best time to visit rovaniemi for northern lights

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

Apart from being the home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is famous for one more thing. It is also one of the best Northern Lights hotspots in Scandinavia. Millions fly to this small Finnish town every year, hoping to get a good shot of this magical light show. Below, we’ll present the best places to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, and what you need to know before you visit.

What makes Rovaniemi great for aurora viewing?

Rovaniemi combines those elements that make an ideal location for Northern Lights viewing. The main reasons that make the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi high are the following:

Its geographical location: Rovaniemi is in Lapland, Finland, right on the Arctic Circle. This location in the north is ideal for the appearance of the Northern Lights. Due to the Earth’s magnetic field, the charged particles are heading towards the poles. So there’s a good chance you’ll see it while you’re there.
Limited light pollution: Rovaniemi is a small town, relatively remote from major urban centers in Finland. If you exclude the city center, other areas in and near it do not have light pollution. This favors clear viewing of the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi when there are no clouds in the sky.
Its idyllic atmosphere: Rovaniemi is known as “the hometown of Santa Claus” and “the capital of Lapland”. It consists of beautiful little houses, surrounded by forests and Scandinavian wildlife . Most of the year, Rovaniemi is covered by snow. So, can you imagine a better setting to see the Aurora Borealis?

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?

The Northern Lights appear in Rovaniemi most months of the year. It is possible to see it even at the end of summer. However, if you want to increase your chances, the best time to visit is during winter. From the beginning of December to the end of March, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi are more than 50%.

The best Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi

The most convenient way to see the Northern Lights while being in Rovaniemi is to join a tour. Well-trained, experienced guides will guide you to the best spots depending on the day and the weather.

Find the cheapest Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi here:

The best spots to see the northern lights in rovaniemi.

If you prefer to do some Northern Lights chasing on your own, here are the best spots to try spotting them.

Jätkänkynttilä bridge (Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge)

This impressive bridge crossing the Kemijoki River is on the way from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus’ village. In winter, the water freezes, creating a beautiful scene when the Northern Lights appear. Next to the bridge, there is a small park, from where you can watch this magical phenomenon.

How to get there:

If you have a car, take Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge Road. It will take 10-15 minutes to get there from city center.
Explore the scenic route on foot or bike. Distance from the city center is 5 kilometers.
Take a taxi for a direct and easy journey.

Arktikum Museum and Science Centre

This museum is the best spot to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi without getting far from the city center. It has a north-facing glass walkway that protects you from the cold as you wait for the Aurora Borealis to appear. Outside, a small beautiful lake and some trees create a wonderful setting.

A pleasant walk of around 15 minutes is your best option. Head south on Pohjolankatu and cross the bridge to reach Arktikum.
Go in the same direction if you want to get there by car.
Local buses pass near Arktikum. Bust stops are conveniently located all around the city.

Ounasvaara Fell

Ounasvaara Fell is a small hill just 5 minutes drive away from the city center. It is an ideal place for hiking and winter sports during the daytime, and perfect for Northern Lights watching at night. Two trails lead to Tottorakka ski station, which is an ideal spot on the hill to wait for the Northern Lights to appear.

How to get there

Reach Ounasvaara fell by foot or bike. The starting point of the two trails leading to the hill is the famous Sky Hotel. The distance is 2-3 kilometers from the hotel.
Reach Ounasvara fell using Bus Line 8, which connects the city center to Ounasvaara.

Arctic Circle Hiking Area

Just a few kilometers away from Santa Claus’ Village, you will find the Arctic Circle Hiking Area . Many hiking trails pass through the forest and rivers. If you follow them, you can enjoy the wonderful Finnish nature. Also, zero light pollution favors clear views of the Northern Lights when they appear.

Go to the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge, which is located 25 kilometers north of Rovaniemi city center. Then, cross the river from the bridge at Vaattunkiköngäs and find the path leading to the hiking area.
Cross the bridge situated further north at Vikaköngäs. The Arctic Circle Hiking Area stretches along the river of Raunanjoki.

Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is one of the top spots to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. Well, not really the village itself, but the area surrounding it. Santa Claus Village is not free from light pollution, with all the bright houses and spectacular shows. However, if you move a little away from the village, you can find several secluded spots and experience the Northern Lights in peace.

Use Bus Line 8, which regurarly runs from the city center to Santa Claus Village.
Enjoy a walk or a bike ride to Santa Claus Village. The distance is 8 kilometers, and many routes are available for cyclists.
Take a taxi. It takes 15 minutes to get there from the city center.

Can you see the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi city center?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi city center. Usually, they are visible either from the city center or the streets and hotels nearby. However, you won’t be able to see them very clearly. City lights reduce visibility -and most of the time- they are blurry, or just a glow is visible. The best thing to do is to walk a little outside the center of Rovaniemi, somewhere dark and quiet. The distances are very short, so in 5 minutes walking distance, you can find some much better place for Aurora watching.

Find more tours in Rovaniemi here:

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.

Inside an igloo ©Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

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

Vaattunki Lodge, Rovaniemi ©visitrovaniemi.fi

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.

Snowmobiling through the forest in Lapland

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

Santa husky sled Rovaniemi ©visitrovaniemi.fi

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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I am often asked what are the best places for northern lights in Rovaniemi. I am sure you want to know too! I am happy to share my tips about my hometown.

I have hunted northern lights in Rovaniemi since 2012. During my first few years, I used to bike around with my backpack and a couple of tripods. I could not go very far from the city, so I have visited a lot of spots in the vicinity of city centre.

To see the northern lights, you need to have a good view over the north, and to escape the city lights. There is a lot of light pollution Rovaniemi centre, but still, there are few good spots to see northern lights. You just need to get the timing right!

1. Arktikum Park / Arboretum

Northern lights at Arktikum Arboreum Museum Science Centre Rovaniemi Lapland Finland by Alexander Kuznetsov Aurora Chasing.

Arktikum Park still remains one of my favourite spots to shoot northern lights, despite the fact that nowadays I own a car and can go anywhere to hunt for auroras. The fact that there is a small pond and a river nearby, as well as Arktikum beautiful architecture, make it a very versatile place to make northern lights photos. I must have spent hours and hours waiting for northern lights here, in any season! You can go all the way to the river bank, having the Arktikum building behind you, and look north over the Ounasjoki river.

Keep in mind that Arktikum Park still has a lot of light pollution, coming from the very busy E75 motorway. This means that you might not be able to take pictures if northern lights in the direction of the motorway (located to your right if you face river). However, it still works relatively well for northern lights, as they usually appear over the river, left of the highway.

Even though it is a good spot, timing is always the King. Too often have I seen tourists at Arktikum Park who only spend 15 minutes waiting on the spot, and leave too early. In the morning, I share my amazing photos, and people tell me that they were in Rovaniemi and haven’t seen anything! It’s a classic!

Check the blog post that I’ve written about seeing the northern lights at the Arktikum Museum .

Location on map .

2. Koivusaari island

Northern lights in Autumn at Koivusaari island in Rovaniemi Lapland Finland by Alexander Kuznetsov Aurora Chasing.

You can also reach the island by walking. Just head north along the side walk of E75 motorway. You will cross one long bridge first, but look around at the second bridge. There will be stairs (watch out, they are quite shaky!) leading below the bridge. You will then need to cross the motorway underneath. What an adventure already! You will come up to the same gravel spot that we talked about before. From there go up the wooden stairs, and cross the bridge again, heading back to the city.

Koivusaari island has a great nature trail that circles around the island. Needless to say, it is an amazing place to visit at daytime as well. At night time, I prefer to head out to the northern part of the island which also has the best view over the north, and is situated farther away from light pollution.

Koivusaari island is my favourite place especially in autumn, before the snow comes. Some of the reasons are the island’s nature and beautiful reflections of northern lights that you can capture in the water. After the first frosts and a few heavy snowfalls the place looses a bit of its potential, and also becomes more difficult to access.

3. Ounasvaara fell

Ounasvaara fell is the big wide hill situated next to the city centre. It is a great place for all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking etc. At night time, it is a perfect place to look for the northern lights.

Ounasvaara is easy to reach from Rovaniemi centre. You can walk there in about 25–30 minutes, or get there in 5 minutes if you take a taxi. It is a great place if you already stay in the area, at Santasport’s Sport Hotel or Sky Hotel.

The northern lights can be best seen from the top of Ounasvaara fell with northern horizon in sight. I can advise you to explore the trails that go left and right from Sky Hotel. One of the best paths starts from hotel’s western end. If you walk far enough, you will reach the Tottorakka ski station. You will recognise it by the triangular structure, situated on top of the it.

Ounasvaara is especially great in winter, when the forest is covered with snow. However, it will also work well in autumn in spring. Just remember to bring some warm clothes with you and have patience to wait!

Location of Sky Hotel (departure point of trails).

best time to visit rovaniemi for northern lights

Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi

Northern lights can get quite powerful in Rovaniemi! See this video with some of the best aurora moments that I captured.

More locations!

If you want to go further away from Rovaniemi centre and want to explore, I’ve got a few more tips for you!

4. Lake Vietonen

Lake Vietonen is a great place for northern lights.

Lake Vietonen is situated about 60 km north-west from Rovaniemi. It is very easy to reach by car. The lake’s most picturesque spot is situated right near the parking spot.

Lake Vietonen is great to taking northern lights photos during autumn season when the water is still open. One of the most magical time to take aurora photos is after the first frosts, when the water freezes, but snow does not fall yet. Usually, you can walk a little further on the frozen ice and take some magical photos. I strongly stress that doing so might be dangerous. If you don’t know what you are doing, better not try this.

Lake Vietonen also works well in winter time, as it has a good view over the north. Lately, however, the place has become too popular, and rare are the nights that you would find yourself alone there. Watch out for busloads of tourists with their flashes on! 😉

Location of Lake Vietonen .

5. Arctic Circle Hiking Area

The first bridge is situated at Vaattunkiköngäs, near the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge , which is also a great place to stay, if you prefer to be closer to nature. The bridge leads towards the island of Könkäänsaari which has an easy-access path around it. The island itself has quite big trees, but there are a few nice openings on the path on the northern part of the trail. The island also has a nice lean-to with a supply of firewood that you can use for free.

Another suspended bridge is situated more north at Vikaköngäs. This is area is also a favourite for many tourist groups, but there is space for everyone.

The suspended bridges are some of my favourite places to take pictures, but I can honestly say that if you don’t care for photos, then choose some easier spots. The shores below the bridges can be quite challenging places to navigate, especially in winter. The river of Raudanjoki is floating fast enough that it does not freeze completely even in winter. Its shores can look frozen and snowy, but you never know if they might collapse. If you are photographer and still want to go there, then take some partner with you, or at least try the snowy shores with a stick before going there.

Locations on the map:

Vaattunkiköngäs / Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge

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Get notified when northern lights appear in Lapland!

Northern Lights Alert App analyses the night skies, and sends notification on your phone immediately when the northern lights appear. I have tested the Northern Lights Alert App for several weeks and found that it works like a clock. Northern Lights Alert App also takes the clouds into consideration, and does not send you false notifications. Currently, the App works in following cities: Rovaniemi, Levi, Ylläs, Saariselkä, Ivalo. The service costs 9,90€ for 3 days, and you can choose which city you want to be notified about. Use our affiliate link and help the site 🙂

What type of footwear do you recommend for end of November? I have a small trip there. Is there a particular time during the night that is more likely to see the northen lights?

Hello Janette! I recommend having some winter tracking boots at least, one with Goretex layer, for everyday use, like walking in the city. Something from Salomon, for example. Usually, when you are buying excursions or tour, they include some heavier gear, like overalls and boots, however, their quality differs between service providers. If you are planning to explore on your own, and go into the forest or wilderness, I recommend some proper winter boots that withstand –40’C, as usually they are only good for half the temperature that they say they are intended for. For brands, you can look for Sorell, Kamik, Avigon etc.

Regarding the northern lights, they are usually seen between 9PM and 2AM. The exact time is hard to tell. Sometimes, they can come earlier, or later. They do not come every night though. And even if the activity is good, the sky has to be clear, as you won’t see auroras through thick clouds, or in snowy weather.

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Aurora Hunting Tours

About the author.

Alexander Kuznetsov

Aurora Hunter

Alex is a passionate aurora hunter and photographer based in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. He spends dozens of nights every season hunting and waiting for northern lights. He is driven by the desire to capture aurora borealis in its full glory, as well as to capture the ultimate aurora photo that no one has ever seen before. Alex is also a videographer, hiker and explorer.

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8 of the best northern lights tours from Rovaniemi

Seeing the colourful northern lights playing in the skies above you is one of the most spectacular sights of winter in the Nordic nations.

Rovaniemi is one of the best places in Finland to see the norhern lights

And Rovaniemi , high up in Finnish Lapland, is a great place to look out for the lights for so many reasons.

On the edge of the Arctic Circle with little light pollution, and close to miles of wilderness, Rovaniemi is – in our opinion – Finland’s top northern lights destination.

Why choose Rovaniemi? When is the best time to visit? Where to see the lights Will you definitely see the lights? Can you see the lights without joining a tour? How much do tours cost? The best tours to join Alternatives to northern lights tours Cool places to stay in Rovaniemi

Quick take: our 3 favourite tours

1. go northern lights hunting by reindeer.

This is our favourite way to go searching for the northern lights – gliding over the snow on a traditional Sami sleigh pulled by reindeer .

2. See the northern lights from a sauna boat

In a land where there are more saunas than people, what better way to see the lights than from a sauna boat in the middle of a lake ?

This fun tour takes you out into the lake where there’s no light pollution to view the lights from the warmth of the sauna – and you can even take a dip in the lake too, if you dare!

3. Try ice floating in Lapland with the northern lights above

We love this exciting adventure trip, where you’ll get kitted out in a super-insulated survival suit and float around in an icy lake watching the aurora borealis in the sky above.

Why is Rovaniemi so good for seeing the northern lights?

For starters, Rovaniemi is right on the edge of the Arctic Circle meaning that there are long dark nights in winter, so a better chance of seeing the lights.

Seeing the northern lights in Finland is a bucket-list trip.

It’s also home to the Santa Claus Village , where you can visit Father Christmas and do a whole host of other activities, plus an amazing ice hotel.

Rovaniemi is also a great spot for other winter activities, such as the snowmobile trips, ice-fishing, snow saunas, Sami culture trips and husky-sledding.

For more ideas on things to do in Rovaniemi, see our guides to the best photography tours in Rovaniemi and snowmobile tours in Rovaniemi .

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?

If the sky is clear, the lights can be seen in Rovaniemi between September and March. However, December to February, with their long dark evenings, are peak viewing months.

If you’re looking to combine a northern lights tour with some day-time activities, February and March are good months, when there’s more daylight and temperatures are getting milder.

Solar activity tend to be at its most active around the spring and autumn equinoxes so mid-March and mid-September can see some spectacular displays if the skies are clear.

How far do you need go from the city to see the lights?

The further away from any light pollution, the better your view of the aurora borealis. So if you can get away from the town into the wilderness, you’ll get the best views.

You don't have to walk far from Rovaniemi to see the nortthern lights

That said, Rovaniemi is not a huge place and you don’t have to walk far from the city centre to see the lights, especially if it’s a strong aurora.

Will you definitely see the lights?

There’s no guarantee of seeing the northern lights, at all. This is because it’s a natural phenomenon dependent on solar activity and clear skies. And no matter how active the lights are, if it’s cloudy you won’t see a thing!

So, whichever month you decide to visit Rovaniemi during, it’s definitely worth staying a few days, so that you increase your chances of getting at least one clear night.

You can also download the Aurora Alert app to your mobile phone, which sends you an alert whenever the solar activity increases.

Can you see the lights without joining a tour?

Yes, you can and there are a few places that you can walk to from the centre of Rovaniemi to get good views. Head to the Arctic Garden by the river, for example, or hike up to the top of Ounasvaara hill.

You get better views of the aurora borealis far away from any light pollution.

That said, the lights will almost certainly be more spectacular away from habitation and having a good guide who can explain all about the phenomenon and take you the best viewing places will only enhance the experience.

This tour , for example, takes you the middle of a frozen lake (no light pollution there!) with an expert guide and includes professional photos of the lights.

How much do northern lights tours typically cost?

Prices vary depending on the length of the tour and what else is included. A basic two-hour northern lights tour in a minivan with an expert guide starts at around $70 (£55) per person.

But, you can pay up to $350 (£280) for an eight-hour private tour with a professional photographer that guarantees views of the lights. If they think conditions aren’t right to see the lights, they’ll reschedule or you get a refund.

The best tours

So, here are some of the best tours from Rovaniemi that combine seeing the northern lights with a whole bunch of other fun activities.

