Travel tips for your Northern Lights trip to Finland – including a packing list

northern lights

Seeing the Northern Lights is probably the dream of every traveler to Lapland. The best time to see them is from August to the end of April. Unfortunately, however, we cannot predict or promise that you will see the light show during your stay. As a natural phenomenon, it cannot be organized. Of course, the longer you stay, the higher the probability that you will see the lights.

In addition to complete darkness (no light pollution from nearby cities), you also need a clear sky and the random magnetic discharge of solar molecules directly above you. If you have booked accommodation with a glass (igloo) roof, make yourself comfortable and just wait. Some resorts also offer a so-called "northern lights alarm" (possibly for a fee). This will wake you up when the time comes.

There are also various apps that show you northern lights activity.

activities

Our travel packages already include a certain number of activities. These cannot be exchanged, as a price advantage has been calculated compared to separate bookings for accommodation and activities.

You will find out on which days and at what times your excursions/activities take place when you check in on site.

Please note that the activities you book are weather dependent. If there is no snow, snowmobile and husky sled tours, for example, cannot take place. They may also be canceled or postponed in the event of a snowstorm or if temperatures fall below -30 degrees Celsius. If there is no alternative date, we will refund your money for this excursion.

There is no guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights during activities designed to view them – these are all activities that have the word "Aurora" in their name (e.g., snowmobile Aurora tour or Aurora tour with heated sleigh). It is quite possible that these activities will be postponed from night to night in order to increase the likelihood of sightings. There is no right to a refund. Consider them evening excursions rather than aurora excursions.
Our local partners are professionals! The probability of seeing the Northern Lights is high.

Snowmobile tours:
Normally, two people share a snowmobile. One person drives, the other sits behind (as on a motorcycle). You can then swap places during a break. If you would like a snowmobile for yourself, we can arrange this for an additional fee.
If you would like to drive a snowmobile, you will need a driver's license, which must be presented on site. You will sign a waiver on site, which also includes a deductible in the event of negligent driving if the snowmobile is damaged.

“The magic of the Northern Lights is an experience that leaves you speechless and reveals the beauty of nature in its purest form.”

Roald Amundsen, polar explorer

Weather and clothing

Temperatures in Lapland range from approximately -10 to -30°C, depending on the location of your accommodation. These challenging conditions require a certain amount of preparation.

In my article, you will find a packing list and shopping recommendations for your aurora borealis trip.

Your accommodation

Your accommodations are equipped differently depending on their type and category. But they all have one thing in common: a very pleasant warmth.

catering

Tap water in Norway, Sweden, and Finland is among the cleanest in the world and has already replaced mineral water in plastic bottles.

It is also common practice for restaurants to automatically provide a carafe of tap water. You can also have your personal reusable water bottle refilled at a restaurant.

It is therefore possible that you will not find any (plastic) water bottles in the minibar.

Many accommodations have a kettle with tea and Nescafé. Higher categories also have coffee machines and a small refrigerator. In Sweden and Finland in particular, our accommodations are often located in the middle of the wilderness. This is important so that you have good views of the Northern Lights. The nearest supermarket may be up to 40 km away. Heavy snow conditions and constant darkness also limit your mobility. Hotel restaurants have limited opening hours. Prices in Scandinavian countries are much higher than in Germany. Alcohol in particular is very expensive. In Norway, a state license is required to serve alcohol.

smoking

Smoking is prohibited in almost all indoor areas. Most of our accommodations are built entirely of wood. A fire would have serious consequences. Violations are punishable by heavy fines of €1,000 or more.