Finland vs Sweden for Northern Lights: Which Should You Choose?
Finland and Sweden share a border in Lapland but offer surprisingly different northern lights experiences. Finland has glass igloos, Santa Claus, and accessible family-friendly tourism. Sweden has ICEHOTEL, Abisko's legendary clear skies, and a more understated, wilderness-focused vibe.
Quick Verdict
Choose Finland if: You want glass igloos, Santa Claus Village, family-friendly activities, or a more tourist-ready experience.
Choose Sweden if: Aurora viewing is your absolute priority (Abisko is statistically the clearest), you want ICEHOTEL, or you prefer a quieter, less commercial feel.
Aurora Probability
| Finland | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Top score | 9/10 (Enontekiö) | 9/10 (Abisko) |
| Main hub | 7/10 (Rovaniemi) | 9/10 (Abisko) |
| Clear skies | Good | Excellent (Abisko "Blue Hole") |
| Light pollution | Low (outside Rovaniemi) | Very low |
Finland's best aurora destinations (Enontekiö, Inari, Sodankylä) score 8–9/10 but Rovaniemi (the most popular destination) scores only 7/10 — it's at the southern edge of the auroral zone with more light pollution.
The Headline Experiences
Finland: Glass Igloos
Finland pioneered glass igloo accommodation. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä), Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi), Levin Iglut (Levi) — watch the aurora from your heated bed through a thermal glass ceiling. Prices: €300–600/night. Book 6–12 months ahead.Sweden: ICEHOTEL
The world's first and most famous ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi (near Kiruna). Sleep in artist-designed suites carved from river ice at -5°C. A completely unique experience. Prices: £200–700/night. The ICEHOTEL 365 is open year-round.Both are bucket-list experiences — but they're fundamentally different. Glass igloos = comfort + aurora. ICEHOTEL = adventure + art.
Costs
| Category | Finland (Rovaniemi) | Sweden (Abisko/Kiruna) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights from UK | £150–350 | £180–400 |
| Hotel (mid-range) | £100–160/night | £100–170/night |
| Northern lights tour | £80–150 | £80–150 |
| Husky sledding | £100–180 | £120–200 |
| Daily food | £35–60 | £35–65 |
| Daily total (mid-range) | £150–230 | £160–240 |
Activities
| Activity | Finland | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Glass igloos | ✅✅ (many options) | ❌ |
| ICEHOTEL | ❌ | ✅✅ |
| Santa Claus Village | ✅✅ | ❌ |
| Husky sledding | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Snowmobile safari | ✅✅ | ✅ |
| Reindeer sledding | ✅✅ | ✅ |
| Aurora Sky Station | ❌ | ✅✅ |
| Icebreaker cruise | ✅ (Kemi) | ✅ (Luleå) |
| Cross-country skiing | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Sámi cultural experiences | ✅ | ✅ |
Getting There
Finland: Fly to Rovaniemi (via Helsinki, 5–6h from London) or Ivalo for Saariselkä/Inari. Finnair has good connections. Internal flights are affordable (€50–100).
Sweden: Fly to Kiruna (via Stockholm, 5h from London). Kiruna airport serves both Abisko (1h drive) and ICEHOTEL. SAS and Norwegian operate the route. Alternatively, take the overnight train Stockholm–Abisko (scenic but slow, 17h).
Winner: Tied. Both require a connection via the capital.
Best For Different Travellers
Families with Young Children → Finland
Santa Claus Village alone justifies the trip for kids. Rovaniemi has excellent family infrastructure, gentle reindeer rides, and glass igloos where kids can watch aurora from bed.Serious Aurora Chasers → Sweden (Abisko)
If seeing the aurora is your #1 goal above all else, Abisko's Blue Hole gives you the statistical best chance of clear skies. The Aurora Sky Station is purpose-built for viewing.Couples/Honeymoon → Finland (Glass Igloos)
A night in a glass igloo watching the aurora from bed is peak romantic travel. Book Kakslauttanen or Levin Iglut.Adventure Seekers → Sweden (ICEHOTEL)
Sleeping at -5°C in an ice sculpture is a genuinely unique adventure. Combine with dog sledding and snowmobile safaris in the Swedish wilderness.Photography → Either
Both offer excellent aurora photography. Abisko for cleaner, darker skies. Finnish Lapland for glass igloos and snow-laden forest foregrounds.Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abisko or Rovaniemi better for northern lights?
Abisko (aurora score 9/10) is significantly better than Rovaniemi (7/10). If Rovaniemi is your base, take tours to darker locations outside the city, or stay in Saariselkä/Inari instead.Can I combine Finland and Sweden in one trip?
Yes. Rovaniemi to Kiruna is a 4-hour drive or short flight. A combined 5–7 night trip covering both is very doable.Which has better accommodation?
Finland wins for variety — glass igloos, log cabins, boutique hotels, hostels. Sweden wins for uniqueness (ICEHOTEL is one-of-a-kind).When should I go?
Both: October to March. February is the sweet spot — returning daylight, good aurora, reasonable prices.Compare specific destinations: Tromsø vs Rovaniemi | Tromsø vs Abisko