Chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland - Our Top Tips
There’s something about standing under an Arctic sky, breath fogging in the cold, when the first shimmer of green appears. It starts faint, a soft wisp on the horizon then suddenly it’s everywhere. The sky ripples, dances, and you can’t quite believe your eyes!
We’ve spent many winters guiding trips in Finnish Lapland, and no matter how many times we see the aurora, it never gets old. Here are our best tips for making sure your Northern Lights dreams actually come true.
1.Stay for more than a couple of nights
The aurora doesn’t work on a schedule - it’s nature, after all. The more nights you give yourself, the better your chances. We always recommend at least a week in the Arctic Circle, ideally away from city lights. The longer you stay, the higher your odds of catching a clear night and active skies.
2.Escape the light pollution
Kiruna, Rovaniemi, Saariselkä… they all have a glow. But the real magic happens far away from it all. In the forests, fells and frozen lakes. That’s why our basecamp sits in the middle of nowhere. Step outside the cabin and you’re already in darkness, no need for long drives or “aurora chases”. Just look up.
3. Check the forecast - but don’t obsess
Apps like Aurora Alert, My Aurora Forecast, or SpaceWeatherLive are handy, but don’t get too caught up in the numbers. A “low” forecast doesn’t mean you won’t see anything. We’ve watched stunning lights under KP 1 conditions. Keep your eyes open, especially between 9 pm–1 am.
4. Dress for Arctic patience
Aurora watching is basically the art of waiting outdoors. Think layered warmth: thermal base layers, thick wool socks, insulated boots (we love Fubuki), and a big down jacket. Bring a sit pad and a flask of tea ( or something stronger ) and make yourself comfortable under the stars.
5. Capture the magic — or just be in it
If you’re keen to photograph them, use a tripod, manual mode, and keep your ISO high (800–3200) with long exposure (5–15 s). But also remember to put the camera down. Sometimes the best memories are just standing there in silence, surrounded by snow and friends, watching the sky dance above you.
6. Embrace the stillness
Even if the lights don’t show, Lapland will give you something else. The sound of snow crunching underfoot, the glow of a log fire, the way the stars feel impossibly close. The aurora might be the reason you come north, but it’s rarely the thing you remember most.
✨ Join us under Arctic skies
Each winter we run small-group adventures in Finnish Lapland — husky sledding, Nordic skiing, cabin saunas, and yes… plenty of aurora watching. Led by local guides, designed by us, and built for people who want to experience the real Lapland.
You can check out our upcoming trips here
