Table of Contents
Introduction
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, have fascinated people for centuries with their magical glow dancing across the night sky. As a lifelong lover of travel and nature, I set out on a journey through Finnish Lapland determined to fulfill my dream of glimpsing this natural phenomenon in person. What followed exceeded all expectations, as I experienced not only the intense beauty of the Northern Lights stretching through the Arctic darkness, but also the rugged natural beauty and indigenous Sámi culture of Lapland. Join me on a photographic journey through snowy forests, beautiful towns, and remote wilderness as I recount my quest to discover the Northern Lights.
Planning the Trip
Viewing the Northern Lights was number one on my Lapland wishlist, so I started planning my journey by researching the best times of year to spot them. The lights are only visible from late September through March when the nights are longest, with peak viewing in October and November. I set my trip for mid-October, right at the start of aurora season. It was also essential to venture to dark skies far from light pollution. After poring over maps, I chose locations within Finnish Lapland like Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland, as well as more remote northern towns and the uninhabited wilderness surrounding places like Inari. With locations set, I booked a mix of hotel stays and remote cabin accommodations through local tour operators. They provided valuable insight about ideal viewing locations and the best companies for Northern Lights tours. As the trip grew closer, I obsessively checked aurora forecasts to know when solar activity would be high, increasing our chances.
Experiencing Rovaniemi
The adventure began in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland situated right on the Arctic Circle. Along with searching for the lights, I looked forward to exploring Rovaniemi’s charming mix of modern and indigenous Sámi culture. Must-sees included Santa Claus Village, where we crossed the official line marking the Arctic Circle, and the enchanting Snowman World featuring ice sculptures of whimsical snowmen. Rovaniemi proved the perfect home base to take day trips farther afield. A highlight was dashing through the snowy wilderness on a sled ride pulled by a team of energetic huskies, winding through snow-laden forests and out onto breathtaking frozen lakes.
Of course, the main event was witnessing the Northern Lights, so our tour guide drove us outside the city each night to an optimal viewing spot. The first night our patience paid off with a faint display, just a hint of green on the horizon. Though fleeting, it fueled my anticipation for the full experience still to come. The next evening, the sky exploded in a dazzling performance.
Venturing into the Wilderness
For the best chance at an unobstructed view, we traded the relative comforts of Rovaniemi for the true Lapland wilderness farther north. Bumping along snowy roads in our rented SUV, we felt blissfully isolated once cell service disappeared. Our first night was spent ice fishing on a remote lake, followed by trying to spot the lights again along its frozen shore. Later in the trip we embarked on snowmobile treks to even more remote regions. Cruising over moonlit snowfields and winding through silent forests lit only by our headlights epitomized the magic of Lapland. At night we stayed in rustic wilderness cabins and hotel igloos made entirely of ice, often viewing the lights right outside our temporary homes. Sitting beside a campfire on a frozen lake waiting for the sky to erupt, bundled in wool blankets with hot chocolate warming our hands, was an experience both thrilling and humbling. Out there, witnessing nature’s glory untarnished under the expanse of stars, we truly escaped modern life for a time.
Glimpsing the Aurora Borealis
Of course, the most breathtaking moments came when the Northern Lights finally did flare to life before our eyes. After waiting patiently in the cold darkness, the first unmistakable burst of green would elicited gasped “oohs” and “ahhs.” Slipping on mittens, we rushed to position cameras and tripods as the show built in intensity. There’s nothing on earth like the sight of the aurora borealis stretching and swirling overhead. Bands of emerald green shimmered across the sky before shifting to tones of pink, purple, and bright blue. The sheer scale of them, arching from horizon to horizon, emphasized how small we are before nature’s grandeur. Utterly mesmerized by the dancing curtains of light, we forgot the cold, lost in the magic of the moment. Though they only performed for minutes at a time, their beauty left indelible memories.
Photographing the Northern Lights
Of course I came equipped with photography gear, ready to capture these fleeting moments of natural beauty. Photographing the Northern Lights presents unique challenges, but I did research beforehand to prepare my camera settings. The keys are using a DSLR on manual mode with interchangeable lenses, a solid tripod, and fast lenses that open to f/2.8 or wider. To properly expose the lights, settings have to compensate for the darkness with a high ISO around 1600-3200, wide aperture, and long shutter speeds of 5 to 25 seconds. This captures enough light from the constantly moving auroras. Foreground elements like trees or cabins help provide rich perspective. Experimenting with exposures and creative compositions as the aurora danced proved intensely rewarding. My photos turned out better than I ever dreamed, forever preserving nature’s handiwork.
