Ultimate Guidline for Northern Lights
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena. Every winter, thousands of travelers visit Finnish Lapland hoping to witness green, purple, and pink lights dancing across the Arctic sky.
If you're planning a trip to Sodankylä, this guide will help you understand when, where, and how to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora while enjoying authentic Arctic experiences.
Why Finnish Lapland Is One of the Best Places
Finnish Lapland is considered one of the best destinations in the world to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Located above the Arctic Circle, this spectacular region offers the perfect combination of dark skies, pristine wilderness, and ideal viewing conditions, attracting thousands of visitors every winter.
Above the Arctic Circle
Much of Finnish Lapland lies above the Arctic Circle, placing it directly beneath the Auroral Oval the zone where Northern Lights activity is most frequent. This northern location provides excellent opportunities to witness the aurora from late August until early April.
Long Winter Nights
From autumn through early spring, Lapland enjoys long hours of darkness. During the winter months, the sun stays low on the horizon, giving visitors many hours each night to search for the Northern Lights. The extended darkness significantly increases your chances of experiencing this incredible natural phenomenon.
Exceptionally Dark Skies
Unlike busy cities, Lapland has very little light pollution. Remote forests, frozen lakes, and open wilderness create ideal conditions for observing the Aurora Borealis in all its colors. The darker the sky, the brighter and more vibrant the Northern Lights appear.
Clean Arctic Air and Stable Winter Weather
Finnish Lapland is known for its cold, dry Arctic climate, which often brings clear skies during the winter season. While no one can guarantee an aurora sighting, stable weather and low humidity improve visibility whenever solar activity is strong.
Peaceful Wilderness Away from the Crowds
One of the greatest advantages of Lapland is its vast, untouched wilderness. Visitors can leave behind busy tourist areas and experience the Northern Lights in complete tranquility, surrounded by snow-covered forests and frozen landscapes. This peaceful setting creates a truly authentic Arctic experience.
Sodankylä is one of the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights thanks to its minimal light pollution, vast Arctic wilderness, and peaceful surroundings. Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, it offers clear, dark skies away from busy tourist areas, giving visitors an excellent opportunity to experience the Aurora Borealis in its full beauty.
With easy access to snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and open landscapes, Sodankylä provides ideal conditions for Northern Lights viewing and photography. At Arctic SISU Experience, we take guests to carefully selected locations where nature, local knowledge, and the spirit of Finnish SISU come together to create an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
How to Predict the Aurora Borealis
One of the most common questions travelers ask is, "Will I see the Northern Lights tonight?" While no one can guarantee an Aurora Borealis display, understanding a few key forecast indicators can significantly improve your chances. At Arctic SISU Experience, we monitor these conditions daily when planning our Northern Lights tours around Sodankylä, Finnish Lapland.
1. KP Index – How Strong Is the Aurora?
The KP Index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. A higher KP value generally means the aurora can be seen farther south, but it does not always mean a brighter display in Lapland.
KP IndexWhat It MeansViewing in Sodankylä
0–1Very low activityAurora still possible on clear nights
2–3Moderate activityGood viewing conditions
4–5Strong activityBright and active displays likely
6–9Major geomagnetic stormSpectacular auroras if skies are clear
Tip: Because Sodankylä lies beneath the Auroral Oval, even a KP 1–2 can produce beautiful Northern Lights.
2. Solar Wind – The Aurora's Fuel
The Solar Wind consists of charged particles released by the Sun. When these particles reach Earth, they interact with our atmosphere to create the Northern Lights.
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Below 350 km/s: Low activity
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350–500 km/s: Good conditions
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Above 500 km/s: Excellent potential
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Above 700 km/s: Very strong aurora activity
Higher solar wind speeds often increase the chances of brighter and faster-moving auroras.
3. Bz (Interplanetary Magnetic Field)
The Bz value is one of the most important indicators for aurora hunters.
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Negative Bz (-5 or lower): Excellent for Northern Lights.
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Positive Bz: Less favorable, even if the KP Index is high.
A negative Bz allows more solar particles to enter Earth's atmosphere, creating stronger auroral displays.
4. Cloud Forecast – The Most Important Factor
Even the strongest Northern Lights cannot be seen through thick cloud cover.
Look for:
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✅ Clear skies
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✅ Low cloud cover (under 30%)
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✅ Dry weather
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✅ Minimal fog
Many experienced guides consider the cloud forecast even more important than the KP Index. Sometimes a KP 2 with clear skies provides a better experience than a KP 6 hidden behind clouds.
5. Best Aurora Forecast Apps and Websites
Before heading out, check these trusted resources:
Website/AppBest For
My Aurora Forecast & AlertsEasy-to-use mobile app with KP forecasts and notifications
SpaceWeatherLiveReal-time solar wind, KP Index, and Bz data
NOAA Space Weather Prediction CenterOfficial space weather forecasts and aurora maps
MeteoblueDetailed cloud forecasts and weather conditions
WindyInteractive cloud cover and weather maps
Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)Reliable local weather forecasts for Finland
How We Plan Northern Lights Tours
At Arctic SISU Experience, we don't rely on just one forecast. Before every tour, we monitor:
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KP Index
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Solar Wind speed
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Bz magnetic field
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Cloud cover forecasts
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Local weather conditions around Sodankylä
This allows us to choose the most promising viewing locations and give our guests the best possible chance of experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland.
