10 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Lapland
Where are Lapland's Best Aurora Borealis Viewpoints?
Discover these best places to see the northern lights in Lapland if you’re planning your next holiday. There’s nothing else like seeing the vibrant colours of the aurora borealis. Lapland, the northern region of Finland, is one of the world’s top spots to see revontulet, as it’s named in Finnish. If you’re going out to chase this natural phenomenon, be prepared; the lights can appear and disappear quickly.
Check out ski towns and major tourist destinations for special excursions, luxury hotels that offer cosy indoor viewing with transparent ceilings, or even a glass igloo. Read on for our pick of places to see the northern lights in Lapland.
1. Kakslauttanen, near Saariselkä
A remote fell area with wide open views
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Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is one of the most reliable places to see the northern lights in Lapland. That’s because it is well within the Arctic Circle and surrounded by wilderness and the colours are wonderfully magnified by the expanse of snow.
The big draw to the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is the accommodations. Glass igloos allow you to enjoy the wonder of the lights without stepping into the frigid cold. However, even if you can’t get a room here, we still recommend heading out to the area surrounding Kakslauttanen and Saariselkä for the best views of the northern lights.
Localização: Kiilopääntie 9, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
Telefone: +358 (0)40 027 00 62
Kakslauttanen, near Saariselkä
2. Pyhä
A ski hub primed for northern lights viewing
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Famílias
A smaller town with low light pollution, Pyhä also sits just above the Arctic Circle where the lights tend to be more visible. It’s an area steeped in natural beauty with the forests of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park within reach so bring your camera with you.
So, where should you go in Pyhä to see the wondrous phenomenon? Asteli beach in Pyhäjärvi is an excellent option, as is the Northern Lights Village Resort near the Pyhajarvi shore. You can also book guided excursions that will take you out on snowshoes, snowmobile or bus, to name a few.
Pyhä
3. Rovaniemi
Known for Santa Claus Village and the iconic Arctic Circle crossing
Ideal para: Foto, Luxo, Famílias
Rovaniemi, a snowy wonderland of a city in Lapland, is an incredible place for aurora borealis viewing. During the polar nights, your chances of seeing the vibrant sky increases. Remember, though, visibility depends on how clear the night is and the space weather forecast.
As the home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi sees a lot of visitors and boasts a diverse range of experiences that allow you to see the northern lights in a unique way. Take a snowmobile tour, a bus tour or enjoy them from the comfort of a glass-sided treehouse hotel. Whether you see the lights or not, you can still enjoy the beauty of Rovaniemi and the tranquillity of its wilderness.
Rovaniemi
4. Luosto
Part of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Luosto is home to one of the best places to see the northern lights in Lapland: The Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Within it there’s a 35 km fell chain and an abundance of clear, unpolluted sky. Every year, Luosto draws tourists looking for fresh ski powder and illuminated night skies.
The village is also conveniently marked with “Aurora Alerts” signs. These spots are designated as prime viewing locations. One such spot is the lake Aarnilampi. Lake shores, in general, are great northern lights viewing locations because there is guaranteed to be a wide berth of undeveloped area. That means little to no light pollution.
Luosto
5. Ylläs
Boasts the world’s cleanest air
Ideal para: Foto, Luxo, Famílias
You’ll love seeing the iridescent sky sparkle at the Ylläs resort. While the lights can be visible from October to April, spring is considered the best time to visit Ylläs, as you’re less likely to have cloudy weather obstructing your view. There’s a lot on offer in terms of viewpoints, from wide open valleys to high mountain peaks.
Try a unique aurora borealis excursion while visiting Ylläs like floating in a frozen lake underneath a sky bursting with colour. Don’t worry about getting wet, as you’re given a special wetsuit that keeps you warm and afloat. Alternatively, head to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park for an unobstructed view of the northern horizon.
Ylläs
6. Levi
Scenic ski lifts run late into the evening for northern lights viewing
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Luxo
There’s nothing like seeing that starry streak of colour from Lapland’s Levi Ski Resort. Book specific northern lights accommodations including glass igloos and sky-view cabins or get out in the cold on a specialised tour via snowshoes, horseback, reindeer sleigh or snowmobile.
Levi makes it extra easy to see the aurora borealis. Just download the free Northern Lights Forecast app to get real-time updates on the solar activity that causes the lights to shine, which happens 111 days on average.
Localização: Hissitie 8, 99130 Kittilä, Finland
Telefone: +358 (0)20 796 02 00
Levi
7. Aurora Village, Ivalo
Special hotel packages include aurora borealis tours
Ideal para: Casais, Luxo, Foto
There isn’t just one way to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights at the Aurora Village in Ivalo. Sit back while a snowmobile-towed sleigh takes you to the best remote viewing spots or hoof it on an evening guided snowshoe tour that includes hot drinks and snacks.
Don’t forget the luxurious glass igloos that Aurora Village is known for, allowing you to see the northern lights while keeping warm and comfy. You could even visit the glass roof sauna and outdoor jacuzzi when the conditions are just right. However you choose to view them, the memories you make will be priceless.
Localização: Aurorakuja 38, 99800 Inari, Finland
Aurora Village, Ivalo
8. Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos, Ranua
Conveniently located just south of the Rovaniemi Airport
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Viagens alternativas
The Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos in Ranua are a luxurious way to see the natural spectacle. From the shore of Lake Ranuanjärvi, you can enjoy the peaceful wilderness of Lapland. The igloos are covered in 270 degrees of glass, allowing for the ideal view on clear nights.
Bring the kids along too, as some of the glass igloos have extra beds to accommodate the whole family. When you’re not waiting for the northern lights to make their appearance, the Ranua Wildlife Park is worth a visit to see the polar bears and other arctic animals and the mini snowmobile track is designed just for kids. The Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos are the ideal accommodation for an unforgettable experience.
Localização: Leirintäalueentie 5, 97700 Ranua, Finland
Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos, Ranua
9. Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloo, Enontekiö
The aurora borealis from the shores of Lake Peerajärvi
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Luxo
When you stay in an Arctic Land Glass Igloo, you can pretty much guarantee you won’t miss the northern lights. From the comfort of your bed, just look up through the ceiling to the night sky. You also get all the comfortable amenities you’d get in a traditional hotel room, such as access to toiletries, bathrobes and free WiFi.
Why not take advantage of the Arctic Land Glass Igloo’s remarkable location to view the lights outdoors? Just borrow a pair of snowshoes and winter clothing from the hotel. When you’re not admiring those beautiful night lights, visit the working reindeer farm onsite and learn about local Sámi culture.
Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloo, Enontekiö
10. Almost any wide open space away from light pollution
Your own adventure awaits
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
If you’d rather chart your own course, there is an abundance of places to see the northern lights without staying at a resort or booking a special experience. Just find a wide-open space away from light pollution. You also need to be within the correct season, which runs from the end of August to the beginning of April. That gives you a window of more than 200 nights for potential viewing.
If you’re going out on foot, consider renting snowshoes to get through the wintery landscape. Head to spots like the Saana Fell near the Swedish border Kilpisjarvi for views that don’t disappoint.
Almost any wide open space away from light pollution
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