auroras over a snowy cabin in Lapland
Photo by: Lapland Material Bank
Northern Lights over Lapland
Photo by: Simo Vilhunen | Lapland Material Bank

8 Ways to Experience The Northern Lights in Lapland

The Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky are an unforgettable sight. Here are 8 incredible ways to experience and enjoy the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland.

According to an old Finnish Lapland belief, the Northern Lights are created when a fox runs across the fells while whipping its tail against the snow, sending sparks up into the night sky. Here we offer eight different ways to experience the fox fires for yourself.

Northern Lights floating

Would you float in ice-cold water for the Northern Lights? Northern Lights floating is a unique and fun way for aurora hunters to experience the magical lightshow. You’re surrounded by peace and quiet and the gentle softness of water under the glowing display of Northern Lights above Rovaniemi. The warm flotation suits provided by Safartica ensure you don’t feel cold.

ice floating under auroras
Photo by: Safartica

Prepare for your aurora hunt by enjoying the simulated swirls and digital dance of the Northern Lights at Virtual Lapland.

Night in a glass igloo

Lying on a soft reindeer hide under a colorful display of Northern Lights – sound like a thing for you? In a glass igloo, you can watch the Northern Lights comfortably indoors, on a bed. There are glass igloos and accommodation like Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos designed for watching the Northern Lights all over Lapland. How about a Northern Lights experience in a comfort of an igloo on a frozen lake in Ranua. The lights are so captivating you’ll find it hard to go to sleep.

Looking for your own special winter accommodation?

northern lights over forest
Photo by: Markus Kiili | Lapland Material Bank

Wilderness Safari

Sitting by a fire, sipping hot cocoa out of a guksi (carved wooden cup) and sleeping outdoors are the best parts of any Lapland’s nature experience. Far away from the lights of the city, in the dark night of Lapland, the Northern Lights are at their brightest. Sit quietly and enjoy the embrace of the auroras. Become a part of nature. Camping independently is challenging in the winter conditions, which is why you should turn to local aurora hunters for advice. Tee-pee accommodation is provided by Luxury Action, who specialize in luxurious wilderness expeditions in Rovaniemi.

laavu under the northern lights
Photo by: Simo Vilhunen | Lapland Material Bank

Reindeer & husky sleigh rides

Being transported by animals in the forest is an ecological way to enjoy the Northern Lights. Snow will blow under the sleigh while the scenery changes as Kota Husky‘s excited pups take you across the wilderness. You’ll be closer to nature when you’re not surrounded by the noise of vehicle engines, so feel the winter on your face and let the cold air gently kiss you on the cheek. Husky and reindeer sleigh rides are arranged all over Lapland.

Chasing the Auroras with huskies
Photo by: Rayann Elzein | Lapland Material Bank

Snowshoeing

The frosty snow crunches under your shoes as you delve deeper into the fairy-tale forests of Ruka. The thick snow is not an obstacle when you wear snowshoes. The silence of the forest can be almost intimidating, but the darkness is ideal for observing the Northern Lights crackling in the night sky. Breathe in the fresh, cold air and enjoy the light show. You can proceed at your own pace and stop as many times as you want. Don’t forget to bring a snack! Snow shoes are lent and rented by hotels and safari businesses like Ruka Adventures across northern Finland.

snowshoe hike under the northern lights
Photo by: Lapland Material Bank

Northern Lights flight

This is as close as you can get to the Northern Lights. On a Northern Lights flight, you get to marvel at the lights dancing in the sky up close from an entirely new point of view. Flying enables you to see the Northern Lights even on overcast nights. You can get on a Northern Lights flight above the clouds in Rovaniemi with Wild Nordic.

seaplane under the auroras
Photo by: Simo Vilhunen | Lapland Material Bank

Snowmobiling

If you’re looking for action and speed, jump on a snowmobile. The snowmobile will take you quickly away from the lights of the Salla Ski Resort to see the Northern Lights. In winter, the snowmobile is a popular ride in Lapland, used for work by reindeer herders following free range reindeer. Snowmobile rental companies like Arctic Circle Safaris will provide you with all the necessary equipment from a helmet to a warm driving suit, allowing you to focus on the thrill of speed. You’ll find snowmobile tour operators across Lapland.

snowmobile ride at sunset during winter in Lapland
Photo by: Antti Pietikäinen | Lapland Material Bank

Photography expedition

For photography enthusiasts, the Northern Lights provide a unique learning experience. Hunting for the fire-tailed foxes in the sky is not an easy task, but it can be accomplished with a few good tips – and patience. Equip your backpack with a tripod and a camera capable of slow shutter speeds. Remember to dress warmly as well! If you’re not sure about going on a Northern Lights expedition on your own or if you need photography tips from a professional, you can take part in a Northern Lights photography expedition arranged in Lapland by businesses like Beyond Arctic.

cabin under the northern lights
Photo by: Lapland Material Bank

Ready to see the auroras with your own eyes? Find info on transportation, accommodation and Lapland’s unique destinations.