Login
utsjoki

Utsjoki, Finland: A Front Row Seat to the Northern Lights

Ever dreamt of watching the spectacular Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky? Well, pack your bags because Utsjoki, Finland is calling your name. Nestled in the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland, this tiny village puts you in the front row to one of nature's greatest shows. Surrounded by pristine wilderness under the midnight sun in summer and blanketed in snow in winter, Utsjoki's rugged landscapes are straight out of a storybook. But the real magic happens at night when the Aurora Borealis ignites the sky with vibrant colors.

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.

aurora online course

Online Course

Designed For Beginners

aurora app

Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

utsjoki finland

About Utsjoki, Finland: A Remote Village in Lapland

Utsjoki is a remote village located in Finnish Lapland, just a stone's throw from the Norwegian border. Surrounded by rugged wilderness, it offers some of the best seats in the house for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights.

In this tiny town, you'll find yourself far from big city lights, smack dab in the middle of the Aurora Zone. With very little light pollution, the night sky comes alive with dazzling displays of green, red, and blue lights dancing across the horizon. The Aurora Borealis is frequently visible here, especially between 10 pm and 3 am.

The best spots to see the polar lights are outside of the village center. Head to the Utsjoki church, the old school area, or hike one of the many nature trails. For the ultimate viewing experience, book an Aurora hunting safari where a guide will take you to secluded locations away from any remaining light pollution.
utsjoki finland
The prime Aurora season runs from late August through early April. You have the highest chance of clear skies and active Auroras from December through February. Be sure to pack your warmest clothes, as temperatures can drop well below freezing.

Other winter activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and ice fishing on the frozen Teno river. Or, you can simply enjoy the peace and quiet, cozy up next to a fireplace, and wait for the sky to ignite with one of nature's most spectacular shows.

Utsjoki offers a front-row seat to witness the wonder and mystery of the Northern Lights. If seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory is on your bucket list, there's no better place to make that dream a reality.
northern lights finland

Why Utsjoki Is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Finland

If you want a front row seat to the Aurora Borealis, head to Utsjoki, Finland. This little village in Finnish Lapland is one of the best places on the planet to experience the Northern Lights.

Utsjoki is located in the northernmost part of Finland, right at the Norwegian border. The area is very remote, with stunning landscapes of pine forests, fells and rivers around it. The village itself has less than 1500 residents, so light pollution is minimal. This, combined with its location directly under the Auroral Oval, gives Utsjoki up to 200 nights of Northern Lights activity per year.

The best time to see the Aurora in Utsjoki is between 10 pm and 3 am, from late August through early April. Find a spot away from town, give your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and look north. The lights often start as a pale, milky glow, then erupt into vibrant, dancing colors.
northern lights finland
Some of the best viewing spots are:
  • Teno River: Walk or snowshoe along the river for panoramic views.
  • Sevettijärvi Church: A historic church on a hilltop with 360 degree views.

While waiting for the lights, go dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing or cross-country skiing. Or learn about the indigenous Sámi culture at the Siida Museum.

Utsjoki offers a rustic Northern Lights experience like no other. So bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a night you'll never forget!
finland northern lights

The Best Time to See the Aurora Borealis in Utsjoki

The Aurora Season in Utsjoki
The best time to spot the Northern Lights in Utsjoki is between late August and early April. During these months, the nights are long and dark, providing optimal viewing conditions. The peak season is typically between 10 pm and 3 am.

  • August to October and February to April: The summer and spring shoulder seasons are great times to see the Aurora. The nights are still quite long, and the temperatures are cool but not bitterly cold. There are fewer crowds, so viewing spots won’t be as busy.
  • November to January: The winter months offer the most frequent and dramatic light shows. The Aurora is often visible for hours at a time during the long, dark winter nights. Pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop well below freezing. The winter season does draw bigger crowds, so arrive at viewing spots early to get a good spot.
finland northern lights
The Aurora is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, so there is always an element of chance involved. However, paying attention to the Kp index and solar wind forecasts can help increase your odds. A high Kp index means more intense geomagnetic activity, increasing the likelihood of spotting the Northern Lights. Checking solar wind forecasts a few days before your trip will give you an indication of potential Aurora activity during your stay in Utsjoki.

