Northern Lights (and the best places in Finland to catch the Aurora Borealis)

The Northern Lights (Latin: Aurora Borealis) have fascinated people throughout the ages. Northern people have regarded the Northern Lights as mysterious light phenomena, to which various odd explanations have been attached over time. Nowadays, the Northern Lights attract more and more foreigners, as well as domestic travellers to Lapland and other parts of Northern Finland, who want to witness these spectacular light shows in the night sky with their own eyes.

What causes the Northern Lights?

The origin of the Northern Lights was a great mystery to mankind for a long time, but thanks to scientific advancement, we now have a comprehensive understanding of their origin. Although the Northern Lights have been flickering in the northern sky for much longer, it wasn't until the 18th century that scientists Halley and Celsius seriously attempted to uncover the origin of the Northern Lights. However, it took time for Northern Lights research to progress; a full understanding of how the Northern Lights are formed was not achieved until the 1950s.

How the Northern Lights are formed

The Northern Lights occur when particles emitted from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere. Charged particles carried by the solar wind excite oxygen atoms, nitrogen molecules, and hydrogen atoms in the Earth's atmosphere, which in turn cause the light phenomena to appear in the night sky. Although the Earth's magnetic field largely prevents particles from entering the atmosphere, there are gaps in the magnetic field that allow particles to enter the atmosphere. The most powerful Northern Lights usually occur after large eruptions in the Sun's corona.

The colours of the Northern Lights

The human eye normally sees the Northern Lights as green or yellow-green for two reasons. Firstly, because our eyes register green hues more easily than blues or reds.

The second reason for the green colour of the Northern Lights lies in the solar particles that travel as solar wind towards the Earth's magnetic field. The colours of the Northern Lights are formed according to which atmospheric substance these particles collide with. At an altitude of a little over 100 kilometres, the particles collide with oxygen atoms, giving the light a green hue.

So when can the Northern Lights be seen in blue and red hues? The reddish colour of the Northern Lights is due to oxygen molecules rather than single atoms of oxygen, while the light turns blue when it reacts with nitrogen.

Although the Northern Lights may sometimes seem so close that you could touch them, they usually flicker at a height of about 100 kilometres. One can never tire of the dance of the Northern Lights – even though the dominant colour of the Northern Lights is green, the Northern Lights are always different. Sometimes the whole sky seems to blaze with a green flame, while on another evening a clear arc can be discerned in the northern sky. The Northern Lights are at their most impressive when they dance across the sky like a curtain fluttering in the wind.

Do you hear the Northern Lights in your ears? Don't worry, you're not going mad, as the sound of the Northern Lights is not merely a figment of the imagination. Based on measurements made in recent years, the sounds of the Northern Lights occur at a height of 70 meters and are audible to the human ear. However, the origin of the crackling sound produced by the Northern Lights remains a mystery.

Best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland

It is possible to see the Northern Lights from the end of August until the beginning of April, but they occur most frequently during the darkening evenings of early autumn and again as late winter approaches. This is because around the time of the spring and autumn equinox, the Earth's position allows for efficient transfer of solar wind into the Earth's magnetic field. The spring season is also favourable because there is less cloud cover and, on the other hand, the skiing conditions in Lapland are at their best.

There are two important prerequisites for seeing the Northern Lights: darkness and a clear sky. On a cold winter's day, the sky is usually very clear, which in turn increases the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. During mild weather, cloud cover may at worst completely block the view of the Northern Lights. Those seeking the Northern Lights should also head to as dark an area as possible, as the lights of cities, built-up areas and traffic routes can also obstruct the view of the Northern Lights.

Statistically, the Northern Lights are best seen around midnight, which is why hunting for the light phenomenon should be timed specifically for the evening and night time. The duration of Northern Lights appearances varies from a quick few-minute flurry to all-night natural spectacles. So it's good to have some luck on your side.

How are the Northern Lights predicted?

You've probably heard of the Northern Lights forecast? The Northern Lights can be anticipated quite well, especially in the short term, but long-term Northern Lights forecasts are trickier. Just like people, the Northern Lights are fickle by nature, which makes predicting the Northern Lights challenging. The solar wind's journey to Earth normally takes about three days, and so forecasts are often given with a 1-3 day warning.

Solar activity and sunspot rotation

At a basic level, science has shown that the activity of the Northern Lights is tied to solar activity, which is usually monitored through sunspots. Counting these has shown that solar activity varies on average in 11-year cycles.

