Northern Lights in Finland: Complete Guide 2026
Finnish Lapland is one of the world's finest northern lights destinations, offering a unique combination of pristine wilderness, innovative aurora accommodation (the famous glass igloos), rich Sámi culture, and the undeniable magic of Santa Claus Village. With 10 aurora-viewing destinations spread across the vast Lapland region, Finland provides options ranging from accessible tourist hubs to remote wilderness outposts where light pollution is virtually non-existent.
The 2025–2026 aurora season coincides with the peak of Solar Cycle 25, making this the strongest aurora year in over a decade. Finnish Lapland's inland location provides excellent clear-sky statistics — often better than coastal Norway — and its flat, open terrain means unobstructed views in all directions.
Why Finland for Northern Lights?
Glass Igloos and Aurora Accommodation
Finland pioneered the concept of watching the northern lights from the comfort of a heated, glass-roofed room. The original Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort near Saariselkä inspired dozens of imitators across Lapland. Today you can sleep under the aurora at:
- Kakslauttanen — the original glass igloos (Saariselkä)
- Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
- Levin Iglut (Levi)
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi)
- Aurora Bubble concepts across multiple locations
Clear Skies
Finnish Lapland's continental climate delivers drier, clearer skies than Norway's maritime coast. Enontekiö (aurora score: 9/10), Finland's highest-scoring destination, benefits from its inland position and high altitude (relative to surrounding terrain). Inari and Sodankylä (both 8/10) also enjoy excellent clear-sky statistics.
Family-Friendly
Finland is arguably the best northern lights destination for families. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi (aurora score: 7/10) is the official home of Santa Claus, with the Arctic Circle crossing, Santa's Post Office, and countless winter activities designed for children. Combine this with husky sledding, reindeer rides, and snowmobile safaris for a family trip that children will remember forever.
The Sauna
No Finnish aurora experience is complete without the sauna. Warming up in a traditional wood-burning sauna between aurora-viewing sessions is a quintessentially Finnish experience. Many lodges offer lakeside saunas where you can step outside, spot the aurora, and plunge into the snow before returning to the heat.
Finland's 10 Northern Lights Destinations
Rovaniemi — Santa's Aurora City (Aurora Score: 7/10)
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. Sitting right on the Arctic Circle at 66.5°N, it's the most accessible gateway to Finland's aurora region.
Weather: January averages -13°C with 20 hours of darkness. February -12°C with 15 dark hours. Cold but manageable with proper clothing.
Activities: Santa Claus Village, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, northern lights tours, aurora camps, photography tours, dog sledding, Sámi cultural experiences, glass igloo stays, sauna experiences, and fat biking.
Best months: November through March.
Why choose Rovaniemi: Perfect for families and first-time visitors. Direct flights from many European cities. The Santa Claus Village experience combined with aurora viewing makes it a once-in-a-lifetime trip for families with children.
Budget tip: Rovaniemi itself has some light pollution. The best aurora viewing is 20–30 minutes outside the city. Many tours drive you to optimal dark-sky locations.
Saariselkä — Glass Igloo Capital (Aurora Score: 8/10)
Saariselkä is the heart of Finland's glass igloo phenomenon and one of the best aurora destinations in the country. Located in the Urho Kekkonen National Park area at 68.4°N, it offers excellent dark skies and high aurora probability.
Weather: January averages -15°C with 23 hours of darkness. February -13°C with 17 dark hours. Properly cold — this is one of Finland's coldest aurora destinations.
Activities: Northern lights tours, snowmobile safaris, cross-country skiing, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, aurora camps, ice fishing, snowshoeing, Sámi cultural experiences, glass igloo and aurora dome stays, sauna experiences, dog sledding, and ice climbing.
Best months: October through March.
Why choose Saariselkä: The glass igloo experience is unique and unforgettable. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is the original, but several newer options offer excellent alternatives. The fell landscape provides unobstructed 360° views, perfect for aurora spotting.
Inari — Sámi Heartland (Aurora Score: 8/10)
Inari is the cultural capital of the Finnish Sámi people and one of the best aurora destinations in Finland. Located on the shores of vast Lake Inari at 69°N, the village offers minimal light pollution and exceptional aurora viewing.
