One of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena, the Northern Lights are a bucket-list sight for many travellers.
And part of the draw of this rare experience is the fact that in order to see it, you usually have to travel to some of the most remote, wild and wintry places in the Northern Hemisphere.
One such place is Finland; specifically Finnish Lapland. Situated far above the Arctic Circle, much of this region sits in the so-called ‘Aurora Belt’ – an area between 60 and 70 degrees latitude where the Lights are most commonly seen.
It offers an amazing range of landmarks and landscapes to explore, from towering fells and placid lakes to charming Finnish villages and even the home of Santa Claus himself.
There’s plenty to do as well, whether you prefer the idea of husky sledding, cross-country skiing or heading to museums.
If you want to experience the aurora borealis in a real-life winter wonderland, then read on; we’ve rounded up some of the best places to go for a Finnish Northern Lights holiday.
Saariselka
Saariselka sits around 120 miles above the Arctic Circle
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Located high above the Arctic Circle, Saariselka is a resort village that acts as a gateway to the mountains of the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The village itself provides opportunities for skiing, hiking and spa visits, but from autumn until March it is also a superb place to see the Northern Lights – and as such is one of Finland’s most popular Lights destinations.
The Aurora Zone’s Autumn Lights trip is the ideal option for a last-minute pre-Christmas getaway. To maximise your chance of seeing the Lights, you’ll stay in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin, and in your free time you can pick from a range of added activities (at an additional cost). These include a variety of Lights excursions, hikes, husky rides and day trips to the town of Nellim and the national park.
From £595pp, excluding flights. Price includes three nights’ accommodation, half board, and airport transfers. Departing any time up to 10 November.
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Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a great choice for a winter getaway with kids
(Getty Images)
Self-styled as the “Home of Santa Claus”, Rovaniemi is the ideal place to take young kids if you’re looking to combine a festive getaway with a spot of Northern Lights hunting. December is…
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