Why Rovaniemi Is the Best Place to Chase the Northern Lights in Finland

Ever dreamed of chasing the Aurora Borealis across a frozen wonderland? Pack your bags for the Arctic Circle city of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. Nestled right on the 66.5°N line, Rovaniemi offers prime viewing for the spectacular Northern Lights. Its location in northern Finland places it directly under the Auroral Oval, the ring around the North Pole where the lights are most active. Surrounded by boreal forest and with minimal light pollution, the stunning skies above Rovaniemi set the scene for an epic Aurora adventure.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

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About Rovaniemi, the Capital of Lapland

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, located right on the Arctic Circle. Surrounded by boreal forests and untamed wilderness, this small city is the perfect base for chasing the Northern Lights.

The landscapes around Rovaniemi are stunning. You have the Kemijoki River running through the city, the Ounasjoki River nearby and several lakes dotting the area. Venture just outside the city limits and you’ll find yourself amidst snow-covered forests, rugged fells and maybe even spot a reindeer or two.

With its location in the Auroral Oval, Rovaniemi sees the Northern Lights almost every night between late August and early April. Some of the best spots to see the Aurora Borealis are:

Oulunsalo Church, only a 10-minute drive from the city center. This historic church is located on a hilltop with panoramic views.
Aakenus Snow Village, a 25-minute drive away. This is the world's largest snow village with an ice bar and hotel - perfect for photos with the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
Santa Claus Village, just 2 kilometers from Rovaniemi. Meet the man in red, then head to the Arctic Circle to hopefully catch a spectacular light show.

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Rovaniemi has so much to offer, from husky rides and reindeer encounters to ice fishing and snowshoeing. And when the Aurora starts dancing, it becomes truly magical. This little Lapland capital should be at the top of any Aurora hunter's list.

Why Rovaniemi Is the Best Place to Experience the Northern Lights

Located just 200km south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the perfect place to experience the magical Northern Lights in Finland. This charming city is surrounded by boreal forests and wide open spaces, far from light pollution. On a clear night, just head out of the city center and you'll have an amazing view of the Aurora dancing across the sky.

Some of the best spots to see the Lights are:

Ranua Wildlife Park, home to polar bears, wolves, and more. Take a nighttime safari tour and you might spot some animals under the Aurora.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, just an hour west of Rovaniemi, offers hiking trails and campsites far from pollution. Pitch a tent, build a fire and enjoy Mother Nature's greatest show.

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Rovaniemi's subarctic climate means the coldest, darkest winter nights - perfect conditions for the Northern Lights to shine through. While the Lights are always unpredictable, your odds are highest between 10 pm and 3 am. Dress warmly, bring a thermos of cocoa, and enjoy this natural wonder illuminating the Lapland sky. A sight you'll never forget!

Top Spots to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

Ounasjoki River
One of the top spots to see the Aurora Borealis is along the banks of the Ounasjoki River. This river flows right through the heart of Rovaniemi, so it’s easily accessible. Find a secluded spot away from city lights, bring a thermos of something warm to drink, and wait for the show to start. The reflective surface of the water often enhances the colors and visibility of the Northern Lights. For the best views, head to the northern side of the river, near the Pilke Science Center.

Korkalovaara Observation Hill
Just a 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi, Korkalovaara Observation Hill is a prime location for Aurora hunting. At the top of the hill, you’ll find an Aurora Borealis observation shelter with panoramic windows, as well as outdoor viewing areas. The vantage point at the top of the hill offers 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and sky, with minimal light pollution. For optimal visibility, use the free Lumyros app to determine when Aurora is most likely to be active.

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Santa Claus Village
Believe it or not, one of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is right at Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle. Find a secluded area away from the village lights, and you’ll have front-row seats to the Aurora show. The Christmas-themed shops and cabins provide a whimsical backdrop for photos of any Auroras you spot dancing in the sky. Just a short walk from Santa Claus Village, you can also view the Northern Lights from the Arctic Circle hiking trail.

Bring a headlamp, warm clothes, gloves, hat, insulated boots, blanket
Try different camera settings to capture the Auroras
Check the Aurora forecast for the best viewing times
Do a Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi for transportation to optimal viewing spots

Rovaniemi offers prime spots to view nature’s dazzling light show. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable experience chasing the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights FAQ: What You Need to Know

What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. When the sun is active, it spews out tons of protons and electrons, known as the solar wind. As these particles collide with gasses in our atmosphere, the energy released produces the spectacular light show we know as the Aurora.

What are the best months to see the Northern Lights?
The best time is between late August and early April when the nights are longer and darker. Within this window, the peak season is from December to February. The winter months tend to be colder, but also offer the most frequent and vibrant Auroral displays.

Do the Northern Lights make any sound?
No, the Northern Lights do not make any audible sound that can be heard by humans. They are the result of electromagnetic radiation and particle collisions in the upper atmosphere. Although we can't hear the Auroras, some people report a static-like sound or crackling noise, but there is no scientific evidence the lights themselves produce sound.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
Some of the top spots for Northern Lights viewing in and around Rovaniemi include:

Kiilopää Fell - A large open area 15 minutes west of Rovaniemi perfect for panoramic views and photographs.
Auttiköngäs Nature Trail - A 2.5km trail along the Oulunsalo River with secluded viewing spots away from city lights.

