Northern Lights – One of the Best Places on Earth
Thanks to its northern location and minimal light pollution, the Northern Lights are seen in Kilpisjärvi more often than anywhere else in Finland. The area’s silence and wide-open landscapes make this already magical phenomenon truly unforgettable. At our latitude, you can spot auroras from late August all the way through April.
One of the World’s Best Places to See the Northern Lights
Statistically, Northern Lights are visible in Kilpisjärvi on up to three out of every four clear nights. Kilpisjärvi lies at the very heart of the auroral zone. Minimal light pollution and wide, open horizons make the area one of the most reliable places to observe the Northern Lights in Finland – and in the world.
When Can You See the Northern Lights?
At Kilpisjärvi’s latitude, the aurora season begins as nights grow dark in late August and continues until early April. After that, the approaching midnight sun makes the night sky too bright for aurora viewing.
Most often, the Northern Lights appear around midnight, but at times they dance across the northern sky as early as 5–6 p.m. To see them, the sky must be mostly clear, as auroras occur above the clouds.
Tip! Autumn is the Northern Lights’ secret season. Around the autumn equinox, activity is often strong, and nights are much milder compared to midwinter.
Tips for Aurora Watching
- Follow aurora forecasts and cloud cover information. There are several apps that provide aurora alerts, such as My Aurora Forecast.
- Find a spot away from artificial lights. A full moon dims the auroras, but seeing the moon and Northern Lights lighting up the sky together can be an unforgettable experience.
- Dress warmly and allow time – auroras can appear unexpectedly. Bring a hot drink in a thermos and enjoy the starry sky while you wait.
- A camera or phone with night mode will capture memories, but remember to live in the moment. Faint auroras often look brighter on screen than in reality, yet no lens can truly capture the beauty of vivid green and pink lights dancing overhead.
- Use a headlamp when moving outside lit areas.
Northern Lights Photography in Kilpisjärvi – Tips for Great Shots
Kilpisjärvi is one of Finland’s top destinations for aurora photography. Open landscapes and surrounding fells offer outstanding compositional possibilities.
Basic camera settings:
- Aperture: f/1.8–2.8
- ISO: 800–3200
- Exposure time: 5–15 seconds (shorter for fast-moving auroras)
- A tripod is essential
- Use a timer or remote shutter to avoid camera shake when pressing the button
Best Photography Spots in Kilpisjärvi
- The shore of Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus. For our guests, there is a lakeside shelter where you can make a fire while waiting for the auroras. The view opens toward Pikku-Malla, above which auroras often appear.
- The shores of Tsahkaljärvi. From Tsahkaljärvi, Saana Fell is seen from a slightly different angle than usual. During the ice-free season, auroras reflect beautifully on the water. There is a public shelter by the lake.
- Saana Trail, about one kilometre from Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus toward Saana’s summit. Even without auroras, the view toward Pikku-Malla and Lake Kilpisjärvi from above the tree line is stunning. Saana’s hut and dry toilet are open for everyone’s use. Please note that overnight stays in the hut are not permitted.
By staying at Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus you are surrounded by Lapland’s pure nature and some of the best Northern Lights conditions anywhere. When the sky clears and green arcs ignite overhead, you do not need a separate excursion – often, simply stepping outside is enough. From our lakeside cabins, you can quickly reach the shore, which is one of the finest aurora-watching spots in all of Kilpisjärvi.