See the northern lights by dog sled

What could be more fun than heading out in search of the northern lights on a sled pulled by huskies? This tour takes you out to the Finnish forest on a dog sled and includes Lappish snacks cooked on a campfire.

Watch the northern lights from a forest sauna

Head out into the forest for a sauna and the chance to view the northern lights . You can even take a dip in an icy lake and warm up in the sauna afterward, with the lights playing in the skies above.

Taste a Lappish barbecue beneath the northern lights

On this tour , you’ll set up camp by a lake, far from any light pollution. Then your guide will cook a tasty Lappish barbecue to eat round the campfire, while looking out for the lights in the dark skies.

Stay overnight in a glass-walled cabin

For the ultimate in comfort you can’t beat this glass-walled north-facing cabin on the banks of a river.

You can watch out for the lights from the warmth of your cosy bed – and there’s even a private sauna in the cabin, plus a fire pit outside.

Take a snowmobile safari to see the northern lights

Whizz across the snow on this exhilarating snowmobile trip out to the Lappish wilderness to view the northern lights.

Your guide will lead you past snowy forests and ice lakes, far from any light pollution, where you’ll enjoy a hot drink and snack round a campfire.

Alternatives to northern lights tours

And once you’ve seen the northern lights, there are plenty of other activities in Rovaniemi to keep you amused.

Visiting the Santa Claus Village , just north of Rovaniemi, is a must-do if you’ve got kids or are here over the festive season.

Here, you can have your photo taken on the Arctic Circle, visit Father Christmas, send the kids to the Elf Academy , or go on a reindeer ride and snowmobile trip .

See the northern lights at the Arctic Snow Hotel

Or, for a more adult treat, why not visit the Arctic Snow Hotel , built from snow and ice? You’ll get to explore the hotel, admire the amazing ice sculptures, relax in a Finnish snow sauna and outdoor jacuzzi before dining on a traditional Lappish meal followed by a drink in the ice bar.

For something more sporty, this full-day trip to the frozen waterfalls of 130-metre-deep Korouoma Canyon involves a hike in the nature reserve past snowy cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Snowshoes are provided in winter!

What about cool places to stay?

To maximise your chances of getting a clear night, it’s a good idea to stay a few days in Rovaniemi.

And for the ultimate experience, we recommend staying somewhere where you can see the aurora from your own room.

So here are some of our favourite cool places to stay in and around Rovaniemi, where you can view the northern lights from the comfort of your own bed.

We love the Arctic Treehouse , with its stylish cabins that have huge glass walls overlooking the forest. With fabulous Finnish furniture, it’s probably the most comfortable and chic place to look out for the northern lights.

And for the full-on northern lights experience, you can’t get better than spending the night in one of Santa’s Igloos at the Arctic Circle .

The beds are positioned directly beneath a domed glass roof and the igloos all come with a northern lights alarm, which will alert you if the lights appear while you’re snoozing.

Or for complete peace and quiet, the Aurora hut igloo sits right on the edge of a lake, away from any light pollution. With transparent walls and ceiling, it’s the ultimate away-from-it-all aurora gazing spot.

See also : Seeing the northern lights in Finland Seeing the northern lights in Sweden Seeing the northen lights in Scandinavia

Ice floating in Finland: what is it, and where can you try it?

6 of the best snowmobile tours in Levi, Finland

Getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi

Finnish Mythology and The Kalevala: the complete guide

5 of the best photography tours in Rovaniemi, Finland

Traditional Finnish clothing (and how to try it for yourself)

Northern lights, Lake Lappajärvi, Finland

The weather in Finland and when to visit

8 epic cruises and boat tours from Rovaniemi

The best reindeer rides in Rovaniemi

Faroe Islands
Practical Info
Getting Around
Itineraries
What to Pack
Where to Stay

Finland , Practical Info

The best northern lights tours from rovaniemi for 2024 (+ faq).

Are you looking for the best northern lights tours from Rovaniemi ? This guide details the best Rovaniemi northern lights excursions, including multi-day adventures and combined activities!

Rovaniemi is one of the best places to start a northern lights tour , as there are roads departing the city in every direction. This is perfect for those seeking clear skies, as you can always drive to the best spots, be it in Finland, Norway or Sweden!

Along with a vast road network, Rovaniemi is a tourist hub, meaning plenty of activity providers offer dedicated aurora tours or night tours under the northern lights . Not sure what I mean? Don’t worry, I will explain below!

In this guide, I have listed the best northern lights tours from Rovaniemi. If you have any questions or comments about these Rovaniemi northern lights experiences, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Arctic Travel Tips uses affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra charge to you.

Which Rovaniemi northern lights tour is best suited for you?

Below you will find my favorite northern lights tours departing from Rovaniemi, including dedicated aurora hunts and excursions taking place at night with a chance of aurora!

My favorite Rovaniemi northern lights tour: Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera
Budget-friendly northern lights tour: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ
Thrilling snowmobile with aurora adventure: Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour
Best northern lights snowshoeing excursion: Night Snowshoeing Adventure under the Northern Lights
Most adventurous aurora chase (could end up in Norway!): Aurora Road Trips
Best northern lights experience for children: Slow Travel Green and Blue
Unique Ice floating under the northern lights experience: Ice Floating under Aurora Borealis
Best dog sledding and northern lights tour: Northern Lights and Husky Sleigh Ride

What type of northern lights tour should you book?

If you are traveling to Rovaniemi to see the northern lights (as your sole purpose), I recommend staying for at least three nights and booking a tour whose sole purpose is hunting for the aurora.

Those looking to maximize their time in Rovaniemi can also book the most popular activities like snowmobiling and dog sledding at night, giving you an added chance of seeing the northern lights if the sky is clear!

If you would like photos of you under the northern lights (if you see them), I would ensure that you are signing up for a tour that will provide you with those photos. I have mentioned whether photos are included or not with each of these tours.

Best northern lights tours from Rovaniemi

1. my favorite northern lights tour from rovaniemi.

Provider: Wild About Lapland Length: 4 hours Pick-up: Yes Photos included: Yes Tour: Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera

My favorite northern lights tour from Rovaniemi is the Wild About Lapland northern lights wilderness tour with camera . This tour departs from Rovaniemi and visits up to three different spots, depending on where there are clear skies.

One of the stops will include visiting one of the Wild About Lapland’s secluded lavvu’s, where you can sit by a fire and enjoy a Lappish BBQ and trade travel stories with the other guests.

Throughout the tour, the guide will take plenty of photographs of you and everyone else in the group, which will be sent to you after the tour.

For those wanting to take their own pictures, I have found the Wild About Lapland guides to be the most knowledgeable when it comes to helping you take your own photos! They also will take a photo of you and the group you’re traveling with if the lights come out to play.

The tour includes free pick-up and drop-off within a 10 km (6 mi) radius; however, if you are staying directly in the city center, you will need to meet at the office.

Check out my best Rovaniemi northern lights tour post to read more about my experience taking this excursion!

Pros and cons:

Pro: Fantastic knowledgeable guides with camera
Pro: Small groups focused on sustainable travel
Pro: Help you photograph the northern lights
Con: Does not venture too far away from Rovaniemi
Con: Does not cancel if you do not see the aurora (you can take another tour with 30% off if you do not see them)

Click here to book your northern lights wilderness!

2. Budget friendly northern lights experience

Provider: Nordic Unique Travels Length: 3 hours Pick-up: Yes Photos included: No Tour: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ

Rovaniemi is unfortunately not known for being budget-friendly, although in comparison to other areas in the Arctic, it is far more affordable. Thankfully, for those travelling on a budget, there are still plenty of options when it comes to tours.

The Nordic Unique Travels Lapland northern lights tour with BBQ is a great budget-friendly aurora trip. I took this tour on my first visit to Rovaniemi, and while it was definitely a no-frills option, it was a great experience!

After departing from Rovaniemi, you will visit two different locations with the hope of seeing the aurora. At one of the stops, you will get to enjoy a BBQ with sausages and marshmallows to cook over the fire (vegan and vegetarian options are available on request).

I recommend bringing your own camera equipment with you or a phone with night mode photography so you can take some epic shots of the aurora if they are visible! In some cases, your guide will be able to help you with the camera settings needed to shoot the northern lights.

Pro: Budget-friendly
Pro: Food provided
Con: Large group numbers; during peak season, large buses will be used
Con: Visits sets locations
Con: No photographs

Click here to book a budget friendly northern lights tour!

3. Best northern lights tour from Rovaniemi on a snowmobile

Provider: Wild About Lapland Length: 4 hours Pick-up: Yes Photos included: No Tour: Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour

The Wild About Lapland northern lights snowmobile tour is one of the most adrenaline-pumping ways to see the aurora. On this four-hour snowmobiling tour, you will be taken out to the forests surrounding Rovaniemi to drive through the night with the hope of seeing the northern lights.

After you arrive at the location, you will be kitted out with the necessary safety equipment and clothing to keep you warm throughout the night.

After a quick lesson and safety briefing, you will head out into the night, where your guide will take you through the wilderness to various clearings where hopefully the northern lights will dance above.

Halfway through the excursion, you will stop for a fire, a snack, a hot drink, and stories about the Arctic and the aurora.

Each snowmobile will have two people on it, and if you want to have your own, there is an additional charge. I do not mind sharing a snowmobile, even if I am joining a tour on my own, as it gives you the chance to enjoy the scenery without having the responsibility of driving!

Pro: Great way to mix two activities
Pro: One of the most exciting tours
Con: Difficult to photograph the aurora
Con: If you are stuck under clouds you will not see the aurora
Con: If traveling on your own you will have to share a snowmobile with a stranger

Click here to book a snowmobiling tour under the aurora!

4. Best snowshoeing tour under the aurora

Provider: Wild About Lapland Length: 3 hours Pick-up: Yes Photos included: No Tour: Night Snowshoeing Adventure under the Northern Lights

I love snowshoeing tours, as they offer a chance to explore somewhere you haven’t been before or cannot normally access.

The Wild About Lapland night snowshoeing adventure under the northern lights is a great tour to experience both snowshoeing and the aurora.

This small group activity will head to the wilderness with hopes of a peaceful walk under the aurora.

Unlike other combined activity excursions, this experience offers a degree of flexibility, and your guide will be able to check weather patterns and take you to spots with a higher chance of clear skies.

You will be provided with everything you need for snowshoeing, including thermal suits and all equipment, at the start of the activity.

After a brief introduction to snowshoeing, you will head out into the night, with a small stop at the halfway point for snacks and drinks by a fire. The tour is not strenuous and is suitable for beginners and those who are not particularly active.

Pro: Flexible locations
Pro: Great guides
Con: Will remain close to Rovaniemi even if cloudy

Click here to book a night time snowshoeing tour!

5. Most adventurous Rovaniemi aurora hunt (could end up in Sweden or Norway!)

Provider: Arctic Road Trips Length: No time limit or multiple days Pick-up: Yes Photos included: Yes

For those who are looking for a true northern lights adventure , you need to book an aurora tour with my friends at Arctic Road Trips . They offer two types of tours: Aurora Road Trips and Aurora Expeditions .

The Aurora Road Trips are multi-day adventures where you will travel throughout the Arctic in search of clear skies and amazing auroras. During the day, you will visit epic national parks or do beautiful hikes before hunting for auroras once darkness falls.

The flexibility of a multi-day trip means there is a very high chance you will see the northern lights on nearly every night of the trip.

For those who are not looking for a multi-day trip, they also offer Aurora Expeditions .

The Aurora Expeditions depart from and return to Rovaniemi on the same night. The departing time depends entirely on how far Lorenzo and his team believe they will have to drive to find clear skies!

When I took this tour, we departed early in the evening and drove to Sweden, where we would escape the clouds, returning to Rovaniemi around 3 am!

However, if they believe there is no chance of finding clear skies, they will cancel this tour at the last minute to save everyone money. If you do depart and the aurora is not visible, you will only split the cost of gas!

Pro: Nearly guaranteed to see the northern lights
Pro: Adventure and photography-based
Pro: You get plenty of photographs and videos
Cons: Can be cancelled at the last minute (if skies look bad over the entire region)
Cons: Not suitable for budget travelers
Cons: Not suitable for those travelling with children

6. Best northern lights tour from Rovaniemi for children

Provider: Slow Travel Green and Blue Length: 5-6 hours Pick-up: Yes Photos included: Yes

Northern lights tours are often not suitable for children, as they involve freezing temperatures and a lot of standing around.

Thankfully, Slow Travel Green and Blue has a dedicated northern lights experience that is aimed at families traveling with younger guests.

The guides have years of experience working with children and know how to keep what can potentially be a long and cold night engaging and fun for all family members!

After being picked up from your accommodation, you will be taken to a secret location outside of Rovaniemi, where you and your family can wait for the northern lights while enjoying tranquil Arctic nights.

At the location, there are activities and stories from Finnish folklore to keep children and adults entertained. The tour includes everything you could need, from car seats to snowsuits, and the next day you will be sent photographs from the night!

I suggest booking this tour through their website early, as slots tend to fill up quickly!

Pro: Specifically designed for children
Pro: No other tour groups will be in the same location
Pro: Plenty of photographs to remember the night
Pro: Promotes sustainable travel with minimal impact on the environment
Con: Limited space; need to book early to avoid disappointment
Con: Might not suit everyone’s budget

7. Best Ice Floating under the northern lights tour

Provider: Safartica Length: 3 hours Pick-up: Only for some hotels Photos included: No Tour: Ice Floating under Aurora Borealis

One of the most unique northern lights experiences is ice floating under the aurora borealis .

On this tour, you will be taken away from the city to a frozen lake where a section has been removed to allow free access to the frigid water.

After you arrive at the lake, you will be given survival suits that will keep you dry and warm in the water and be provided with a short introduction about ice floating and how it works.

Once you are ready, you will be taken outside, where you will get into the freezing water, lie back, and admire the beauty of the night sky. If you are lucky, the northern lights will dance above; however, this is far from guaranteed.

I find this trip to probably be the most relaxing way to enjoy the northern lights, as there is nothing quite as peaceful as the water gently lapping against you in the stillness of a winter night.

Pro: Unique experience
Pro: Very relaxing
Con: In a set location

Click here to book your place on an ice floating under aurora borealis experience!

8. Best Rovaniemi dog sledding with aurora experience

Provider: Nordic Unique Travels (and their dog sledding partner) Length: 3 and a half hours Pick-up: Yes Photos included: No Tour: Northern Lights and Husky Sleigh Ride

There is something beautiful about sliding through the snow at night with a team of dogs as the northern lights dance above. On the northern lights and husky sleigh ride tour , you will travel away from Rovaniemi to a small husky farm, where your adventure will start.

The experience will start with a short husky ride, where you will be guided through the forest by an experienced musher. If you are lucky, the sky will be clear and the aurora will be out to play.

After completing the ride, the guides will set up a fire where you can warm up, toast marshmallows, eat snacks, enjoy a warm beverage and keep an eye out for the northern lights.

If you are looking for a more involved husky ride, I would recommend taking a daytime dog sledding tour when you can take charge of your own sleigh.

Pro: A nice BBQ
Con: The dog sled ride is very short (20-30 mins)
Con: If the weather is bad, you will not see northern lights
Con: Difficult to take photographs of the aurora while sledding

Click to here to spend an evening under the northern lights with huskies!

Best Northern Lights Tours from Rovaniemi FAQ

Below, I have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about seeing the northern lights from Rovaniemi.

When is the northern lights season in Rovaniemi?

The northern lights season runs from late August to the middle of April. However, aurora tours tend to only run from early September until the start of April.

When is the best time to see the northern lights from Rovaniemi?

While the northern lights season runs between September and April, not all months are equal when it comes to activity.

The best months to see the aurora are September and March, around the fall and spring equinoxes. During this period, the solar activity is at its strongest, and the weather is typically better with more clear nights.

I highly recommend visiting in March as you have amazing auroras and the days are long enough that you can enjoy all the tours and snow-based activities during the day!

Can you predict the northern lights?

No! You will hear a lot of talk about the KP index and how high the KP should be for you to be able to see the aurora, but I would ignore this! Some of the best northern lights I have seen have been with a KP 1, and some of the worst have a rating of KP 5.

Additionally, the KP predictions are nearly never correct and can be dismissed. Instead, track the weather conditions and hope for clear skies!

Can I see the northern lights without a camera?

Yes and no. Unfortunately, the northern lights never look quite as good with the naked eye as they do with a camera. Often, your eyes will not be able to see the colors of the aurora, and they will just look like grey streaks or clouds in the sky.

