Have you ever dreamed of watching the northern lights dance across the night sky? Those bright, colorful waves of light known as the aurora borealis are one of nature’s most magical shows. If you’re wondering about the best places in Lapland to see the northern lights, you’re in the right spot. Lapland, a region that stretches across northern Sweden and Finland, is one of the best places in the world to catch this amazing light display. Its location inside the Arctic Circle, with long, dark winter nights, makes it perfect for aurora hunting.
The northern lights happen when charged particles from the sun hit Earth’s magnetic field, lighting up the sky in greens, purples, and pinks. It’s a natural phenomenon that has fascinated people for centuries. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top spots to see the northern lights in Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Plus, we’ll share the best times to visit and some tips to help you have the best chance of seeing this incredible sight. Let’s get ready for your unforgettable arctic adventure!
Why Lapland Is One of the Best Places to See the Northern Lights
Lapland isn’t just cold and snowy—it sits right inside the aurora zone, also called the northern lights belt. This is the part of the Earth between latitudes 65 and 72 degrees north, where the northern lights happen most often. Because Lapland lies entirely inside this Arctic Circle area, it has a special chance to see the aurora borealis.
One big reason Lapland is perfect for northern lights is its long winter nights. From December to March, the nights stretch far longer than in many places. This darkness gives you more hours to watch the lights glow in the sky. Plus, many parts of Lapland are very remote, with almost no city lights. This is important because artificial light, called light pollution, can make it hard to see the northern lights. Imagine trying to see stars in a city full of bright street lamps—and then picture walking into a quiet, dark forest where every star shines brightly. That’s the difference low light pollution makes.
According to research from Nordic Visitor, spots like Abisko in Sweden and Saariselka in Finland have very low light pollution and clear skies, which means better chances to catch the aurora show. Still, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so they can’t be guaranteed. But with the right timing and location, your chances can be very high.
The best time to see the northern lights in Lapland is during the winter months, especially from December through March. This is when the skies are darkest and clearest.
Discovering the Magic of Swedish Lapland for Northern Lights
When people think about Swedish Lapland, two places usually come to mind: Kiruna and Abisko National Park. Both offer unique ways to experience the northern lights.
Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost town. It’s a lively spot surrounded by snowy forests and hills. One of the coolest things about Kiruna is the Icehotel, a hotel made almost entirely from ice and snow. Every winter, artists rebuild it with new designs and sculptures. Staying here means you can enjoy the aurora borealis right outside your door after a day filled with winter fun like dog sledding or snowmobiling. If you're looking for more ideas on adventure sports, check out our post on thrilling adventure sports.
Just a bit further from Kiruna is Abisko National Park. Abisko is famous among northern lights lovers because it sits directly under the auroral oval—the area where auroras appear most often. Abisko has something called the “Blue Hole,” a special weather phenomenon where the sky tends to stay clearer than in nearby areas. That means you’re more likely to see the lights here when cloudy weather blocks other places.
One special place in Abisko is the Aurora Sky Station. This elevated viewing platform offers stunning views of the night sky and cozy spaces to warm up. You can even enjoy fine dining while waiting for the lights to appear. Staying nearby in the wilderness hotel adds a sense of adventure—imagine stepping outside into the crisp, cold air, with nothing but quiet forests and mountains around you. Nordic Visitor reports that guided tours from Abisko have a 99% chance of seeing the northern lights over four nights, making it one of the best places to see northern lights in Lapland.
Besides watching the aurora, you can try snowshoeing, dog sled rides, and snowmobile tours in these areas, making your trip full of memorable winter experiences.
Exploring Finnish Lapland’s Best Aurora Spots
Finnish Lapland also offers some amazing places to catch the northern lights. Saariselka and Rovaniemi are two popular locations, each with its own charm.
Saariselka is farther north than Rovaniemi, giving it a great edge for northern lights visibility. This small village is surrounded by wild forests and frozen lakes. It’s quieter and feels very magical, perfect for those who want a peaceful aurora experience. Many visitors stay in special glass igloos or aurora cabins that have glass roofs or walls. These cozy accommodations let you watch the northern lights from your warm bed. For example, the Arctic SnowHotel provides glass igloos where the northern lights dance just outside your window.
Rovaniemi, famously known as Santa Claus’s official hometown, offers a blend of family fun and aurora watching. While the town itself has more light pollution, it is easy to take short trips away from the lights for better viewing. Rovaniemi is great for families and offers many winter activities alongside northern lights tours. Discover more family-friendly activities in our post about Tokyo family adventures with kids.