Pro Tip
The best strategy isn't chasing the highest KP Index—it's combining clear skies, a negative Bz, and Sodankylä's dark, unpolluted wilderness. Staying 3–5 nights in Lapland gives you multiple opportunities to witness one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Capturing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is one of the highlights of any trip to Finnish Lapland. While the dancing lights can look magical to the naked eye, photographing them requires the right settings and a little preparation. The good news is that you don't need expensive professional equipment to take stunning Aurora photos. With a modern camera—or even a smartphone—you can capture unforgettable memories of your Arctic adventure.
Best Camera Settings for the Northern Lights
If you're using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, manual mode will give you the best results.
SettingRecommended Value
Camera ModeManual (M)
File FormatRAW
ISO800–3200
Aperturef/1.4 – f/2.8 (widest possible)
Shutter Speed5–15 seconds
FocusManual (∞ Infinity)
White Balance3500–4000K (or Auto if shooting RAW)
These settings provide a great starting point. You may need to adjust them depending on the brightness and movement of the Aurora.
Understanding ISO
ISO controls how sensitive your camera sensor is to light.
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ISO 800–1600: Bright auroras with minimal image noise.
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ISO 1600–3200: Best for weaker auroras or darker nights.
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Above ISO 3200: More brightness but increased digital noise.
Start with ISO 1600 and adjust based on the conditions.
Choosing the Right Aperture
The aperture determines how much light enters your camera.
Use the widest aperture available, such as:
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f/1.4
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f/1.8
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f/2.0
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f/2.8
A wide aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, producing brighter and sharper Aurora photographs.
Finding the Perfect Exposure
Exposure depends on how active the Northern Lights are.
Aurora BrightnessExposure Time
Bright & Fast Moving3–6 seconds
Moderate Activity6–10 seconds
Faint Aurora10–15 seconds
Very Weak DisplayUp to 20 seconds
Longer exposures brighten the scene but may blur fast-moving auroras. Experiment to find the best balance.
Why a Tripod Is Essential
A sturdy tripod is one of the most important pieces of equipment for Aurora photography.
Since you'll be using long exposure times, even the smallest movement can make your images blurry.
For the sharpest results:
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Use a stable tripod.
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Turn off image stabilization when the camera is on the tripod.
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Use a remote shutter release or a 2-second timer to avoid camera shake.
Can You Photograph the Northern Lights with a Smartphone?
Yes! Many modern smartphones can capture impressive Aurora photos.
Best Smartphone Settings
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Activate Night Mode or Astrophotography Mode.
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Use a tripod or stable surface.
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Set the longest available exposure time.
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Keep the phone completely still.
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Avoid using the flash.
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Use a Bluetooth shutter or timer if possible.
Popular phones for Aurora photography include:
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iPhone (Night Mode)
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Google Pixel (Astrophotography Mode)
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Samsung Galaxy Ultra Series
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Huawei Pro Series
Composition Tips
A beautiful Aurora photo is about more than just the lights.
Include natural foreground elements such as:
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Snow-covered trees
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Frozen lakes
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Traditional Finnish cabins
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Reindeer
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Campfires
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Arctic forests
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Reflections on ice
These features add depth and create a stronger sense of place.
Editing Your Northern Lights Photos
A little editing can make your images look even better while keeping them natural.
Recommended adjustments:
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Increase exposure slightly.
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Reduce image noise.
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Adjust white balance.
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Add a small amount of contrast.
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Enhance highlights carefully.
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Avoid oversaturating the green colors.
Popular editing software includes:
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Adobe Lightroom
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Adobe Camera Raw
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Capture One
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Luminar Neo
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Snapseed (Mobile)
Remember, the goal is to enhance your image—not to make it look unrealistic.
Common Aurora Photography Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
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❌ Forgetting to focus manually on infinity.
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❌ Shooting without a tripod.
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❌ Using Auto Mode.
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❌ Setting the ISO too high, creating excessive noise.
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❌ Using exposures that are too long, causing blurred auroras.
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❌ Leaving the camera battery exposed to extreme cold (keep a spare battery warm in your pocket).
Photography Tips from Arctic SISU Experience
At Arctic SISU Experience, our local guides are happy to help guests photograph the Northern Lights during our Aurora tours around Sodankylä. We know the best locations with minimal light pollution and can offer practical advice on camera settings, composition, and smartphone photography, helping you capture unforgettable memories of your Arctic adventure.
Quick Aurora Photography Checklist
✔ Camera or smartphone with Night Mode
✔ Fully charged batteries (plus a spare)
✔ Sturdy tripod
✔ Wide-angle lens (if using a camera)
✔ Warm gloves that allow you to operate your camera
✔ Microfiber cloth to remove snow or moisture
✔ Headlamp with a red-light mode to preserve night vision
Pro Tip: The best Northern Lights photos combine clear skies, dark surroundings, and an interesting foreground. In Sodankylä, frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, and traditional Lapland landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable Aurora photography.