortable.

They’ve thought of things like a seating area, an electric fireplace for coziness and warmth, a thermostat so you can control the temperature, and hooks for hanging your winter coat: all these little elements set Apukka Resort ahead!

Best of all, these glass roof cabins (called Aurora Cabins) offer you incredible views of the Northern lights dancing overhead as you lay on your back in bed! It’s the perfect way to see the Northern lights.

They also have larger suites such as the Lappish Luxury Suite and the Lappish Kammi Suite, which still offer all the views of a glass roof but with more amenities inside.

There are also apartments with wide, panoramic windows offering stunning lake views — many of which also offer sunrise views, as another show after the Northern lights dance all night!

All cabins include an en-suite bathroom so you won’t have to worry about going outside in the cold in the middle of the night! A free breakfast is also included.

Check reviews, room types, and availability here at Apukka Resort here!

Arctic Snow Hotel – View Property Here

So far we’ve mostly talked about Finnish glass igloos, but there is another kind of Finland Northern lights hotel that is a truly unique experience: staying in a snow hotel!

These temporary hotels are built entirely of ice and are rebuilt every year — an impressively massive undertaking!

And with Arctic Snow Hotel , you don’t have to choose between the two, because the property has both snow rooms and glass igloos.

In these hotels, you’ll find everything ice related — you can stay in an actual ice room with an ice bed, covered in reindeer pelt, topped with a thermal sleeping bag.

The property also has fun amenities like an on-site ice bar and ice restaurant.

Even if you are not a guest at the hotel, you can visit them as part of a winter day trip from Rovaniemi .

That said, if you’re looking for glass igloos, you’ll find those here too, designed beautifully to be comfortable, heated, and with an excellent view of the Northern lights anywhere you look.

Best of all, it’s very close to all the sights of downtown Rovaniemi so organizing transportation, activities, and meals is all very easy.

Check reviews, room types, and availability here at Arctic Snow Hotel!

Glass Igloos & Northern Lights Hotels Near Levi & Kittilä Airport

Levin iglut – view property here.

Located a short drive from Levi, one of the main areas for downhill skiing in Northern Finland,  Levin Iglut  is one of the best spots to stay for epic sky views!

Even though Levi is a big ski destination, Levin Iglut is no average ski resort! It’s perfect for Northern lights viewing, with unique igloos with glass ceilings so you can perfectly enjoy the lights from your aurora dome.

The glass ceilings aren’t just ceilings, too; there are glass windows as well, giving you practically 360-degree views of the Northern lights (convenient, as sometimes, they might be located to the right or left of you, and rooms that only have one window might not get full views of the sky!).

Of all the igloo hotels in Finland, I think Levin Iglut is one of the most sophisticated. The igloo rooms enjoy decor that would be beautiful even in a standard hotel room, and the private bathrooms are luxurious, almost spa-like.

The on-site restaurant serves fine dining that is elevated so that it looks as beautiful as it tastes!

Despite being a bit far from Rovaniemi area, it’s still quite convenient to access: it’s just 11 miles from the Kittilä Airport and 5 miles from the Levi Ski Resort.

Check reviews, room types, and availability here at Levin Iglut here !

Northern Lights Village – View Property Here

Another great Northern lights hotel option in Levi is  Northern Lights Village . It even has its own reindeer paddock, where you can meet the local reindeer!

The rooms feature glass roofs so you can see the Northern lights while you relax in bed.

The Aurora Cabin rooms are designed beautifully, with wood paneling on a large portion of the room, then opening up to several panels of glass.

The glass ceiling is heated, so that even on a snowy day, any snow will melt within 20 minutes!

From these panels, you can enjoy views of the snowy forest by day and hopefully the aurora by night!

The rooms also have a seating area and en-suite bathroom included in each unit.

On the property, there is also an on-site restaurant specializing in the cuisine of Lapland, so you can eat well without having to trek into town.

Best of all? Dinner is included in your rental price!

There’s also an on-site sauna that is available for guests to use — there’s no better way to relax after trying to spot the aurora than in a sauna, after all.

The sauna also has a glass ceiling so the aurora watching doesn’t have to stop while you sauna!

There is also an outdoor jacuzzi you can sit into watch the lights. The sauna and the jacuzzi can both be rented for private use.

Check reviews, photos, and availability at Northern Lights Village here!

Arctic Land Adventure – View Property Here

One of the more remote glass igloos in Finland on this list,  Arctic Land Adventure  is located in Kilpisjärvi, about 250 km from Kittilä Airport. 

Connections are provided by thrice-weekly transfers and a daily bus service, but if you land outside of convenient times, private taxis are also available, as is renting a car.

It is actually closer to  Tromsø  (another fantastic winter destination in the Nordics), about 188 km away, where there is a daily bus that connects Tromsø and Kilpisjärvi.

Depending on your transportation budget and if you are also visiting Norway in winter, this may be one of the better options, despite its remoteness.

Once you get there, you’ll see all pains taken to get there are worth it. Their glass igloos are large and can sleep up to 4 guests, and they have all the comfortable amenities you need: smart TVs with Netflix enabled, an en-suite bathroom, a kitchenette, heating, etc.

Some of the rooms even have their own private hot tub to enjoy!

You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and frozen lake, and the Northern lights dance here more than anywhere else in Finland due to its location.

Past guests raved about the hospitality as well as the delicious on-site restaurant, serving local dishes with Arctic touches like reindeer meat and cloudberries. 

As if that wasn’t enough of a dream come true, Arctic Land Adventure is also located right on a reindeer farm, and you can even arrange to spend the day with a Sami reindeer herder to see what their life is like.

The reindeer are free to roam around your glass igloo so you can often spot them wandering around.

This glass igloo hotel also offer snowmobile rides and all sorts of other outdoor experiences, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything on your Arctic bucket list just because you’re in a remote location.

Check rates, reviews, and availability at Arctic Land Adventure here!

Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloo – View Property Here

Meet the new evolution of glass igloos in Finland: pyramid glass igloos!

This is one of the more uniquely photogenic glass igloo resorts in Finland at the moment.

This stunning hotel,  Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloo , is brand new and already turning heads.

It’s located 4 miles from Levi and 11 miles from Kittila Airport, making it a convenient stay especially if you want to do a mixed ski holiday and Northern lights chasing trip.