In Finland, the Northern Lights are observed most during the falling season of the so-called sunspot cycle. Since the last peak of the cycle was experienced in 2014, there has been lively Northern Lights activity in the night sky in Finland in the years 2016-2017 and even at the time of writing this article, in the winter season 2017-2018. The next sunspot minimum is expected around 2020, which means that in the coming years, the Northern Lights will not dance in the Finnish sky as actively. The next peak of the sunspot cycle is expected to be reached in 2024.

Although the rotation of sunspots is quite predictable, it is difficult to accurately determine their intensity in advance. There are known periods in history of up to a hundred years when solar activity has been very low. These quiet periods have been followed by long and spectacular solar eruptions. For example, in the late 1950s, solar activity was significantly stronger than it is today.

Northern Lights forecasts

There are two types of Northern Lights forecasts: statistical and real-time.

Statistical Northern Lights forecasts are based on observational data collected over decades. Based on this data, it can be inferred, for example, that the Northern Lights occur on average one night out of four clear nights. However, this is always an average, and cannot be relied upon to actually observe the Northern Lights in a certain place every fourth night. A Northern Lights spotter always needs luck on their journey; you may see the Northern Lights in the same place every single night for a week. On the other hand, you may have to wait a month to see the Northern Lights at all.

However, statistical Northern Lights forecasts are one good way to plan Northern Lights hunting. The best and most reliable method is to rely on real-time forecasts. With up-to-date forecasts, you'll know whether it's worth venturing into the cold, dark forest in hopes of the Northern Lights or whether it would be smarter to spend the time you would otherwise spend squatting in the forest relaxing in the sauna instead.

Activate the Northern Lights Alert

How can you track real-time Northern Lights forecasts and space weather? Today, aurora enthusiasts have access to various websites, services, and tools that make monitoring the Northern Lights easy. Space weather and geomagnetic activity can be tracked in real time in Finnish, for example, on the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website. The institute’s Auroras Now! page also offers additional helpful links for following the real-time aurora situation. The site features a magnetic activity forecast based on solar wind observations and images from aurora cameras. You can even subscribe to an aurora alert that sends an automatic email when aurora activity becomes intense.

You can also download one of the many aurora alert apps to your phone, which notify you of the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. In Lapland’s holiday resorts, many hotels employ their own aurora watchmen who can be requested to wake you up if the Northern Lights illuminate the northern sky.

Why are the Northern Lights visible in Finland?

The further from the equator you travel, the greater the probability of witnessing the Northern Lights. In the northern parts of Lapland, such as Kilpisjärvi, Utsjoki, and Inari, the Northern Lights appear under ideal conditions on three out of four nights. In Ylläs, the probability of seeing the auroras is about 60%, whereas in Helsinki, it drops to around 5%.

As previously mentioned, the Northern Lights are most commonly observed in Finland during the declining phase of the solar cycle. After a few active auroral winters, a quieter period is expected, during which the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland decrease but do not vanish entirely. However, it’s worth noting that when the next solar cycle peak arrives around 2027, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights across Finland will multiply.

The surest way to see the Northern Lights

There are a few key points to remember if you want to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. We have already discussed the importance of timing and geographical location, the impact of light pollution, and various aurora alerts, but what kind of place is best for spotting the Northern Lights, and how can you find such a spot in an unfamiliar location?

The surest way to see the Northern Lights is to choose a location with an open view of the northern sky. Avoid areas where tall trees or buildings obstruct the view. The best spots for aurora watching are by a lake or sea, and high points such as the tops of fells or bare hills. It’s worthwhile to ask locals and entrepreneurs for tips on the best places to spot the Northern Lights. Social media also hosts regional groups where you can connect with local aurora enthusiasts for advice.

Additional tips for watching the Northern Lights

Hunting for the Northern Lights requires, above all, patience. Since the auroras are best seen on clear and cold nights, the importance of warm clothing cannot be overstated. The most passionate aurora watchers are prepared to keep vigil in nature from sunset to dawn. Get your eyes used to the dark – it takes about twenty minutes for humans to achieve optimal night vision. Avoid bright lights, as they ruin your night vision. For this reason, the best light source on an aurora trip is a dim red light.

There are almost as many ways to watch the Northern Lights as there are watchers. Some prefer to trek as far away as possible from settlements, streetlights, and other people, despite the cold, while others enjoy the auroras from the warmth of a luxury tent. Northern Finland now offers numerous glamping sites where the roof or northern end of the tent or cottage is made of glass or other transparent materials. In these glass igloos, you can leisurely enjoy the aurora display from the comfort of a soft bed, without needing to travel to the northernmost Lapland; you can find glass igloos by lakeside locations as far south as Ranua.

