Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you find the best destinations for seeing the aurora borealis. Browse our guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons for each.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Plan your aurora adventure

Check tonight’s forecast, pick the best month to travel, learn what to pack and how to photograph the aurora. We’ve also got guides on chasing the lights from home and spotting them from lower latitudes when conditions are right.

Aurora Forecast

Stay updated with the latest aurora forecast including Kp-index, Bz, solar wind density and speed, plus a 3-day outlook, aurora map and top viewing locations.

Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

When to go? What to wear? Things to consider when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Photography

A complete guide to photographing the Northern Lights. Learn the best camera settings, equipment and composition tips for capturing stunning aurora photos.

Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? A month-by-month guide covering aurora season, solar cycles, equinox effects and what to expect throughout the year.

See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home

Can’t travel to see the Northern Lights? Watch aurora live from home using webcams, livestreams, alert apps and space weather dashboards. A complete guide to remote aurora viewing.

Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?

How far south can the Northern Lights be seen? A guide to aurora visibility by latitude, covering the UK, northern Europe, the US and beyond, including what Kp level you need and historic low-latitude sightings.

Discover the science, stories and sounds of the aurora

Learn how the solar wind creates the aurora, read about the myths and folklore behind the lights, browse a glossary of space weather terms, or put on a playlist while you wait for the sky to turn green.

Science Of The Aurora

Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights. Learn about the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field and how charged particles create the stunning auroral displays.

Northern Lights Playlist

Pop on your headphones and relax. A curated playlist to accompany your Northern Lights experience.

Northern Lights Myths And Legends

Exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights, from Norse Valkyries and Inuit spirits to Sámi beliefs, Finnish folklore and beyond.

Aurora Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of aurora and space weather terms. Understand Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, substorms and more to improve your Northern Lights viewing.

Inari

Home / Finland / Inari

Inari, located deep in Finnish Lapland, is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. Situated right in the heart of the Aurora Oval, this pristine wilderness offers clear, dark skies ideal for witnessing vibrant green, purple and blue lights dancing across the night. Visiting Inari gives you a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Beyond the Northern Lights, Inari is renowned for its rich Sami culture, breathtaking Arctic landscapes and a wide range of winter activities such as husky safaris, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Discover why Inari is a top destination for Northern Lights tours and unforgettable Lapland adventures.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Inari. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

2%

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Inari area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 3:28pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 13 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 2 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 5 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 86%

Sunrise 2:32am

Sunset 12:03am

Weather Forecast for Inari

Rain

19°C Feels like 19°C

High
21°C
Low
14°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Southerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 10 km/h

  • Rain 7 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Inari

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Inari.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage

    4.9 (2573)

    8 hours From £173.19

    Join Arctic GM’s award-winning Northern Lights hunt, recognized as part of the Best of the Best experiences on Tripadvisor. This small-group experience is built around one goal: maximizing your chances through distance, flexibility, and real-time decision-making. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, our family has lived in Lapland since the 1600s, combining generations of local knowledge with continuous Aurora and weather tracking. There are no fixed routes or predefined locations. Your guide adapts the plan throughout the night, traveling long distances — including crossing the Swedish border when needed — to find clear skies. Supported by real-time updates from our large team across Lapland, this is a true Aurora hunt focused entirely on results. Professional photography is included, so you leave with high-quality images of your night under the Northern Lights.

  • Free cancellation

    Santa Claus Village with Reindeer & Husky Ride

    5.0 (17)

    4 - 5 hours From £173.19

    Begin your magical Lapland adventure at Santa Claus Village, one of the region's most iconic attractions. Meet Santa Claus in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive your official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate. Enhance your visit with an optional 400-meter reindeer sleigh ride (operated on wheeled carts when snow conditions are limited) and a husky ride ranging from 800 meters to 2 km during the snowy season, or 500–1,000 meters on wheeled carts when there is insufficient snow. Whenever possible, we aim to offer the longer 2 km husky ride. From 6 December to 15 March, you can also visit Snowman World, where you can enjoy ice slides, ice skating, snow activities, and winter fun for all ages. Perfect for families, couples, and friends, this unforgettable Arctic experience captures the true magic of Finnish Lapland.

  • Free cancellation

    Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari & Northern Lights (New Snowmobiles)

    4.4 (20)

    4 - 5 hours From £138.38

    Snowmobiling at night in Lapland offers a unique perspective — riding through silent, snow-covered forests under the Arctic sky, with the chance to see the Northern Lights above. With Arctic GM, the experience focuses on quality and comfort: small groups, quieter routes away from mass tourism, experienced guides, and premium equipment. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, Arctic GM is a family-run company with roots in Lapland dating back to the 1600s. Your evening begins with pickup and transfer to a private base. After instructions, you’ll set off on snowmobiles shared between two guests, with a driver switch during the ride. The route includes around 2 hours of driving through forests and open landscapes, far from city lights. Stops are made to enjoy the surroundings and check the sky — if conditions are favorable, the Northern Lights may appear. After the ride, warm up with hot drinks and light snacks.

