Northern Lights Lapland: ultimate guide to the most stunning spectacle + photography tips

Levi Finland

Do you dream of seeing the dancing northern lights with your own eyes? Lapland is one of the best places in the world to spot this breathtaking natural phenomenon. From colorful waves of light illuminating the sky to the icy silence under a starry sky – experiencing the northern lights is pure magic. But how can you increase your chances of seeing it? And how do you capture this natural wonder perfectly on camera?

Top Tips from Our Team

  • Best travel time: December – March
  • Download a forecasting app like Aurora
  • Look for places far away from city lights
  • A Lapland trip is your ticket to the most beautiful Northern Lights experience

The Northern Lights

What is that, actually?

Okay, let’s bring in some science. The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) is a light phenomenon that occurs in the night sky of the polar regions. Imagine this: solar particles crashing into the Earth's atmosphere so hard that they create a glowing fireworks display. Depending on the gases involved, the colors can range from green to purple, sometimes with shades of red, pink, or blue. It’s like space has built its own nightclub – and you’re invited!

The best places to see the Northern Lights

Finland is the ultimate destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Our Lapland trip focuses on two top locations, each offering a unique experience: Rovaniemi and Luosto. Both destinations are ideally situated within the so-called “Aurora Zone,” where the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are significantly higher.

Photographing the Northern Lights: from amateur to pro in 5 steps

Yes, you can do this! Even without an expensive camera. Here are our tips & tricks:

  1. Make sure you have a camera that you can manually adjust
  2. A tripod is your new best friend – no more shaky photos!
  3. Use a long exposure (or night mode on your smartphone)
  4. Bring extra batteries or a power bank with you
  5. Self-timer = no movement, just magic

The other questions you have about Lapland

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The best time to spot the Northern Lights is from December to March. During these months, the nights are the longest and darkest in Lapland, creating the ideal conditions for the Northern Lights phenomenon.

What determines the visibility of the Northern Lights?

Several factors play a role:

  • Solar wind activity
  • Clear, cloudless nights
  • Minimal light pollution
  • Geographical location (above the Arctic Circle)
  • Season and time of night
How long does a northern lights display last?

A northern lights display can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. On average, an active phase lasts between 15-30 minutes, but some spectacular northern lights storms can last for several hours.

Are there different colors of the Northern Lights?

Yes, the most common color is green, caused by oxygen molecules at about 100 kilometers high. Other possible colors are:

  • Pink (higher atmospheric layers)
  • Purple (nitrogen molecules)
  • Rare red (high oxygen concentrations)
  • White (combination of multiple colors)
Do I need a professional camera to capture the Northern Lights?

No, a professional camera is not absolutely necessary to photograph the Northern Lights. Nowadays, smartphones can deliver surprisingly good results. Here are some tips to take better photos with your phone:

  • Use night mode
  • Use a tripod or support for your smartphone
    • Due to the extreme cold, it can be hard to keep your phone completely still on your own
Is special clothing necessary?

Absolutely. The temperatures in Lapland can be very extreme, so make sure you're dressed warmly enough.

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