Planning Your Perfect Northern Lights Adventure

If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the ethereal dance of the aurora borealis, you’re in the right place. Planning a trip to see the northern lights is no small feat. It requires a blend of timing, location, and a sprinkle of luck. But don’t worry - I’m here to guide you through the essentials with some crisp, confident advice and a few light-hearted asides. Let’s dive into the art of aurora hunting and make your dream trip a reality.

Timing is Everything: Aurora Hunting Tips for the Best Experience

First things first: when should you go? The northern lights are a winter phenomenon, but not every winter night is created equal. The best time to see the aurora is during the dark months, typically from late September to early April. This is when the nights are longest and the skies darkest.

But don’t just mark your calendar and hope for the best. Here are some practical tips to maximise your chances:

• Aim for new moon phases: The darker the sky, the better the lights show. Avoid full moons that flood the sky with light.

• Check the weather forecast: Clear skies are a must. Cloud cover can ruin your view faster than you can say “aurora.”

• Monitor solar activity: The northern lights are caused by solar winds hitting the Earth’s atmosphere. Websites and apps like the Aurora Forecast can help you track geomagnetic activity.

  
  

Remember, patience is key. Sometimes the lights appear for just a few minutes, other times they put on a spectacular show lasting hours. Dress warmly, bring snacks, and prepare to be amazed.

Moonlight lighting the atmosphere with northern lights In Northern Norway

Essential Gear and Preparation for Your Aurora Hunting Trip

You wouldn’t go skiing without your boots, right? The same goes for aurora hunting. Being prepared means you can focus on the magic overhead instead of battling the cold or fumbling with your camera.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

• Clothing: Layer up with thermal base layers, insulated jackets, waterproof outerwear, hats, gloves, and warm boots. Think Arctic explorer, not beach bum.

• Camera equipment: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal. Bring a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake.

• Other essentials: Headlamp with a red light mode (to preserve night vision), portable power banks, and a thermos with a hot drink.

  
  

Pro tip: Practice your camera settings before you go. Night photography can be tricky, and you don’t want to miss the moment fumbling with your gear.

What is the Best Trip to See the Northern Lights?

Choosing the right trip can make or break your northern lights experience. There are plenty of options, from self-drive adventures to guided tours. Here’s what I recommend for a truly memorable journey:

• Guided tours with local experts: They know the best spots, the weather patterns, and how to read the aurora forecasts. Plus, they handle the logistics so you can relax.

• Stay in remote lodges or glass igloos: These offer comfort and direct access to the skies without light pollution.

• Combine with other Arctic activities: Dog sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing add layers of excitement to your trip.

  
  

For those seeking exclusivity and safety, companies like mine provide personalised Arctic adventures. Their expertise ensures you get the most out of your northern lights adventure while enjoying the untouched wilderness of Scandinavia.

Northernlights rising in Lapland Finland

Navigating the Best Locations for Aurora Viewing

Location is king when it comes to aurora hunting. The further north you go, the better your chances. Here are some top spots that consistently deliver:

• Finnish Lapland: Known for its pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution. Towns like Rovaniemi and Kakslauttanen are popular bases.

• Norwegian Arctic: Tromsø is a favourite, offering urban comforts and easy access to dark skies.

• Swedish Lapland: Abisko National Park boasts a microclimate that often keeps skies clear.

• Iceland: Easily accessible and stunningly scenic, though weather can be unpredictable.

  
  

When choosing your location, consider accessibility, accommodation options, and additional activities. Sometimes a slightly less famous spot can offer a more intimate and uninterrupted experience.

Finnish wilderness hut illuminated by northern lights

Making the Most of Your Northern Lights Adventure

Once you’re there, how do you maximise your experience? Here are some insider tips:

• Stay flexible: Weather and aurora activity can change quickly. Be ready to move or adjust plans.

• Avoid light pollution: Even small towns can have streetlights that dim the show. Seek out dark spots.

• Bring company: Sharing the experience with friends or fellow travellers makes it even more memorable.

• Keep your expectations realistic: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon. Sometimes they’re subtle, sometimes spectacular. Either way, it’s a unique experience.

  
  

And don’t forget to simply look up and enjoy the moment. Sometimes the best memories come from just standing quietly under the sky, feeling the Arctic night around you.

Planning your perfect northern lights adventure is a thrilling challenge. With the right timing, gear, location, and mindset, you’ll be well on your way to witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. So pack your warmest clothes, charge your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the Arctic night.