At its best, you can admire the Northern Lights straight from the yard of your rented mökki or even from the bedroom window. When looking for a suitable mökki, consider the rental cottage options in northern Lapland municipalities such as Enontekiö, Utsjoki, Inari, Muonio, and Kittilä, browse the wilderness cottages on the Nettimökki site, or find your favourite spot from Finland’s holiday resorts.

Best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland

Although during the most active times the Northern Lights can be seen across Finland, even in the southernmost municipalities, there are a few locations in Lapland that are particularly good for aurora spotting. Here are the best:

Utsjoki - Finland’s northernmost aurora destination

You can’t get further north in Finland for aurora hunting than Utsjoki. Nuorgam, located in the municipality of Utsjoki, is Finland’s northernmost village and thus an excellent destination for those travelling in pursuit of the Northern Lights. Statistically, the Northern Lights illuminate the sky over Utsjoki on three out of four nights. In Utsjoki, the winter and aurora season are long, the winter nights are dark and cold, and there is very little light pollution. The Northern Lights can be seen from the dimming evenings of September through to the spring.

In Utsjoki, you can go aurora hunting with a guide or independently from the comfort of your rental mökki. When looking for a mökki, pay attention to its location; the further from light sources the mökki is, the closer to the warmth of the cabin you can see the Northern Lights.

Kilpisjärvi - The most probable place in Finland to see the Northern Lights

Statistically speaking, Kilpisjärvi, located in the arm of Finland, is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland. Here too, the auroras appear on three winter nights out of four, and light pollution is virtually nonexistent. The best time for aurora watching in Kilpisjärvi is either early autumn or late winter. During the polar night, a full moon can make the night sky brighter than midday, which might interfere with spotting the auroras, but on the other hand, the moonlit, snow-covered fell scenery is a sight to behold alongside the Northern Lights.

In Kilpisjärvi, many tourist companies offer aurora tours. You can join a guided aurora tour, for example, by snowshoeing or riding a snowmobile or husky sled. Planning an independent aurora trip should start by exploring the selection of rental cottages in Enontekiö.

Inari-Saariselkä - Aurora splendour 200 nights a year

In the Inari-Saariselkä area, the Northern Lights shine approximately 200 nights a year. Nellim, located south of Lake Inari and near the Russian border, is one of the best destinations for aurora-chasing travellers due to its remote location. Known as the meeting point of three cultures, the village of Nellim lacks both large tourist crowds and the light pollution that hinders aurora viewing.

Conversely, the entire Inari-Saariselkä tourist area is excellent for an aurora trip. Saariselkä offers plenty of glamping luxury accommodations designed for aurora viewing, complete with glass roofs, allowing you to admire the auroras without stepping outside. The surest way to see the Northern Lights is to choose a peaceful wilderness mökki far from the lights of towns and ski resorts.

Levi’s aurora alert ensures you won’t miss the nightly light show

Thanks to its diverse services, Levi is ideal for aurora enthusiasts who appreciate the tranquillity of nature but also desire ease and a lively nightlife, not only in the sky but also in nightclubs. Aurora hunting in Levi is now easier than ever, as the aurora alert service operating there ensures that the celestial lights don’t go unnoticed by visitors. Available as both an online service and a mobile app, the aurora alert warns you 1-2 hours before the auroras appear, giving aurora travellers time to prepare for the night’s best light show.

Ylläs Twilight creates ideal conditions for aurora admiration

Like Levi, Finland’s largest ski resort Ylläs has invested in aurora tourism. From early October to late February, Ylläs turns off the streetlights every night at 10:00 PM, and they are switched back on at 6:00 AM. Known as Ylläs Twilight, this light-free period aims to provide tourists with the best possible conditions for aurora viewing while still allowing for a holiday near the ski resort’s extensive services.

In Ylläs, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are excellent, as the auroral belt surrounding the polar regions appears prominently in the clear night sky. Thanks to Ylläs Twilight, it’s hard to miss the auroras.

Learn more about the Northern Lights in Luosto

Located in the municipality of Sodankylä, Luosto is not outdone in aurora tourism nor in the probability of seeing the Northern Lights compared to other Lapland ski resorts. Luosto offers many opportunities for aurora viewing; those who prefer comfort can stay luxuriously in a glass igloo and admire the sky’s colourful display while lounging on reindeer hides, while more traditional travellers opt for a rental mökki on the edge of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, where there’s no need to worry about light pollution.

Luosto is an excellent destination for travellers interested in the Northern Lights, as the Aurora House in Välisuvanto, Sodankylä, offers insights into the auroras’ origin, history, and current state. After attending an expert-guided Northern Lights show, visitors to the aurora hut know precisely where to look and when, if their dream is to witness the Northern Lights anywhere in Finland.