Weather: January averages -16°C with 24 hours of polar night. February -15°C with 18 dark hours. This is genuine Arctic cold.
Activities: Northern lights tours, reindeer sledding, ice fishing, snowmobile safaris, Sámi cultural experiences (Siida Museum), wilderness trekking, husky sledding, aurora camps, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sauna experiences.
Best months: October through March.
Why choose Inari: Authentic Sámi culture — the Siida Museum is world-class. Lake Inari's frozen expanse in winter provides a spectacular, light-pollution-free aurora viewing platform. Less touristy than Rovaniemi or Saariselkä.
Enontekiö — Wilderness Aurora (Aurora Score: 9/10)
Enontekiö is Finland's highest-rated aurora destination. This remote municipality in the arm of Finnish Lapland, bordering both Sweden and Norway, offers pristine dark skies and exceptional aurora frequency.
Weather: January averages -17°C with 22 hours of darkness. February -14°C with 17 dark hours. Very cold — proper Arctic gear is essential.
Activities: Northern lights tours, Sámi cultural experiences, reindeer sledding, snowmobile safaris, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, aurora camps, ice fishing, husky sledding, dog sledding, and sauna experiences.
Best months: October through March.
Why choose Enontekiö: Highest aurora score in Finland (9/10). Remote, minimal light pollution, authentic wilderness atmosphere. The fell landscape (Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park) provides stunning aurora backdrops. Hetta village is the main base.
Levi — Ski Resort Aurora (Aurora Score: 7/10)
Levi is Finland's largest ski resort and a popular winter destination that combines downhill skiing with aurora viewing.
Best months: November through March.
Why choose Levi: Great for combining skiing holidays with northern lights. Good infrastructure, restaurants, and nightlife by Lapland standards. Glass igloo accommodation available at Levin Iglut.
Luosto — Amethyst and Aurora (Aurora Score: 8/10)
Luosto is a small, charming resort village known for its amethyst mine and excellent aurora viewing.
Best months: October through March.
Why choose Luosto: Quiet, intimate atmosphere. The Luosto Aurora light alarm system alerts guests when the northern lights appear. Excellent dark skies.
Muonio — Wilderness Basecamp (Aurora Score: 8/10)
Muonio is a quiet village on the Swedish border offering authentic wilderness aurora experiences.
Best months: October through March.
Why choose Muonio: Excellent clear-sky statistics, remote wilderness setting, and proximity to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
Sodankylä — Science and Aurora (Aurora Score: 8/10)
Sodankylä is home to the Finnish Meteorological Institute's Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory — one of the world's leading aurora research centres.
Best months: October through March.
Why choose Sodankylä: Genuine scientific heritage, excellent dark skies, and a quieter alternative to the more touristy destinations.
Kemi — Icebreaker and Aurora (Aurora Score: 6/10)
Kemi is famous for the Sampo icebreaker cruise — where you break through sea ice and then float in the frozen Baltic in a survival suit.
Best months: November through March.
Why choose Kemi: The icebreaker experience is unique to Kemi. Combine with the SnowCastle (rebuilt annually) and aurora viewing.
Oulu — Southern Gateway (Aurora Score: 6/10)
Oulu is Finland's largest northern city and the gateway to Lapland.
Best months: November through March.
Why choose Oulu: Good flight connections, lower prices than Lapland resorts. Aurora visible during strong geomagnetic activity.
When to Go
Best Months
October–November: Early season. Good aurora probability in the north (Enontekiö, Inari, Saariselkä). Rapidly increasing darkness. Autumn colours fading to snow.
December–January: Peak darkness. Polar night in the far north. Christmas atmosphere in Rovaniemi is extraordinary. Very cold (-15 to -25°C in most destinations). Expensive during Christmas and New Year.
February–March: Many experienced aurora chasers consider this the sweet spot. Excellent aurora probability (spring equinox boost in March). Improving temperatures. Good snow conditions for activities. Prices drop after New Year.
Aurora Season Summary
The season runs from September through March. For the best all-round experience, February is recommended — balancing darkness, temperature, activity conditions, and aurora probability.Costs
Finland is moderately expensive for Northern Europe. Significantly cheaper than Norway, comparable to Sweden.