The glass pyramids feature incredible views from every direction, with amenities like a kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, and seating areas.

Admire the incredible views while being close to all the comforts that Levi offers!

Check reviews, photos, and availability at Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloo here!

Glass Igloo Hotels in Finland Near Ivalo Airport

Aurora Village Ivalo – View Property Here

Ivalo is a quiet, remote area of Finland located about 21 miles from Saariselkä and 25 miles from Inari.

Aurora Village Ivalo is located just 8 miles away from the Ivalo Airport, though, making it relatively easy to get somewhere so remote!

This stunning property has the unique cabins with glass roofs, allowing you to watch the spectacular views of the Northern lights undulate overhead while you’re lounging in bed.

There is an on-site restaurant serving up new Nordic cuisine. The dishes are absolutely exquisite, using local ingredients and beautiful plating.

If you need help planning any winter activities, a tour concierge who can help you plan the Finnish Lapland trip of your dreams — from dog sledding to snowshoeing, the Finnish winter wonderland is right at your doorstep.

There’s also a glass sauna — yes, you can watch the Northern lights from a sauna at Aurora Village Ivalo!

This is a unique offering I haven’t seen at any other Northern lights hotels in Finland (or anywhere else, for that matter, but nothing gets between a Finn and their sauna).

There’s also an outdoor hot tub which is another fantastic place to spot the lights.

The cabins all have their own coffee machine, seating area, and en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hair dryer — it’s amazing how much fits into these small but scenic cabins!

Check reviews, room types, and availability here!

Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos – View Property Here

For a beautiful, remote lakeside stay,  Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos  is a fantastic choice.

The hotel takes inspiration from the Sami culture which informs much of Northern Norwegian life and culture, in its food, decor, and architecture.

There are several options for the kind of accommodation at this hotel.

The most affordable room style is the Wilderness Room, which is your typical hotel room with Scandinavian and Nordic design elements. It’s comfortable and has an en-suite bathroom, but isn’t as unique an offering as the other room types at this hotel.

Another great choice are the Arctic Chalets with large panoramic windows for seeing the Northern lights from your window — and these come complete with a private sauna! These are also quite reasonably priced.

Another option are their Log Cabins, which include a cabin and a fireplace, which can sleep six — you’ll have to inquire directly with the hotel regarding this, as it’s not available on the booking website.

But the reason most people come to Wilderness Hotel Inari is for their Aurora Cabins, which feature several panels of glass shaped similarly to a Sami  lavvo  (similar to a tipi).

This is where you’ve seen those viral photos of a person in bed with the Northern lights dancing all around them through the paneled glass windows.

In terms of amenities, there is an onsite restaurant that serves Northern Finnish cuisine including dishes like reindeer and moose, well as an on-site sauna for communal use.

All sorts of activities are also on offer here, including snowmobiling, husky safaris, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and aurora chasing tours.

Check reviews, room types, and availability here at Wilderness Hotel Inari here!

Star Arctic Hotel – View Property Here

Located on top of a beautiful mountain, you can enjoy some of the best views of the aurora you can possibly imagine at  Star Arctic Hotel !

Just 17 miles from Ivalo Airport and yet feeling like another world atop beautiful Kaunispää Mountain, the property has everything you need to feel at home and tick seeing the Northern lights off your bucket list.

This hotel doesn’t have “glass igloos” per se but it does have Aurora Cabins, which feature pyramid-shaped glass roofs that give a similar 360-degree effect from the bedroom portion of the cabin.

There are also View Suites which do not have the glass roof, but do have large panoramic windows, as well as View Suites that also come with en-suite saunas!

As with all the other Finland Northern lights hotels on this list, they can assist you with any winter activity bookings you want to make, from dog sledding to snowmobiling and beyond!

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Igloos and Chalets – View Property Here

One of the classics of Northern lights hotels,  Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort  is one of the most famous glass igloo hotels in Northern Finland.

In fact, when you think of glass igloos in Finland, this is probably the property that comes to mind.

Located way in the North, far from light pollution, you can enjoy pristine skies many nights of the year at Kakslauttanen Resort.

However, since this is the original, it is one of the more expensive offerings. That said, they have updated what they offer so that it does have some unique qualities that other glass igloo resorts in Finland don’t have.

Their newest room type, the Kelo-Glass igloos, combines a log cabin feel with the standard glass aurora dome you are used to seeing in a Finland glass igloo.

These rooms sleep up to six so it’s perfect if you need an extra bed or two for kids or other people in your party, as many glass igloos only sleep two people comfortably.

Check reviews, room types, and availability here at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort here!

Other Northern Lights Hotels in Finland

Seaside glass villas – view property here.

While located in Kemi — not technically part of Lapland — the  Seaside Glass Villas  are another possible choice for a Northern lights hotel.

These villages feature glass windows on the ceiling, in front of the bed, and on one full side of the bedroom area (all the side windows can be covered up with curtains for privacy), with one wooden-paneled wall.

There’s also a cozy sauna to enjoy and walks along the seaside can be spectacular.

However, do note that Kemi is further south than Rovaniemi, not to mention other Northern lights hotels which are even further north (and therefore, a lot more likely to get better aurora displays!)

Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this as my top choice for a Northern lights hotel, even though it does look spectacular, simply because Kemi is not the most predictable place to see the Northern lights.

Check reviews, rooms, photos, and availability at Seaside Glass Villas here!

FAQs About Glass Igloos in Finland

Where can I find glass igloos in Finland?

Generally, you’ll find glass igloos around Rovaniemi and points further north, as those are part of the Arctic Circle.

There is the most selection around Rovaniemi itself, but there are also some choices in area around Kittilä Airport (Levi, etc.) and Ivalo Airport (Saariselkä, etc.)

Can I see the Northern Lights from a glass igloo?

Yes – that’s kind of the whole point!

The igloos have glass roofs that are heated to help melt any snowfall, so it doesn’t pile up and obstruct your view.

You’ll have to keep all your lights off and not look at bright lights (put that phone away!) to adjust your eyes to see the aurora properly, but if it’s strong, you can see it from bed!

What time of the year is best to stay in a glass igloo in Finland?

Every season has its benefits! Of course, it’s most popular to stay in a glass igloo in the winter because of the aurora.

But these glass igloos are also really marvelous to stay at in the summer, when there’s midnight sun (don’t worry — there are blackout curtains!)

