If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights in Finnish, Lapland, without spending a fortune, this guide is for you.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, can be one of the most incredible natural experiences of your life, and best of all, you can see them in Lapland without needing to pay for a tour.
Of course there are organised tours and activities in Lapland for those who want expert guidance, with prices ranging from £30-£200 per person. We've done one personally, and it was the highlight of our trip. So if you can afford one, I'd highly recommend taking a guided tour.
However, here’s how to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, complete with essential tips and tricks, including how to make the most of an Aurora app.
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Lapland, especially in Finland, is famous for its breath-taking displays of the Northern Lights. If you’re searching for the best place for Northern Lights in Lapland, there are a few top locations that you should consider, and the great news is that all of these places are freely accessible:
Rovaniemi: As the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is one of the most popular places for aurora hunters. The advantage of Rovaniemi is its accessibility, as it’s well-connected by roads, and you can easily find dark spots away from the city lights to enjoy the natural show.
Luosto: Luosto offers excellent views with minimal light pollution. This small village is surrounded by wilderness, which makes it one of the ideal places for catching the aurora in Lapland without spending on tours.
Utsjoki: Located in the far north, Utsjoki has one of the highest chances of clear skies and aurora sightings in Finland. It’s remote, quiet, and perfect for a free, authentic experience.
Inari: This location is a northern gem. Inari Lake and its surroundings offer excellent viewing opportunities for the Northern Lights, with minimal human interference.
Timing is everything when it comes to spotting the aurora borealis. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland is between late September and early April. During this period, the nights are long, dark, and cold which make perfect conditions for the aurora to make its appearance.
If you want to maximise your chances, aim for the darkest months, typically December to February, when clear skies are more frequent. During this time, the aurora can often be seen between 10 pm and 2 am, though there is always a chance for an earlier or later display.
One of the keys to successfully seeing the Northern Lights is avoiding light pollution. Even in popular spots like Rovaniemi, stepping away from the city or any artificial lights can make all the difference.
Find a quiet, dark location like a hilltop, an open field, or a lakeshore where the sky is unobstructed.
This way, the vibrant colours of the Northern Lights Finland are much more striking, with no interference from artificial light.
There’s no need to spend money on a tour guide or tracker. Downloading an aurora app is a brilliant, free way to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Here are some of the best aurora apps you can use:
My Aurora Forecast: This app provides accurate aurora forecasts, including real-time data on solar activity and cloud cover. It’s incredibly user-friendly and even sends notifications when there is high aurora activity.
Aurora Alerts Northern Lights: With live KP index tracking, this app lets you know if the Northern Lights will be visible in your location. You can also set custom alerts so that you’ll never miss a moment when the aurora is visible.
Aurora Notifier: This app is especially useful in Lapland. It offers detailed, location-specific aurora forecasts, helping you plan exactly when and where to head out.
By using these apps, you can stay updated on aurora activity without the cost of professional services, allowing you to make a spontaneous run to the best vantage points.
The Northern Lights aren’t just something you walk out of your hotel to see. Sometimes it requires patience. Temperatures in Lapland can drop well below freezing, so dressing warmly is crucial.
Bring thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, and proper winter boots. A thermos with hot tea or coffee can help make those long, cold nights more bearable.
Remember, being comfortable in the cold allows you to stay longer, and therefore increases your chance of seeing the aurora.
Clear skies are essential to witness the Northern Lights. If the weather is cloudy, you won’t see anything no matter how strong the aurora activity is. Check the weather forecasts frequently to make sure that conditions are favourable. Many aurora apps, like My Aurora Forecast, also provide weather updates alongside aurora activity, making it easier to find the perfect time to head out.
If you want a true, immersive experience, consider heading to less popular spots rather than tourist-heavy places. There are plenty of locations in Finnish Lapland that are remote and free to access, such as Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Not only does avoiding crowds make for a more peaceful night, but it also gives you the chance to take in the spectacular show with zero distractions.
Many of Lapland’s prime Northern Lights viewing locations are in national parks or public lands, which are free to access. These areas provide wide-open views of the sky, ideal for catching a full, panoramic display of the Northern Lights. Some parks even have lookout towers or shelters that you can use, free of charge, to stay out of the cold wind.
The Northern Lights in Finland are accessible to everyone, you don’t need expensive tours or fancy equipment. With the right planning, a bit of patience, and the use of a good aurora app, you can witness this magical phenomenon without spending anything other than your time.
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