Powerful auroras will sometimes mean the green and even the pink are visible to the naked eye. Using a camera or night mode on your smartphone will unlock the colors of the aurora!

What to wear for a northern lights tour?

Wearing the correct clothing is essential, and that will largely depend on when you take a northern lights tour. As all tours happen at night, it is worth wearing plenty of layers that can be removed depending on the temperature.

There is nothing worse than getting too cold on a northern lights tour! To keep you warm, I suggest wearing a long parka jacket, wool base layers and a thick wool jumper.

For keen photographers or those looking for gloves designed for the Arctic, I recommend a pair of Vallerret photography gloves !

Most tour providers will also supply you with thermal suits and boots that go over your normal clothes and do an exceptional job of keeping you warm!

Alternatively, you can rent winter clothing to avoid having to purchase and pack bulky clothes.

Where to stay in Rovaniemi

There are plenty of places to stay in Rovaniemi; here are a few of my favorites for all budgets!

Invisible Forest Lodge (luxury) – A unique property that camouflages itself into the forest, the Invisible Forest Lodge is one of the best spots to relax and view the aurora. While modern and sleek on the exterior, the interior is cozy and includes everything you could want, including a small sauna!

Snowflake Suites (mid-range) – The Snowflake Suites are a great option for those looking for self-catering accommodation directly in the city center. Each unit comes with a comfortable bed, a living room with a smart TV, and a fully functional kitchen. There are multiple Snowflakes Suites, so even if the one is linked has no availability, the others may!

Hostel Cafe Koti (Budget) – If you are looking to visit Rovaniemi on a budget, Hostel Cafe Koti offers a great option for a cheaper place to stay. The hostel has a mixture of private rooms and dorm rooms. There are also lovely communal areas where you can relax and cook in the evenings.

I hope you enjoyed reading my guide to the best aurora tours from Rovaniemi! If you have a question or comments about Rovaniemi northern lights tours please leave a comment below!

Discover the Best Month for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: A Comprehensive Guide

1 The Best Month to See Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: Everything You Need to Know
2 What Are Northern Lights?
3 The Best Time to Visit Rovaniemi for Northern Lights
4 How to See Northern Lights in Rovaniemi
5 Conclusion

The Best Month to See Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for the best month to see northern lights in Rovaniemi? Look no further! Rovaniemi is one of the best places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon, and we have got all the information you need to plan your perfect trip. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, we have got you covered.

What Are Northern Lights?

Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the collision of electrically charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions create light, which appears in the form of glowing colors, such as green, blue, or pink.

Rovaniemi, which is located in Lapland, offers some of the best views of the northern lights in the world. The city is situated in the Arctic Circle, which means that it’s dark for most of the winter months, making it an ideal place to see the northern lights.

The Best Time to Visit Rovaniemi for Northern Lights

The best time to visit Rovaniemi for northern lights is between September and March. During this time, the skies are the darkest, giving you the best opportunity to see the lights.

September and October are great months to see the northern lights as the weather is usually mild, and the sky is relatively clear. If you want to combine your northern lights experience with some winter sports, then November and December are perfect months for you. January and February are the coldest months in Rovaniemi, but they also offer some of the clearest skies, which increase your chances of seeing the northern lights.

March is also a good month to visit Rovaniemi for northern lights. The weather starts to warm up, and the days start to get longer. It is also a great time to see the northern lights combined with some winter activities.

How to See Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

There are many ways to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi. The easiest way is to go on a northern lights tour. You will be taken to the best spots to see the lights, and the tour guides will explain the phenomenon to you.

If you prefer to do it yourself, then you can rent a car and drive to the outskirts of the city, away from the light pollution. Make sure to dress warmly and bring hot drinks and snacks with you. It can get cold outside!

Overall, September to March is the best time to visit Rovaniemi for northern lights. Each month has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide which month suits you best. Remember to book your tours and accommodations in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly during the northern lights season.

We hope that this article has helped you plan your trip to Rovaniemi. Enjoy the magical northern lights experience!

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Do you know the saying “There’s a time and place for everything” ? This saying is so true when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights in Finland!

Finns love to catch the Northern Lights too. As locals, we know a thing or two about them. I want to share that knowledge with you so that you can plan the best vacation for you and your loved ones.

Because, *drumrolls*, here comes the most important thing you should know about the Auroras: There’s no guarantee you’ll see them. You’ll need to travel plan to increase your chances.

But don’t worry. That’s the fun, the challenge and the adventure.

Follow me on Instagram and add more Finland into your daily life immediately!

Näytä tämä julkaisu Instagramissa. Henkilön Finnish Language Finland Blog (@her_finland) jakama julkaisu Joulu 21, 2018 kello 7.56 PST

In this post, you’ll find helpful advice on the best locations, likelihoods, useful forecast sites, what to pack and how to see Auroras even if you are on a budget.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute is the source of the scientific stats and likelihoods. I have updated this post in May 2024.

You are in the right place to start planning your dream Aurora visit in gorgeous Nordic landscapes. Here are all the things this post will cover. Grab a cup of coffee and dive in!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Finland and to the Northern Lights Destinations of Finnish Lapland

How to find accommodation in finland, top 3 reasons why you may not see northern lights in finland, best time to see northern lights in finland, best time at night to see northern lights in finland, can northern lights be predicted, free northern lights forecasts in finland, are northern lights dangerous, does the likelihood of northern lights increase with cold weather, do northern lights make sounds, what do finns think about the northern lights and lapland , how do finns react if they don’t see northern lights when they are in lapland, how does it feel when you see the northern lights, can i see the northern lights when visiting southern finland, what are northern lights called in finnish, the biggest mistake you can make when hunting northern lights in finland, ten local’s tips for seeing the northern lights in lapland, northern lights in finland on a budget, essentials for aurora hunting trip in lapland, the best places to see northern lights in finland.

Here is the good news. Luckily, there isn’t only one location having excellent chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.

The best likelihoods follow certain latitudes.

Generally speaking, head to Northern Lapland. Some of the biggest resorts there are Levi , Ylläs, Saariselkä and Salla.

lapland pictures auroras and crown snow by Her Finland blog

The best latitude to see Northern Lights is around Kilpisjärvi. When the sky is clear on that latitude, the likelihood of seeing Auroras is 75%. So three out of four nights! I love those odds.

If you are on Utsjoki latitude, the likelihood is 65%, which is still amazingly great.

In Sodankylä region the likelihood is 50%. Even in Oulu-Kuusamo region, the likelihood is one out of four nights.

glass igloos in Finland by Her Finland blog

Whenever I’m looking for flights, I always start with Skyscanner . It is a fantastic tool to find the cheapest prices.

Many of my readers have said, that Skyscanner helped them score an awesome flight deal to Finland. This platform is very straightforward and easy to use.

In general, Finnair, Icelandair, and Norwegian airlines regularly have flight offers to and from Finland. Finnair and Norwegian also provide domestic flights in Finland.

If you fly to Helsinki, you can also take the night train to Lapland. It’s a super comfortable way to see Finland and head to the north.

lapland pictures red cottage by Her Finland blog

Booking.com is my go-to booking site for planning all of our trips. This site regularly has fantastic deals.

But more importantly, Booking.com has become “the place to be”, when it comes to offering accommodation in Finland. They feature a ton of properties in Lapland from rustic log villas to modern glass hotels to private apartments and cabins across the vast arctic wilderness.

If you cannot find anything that you like on booking.com , I recommend checking out Airbnb for your Finland visit.

Besides great cabins and flats, they have a concept called “Airbnb Experiences” , which are one-of-a-kind activities designed and hosted by locals, easily booked through their platform.

Check out my helpful Resources page for more tips about car rental, travel insurance and best Finland travel books.

lapland pictures winter sun landscape by Her Finland blog

Problem #1. The biggest reason why you may not see Auroras is cloudiness. Northern Lights may be dancing but it’s just impossible for you to see them.

Problem #2. The second biggest reason is that you are not far away enough from the artificial lights. Even little light pollution prevents you from seeing Auroras.

This problem you can certainly fix! Get away from the street lamps and decorative lamps outside. It should be dark around you.

For example, I have seen Auroras at the center of a Lappish village in Ylläs, but I walked to a lake to avoid the lights of the village.

Problem #3 . Finally, you might not bother to go out at all and decide to sleep. However, the weather changes fast in Lapland so Northern Lights may occur while you are dreaming about them.

lapland pictures northern lights by Her Finland blog

The best time for Northern Lights is from October to March. Statistically, winterly spring and autumn are fantastic for seeing Auroras in Finland.

When we take into consideration cloudiness and the best averages for clear skies, there is one month that is a winner: March.

March is also a fabulous month to enjoy the most beautiful skiing weather in Lapland as there is usually plenty of sunshine during the daytime.

That being said, it’s not impossible to see Auroras in September or April if you are lucky. I have seen them in both months.

Statistically, the best time to see Northern Lights in Lapland is around midnight and some two hours before and after.

So remember to stay up. Most likely you’re in Lapland only once.

Grab the free kit

Weather predicting is still a mystery to people. That said, we can get some short period predictions and real-time info. As an engineer and a nerd, I think that’s fascinating.

In general, I strongly recommend going outside and not trusting forecasts (especially negative forecasts) too much. Northern Lights have their own agenda.

Okay, but now, prepare yourself for some technical stuff.

The short-period Northern Light prediction is based on the fact that it takes around three days for the solar wind to reach the Earth from the Sun.

From that, we can predict what the Aurora weather will be like. It’s not 100% accurate because when the solar wind hits Earth, several things still affect the Northern Lights phenomenon.

Also, bear in mind that bigger solar wind spurges reach Earth faster. So when there is going to be a huge Northern Lights event, one can alert people only 24 hours earlier.

I have used these resources for three years, and they have worked well for me.

However, I’ve said it before and I say it again: Go outside in the dark to double-check the situation yourself.

#1 The Finnish Meteorological Institute

Easy map showing the likelihood of Auroras in Finland. This is a real-time forecast only. You can see Southern Finland here too.

#2 The App called “My Aurora Forecast”

I have been using the free version of the app called ” My Aurora Forecast” on my iPhone , and it has worked like a charm!

I highly recommend this tool. Here you can find it for Android .

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Most Frequently Asked Questions about Nothern Lights in Finland

For people, no. Not in any way. Auroras are not radioactive. They don’t cause power cuts in Finland either. Northern Lights can harm satellites though.

Northern lights’ visibility doesn’t correlate with freezing cold weather. However, clouds correlate with warmer temperatures.

Usually, with more freezing temperatures, you have a clear night sky. And that’s, of course, a prerequisite for spotting any Aurora activity.

That’s why it feels that Northern lights occur when it’s very, very cold.

Yes, it has been scientifically proven that there are audible sounds associated with the Northern lights under certain circumstances. The physical existence of these sounds has been established by many measurements and reported in several scientific journals over the past 20 years.

For many Finns, Lapland is a muse.

Finnish artists have regularly traveled to Lapland to find missing sentences to their books, hidden songs to their albums, and inspiration for their paintings.

Lapland is an antidote for stress. Many Finns living in more southern parts of Finland visit Lapland to find peace for their restless mind.

Even though Finns are super active in their life at home, many master the art of doing very little when they drive beyond the Arctic Circle.

lapland pictures winter fell by Her Finland blog

Lapland is all about spending time in nature. We Finns feel at home in the wilderness. Lapland is the destination for Finnish men and their annual fishing trips.

When the fall foliage is at its best, retired Finnish ladies, resilient like the tiny fell birches, pack their hiking backpacks, and sleep in the Lappish wilderness huts.

Families spend their winter holiday in Lapland downhill and cross-country skiing. Even among teenagers, confirmation camps in Lapland are very popular.

For many ordinary Finns, like me, Lapland is not only a physical place. We refer to Lapland as sielunmaisema (a straight translation: soul’s landscape).

This Finnish word means a place in which you are deeply at home. A place where your soul belongs and you feel inner peace, happiness, and connection with nature.

I think most Finns traveling to Lapland travel for the overall spiritual and physical Lapland experience, not for the northern lights.

That’s why we are never sad if we don’t see them and extremely thankful when we do.

To be honest, it’s kind of difficult to put my own aurora experiences into words. The northern lights are such a majestic sight.

Every time I catch them, they shake me to the core in a good way. They magically connect me with nature, space, and the divine.

Well, you would be really lucky if you spot them. It’s not impossible, though. Southern Finland has the likelihood of one night per month.

Within the past few years, I would say that we have enjoyed one Northern Light performance annually here in the south. So your chances are very slim.

To check the situation, I recommend the app called “My Aurora Forecast” which I mentioned earlier.

In Finnish, the Northern Lights are called “revontulet” which means “fox fires” when translated word-to-word. A nickname for the auroras you might hear is “repolaiset”.

The biggest mistake you can make is to stay close to artificial lights or completely indoors. You can’t see Auroras then.

Be brave and head into the darkness. Preferably, find an open space like an icy lake.

If you feel insecure, I recommend buying a tour. The packages are lovely and almost always include campfire snacks, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

#1 Many hotels provide an Aurora alarm for their guests. However, I’d still recommend going outside and enjoying the Arctic night.

#2 Don’t rely too much on the forecast sites. Once again, head outside into the wilderness!

#3 The human sight in the dark is not so good. Be outside for 30 minutes for your eyes to set.

lapland winter moon sky by Her Finland blog

#4 Always check that your camera and phone are charged before going out in the winter because the freezing conditions eat up your battery fast. At least we Finnish ladies keep our iPhones inside a woolen mitten or sock to help the battery last longer. Have a portable charger.

#5 If you want to take a photo, you need a tripod.

#6 One-time heat pockets are one of the best innovations to be comfortable in cold temperatures. Usually, your hands or feet get cold, no matter how prepared you are. These are perfect when the situation gets desperate. Here are all my winter clothing tips for Lapland!

#7 Ladies, remember to check the Beauty Essentials of cold weather to avoid skin problems and makeup failures.

#8 Seek dark but open places (for example, a frozen lake). Northern Lights often occur near the horizon.

#9 Be sure to know where you are. Don’t go too deep into the forest or you might get lost.

#10 Watch my Youtube video for detailed tips about Aurora Hunting in the Finnish Lapland.

Here are my best tips if you are hunting the Northern Lights on a budget in Finland

Visit northern Lapland off-season. October and November are great months to get cheap flights and affordable hotel or cabin deals.
If you fly to Helsinki, compare domestic flight prices to the Lapland night train. In Lapland, continue by bus.
Book accommodation with a kitchenette and make your own meals.
Book enough time in Lapland to increase your chances of seeing Auroras.
Enjoy the destination: go hiking, walking, and visit campfire huts. Cross-country skis & snowshoes are relatively cheap to rent if there’s snow.
Visit the local tourist information office. They can suggest all the free activities.
Bookmark the free forecast tools of this blog post and head outdoors every night. Avoid artificial light but don’t get lost!

Must-Have Gear for Your Northern Lights Trip in Finland

Because cold weather drains a phone battery fast, I always carry a portable charger when making winter day trips.

This chargeable phone ring light has been a lifesaver in dimly-lit restaurants and the dark/blue winter days in Finland.

For months, my little sister told me a ring light would improve my phone’s images, but I never got around to getting it. So finally, she bought one for me as a gift. It has been the best.

A DSLR camera will give you great pics, but a good mobile phone will work well if you have a tripod.

Don’t be yours truly, who forgot it the last time she saw auroras, and all the pictures were as blurry as a snowy day in Finland.

This lightweight and flexible tripod is very useful. Its legs wrap around anything, i.e. trees, poles & fences, and it also comes in various sizes.

Warm jacket
Proper shoes
Wool and technical layers underneath
Phone ring light
Portable charger
Headlamp or flashlight
Hot chocolate in a thermos bottle
Heat pockets

I warmly recommend checking out my super detailed winter clothing packing list . It has all the information you need to stay warm in Finland.

laskiaispulla recipe from Finland by Her Finland

In conclusion, hunting the Northern Lights is all about travel planning and luck.

When in Lapland, head outside, every night and make the most out of your vacation. It wouldn’t be an adventure if seeing Auroras was a sure thing. The prize is a memory that you’ll cherish forever.

I hope this guide was helpful. Are the Northern Lights on your bucket list ? If there is anything else you’d like to know about auroras, let me know in the comments.

Looking for more information about Lapland? Check out these resources:

Glass Igloos in Finland: Local’s Tips for the Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!
How to Travel From Helsinki to Lapland by Train
7 Things to Do in Rovaniemi: From Lappish Cuisine to Ice Floating
Want to see more stunning Northern Lights photos? Most of the pics of this post are by my dear friend, photographer Petri Puurunen from Lapland .