In the end, anywhere outside of the city center and away from direct light sources will increase your chances of spotting a spectacular show of the Northern Lights in the Rovaniemi region. Be sure to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness for the best views.

Northern Lights Photography Tips

Camera Settings
To capture the Northern Lights, you'll want to set your camera to manual mode. Start with a high ISO, around 800 to 3200. A higher ISO will make your camera more sensitive to light, allowing you to capture the Aurora. You'll also want a wide aperture, around f/2.8 or lower. This allows more light into your lens.

Use a shutter speed of at least 10 to 30 seconds. The longer your shutter is open, the more light it can collect, giving you a brighter image. You may need to use a shutter release cable or intervalometer to prevent camera shake. Consider bringing a tripod, as it will keep your camera still during the long exposure.

Composition
Think about including foreground objects like trees, rocks or buildings. This helps give a sense of scale and adds interest to your photos. Capture the Aurora reflected on a lake or river.

Frame your shot wide to capture the vastness and movement of the Northern Lights. Zoom in for abstract close-ups of the colorful waves and lines. Take both horizontal and vertical shots. Vertical shots emphasize the height and colors, while horizontal incorporate more of the landscape.

Post-Processing
You can enhance your photos using post-processing software like Lightroom or Photoshop. Adjust the white balance to capture the colors accurately. Increase the saturation and vibrance to make the colors pop. Add contrast to make the lights stand out. You can also stack multiple exposures to create star trails and make the Aurora more prominent.

With the right techniques and a little practice, you'll be capturing stunning photos of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. So get out under the night sky in Rovaniemi, and start shooting! The Aurora won't wait around, so take advantage of every opportunity to photograph this natural wonder.

Things to Do in Rovaniemi Beyond Chasing the Aurora

Rovaniemi offers plenty of activities beyond chasing the Northern Lights. Here are some of the top things to do in this Lapland capital:

Visit Santa Claus Village
No trip to Rovaniemi is complete without meeting the city’s most famous resident - Santa Claus! At Santa Claus Village, you can visit Santa’s official post office to send postcards with a special Santa stamp, take photos with Santa himself, and shop for souvenirs. It’s open year-round and especially magical around Christmas.

Take a Husky Safari
For an unforgettable winter adventure, go on a husky safari. Local companies offer rides through snowy forests and across frozen lakes, pulled by energetic Siberian and Alaskan huskies. You’ll get to meet the friendly dogs, learn to command your own sled team, and take in stunning scenery as you glide over the snow.

Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing

Rovaniemi’s snowy forests and trails are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Rent equipment to explore the wintery landscapes at your own pace. Some routes lead to scenic cabins where you can warm up with a hot drink.

Dine at a Traditional Lappish Restaurant

Indulge in reindeer, elk, salmon, and other local delicacies at one of Rovaniemi’s traditional Lappish restaurants. Menus often feature fresh ingredients and cooking techniques used for centuries. Dining in one of these cozy spots is the best way to experience the cuisine and culture of Lapland.

Top Sights to Visit in Rovaniemi

Santa Claus Village
No trip to Rovaniemi is complete without visiting Santa Claus Village, located right on the Arctic Circle. This is the official home of Santa Claus, where you can:

Meet Santa himself and take a photo with the big man.
Shop for souvenirs at the Christmas-themed stores.
Send postcards with a special Arctic Circle postmark from Santa’s Main Post Office.
Cross over the Arctic Circle line and receive an official certificate.

Oulunsalo Church
One of the most picturesque churches in Lapland is the Oulunsalo Church, located just 15 minutes from Rovaniemi. This wooden church was built in the 17th century and is a perfect example of traditional Lapland architecture. The scenic setting on a hilltop overlooking a lake makes it ideal for landscape and sunset photography.

Arktikum Science Museum
To learn more about the culture, history, and nature of Lapland, visit the Arktikum Science Museum. This is one of the top museums in Finland, with exhibits on the Sami people, Finnish history, biology, and geology of the region. An especially fascinating area is the northern lights theater, where you can see a simulated aurora performance.

Pilke Science Center
Another highly-rated museum is the Pilke Science Center, focused on the forest, nature and wildlife of Lapland. Great for both kids and adults, the interactive exhibits teach you all about the local flora and fauna. Climb up the 23-meter high treetop walkway for panoramic views of the surrounding boreal forest. After exploring the indoor museum, head outside to the arboretum and nature trails.

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Rovaniemi offers the ultimate winter wonderland experience in Finland that you've always dreamed about. With stunning forests, reindeer, and of course, the best chance at catching a glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights dancing across the sky, this is one destination you need to add to your bucket list. So pack your warmest clothes, bring your camera and sense of adventure, and get ready to be wowed by the magic of Lapland. The memories you'll make chasing the Aurora Borealis in the clear night skies above Rovaniemi will stay with you forever.

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