  • Free cancellation

    Rovaniemi: 100% Money-Back Guarantee Northern Lights - Photos

    5.0 (30)

    4 - 6 hours From £77.46

    Experience a reliable Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi with an expert team focused on finding clear skies and real aurora visibility — backed by our simple promise: No aurora = No payment. We do not follow fixed loops, we chase conditions. Each night our route is planned from scratch using cloud data, solar forecasts, and road access so we can position ourselves in the best possible viewing locations. If the skies are open 120 km away, that’s where we go. On larger departures, we operate with a warm and comfortable heated coach bus and multiple guides to ensure smooth coordination, guest support, and photography assistance throughout the night. All departures are led by a trained Aurora photographer who documents the night with professional DSLR equipment and sends the edited photos digitally after the tour. Throughout the experience we keep you comfortable with warm berry juice and snacks served at our viewing spot.

  • Free cancellation

    Santa Claus Village, Husky and Reindeers Combo Safari

    3.8 (45)

    4 hours From £182.77

    This tour gives you unique opportunity to visit three main activities of Lapland just in one day. We guarantee you unforgettable small group experience to Santa Claus Village, Reindeers and Husky sleigh rides.

  • Free cancellation

    Rovaniemi: 100% Money-Back Guarantee Aurora Tour + Free Photos

    4.9 (871)

    4 - 6 hours From £120.97

    This is for you who wants to maximise the chances to see the Northern Lights – and minimise the need for luck! The main goal is simple: to see and photograph the Northern Lights with you in the picture, using our professional cameras and years of photography know-how. We drive as far as needed, even across the border to Sweden if that’s where the lights are. Total tour duration is between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the conditions of the night. We’ve explored countless locations around Lapland. Our team monitors live aurora data 24/7, satellite cloud maps, and weather models throughout the day. Once we confirm the conditions are good enough, we move. And when we move, we commit fully: we drive as far as needed - sometimes 50 km, sometimes 200+ km - to find clear skies an seeing the lights. We go where the Northern Lights are – and we take you with us!

Places to check out around Inari

Explore more nearby Inari

  • Sunset at Kaunispää, Saariselkä, Finland

    Credit: Jaakko Kemppainen

    Saariselkä

    68°25'10"N, 27°24'36"E

    Aurora probability in Saariselkä: 1%

    Saariselkä, a charming village in Finnish Lapland, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering visitors a perfect blend of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and aurora hunting amidst pristine wilderness and picturesque landscapes.

  • Northern lights during night time, Utsjoki, Finland

    Credit: Mark Davis

    Utsjoki

    69°54'32"N, 27°1'42"E

    Aurora probability in Utsjoki: 3%

    Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality in Finland, is renowned for its rich Sami culture and stunning Arctic landscapes, making it a unique destination for experiencing traditional Sami lifestyles and witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

  • Arial shot showing snow covered houses in Ivalo, Inari, Finland

    Credit: Mark Blackwell

    Ivalo

    68°39'27"N, 27°32'22"E

    Aurora probability in Ivalo: 2%

    Ivalo is a village in Finnish Lapland situated on the banks of the Ivalo River, just 20 kilometres south of Lake Inari. Ivalo is known for its stunning natural beauty and in wintertime when the skies are dark and clear, opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

Other places in Finland

Levi•​Luosto•​Rovaniemi

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights•​See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home•​Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?•​Aurora Glossary

Kaunispään Huippu

Home / Finland / Inari / Kaunispään Huippu

Kaunispään Huippu is a Scandinavian Restaurant and Apres Ski Bar at Kaunispää (Saariselkä), 99830 Saariselkä, Suomi

Website • Instagram • Phone: +358 16 668803

Where to find Kaunispään Huippu?

68°26'0"N, 27°26'35"E

What do people think of Kaunispään Huippu?

  • 4.8

  • Suomen parhaat munkit! The best "sugar donuts" in Finland!

    Kaisa A26 March 2012

  • Try donuts - they will be the you've ever had!

    MikkoKoo5 March 2011

  • Great view and food!

    Dasha M7 January 2016

  • The crowberry cheesecake was delicious!

    Kiki1701HL14 July 2015

Other places to try near Kaunispään Huippu