Our trip to Finland was a truly amazing experience. During our visit, we traveled throughout the pristine beautiful landscape of the Lapland region. After all the fun we had at our first stop in Saariselkä, we journeyed to Luosto, Finland. Among the fun things we had planned to do, my excitement at this stop was focused on the Northern Lights. I had wanted to see the Northern Lights for a long time. Now to finally not only were we able to see the lights, but we could see them in one of the best spots in the world. Hopefully, you’ll get to see one of nature’s most awesome displays. If or when you do, here are some tips for the best way to experience the Northern Lights of Finland.
Pick Your Location Wisely
The first best tip to seeing the Northern Lights is to pick your location wisely. Going to the Lapland region of Finland is a huge first step. Lapland is a prime location with excellent chances for seeing a vivid display. Arriving in Luosto, what better way to experience the Northern Lights than at Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos. Not only is this hotel in a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights, but you may even get the chance to see them from your igloo! Santa’s Hotel Aurora has luxury glass igloos with many wonderful features including an opportunity to see the Northern Lights right from your bed.
Beautiful Glass Igloos
A Room With an Extra Special View
Walking Distance to Wide Open Skies
If you are looking to photograph the Northern Lights with the wide-open skies, there is a lake just a short walk from the hotel. Unobstructed views are all around. There are even a few shelters on the lake to warm yourself and get away from any wind.
Our Favorite Spot for Photos
Great Viewing Spot Just a Short Walk Away
Being prepared for viewing the Northern Lights is something we had to figure out along the way.
Check out our previous article on Finland for tips on what to pack for viewing the Northern Lights and mistakes we made that you can avoid!
Here are just some of the shots we took at this location.
Lake Lit by Northern Lights
Favorite Shot of the Night
Fun Beyond the Night Skies
Awesome Cross Country Skiing
Gorgeous Ski Trails
Enjoying the day skiing
As amazing as filming the Northern Lights is to see, you should always plan on having some fun beyond the night skies. Since the Northern Lights are most visible in the dark and on some nights there isn’t much (if any) lights to see, it’s best to have other things to do. Fortunately, if you stay at Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos there is lots to do. There is both alpine and cross-country skiing right at the hotel. Finland has the best cross-country skiing we have ever experienced. The trails are gorgeous, go on for miles, clearly marked, and steps away from your hotel.
Actual How Long it Takes to Get to Ski
RoarLoud Tip: Stop by Kairankutsu – Call of the Wilderness located on the Santa’s Hotel resort to get cold winter gear appropriate for the sometimes harsh conditions as well as organizing just about any outdoor activity offered (including really fun snowshoeing) in Finland.
One of a Kind Experience for the Whole Family
A very unique kind of experience can be shared by the whole family during your stay. Thanks to Arctic Amethyst, you can visit the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine. Located on top of Lampivaara Fell in Pyhä-Luosto national park, it is the only active amethyst mine in Europe.
Top of Lampivaara Fell
Amethyst Mine Entrance
During the snowier times of the year, you can take the snow train up to the mine.
Arctic Amethyst Snow Train
On this guided tour, you will learn all about this self-sustaining mine and the semi-precious gems. As a bonus, you can mine your own amethysts and take home a purple gemstone as a souvenir.
Staircase Down into the Mine
Digging for Amethysts
Kids Of All Ages Will Love the Reindeer
Beautiful Reindeer
Finland isn’t just the land of Northern Lights. It is the home of Santa and lots of reindeer. Another activity that the whole family can enjoy is the magical Kopari Reindeer Experience. It all begins with a reindeer sleigh ride through a forest teeming with reindeer.
Reindeer sleigh ride
Photogenic Reindeer
Stopping by a roaring fire to warm yourself, you can enjoy snacks, then get a chance to feed some reindeer at the end of the trip. Going on a reindeer sleigh ride is a perfect way to spend the day before going out for more photography at night.
Fuel Up Before Heading Out
Wonderful Food
It is always important to be prepared for taking shots of the Northern Lights. Starting off the night with a good meal is very important. On-site Restaurant Aurora has delicious food and drinks to enjoy. My favorite salmon dinner in Finland was served at this restaurant. Be sure to try one of their signature drinks to warm yourself before stepping out into the cold.
Favorite Salmon Dinner
The Name Aurora Says it All
Aurora Filling the Skies
With a hotel name that has “Aurora” in it, you have to think they would cater to Northern Light fanatics like us. Well, you would be right! Beyond the amazing glass igloos to watch the skies from, the hotel is very focused on providing guests with needed information. Full expected Northern Light reports are posted in the lobby of the hotel along with information links to apps to help track the best times to see the lights. Even in your room, there is a channel you can turn to on the TV that broadcasts a live shot of the open-air area of the lake to see the conditions before you venture out in the cold.
Although no one can promise the perfect conditions for viewing the Northern Lights, staying at Santa’s Hotel & Igloo will definitely provide the best viewing experience possible.
Thank you to Santa’s Hotels who provided our lodging and tours. As always our opinions are honest and our own.
About
Frank is the creator of the RoarLoud website, go to guy for gear reviews and Cathy’s IT guy. I know that stands for information technology but Cathy calls him her “IT” guy because he is everything! A lover of nature and a curious soul he tries new adventures eagerly. Fortunately he is also the voice of reason to level out Cathy’s wildcat side.
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