My honest & insightful Northern lights in Finland video is the most-viewed video on my YouTube channel. Check it out below.

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Hi Varpu, thanks so much for this post. It was really informative. We're a planning a trip to Finland from 2-10 April 2024 and will probably spend 4-5 nights in Northern Finland. I'm wondering if we're cutting it a bit close as based on the weather forecasts from 2023, it seems like the sun only sets around 8pm in April which means shorter nights and therefore less chances of catching the aurora...? Would you recommend we reschedule our trip or do we still have a decent chance of catching the aurora then? Thanks so much in advance! :)

Monday 5th of June 2023

Thank You so much for you posts. They are very helpful. We are going to Nellim for 6 days on December 10-16. Hope. Do you think we have a decent chance to see the Aurora? Starting to think I should attempt to reschedule for March.

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

Hei John, I would not reschedule because auroras are so fickle. You are in great latitude and 6 days there is plenty. I think you have planned it well! It is polar night in December, so the atmosphere is very, very special. March is lighter during the day. Hope this helps!

Saturday 25th of February 2023

Hi Varpu. My name is Audy. I read your website here. Me and my wife are planning to visit Finland and see northern lights. But we're confused between going there in January, February or March 2024. We found the place to stay in Kaamanen and it says we can see aurora from their property. By the way, we will arrive in Helsinki and driving to Rovaniemi and to Kaamanen. Maybe you could help.

Thursday 9th of March 2023

Hei Audy, so excited about your upcoming trip! I would pick March based on the statistics, but all those months are great in Lapland!

Thursday 5th of January 2023

Hi Varpu. I'm so glad to come across this website, you have the best information for first timers! I'm going to oy Levi resort in Kittila for 4 nights on the 8th Feb. Do you think there'll be a chance to see the lights during this time? And happy new year if it still counts!

Monday 16th of January 2023

Hei Sev, thank you so much for your kind words, they mean a lot!!! Woohoo, so excited for your upcoming visit. It's good that you have 4 nights in Levi, you definitely have a shot of seeing Lady Aurora but no guarantee. Remember to go outside, don't check out the situation just from cabin windows. I have my fingers crossed for you!

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

And if you can't get to Finland, try Northeastern Minnesota:

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Friday 18th of November 2022

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Opening hours and dates

Activities & Experiences

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights

The colourful Northern Lights playing in the sky are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The geographical location of the Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area makes it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. This means that while there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, the search will be even more exciting!

The Arctic Circle – a Northern Lights hunter’s paradise

According to an old legend, the Northern Lights are created when a fox running through the fells of Lapland sheds sparks from its tail into the northern sky, colouring the streaks of light across the sky. The appearance of the Northern Lights at Arctic Circle latitudes requires a clear sky, suitable space weather, and of course a bit of luck.

Autumn and late winter are the best time to spot the Northern Lights

Northern Lights season on the Arctic Circle begins in late August and continues until early April. The best time to see the Northern Lights is autumn (September and early October) and mid-spring (mainly March.) Statistically, Northern Lights are most visible around the autumn and spring equinoxes. Naturally, the Northern Lights appear regularly in the sky throughout winter.

Memorable Northern Lights safaris

There are several operators in Santa Claus Village that organize Northern Lights safaris through the nearby nature of the Rovaniemi area. With the help of competent guides, you’ll hunt the Northern Lights in the best possible conditions.

Safari companies and other service providers will take you to places where there is little artificial light and the views to the North are picturesque. The guides will also tell you stories about the Northern Lights and assist with photographing the auroras.

The mysterious and enchanting Northern Lights have inspired people and stories for centuries.

When are the Northern Lights most visible?

Autumn and late winter are the best time to spot the Northern Lights – at the time of the midnight sun in the summer, you naturally cannot see the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle. The incidence of the Northern Lights also varies with the time of day. On average, their probability of occurrence reaches its peak around 11:30 P.M., or magnetic midnight, and the Earth’s magnetic field disturbances related to auroras are at their highest.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?

Only a short drive from the Arctic Circle, you’ll find many great destinations for independent travelers to track the Northern Lights. However, in order promote sustainable tourism and in order not to disturb local inhabitants we recommend you to use our local operators of Santa Claus Village, which organise North Lights tours & excursions through the nearby nature of the Rovaniemi area. More information about these companies HERE .

You can also enjoy the Northern Lights in the wonderful glass igloo accommodations . At the edges of Santa Claus Village, there are several glass igloo-type accommodation providers.

See all accommodations

Can you guarantee that I will see the Northern Lights?

Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their visibility depends on many factors, such as space weather and cloudiness. Therefore, Santa Claus Village and its companies (like all tourism companies in Lapland) cannot guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights during your visit.

Useful links for Northern Lights hunters:

Real-time Aurora Alerts Space weather over Finland

How do I photograph the Northern Lights?

Prepare for capturing the Northern Lights before your holidays! Northern Lights photography is especially popular, as the current day and age allows you to display your unforgettable memories at home as well as share them on social media. However, you should carefully prepare for capturing the Northern Lights before coming to Lapland.

Useful tips for capturing Northern Lights

Discover Northern Lights experiences

Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos Rovaniemi

30 km from Santa’s Village, resort provides the luxury of sleeping under a 360º glass roof or in hotel made of snow & ice.

Visit Lapland Tours: Aurora Hunting & Lappish food

Aurora Hunting adventures and Lappish food in the own forest base in Rovaniemi’s country-side.

Sky bar of Arctic SnowHotel

The coolest drink bar in town! Sky Bar is located in the shores of Lake Lehtojärvi, a 30-min drive from Santa Claus Village.

Lapland Deluxe

Welcome to Lapland Deluxe: an authentic 160 years old country estate by the lake Vanttausjärvi around 50 km from Santa Claus Village. Come to relax!

Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Apukka Resort: an Arctic wilderness resort hotel in the capital of Lapland, surrounded by lakes and magical nature, just 10 min drive from Santa Claus Village!

Restaurant Aitta in Apukka Resort

Restaurant is located in Apukka Resort, 10 km from Santa’s Village. The 100 years old timber log walls have tens of stories to tell.

The Lovers Passport

Home » Blog » Ultimate Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland in Winter

Ultimate Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland in Winter

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for details.

When assessing epic winter travel destinations, Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle in Finland should be at the top of your bucket list. From gorgeous snowy landscapes, to the northern lights, to husky dog sledding rides, Rovaniemi in the winter has a little bit of adventure for everyone.

In this ultimate guide to Rovaniemi , we’re sharing everything you need to know for planning your own trip to Finnish Lapland in the winter time. We’ll go over how to get there, recommended accommodations to stay at while chasing the elusive Northern Lights , and all trip planning logistics so you can have the best trip to Lapland.

Riisinsutri National Park near Rovaniemi Finland

What to Know Before Your Trip Rovaniemi, Finland

This beautiful area of Finnish Lapland really appeared on the radar when it became known as the official home to Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a true winter wonderland that makes you feel like the Christmas spirit actually lasts all year long.

Best Time to Visit Rovaniemi

Visiting rovaniemi to see the northern lights .

If you’re looking to visit Finnish Lapland, there’s a few things to consider when it comes to timing. If you’d like to experience the Northern Lights, most blogs recommend visiting from October to April. However, upon talking to locals and from our own experience, the best time to visit Rovaniemi to see the northern lights is actually during late September – early October and late March. More solar activity tends to occur during the autumn and spring equinoxes.

That being said, you can still see the Northern Lights during the rest of the winter time frame. However, the winter weather can diminish your chances of seeing them quite a bit. We were, unfortunately, only able to see the Northern Lights once out of a whole week of attempts due to the clouds being too bad in Rovaniemi during our time there.

Snowshoeing and Hiking around riisitunturi national park winter

Visiting Rovaniemi for Winter Activities

If you want to visit for the winter activities in Finnish Lapland, then you’ll want to plan your trip to Rovaniemi from December to March. After that, most resorts and hotels close down for the rest of the year until tourism picks back up again.

The last two weeks of December and the first two weeks of January are the busy season due to Christmas and New Years. If planning on visiting then, as Rovaniemi is known as the home of Santa Claus, you’ll want to make sure you plan your accommodations and activities far in advance to prevent your desired activities from being fully booked.

We visited during the third week of January and it was not crowded at all. Many hotels will also be running discounts, packages, or promotions after the second week of January as the slower season starts.

How Much Time to Spend in Rovaniemi?

We would recommend staying in Rovaniemi for 4-7 days to truly experience everything the area has to offer. This is mainly because visiting Rovaniemi in the winter means that there’s less daylight to explore, so having more time will work in your favor to see and do more things. You really don’t need more than a week here to get the full winter wonderland experience.

Reindeer at Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi

How to Get to Rovaniemi & Finnish Lapland

We opted to fly all the way to Rovaniemi via Finnair. We flew from LAX to Helsinki and then took a flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi . Connecting in the Helsinki airport was rather painless – we only had a 1 hour layover and were able to make it to our flight in time even with additional customs and passport control. The nice thing about the Helsinki airport too is that if you have a short connection time they do have a specialized lane to help expedite you through security to make your connection.

If you have some extra time while connecting in Rovaniemi, there’s 3 great lounge options for AMEX Platinum Holders. You can use our referral link to get an additional bonus offer when you sign up! It’s our go to travel credit card.

You can also drive from Helsinki to Rovaniemi; however, that would take about 9.5 hours of your time versus a 1 hour flight. Or, you can take the magical Santa Claus Express Train from Helsinki, which takes anywhere from 8-12 hours.

Snowmobiling around Rovaneimi Finland in the winter

How to Get Around Rovaniemi

Do you need a car in rovaniemi.

Technically, no – BUT we’d highly recommend it if you want more flexibility on your winter vacation or if you’re hotel hopping.

Originally, we were not planning on renting a car in Rovaniemi seeing as there are a ton of free shuttles at most of the touristy resorts and most tours offer pick up/drop off included in their pricing. However, we ended up booking a rental car through Enterprise last minute and were so happy we did.

Having a rental car in Rovaniemi gave us a ton of flexibility when we wanted to go out for a bite to eat, head out to the nearby national parks , and when we wanted to go Aurora hunting on our own without a scheduled tour. We should note, gas is much more expensive here than in the USA, so we opted to rent a hybrid to save some money on that end.

Parking in Rovaniemi is free with most accommodations. If you head into the downtown center, you do have to pay for almost all street parking, however, it’s fairly inexpensive.

Rideshare in Finnish Lapland

Contrary to what we read online, there is no Uber, Lyft, or ridesharing in Rovaniemi so it would have been much more difficult to get around when we had free time to explore. There are taxis available though that you can hire, but depending on how often you go into town or explore, you might end up being better off cost wise with a rental car.

Tips on the Winter Road Conditions Around Finnish Lapland

Despite it being winter, we found the roads were much more manageable to drive in snow than we expected. Most of the main roads are plowed a minimum of twice a day.

However, we did notice that a lot of the less popular roads did have more of a snow build up. This was especially apparent on our day trip to Riisitunturi National Park . Just be careful and slow down if you are driving a few hours away at a time as roads can get icy and slippery. The rental cars all have snow tires on which performed phenomenally and we had no issues at all.

How Expensive is a Winter Trip to Rovaniemi?

Finland is on the Euro system for currency. If you are balling on a budget, we hate to say Rovaniemi is probably not the best option for you. There are definitely ways to save some money by only using free transportation, cooking your own food, and staying in AirBnBs instead of hotels and resorts, but the area in general is pretty pricey.

Almost all places we went to in Rovaniemi accept credit cards, although some don’t take AMEX, however we didn’t need to take cash out at all on this trip. Tipping is also already included in most things and is not as customary as in the USA, so you won’t typically have to add additional expenses on top of the price you’re paying for restaurants and activities.

Aurora Glass Igloos at Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Where to Stay

What are the best hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland? Aside from trying to chase the Northern Lights, Rovaniemi has some of the coolest, most unique accommodations in Lapland. We had the opportunity to stay at some bucket list worthy spots around Rovaniemi. We booked stays from aurora cabins to a hotel made entirely out of snow and ice.

There’s a ton of options to choose from, but most do opt to stay in an aurora cabin during the winter time. If you’re trying to visit Rovaniemi in the winter on a budget, try checking out non-aurora related stays and AirBnBs.

Unique AirBnBs & Hotels in Rovaniemi

Aurora Igloo Dome AirBnB : This was the cheapest option of the properties we stayed in for the week. It had heated floors, a heated blanket, and was lit primarily by candles and a fireplace for a fun and romantic ambience. There was a kitchenette where you could make coffee and heat up some food – but not a full kitchen to cook! This location was great as it was about 20 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes from downtown Rovaniemi.
Apukka Resort : Apukka was probably our favorite accommodation in Rovaniemi that we stayed at in the winter. Not only were the Lappish Kammi Suites beautiful, but there was also such a plethora of things to do here. Their activities list to choose from was massive so you could do everything from a traditional lakeside sauna, to husky sledding, to snowmobiling, and so much more! The best part is they gave us a coupon code for our readers. When booking straight on Apukka Resort’s website www.apukkaresort.fi with the code LATEWINTER you’ll get a 20% discount on all accommodation for stays between March 27-April 10, 2023. A night in an Aurora Cabin glass igloo now starting from 288.80€/night!
Arctic Snow Hotel : It’s not every day you can stay in a hotel that is entirely made out of snow and ice. This experience was definitely for the bucket list! Every year this hotel is only available from December – March before it closes down and melts. Each room is totally unique and the hotel actually changes every single year! We booked the 5 Senses of Ice Package and were able to sleep in a snow room one night, go ice fishing, eat at the ice restaurant and drink at the ice bar, and relax in the world’s only snow sauna.
Glass Igloos: After our stay in the snow hotel, we finished at the same resort’s glass igloos. Similar to Apukka, they had a beautiful panoramic ceiling for aurora viewing.
Arctic Tree House Hotel : This ultra luxury resort is a gorgeous getaway for those looking for more private views of the auroras.

The Lovers Passport at the Airport with suitcases

Weather & Packing for Your Winter Trip to Finland

Keep in mind, the weather in Finland during the winter is no joke – it gets very cold. Typically, temps get to -30 to -40 degrees Celsius in January and February. You will want to make sure that you are prepared when you are packing.

Daylight Hours During the Winter

When visiting Lapland in the winter, it’s also good to know that daylight typically only lasts for about 3-4 hours! The sun rises around 10:30am and sets around 2:30pm. You’ll want to schedule most of your outdoor activities during those hours if you aren’t doing an aurora hunt.

Average Weather in Rovaniemi, Finland

Below are the average minimum and maximum temperatures you can expect from Rovaniemi’s winter weather when you visit:

Rovaniemi Finland Weather November: 32°F / 22°F
Rovaniemi Finland Weather December: 24°F / 11 °F
Rovaniemi Finland Weather January: 18°F / 4°F
Rovaniemi Finland Weather February: 22°F / 7°F
Rovaniemi Finland Weather March: 32°F / 14°F

We’d recommend using these temperatures in Rovaniemi in the past as guidelines for your packing. We’d keep track of the weather in real time using the app Windy, as that’s what the locals recommended to us! You’ll definitely want to try to pack several layers to accommodate various possible weather conditions from rain, wind, and snow. Also, make sure you pack lots of waterproof apparel and merino wool materials to stay dry and warm.

Stephen and I opted to bring all of our own winter clothes. If you’d like to see what we packed, you can check out our full winter packing list for Finland .

Renting Winter Clothes

The nice thing is that if you do book tours or stay at resorts around Rovaniemi you can likely rent snow apparel for free. Most places do offer outfittings for free in an accommodation or tour package. If you feel that you don’t have the right clothes and don’t want to spend a ton of money ahead of time to get some, this is a great option.

Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi in the Winter

Conditions You Need to See the Northern Lights in Finland

Although you are in the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the northern lights. There are 3 conditions that you need to have prime Aurora viewing:

Cloud Free Sky: When visiting Rovaniemi in the winter, this is going to be your biggest battle. We visited for one week in January and didn’t have a single non-cloudy day all week. It’s still possible to see the northern lights if there are breaks in the clouds, it’s just much more unlikely if there is 90-100% cloud coverage.
High Aurora Index: There needs to be enough solar activity for the aurora to show up. You can check the KP Index which measures the activity on a scale of 0-7 on any northern lights apps. We’d recommend using apps like Aurora and Northern Lights to track the probabilities of aurora. They also allow you to get real time alerts when they are visible in your area.
Dark Sky: You need to have a completely dark sky so you’re able to see the stars and Aurora. That’s why you can’t see them during the day time. The most optimal viewing times are typically around 10pm-3am.

