Northern Lights Forecast for Saariselkä

Located 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Saariselkä is a compact village tucked into the rolling fells of Finnish Lapland. Because of its northern latitude, the aurora often appears directly overhead or slightly to the north. The village itself is small enough that you can find dark spots within a short walk, but the surrounding fells offer the most open views of the horizon.

Notable Viewing Spots

If you have a car or don’t mind a steep walk, Kaunispää Fell is the most accessible high point. You can drive right to the top, where the 438-meter elevation often puts you above the low-lying mist that sometimes settles in the valley. From the summit, you get a 360-degree view of the Finland wilderness.

For those on foot, the Aurora Trail is a popular 2-kilometer path that starts near the village center. It leads to a dedicated “Aurora Hut” inside the borders of Urho Kekkonen National Park. The hut has a large glass wall and a fireplace, providing a sheltered spot to wait if the temperature drops.

If you are staying a bit further south in the Kiilopää area, the trek up Kiilopää Fell provides a more rugged, natural environment. It is a bit more of a hike than Kaunispää, but it keeps you far away from the village streetlights.

Local Attractions & Activities

Saariselkä serves as a gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland’s second-largest protected wilderness. During the day, you can explore the park on cross-country skis or snowshoes. The trees here often become heavily encrusted with frozen snow (called tykky in Finnish), creating strange, rounded shapes that look like white statues in the moonlight.

As the northernmost ski resort in Europe, the area is also active with downhill skiers. If you want a break from the cold, there is a local spa in the village center. For a more traditional experience, many visitors head to nearby Inari to visit the Siida Museum, which focuses on Sámi culture and the history of the Arctic environment.

Getting There

Most people fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL), which is only about a 25-minute drive from the village. There are regular shuttle buses that meet every scheduled flight, making it easy to reach your accommodation without renting a car. If you prefer the train, you can take a night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and catch a connecting bus for the remaining three-hour drive north.

When to Visit

While winter is the most popular time, the season actually begins in late August. This “autumn aurora” period, known as ruska, is when the ground turns vibrant shades of red and orange. Since the lakes haven’t frozen yet, you can often see the lights reflecting in the water, a sight you won’t get once the snow arrives in November.