Early spring and fall also have some possibility of seeing the aurora, so these may be the most affordable time to stay in a glass igloo and still see the Northern lights.

What facilities are available in a glass igloo?

Generally, a glass igloo will have everything that a regular hotel room has (and sometimes more!).

All these Finland glass igloos are very high-tech. They all have a modern, en-suite bathroom, and some have kitchenettes.

Every glass igloo will be well-heated and have privacy curtains that you can draw closed when you need to.

Some igloos come with aurora alarms and a member of the staff who will alert them if the Northern lights are putting on a show!

How to Get to Finnish Lapland

The best way typically is to fly into Helsinki (which is also a great winter destination! ).

Then you can take a connecting flight to one of the three major airports in Finnish Lapland: Rovaniemi Airport, Kittila Airport, and Ivalo Airport , listed in order from southernmost to northernmost.

Rovaniemi is the most popular base for Finnish Lapland adventures because it’s home to Santa Claus Village — but that also means it is the busiest and most light-polluted area, so you’ll want to stay outside of the city center for a better chance of seeing the skies.

As you go further and further north, the Northern skies will be clearer and afford you more spectacular aurora displays!

I’ve broken down this post into three sections, corresponding to the nearest airport for each, since that is a big factor when planning your trip.

Another question people often ask is do you need to rent a car? Frankly, it depends.

Unless you’re a seasoned (ha) winter driver, I would say no — it’s safer and likely more economical to simply book transfers or taxis from the airport to your destinations.

Once at your Finland Northern lights hotel, many of the activities are organized on-site, and you won’t have to worry about transportation.

However, if you prefer the comfort and freedom that having a rental car gives you, it may be a good choice. If you do opt to rent a car, Rovaniemi Airport will have the most options and the best prices on car rentals.

I recommend searching with Discover Cars , which browses through a database of over 500 rental car agencies to find the best price for your rental.

Click here to compare prices on rental cars!

What to Pack to Take Photos of the Northern Lights

Mirrorless or DSLR Camera |  Personally, I prefer mirrorless cameras because they are really lightweight. Ever since I started blogging in 2016, I’ve been using the Sony mirrorless series. 

I now use a  Sony A7 II  camera body, which is a step-down from their top-tier full frame camera, but it is still professional grade. Before that, I was using a  Sony A6000 , which is a more affordable option.

Wide Angle Lens |  Besides your camera body, you’ll also want to make sure you have a wide-angle lens (like this one for the  Sony full frame series , or this one for the  Sony crop sensor cameras ). 

As a rule of thumb, full frame camera gear tends to be pricier than crop sensor gear, but you will be able to capture a lot more of the night sky with a full frame camera with a wide angle lens than you will with a crop sensor, which has a magnifying effect.

Lens Warmer |  If you have a large camera lens, you may want to grab a  lens warmer  which will keep your camera from icing up.

Sounds weird, but trust me, it happens a lot when shooting the Northern lights (take it from me!)

Hand Warmers |  It gets super cold while waiting for the Northern lights a lot of the time! 

These  rechargeable hand warmers  are great to keep in your gloves or mittens, or in your pocket to keep your batteries warm!

Extra camera batteries |  Be sure to have lots of extra batteries with you, fully charged. 

The cold will zap the battery way faster than you are used to! This  four-pack of Sony-compatible batteries  will serve you well.

Tripod |  You’ll absolutely want a  sturdy tripod  to stabilize your camera for Northern lights photos in Finland. I suggest setting up a two-second delay on taking photos, so that there is no camera shake from you pressing the shutter button. 

The Sony cameras also have a feature where you can control snapping photos with your smartphone, which will also reduce the potential shake but allow you more control of when exactly you snap the photo, so you don’t miss anything. 

You don’t need a super expensive tripod, but it does need to have a little heft to it so that wind does not shake it and blur your photos, so resist the urge to buy the cheapest possible Amazon option.

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Thankyou for the comprehensive blog. It’s very informative.

You’re welcome – have a great trip 🙂

Wow, these glass igloos look amazing! I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights in person, and now I can do it from the comfort of a cozy bed. Finland, here I come! ❄️

Hope you enjoy Angela <3 It's quite magical!

H! I was wondering why you left off Northern Lights Village resorts (Saariselka and Levi)? Is there experience not the same level as other properties in the region – for example Star Arctic, Wilderness Hotel, Aurora Pyramids, etc. Just wondering as we are trying to plan our trip for 2025 and its very hard to differentiate one place from the other.

Also, do you have any opinion on Cahkal Hotel or any of the other ones in that Northwestern corner?

Hi Mohit! The post was already so long but I will definitely adjust the post to speak about those resorts when I update it for the 2024-2025 winter season, so thank you for asking!

In the meantime, my friend stayed at Northern Lights Village Saariselka and loved it. You can read her review here: https://www.meganstarr.com/northern-lights-village-saariselka-review/

I have personally visited the ones in Rovaniemi and in that area, Apukka is my top pick 🙂 I don’t know anything about Cahkal Hotel, sorry!

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15 Unique Aurora Cabins & Glass Igloos in Finland to See The Northern Lights

Visiting Finland in winter and looking for unique Finland hotels? You are in the right place because this article features the best glass igloos in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

Finland during winter is a bucket list experience for many travelers. This Northern European gem transforms into a magical wonderland when the temperatures drop, and snow blankets the landscape.

From the breathtaking Northern Lights to thrilling outdoor adventures and cozy cultural encounters, a winter journey to Finland is a dream come true for those in search of a truly unforgettable escape.

The accommodation options in Finland during winter are as extraordinary as the experiences themselves. Glass igloos and Aurora cabins allow you to sleep under the stars and, if the conditions are right, gaze upon the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own beds.

This is why I have gathered only the best glass igloos in Finland to see the Northern Lights for an ultimate experience directly from your accommodation.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay in Finland? Our top picks for the best glass igloo hotels in Finland:

• Best 5-star luxury glass igloo in Finland: Golden Crown – Levin Iglut
• Romantic glass igloo in Finland for couples : Apukka Resort
• Best glass igloo in Finland for families : Glass Resort
• Unique igloo hotel in Finland with ice rooms : Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
• Best glass igloo near Santa Claus Village : Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Best glass igloos in Rovaniemi, Finland

Apukka resort.