Taking a Sled Dog Ride
A quintessential Lapland experience is dashing through the snowy backcountry on a dog sled, the preferred mode of Arctic transportation for centuries. Eager husky teams awaited us, leaping with excitement as we approached. We bonded instantly with our friendly dogs, full of infectious energy, before taking our positions on the sleds. At the shout of “Mush!”, they took off, pulling us briskly through the woods. I was exhilarated by the wind in my face and spray of snow as we raced over the landscape with unbridled speed. Far from any roads or people, guided by the instincts of these amazing dogs, I achieved a pure connection with Lapland’s pristine wilderness. The sled ride remains a trip highlight, as much for the huskies’ spirited teamwork as the landscape they showed me.
Staying with the Indigenous Sámi People
Experiencing the rich culture of the native Sámi, semi-nomadic reindeer herders of the Arctic, provided fascinating insight into indigenous life. We were fortunate to be invited into a traditional lavvu tent to share a meal with a Sámi family. Sipping stew simmered with tender reindeer meat and mushrooms harvested nearby, we learned about their traditions like handicrafts and music. The family graciously allowed us to try on their handmade gákti clothing with colorful embroidery. Their Sámi way of life in harmony with nature left a deep impression on me. This cultural connection enhanced my Lapland adventure by showing me a worldview profoundly tied to the Arctic landscape I had come to explore. Their stewardship of the land spans generations, and I am grateful they shared a glimpse of it with me.
Reflecting on the Experience
As I reflect back on my travels through Finnish Lapland in search of the Northern Lights, I am struck by how this journey impacted me. The haunting allure of the aurora borealis certainly exceeded all expectations, affirming that their beauty and mystery warrant the arduous quest to behold them. But more than that, I discovered an appreciation for the intrinsic magnificence of the Arctic landscape, night skies unaffected by light pollution, and cultures intrinsically linked to the extremes of nature. Pushing outside my comforts and exposing myself to such awestriking beauty in one of the world’s last wildernesses left me changed. It reawakened a sense of humility and wonder that the fast pace of modern life often obscures. My brief time immersed in Lapland’s embrace reconnected me to the spirit of exploration that drives me to travel. Now I cannot wait to embark on more adventures in the world’s most remote corners and bring to light their untamed beauty.
Conclusion
Every aspect of my journey through the wintry realm of Finnish Lapland surpassed dreams. While the mystical dance of the elusive Northern Lights across the star-strewn sky exceeded any expectations and etched crystalline memories, the entire Lapland region enthralled me with its remote beauty. Exploring Rovaniemi revealed Lapland’s charming duality of cozy town and rugged wilderness in equal measure. Venturing northward into remote forests and tundra unlocked Lapland’s adventurous spirit. Experiencing Sámi culture opened my eyes to an Indigenous lifestyle honed over generations yet still thriving in modern Lapland. While the Northern Lights danced just long enough to burn their beauty into my mind, they were only one dazzling facet of an unforgettable adventure. Lapland’s majestic forests, fells, and unfettered skies will draw me back again. For anyone who feels the magnetic pull of the Arctic circle, heed the call. Use my journey as inspiration to discover Lapland’s myriad wonders for yourself, especially the entrancing dance of the Northern Lights across the Arctic sky.
FAQs
1. What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Finland?
The best time is from late September through March when the nights are longest and darkest. The peak season is October through November.
2. What equipment do I need to photograph the Northern Lights?
You’ll need a DSLR camera with manual settings, a wide angle and fast lens, and a tripod. Adjust your settings for long shutter speeds, high ISOs, and wide apertures.
3. Where are the best places to see the lights in Finnish Lapland?
Good locations include around Rovaniemi, the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Lapland Wilderness areas, and the northern town of Inari. Seek dark skies away from light pollution.
4. What should I wear to stay warm while viewing the lights?
Dress in thermal layers including insulation like down or fleece, windproof outer layers, warm boots, gloves, and hats. Hand and feet warmers also help.
5. Is there a way to know when the Northern Lights will be visible?
Check aurora forecasts, but know they aren’t 100% accurate. Increased solar activity increases chances, so it helps to be flexible and stay multiple nights.