What is the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that plays out in the night sky of the polar regions. It occurs when charged particles from the sun (solar wind) collide with gas molecules in the Earth's upper atmosphere.
During these collisions, primarily with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, energy is released in the form of light. We see this as the northern lights: waving, colorful patterns that illuminate the sky. The colors vary depending on the gases involved, featuring shades of green, purple, red, pink, and sometimes even blue.
The Northern Lights, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon, have intrigued humanity for centuries. Also known as the 'aurora borealis,' this colorful spectacle appears in the sky, especially in areas close to the magnetic poles. Lapland, located in the far north, is one of the best places in the world to witness this magical spectacle. In this blog, we explore the phenomenon of the Northern Lights, reveal the most beautiful locations in Lapland to admire it, and share some fascinating facts.
Why is the Northern Lights so often seen in Lapland?
Lapland, located north of the Arctic Circle, offers ideal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. Here’s why:
- Proximity to the magnetic pole: The closer you get to the magnetic poles, the more frequently this phenomenon occurs.
- Polar night: The polar night, which lasts several months in winter, provides long, very dark nights that are perfect for witnessing this natural spectacle.
- Little light pollution: Vast areas of untouched nature offer a dark sky, ideal for observation.
How can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, follow these tips:
Ideal period
The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late December to the end of March. However, the exact week or day remains unpredictable and is completely dependent on the whims of the weather.
Weather conditions
A sky without clouds is crucial. Check the weather forecast and choose a clear night for the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
Light pollution
Avoid urban areas to escape light pollution. The darker the surroundings, the better your chances of clearly admiring the Northern Lights.
Patience
The Northern Lights are unpredictable. Plan multiple observation nights to increase your chances
Apps
Use special apps like My Aurora Forecast to predict aurora activity and track solar activity in real-time.
Equipment
Get ready with a good warm jacket and a hot drink to brave the icy temperatures of the evening/night.
Where can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
Here are some well-known spots in Lapland to observe the Northern Lights:
- Rovaniemi, Finland – The capital of Finnish Lapland offers a great chance to see the Northern Lights, with vast natural areas and little light pollution.
- Abisko, Sweden – One of the top destinations in the world for seeing the Northern Lights, thanks to a unique microclimate that often results in clear skies.
- Äkaslompolo, Finland – A charming village by a lake with optimal conditions for spotting the Northern Lights.
- Tromsø, Norway – Also known as the “Capital of the Northern Lights.” There are plenty of excursions and tours available to fully experience this phenomenon.
- Luosto, Finland – A peaceful village located in Pyhä-Luosto National Park, far from artificial light. Its remote setting, open landscapes and clear Arctic skies make Luosto an excellent place to observe the Northern Lights in complete tranquillity.
The best apps and websites to spot the Northern Lights
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, several apps and websites offer forecasts and real-time alerts. The app My Aurora Forecast (Android – iPhone) is particularly popular; it uses satellite data to calculate the intensity and likelihood of Northern Lights in your area and sends notifications when conditions are favorable.
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), managed by NOAA, is also a valuable resource; this website provides detailed forecasts on solar activity and geomagnetic storms, both essential elements for predicting the Northern Lights.
Additionally, there are other apps, such as Aurora Now (Android – iPhone), which offer live maps and graphs to visualize aurora activity worldwide. By combining these tools, you increase your chances of witnessing this magical phenomenon!
Interesting facts about the Northern Lights
-
Different colors – While green is the most common, the northern lights can also be pink, red, blue, or purple. The color is determined by the gases in the atmosphere and the altitude at which the collisions occur.
-
An audible phenomenon – Some people claim to hear sounds like crackling or whistling. This was long considered a myth, but recent research suggests that the northern lights can actually produce sound under certain conditions.
-
Northern lights vs. Southern lights – The counterpart of the northern lights in the southern hemisphere is called Aurora Australis, or the southern lights.
-
Influenced by the sun – The intensity of the northern lights is linked to solar activity, which follows a cycle of about 11 years. During periods of high solar activity, the northern lights are brighter and visible in more places.
-
Visible from space – Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) can observe the northern lights from a unique perspective, floating above the dancing lights.
-
Myths and legends – In ancient times, the northern lights were often seen as a mystical omen. Some Sami cultures believed that the lights were the spirits of their ancestors.
Most magical natural phenomenon
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Lapland is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With the right preparation, a bit of patience, and a touch of luck, you can witness one of the most magical natural phenomena in the world.
If you have any questions about your trip to see the Northern Lights, don't hesitate to contact us.
After reading this page, are you eager to book your trip to see the Northern Lights right away? Check out the available dates and prices, and plan your adventure to breathtaking Lapland.
Our 4 included activities
Seeing the Northern Lights is the ultimate activity in Lapland. Besides our Aurora Experience, we also offer 3 other top activities that we consider a must. The Husky Safari, snowshoe hike & snowmobile tour are also included in the base price! You can add extra optional activities during the booking process.
We make sure you don’t have to worry about anything. Transfers to the Northern Lights and other locations are arranged for you. Plus, our Lapland Travel guides are English-speaking and will assist you on-site where needed.
About Lapland Travel
Price – Quality
We offer you the best value for money in the market. Your price at booking is fixed, and there are no unnecessary fees or hidden costs.
Direct flight
With Lapland Travel, you can fly directly from Manchester and London Luton Airports to Finnish Lapland (Rovaniemi) at fixed prices.
Small-scale organization
So that you can enjoy independently with your own travel group and receive personal guidance before, during, and after your trip.
Authentic villages
At Lapland Travel, there are no hotels or resorts where you're stuck for the whole week, but two authentic Sámi villages surrounded by vast forests: Luosto & Rovaniemi.