Light Pollution in Rovaniemi

Something that was super surprising to us was that Rovaniemi had a lot of light pollution in the city center area despite being known as a top Northern Lights viewing area. It is still possible to see Aurora from the city. However, you do have to drive further away by 20-30 minutes for better viewing conditions.

Finnish Lapland Winter Photography Tips

Winter photography.

When taking photos out in the snow during winter, you’re going to want to make sure you camera gear is weather proof or weather resistant. We use the Canon R5 and love that it’s weatherproof so we can use it out in winter conditions.

Because of the extremely cold temperatures, your camera batteries are also going to die much quicker than usual. We will typically take the batteries out when we aren’t using them and keep them warm in our pockets.

When it comes to drone photography in Finnish Lapland, you can actually do a lot! Finland has some of the least amount of restrictions to fly. Since we only travel with a drone under 250g , we didn’t need to register it. However, if yours is heavier than that you’ll need to register it in advance .

Northern Lights Photography

Pro Tip: Your best chance at capturing the most epic Northern Lights photos in Lapland will be during October or March around the equinoxes. Here are a few things you’ll need to take the best photos of the auroras:

Extra Batteries
Wireless Bluetooth Remote or Self-Timer
Microfiber Cloth

If you book an aurora photography tour in Rovaniemi , they’ll typically have additional tripods and headlamps for you to borrow.

We brought our full adventure photography camera gear setup with us. In reality, the most important thing to bring is your camera with a wide lens with the lowest aperture you have. Want to be a pro photographer in time for your trip to Finnish Lapland? Check out our travel photography e-book , where we teach you the essentials on how to shoot in manual mode.

Reindeer in Finland at Arctic Snow Hotel in Rovaniemi

Booking Tours vs. Exploring On Your Own

The great thing about visiting Rovaniemi in the winter is that there are SO many different activities and excursions you can do during your trip! Whether you are into snowshoeing, snowmobiling, going on a husky tour, or just hunting for the Northern Lights, there are enough activities to keep you busy every day for a week. Stay tuned for our full blog post on the best things to do in Rovaniemi in the winter!

However, just because there are a variety of tours, doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to strictly doing them during your time in Finnish Lapland. We found every guided aurora group activity to be a lot of the same. You are basically guaranteed to end your night with sausages, warm berry juice and a campfire in teepee.

We’d honestly not recommend booking any Aurora related tours depending on weather. If the weather in all of Lapland ( Norway , Sweden, and Finland) has a 100% cloud coverage forecast or is snowing, you’re basically guaranteed to not see any northern lights and will be wasting your time and money. Otherwise, you will spend another night just sitting in the teepee with sausages and no aurora for a hundred dollars.

If you’re really stubborn and want to still hunt despite a bad weather forecast, opt for a real Aurora hunter. We’d recommend Arctic Road Trips . They will cancel your tour if they genuinely think you will not have a shot at seeing the auroras.

room at the arctic snow hotel in rovaniemi

Rovaniemi in the Winter | FAQs

Still, have some questions about visiting Rovaniemi in winter? Below are some of the frequently asked questions about a winter visit to this beautiful area of Finnish Lapland.

Where is Rovaniemi in Finland?

Rovaniemi is located right above the Arctic Circle in northern Finland. It’s sandwiched right in the middle of the country, adjacent to Sweden and Russia.

What languages do you need to know in Finland?

Obviously, most people in Finland speak Finnish. However, if you know English, you will be perfectly fine getting around! Almost everyone speaks English, especially those in the tourism industry.

Is Rovaniemi, Finland safe?

We felt super safe during our whole trip to Finland. Whereas most locations we don’t recommend doing this, we were able to leave our luggage in the car without any fear of people stealing it or breaking our car windows. We’d definitely say Rovaniemi is solo traveler friendly.

What’s the food like in Finland?

You will find most food available in the Rovaniemi region focus around reindeer, salmon, elk, or fish. Pizzas and soups are also very popular. They also harvest a ton of fresh berries and make delicious berry juice and jams from these in the region.

What time zone is Rovaniemi on?

Rovaniemi is on Eastern European Time which is GMT+2.

Are you ready to visit Rovaniemi in the Winter?

We hope this blog post was a good starting place for your Rovaniemi, Finland trip planning. Let us know in the comments if there is something specific you would like us to share about our experience. And, keep an eye out for our future guide on the best things to do in Rovaniemi!

Looking for other great winter destinations? Check out our other winter travel guides to Snowmass , Edmonton & Jasper & Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks .

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Best Time of the Year to See Northern Lights (Monthly Planner)

Trying to work out the best time of the year to see Northern Lights? In this month-by-month guide to the Aurora we share the best month to see Northern Lights and why.

We’ve all seen those wonderful photographs and movies of green lights dancing in the sky, which instantly fills us with a sense of awe that we wish to experience one day. The Aurora is a breathtaking sight to witness and one of the dreamiest things we could ever look at. Who wouldn’t love to experience that?

However, seeing the Northern Lights isn’t as simple as turning up and looking towards the sky. Lunar cycles, cloud cover, light pollution, sunlight and solar activity all play a role in when they appear to us.

In this month-by-month guide we clearly outline what the best time of the year to see northern lights is, so you can plan your vacation accordingly.

We’ll start with a quick overview of what causes the lights, so you understand how solar activity influences when northern lights appear. We’ll then go through each month, explaining how good it is for seeing northern lights, based on other environmental factors.

We’ll also tell you our recommendation for the best month to see Northern Lights and why (spoiler: there are two!).

By the end of this article, you will know exactly which month is best to book your Northern Lights trip, and be able to pick a date for your vacation with confidence.

What causes the Northern Lights?

Solar activity causes the northern lights.

If you time your Northern Lights vacation to coincide with a period of high solar activity, you have a much greater chance of seeing the lights.

We cover this topic is much greater detail in our scientific explanation of the Aurora Borealis article , but here is a quick rundown:

The Aurora is caused by particles emitted by the sun. As they approach Earth, these solar particles are drawn into the Earth’s magnetic field, and channeled toward the planet’s north and south magnetic poles. The solar particles then collide with molecules high in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in the delightful glow that we call Northern Lights. This explains why the Aurora is concentrated around the North Pole (Arctic) and the South Pole (Antarctic) only, in an area known as the auroral zone or auroral oval.

The year you travel makes a big difference

The sun’s emissions follow an 11-year solar cycle, which correlates with Northern Lights activity .

During the years of the solar cycle when solar activity is low, less solar particles are thrown at Earth, and therefore there is less auroral activity. During periods of high solar activity and geomagnetic storms, the Earth is barraged by solar particles, and the Aurora Borealis is at its brightest and most visible.

Therefore, the best time to see the Northern Lights in the solar cycle is during the years with high solar activity. This is not to say that you won’t see the lights during periods of low activity, but your chances of seeing them are lessened.

We have just entered Solar Cycle 25, and the years 2024-2026 are predicted to be peak years for seeing the Aurora. For more details, check out our Northern Lights 2020-2035 schedule to find out the best years for a vacation to see the lights.

How the best time of the year to see Northern Lights is determined (5 factors)

As many of you would know, the Northern Lights actually occur all year long. Yes, you heard that right, and we know exactly what your next question will be: Why can’t we see them all year long?

It’s because visibility of the Aurora Borealis is dependent on other environmental factors, too. Solar activity is just one part of the equation for seeing the Northern Lights. Cloud cover, sunlight hours, light pollution and moon cycles all have a large influence on aurora visibility.

Think about star gazing. The stars are always there, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see them. The stars won’t be visible if the sun is still shining or there is cloud cover. You can’t see them near bright city lights, and you won’t see them as well during full moons. It’s the exact same for the aurora.

#1 Clear skies

To see the Aurora with your own eyes, you’ll need a clear night sky.

It is widely said that winter is the best season to see the Aurora Borealis because it is darker. True, it is darker in winter. However, what is said less often, is that in winter there is often heavy cloud cover, particularly from snow clouds.

I say this from my own personal experience, travelling to Finnish Lapland in January. The region was covered in snow cloud the whole time, and speaking with the Lappish locals they said that December-January is not a good time to see the lights because it is always cloudy. Funny how the things you read often don’t match up to local wisdom.

Some people think that the Aurora appears when the temperature drops. This is loosely true, in that colder nights tend to also be nights that you get clear skies. Or the other way around; when there are clear skies, the outside temperature drops lower because there are no clouds insulating the land from the cold. But apart from that, the temperature doesn’t actually affect the visibility of the aurora.

Of course, if the skies are clear, you’ll have a better chance of spotting them, but don’t always count on weather reports or historical weather patterns because you never know when you can get lucky. You also can’t plan a vacation around a daily weather report, unless you are lucky enough to have your own private jet to whisk you there at a moment’s notice, which is highly unlikely!

Your best bet is to spend more days in the region, to get a chance at a cloudless night, and travel on a month when cloud cover is less likely.

#2 Daylight hours

Although the Northern Lights occur for much of the year, there aren’t enough hours of darkness during the summer months to see them. As mentioned earlier, the Aurora occurs around the north pole and south pole. These are regions that also experience Midnight Sun, which means the sun does not completely set during summer or only briefly sets. In other words, it never gets really dark in Summer.

Summer = Midnight Sun = No/Little Darkness = No/Little Chance of Seeing Aurora.

Therefore, you should avoid the Summer months for your Northern Lights vacation.

The exception might be if you are more south where the midnight sun does not occur, and it is a period of high solar activity, such as in the northern US states. But the further south you travel, the less chance you have of seeing the lights since you are leaving the auroral zone. So, we wouldn’t recommend that as a good strategy for seeing the Northern Lights either. Maybe it’s ok if you already live in the region, but don’t plan an international vacation around it.

#3 Moon cycle

Like with star gazing, the cycle of the moon has a bearing on the visibility of the Northern Lights. A full moon will throw extra light into the sky, which you want to avoid if you can. For the most spectacular sight, try and plan your trip around a dark moon (new moon) when the sky is darkest.

#4 Light pollution from cities

When compared to cities, rural settings are preferable since they are less affected by light pollution. Like the moon, cities can also put quite a bit of light into the night sky, which will impact aurora visibility. Since light pollution is present all year round, the best thing you can do to avoid it is to stay in more secluded locations away from large cities .

#5 Brightness of the aurora

The brightness of the Aurora Borealis is determined by the amount of solar activity in the location, which is the rate at which solar particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. The best way to plan for this is to organize your Northern Lights vacation for a year of high solar activity and to keep an eye on aurora alerts. It is also said that the equinoxes (spring and fall/autumn) have more activity, so it is worth taking this into consideration.

What is the best month to see Northern Lights?

Best time of the year to see northern lights:.

These months fall around the spring and autumn/fall equinoxes, have mild weather and are not plagued by snow cloud. They also have a good balance of daylight and nighttime hours. Both are equally good for seeing the aurora borealis in our opinion. Exactly which month you choose depends on what else you like to do besides seeing the lights.

March: If travelling to see Northern Lights in March, there will still be snow on the ground from Winter. This is therefore a great choice if you like snow play or snow sports.

September: If you don’t like the cold or you enjoy photography, plan your vacation for September so you can capture the gorgeous autumn colors and the aurora reflected in the unfrozen lakes.

However, March and September aren’t the only good months to see Northern Lights. They are just our ‘best’ picks. Jump down below to read more about each month.

Northern Lights Monthly Planner

Since our readers are so intrigued, we’ve prepared a monthly calendar to help you plan a trip, so you too can experience the beautiful Aurora Borealis. Keep in mind this applies to the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis only (Southern Lights Aurora Australis will be the opposite).

Northern Lights in January

January, February and March are the most popular months for Aurora hunting since they bring long, dark nights and lots of snow to play in during the day while you wait for darkness to descend. While snow is fun, remember that snow inevitably brings snow clouds, which could impede your view of the lights.

January is a month of rebirth as the sun finally rises above the horizon, yet it may also be bitterly cold. This can be good or bad depending on your outlook; we think the idea of sitting under a cold sky and looking at the Northern Lights dancing in the sky is fun. But that’s not for everyone!

Your greatest enemy in January will be cloud cover. Spend a few extra days in the region to stay and play, to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Allow 4-5 days or longer.

Northern Lights in February

In February the days are substantially longer and the weather improves slowly in February. It is a good month to chase auroras, although you will still need to keep your eye on snow clouds. The nights are still very long giving good cover of darkness to view the aurora borealis, and there is lots of snow to play in. It’s a good month to travel if you enjoy doing snow sports and snow play, as well as Northern Lights watching.

Northern Lights in March

Best time of the year to see northern lights.

Temperatures begin to increase in March, but it can still be chilly, especially at night. The ground is covered in a deep, clean coating of snow, and because most of the winter snow has fallen, there are fewer snow clouds overhead to obscure the Northern lights in March.

It’s also suggested that the Equinoxes in the spring and autumn bring more solar activity. When you combine this with somewhat warmer temperatures and better weather (perhaps with less cloud cover), you may feel driven to go Aurora hunting in late March or early April.

The daytime hours will be extended by then, so be prepared for some later evenings. However, based on the advice of experienced aurora hunters and the balance of all the different environmental factors, we’d say that March is the best month to see Northern Lights .

Northern Lights in April

As mentioned for March, it is thought that the equinoxes bring more solar activity and more chance of seeing the Northern Lights. You should expect clearer skies now that it is well past the winter, however the days will be longer. It is a comfortable time of year to travel as the days are warmer, but you will quite likely be faced with muddy ground from the snow melt and possibly mosquitoes depending on where you are.

In early April there will still be a good number of nighttime hours, so the chances of seeing Aurora are still OK, but from this point onward the night hours will start to reduce greatly.

For example, in early April in Iceland you can expect a sunrise time of approximately 7am and sunset 8:30pm. In late April, the days are even longer. Therefore, if travelling in April, stick to the start of the month.

Northern Lights in May

In May we start to get very long days, and fewer nighttime hours. Dark skies are required to see the Northern Lights, and while the Aurora may be seen to scientific equipment from early April to late August, the sky is just too luminous for the human eye to observe the spectacle. May is not a great month to travel for Northern Lights, because there is too much sunlight.

In the Arctic regions in May, June and July, you should forget about seeing the Northern Lights because they are veiled by the Midnight Sun. It’s a beautiful time of year to travel otherwise, but not a good time to plan a Northern Lights vacation.

Northern Lights in June

June and July are the months of the Midnight Sun in Arctic regions. In these regions, don’t expect to see the Northern Lights in June, as there is too much daylight.

Northern Lights in July

As mentioned for June, this is a period of Midnight Sun. You won’t see the Northern Lights in July in Arctic regions because there is too much sunlight.

Northern Lights in August

Your greatest enemy for seeing Northern Lights in August continues to be sunlight hours. The days start to get a bit shorter from mid-August, but they are still very long. As for May, you should try and avoid this time of year for a Northern Lights vacation. If you are planning a Northern Lights vacation for August, then push it as far to the end of the month as you can.

Northern Lights in September

We would recommend the September and October month to anyone who wants to avoid the bitterly cold winter. We know that not everyone loves the extreme cold weather, so this is a good alternative if you are one of those people.

September ushers in a brief autumn, but the colors are breathtaking, and best of all, you can often view two Auroras for the price of one. How so? In most years, September and October are the only months the Northern Lights are visible when the lakes and rivers are ice-free.

The beauty of this is that you can frequently see the Northern Lights overhead and reflected on open water. If you’re a photographer, you don’t want to miss it. It’s a genuinely stunning picture that only stays around until the great freeze hits, the canals freeze and regions gets blanketed in the first snowfalls of the season.

Aim for late September, as this is closer to the equinox and will bring in some longer nights.

Northern Lights in October

Like September, this is a great month to travel. Early October is still quite close to the autumn equinox which is said to be a good time for auroral activity, and the days aren’t too cold yet. There is a good number of nighttime hours, and the winter snow and cloud cover has not arrived yet.

Photographers can get a glimpse of the Northern Lights reflected on the lakes and rivers before they freeze, which is a prize photo opportunity. However, October can start to usher in rain and storms, so be cautious of this if planning your aurora vacation around this time.

Try to plan your Northern Lights trip towards the start of October, to avoid the risk of rain, storms and early snowfall.

Northern Lights in November

November is a transition month, as it brings the first significant snowfalls of the season. It’s incredible to see how quickly the landscape changes; it’s as if autumn turns into winter virtually immediately. Although the snow brings a lot of cloud cover, the shorter days also offer darker skies, which extend the amount of time the Aurora may be seen.

October and November can be stormy, especially along the coast. Having said that, November is usually still a pleasant month to experience the Aurora.