Even if the forecasts look promising, always be prepared for the possibility of not seeing the lights. Sometimes the Aurora just doesn’t show up as predicted. Don’t get discouraged; instead, enjoy the peace and beauty of the Lapland scenery. The darkest, starriest night skies, combined with the possibility of spotting the Aurora, make Utsjoki a magical place to visit regardless of whether the lights come out or not. With a bit of patience and persistence, your patience will be rewarded.
utsjoki

How to See the Northern Lights in Utsjoki

To experience the Northern Lights in all their glory, head to the village of Utsjoki in northern Finland. This remote region sits right underneath the Auroral Oval, making it one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing the Aurora Borealis.

The Best Time to Visit
The Northern Lights are most active between 10 pm and 3 am, so plan to stay up late during your visit. The winter months from December through March offer the longest and darkest nights, increasing your chances of spotting the lights. The new moon phase, when the night sky is at its darkest, is also an optimal time.
utsjoki finland
Finding the Perfect Spot
Utsjoki offers many secluded locations away from light pollution, giving you a front-row seat to the show. Some of the best spots include:

  1. Aavasaksa Fell - A quick drive from Utsjoki, this fell offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Hike or snowshoe to the top, then wait for the lights to start dancing.
  2. River Teno - The frozen river winding through Utsjoki is an iconic spot for photos. The lights reflect off the ice and snow, surrounding you in a sea of color.
  3. Wilderness Cabins - Rent a cabin in a remote area like Sulaoja and Roavvegieddi. You'll have a cozy base to observe the lights in total darkness and solitude.
northern lights finland
Viewing Etiquette
When watching the Northern Lights, keep these tips in mind:

  • Dress very warmly, especially if standing still for long periods. Thermal underlayers, insulated pants, winter boots, hat, gloves and a heavy coat are must-haves.
  • Bring a flashlight with a red light, as white light affects your night vision and reduces the visibility of the Aurora.
  • Avoid looking at bright phone or camera screens which also ruin your night vision.
  • Be patient. The lights appear and disappear quickly, so give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
  • Capture photos but also take time to watch the show with your own eyes. No photo can compare to seeing the Aurora dancing across the sky in person.
A trip to Utsjoki in winter is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles. By bundling up, finding a secluded spot, and exercising patience, you'll be rewarded with a front-row seat to the greatest light show on earth.
the northern lights in finland

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Seeing the Northern Lights in Utsjoki

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many travelers. If you want to experience the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, head to Utsjoki, Finland. This picturesque village in Lapland offers ideal conditions for viewing the Lights.

Best Time to Visit
The Northern Lights are most visible between late August and early April when the skies are darkest. For the strongest solar activity and best chances of spotting the Aurora, visit between December and February. The Lights are often visible starting around 9 or 10 pm.
the northern lights in finland
Location
Utsjoki is situated in the northernmost part of Finland, just a few miles from the Norwegian border. Its remote location far from city lights provides pitch black skies, perfect for seeing the Aurora. Some of the best viewing spots are along the banks of the Utsjoki and Teno rivers, as well as the surrounding fells and hills.

What Causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights occur when particles from the sun interact with gasses in Earth's atmosphere. Solar wind carries charged particles toward Earth, which collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The energy from these collisions is released in the form of the colorful, dancing lights of the Aurora.
the northern lights in finland
FAQs
  • When is the best time to see the Lights? Between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest.
  • Will I definitely see the Aurora? There's no guarantee, as the Lights are a natural phenomenon. But Utsjoki's location gives you a good chance, especially if the forecast is high.
  • Do the Lights move quickly? They can dance and shimmer, but also remain still. Movement depends on the level of solar activity.
  • Can I photograph the Aurora? Yes, with some practice. Use a DSLR camera, wide-angle lens, high ISO, and a steady tripod.

A trip to Utsjoki in the winter is a magical experience. Bundle up, gaze in wonder at the Northern Lights, and embrace the peaceful solitude of Lapland. The Aurora Borealis is a natural wonder unlike any other.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

utsjoki

Conclusion

So there you have it, an inside scoop on the little Lapland village of Utsjoki and why it should be at the top of your Northern Lights bucket list. The pristine wilderness, Sami culture, and dazzling night skies combine for an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a front-row seat to one of the greatest shows on Earth. The Aurora Borealis is waiting to dazzle you with its celestial performance. What are you waiting for? The Northern Lights won't stay lit up forever, so start planning your trip to Utsjoki today. Mother Nature's greatest wonder is ready to blow you away.

Learn more about the Northern Lights

The best online courses for beginners. Don't hesitate and start right now!

  • €2.99

Northern Lights Beginner

  • Course
  • 27 Lessons

Learn the basic knowledge you need to know to see the Northern Lights. This course includes Basic knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product

  • €19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

  • Course
  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

⟵ Back to Blog page