⭐️ Rating on booking: 8+ 🌇 Closest city: Rovaniemi 📅 Check rates and availability

Apukka Resort lies a few minutes away from the town of Rovaniemi and the Santa Claus Village. Due to its location, it is one of the most romantic glass igloos in Finland.

The property offers several kinds of accommodations, from the standard Aurora Cabin to the Komsio Glass Igloo Suite. Each accommodation boasts its own personality and it offers a privileged view from its glass walls and roof.

Apukka Resort is also an ideal place to try a lot of fun activities while being surrounded by the beautiful nature surrounding. You can arrange adventurous Northern Lights safaris and snowmobiling experiences.

Animal lovers can try the experience of husky safaris and understand how these animals helped to develop the Sami society, while if you are a Christmas enthusiast you can’t miss the reindeer sleigh rides.

The resort has on-site restaurants and incredible dinner experiences for your comfort and pleasure. Two restaurants welcome guests with a unique and special menu that will make you embark on a journey to discover the Arctic cuisine and traditions.

What did guests love about Apukka Resort?

“The Rooms are outstanding. My Room view was perfect, facing the lake. Extremely quiet and private rooms. Good for couples and families. The Appuka envoirament is amazing. The Staff is well-trained to provide the best treatment. The Appuka Resort is 5 5-minute drive from the Santa Claus Village and no more than 15 minutes from the airport. I recommend staying a minimum of 3 or 4 days to enjoy the hotel and the city attractions. If you have never done a sauna, do it at Appuka Resort, will be a nice experience. I will definitely be back 1 day with my wife.”

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos opened for the first time in 2008 and it is one of the top glass igloo hotels in Finland. 

Located right on the Arctic Circle, it is only a 30-minute drive from central Rovaniemi. This privileged location makes it one of the best glass igloos in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

One of the standout features of this hotel is its special Aurora Borealis alarm service, ensuring that guests never miss the incredible appearance of the Northern Lights.

Arctic SnowHotel is also one of the largest snow hotels in the world, with the capacity to accommodate up to 70 guests. The accommodation options include superior rooms in double, triple, and family categories.

The hotel offers a wide array of on-site experiences for both adults and kids, including snowshoeing and ice fishing guided by locals. You can also borrow toboggans and kick sleds free of charge. And of course, a Finnish sauna is available for guests free of charge.

Guests looking for memorable experiences might want to try Husky and reindeer safaris to connect with local fauna. And if you’re a Christmas enthusiast, the Santa Claus Village is only a few kilometers away from the hotel.

For adventurous souls, the Electric Snowscoot Safari is an exhilarating choice. It offers an exciting ride on electric snow scooters through the nearby surroundings.

RELATED : Best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia to Book in Winter

What did guests love about Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos?

“The glass igloo has everything you need. Comfy bed, refrigerator, shower, and so on. You can see the stars and if you are lucky even polar lights.”

Glass Resort

⭐️ Rating on booking: 9+ 🌇 Closest city: Rovaniemi 📅 Check rates and availability

Located in the heart of Rovaniemi, Glass Resort stands out as one of premier Finland’s igloo hotels, offering a winter retreat right in the Santa Claus Village. These exquisite glass igloos are designed for comfort and convenience, providing an exceptional stay amidst the winter wonderland of Lapland.

Despite its tranquil setting just five miles from central Rovaniemi, the resort offers convenient shuttle services, making it effortless to explore the nearby attractions.

Each igloo comes equipped with a tablet, allowing seamless communication with the front desk. Moreover, these tablets provide Northern Lights alerts, ensuring you never miss the dance of the Northern Lights.

But there is more! Inside the igloo, you will find a defrost button, which guarantees that you get a clear view at any time of the day. This is truly one of the best places to stay in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

For those seeking an extra layer of luxury, the premium igloos are perfect for couples with a private sauna. Additionally, families are not left behind, as there are spacious family igloos designed for four, complete with an alcove for two more individuals to sleep comfortably.

Combining luxurious amenities, technological innovation, and the natural wonders of Lapland, Glass Resort is there to make your stay memorable and ensure your winter stay in Rovaniemi is nothing short of magical.

What did guests love about Glass Resort?

“World-class accommodation. Incredible design, thoughtful layout, and inclusions. Warm, welcoming staff all set against the stunning backdrop of Lapland. The meals in the restaurant are just divine. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Aurora Hut Igloo

Among the multiple ways to experience the Northern Lights in Finland, none quite compare to the intimacy and magic of the Aurora hut igloo, a luxury glass igloo nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

This luxury glass igloo is designed for a memorable holiday for two. The standout feature is the unobstructed floor-to-ceiling view of the outdoors and the sky.

Inside, you’ll find a double bed, a kitchen for preparing meals, a fold-down dining table, a cellar, and a toilet. Ample storage space is available under the bed, and you have complete control over the heating and lighting to customize your comfort. Curtains provide privacy during your stay.

Step outside, and you’ll discover a wood-fired hot tub, perfect for a relaxing soak. The sauna building, exclusively for your use during your stay, features a shower, a wood-fired sauna, a kitchenette, a fridge, and a spacious bunk bed.

So, why just dream of the Northern Lights when you can embrace them in the warmth and comfort of your very own glass sanctuary? Head to Aurora Hut Igloo – one of the best hotels in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

What did guests love about Aurora hut igloo?

“The whole experience was fab, the igloo was so warm and comfortable. The facilities were great, an outdoor grill with plenty of wood available to light, a small fridge, kettle, and coffee machine in the igloo, and fab little complimentary snacks/drinks, absolutely loved the experience, the igloo, and the setting.”

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Located in the heart of Santa Claus Village, you will find Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, which is one of Finland’s finest igloo hotels. Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle is your gateway to the Arctic wonderland, where the beauty of the Northern Lights and the spirit of the North Pole come together.

At Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, there are four distinct types of glass igloos available: Premium Igloos, Premium Igloos with Sauna, Premium Igloos with Hot Tub, and Premium Igloos with Alcove.

For those seeking more space, the Igloos with Sauna and Igloos with Alcove can be connected, creating a larger accommodation ideal for families or groups of friends.

Each of the air-conditioned igloos at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle hosts a private bathroom complete with a refreshing rain shower. To enhance your comfort, you’ll find sleeping masks, cozy bathrobes, and snug slippers provided. 

