Is there anything more magical than a quiet, starry night with green lights dancing across the sky? The northern lights are nature’s very own spectacle – a breathtaking phenomenon that leaves both first-timers and seasoned aurora hunters in awe. But where do these glowing ribbons in the sky come from, when should you look for them, and where can you see them best?
In this article, we’ll dive into the wonders of the aurora lights: how it forms, when it’s most visible, and which places offer the most unforgettable experiences. Along the way, we’ll also share tips on how to maximize your chances of witnessing this one-of-a-kind natural light show.
Key Takeaways from the Article
-The northern lights are colorful light phenomena that appear in the sky when particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere.
-The best time to see the northern lights in Finland is between September and March, after 10:00 PM.
-In the Northern Hemisphere, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the auroras.
-Thanks to clear nights, clean air, and minimal light pollution, the northern lights can be seen in Lapland on up to 200 nights a year.
-At Lappland buchen, we offer special aurora tours led by experienced local guides – giving you a front-row seat to this spectacular natural show.
What are aurora lights?
The aurora lights sind colorful light phenomena that appear in the sky when particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. They often glow in shades of green, but can also light up the night in red, violet, or even blue.
The best views of the aurora are found in the far north, away from city lights and light pollution. Finnish Lapland, in particular, is one of the best places in the world to witness this natural light show. And the best part? It’s completely free – a magical performance that never fails to impress, even if the temperature is well below zero!
How do aurora lights happen?
We often hear people ask what is the cause of an aurora. The northern lights occur when tiny particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are known as the solar wind. When they hit gases in the atmosphere – such as oxygen and nitrogen – the sky lights up with brilliant colors. Die Finnisches Meteorologisches Institut explains what is the cause of an aurora lights:
“The original source of energy for the aurora is the Sun, although the actual auroral light is produced in Earth’s upper atmosphere, at an altitude of about 100–200 kilometers.”
Green is the most common aurora color, but they can also appear in shades of red, violet, or blue. The northern lights are most visible near the polar regions – for example, in Lapland – where Earth’s magnetic field guides the particles to the right areas in the sky.
When do aurora lights occur?
The northern lights are unpredictable, but with the right timing and conditions, you can greatly increase your chances of seeing them. Timing matters – both the time of year and the time of night. While the Sun is responsible for creating the auroras, the phenomenon is best seen in deep darkness.
Next, we’ll dive into when to go aurora hunting, and why certain times of day (or night!) are especially ideal for witnessing this magical show in the sky.
The best times of year to see them
Although the northern lights are present in the sky all year round, they can only be seen when it’s dark enough – which means summer is not the ideal time, especially during the Midnight Sun in Lapland. The best time to go aurora hunting is between September and March, when the nights are long and the skies are often clear.
In autumn, the auroras appear in soft, darkening evenings, while in winter you can admire them under crisp, frosty skies with snow crystals sparkling around you. Late winter – especially February and March, combines clearer weather, longer days, and still-dark nights, making it a favorite time for many aurora seekers.
Day vs. night: does timing matter?
Absolutely – timing matters, and a lot! Although the auroras are caused by solar activity, they can only be seen when the sky is dark enough. So there’s no point in looking up during the day – bright daylight completely washes them out. The best time to see the northern lights is during the dark hours of the evening and night, as mentioned in our previous Artikel:
“As in other parts of the Nordic region, the best time for aurora hunting in Finland is between September and March, after 10:00 PM.”
Between 10 PM and 2 AM, geomagnetic activity often peaks, making this the prime window for spotting the auroras.
Where are the aurora lights found?
Seeing the northern lights takes more than just traveling north. The best experience depends on the right conditions and a carefully chosen location. Light pollution plays a big role in visibility, so large cities rarely offer the best views of the night sky. Instead, remote and open areas provide true darkness and wide, unobstructed horizons.
Weather and sky clarity are also key factors – a clear, cloudless night is every aurora chaser’s best friend. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at the kinds of places and conditions that give you the best shot at catching the auroras in action.
Cities with minimal light pollution
If you want to see the northern lights properly, one of the biggest obstacles is city lights. As we mentioned in a previous Artikel:
“Darkness is the most important factor when it comes to seeing the northern lights. Lights from cities and populated areas significantly reduce visibility, so the best place to observe the auroras is somewhere completely free from light pollution.”