Northern Lights in December

The weather begins to dry out in December. The snow not only creates the picture-perfect white Christmas and winter wonderland, but it also allows you to combine your Aurora Borealis hunt with other exciting activities. Keep in mind that during the coldest months of the year (December to early January), you may only have a few hours of daylight, with longer dawns and dusks.

It is also a time of heavy snowfall, so your view of the Northern Lights may be obscured by snow cloud. Your greatest enemy for seeing Northern Lights in December will be cloud cover. Plan a longer stay to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, taking your time to enjoy the other festive activities that are on offer at this time of year.

How long should your Northern Lights trip be?

For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you will want to spend as much time as you can afford in the region. Allow longer if you are travelling during periods of lower solar activity or greater chances of cloud.

Minimum: 4 days
Ideal: 1 week

After speaking with locals in Finnish Lapland during my own Northern Lights vacation awhile back, they said we should allow at a minimum 4 days in the region but ideally 1 week to see the Aurora.

We only spent 2 nights in Lapland to see the lights, so it’s no wonder we didn’t see them on that trip. Hopefully you don’t make the same mistake!

Final Thoughts on The Best Time of the year to See Northern Lights

For anyone who doesn’t live near the Arctic Circle, seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If this is on your bucket list and you want to organize your dream trip, we hope you have found this guide helpful. Personally speaking, I wished there was a guide like this when I was planning my Northern Lights trip several years ago, but there wasn’t, which is why I have created it for you.

In the end, unfortunately there is never a guarantee that you will see the lights. Afterall, we have no control over the weather variables. But you can plan your trip around those factors that can be predicted in advance. In particular, solar activity, time of year, and of course, the right location. You can read more about the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights in this article and the best countries in this article .

The best advice we can give is to stay as long as you can afford in the Arctic region, even if this means staying in cheaper accommodation instead of the fancy domes and igloos you see. I feel it is wiser to spend your money on a longer stay, rather than spend it all on 1-2 really expensive nights with your fingers crossed. The longer you spend there, the greater chance you will have of seeing the lights. Seriously, if there is nothing else you factor into your planning, make sure you spend at least 4 days in the Arctic region… and don’t travel in Summer!

With a bit of planning and allowing for a more extended amount of time in the region, you hugely increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights for yourself.

Best Time of The Year to See Northern Lights | Article References:

Responsible Travel https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/northern-lights-watching/travel-guide/when-to-see-the-northern-lights

Best Place and Time to See Northern Lights 2020-2035
Northern Lights Map | Where Northern Lights are in the World

What are the Best Years to See Aurora? Northern Lights Schedule 2020 to 2035

How to Choose a Good Northern Lights App

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NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ROVANIEMI

Experience the aurora borealis in beautiful lapland, welcome to rovaniemi.

Are you excited about planning a trip to Lapland ? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure under the mesmerizing northern lights in Rovaniemi ! Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see this magical natural phenomenon. In this guide, we will help you plan your trip and find the best Rovaniemi northern lights tours.

Join me as we explore the stunning landscapes of Lapland and uncover the secrets of the northern lights. We’ll also provide you with valuable tips to make your journey extraordinary. Prepare yourself for a captivating dance of lights that will leave you breathless.

BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN ROVANIEMI (Lapland)

What is the best time to see the northern lights in rovaniemi.

The Northern Lights can be seen during several months of the year. When the skies are clear, it is easier to see the color variations and the different striations clearly.

The best time of year to see the northerns lights in Rovaniem i are evenings in the late fall all the way through the middle of spring. Generally, this will be around the end of August until the first weeks of April each year . The lights appear in the evenings, often between 19:00 and 2:00 (7pm and 2am) ; however, there is no set time, as they’re naturally-occurring and don’t follow a schedule.

Is Sweden or Finland better for spotting the northern lights?

Both Sweden and Finland offer excellent opportunities for spotting the northern lights. The choice between the two depends on various factors such as location, accessibility, and personal preferences.

Sweden is known for its remote and picturesque locations such as Abisko, Kiruna, and Jukkasjärvi, which are renowned for their clear skies and minimal light pollution. These areas provide ideal conditions for observing the northern lights. Additionally, Sweden offers a range of activities and accommodations, including ice hotels, to enhance your Arctic experience.

Finland, particularly Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, is another popular destination for northern lights enthusiasts. Rovaniemi offers a combination of wilderness and city comforts, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of travelers.

You can enjoy activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and visiting Santa Claus Village while still having a good chance of witnessing the magical Aurora Borealis.

Both countries have excellent infrastructure and tourism facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences, available activities, and the specific locations you wish to explore.

Best app to check the forecast of the northern lights in Rovaniemi

There are several reliable apps that provide information about the activity of the Northern Lights. Here is an overview of the best northern lights apps :

Aurora Forecast – This app provides real-time Aurora Borealis forecasts based on various factors like solar activity, cloud cover, and geomagnetic data. It offers customizable notifications and an easy-to-use interface.
My Aurora Forecast & Alerts – This app offers accurate Aurora Borealis forecasts and provides alerts when the Northern Lights are likely to be visible in your location. It also includes weather information and a global Aurora map.
Aurora – Aurora Forecast and Alerts – This app provides detailed Aurora Borealis forecasts, including hourly predictions and visibility ratings. It offers an interactive map and allows you to set location-based alerts for optimal viewing conditions.
Northern Eye – Aurora Forecast – This app offers Aurora Borealis forecasts along with cloud cover and moon phase information. It provides a 3-day forecast and allows you to save your favorite locations for quick access.
TPE – The Photographer’s Ephemeris – While not specifically designed for Northern Lights, this app is useful for photographers. It provides information on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset times, which can help you plan your Northern Lights photography sessions.

Remember that while these apps provide valuable data, the visibility of the Northern Lights is still dependent on various natural factors.

It’s always recommended to check multiple sources, monitor local weather conditions, and seek dark sky locations for the best chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.

What causes the northern lights to appear in Rovaniemi?

The aurora borealis caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun. Here’s how it works:

Solar Activity: The Sun continuously releases a stream of charged particles called the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun experiences solar flares or coronal mass ejections, resulting in a higher intensity of charged particles.
Earth’s Magnetic Field: The Earth has a magnetic field that extends into space. This magnetic field acts as a protective shield, deflecting most of the charged particles from the Sun. However, near the Earth’s poles, the magnetic field lines converge, allowing some of the particles to enter the atmosphere.
Particle Interaction: As the charged particles from the Sun enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with atoms and molecules, primarily oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions excite the atoms and molecules, causing them to release energy in the form of light.
Light Emission: The excited atoms and molecules emit light at specific wavelengths, creating the colorful displays of the northern lights. Oxygen emits green and red light, while nitrogen emits blue and purple light.

In Rovaniemi (located near the Arctic Circle) the proximity to the Earth’s magnetic pole and its high latitude make it an excellent location for witnessing the northern lights.

The clear skies and minimal light pollution in the area further enhance the visibility of this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

How long do the northern lights last in Finland?

The duration of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, can vary. The northern lights can appear for just a few minutes or persist for several hours . The length of time the northern lights last depends on several factors:

Activity Level: The intensity of the aurora display is influenced by the strength of the geomagnetic storm. During periods of high activity, the lights may be more dynamic and last longer.
Solar Activity: The occurrence and duration of the northern lights are linked to solar activity, specifically the solar wind. When there is a higher influx of charged particles from the Sun, the aurora can be more prolonged.
Viewing Location: The duration of the northern lights can also vary based on your location. In some instances, the lights may be visible for a few minutes before fading away, while in other cases, they may persist for hours, especially in regions close to the magnetic poles.
Atmospheric Conditions: Clear skies are ideal for viewing the northern lights. If the sky is clouded over, it may reduce visibility and the perceived duration of the aurora.

Best Rovaniemi Northern Light Tours

Hunt the aurora borealis in rovaniemi by snowmobile with tasty campfire bbq.

Apukka Resort

Apukka Resort, located about a 15-minute ride from Rovaniemi , offers a warm respite in the Arctic with unique sauna rooms and high-end glass igloo cabins.

The Aurora Cabin Glass Igloos provide crystal clear views of the Northern Lights, and the resort offers a range of exciting activities, including nature tours and culinary adventures. => Check discounted room rates here! <=

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a unique experience with its world’s largest smoke sauna and diverse culinary options.

The resort’s accommodation options range from traditional chalets to thermal glass igloos, providing luxurious and cozy settings.

Guests can enjoy the charm of camping while watching the northern lights from the comfort of their glass igloos.

The proximity to Urho Kekkonen National Park, with its stunning landscapes and fell peaks, adds to the resort’s magical allure. => Check discounted room rates here! <=

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Hotel

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Hotel, located near the famous Santa Claus Village, offers a remarkable experience with its collection of 71 luxurious igloos. These snow-clad structures provide a cozy village-like atmosphere while offering modern amenities.

Each room is equipped with high-end features, including a flat-screen TV and tablet for convenient communication with the friendly staff.

Guests can enjoy the natural light show of the Aurora borealis by simply looking up through the glass roofs of the igloos.

For families, a visit to the nearby Santa Claus Village is a must, and adventurous activities like hiking and bike rentals are also available for exploration. => Check discounted rates here! <=

Best Time and Places to See Northern Lights in Finland

Fancy seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory? Discover the best time and places to see the Northern Lights in Finland for a magical time under the dancing sky.

Picture the scene: With a warm fire roaring next to you, you sit tentatively and watch the skies. And, just as you’re losing all hope, you see the glistening shades of colour light up the sky, and warmth enters your chest.

No, you’re not dreaming. You’re watching the Northern Lights in Finland.

But, before you jump in and start booking your tickets to this majestic country, here are all the essential details you’ll need.

PS: Want to delve into how to plan a Northern Lights Trip? Watch this video!

Watch on YouTube

Best time to see the northern lights in finland: at a glance, what is the finland aurora borealis.

Northern Lights Apukka Resort Rovaniemi-3

Funnily enough, these dancing lights – the Aurora Borealis – that you see at night are actually from the sun. Solar storms on the surface of the sun cause loads of electrically charged particles to propel toward the Earth.

This is all very scientific, but it’s just the solar winds colliding with oxygen and nitrogen to create dazzling skylights. These lights can appear in many forms, such as spirals, rays, flickers, and curtains of light.

Best Time for Northern Lights in Finland

The best time to see Northern Lights in Finland tends to happen around nighttime, so your best chance to see them is between 10 pm and 3 am. This is when you are most likely to see the curtain of light.

It’s also best to look for them at night when there are little to no clouds.

When to See Northern Lights in Finland?

The northern region of Finland falls within the Arctic Circle, which results in long nights during winter and long days in summer. As you need darkness to be able to see the Northern Lights, your best chances of seeing them are between September and March.

There are about 200 days a year to see the Northern Lights in Lapland. This makes it one of the best places in the world to see the mesmerising lights in the sky.

Which Month is The Best Time to See Northern Lights Finland?

At the height of winter , you’ll experience total darkness the entire day, so you can imagine there’s a better chance of seeing the lights, right? Well, it’s not that simple, and here’s why.

September and October

In these months, you’ll still have daylight, but there is higher geomagnetic activity – so there are more solar storms. There is also no snow just yet, so the lakes are crystal clear, and you can get beautiful reflections of the lights in the water.

The weather in September and October is also a lot warmer, and shades of red and orange come alive in the autumn forests.

November to January

These are months when you’re in almost total darkness the whole day, so there’s a higher chance of seeing these Finland lights. However, these are the months when you can expect lots of snowfall, and where there is snowfall, there are clouds.

This means less vision of the aurora in Finland. Accommodation costs during this time are also more expensive, but there is an abundance of winter activities like skiing.

Top Tip: Are the Northern Lights not enough to persuade you to visit? Discover why Finland is one of the best places to travel in November .

February and March

February is the best time to visit Finland to see the Northern Lights in Lapland. Not only are there clear skies, but there is geomagnetic activity similar to those during autumn.

There is also still snow during this time, so you can spend the days skiing or snowboarding and the nights looking up at the sky.

Best Places to See Northern Lights in Finland

Arctic Fox Igloos: Finland Northern Lights Igloo 1

The best region to see the Northern Lights in Finland is undoubtedly Lapland. It is in the country’s northern parts and within the Polar circle.

But some towns and villages provide unforgettable views of this mesmerising night sky show. Let’s take a look…

I simply have to start with Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and possibly the best place to see the Aurora zone. This is a bustling metropolis and is most notably known as the home of Santa Claus.

Aside from the Arktikum, a science centre and museum for the arctic – you can also see the Northern Light up to 150 times a year. With a mountainous landscape and still lakes, you can capture some truly picturesque photos of the Northern Lights with a mountainous landscape and still lakes.

If you want a more exciting way to see the dancing sky, go skiing at the Ounasvaara Ski Resort. They offer night skiing, which is the perfect opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis.

Top Tip: If you want to learn more, read about the best things to do in Rovaniemi .

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi: Apukka Resort

Julianna Barnaby Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Take it from me – nothing beats staring at the sky from the comfort of a warm room. And you can do precisely that at the Apukka Resort in one of their Glass Igloo cabins.

This is where I stayed during a recent trip and it made for a truly unforgettable experience, as the warm bed keeps you comfy while the sky puts on a show.

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If you want to visit a smaller town without missing the Northern Lights, then Ivalo is a fantastic option. The town is also the northernmost on this list, so you can expect a rustic yet beautiful experience.

The best area to explore is the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, as there is little to no light pollution. Here, you might spot reindeer as they migrate through the pine forests, and it’ll be even more memorable if you see them under the Northern Lights.

Where to Stay in Ivalo: Aurora Village Ivalo

The Aurora Village Ivalo is another one of those accommodations where you can see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The Ravintola Loimu on-site provides delicious meals, and the walking tours serve as the perfect opportunity to explore.

On the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia is the small village of Kemi. One of the many memorable sights here is the Kemi Snowcastle – the sculpture appears to have risen from the ground, as saltwater ice and snow make up this entire building.

Another one of those famous attractions includes the iconic Icebreaker Sampo ship, the iconic vessel is shown to be breaking through the rigid ice of Bothnian Bay.

Where to Stay in Kemi: Seaside Glass Villas

You wouldn’t think seeing the Northern Lights in comfort could get much better. But the Seaside Glass Villas pairs the Aurora Borealis perfectly with seaside views. With the Seaview restaurant on-site and a sauna to relax in, you can really have an enjoyable time in Kemi.

If you’re searching for a lovely resort town in Northern Finland, look no further than Kittilä, the town is popular amongst visitors due to its fantastic Levi Ski Resort.

The resort is no more than a 20-minute drive away from Kittilä and, as you can imagine, the views of the Northern Lights from here are spectacular. On average, you can see the Finland Aurora lights up to 111 times a year from this picturesque town.

Where to Stay in Kittilä: Lyra’s Hideaway

Lya’s Hideaway is the perfect spot to stay, with easy access to the Levi ski lifts and unrivalled mountainside views. And if the views aren’t enough, the private hot tub and sauna will keep you warm on cold nights.

Saariselkä is a ski resort region in Lapland that provides unrivalled views of the Northern Lights over Urho Kekkonen National Park. Saariselkä experiences the Aurora Borealis for a staggering average of 200 days per year, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them here.

The ski resort opens in winter around the end of November, so it’s best to visit from December onwards.

It’s well worth the wait, though, as the ski resort offers nighttime skiing. This means you’ve got a fantastic opportunity to ski under the glowing night sky.

Where to Stay in Saariselkä: Star Arctic Hotel

The Star Arctic Hotel offers the best of both worlds, with cosy accommodation and quick access to outdoor activities. There are large glass walls that allow you to take in the breathtaking Northern Lights and ski lifts are no more than a couple hundred feet away.

Top Tips for Seeing Finland Northern Lights

Can i increase my chances of seeing the aurora borealis in finland.

The best way to give yourself a chance to see the Northern Lights is by visiting during the winter and early spring seasons. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as this can often help you know if there will be cloud cover or not.

To see the Northern Lights at their vibrant best, it’s also a good idea to visit remote regions of Lapland.

Do the Northern Lights Happen Every Night?

Technically, the Northern Lights happen every night of the year. But this doesn’t mean you can see them every night.

Sometimes bad weather prevents vision. Or the geomagnetic storms are not strong enough to produce the Northern Lights’ mesmerising dance.

Are There Northern Lights Tours I Can Join?

There are some great Northern Lights Lapland tours you can join, and most of them take place at Rovaniemi.