What truly sets these igloos apart is their innovative use of technology. In each igloo, a tablet is at your disposal, serving as a direct line of communication with the reception. Also, it’s your personal guide to the Northern Lights, offering alarms so you don’t miss the magic show.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Eye Restaurant at the center of the Igloos area offers Lapland and Northern flavors with an international touch. With large North-facing windows, it seats up to 120 people. Don’t fret about missing the Northern lights – the staff issues an Aurora Alarm!

What did guests love about Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle?

“We came for a birthday celebration at the very end of March/ beginning of April. it was such a cute location minutes from Santa’s Village. Since we were at the end of the northern lights season, we weren’t sure we would see anything, but boy we’re surprised! it was the most beautiful thing and we were able to experience it from our room and walk for less than a mile around the grounds. the staff were super friendly and even celebrated my birthday with me! would highly recommend it!”

Best glass igloos in Lapland, Finland

Kakslauttanen arctic resort – igloos and chalets.

⭐️ Rating on booking: 7+ 🌇 Closest city: Sodankyla 📅 Check rates and availability

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is more than a simple resort offering chalets and glass igloos in Finland. it is a place where you can find the largest smoke sauna and one of the best places to stay in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

The thermal glass igloos feature a bedroom with a glass roof and luxury beds. Some igloos include a bathroom with a sauna, while others have shared shower facilities.

If your igloo doesn’t come with a private sauna there are other 6 saunas available, each with a relaxation room with an open fireplace, and a nearby ice hole for cooling off.

A wide range of experiences like husky or reindeer safari are available to get in touch with local fauna. If you feel more adventurous you can try tank or snowmobile safari. Sports enthusiasts will love ice fishing cross-country or downhill skiing. For an extra thrill, a freestyle park is available for snowboarding.

There are 2  à la carte restaurants in the Resort, which serve Laplandic specialties such as reindeer and char-grilled salmon. The hotel’s smoke sauna even has its own restaurant, Savusauna.

Sounds pretty impressive, right? Well, this is one of the best glass igloo resorts in Finland for observing the Northern lights and for a good reason.

What did guests love about Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets?

“The location was great, meals were adequate. We were able to clearly see northern lights both from our igloo and outside. The husky experience was the best.”

Golden Crown – Levin Iglut

⭐️ Rating on booking: 9+ 🌇 Closest city: Sirkka 📅 Check rates and availability

Golden Crown – Levin Iglut offers some incredible luxury glass igloos in Finland you don’t want to miss if you want to catch the Northern lights.

The complex lies in the heart of the Finnish Lapland right next to the Levi Ski Resort. This is one of the top glass igloo hotels in Finland if you want to ski during your vacation.

But that’s not all; these igloos take comfort to the next level. They feature electronically adjustable beds and provide enchanting mountain views. Some even come with a hot tub and XL king-size beds for that extra touch of luxury.

What makes these glass igloos extra special is their unobstructed view of the northern sky. So, if luck is on your side, you might just admire the Northern Lights while lying in your bed.

You’ll find shared BBQ facilities in a charming wooden tipi hut, complete with an open fireplace. And if you’re in the mood for a Finnish meal, there’s a glass-roofed Scandinavian-style restaurant that’s open from September until April.

What did guests love about Golden Crown – Levin Iglut?

“The igloos are wonderful, the staff is great, food is delicious (very much gluten-free and milk-free options). And we saw northern lights!”

Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos

⭐️ Rating on booking: 8+ 🌇 Closest city: Ranua 📅 Check rates and availability

Ranua is one of the famous glass igloo hotels in Northern Finland, so let’s dive in and discover what is so special about it.

First of all, it is located in the heart of Lapland on Lake Ranuanjärvi, so the guests love its convenient location. Some igloos are set directly on the lake which makes it a perfect place to see the Northern Lights.

Each igloo is equipped with a private sauna, kitchenette, and bathroom. This means you can relax in your personal sauna, prepare your own meals, and enjoy the convenience of a bathroom whenever you need it.

Finland’s Arctic region is known for its thrilling safari experiences, and the resort’s staff can help you organize a variety of activities. Whether you’re keen on exploring the snowy landscapes on a husky safari, watching the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or embarking on a snowmobile adventure, they’ve got you covered. 

Hungry? The on-site restaurant with a bar is the perfect place to enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks. A daily breakfast is served, providing a great start to your day of adventure. Additionally, there’s a garden with barbecue facilities, perfect for a cozy evening under the northern lights.

What did guests love about Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos?

“Everything was perfect. The Igloo was incredible in every way. The staff was also very polite and helpful. A must-do experience!!”

Pyhä Igloos

⭐️ Rating on booking: 9+ 🌇 Closest city: Pyhätunturi 📅 Check rates and availability

Nestled just a few kilometers away from two distinct ski resorts, Pyhän Asteli enjoys an ideal location far from the busy towns. Over the years, it has gained popularity among groups seeking the thrill of exceptional skiing opportunities.

Recognizing the increasing demand for accommodations designed for a comfortable Northern Lights experience, Pyhän Asteli has introduced five modern glass igloos making it one of the most beautiful glass igloo hotels in Finland. 

Pyhän Asteli’s glass igloos are notably spacious, surpassing the size of most others you may have encountered. With ample room to unwind, these igloos offer a generous and comfortable setting for your stay.

Each igloo features a generously sized, exceptionally comfortable double bed and glass ceilings that extend around half of the TeePee-shaped ceiling.

The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, bidet, and hair dryer, while the kitchenette features a dishwasher, a microwave, and a toaster. A fridge, a stovetop, and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

You can enjoy a private sauna and outdoor jacuzzi experience. Get toasty in the sauna and then unwind in the Lapland air in the jacuzzi. Ideal for up to 4 adults, and there’s an outdoor patio too. Perfect after a day of Pyhätunturi adventures!

Or discover the cozy Kota (Arctic Barbecue Hut) of Pyhä Igloos. It seats up to 8 and has glass windows in the ceiling for Northern Lights viewing. It’s available for Pyhä Igloos guests on a complimentary basis or privately for a special experience.

The options are endless and I am sure that you will leave Pyhä Igloos with memories for a lifetime.

What did guests love about Pyhä Igloos?