Rovaniemi takes aurora viewing to a new level

Although Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a bustling winter tourist destination with a fair amount of light pollution, it offers unique and definitely worthwhile options for aurora hunting. How does an aurora flight sound? A one-hour flight in a small passenger plane may not be the most budget-friendly option for aurora watching, but viewing the Northern Lights from the sky is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.

In Rovaniemi, you can also try aurora floating, where you gaze at the night sky while floating on your back in an icy lake in a survival suit. Besides these extreme experiences and luxurious glass igloos, good spots for aurora viewing in Rovaniemi include the Arctic Garden, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, and the summit of Ounasvaara located a bit further away. Rovaniemi also offers the Aurora Alert Realtime service, which sends a text message as soon as the Northern Lights are visible.

Did you know this about the Northern Lights?

In Finnish mythology, the Northern Lights are shrouded in various beliefs. Have you ever wondered where their name comes from? The name is derived from the myth of the fire fox, which brushes the fells with its tail, sparking the sky with lights that manifest as the Northern Lights.

In reality, myths and beliefs about the Northern Lights vary by region. In modern Sami, they are called guovssahasat, which also means Siberian jay; the sky's lights move as erratically and colourfully as the bird's tail. Among the Sámi people, there is an old belief that women should cover their heads when the Northern Lights appear, or the strange sky lights might sweep them away by their long hair. In Inuit myths, the Northern Lights are described as a torch parade, carrying the souls of the dead to eternal happiness and abundance under the guidance of ancient spirits. The fire fox is also mentioned in Eastern and Northern Finnish folklore, where the mythical fire fox would bring great wealth to hunters.

Alongside beliefs, the names for the Northern Lights also vary. In Southern Ostrobothnia, they are called rutjat or Ruijan valkea, while in Northern Häme, they're referred to as välyt or välyäminen. In Kankaanpää, the northern sky sails like a ship, and in Lapland, they're also called taivaanvalkeat.

The Finns are not the only ones with stories about the Northern Lights. Greeks, Chinese, Celts, and Native Americans all have their own names and explanations for this celestial phenomenon.

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

Many travellers pursuing the Northern Lights wish to capture their own image of this dazzling sky phenomenon as a souvenir. Photographing the Northern Lights is a skill, and to capture the best possible image, certain equipment and settings must be considered.

Equipment Needed for Photographing the Northern Lights

If you want to capture a stunning image of the Northern Lights, besides a camera, you'll need a tripod or some other sturdy support for the camera. Photographing the Northern Lights requires a long shutter speed setting on the camera, and hand-held shooting results in a blurry, fuzzy outcome.

Due to the long shutter speed, you'll need a camera where you can adjust the shutter speed. A camera remote or the ability to set a timer for the shutter release is also helpful, as manually pressing the shutter release causes a small jolt, which affects image quality.

Since the Northern Lights are best viewed on cold, clear nights, it's wise to prepare for the aurora hunt with spare camera batteries. Cold weather drains the camera's power surprisingly quickly. When not shooting, keep the battery warm inside your coat to extend its life.

Photography Technique and Camera Settings

Since the Northern Lights are photographed at night when there's little light, the camera won't know where to focus. Therefore, it's best to turn off autofocus. First, switch your camera's automatic settings to manual and set the focus to infinity.

Set the camera aperture 1–2 stops smaller than the largest possible aperture. If the lens's largest aperture is f/2.8, you can start experimenting with a setting of f/4.

Next, choose the ISO value and shutter speed from the settings. Because there's little light, the Northern Lights require a high ISO value and a long shutter speed. For fast-moving Northern Lights, it's better to use a higher ISO value and a shorter shutter speed, while for slowly flickering lights, you can try a lower ISO value and a longer shutter speed.

The Best Tip for Photographing the Northern Lights: Know Your Camera

Since the Northern Lights are different every night, the best settings are found through experimentation. To find the right settings, get to know your camera and lens's features thoroughly in advance. This way, you'll know which ISO value is too high for your camera and learn to adjust the shutter speed accordingly.

Also, be cautious of overexposing the aurora photo. A dark image is better than an overexposed one, as you can always adjust the light and colours during post-processing. Always shoot the Northern Lights in raw format, giving you more possibilities for editing the images.

While the Northern Lights look beautiful in any picture, it's worth considering the location in advance. Think about what you want in the background of your aurora photo. Perhaps a cosy mökki window with flickering candle flames or snow-covered treetops?