Here are some top picks you can join:

Rovaniemi: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ
Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Snowmobile Safari & Campfire BBQ
Northern Lights Sledge Ride Pulled by Snowmobile
Ice Floating in Lapland With Northern Lights
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Hunt and Arctic Circle

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Finland: Map

Things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland: Exploring the Gem of Finnish Lapland

Visiting Finland in Winter: What To Do & Practical Tips for Your Trip

14 Unmissable Things to do in Finland: Unlock the Secrets of This Nordic Gem

8 Incredible Northern Lights Hotels in Finland

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1 February 2024

More than half of Aussies (57%) dream of aurora chasing this year, eclipsing other bucket list experiences
Canada, Norway and Finland boast the most popular destinations for aurora hunters, with Expedia searches historically up triple-digits
April and November revealed as the most affordable months to visit the Northern Lights
Tor-Ivar Næss, award-winning Northern Lights photographer, shares top tips for capturing the aurora
With experts predicting extraordinary aurora visibility in 2024, Expedia’s Northern Lights Insider Guide helps travellers plan their trip

Today, Expedia® released its comprehensive Northern Lights Insider Guide. With 2024 promising more frequent sightings of this natural wonder, Expedia shares travel data insights, saving hacks, photography tips and ideal itineraries to help travellers plan for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the magical auroras.

According to a survey commissioned by Expedia, more than half of Aussies (57%) aspire to witness the Northern Lights as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Following closely behind are wishes to visit the Pyramids (44%) and exploring Japan during blossom season (43%) [1] .

“ Planning your Northern Lights adventure might feel like navigating uncharted territory, but we’ve made it easy for travellers to make this trip a reality ,” said Melanie Fish, Head of Expedia Group Brands Public Relations. “ From Churchhill, Canada to Tromsø, Norway, the free guide shows where to stay for under $289 a night or how to bundle a whole trip together for under $3,000. There’s even a photography guide to make sure you know how to capture the memory.”

Expedia Northern Lights Insider Guide Destination Trends: To help travellers discover popular and lesser-known destinations to experience the Northern Lights, Expedia has pulled together these exclusive insights on destination trends.

Norway Remains Ultimate Northern Lights Hotspot:
Searches for Troms ø increased by 40% [2] in 2023 , following a notable rise in 2022, highlighting its popularity among travellers seeking the Northern Lights.
Additionally, there was a 360% [3] increase in hotel searches compared to 2021, further highlighting the growing interest in visiting Tromsø for the aurora display.
April stays in Tromsø offer the most budget-friendly travel option with daily hotel rates historically averaging $225 [4] , which is $121 less per night compared to February.
Other emerging Norwegian destinations for Australians included Kirkenes, Narvik and Alta , seeing an average increase of over 490% [5] .
Canada’s Top Northern Lights Destinations:
Churchill was the top Canadian destination for Australians for Northern Lights viewing, boasting close to a remarkable 280 % [6] increase in hotel searches last year.
Other trending locations included Jasper and Yukon , which both saw increased hotel searches from Australians of around 65% year-on-year.
The U.S. Continues to Be Popular:
Alaska and Fairbanks were predicted to be the most popular areas for Australians to catch the lights in the U.S., with an average over 100% [7] increase year-on-year.
Top Ten Trending [8] Northern Lights Destinations Worldwide: As a result of searches for these destinations increasing by over 40% year-on-year, we predict they will continue to be popular among tourists this 2024:
Lapland, Finland
Churchill, Canada
Rovaniemi, Finland
Narvik, Norway
Kirkenes, Norway
Kálfafell, Iceland
Inari, Finland
Abisko, Sweden
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Tromsø, Norway

5. The Best Times and Places for Budget-Friendly Trips: Based on average daily rates from previous years, these offer the most cost-effective destinations [9] for viewing the Northern Lights:

February: Faroe Islands, rates have proven to be $185, a $117 contrast from the most expensive month, September.
March: Aberdeen, priced at $131, $18 cheaper than April.
April: Tromsø, marked at $225, a $121 difference compared to February.
September: Finland, with rates at $208, $137 cheaper than December.
October: Lapland, priced at $159, less than half the cost of December, January, and February.
November: Yellowknife, priced at $210, 10% cheaper than January and February.
December: Greenland, rates at $165, a $152 difference compared to February and March.

Expedia Smart Savings Hacks: According to Expedia, 70% [10] of Australian travellers have not travelled to the Northern Lights due to financial reasons. By following these savvy tips on how to save money when booking your Northern Lights trip, travellers can cut costs without compromising on the experience.

Expedia’s Price Tracking feature on the app helps with the uncertainty involved in choosing the right time to book a Northern Lights trip by notifying travellers when flight prices change and using exclusive data to help choose the best time to book.
Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their Northern Lights itinerary all in one place, making it easier to keep track of their journey.

Ideal Itineraries:

Tromsø, Norway: With an Expedia package, you can experience six-nights at The Clarion Hotel The Edge , Tromsø, from a total of $3,752 per traveller, including flights from Sydney, Australia between 24th-31st March 2024. Add a husky experience and dog sleigh driving adventure for $249 per person. [11]
Fairbanks, Alaska: As a prime Northern Lights destination, Fairbanks has seen an over 90% [12] surge in hotel searches. Book a six-night package trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort with flights from Sydney between 14 th -21 st October 2024 from $2717 per traveller [13] . Add an Aurora Ice Museum experience for $24 per person.

Photography Perfection: 38% [14] of Australian travellers would be disappointed if they never see the Northern Lights in their lifetime, so to help learn the secrets of capturing the perfect Northern Lights shot on your smartphone, award-winning aurora photographer, Tor-Ivar Næss , has shared his top five invaluable tips to enhance your Northern Lights photography experience.

Use a Tripod: Or place your phone on a sturdy surface, like a backpack. Stability is key for long exposure photography. A tripod will keep your phone steady, which is crucial for capturing the slow-moving lights of the aurora without blur.
Manual Mode : If your smartphone camera allows manual settings, use them. Adjust the ISO (try starting around 800-1600), lower the shutter speed (several seconds), and set the aperture as wide as possible to let in as much light as you can.
Focus to Infinity: Ensure your camera’s focus is set to infinity. This is important because autofocus might have trouble in the dark, and you want the stars and lights to be sharp. You know you are in focus when the stars are at their smallest.
Use a Remote Shutter or Timer: To avoid camera shake when you press the shutter button, use a remote control or the built-in timer function on your smartphone.
Experiment With Composition: The aurora is unpredictable, so try different compositions and include interesting foregrounds for a sense of scale and place. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. And if the aurora is above you, try to shoot straight up.

“ This year the Northern Lights promise an unforgettable display and photo moment, making it an ideal year for travel enthusiasts to experience this once in a lifetime experience. Consider heading on your journey between mid-September and early April when the darker, clearer nights enhance your chances of witnessing this photo phenomenon, ”Tor-Ivar Næss said.

“ From the beautiful landscapes of Iceland to the majestic fjords of Tromsø in Norway, this year offers an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty of the lights. By using my recommended tips for photography fanatics, you can increase your chances of capturing remarkable shots. Remember, capturing the Northern Lights is often about patience and experimenting with settings, so don’t get discouraged if your first few shots don’t turn out as expected. Keep trying !”

For more information on how to make the most out of your Northern Lights trip this 2024, visit expedia.com.au

[1] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.

[2] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[3] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com made throughout 2022 in comparison to 2021.

[4] ADR data based off YOY global Expedia hotel rates in 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[5] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[6] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[7] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[8] Data results based off global hotel searches rankings on Expedia.com made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[9] ADR data based off YOY global Expedia hotel rates in 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[10] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.

[11] Based on Return economy flights with Qatar and Scandinavian Airlines from Sydney to Tromso. Price per person twin share from 24 March to 31 March 2024 (correct as at 5pm AEDT 31.01.24). For travel until 24 March 2024 (black out dates apply). Subject to availability. Visit expedia.com.au for terms and conditions.

[12 ] Data results based off AU hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[13] Based on Return economy flights with Delta Airlines from Sydney to Fairbanks.. Price per person twin share from 15 October to 21 October 2024 (correct as at 5pm AEDT 31.01.24). For travel until 15 October 2024 (black out dates apply). Subject to availability. Visit expedia.com.au for terms and conditions.

[14] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.

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Chasing Northern Lights in Europe: Top 5 places to witness this nature’s magic

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated : Aug 17, 2024, 00:55 IST

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The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be observed in several European locations including Tromsø, Rovaniemi, Reykjavik, Abisko, and Svalbard. Each destination offers unique opportunities for aurora viewing and exciting activities, making them perfect for those looking to experience this natural wonder. Accommodations and guided tours enhance the overall adventure. Read less

Chasing Northern Lights in Europe: Top 5 places to witness this nature’s magic

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Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2024

The best cities to visit in Europe

The most exciting cities to visit in Europe for a cultural break

With short flight or train times and easy journeys, breaks to Europe’s great cities are the perfect option for mini-breaks and longer holidays , especially when you want to be immersed in culture and history. There are also lots of destinations to choose from for people in search of a food-focused trip, or for those who will enjoy history-packed walking tours.

As the saying goes, Paris is always a good idea and Rome never gets old, but there’s so much more to Europe than these grande dames. If you loved Lisbon, you’ll adore Porto, with its port warehouses along the waterfront, medieval alleys and winding Douro backdrop. For somewhere easy to reach, try Lille in northern France – direct Eurostar services from London take just over an hour and 20 minutes.

If seeing the midnight sun or the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, make Tromso in Norway or Rovaniemi in Finland the next great city you visit in Europe.

Enjoy a city break with a difference and visit Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital named after its steaming hot springs. Or head to the very edge of the continent and Istanbul, for its magnificent Ottoman architecture, fabulous food scene and boat trips down the Bosphorus.

Read on for Country Living's pick of the best cities to visit in Europe…

The sunny capital of Provence and France ’s second city, Marseille has always been a little shabbier around the edges when compared to its more groomed Gallic counterparts, but it’s enjoying a renaissance. It’s the oldest city in France – it was founded in 600BC.

Don’t miss the old port, where you can see fishermen selling their catch of the day, and the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, along with more modern landmarks, such as Le Corbusier’s Unité d'habitation. You can reach Marseille by train by taking the Eurostar to Paris or Lille and hopping on a fast TGV service from there.

Where to stay: Nhow Marseille has a beautiful location on the bay, as well a spa, an outdoor swimming pool and rooms overlooking the Mediterranean.

The capital of Iceland is a great choice for a city break with a difference – it may technically be a 45-minute drive south of the centre, but the Blue Lagoon is not to be missed. The name translates as ‘Smoky Bay’, a nod to the steam coming out of the area’s hot springs.

Outside of the centre, the coastline is all coves, straits and small islands, with Mount Esja across the bay. Watch for whales and puffins by the old harbour, from where many tours depart. And, of course, you’ll be in with a chance of spying the Northern Lights.

Where to stay: The stylish EDITION brand brings contemporary elegance to the city, but for something more classic, try the art deco Hotel Borg .

BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN REYKJAVIK

Sunny Seville is the biggest city in Andalusia and there’s so much more to it than just oranges. Its traditional festivals are alive and well, it has amazing tapas restaurants in its old town, lots of plazas and parks, and the strums of Spanish guitars soundtrack the streets.

The city is famous for its Moorish and Gothic architecture – its many monuments of interest include the Giralda tower, the cathedral and the Royal Alcázar palace.

Where to stay: For an equally regal retreat, book the palm-lined Hotel Alfonso XIII , commissioned by a king in 1929 and still playing host to royalty (including the Hollywood kind).

Travel to the edge of Europe with a trip to Istanbul, to experience where the continent meets Asia. The architecture in Istanbul can be quite staggering – the Byzantine basilica of Aya Sofya, for example, and its gold mosaics, columns and iconic dome (and assorted smaller domes).

Equally impressive is the Topkapi Palace in the Old City, once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Then there’s the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world. And we haven’t even got to the modern side of the city, with its lively nightlife and incredible food.

Where to stay: For a hotel with history, book Six Senses Kocatas Mansions , which spans two waterfront mansions once home to an Ottoman Empire minister.

Of all of Italy’s great cities, Florence is the most perfect, small enough to explore on foot and overflowing with culture, art and history. Brunelleschi’s marble masterpiece dominates the city, which means you can stop to admire it regularly.

The Uffizi is home to some of the greatest works of art on the planet, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus . Or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and call in at the jewellery ateliers that line the bridge.

Where to stay: There are no shortage of grand palazzos in the city, but to live like a Medici member, stay at Il Salviatino a little outside of the centre and enjoy the frescoed ceilings.

San Sebastian

Foodies should flock to San Sebastian, undoubtedly the gastronomy capital of Europe, thanks to its constellation of Michelin stars, including a trio of restaurants with three stars each. And if you prefer something more laid-back than formal fine-dining, you’ll enjoy the fun pintxos crawls that are part of everyday life in San Sebastian – pitstops with a tasty bite in each bar.

The Basque Country bay is so pretty, it could pass for a miniature Rio de Janeiro.

Where to stay: Both aristocrats and epicures have been enjoying Hotel Maria Cristina for a century, the perfect place to relax after all that indulgence and with a view of the Bay of Biscay to boot.

Portugal’s second city, Porto is growing in popularity and is a great option if you’ve already experienced Lisbon. It’s also one for the wine lovers out there, with port warehouses lined up along the river and the full-bodied reds of the Douro region available everywhere.

In fact, wine is celebrated around here so much that it even appears in the spa treatments.

Where to stay: There are lots of lovely hotels to choose from, including enchanting villas out in the Atlantic-facing suburb of Foz – but for the best city-centre perch to enjoy all that Porto has to offer, it has to be the Yeatman .

Dubrovnik’s city walls have existed in some form since the ninth century, with cobbled streets joining up the main gates of Pile and Ploce. Guided tours of the fortifications are a great activity to start your trip and get to know the city.

Visitors can also ascend Mount Srd by cablecar, go shopping in markets set up on baroque squares and venture over to unspoilt island Lokrum to see its pines, palms and cypresses.

Where to stay: A little out of the city centre, the beachfront Sun Gardens is where to stay to wake up with the Adriatic in front of you – and Villa Dubrovnik is another sea-edge sanctuary on the rocks.

BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN DUBROVNIK

An unsung gem of the best cities to visit in Europe, Bruges is one of the continent’s quaintest places – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval heritage and historic canals. Admire the ancient architecture of the Rozenhoedkaai, marvel at the Belfry on the Market Square, visit the almshouses and enjoy the peace, quiet and romance of Minnewater.

Where to stay: Stay close to the action at Boutique Hotel Sablon , which may have a 16th-century façade but has been thoughtfully renovated inside – and it’s conveniently located between the Market Square and the Zand area.

Malta’s honey-hued capital has a special place in the Queen’s heart – and it won’t take you long to see why. The dazzling St John’s Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognisable sights, and equally impressive is the Grandmaster’s Palace, with its state rooms and armoury, and the famous Knights of St John’s Sacra Infermeria, an early hospital.

Where to stay: Amazing views of the harbour await up in the Barrakka Gardens. For more, head to the terrace of Iniala Harbour House , which has one of the finest views in the city – and you’ll be able to enjoy it with a bucket of ice-cold champagne.

Mallorca may have its beautiful beaches to lounge on and mountains to hike, but its capital Palma is not to be missed – especially for a glimpse of its golden, Gothic cathedral, looming above the edge of the bay. Visitors can ride the old wooden tram down to Soller, for lunch on the edge of its marina.

Other things to experience include Bellver Castle, Almudaina Palace and the lively Lonja fish market. And it’s a city that can be enjoyed all year round, since temperatures rarely drop below 18 degrees.

Where to stay: Stay close to the cathedral by checking in at seafront El Llorenç Parc del Mar , which references the city’s Moorish past with courtyards and carved doors.

Catch the Eurostar all the way south to Bordeaux for a break that combines a lively city stay with beautiful countryside, in France’s ultimate wine destination. The port city, set on the banks of the Garonne River, has grand mansions dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, a gothic cathedral and impressive museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.

After you’ve explored the centre, you can visit one of the world-famous vineyards that are within a short drive away.

Where to stay: Mama Shelter Bordeaux gives guests a stylish place to rest their heads – it’s an affordable option in the historic centre. There’s a rooftop for drinks with a view and eye-catching decor every direction you look.

Another European city that can be easily reached by train, Amsterdam is a perennial city-break favourite and with good reason. The idyllic, easy-to-cycle-around city has beautiful waterways, amazing architecture and a hard to beat museum scene. Cultural highlights include the grand Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum.

Perfect for strolling around is the Nine Streets district (officially ‘De Negen Straatjes’), with its cute boutiques, historic canal houses, charming cafés and cobblestoned pavements.

