How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights: Tips and DIY Guide
The Northern Lights in Lapland are one of the most breathtaking natural wonders and a bucket list experience for many travelers. With the right timing, location and strategy, you can maximize your chances of witnessing the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.
Best Time & Places to See the Northern Lights in Lapland
When to See the Northern Lights
The best months to see the Northern Lights in Lapland are September to March, with peek activity usually occurring between 9PM and 2AM. However, don’t assume that auroras only appear late at night, we saw one of the strongest Northern Lights at 5PM, even before the sky was completely dark!
Why Autumn (Fall) is a Hidden Gem for Northern Lights
In September and October, the lakes are not yet frozen, which means you can capture breathtaking aurora reflections on the water, a dream for photographers! This is one of the most underrated times to see the Northern Lights in Lapland.
Where to See the Northern Lights
The further north you go, the better your chances of spotting the aurora. Here are the best places in Lapland for Northern Lights viewing:
- Rovaniemi: Easily accessible, but head outside the city for less light pollution.
- Levi & Ylläs: Popular ski resorts with great aurora viewpoints, frozen lakes (see map below for the best place!).
- Inari & Ivalo: Some of the darkest skies in Lapland, perfect for aurora hunting.
- Frozen Lakes & National Parks: Wide, open landscapes with unobstructed views.
- Glass Igloo Hotels: Stay in an aurora cabin or heated glass igloo for a cozy, all night viewing experience.
How to See the Northern Lights Without a Guided Tour
While guided Northern Lights tours are popular, they often take you to just one spot for a short time. We saw many tour buses arriving at locations, staying for just a few minutes and leaving sometimes just before the auroras appeared! The advantage of going on your own is that you have the freedom to wait, move and chase the lights when needed.
Best Free Locations for Northern Lights Hunting
- Any dark, open area far from city lights.
- Frozen lakes and remote wilderness areas for stunning reflections.
- Drive further north for better chances of clear skies.
Our Unforgettable Northern Lights Experience in Kuusamo
When I booked 2 nights in Kuusamo, which is south of Rovaniemi and below the Arctic Circle, my husband was worried we wouldn’t see any Northern Lights. That night, the Aurora App showed no activity, but we decided to test a trick:
Before you see auroras with the naked eye, take a photo with your phone using long exposure, this helps reveal faint lights that your eyes might not detect yet.
Sure enough, when we checked our phone, we saw a faint green glow! Unfortunately, it’s soon became very cloudy, so we decided to go to a pizza restaurant. And then we couldn’t believe our eyes! Just 5 minutes from our hotel in the middle of the city with strong light pollution, the big show started! Bright pink and green lights were dancing so intensely and so fast right above our heads. It was so powerful and emotional, we even cried from happiness!
It lasted only 5 minutes, but WOW, it was THE most magical moments of our lives. A local woman told us it was one of the strongest auroras she had seen.
Lesson Learned: Never Stay in Just One Spot!
- If it’s cloudy, drive to another location just a few minutes away can make huge difference.
- If the app says there’s no activity, don’t give up, auroras can appear suddenly and become strong in just minutes.
- Always check your camera first, sometimes auroras are visible on camera before there appear to the naked eye.
Don't be disappointed if they look faint!
Sometimes, the Northern Lights aren’t as bright as they appear in pictures.
- If they are weak, they might look like a faint white cloud. Use your camera to check!
- If you’re lucky and they’re strong, trust me they look just like the photos!
- Pro Tip: Don't stare at your phone screen too long! Your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness, this is essential for spotting weaker auroras.
Track The Aurora in Real Time
Before heading out, always check:
- Aurora forecast apps like My Aurora Forecast.
- Live Aurora Webcams in Finland, this is the best hack to see exactly where the auroras are active and if the sky is clear, so you don’t waste time waiting in the wrong spot.
Photography Tips: How to Capture the Northern Lights
Seeing the aurora is magical, but capturing it on camera requires the right settings. Here’s how to take stunning Northern Lights photos:
Best Camera Settings:
- Use a Tripod, it prevents blurry images.
- Aperture: f/2.8 or lower.
- Shutter speed: 10-20 seconds.
- ISO: 800-3200, depending on brightness.
Best Smartphone Setting:
- Use a manual camera app to adjust ISO and exposure.
- Place your phone on a stable surface or mini tripod for better shots.
Best Northern Lights Hotels in Lapland
For a comfortable and unforgettable experience, staying in a glass igloo hotel or wilderness lodge is highly recommended. Here are some of the best places to stay.
Top Aurora Hotels in Lapland:
- Aurora Village, Ivalo: Heated glass roof igloos in a remote, dark sky location.
- Holiday Village Inari: Cosy lakeside cabins with direct aurora views.
- Magical Pond, Kuusamo: Stylish cube igloos with panoramic arctic views.
Essential Packing List for Aurora Hunting
Cold Weather Must Haves:
- Thermal clothing & layers: You’ll be outside for hours!
- Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Essential for staying warm.
- Hand and foot warmers: Life savers in freezing temperatures.
- Insulated boots: Snow can get deep, so waterproof boots are best.
- Hot tea or coffee in a thermos: A warm drink makes the experience even better!
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to See the Northern Lights in Lapland
Chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland is a once in a lifetime adventure. Whether you choose to hunt them on your own, stay in a glass igloo or take a guided tour, the key to success is patience, mobility and tracking live aurora data.
Don’t forget:
- Even if it’s not completely dark yet, auroras can appear as early as 5PM, so keep an eye on the live aurora webcam to avoid missing the show!
- If the app says there are no aurora, check your camera, Sometime, they are faint but still there.
- Never stay in just one place, clouds move and just a short drive can reveal a clear sky!
- Save this guide and start planning your dream Northern Lights trip in Lapland today!