“The igloo has everything you need and looks absolutely beautiful! The bed is very comfy and you can watch the stars and northern lights from your bed. The kitchen has everything you need and the floor heating is a big plus.”

Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos

⭐️ Rating on booking: 8+ 🌇 Closest city: Luosto 📅 Check rates and availability

Located beside the pristine Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos welcomes travelers to a world where the beauty of Finnish nature meets the comforts of modern luxury. Let’s unlock what makes Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos one of the top glass igloo hotels in Finland.

While the hotel offers an array of accommodations, it’s the glass igloos that steal the spotlight. Hidden amidst this Arctic wonderland, the hotel proudly presents ten exquisitely designed igloos, each a masterpiece in its own right.

The defining feature of these igloos is their heated glass ceilings, which offer an uninterrupted view of the Arctic sky. This is something that you would expect when staying at the Finland Northern Lights hotel.

Yet, what truly sets these igloos apart is the ingenious ‘Aurora alarm’ feature. This innovation makes sure that the Northern Lights are never missed. 

In a world filled with remarkable experiences, Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos offers something truly exceptional. It’s the harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and the comforts of modern living, making it a place where dreams come to life.

What did guests love about Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos?

“This is one of the best Northern Lights hotels in Finland and we have stayed in many. Everything was perfect, thank you!!!”

Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloos

⭐️ Rating on booking: 8+ 🌇 Closest city: Köngäs 📅 Check rates and availability

If you’ve ever dreamt of staying in glass igloo hotels in Finland, the Aurora Pyramids at Tonttula Experience Village are a dream come true. It is one of the best places to stay in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

Situated just a 10-minute drive from Levi Center, these pyramids offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of Lapland. Kittilä Airport, conveniently located 21 kilometers away, ensures smooth access to this celestial retreat.

As you step inside the 30-square-meter pyramid, you’re welcomed into a world of comfort and convenience. A cozy double bed, a functional desktop, and comfortable bar chairs create the perfect setting for relaxation.

For families or groups of four, an additional armchair easily converts into an extra bed. You’ll also find modern amenities, including a television, a small kitchenette, and a well-equipped WC/shower, all designed to make your stay as convenient as it is comfortable.

Inside the pyramid, you’ll discover essential amenities such as a fridge, a water kettle, and a capsule coffee maker. 

The Aurora Pyramids cater to couples in search of a romantic getaway and parties of four, making it an ideal choice for both intimate escapes and family adventures. 

What did guests love about Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloos?

“Very nice accommodation. The surroundings were fantastic and lovely. They have a beautiful sauna in a wooden hut with a view of the river. You can stay in a glassy Pyramid, in one of the beautifully furnished huts, or in one of the nice rooms in the hotel. The café, where you can have breakfast is big but very cosy. The owner of the complex has probably realized a childhood dream here and set up a fairy forest that you can visit.”

Northern Lights Village Saariselkä

⭐️ Rating on booking: 9+ 🌇 Closest city: Saariselkä 📅 Check rates and availability

Northern Lights Village is set in the town of Saariselkä, and it offers some of the most impressive Aurora Cabins in Finland.

The village offers several accommodations where small and big groups are welcome to take advantage of the beautiful glass roof and admire the Northern Lights.

But the magic view is not the only reason that makes Northern Lights Village Saariselkä one of the best Finland’s best glass igloos and aurora hotels. 

The accommodations are fully equipped and spacious. They can accommodate up to six people in a cozy and stylish ambiance, decorated with typical Finnish and Scandinavian touch.

On-site, guests can interact with reindeer in the village padlock. Here guests of all ages can try the unique experience of feeding or petting these beautiful animals.

For more adventurous guests there are snowmobiles and safaris with huskies. The Christmas enthusiast can embark on an adventure to find Santa Claus.

Food lovers will love the on-site restaurant Kota, where arctic specialties are skilfully prepared every day by using only local products, offering a fantastic buffet or a la carte menu.

What did guests love about Northern Lights Village Saariselkä?

“Amazing individual cabins with views towards the skies in hopes of catching the Auroras. AMAZING food is included in my rate and walkable to the small town shops and other restaurants.”

Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos

⭐️ Rating on booking: 9+ 🌇 Closest city: Kilpisjärvi 📅 Check rates and availability

If you are looking for a beautiful glass igloo hotel in Finland, Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos is a fantastic solution to admire the Northern Lights and not only.

The resort offers some prime superior igloos standing on the banks of a lake in the extreme north of Finland at the border with Sweden.

Despite the classic decoration of the accommodation, the igloo boasts all the modern comforts and amenities for a pleasant stay.

King-sized beds, coffee machines, and flat-screen smart TVs are just an example of what guests can expect when booking accommodation here. 

But the magic of Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos isn’t limited to the indoors. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. The resort offers a wide range of experiences that set it apart as one of the best glass igloo destinations in Finland.

For those who love animals, there’s a reindeer farm where you can respectfully interact with these wonderful creatures in various ways.

Also, the resort takes the Finnish sauna experience to the next level. Picture yourself in a soothing sauna, followed by a dip in an outdoor hot tub – all while surrounded by free-roaming reindeer. It’s an experience that’s sure to rejuvenate your body and soul.

What did guests love about Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos?

“This was the best stay we have ever had.  Everything was perfect.  I had no idea that this was on a reindeer farm, there were easily 500 free-roaming reindeer.  We were fortunate to see and fall asleep to the northern lights from the bed.  Amazing stay.”

Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos

⭐️ Rating on booking: 9+ 🌇 Closest city: Inari 📅 Check rates and availability

Nestled along the shores of Lake Inari, Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos offers a unique blend of accommodations and activities, drawing inspiration from the rich culture of the Sami people.

Choose from an array of cozy options for your stay, including an Aurora cabin with amazing sky views, a traditional log cabin overlooking Lake Inari, or a wilderness room adorned with authentic Lappish decorations.

Every room comes complete with a well-appointed bathroom featuring essential toiletries. Some of the rooms even include a personal sauna and a flat-screen TV.

Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast served daily at the property. For a true taste of Lapland, indulge in the delights of the Lappish-themed restaurant Ukko, where you can savor your meal while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Inari.

Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos offers an exciting range of activities, from thrilling husky safaris and serene cross-country skiing to immersive visits to reindeer farms, ice fishing adventures, and amazing Northern Lights.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this hotel has something for everyone. It is a famous Finland glass igloo resort and for a good reason.

