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best city in finland to see northern lights

Apukka Resort. Island Of Aran 15 Incredible Things To Do! Regarded as one of the top spots in the U.S. to see the aurora, Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits at the top of Michigan's lower peninsula, less than 5 miles from Mackinaw City. Aside from the Arktikum, a science centre and museum for the arctic you can also see the Northern Light up to 150 times a year. The town has a bit of a reputation for its wild nightlife, so you wont have a problem finding a place to drown your sorrows if you dont manage to see the lights. Duration: 8 Days. There are multiple places where you can stay in Inari. On average, you can see the Finland Aurora lights up to 111 times a year from this picturesque town. While you might see be able to see them year-round (just as you can the northern lights), certain months are better for aurora viewing in the Southern Hemisphere. With the Seaview restaurant on-site and a sauna to relax in, you can really have an enjoyable time in Kemi. Best time to see Northern Lights. You can stay at the Santa Claus Holiday Village, you can experience the Igloo life by staying at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, or stay at Arctic Hotel or Nova Skyland Hotel among many more places. You can get the comfort you look for here and also see the northern lights. Inari is the northernmost point in Lapland. If you happen to be in Rovaniemi, definitely book a Northern Lights tour and head out into the wilderness. (We've partnered with Nordic Odyssey, a tour company in Rovaniemi for guided tours. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Voyageurs provides opportunities to view the Milky Way on clear evenings, especially in the summer. In these months, youll still have daylight, but there is higher geomagnetic activity so there are more solar storms. #1 Many hotels provide an Aurora alarm for their guests. Fairbanks, Alaska Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks The bitter cold that often comes with witnessing the northern lights. Its also best to look for them at night when there are little to no clouds. Discover the best time and places to see the Northern Lights in Finland for a magical time under the dancing sky. ingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is only 20 minutes outside the capital but is known as Iceland's Mecca for Northern Lights watchers. The best latitude to see Northern Lights is around Kilpisjrvi. Once again, head outside, into the wilderness! Rovaniemi. This means less vision of the aurora in Finland. Saariselk is a ski resort region in Lapland that provides unrivalled views of the Northern Lights over Urho Kekkonen National Park. Lets check it out! Lyas Hideaway is the perfect spot to stay, with easy access to the Levi ski lifts and unrivalled mountainside views. Whenever Im looking for flights, I always start withSkyscanner. When's the best time to see the Northern Lights? Best Time to Visit Finland (Monthly Breakdown) January: Best Time to Explore the Arctic in Lapland, Finland The average daily high temperature in Upper Finland in January is around 18F (-8C). Straight to your inbox. The Aurora Bubbles are even equipped with a laser-heated glass roof that opens up overhead and into the night sky. Not only are there clear skies, but there is geomagnetic activity similar to those during autumn. Compelling and absolutely eye-popping Scandinavia tours from 2325! However, these are the months when you can expect lots of snowfall, and where there is snowfall, there are clouds. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Tasmania sits approximately 150 miles south of Australia between the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Visit here for the dying light of winter and you can catch plenty of shows. Northern Lights can harm satellites though. The amazing and colourful lights that illuminate the sky, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are created by Mother Nature and can really impress your senses. If you're on your own in the park, campsite docks offer some of the best spots for northern lights viewing and stargazing. Keep in mind that in the winter, the temperature in Lapland can drop to -30C (-22F) so pack lots of warm layers and insulated boots. Looking for more information about Lapland? The Aurora Village Ivalo is another one of those accommodations where you can see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. If you'd prefer to chase the lights with a curated tour, Visit Abisko leads 4.5-hour tours with professional photographers and aurora-chasing guides in October and November. Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, is also known as the "Aurora Capital of North America." With its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows from mid-November to the beginning of April. Problem #2. The biggest reason why you may not see Auroras is cloudiness. The Star Arctic Hotel offers the best of both worlds, with cosy accommodation and quick access to outdoor activities. If you visit in March, plan to attend the monthlong Snowkings' Winter Festival, which features events and activities like a snow-carving competition, an ice slide, a snow castle, live music and more. Or the geomagnetic storms are not strong enough to produce the Northern Lights mesmerising dance. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. This beautiful property is just minutes by foot from Oban village and the property will pick you up at the airport or ferry terminal for your stay. Follow me on Instagram and get more Finland into your daily life immediately! These are the 12 best places to see the northern lights. The further north you go, the greater your chance of seeing the lights. Plan ahead for smooth sailing when cruising with young mariners. Well, you would be really lucky if you spot them. You cant see Auroras then. Saariselk experiences the Aurora Borealis for a staggering average of 200 days per year, so youre almost guaranteed to see them here. These months are also said to be peak tourist months so it is always good to pre-book before you come to avoid any inconveniences. Technically, the Northern Lights happen every night of the year. Worldwide shipping. The city of Rovaniemi is one of the most incredible spots to observe the Northern Lights in Finland. One might even question how we get different colors of Aurora Borealis. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the region, with the russet-coloured leaves burning brightly, in what's known as "ruska season". As locals, we know a thing or two about them. Other towns and cities are: Rovaniemi, with a 45% chance; Oulu - lying at 65 northern latitude - with 30%; Helsinki, the capital of Finland, lying at 60 northern latitude, just a 5% chance. Check prices & availability. While going north is good to see the lights, it also has very cold weather. I would like to know if that is a wise decision. But the Seaside Glass Villas pairs the Aurora Borealis perfectly with seaside views. I want to share that knowledge with you so that you can plan the best vacation for you and your loved ones. When: October - March Where: Lofoten Islands, Alta, Andoya This Sled Hotel In Finland Lets You Move Around For The Best Views Of Northern Lights! One of the best places to see the northern lights in Scotland is at Cairngorms National Park, which is the largest national park in the country. Auroras at the center of a Lappish village in Ylls, but I walked to a lake to avoid the lights of the village. Like Golden Crown Levin Iglut, Holiday Home Utsu 1, Levi Suites Levin Klubi, and Levi President amongst many places. Finland Guides: 10 Glass Igloos in Finland Explore. What all other important places should I cover? And thats, of course, a prerequisite for spotting any Aurora activity. To see the Northern Lights at their vibrant best, its also a good idea to visit remote regions of Lapland. And if you can't get to Finland, try Northeastern Minnesota: https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrC_DfKVGtjYH4AJgkPxQt.;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZANMT0NVSTA4Ml8xBHNlYwNzYw--?p=northern+lights+northern+minnesota&type=Y143_F163_201897_122320&hsimp=yhs-001&hspart=trp&grd=1&ei=UTF-8&fr=yhs-trp-001. While the aurora occurs year-round, the winter months (from November to March) offer the best opportunities to witness it, as there is more darkness than light during the days. Some of the biggest resorts there are Levi, Ylls, Saariselk and Salla. By air: Daily flights are available from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the flight takes about 1h20m and the airport is approx 2 km from the resort. Will I miss a lot, especially seeing Aurora? Liz Weiss and Timothy J. ForsterNov. You can reach Stewart Island by flying into Oban or taking a ferry from Invercargill or Bluff. If you dont fancy skiing, you can go horse riding in the snow, and you may be lucky enough to catch a gig by a famous Finnish artist at night, before you go out aurora hunting. Northern Lights may be dancing but its just impossible for you to see them. #7 Ladies, remember to check the Beauty Essentials of cold weather to avoid skin problems and makeup failures. Pyh-Luosto National Park is said to be Finlands oldest national park, established in 2005. If you are a traveler looking for the best place to go on your trip to see the Northern Lights in Finland, then you are most definitely on the right post. There are many places you can stay in Kittil. On the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia is the small village of Kemi. It is a fantastic tool to find the cheapest prices. Finland is known as the home of Santa, ice castles with beautiful rooms made of ice and snow, wide rivers, the natural beauty of lush green islands, the Northern Lights and so on! While there, you can also spend