Another notable Finnish town is Kemi on the Bothnian Bay coast. It’s smaller and less crowded, with low levels of light pollution. Here, you can try unique experiences like icebreaker boat tours or staying in seaside cabins with glass fronts to catch the aurora right from your window.
Finnish Lapland’s winter activities add extra excitement to your trip. You can try ice fishing, ride snowmobiles, or try reindeer safaris. These experiences often happen during the day, giving you plenty to enjoy while also having plenty of nights to spot the aurora borealis.
Choosing the Best Time of Year to Visit Lapland for Aurora Viewing
The northern lights happen all year, but you can only see them where and when it’s dark. That’s why the winter months in Lapland, from December to March, are the best times to plan your trip.
Early and mid-winter, around December and January, are great for festive moods. You can experience holiday magic at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi or visit the SnowCastle Hotel in Kemi, made completely of ice and snow. Snow blankets the landscape, making everything sparkle under the aurora. Sometimes clouds can lower visibility in these months, but the snowy atmosphere adds its own kind of magic.
Late winter, from February to March, often brings clearer skies and more quiet towns. Locals visit ski resorts and celebrate the last of winter, making it a wonderful time for a peaceful visit and lots of aurora sightings. Daylight starts to last longer, but nights still provide enough darkness to see the lights, especially between 10 PM and 2 AM—the best hours for aurora viewing.
Even though the aurora can show up outside these months, the long hours of daylight during spring and summer make it almost impossible to see. For real chances, winter is your best bet.
Tips to Make Sure You Don’t Miss the Northern Lights in Lapland
Seeing the northern lights is thrilling, but it takes a little patience and planning. When you travel to Lapland northern lights tours help by taking you to the darkest and clearest spots. Staying outside towns where there’s no glow from city lights makes a huge difference.
Plan to stay several nights—three to six nights is ideal. This gives you more chances to catch clear skies and active auroras. If you stay just one or two nights, you might miss them due to clouds or low solar activity.
Use aurora forecast apps and websites, like those from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, for real-time updates on solar activity and weather. Some hotels offer aurora alarms, so you can sleep comfortably and get notified when the lights appear.
Joining guided aurora tours led by local experts is a smart choice. These guides know the best spots and will take you far from light pollution if needed. Plus, they share tips for photographing the lights or just making the most of the experience. For more travel advice, check out our guide on luxury vacation tips.
Other small things, like dressing warmly and bringing a flashlight, help. Nights in Lapland can get very cold, but with the right clothes, watching the lights becomes cozy and unforgettable.
Unique and Cozy Places to Stay for Aurora Viewing
Part of the Lapland northern lights adventure is where you stay. Many travelers enjoy special accommodations built for aurora watching.
Glass igloos and aurora cabins are popular choices. These cozy shelters have large glass roofs or walls, letting you look up at the sky without going outside. Imagine lying in bed with a hot drink, watching green and pink lights swirl above.
Then there are the famous ice and snow hotels, like the Icehotel in Kiruna, Sweden, or the SnowCastle in Kemi, Finland. These hotels are rebuilt each year with amazing ice art and chilly rooms. Staying here is like stepping into a winter fairy tale.
For a warmer stay, wilderness lodges and remote cabins far from city lights offer peace and great views. Many of these places offer aurora alarms and outdoor hot tubs for a truly relaxing night under the stars.
Lapland’s combination of location, dark skies, and cozy places to stay makes it easy to enjoy the northern lights in comfort and style.
Wrapping Up Your Lapland Northern Lights Plan
Lapland truly is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights. Whether you choose Swedish Lapland’s Abisko, with its clear skies and famous Aurora Sky Station, or Finnish Lapland’s peaceful Saariselka and magical glass igloos, you’re in for a treat.
Remember, the northern lights can never be guaranteed because they depend on nature’s own forces. But with careful planning, staying several nights, and joining expert-led tours, you’ll give yourself the best chance to witness this natural wonder.
So pack your warmest clothes, get ready for snowy adventures, and set your sights on Lapland. Your next Arctic adventure awaits—and with a little luck, the sky will put on a spectacular light show you’ll never forget.
Start planning your northern lights adventure today and get ready to experience the magic of Lapland’s arctic skies!