Where to stay: The Dylan , part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, is set in one of the city’s iconic canalside merchant’s houses. It’s on Keizersgracht and a swift walk away from Dam Square.

Barcelona may be Madrid’s more playful sibling, but the capital city is perfect for a weekend break filled with culture. It’s one of Europe’s premier art destination, with an impressive array of works on show in museums such as the famous Prado, where you can admire masterpieces by Spanish masters such as Goya and Velázquez.

Spend your days strolling the boulevards, stopping off to see the porticos lining the grand Plaza Mayor and the baroque Royal Palace.

Where to stay: Gran Hotel Inglès is one of the most opulent hotels in Madrid and it’s also the oldest, having opened its doors in 1886. Other firsts it can lay claim to include being the premier hotel in the city to have a restaurant, and the street it’s on was the earliest to be powered by electricity.

There are many good reasons to visit the capital city of Austria, not least if you’re a fan of opera and classical music – Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Strauss all lived here, after all, and many of these great composers are buried here. Vienna 's monumental 1,709-seat opera house has been a landmark since 1869. There are also countless palaces, along with galleries showcasing works by homegrown artists Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

The city is especially festive come December, when you’ll be able to explore the Christmas markets and warm up with some apple strudel.

Where to stay: Hotel Motto may be set inside a rather grand old building, but it has been gently modernised. At the rooftop restaurant Chez Bernard, there’s a seasonal terrace and a menu of comforting classics, such as bouillabaisse, steak tartare and coq au vin.

One of the most exciting European cities to visit in the winter surely has to be Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. It’s especially enticing for anyone hoping to meet Santa Claus, since it’s the official home town of Father Christmas himself. If you’ve long stopped believing, you can come for the Northern Lights instead.

The city was bombed heavily in World War II, so the architecture is modern. In the summer, it’s the land of the midnight sun and, at any time of the year, a wonderful place in which to discover Lappish culture.

Where to stay: If you like quirky accommodation, you’ll love the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, which has standalone cabins in the forest, with a vast window to frame the view, whether it’s of the snow-covered forest, the midnight sun or the Northern Lights.

Another great city to visit in Europe if you’re on a mission to track down the Northern Lights is Tromso in Norway, which is an excellent starting point for some Arctic exploration. As with Rovaniemi in Finland, it’s also an ideal place to come in search of the midnight sun during the summer.

Though there’s lots to see and do in the scenic surrounding countryside, the city has plenty of culture to discover, too – Tromso is the world’s northernmost university city, with concerts, exhibitions and festivals held throughout the year.

Where to stay: Scandic Ishavshotel is one of the best hotels in Tromso , located in the centre of the city, beside the quay. It’s perfectly placed for easy access to the Hurtigruten ferry, for embarking on fjord-bound sailing trips and Northern Lights cruises; and it’s just a few minutes on foot from the Polar Museum.

The main boon of a city break to the northern French city of Lille for travellers coming from Britain is the fact that you can arrive by Eurostar, direct services of which take just an hour and 22 minutes from London.

Lille is close to the Belgian border in the Hauts-de-France region, with lots of Flemish influences visible in the architecture. As with many great French cities, the historic centre is well worth a visit, with its 17th-century buildings, cobbled streets and main square.

Where to stay: In the heart of Vieux Lille, Clarance Hôtel is set within a former private mansion, built in 1736 for a countess. It remains suitably grand today, with parquet floors, a sweeping staircase, corniced ceilings and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Its southerly sister Venice may be more popular with tourists, but if you’re a fan of second cities, consider Treviso northern Italy’s Veneto region for your next mini break on the Continent. The most famous export is prosecco, so it is also a cool city to visit in Europe if your tipple of choice is the beloved Italian fizz.

As with its neighbour in the Veneto, Treviso has several canals, along with a cathedral, palazzos and medieval frescoes to discover. And if you do want to visit Venice, it’s doable on a day trip – the train south takes just half an hour.

Where to stay: Terzopiano is a simple but stylish bed and breakfast in the centre of Treviso. Design details in the colourful guestrooms include parquet floors, hanging lamps, statement headboards and walls painted in bold tones.

The capital of Bavaria is a charming place to visit at any time of the year, but it’s especially popular during autumn’s Oktoberfest festivities, when its historic beer halls, some of which were founded as far back as the 16th century, come alive. The city is also especially magical in December, when the Christmas markets come to town.

Where to stay: Louis Hotel is set within a century-old building in the city centre. It has a prime position, right on the Viktualienmarkt, a square that’s home to a lively food market, which has been going ever since 1807.

Looking for more European holiday ideas?

- The best hotels in Rotterdam

- Where to stay in Provence

- Top Eurostar destinations

- The best hotels in Geneva

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Discover the enchanting Arctic seasons in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Lapland and the Arctic Circle area are full of breathtaking phenomena and natural elements. Are you wondering when to visit Rovaniemi? The best time depends on what you are after – the constantly changing Arctic seasons all have their own characteristic light, temperature, natural phenomena, and ideal activities. Explore the seasons to find the best one for your holiday.

The Arctic Rovaniemi seasons – Quick Facts

Autumn : September and October

Typical daytime temperatures:

September: +5 to +15 °C
October: 0 to +10 °C

Average length of the day:

September: 13 hours
October: 9 hours

Early winter

Early winter : November

Average temperature: -10 to +5 °C

November: 7 hours

Winter : From November until March

December: -20 to -10 °C
January: -30 to -15 °C
February: -20 to -15 °C
March: -15 to -5 °C
December: 2,5 hours
January: 4 hours
February: 8 hours
March: 12 hours

Spring : April & May

April: +5 to +10 °C
May: +10 to +20 °C
April: 15 hours
May: 19 hours

Summer : June – August

Typical daytime temperatures in the summer:

June: +15 to +20 °C
July: +20 to +25 °C
August: +10 to +20 °C

Average length of the day at spring:

June: 24 hours
July: 21 hours
August: 17 hours

Different arctic seasons

There are traditionally four distinctly different seasons clearly present in the annual cycle of Rovaniemi. However, many locals would say that the year consists of up to eight seasons, each with its own distinct characteristics: midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf color, first snowfall, and Christmas.

Please bear in mind that there is annual fluctuation in weather, and these are mere guidelines.

Weather and climate

Lapland is in the continental climate zone. The winters are cold and rich in snow, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the summers are relatively warm. Rovaniemi is part of the arctic region; its climate, however, is subarctic and temperate, characterised by strong seasonal contrasts of dark versus bright and cold versus warm.

Snow is on the ground for roughly half of the year, commonly from late November to mid-April or even early May.

The coldest recorded local temperature is -45.3°C.

The hottest recorded local temperature is +30.6°C.

View also Rovaniemi right now

Explore different months in Rovaniemi

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: Snowy Phenomenon: Polar Night Average temperature: Between -30 to -15 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 4 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: Snowy Phenomenon: Sun appears as the days get longer / snowy spring Average temperature: Between -20 to -15 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 8 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: Snowy Phenomenon: Snowy Spring Average temperature: Between 15 to -5 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 12 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear until around mid April. It becomes more difficult as the evenings and nights get lighter and brighter. Snow: Most likely snowy Phenomenon: Increasing light Average temperature: Between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 15 hours

Northern Lights: not visible Snow: Snow melting Phenomenon: Increasing light, nature is slowly waking up after winter Average temperature: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 19 hours

Northern Lights: Not Visible Snow: No snow Phenomenon: Midnight sun – the nightless night with 24 hour daylight Average temperature: Between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 24 hours

Northern Lights: Not Visible Snow: No snow Phenomenon: Midnight sun Average temperature: Between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 21 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear in the end of August Snow: No snow Phenomenon: Northern Lights Average temperature: Between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 17 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: No snow Phenomenon: Autumn foliage Average temperature: Between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 13 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: Possible to appear Phenomenon: Northern lights Average temperature: Between October: 0 to 10 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 9 hours

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: Possible to appear Phenomenon: Northern lights Average temperature: Between -10 to 5 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: In the beginning of the month around 7 hours, at the end of the month around 5 hours.

Northern Lights: Possible to appear Snow: Most likely snowy Phenomenon: Polar Night Average temperature: Between -20 to -10 degrees Celsius Lenght of the day, average: 2,5 hours

Explore the Arctic Seasons

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.

Christmas time in Rovaniemi

Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!

Northern Lights Season

Seasons when Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore…

There is something so magical in nights spent under the Auroras in Glass Cabins and Igloos or waking up from a unique accommodation to a first snowfall.

Fall in love with the Rovaniemi phenomena

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!

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.

Northern Lights

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and 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!

6 ways to experience frozen waters in Rovaniemi

Sustainable Tips for visitors

Unbelievable seasonal experiences in Rovaniemi

Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland

Northern Lights Tours

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Browse summer activities

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IMAGES

Best places to see northern lights in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi
Best places to see northern lights in Rovaniemi
11 Best Rovaniemi Tours: Northern Lights, Huskies, and More!
Rovaniemi, Finland
How to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (Best Tours + Tips)

COMMENTS

Best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland
Head north for a once-in-a-lifetime show. Northern Lights are most visible from the end of August to April in northern Finland. Auroras, caused by solar winds, occur year-round but the nights need to be dark enough for us to be able to catch a glimpse of this phenomenal light show. That is why autumn, winter, and spring are the best times to ...
Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: Tips, Apps, Spots & Tours I
On a tour seeing the Northern lights in Finnish Lapland, an hour outside of Rovaniemi. The easiest way to (almost) ensure you see the Northern lights in Rovaniemi is by taking a Northern lights tour. Depending on the tour you take, you'll spend 4 to 8 hours chasing the Northern lights as far as reasonably necessary within the time limits of ...
Best Time To Visit Rovaniemi: Month-by-Month Guide (2024)
Rovaniemi in July. 🌡️ Temperature Range: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) ️ Average Monthly Snowfall: N/A. ☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: July 1 (24 hours of daylight), July 15 (21h 30min) With temperatures reaching up to 25°C (77°F), July is the warmest month in Rovaniemi.
Discover Northern Lights Season
Northern Lights Season. in Rovaniemi. Northern Lights are visible starting from late August, so it is possible to combine Autumn and Early Winter trip with the Aurora hunting. Northern Lights season continues from end of summer to early spring in Lapland, Finland. Seeing the dancing lights in the sky is a dream come true experience!
The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi
Arktikum Museum and Science Centre. This museum is the best spot to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi without getting far from the city center. It has a north-facing glass walkway that protects you from the cold as you wait for the Aurora Borealis to appear. Outside, a small beautiful lake and some trees create a wonderful setting.
Best Time and Place to 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. ... 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.
Experience Northern Lights in Rovaniemi
in Rovaniemi Lapland. Nature's show of a lifetime. Also known as Aurora Borealis, the magical Northern Lights can be witnessed in Rovaniemi from late August until early April. Once you see the spellbinding dance of the auroras, you'll cherish it forever. There are many ways to catch the breath-taking moment, but it requires some luck as well.
How to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (Best Tours + Tips)
Rovaniemi city center - too much light pollution to usually see Best Time to Visit Rovaniemi to See the Northern Lights. The northern lights tend to be visible any time from late August to mid-April.While there is a common misconception that the northern lights are best seen in the dead of winter, there is a higher chance of seeing the lights in autumn.
Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi, Lapland
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 ...
Best places to see northern lights in Rovaniemi
Lake Vietonen. Lake Vietonen is situated about 60 km north-west from Rovaniemi. It is very easy to reach by car. The lake's most picturesque spot is situated right near the parking spot. Lake Vietonen is great to taking northern lights photos during autumn season when the water is still open.
8 of the best northern lights tours from Rovaniemi
Prices vary depending on the length of the tour and what else is included. A basic two-hour northern lights tour in a minivan with an expert guide starts at around $70 (£55) per person. But, you can pay up to $350 (£280) for an eight-hour private tour with a professional photographer that guarantees views of the lights.
Best tips on how to see the northern lights in Finland
Tip 1: Time your holiday right. The best time to visit the northern parts of Finland to catch a glimpse of the auroras is between August and April. While winter might be the most popular time for visits, a utumn and spring are actually the most active northern lights seasons. Read our article on Best times to see the Northern Lights to get more ...
The Best Northern Lights Tours From Rovaniemi for 2024 (+ FAQ)
Tour: Northern Lights and Husky Sleigh Ride. There is something beautiful about sliding through the snow at night with a team of dogs as the northern lights dance above. On the northern lights and husky sleigh ride tour, you will travel away from Rovaniemi to a small husky farm, where your adventure will start.
Discover the Best Month for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: A
The best time to visit Rovaniemi for northern lights is between September and March. During this time, the skies are the darkest, giving you the best opportunity to see the lights. September and October are great months to see the northern lights as the weather is usually mild, and the sky is relatively clear.
How to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland (Lapland)
You can see the Northern Lights from September through April with good weather. However, the best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland are September, October, February, and the very beginning of April. During these months, Finland generally has the most optimal weather and longer nights.
Make-NO-mistakes Guide to Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland
Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland. ... In conclusion, hunting the Northern Lights is all about travel planning and luck. When in Lapland, head outside, every night and make the most out of your vacation. ... By the way, we will arrive in Helsinki and driving to Rovaniemi and to Kaamanen. Maybe you could help. Varpu. Thursday 9th of ...
See Northern Lights in Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights season on the Arctic Circle begins in late August and continues until early April. The best time to see the Northern Lights is autumn (September and early October) and mid-spring (mainly March.) Statistically, Northern Lights are most visible around the autumn and spring equinoxes.
Ultimate Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland in Winter
From gorgeous snowy landscapes, to the northern lights, to husky dog sledding rides, Rovaniemi in the winter has a little bit of adventure for everyone. , we're sharing everything you need to know for planning your own trip to Finnish Lapland in the winter time. We'll go over how to get there, recommended accommodations to stay at while ...
Best Time of the Year to See Northern Lights (Monthly Planner)
Best time of the year to see Northern Lights. Temperatures begin to increase in March, but it can still be chilly, especially at night. The ground is covered in a deep, clean coating of snow, and because most of the winter snow has fallen, there are fewer snow clouds overhead to obscure the Northern lights in March.
How to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (+Best Deals & Tips!)
The best time of year to see the northerns lights in Rovaniem i are evenings in the late fall all the way through the middle of spring. Generally, this will be around the end of August until the first weeks of April each year. The lights appear in the evenings, often between 19:00 and 2:00 (7pm and 2am); however, there is no set time, as they ...
Best Time and Places to See Northern Lights in Finland
February and March. February is the best time to visit Finland to see the Northern Lights in Lapland. Not only are there clear skies, but there is geomagnetic activity similar to those during autumn. There is also still snow during this time, so you can spend the days skiing or snowboarding and the nights looking up at the sky.
Best places to see the Northern Lights around the world
The best time of day to try and see the lights is between 6pm and midnight. Rovaniemi, Finland Located in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi markets itself as the 'Official Home of Santa Claus' and ...
Expedia reveals most sought-after bucket list experience of 2024
For more information on how to make the most out of your Northern Lights trip this 2024, visit expedia.com.au [1] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.
Chasing Northern Lights in Europe: Top 5 places to witness this nature
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be observed in several European locations including Tromsø, Rovaniemi, Reykjavik, Abisko, and Svalbard. Each destination offers unique opportunities ...
Northern Lights Tours
Northern Lights Tours. Rovaniemi is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, also called the Northern Lights. Some think that the best place to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is from a glass igloo, but for your Northern Lights holiday, discover the beauty of the Aurora Borealis hunting them by a car, by a snowmobile ...
Winter Wonderland Wonders: Must-Visit Snowy Destinations
Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, ride a reindeer sleigh, and try ice fishing. At night, watch the fantastic Northern Lights. Levi: Family Fun on the Slopes
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2024
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most spectacular displays, dancing colors across the night sky. This phenomenon is best observed in the high-latitude regions around ...
The best cities to visit in Europe
For somewhere easy to reach, try Lille in northern France - direct Eurostar services from London take just over an hour and 20 minutes. If seeing the midnight sun or the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, make Tromso in Norway or Rovaniemi in Finland the next great city you visit in Europe.
Where can you see northern lights tonight?
(NEXSTAR) - Solar activity is heating up just in time for the weekend, bringing back-to-back chances for northern states to spot the northern lights. A "strong" solar flare was observed ...
Discover The 8 Seasons of Rovaniemi, On The Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi is part of the arctic region; its climate, however, is subarctic and temperate, characterised by strong seasonal contrasts of dark versus bright and cold versus warm. Snow is on the ground for roughly half of the year, commonly from late November to mid-April or even early May. The coldest recorded local temperature is -45.3°C.