Couples and small groups seeking intimate Finnish Lapland aurora experiences away from the crowds
About Luosto
Luosto is one of Finnish Lapland's best-kept secrets — a tiny fell resort at 67°N with just a handful of hotels and no city infrastructure, surrounded by ancient Pyhä-Luosto National Park. The aurora viewing is exceptional: at this latitude, clear dark nights from October through March regularly produce displays, and the minimal light pollution means the whole sky is available. The unique Lampivaara amethyst mine — the only commercial amethyst mine open to the public in Europe — allows visitors to search for gemstones in the snow-covered hillside, an oddly magical winter activity. For outdoor enthusiasts, Luosto offers cross-country ski trails through pristine fell terrain, snowmobile safaris, husky drives, and reindeer experiences with Sami herders. The fells themselves rise gently to 510m, creating beautiful snow-covered landscapes ideal for aurora photography with natural foregrounds. Luosto is notably quieter and more intimate than Levi or Saariselkä, making it ideal for couples and small groups who want genuine wilderness without large tour groups.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -14°C | 18h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -12°C | 14h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -6°C | 8h | High |
| Apr | 0°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +6°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +15°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +7°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | 0°C | 11h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -6°C | 16h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -12°C | 18h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Sodankylä or drive from Rovaniemi (1.5h north via E75). No commercial airport; transfers from Rovaniemi available. Small and quiet with minimal public transport.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Aurora cabins
- ✓Fell hotel
- ✓Wilderness lodges
Location
💎 Hidden Gem
Luosto is one of PolarTourist's hidden gems — a lesser-known destination that offers an exceptional aurora experience without the crowds.
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $130/day in Luosto. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
View all on Google Maps →Lapland Fell Village
Ukkopolku 7, 99555 Sodankylä, Finland
hotel
Santa's Villa Borealis
Tangosoivintie 8, 99555 Luosto, Finland
hotel
Aurora Queen Resort
Muotkantie 110, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
hotel
Santa's Hotel Aurora
Luppokeino 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
hotel
Keloravintola Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi
Luppokeino 2, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurantLapland Hotels Luostotunturi
Luostontie 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
hotelTunturipöllö Guesthouse
Lihvintie, 99555 Luosto, Finland
innHotel Pyhätunturi
Kultakeronkatu 21, 98530 Pelkosenniemi, Finland
hotelSanta's Hotel Tunturi
Lutontie 16, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
hotelPyhä-Luosto Travel Ltd
Laukotie 1, 99555 Sodankylä, Finland
service🍽️Where to Eat(8)
View all on Google Maps →
Aarnikota
Kerotie, 99555 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurant
Mokkatupa Social Dining
Kuusiranta 3, 98530 Pyhätunturi, Finland
restaurant
Luostotunturi restaurant
Luostontie 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurant
Restaurant Vaisko
Hartsutie 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurant
Ravintola Aurora
Luppokeino 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurantKeloravintola Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi
Luppokeino 2, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurantRestaurant Punakettu
Luostontie 4, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurantLuoston Hovi Ravintola
Ellitsantie 6, 99555 Luosto, Finland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Luosto Adventures - Safaris and Log Cabin Accommodation
Ellitsantie 6, 99555 Luosto, Finland
travel agency
Call of the Wilderness
Luostontie, 99555 Sodankylä, Finland
travel agency
Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut, Day-use Hut, Aurora hut
5V4M+W5, 99555 Luosto, Finland
tourist attraction
UniQ Lapland
Kilpisenvaarantie 149, 99555 Luosto, Finland
point of interest
Lapland Safaris Luosto
Luppokeino 2, 99555 Luosto, Finland
tour agencyArctic Husky Farm
Luostontie 1160, 98530 Pyhätunturi, Finland
tourist attractionPyhä-Luosto National Park
Pelkosenniemi, Finland
national parkLampivaara Amethyst Mine
Lampivaarantie 3 Ukko-Luostontie, parking, 99555 Luosto, Finland
tourist attractionLapland Ski Resort Luosto
Kelomajantie, 99555 Luosto, Finland
ski resortLuoston Porosafarit Ky
Alakitisentie 899, 99555 Luosto, Finland
tourist attractionNearby Destinations
Sodankylä
Aurora enthusiasts who want a scientifically renowned location with genuine Finnish Lapland character
Saariselkä
Skiers and snowmobilers who want aurora viewing combined with outstanding winter sports
Rovaniemi
Families and couples wanting the full Finnish Lapland winter magic with glass igloo stays
Inari
Cultural explorers wanting authentic Sami experiences alongside top-quality aurora viewing
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Muonio
Husky enthusiasts and wilderness seekers wanting authentic Lapland without tourist crowds