Seeing the night sky light up in dancing colors is a bucket-list dream for many. When it comes to chasing the Aurora Borealis, Finland is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in the world. Deep in the Arctic Circle, the air is crisp, the wilderness is vast, and the skies are perfectly dark.
However, experiencing the true magic of the Lapland northern lights requires a little bit of preparation. If you are planning to travel to the Arctic, here is our ultimate guide to preparing for your trip and making sure your Finland aurora borealis vacation is nothing short of spectacular.
1. Choose the Right Time of Year
The Aurora season in Finnish Lapland is incredibly long, running from late August all the way to early April.
- Autumn (September – November): Great for seeing the lights reflect off open lakes before they freeze.
- Winter (December – February): The classic, snowy wonderland experience. The nights are long, maximizing your viewing windows.
- Spring (March): Often considered one of the best times due to higher solar activity and statistically clearer skies.
When planning Northern lights holidays, Finland provides great opportunities throughout all these months, but staying for at least 3 to 4 nights significantly increases your chances of a successful sighting.
2. Dress for the Arctic (But Don’t Stress!)
Temperatures in Lapland can drop well below -20°C (-4°F) in the middle of winter. The key to staying warm is layering: start with high-quality thermal base layers (merino wool is excellent), add a fleece or wool mid-layer, and finish with winter-grade outerwear.
However, if you book a premium experience, you won’t need to buy expensive extreme-weather gear just for one trip. At Private Snow Safaris, we provide our guests with high-quality thermal clothing and helmets for our adventures, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable while waiting for the Northern lights, Finland style—by a cozy open fire.
3. Choose the Right Tour for Your Group
There is a big difference between standing in a crowded tourist bus and experiencing the Arctic silence in a small, intimate setting. To truly connect with nature, we highly recommend avoiding mass tourism.
At Private Snow Safaris, we keep things exclusive. If you book our Private Aurora Hunting tour, the premium vehicle is completely reserved for you and your own group (maximum 7 persons), guaranteeing an experience tailored entirely to your pace. Alternatively, our standard Aurora Hunting is a shared experience where other guests may join (total maximum 7 persons, with a minimum of 2 persons required for the tour to operate).
Whichever you choose, you will enjoy our VIP door-to-door service in Saariselkä. Your chauffeur will pick you up in a warm Premium Vehicle and take you deep into the snowy forest, far away from light pollution, to secret locations only the locals know.
4. Have Your Camera Ready
To capture the Auroras, a smartphone can work if it has a good “Night Mode,” but a camera with manual settings is always better.
- Use a tripod to keep the camera completely still.
- Set a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower).
- Use a slow shutter speed (between 5 to 15 seconds depending on the lights’ movement).
- Bonus tip: Keep your spare batteries inside your jacket close to your body heat, as the cold drains batteries incredibly fast!
5. Let the Locals Handle the Details
Planning a trip to a foreign winter environment can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of trying to piece together everything yourself, look for a service that feels like a complete Finland northern lights package.
With our exclusive Private Snow Safaris, everything from your airport transfers to your luxury wilderness adventures is taken care of. No strangers, no stress, just you, your family, and the Arctic night.
Ready to start planning the ultimate Arctic getaway? Get in touch with us today and let’s design a flawless itinerary for your upcoming holiday!
Are you ready to see the lights?
Book your private Northern Lights safari here!
Private Aurora Hunting: https://privatesnowsafaris.com/product/private-aurora-hunting
Standard Aurora Hunting: https://privatesnowsafaris.com/aurora-hunting-2