But what if you don’t want to venture deep into the wilderness? Luckily, there are small towns and villages around the world that offer both comfort and excellent aurora visibility. In Finnish Lapland, places like Rovaniemi, Utsjokiund Kilpisjärvi are fantastic spots to experience the magic of the northern lights.
Remote and open areas
If you want to see the northern lights in all their glory, remote and open areas are pure gold. The farther you get from populated areas and light pollution, the better your chances are of seeing the auroras clearly and without obstruction.
Open landscapes – like fells, lakeshores, and wide snowy fields – offer the perfect view of the sky, allowing you to watch the auroras dance from one horizon to the other. You might remember from our earlier post:
“Finnish Lapland lies just north of the Arctic Circle, where the winter months bring long, dark nights – ideal conditions for aurora viewing.”
Weather conditions and sky clarity
Even if you’re in the perfect place at the perfect time, the northern lights can easily hide behind clouds if the weather doesn’t cooperate. That’s why a clear, cloudless sky is almost as important as the auroras themselves.
The best moment is on a crisp, cold night when the air is fresh, the sky is clear, and the stars are shining bright – that’s when the northern lights truly come to life.
Aurora lights in the northern vs. southern hemisphere
The northern lights – known as aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere and aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere – are both incredible natural phenomena. However, only a few people ever get the chance to see them from both sides of the globe. In the north, Finnish Lapland is one of the absolute best places in the world to spot the auroras. According to our earlier Artikel:
“Finnish Lapland is one of the most stunning places in the world to experience the beauty of natural phenomena – and the northern lights have fascinated travelers for centuries.”
Thanks to its clear nights, clean air, and minimal light pollution, the auroras light up the skies over Lapland on up to 200 nights a year.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the auroras can be seen in places like Antarctica or the southern tip of New Zealand – but these regions are often much harder to reach. In contrast, Lapland offers an accessible and comfortable way to experience the lights, complete with cozy accommodation, delicious food, and unforgettable activities.
Bucket list aurora lights –experiences
The northern lights are one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world – and for many, they’re right at the top of the bucket list. In Lapland, you can experience this magical light show in a way that stays with you for a lifetime. Whether it’s watching the auroras from a cozy glass dome, riding a snowmobile under the starry sky, or simply standing still in a quiet, snowy forest, every northern lights moment is truly one of a kind.
When the sky lights up in shades of green, pink, and violet, it’s easy to see why so many dream of witnessing it. If you’re looking for something that will make your trip truly unforgettable – add the northern lights to your bucket list.
Glass igloos, ice hotels, and aurora domes
Lapland’s unique accommodation options make the night feel truly magical – quite literally. In a glass igloo, you can watch the northern lights dance across the sky while staying warm and cozy under a blanket. Spending a night in an ice hotel is an experience in itself, with rooms carved entirely from ice, icy furniture, and a fairy-tale-like silence that surrounds you.
Aurora domes offer the perfect balance between comfort and closeness to nature – under a transparent roof, you can admire the stars and auroras without feeling the cold. These stays aren’t just places to sleep – they’re part of an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Lapland’s wilderness.
Starting from autumn 2025, we at Lappland buchen will also be offering the chance to stay in a magical glass igloo of your own.
Northern light cruises and night hikes
Chasing the northern lights isn’t limited to just one style – in Lapland, you can join unforgettable cruises or peaceful night hikes under the stars.
Night hikes take you deep into the quiet forest or up a snowy hillside, where absolute stillness surrounds you. When the sky lights up with vibrant colors, the moment is truly breathtaking – made even more powerful by the fact that you’re out in nature, with nothing but stars and auroras above you. As we mentioned in our previous Artikel:
“At Book Lapland, we offer special northern lights tours guided by our experienced local experts – a front-row seat to nature’s most stunning light show.”
Discover our Aurora hunting tours hier!
Quellen
Unternehmungen in Finnland - 10 beste Ideen
Finnish Lapland – Best place to see the northern lights
Wo kann man das Nordlicht sehen? -5 beste Orte
Die Nordlichter - Aurora Borealis