What did guests love about Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos?

“The location is pretty and remote. My absolute favorite thing was the igloo sauna by the lake as it was well priced at 20 euros an hour. The breakfast buffet had a good variety and was a decent standard. The main lodge was nice to relax in and have an afternoon drink. This was the only place to get wifi so it tended to be a bit more lively.”

Best glass igloos in Finland (outside Lapland)

Magical pond nature igloos.

⭐️ Rating on booking: 8+ 🌇 Closest city: Ruka 📅 Check rates and availability

Hidden in Ruka, just 48 kilometers from the breathtaking Riisitunturi National Park, Magical Pond Nature Igloos is an absolute gem and a great glass igloo to stay in Finland to see the Northern Lights.

Each glass igloo is equipped with air conditioning to keep you comfortable, a fridge and minibar for your convenience, and a coffee machine to brew your favorite beverages.

You’ll find a well-appointed private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer, and cozy bed linens for your comfort. The glass walls allow you to gaze at the surrounding natural beauty from the comfort of your bed.

Magical Pond Nature Igloos has a variety of amenities that enhance your stay. From a shared lounge for socializing to free private parking for your convenience, this retreat has you covered.

The terrace is perfect for soaking in the serene views, while the on-site restaurant ensures you’re well-fed with delicious meals. Additionally, you can unwind at the bar or explore water sports and your very own private beach area.

With a range of amenities, delicious breakfast choices, and a prime location for outdoor activities, it’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for a Finland glass igloo experience. 

What did guests love about Magical Pond Nature Igloos?

“This place is really magical. The view from the cabin is simply stunning, with snow-covered trees and a frozen lake in front of you, it’s a pleasure to just sit there and chill in complete silence. The cabin is small but amazingly cozy, the bed is huge and super comfortable, the bathroom is large enough and the floor heating allows it to dry up quickly after showering. Totally recommended for taking a relaxing break in the nature of wonderful Lapland.”

Staying in the glass igloos in Finland? Things you need to know

Are there glass igloos in Finland?

The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Finland offers an extraordinary way to experience the beauty of its pristine landscapes and the mesmerizing Northern Lights – through the magical glass igloos.

Where can I find glass igloos in Finland?

In the northern reaches of Finland, where the Arctic wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see, you’ll find some of the most remarkable glass igloos in the world.

Can I see the Northern Lights from a glass igloo?

Depends on your luck! However, glass igloos in Finland are designed to witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own cozy space. The transparent roofs provide an unobstructed view of the celestial light show, making it a remarkable experience.

RELATED : Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland

How much does it cost to stay in a glass igloo?

The cost of staying in a glass igloo in Finland can vary depending on the location, time of year, and the level of comfort and amenities provided. On average, prices typically range from around $300 to $600 per night. However, during the peak Northern Lights season, prices may be higher. 

What time of the year is best to stay in a glass igloo in Finland?

The best time to stay in a glass igloo in Finland is during the winter months, from late September to early April. This period offers the highest chances of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

The Arctic winter provides long, dark nights, which are ideal for experiencing this natural phenomenon. Keep in mind that December to March is considered the peak season for Northern Lights viewing.

Further reading for Finland

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland

Complete Itinerary: How to Spend 1 Day in Helsinki, Finland

Best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia to Book in Winter

Going to Sweden next?

• 12 Best Hotels in Stockholm With a View That You Will Love
• 40 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Stockholm, Sweden
• Complete Itinerary: How to Spend 2 days in Stockholm
• 5 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Stockholm, Sweden
• 17 Best Free Things to Do in Stockholm + Stockholm Budget Tips
• 130+ Best Sweden Quotes and Sweden Instagram Captions
• 13 Best Photo Spots in Stockholm For Stunning Stockholm Postcards

Or read more about: Helsinki | Finland | Scandinavia

Other useful tips for visiting Finland

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car? Use Rentalcars ✈️ Looking for the best flight deals? Check WayAway 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

I am sure that by now you have picked the best glass igloos in Finland for your next trip and can’t wait to see the magic of this experience.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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One Of Canada's Best Places To View The Northern Lights Transforms Into A Fall-Colored Haven

The northern lights, or aurora borealis as they are known in the Northern Hemisphere — not to be confused with aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere — are an incredible natural phenomenon and a true spectacle to witness firsthand. Appearing as multi-colored ribbons of light that dance through the sky, the Northern Lights are caused by particles energized by solar storms reacting with the Earth's atmosphere. Named as the number one bucket list activity by Forbes , travelers are more likely to successfully sight the Northern Lights in polar regions where solar activity is strongest. It's little wonder that so many adventurous travelers "chase the lights," a term used to illustrate their elusiveness.

The best global locations to witness the Northern Lights are Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. The northwest territories of Canada, in particular, are an idyllic destination for those wanting to watch the Northern Lights without venturing as far as Europe. Yellowknife, a traditional Canadian mining town, is revered as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights . It is also a gorgeous travel destination in its own right, boasting stunning lakeside views, incredible hiking trails, and quintessential fall natural landscapes worthy of sharing on Instagram.

Where, how, and when to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife

The best time to catch a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis in Yellowknife is between mid-November and early April, when the skies are dark, clear, and solar activity tends to be greater. Should you visit in the mid-April through to August, you may be disappointed, as the area experiences a midnight sun period (continuous daylight) due to its location within the Arctic Circle. For those wanting to avoid freezing temperatures, September is not only picturesque due to the changing colors and beauty of Yellowknife's natural surroundings, but you also avoid the freezing temperatures the city experiences in the depths of winter, sometimes reaching as low as -40 degrees Celsius.

Northern Lights Tours is a highly rated tour operator local to the area. Their tour costs $85 Canadian (about $63 USD) per person, reduced to $75 Canadian (about $56 USD) if you book for more than one night. The tour includes visits to multiple locations where sighting conditions are optimal, professional photography services, and hot drinks and snacks. The benefit of an organized tour like this one is that the team is knowledgeable about the area and likelihood of a sighting — essential for taking in the beautiful views of the Northern Lights , especially since seeing them is never guaranteed. If you'd prefer to go looking for the aurora yourself, the local website Yellowknife Online has kindly listed all the best spots to view the Northern Lights in the city and surrounding area, complete with maps for easy navigation. Hiring a car would be your best bet to get around; Hertz Car Rental and Budget Car Rental are both reputable companies in the city.

