The Ultimate Guide to Northern Lights Finland Forecast

Would you like to have an unforgettable experience viewing the beautiful Northern Lights in Finland? Also known as Aurora Borealis, many consider this natural phenomenon as one of the most breathtaking spectacles on earth. Although it is hard to guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights, planning your trip based on the forecast and some best practices can increase your chances of success.

What are the Northern Lights?

Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. The charged particles come from solar winds and are channeled towards the earth’s magnetic poles by the Earth’s magnetic field. Once these charged particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere and its gas molecules, it forms beautiful colors and patterns that light up the sky.

Why Finland is the best location to view the Northern Lights?

Finland is considered as one of the best locations in the world to view the Northern Lights. There are several reasons why Finland is an ideal location:

• It has clear skies and low levels of light pollution most of the time
• The probability of seeing the Northern Lights is highest in Finland’s Lapland region. As it is located at the northernmost point of Europe, it means that aurora activity happens more frequently and is most visible.
• It has excellent facilities to view the Northern Lights, such as glass igloos, cabins or tents, which are designed to provide comfortable viewing experiences.

What is Northern Lights Finland Forecast?

A Northern Lights forecast predicts the likelihood or probability of seeing Northern Lights in a specific location. It is similar to weather forecasts and based on various factors, such as solar activity, cloud coverage, and lunar cycle.

To predict the Northern Lights forecast in Finland, experts use several resources to collect data, such as:

• NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center: a governmental agency in the USA that tracks and predicts space weather phenomena such as solar flares and auroras.
• The Finnish Meteorological Institute: provides live webcams showing the sky conditions at several locations of Lapland to help you to determine whether the sky is cloudy or clear.
• Aurora alert apps: several Northern Lights apps on the App Store and Google Play store are usually accurate and up to date, providing real-time updates based on the user’s location.

Tips to increase your chances of viewing Northern Lights

Although nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Northern Lights sightings, you can increase your chances by following these best practices:

• Travel in winter, as it provides more extended periods of darkness, which increases the likelihood of seeing Northern Lights.
• Choose a location with less light pollution.
• Check the weather and the Northern Lights forecast before your trip.
• Be patient, as Northern Lights may not appear all night or every night, it may take time.
• Plan for multiple nights in different locations to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Choose a tour provider that provides Northern Lights chasing Tours, as chasing the lights can often move you to different locations in search of the best visibility.
• Bring a high-quality camera and tripod to capture the Northern Lights best.

Conclusion

Although seeing Northern Lights is not easy, with proper planning and following some best practices, you can increase your chances substantially. Checking the Northern Lights Finland forecast before your trip, understanding the causes of these natural phenomena, and following these best practices will help you to have an unforgettable experience seeing the enchanting Northern Lights.

An Insider’s Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland – Gateway to the Northern Lights

If you’re traveling to Rovaniemi, the capital city of Lapland, Finland’s northernmost province, you’re in for a treat. This magical city is renowned not just for scenic beauty but also for the Northern Lights. Here is an insider’s guide to Rovaniemi, filled with hidden gems, cultural experiences, historical anecdotes, dining spots, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make your trip unforgettable.

Local Attractions

Many visitors come to Rovaniemi to see Santa Claus Village, where Santa Claus greets children and adults from all over the world. But, did you know that Rovaniemi houses a modern cultural center called Korundi? Located in close proximity to the university campus, Korundi is characterized by the smooth and rounded forms of Finnish timber architecture. The famous Arktikum museum presents the culture, history, and nature of Finnish Lapland while also showcasing some of the Arctic’s wildlife. You should also dedicate some time to exploring the beautiful Ounasvaara hill, which offers scenic views of the city and abundant skiing opportunities.

Dining Spots

The city’s culinary scene is infused with traditional Finnish cuisine, offering an array of delicious culinary experiences. Cafe & Bar 21 is a cozy spot for excellent coffee and alcohol beverages. Have a taste of traditional Lapland food at the esteemed Nili Restaurant. The Arctic Spoon is another popular place that serves Finnish dishes and features a vintage setting. Finnish cuisine consists of unique flavors and ingredients, originated from the wilderness, including game meat, berries, and fish.

Cultural Experiences

When you’re in Rovaniemi, make sure to experience the Sámi culture, the native people of Lapland. The Arktikum museum is a great place to start learning about Sámi culture, history, and daily life. While learning about the Sámi culture, you can also enjoy live performances, reindeer rides, and ice-fishing sessions with the Sámi people. Do you fancy trying the traditional Finnish sauna? The Sauna World at the Jätkänkämppä Nature Reserve is ideal for an authentic Finnish sauna experience.

Local History

Rovaniemi holds a bittersweet history, having been completely destroyed by the German Army during the Second World War, leaving the town with no survivors. The aftermath of World War II created an opportunity to build a new city, which now serves as Santa Claus’ official hometown and the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Learn more about the city’s unique history by visiting the Lapland War Museum, featuring presentations and exhibitions of authentic artifacts and war memorabilia.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Do you want to experience the thrill of the Northern Lights in your own unique way? The amazing wilderness of Lapland offers plenty of activities for guests of all ages. Spend a night in a cozy Aurora Cabin in PyhäLuosto, or cross the Arctic wilderness in a husky sled thrillingly. You can even ride a snowmobile in the Northern Lights! Do not forget to visit the unique forest of Santa Claus, which possesses an extraordinary range of trees, fauna, and flora specific to Lapland.

In conclusion, Rovaniemi, Finland, is a magical city, offering unique experiences, gastronomic delights, heart-warming Christmas festivities all year round, and the alluring Northern Lights, of course. Plan your trip to this charming destination to immerse yourself in a wealth of cultural, historical, gastronomical, and natural experiences that Lapland has to offer.