Fireworks are so passé in Lapland
Finding the biggest and best fireworks display is always a priority when Guy Fawkes’ night is looming, but get lucky in Lapland and you’ll really know what all the fuss is about. Rockets and Roman Candles are old news here, where there’s something far more spectacular in the skies… and it won’t scare pets or young children, or fade after a few seconds…
November is the first month to begin seeing the aurora borealis, as the long, dark nights provide the perfect canvas for Mother Nature’s very own pyrotechnics. Seeing the Northern Lights first-hand is an unforgettable experience, made all the more magical by clear the skies and lack of light pollution characteristic of this beautiful and remote part of Northern Europe.
Best of all, if you’re washing your hair on November 5th or can’t say no to Auntie’s annual do, you won’t miss out – this natural beauty can be seen for months in Finland and Finnish Lapland.
5 of the best Lapland resorts for the Northern Lights:
Levi
© Levi / Finland Tourism
Finland’s largest and best known resort, Levi has a northern lights App, alerting you an hour or two before they can be seen. Hop on a snowmobile safari (to roam 750km of trails) or make a trip to the Thermal glass igloos at Kaslauttanen Igloo Village for the most spectacular sightings.
Salla
© Salla / Finland Tourism
Brushing the Russian border and completely surrounded by Europes biggest expanse of rugged winter wilderness, it feels like just you and the aurora in the quiet and traditional village of Salla. The best times for spotting are between 9pm and 1am – so there’s plenty of time in the day for bounding out on the Reindeer Safari.
Ruka
© Ruka / Finland Tourism
Often heralded Finland’s best resort, Ruka has two popular vantage points for the lights, the slightly unpronouncable Juhannuskallio and Valtavaara-Konttainen. You can often combine a snowshoe hike and overnight hut stay, or take an evening snowmobile or snowshoe safari. For those who prefer warmth and refreshments, the K5 Hotel’s bar has a glass ceiling.
Saariselkä
© Saariselkä / Finland Tourism
Of all the Finish ski resorts, Saariselkä’s the most northerly, which puts the odds in your favour when it comes to spotting the elusive Aurora Borealis – especially if you’re outside between 8 and 11pm. 10km away, spending a night spent in the Kaslauttanen Igloo Village can be another magnificent way to experience them.
Ylläs
© Ylläs / Finland Tourism
Pronounced ‘U-las’, this resort is made up of 2 villages on each side of one of Finland’s highest fells. Street lights are turned off from 10pm to facilitate sightings and evening snowshoe walks, snowmobile excursions and sled trips will bring you even closer. Alternatively stay in the Äkäs Log Cabins, where stepping outside your door will find you in Äkäslompolo, one of the best areas for seeing the Northern Lights.