Discovering the Majesty of Kebnekaise: An Arctic Adventure

A Journey to the Heart of Scandinavia

At the 67th latitude, west of Kiruna, rises Kebnekaise – 2,094 meters of raw Scandinavian mountain terrain. Glaciers spill into valleys lined with birch forests and frozen lakes, while shifting weather and thin snowpacks keep skiers constantly on edge. It is wild, remote, and endlessly captivating.

Video&pics by Rami Valonen

I first came here in 1998 for the Kebnekaise Classic ski touring competition. Back then, I carved knee-deep powder. Today, snow is scarcer, avalanche risk is persistent, and every decision in the mountains demands respect. Still, Kebnekaise continues to pull me back.

Setting Up Camp

On this trip, three of us rode in on a single snowmobile, hauling all we needed for a week. We set camp 20 kilometers from the nearest road. That first evening, the mountains glowed in the Arctic sunset, and the Northern Lights lit the sky above our tent. By morning, 20 centimeters of new snow had fallen, and the adventure had begun.

Embracing the Elements

The days that followed were a mix of challenges and rewards. Low visibility forced us to move cautiously, testing the snowpack and navigating avalanche terrain with care. Then, as clouds broke, we climbed into a couloir and found ourselves skiing perfect powder under a brilliant midday sun. The feeling of floating on untouched snow, with only the sound of turns echoing off the rock walls, was unforgettable.

But Kebnekaise is never predictable. The next night, fierce winds stripped the new snow away, leaving icy crust and unstable slabs. We adjusted, changed plans, and searched for safer ground. At the Björklings Glacier, conditions finally aligned, and we climbed high on crampons before skiing a steep 45-degree face, one careful turn at a time, down to the meeting of two glaciers.

The Essence of Adventure

That is the essence of Kebnekaise: a place where nothing is guaranteed, yet everything feels alive. It’s not just about summits or perfect descents—it’s about adapting, respecting the mountain, and celebrating those fleeting moments when the Arctic sun, fresh snow, and the spirit of adventure come together in harmony.

Conclusion: A Call to Adventure

Kebnekaise is more than just a mountain. It’s a testament to the raw beauty of nature and the thrill of exploration. If you’re seeking a unique experience, consider embarking on your own adventure in this breathtaking landscape. The mountains await, ready to share their secrets with those brave enough to explore them.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or a curious traveler, Kebnekaise offers a world of possibilities. Embrace the wild, respect the elements, and let the spirit of adventure guide you.

For more insights and tips on Arctic adventures, check out Antte Lauhamaa.

Pack it up for the mountains

Photo by Mika Merikanto

To pack your bag

Your backpack is the most valuable thing you own in the backcountry. You might loose your skis and get into trouble but if you loose your backpack you might be in serious trouble. Even worse is if you’ve only backed your back full of beer and chorizo (well, some of it doesn’t harm anybody). You should pack your things today, not in the morning when it’s easy to forget some of your belongings.

We all have our personal taste what comes to packing our bags but for backcountry at least following items should have a place in your backpack:

1. Shovel

2. Probe

3. Emergency shelter such as bivy bag or space blanket

4. A small First Aid Kit

5. A communication device

6. Navigation: GPS device or a compass (or smartphone with compass and GPS app)

7. Insulation: One extra pair of gloves, hat and a puff coat

8. Nutrition: Extra food - whatever you prefer but preferably something to boost up energy.

9. Hydration: Extra water. An insulated bottle of warm fluid is especially nice when the weather deteriorates and things get chilly.

10. Illumination: When the night falls down dark as a dungeon the headlamp is a valuable piece of equipment.

11. A McGyver kit to do it all. Example of things to bring are: multitool, lighter, candle, metal wire, spare batteries for the beacon, some wax for the days the snow sticks to everything from ski boots to skins and duck tape that can be used practically for anything.

12. + (depending on outing) crampons, harness, 30 m of rope + glacier rescue kit.

Preparation of the gear

Skis are an extension of your body making skiing possible. If your skis are rusted so will be your skiing. Learn how to take care of your skis and keep edges ready to bite when it’s needed. Also local ski shops will be happy to give your skis a service in case you want something more advanced service to be done.

Check your set in advance to make sure that everything works as expected when you’re on top of that mean looking couloir.

With no exceptions I check the batteries before EVERY ski day and I change the batteries each time I’m under 50%. Do not wait until you only have 10% left, you can be certain that the beacon will quit on you as soon as you got the signal from your friend buried under the snow.

Charge the batteries on all of your electronic devices. It’s annoying when the camera tilts in crucial moment or mobile phone runs out of steam when you need it most.