Witness the majesty and colors of fall in all its glory in Yellowknife

If you're already in the area waiting for a northern lights sighting at night, why not make the most of your visit by seeing what else Yellowknife has to offer? A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Yellowknife is a flourishing fall getaway destination . Yellowknife's Old Town is a picturesque part of the city, showcasing its rich history and heritage. One Google review said: "This part of the city has a nice old/northern vibe and is a photographer's dream. The lakefront is one of the best spots in the world for seaplane spotting, and the Bush Pilots Monument provides beautiful panoramic views of the city ... and the surrounding islands." At the Yellowknife Historical Museum , you can learn more about its gold mining backstory. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and entry is free. The Great Slave Lake is a must-visit no matter the season, but it looks particularly pretty in the fall when you can catch the blur of brown, orange, and yellow reflections of trees that surround the lake edge.

Hiking enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice with trails that showcase the spellbinding natural beauty of the area. The Prospector's Trail is a scenic — often muddy — two-hour loop that takes you around a rocky area where gold miners once resided. The Frame Lake Trail is another popular option, taking you on a 4 mile loop. The eastern part of the trial will take you through a beautiful boreal forest, full of spruce and pine trees. The other half is more rugged, allowing you to spot local wildlife species like coyotes and muskrats, as well as various shorebirds and water birds. Hikers should take care exploring trails, as black bear sightings are not uncommon. Packing bug spray and wearing sturdy, waterproof footwear is also advised.

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Northern lights forecast: aurora may be visible in u.s. for two years, scientists say.

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The aurora borealis, also known as Northern Lights, illuminates the night sky above the Kellostapuli ... [+] Fell in Kolari, Finnish Lapland, early on January 15, 2022. (Photo by IRENE STACHON/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

New research into May 10-12's solar “superstorm” and resulting U.S.-wide displays of northern lights has revealed that the incident changed Earth's atmosphere in unprecedented ways.

The scientists involved in a study of the G5-rated geomagnetic storm also made a prediction that will make skywatchers happy.

“One reason we study geomagnetic storms is to try and build models to predict their impacts,” said Scott England, a co-author of one of two new papers published ( here and here ) in Geophysical Research Letters and associate professor at Virginia Tech. “Based on the solar cycle, we’d expect the conditions we’re seeing this year to be around for about the next two years.”

Upper Atmosphere

During May's strongest geomagnetic storm in the last 20 years, the researchers used NASA's GOLD satellite to study changes in Earth's ionosphere. It's an upper layer of the atmosphere that is electrically charged by radiation from the sun. It extends 50 to 400 miles overhead, where satellites and the International Space Station orbit.

The northern lights are caused by energetic, charged particles hitting our upper atmosphere. “During solar geomagnetic storms, there’s a lot more of these energetic charged particles in the space around Earth, so we see a brightening of the northern lights and the region over which you can see them spreads out to include places like the lower 48 states that usually don’t see this display," said England.

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What the researchers saw in the data from GOLD was that during the solar storm, the air moved away from the aurora to create vortices that moved air in a spiral larger than a hurricane.

Low energy charged particles moved from around the equator toward the aurora, which is important because that could negatively impact GPS, satellites, and even the electrical grid. The cause appears to be changes in temperature and pressure.

“As the aurora intensifies, you see more lights, but along with that, there’s more energy entering the atmosphere, so it makes the atmosphere near the poles very hot, which starts to push air away from the poles and towards the equator,” said England.

Implications For Satellites

Could there be implications for satellites that orbit that region of the atmosphere?

The temperature and composition of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere change constantly. That's because it grows during the day and shrinks during the night. NASA recently studied it during April 8's total solar eclipse.

An intense burst of radiation hits the ionosphere in the wake of a solar flare and a coronal mass ejection from the sun. It changes the composition and speed of the charged particles within Earth’s atmosphere.

The ionosphere is where signals from satellites, as well as long-wave radio, must travel through. During an intense display of northern lights, changes in the ionosphere can disrupt signals, making GPS signals inaccurate.

Solar Activity

The aurora generally forms an oval around the poles but can expand during intense geomagnetic storms. Its normal southern boundary is at approximately 70 degrees north and south, but during severe conditions, it may extend to around 40 degrees north and south, or farther—as it did on May 10-12.

An alignment between the magnetic poles of Earth and the solar wind means that the northern and southern lights can be at their most intense around the equinoxes, making September a critical month for aurora sightings across the globe.

Solar activity is currently at a 23-year high due to the sun being close to its peak in the 11-year solar cycle, which results in varying magnetic activity. That peak is destined to occur either this year or in 2025.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

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Food & drink, announcements, northern lights to be visible in uk skies this week - see when and where, northern lights to be visible in the uk this week - see when.

The Northern Lights are set to be visible in parts of the UK this week, according to the Met Office.

Stargazers across the country have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, on numerous occasions already in 2024.

Brits are set to get another chance to see what is described as "one of the most spectacular displays in the night sky" this week, according to Met Office forecasts.

Best time to see the Northern Lights this week

The Northern Lights may be visible in parts of the UK overnight on Tuesday (September 10 to 11), according to the Met Office.

The Met Office Space Weather forecast reads: "A coronal mass ejection (CME) is forecast to give a glancing blow either late 10 September or early on 11 September.

"Aurora may be visible across Scotland , Northern Ireland and northern England and similar latitudes."

The Met Office added a "slight enhancement" was also possible overnight on Monday (September 9 to 10) due to the arrival of "a weak coronal hole high speed stream".

The forecast continued: "This perhaps bringing visible aurora to the far north of Scotland and similar latitudes where skies are clear, however this is low confidence.

Best places to see the Northern Lights in the UK this week

According to the Space Weather forecast from the Met Office, the best spots to see the Northern Lights on Monday night/Tuesday morning (September 9 and 10) will be north of Scotland.

Then on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (September 10 and 11) there is the possibility of catching a glimpse of the picturesque display in skies across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

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Saturn to be visible in the UK night sky this week - find out when and how

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun hitting gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

The colours occur due to different gases in the Earth's atmosphere being energised by the charged particles.

Nitrogen and oxygen are the two most common gases in the atmosphere, with nitrogen emitting purple, blue and pink colours and oxygen emitting green.

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