Budget (€80–120/day)
- Hostels or budget cabins: €30–60/night
- Self-catering: €15–25/day
- One aurora tour: €60–100
- Local transport: €10–15/day
Mid-Range (€150–280/day)
- Hotel or holiday apartment: €80–150/night
- Mix of dining out and self-catering: €40–60/day
- Activities (husky safari, snowmobile): €80–150/activity
- Car rental: €40–60/day
Luxury (€300–600+/day)
- Glass igloo or premium aurora lodge: €200–500/night
- Fine dining: €60–100/day
- Private guided tours: €200–400/tour
Glass Igloo Prices
- Kakslauttanen (Saariselkä): €400–700/night (book 6–12 months ahead)
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi): €300–500/night
- Levin Iglut (Levi): €250–450/night
- Various newer options: €150–350/night
Flights
- London to Rovaniemi: €150–400 return (Finnair, Norwegian)
- London to Ivalo (for Saariselkä/Inari): €200–450 return
- Helsinki to Rovaniemi: €80–200 return (1.5 hours)
- Helsinki to Ivalo: €100–250 return (1.5 hours)
How to Get There
Rovaniemi (RVN): Direct flights from London (seasonal), Helsinki, and several European cities. The main Lapland gateway.
Ivalo (IVL): Closest airport to Saariselkä (30 min) and Inari (40 min). Flights from Helsinki.
Kittilä (KTT): Closest to Levi (15 min). Flights from Helsinki and seasonal European charters.
Enontekiö (ENF): Small airport with limited service. Most visitors fly to Kittilä and drive (2 hours).
By train: The overnight Lapland train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is a classic Finnish experience — sleeper berths, restaurant car, and you wake up in the Arctic.
Practical Tips
What to Pack
Finnish Lapland is colder than coastal Norway. Layer properly:- Thermal base layers (merino wool)
- Insulating mid-layer (down or fleece)
- Windproof, waterproof outer layer
- Heavy-duty winter boots (rated to -30°C minimum)
- Balaclava or ski mask for exposed face protection at -20°C+
- Multiple pairs of warm gloves (one thin pair for phone use, one heavy pair)
- Chemical hand and toe warmers
The Finnish Sauna
Embrace it. It's not optional in Finland — it's a way of life. Many aurora lodges have private saunas. The traditional cycle: sauna → cool down outside (aurora watching!) → sauna → sleep. Some brave souls roll in the snow between sessions.Driving in Lapland
Studded winter tyres are mandatory from November. Roads are well-maintained but can be icy. Reindeer wander freely on roads — drive carefully, especially at dusk and dawn. Distances are long between destinations.Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights from Helsinki?
Rarely. Helsinki is at 60°N, too far south for regular aurora viewing. During exceptional storms (Kp 7+), faint displays may be visible. For reliable viewing, travel to Lapland (66°N+).Are glass igloos worth the price?
Yes, if it's a bucket-list experience for you. Lying in bed watching the aurora dance overhead is genuinely magical. Book well in advance — the best glass igloos sell out 6–12 months ahead for peak season. But be aware: on cloudy nights, you see nothing. Consider booking multiple nights.Rovaniemi or Saariselkä — which is better?
Rovaniemi is better for: families (Santa Claus Village), first-timers, easier access, more activities. Saariselkä is better for: serious aurora viewing (higher aurora score), glass igloo experience, quieter atmosphere, proximity to Urho Kekkonen National Park.How cold does it get?
Very cold. January averages range from -13°C in Rovaniemi to -17°C in Enontekiö, with overnight temperatures regularly hitting -25 to -35°C. Proper Arctic clothing is non-negotiable. Most tour operators provide thermal suits for outdoor activities.Is Finland better than Norway for northern lights?
Both are excellent. Norway offers more dramatic landscapes (fjords, mountains) and higher aurora probability at destinations like Tromsø and Alta. Finland offers better value for money, glass igloos, family-friendly experiences, and often clearer skies inland. For families and glass igloo seekers: Finland. For dramatic photography and maximum aurora probability: Norway.Explore all our Finland destinations for detailed guides to each location.