a magical evening outdoors under star-filled skies during a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. However, you'll have to get out of the city for the best view because of light pollution. Tranquility in Finland can be found underneath the Northern Lights. The biggest mistake you can make is to stay close to artificial lights or completely indoors. Here's how to see the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. This is why specific conditions like these are to be noted. The exact and best time to watch the northern lights in Finland is said to be 10 PM to 2 AM as you can only see the northern lights when there are dark nights. Because the snow hasnt yet fallen, the nights are inky black, resulting in perfect aurora-spotting conditions. Your chances to see northern lights will be a bit lower in Kemi. Its well worth the wait, though, as the ski resort offers nighttime skiing. are turned off at 10pm, specifically for the purpose of admiring the Northern Lights at their best. You can book two- or four-person igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. 9, 2022, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. Picture the scene: With a warm fire roaring next to you, you sit tentatively and watch the skies. With the village's origins dating back to the 17th century, you'll still find some of the original homesteads, including an old timber cottage. The historic luxury property is situated along the lively waterfront area, close to the ferry terminal. The aurora borealis are visible an average of 200 nights a year from early September to late March in the country of . 1. 1. The rooms also feature beds with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags so you can bundle up during the night. The lake is situated right under the aurora oval. You can also visit Urho Kekkonen National Park, Action Park, Lapland Safaris, Angry Birds Saariselk, and much more to have fun while you wait to see the Northern Lights. Read more: Catch the northern lights from your ice hotel: Norway's Far North is the ideal winter playground. Contrary to popular belief, the best times for spotting the Auroras are at the beginning and end of the season. This densely wooded and hilly area in Reykjavik sits at 200 feet above sea level and has walkways and paths where you can see the nighttime show. The spring equinox on March 20th is said to bring greater solar activity and geomagnetically disturbed days, which means prime time for spying the lights and this coincides with Culture Trips exclusive five-day trip to Lapland, giving you the chance to spot the bright lights from a cosy husky sled. About VarpuIm the founder of Her Finland. You can have the full igloo experience at Glass Igloos, check the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village, Aurora Queen Resort, or Wilderness hotel amongst many others. There are many winter activities besides seeing the northern lights which would make it the perfect vacation. If there is anything else youd like to know about auroras, let me know in the comments. The Best Tourist Attraction in Every State, The Easiest Way to Renew an Expired Passport, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. 2. Greenland Travel offers five-day winter tours to Kangerlussuaq that include visiting Greenland's ice sheet, dog-sledding and viewing the northern lights. I have been using the free version of the app called My Aurora Forecast on my iPhone and it has been working like a charm! Be brave and head into the darkness. Southern Finland has the likelihood of one night per month. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the region, with the russet-coloured leaves burning brightly, in whats known as ruska season. I simply have to start with Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and possibly the best place to see the Aurora zone. Experience Maryland's memorable museums, beautiful parks, buzzing beaches and succulent seafood. The weather in September and October is also a lot warmer, and shades of red and orange come alive in the autumn forests. Its advisable to join a guided tour as locals have the best knowledge about weather and conditions. To be honest, its kind of difficult to put my own aurora experiences into words. If youre searching for a lovely resort town in Northern Finland, look no further than Kittil, the town is popular amongst visitors due to its fantastic Levi Ski Resort. This is a bustling metropolis and is most notably known as the home of Santa Claus. [See more of Tasmania: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Seeing northern lights from Utsjoki is very common, especially during the winter months. Problem #1. The shortest days of the year, from December to January, increase your chances of spotting the lights, but they are also devastatingly cold. Luckily, there isn't only one location having excellent chances of witnessing Northern Lights. Saariselk is a resort village in Finland. Thats why we are never sad if we dont see them and extremely thankful when we do. I also drive in Lapland. Finnish artists have regularly traveled to Lapland. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as this can often help you know if there will be cloud cover or not. If I'm planning for 5-6 day trip to Finland, what should my itinerary look like? While staying here, you can do many things. This problem you can certainly fix! If you're staying for several days, book accommodations with harbor views at the Scandic Ishavshotel. Our job as Destination Specialists at 50 Degrees North is not just to send you to the right location, but to create a unique tour package for you to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Lake Saadjrv is a major recreational area with beaches, as well as nearby cultural sites and museums such as the Ice Age Centre. In general, September to April is the best season the bright summer months render the lights almost invisible due to its long light nights and midnight sun. Stewart Island is regarded as one of the top spots to see the brilliant display in New Zealand, with 85% of the island encompassed by Rakiura National Park, so there are few people and virtually no light pollution. The resort is no more than a 20-minute drive away from Kittil and, as you can imagine, the views of the Northern Lights from here are spectacular. Due to its remote location, Kemi is the perfect place for peace and quiet as you look at the northern lights. The area is fairly underdeveloped which makes looking at the dark skies easier. This time of year brings cold evenings with clear skies, which makes for ideal viewing conditions. In general, September to April is the best season - the bright summer months render the lights almost invisible - due to its long light nights and midnight sun. The Finnish word for northern lights is actually fox fires which originates from the indigenous Sami people back in Lapland. Standing in the middle of the vast frozen expanse of, in the northern reaches of Finland is about as remote as you can get. Nearest airport: Rovaniemi. And, Finnish Lapland is a fantastic destination to visit! Welcome to charming, festive Rovaniemi, the veritable home of Santa Claus and unquestionably the most iconic resort in the whole of ice-caked Lapland. The best spots for witnessing Northern Lights in Norway are the Lofoten Islands, Alta, Andoya, Bodo, and Harstad. Lyngenfjord: Situated between Alta and Tromso, Lyngenfjord is amongst the best places to see Northern Lights in Norway, owing . Check out Arriniva Cottages, Motel SEO Muonio, Luongasloma Chalets, and Arctic Skylight Lodge. Accommodation costs during this time are also more expensive, but there is an abundance of winter activities like skiing. 1- Monitoring the Weather. The short period Northern Light prediction is based on the fact that it takes around three days for the solar wind to reach the Earth from the Sun. Have a portable charger. Checking out Basecamp Oulanka, Ski-Inn RukaValley, Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne, Ski-Inn RukaVillage, and Scandic Rukahovi as some of your options would be helpful. Scandinavia tours: can you believe it? Top Tip: If you want to learn more, read about the best things to do in Rovaniemi. Courtesy of Charles Dragazis / Alamy Stock Photo / Expedia. Even though hyperactive in their life at home, most Finns master the art of doing very littlewhen they drive beyond the Arctic Circle. 1. Check out these resources: My honest & insightful Northern lights in Finland video is the most-viewed video on my YouTube channel. has an excellent reputation for aurora spotting. January is one of the coldest and darkest months. Saariselk has an excellent reputation for aurora spotting. I highly recommend this tool. 1. TOP TOURS TO SCANDINAVIA Guests can opt to head out by car to see the aurora, view it by snowmobile or go snowshoeing in pursuit of the lights. Golden Crown, Levin Iglut - Best option for luxurious igloos. Here are all the things this post will cover. A Komsio Hut, Apukka Resort. As the biggest city in northern Norway, Troms tops the list for an aurora trip in Norway. Cruise lines that offer March voyages include Scenic, Silversea Cruises, Aurora Expeditions, Viking and Ponant. September to November and February to March are the best months to view the aurora, as the skies are clearer than in December and January when they can be cloudy due to snow. ; t only one location having excellent chances of witnessing Northern Lights tops the list for Aurora... Five-Day winter tours to Kangerlussuaq that include visiting greenland 's ice sheet, dog-sledding and viewing the Lights! Best, its kind of difficult to put my own Aurora experiences into.! Southern Finland has the likelihood of one night per month Stock Photo / Expedia Arctic resort coldest and darkest.! 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best city in finland to see northern lights