Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Finland

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is by far the best place to see the northern lights. With minimal light pollution and vast open skies, it offers perfect conditions for aurora viewing. Here are some of the top locations:

Kelo Resort

Located in the small village of Yli-Kyrö, Kelo Resort provides a peaceful setting for viewing the northern lights.

With no artificial light pollution and an authentic Lapland atmosphere, it’s a dream destination for those seeking an intimate connection with nature.

Book your aurora tour from Kelo Resort

Rovaniemi

Known as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus,” Rovaniemi is a great starting point for northern lights chasers. It offers many cozy accommodations and guided aurora tours. However, its city lights can make it harder to see the auroras.

For the best views, head outside the city to Pyhä or the Ounasvaara hills.

Levi

A top ski resort in Finland, Levi combines winter sports with excellent aurora-spotting opportunities. Located in the Arctic Circle, Levi has minimal light pollution. The Levi Fell area offers open spaces and hilltops, ideal for catching a clear view of the lights. Many hotels even provide northern lights wake-up calls.

Saariselkä & Ivalo

These northern destinations are fantastic for aurora hunting. They feature unique accommodations like glass igloos, allowing you to watch the sky from your bed.

Saariselkä is surrounded by fells, while the Urho Kekkonen National Park offers vast wilderness for an uninterrupted view of the night sky.

Utsjoki

One of the most remote locations in Finland, Utsjoki has little to no light pollution. Its high latitude means a higher chance of frequent aurora activity.

The nearby Kevo Strict Nature Reserve is an excellent place for seeing the lights in a quiet and pristine setting.

Kilpisjärvi

Near the borders of Sweden and Norway, Kilpisjärvi is a hidden gem. It boasts one of the highest probabilities of northern lights sightings due to its clear skies.

The Saana Fell is a popular viewing spot, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Arctic sky.

What is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Finland?

The northern lights are visible in Finland from late August to early April.

However, the best months are September to March, when the nights are longest and darkest.

Winter (December–February): This is the peak season for aurora hunting. The long, dark nights, combined with snowy landscapes, create a magical atmosphere. Popular destinations like Levi, Saariselkä, and Rovaniemi offer plenty of winter activities alongside aurora tours.
Autumn (September–November): Fewer crowds and moderate temperatures make autumn a great time for aurora spotting. The colors of the autumn foliage provide a stunning backdrop for the lights. Remote areas like Kilpisjärvi and Utsjoki are particularly good in this season.
Spring (March–April): As the nights gradually shorten, your window for aurora viewing decreases. However, the chances remain high, especially in the far north. The advantage of spring is milder temperatures compared to deep winter.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Stay at Least 3–4 Nights – The auroras are unpredictable. Spending multiple nights increases your chances of witnessing them.
Go North – The further north you travel in Finland, the better your chances of seeing the lights.
Check the Aurora Forecast – Websites like the Finnish Meteorological Institute provide real-time aurora activity updates.
Avoid Light Pollution – Head away from city centers to experience the full brilliance of the auroras.
Choose Clear Nights – Cloud cover can block the view. Aim for nights with minimal cloud coverage.
Be Patient – The lights can appear anytime between 6 PM and 2 AM. Be prepared to wait for the magic to happen.
Use the Right Camera Settings – If you’re into photography, use a tripod and long exposure settings to capture the best shots.
Book a Guided Tour – Many local guides use expert knowledge and weather tracking to take you to the best aurora-spotting locations.
Stay in Glass Igloos or Cabins – If you prefer to watch the lights in comfort, consider staying in a glass-roofed cabin or igloo in Lapland.
Dress Warmly – Northern Finland can be extremely cold in winter. Wear insulated layers, a hat, gloves, and thermal socks to stay comfortable during long outdoor waits.

Other Things to Do While Aurora Hunting

While waiting for the northern lights, make the most of your trip by experiencing other unique Finnish activities:

Dog Sledding – A thrilling way to explore the Arctic wilderness. Many tours offer evening rides under the stars.
Snowmobiling – A faster way to cover vast snowy landscapes while searching for the auroras.
Ice Fishing – Experience the Finnish way of fishing on frozen lakes while enjoying the silence of nature.
Sauna & Ice Swimming – Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna, then take a dip in an icy lake for a true Nordic experience.
Reindeer Safaris – Ride through snowy forests on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, just like the locals have done for centuries.

Conclusion: Where to See the Northern Lights in Finland

If you’re wondering where to see the northern lights in Finland, the answer lies in the remote beauty of Lapland. Places like Levi, Saariselkä, Kilpisjärvi, and Kelo Resort provide some of the best opportunities for aurora spotting.

For those asking about the best time to see northern lights in Levi, Finland, the winter months offer the most reliable sightings.

With proper planning, a bit of patience, and a sense of adventure, you’ll witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.

You might also be interested in following articles:

Where to See the Northern Lights in Finland – 6 Best Places to See the Auroras in Finland