What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland is from late August to April, with peak visibility typically occurring between September and March. The auroras appear when the sky is both dark and clear, most often between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Statistically, spring (March/April) and autumn (September/October) are the most active months. Still, you might also be treated to spectacular displays in November, December, January, and February – all it takes is a burst of solar activity sending particles our way. Aurora activity reached a peak in 2024, and from now until 2026, the Northern Lights are expected to be at their strongest in over a decade.
Is the Ivalo region a good place to see the Northern Lights?
Ivalo sits at the heart of northernmost Lapland, 300 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle, making it one of the most reliable aurora viewing locations on Earth. While many destinations claim good northern lights viewing, Ivalo’s geographical position and natural conditions create the perfect storm for aurora enthusiasts. The statistical probability of observing auroras on a dark, clear night is about 50%.
Are the Northern Lights tours suitable for families with children?
Yes, we offer family-friendly options such as the Aurora Camp, where kids can enjoy various winter activities while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.
What should I wear for the Northern Lights tours?
We provide all necessary gear, including headlamps, winter overalls, and boots. We recommend dressing in warm layers underneath the provided gear for added comfort.
Do you offer pickup and drop-off services for the tours?
Yes, our tours start from Ivalo center, and we offer convenient pickup and drop-off options from Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen, Kiilopää and Inari to ensure a seamless experience.
What additional activities are available during the tours?
In addition to chasing the Northern Lights, you can enjoy activities like tent sauna with ice swimming, open fire dinners with local delicacies, and thrilling rides on electric snow scooters.
How long do the Northern Lights tours last?
Our Aurora tours range from 3 to 4 hours depending on the tour type. Shorter tours are perfect for those wanting a focused Northern Lights experience, while our Aurora Camp includes a full open fire dinner. We can tailor the Northern Lights tour according to your wishes, for example by combining it with other activities of your choice.
Can I take photos of the Northern Lights?
Absolutely! We encourage photography and our guides offer tips on camera settings for capturing the aurora. For best results, bring a camera with manual mode, a tripod, and a wide-angle lens. Our Aurora Workshop tour specifically includes photography guidance. If you don’t have a camera, you can still enjoy the experience – our guides often take group photos to share. Check also Aurora photography tips from our blog.
What happens if the weather is bad or clouds block the Northern Lights?
If cloud cover prevents Aurora viewing, our tours still provide wonderful Arctic experiences: wilderness exploration, open fire gatherings, hot drinks, local stories, and the unique beauty of Lapland’s winter night. For multi-day packages, we have flexibility to reschedule Aurora hunting to nights with better weather conditions. Single tours operate as scheduled regardless of Aurora visibility.
Are Aurora tours physically demanding?
Not at all. Most of our Aurora tours are suitable for complete beginners and all fitness levels. The Aurora Camp and Aurora Workshop involve minimal walking, while the Snowshoe Trek requires moderate fitness but no prior snowshoeing experience. We provide all equipment and full instruction.
