Lakeland, Finland, is a winter wonderland offering breathtaking landscapes and a serene escape into nature. One of the most magical experiences you can have in Lakeland is witnessing the Northern Lights. These shimmering curtains of green, pink, and violet light dance across the night sky, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Here are the top places and activities to enjoy the Northern Lights in Lakeland, including an enchanting snowshoeing trip in Koli, the majestic Neitvuori Hill, the wonders of Arctic Lakeland and Hankasalmi, one of the darkest areas in southern Finland.
Tips for maximizing your Northern Lights Experience
- Check Aurora Forecasts: Use apps or websites to track aurora activity and increase your chances of spotting the lights.
- Choose Clear Nights: Cloudless skies are essential for optimal aurora viewing.
- Stay Warm: Wear multiple layers, including insulated boots and gloves, to enjoy the experience comfortably.
- Inform someone from your trip: In case of an emergency it is good someone to know where you are heading.
Lakeland’s blend of natural beauty, unique activities, and the magic of the Northern Lights makes it a dream destination for winter travelers. Whether you’re snowshoeing through Koli’s enchanted forests, hiking up Neitvuori Hill, or basking in the Arctic Lakeland’s auroral glow, each moment promises to be unforgettable.
Lakeland Finland: A Northern Lights Heaven
The wide, open skies above the frozen lake provide an ideal canvas for the auroras.
Best Activities in Lakeland
- Aurora Hunting by the Shore: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa, dress warmly, and head to the shoreline for an uninterrupted view of the Northern Lights.
- Ice Skating and Aurora Watching: Glide over the frozen lake while the lights shimmer above. Many local operators offer guided experiences to combine skating with aurora spotting.
The Finnish Lakeland is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with Finland’s pristine natural beauty.
Tahkovuori is among the best places to experience Northern Lights
Tahkovuori is among the best places to experience Northern Lights in Destination Savo area. On top of the Tahkovuori HillPanorama Landscape Hotel is surely among most unique destinations in Finland. The horizon can be experienced from all their service points. Winter and frosty trees shape the life in the middle of Tahko Ski Resort
Another ideal spot is a year-round open attraction, Tahko Observation Tower, which is located on the top of the slopes and next to Pehkubar. The tower is 13 meters tall and open for everyone. The top of the tower rises almost 200 meters above lake Syväri and offers breathtaking views. Beside that, the tower also serves the skiers as a start platform for Special slope.
Best Places to see Northern Lights in Saimaa Region
The Northern Lights can create a stunning light show on Lake Saimaa, especially in Linnansaari National Park, where the sky is filled with bright colors and glowing light phenomena. Saimaa Geopark offers the perfect place to admire these celestial displays, as the area has little light pollution, allowing for the best possible view of the Northern Lights.
- Saimaa UNESCO Geopark sights like Sarviniemi, Huuhanranta and alongsite the Saimaa ringed seal nature trail
- Linnansaari National Park Nearby: Accessible from Oravi or Savonlinna, offering remote islands with dark skies.
- Neitvuori Hill offers a panoramic view of the Lakeland area, making it a fantastic vantage point for aurora viewing. This lesser-known gem is ideal for adventurers who prefer a quieter location away from the crowds.
Snoeshoeing trip in the dark in Koli – Experience the atmosphere of dark and wintery Koli!
Koli National Park is one of Lakeland’s most iconic locations. Famous for its dramatic hills and vast forests, Koli transforms into a winter wonderland under the cover of snow. A guided snowshoeing trip in the dark is a unique way to experience the mystical atmosphere of wintry Koli.
What Makes Snowshoeing in Koli Special?
- Immersive Silence: Walking through the snow-covered forests in the quiet of the night enhances the ethereal feel of the landscape.
- Aurora Reflections: The Northern Lights often reflect off the snowy terrain, doubling their beauty.
Guided tours provide a safe and enriching way to explore Koli at night. Tours include a stop for warm beverages and storytelling by a campfire, adding to the magical experience.
Arctic Lakeland: The Ultimate Aurora Adventure
For those seeking the pinnacle of Northern Lights experiences in Lakeland, Arctic Lakeland is the place to be. Located further north within the Lakeland region, this area offers frequent and vibrant displays of the auroras. Arctic Lakeland is located under aurora oval on the same latitude as Reykjavik offering excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Activities to Try in Arctic Lakeland
- Aurora Taiga Tour: A Professional guide will take you through the forest to get to the spot to observe the northern light.
- Magic of the Northern Lights with Snowshoes: Explore Arctic Lakeland’s untouched wilderness on a guided snowshoe trek. The snow-covered landscape amplifies the auroras, making them even more mesmerizing.
- Wildlife watching under the Northern lights:
The Arctic Lakeland region also offers cozy accommodations like glass-roofed igloos, allowing you to marvel at the lights from the warmth of your bed. Joukojärvi’s Pirtti is also suitable for real Northern Lights Experience.
Best Places to see Northern Lights in the Jyväskylä Region
The Jyväskylä Region is an excellent place for sky gazing, as it contains one of the darkest areas in southern Finland, located in Hankasalmi. This area is renowned globally for Northern Lights and stellar research. For optimal viewing of the Northern Lights and stars, a clear, expansive view of the northern sky is essential. Ideal locations in the Jyväskylä Region include lakeshores, fields, and tall hills. Notable spots are Kirkkoniemi in Laukaa, Mämminniemi in Toivakka, and the Kirveslampi marsh area in Leivonmäki National Park.
Northern lights from the comfort of your bed
- Galss Cabins in Hankasalmi: Revontuli Resort in Hankasalmi offers a relaxed and cozy way to observe the colourful auroras!
Planning your Northern Lights Adventure
To ensure your trip to Lakeland is as nice as possible, consider these additional tips:
When to Visit
- The best time for Northern Lights in Lakeland is from late September to early April, with peak activity occurring during the colder, clearer months of winter.
Where to Stay
- Opt for accommodations with minimal light pollution, such as remote cabins, glass igloos, or lakeside lodges.
- Places where you can enjoy direct access to the shoreline are ideal for spotting northern lights.
Good to know
- Aurora forecast apps will help you plan your Northern Lights hunt by providing real-time updates on solar activity and aurora visibility. Popular tools include Aurora Service, My Aurora Forecast, and Aurora Alerts by Soft Serve News, all of which offer maps, alerts, and KP index information.
- The KP index is a key indicator of aurora activity—look for a value of 3 or higher to increase your chances of seeing the lights in Lakeland. Higher KP values mean stronger geomagnetic activity and better visibility.
- Clear skies are essential, so don’t forget to check local weather conditions. Use reliable sources like the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) or Yr.no for up-to-date cloud cover forecasts in your area.
Travel Essentials
- Bring high-quality winter gear, a good camera for capturing the auroras, and a sense of adventure!
Lakeland’s natural beauty, combined with its rich culture, diverse activities, and the allure of the Northern Lights, creates an irresistible destination for winter travelers. From the tranquil shores of Lake Saimaa to the snowy heights of Neitvuori Hill and the Arctic wonders of northern Lakeland, every corner offers something extraordinary. Embrace the magic, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
