When is the best time to see the Northern Lights during an Arctic tour in Finland?

Finnish Lapland's Northern Lights are most visible from late September to mid-April with December through March offering prime viewing conditions. Cities like Rovaniemi and Saariselkä benefit from extended winter darkness perfect for aurora spotting. Travelers staying at specialized accommodations like Aurora Nest and Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort can view the lights from glass igloos. One guest noted "waking up to the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky from the comfort of their warm bed." For the best chance of seeing the lights head to dark areas like Riisitunturi National Park between 10 PM and 2 AM.

What unique accommodation options are available in Finland's Arctic region?

The Arctic region presents distinctive places to stay that range from glass igloos to snow hotels. Near Saariselkä the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort features heated glass igloos designed for aurora viewing while Rovaniemi's Arctic SnowHotel offers rooms made entirely of ice and snow. A TourRadar guest shared "Staying overnight in a glass igloo was absolutely magical - watching the stars and auroras from bed was a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Traditional Finnish log cabins known as mökkis complete with private saunas are also available at places like the Wilderness Hotel Muotka.

How cold does it get in Finnish Lapland during Arctic tours?

Temperatures in Finnish Lapland typically fall between -5°C to -30°C (23°F to -22°F) in winter with January and February recording the lowest readings. Places like Rovaniemi and Inari can see temperatures drop to -40°C (-40°F). TourRadar travelers note that "The extreme cold wasn't an issue as tour operators provide high-quality thermal gear including overalls boots and gloves." Hotels like the Scandic Rovaniemi City maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and activities include regular warming breaks.

What are the must-do winter activities on an Arctic tour in Finland?

The Finnish Arctic offers authentic winter experiences unique to the region. Key activities include husky sledding through snowy forests reindeer safaris led by Sami guides snowmobile trips across frozen lakes and ice fishing in Lapland's wilderness. One traveler shared "The husky safari was absolutely thrilling - mushing your own team of dogs through the pristine snowy landscape is an unforgettable experience." Tours often include stops at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi traditional Finnish sauna sessions and guided Northern Lights excursions.

What cultural experiences are included in Finland Arctic tours?

Tours showcase Finland's Arctic heritage particularly through Sami indigenous culture. Visitors learn about traditional reindeer herding at local farms experience life in log cabins and participate in kota (teepee) gatherings. Programs often include visits to Inari's Siida Sami Museum and authentic Finnish sauna rituals. A guest remarked: "Learning about reindeer herding from actual Sami people and sharing traditional berry juice around a campfire was an authentic highlight of our Lapland experience."

How long should I plan for a Finnish Arctic tour?

Finnish Arctic tours typically run 5-10 days. Popular options include the 6-day Lapland Winter Adventure and 8-day Northern Lights of Finland tour. According to travelers "A 7-day trip was perfect - enough time to experience major activities while also having rest days in between." This timeframe allows exploration of Rovaniemi Saariselkä and Inari while providing multiple chances for Northern Lights viewing and winter activities.

What's included in meals during Arctic tours in Finland?

Tours generally cover daily breakfasts and select dinners featuring Finnish and Lappish cuisine. Special dining experiences might include Arctic Eye Restaurant's 3-course meals or traditional Lappish picnics during aurora viewing. Hotels like Santa Claus Hotel serve buffets with local specialties such as reindeer salmon soup and Finnish berries. As one guest noted: "The food was excellent especially the traditional Lappish cuisine served during our aurora hunting evening."

Arctic Cruises & Tours in Finland

10 best Finland North Pole trips

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Polar Arctic Northern Lights Sightseeing +1
Finnish Lapland Discovery
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$4,439
$888 now + easy payments of $444
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Polar Family Arctic Christmas & New Year +1
Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From $4,305
NZ$3,444
$600 now + easy payments of $248
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Explorer Arctic Ski, Snowboard & Snow Christmas & New Year +2
Cross-Country Skiing in Lapland
Destinations
Akaslompolo
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$2,750
$830 now + easy payments of $226
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Explorer Family Arctic Ski, Snowboard & Snow Christmas & New Year +2
Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing."
Claire, traveled in January
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From $4,785
NZ$3,828
$600 now + easy payments of $231
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Explorer Family Arctic Northern Lights Christmas & New Year +2
Finland Wilderness Express - 4 Days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
Duration
4 days
From $3,625
NZ$2,900
$600 now + easy payments of $197
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Explorer Arctic Christmas & New Year +1
Husky Winter Dream: Classic
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
Kittila, Akaslompolo
Age Range
16 to 70 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$3,978
$1,182 now + easy payments of $222
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Polar Arctic Christmas & New Year
Husky Winter Dream: Sporty
Destinations
Kittila, Akaslompolo
Age Range
16 to 70 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$3,589
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Explorer Arctic Northern Lights
Lapland 7 days in Santa Claus Town on the Arctic Circle!
4.1 (7 traveler reviews)
"This trip was amazing. I highly recommend Finland and Lapland as a tour destination for anyone."
Elizabeth, traveled in November
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
Nordic Unique Travels
20% Off
No departure dates available
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer Family Arctic Ski, Snowboard & Snow +1
Tailor-Made Finland Adventure to Lapland
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kemi
Age Range
1 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
20% Off
No departure dates available
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Explorer Arctic Northern Lights Ski, Snowboard & Snow +1
Lapland - 10 Days Adventure in Winter Wonderland
3.2 (7 traveler reviews)
"All the guides are amazing."
Nancy, traveled in December
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Korouoma
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
Nordic Unique Travels
20% Off
No departure dates available
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer Arctic Northern Lights
Midnight Sun – 7 Days in Lapland
3.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"Super interesting listening to his facts about everything in sight. He was super friendly and accommodating."
John, traveled in June
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Sodankyla, Saariselka, Inari
Age Range
14 to 80 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English,German,Italian,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
Nordic Unique Travels
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$4,556
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Explorer Arctic Ski, Snowboard & Snow Christmas & New Year +2
Finnish Wilderness Week
4.6 (139 traveler reviews)
"An absolutely amazing week with a great bunch of people. The staff were fantastic and enthusiastic."
Hannah, traveled in February
Destinations
Kuusamo, Oulanka National Park, Ruka
Age Range
16 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$5,060
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Explorer Family Arctic Northern Lights Ski, Snowboard & Snow +2
Aurora Borealis & Glass Igloo
4.8 (16 traveler reviews)
"The Aurora tour was perfectly planned, and the Husky Safari and Glass Igloo were spectacular!"
Krystol, traveled in March
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
3 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$3,323
$1,020 now + easy payments of $198
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Explorer Arctic Northern Lights Ski, Snowboard & Snow +1
Finnish Lapland in Winter
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"The trip met the expectations completely."
Ray, traveled in January
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi,Pallas - Yllastunturin kansallispuisto+1 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$6,600
$400 now + easy payments of $431
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Explorer Arctic Northern Lights Ski, Snowboard & Snow Christmas & New Year +2
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
4.3 (7 traveler reviews)
"The program and activities were well planned. A great experience."
Alex, traveled in December
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$2,383
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