Ravintola Aanaar : Inari : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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.

Credit: Baptiste Valthier
Credit: Mayur Arvind
Credit: Tania Malréchauffé
Credit: Matthias Speicher
Credit: Ozgu Ozden
Credit: Mayur Arvind
Credit: Mayur Arvind

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

66%

There is a 66% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Inari area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 10 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.

Density 0.47 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 662.5 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 32%

Sunrise 6:38am

Sunset 6:03pm

Weather Forecast for Inari

Rain

2°C Feels like -4°C

High: 3°C
Low: -1°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 69%
South-Westerly winds 9 km/h gusts of 18 km/h
Rain 3 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

Santa Claus Village with Reindeer (400m) & Husky (2 KM) Ride

5.0 (12)

5 - 6 hours From £174.86

Start your magical Lapland adventure at the famous Santa Claus Village, one of Finnish Lapland’s top attractions. Meet Santa Claus in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive your official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate. Make your visit even more memorable with optional Lapland experiences, including a 400-meter Reindeer sleigh ride & an exciting 2-kilometer husky sled ride (longer than standard short rides, weather and availability permitting). Sleighs run on snow in winter and on wheeled carts when snow is limited. From 6 December to 15 March, enjoy extra family fun at Snowman World, featuring ice slides, skating, and winter playgrounds perfect for children and adults alike. This all-in-one Arctic adventure is ideal for families, friends, and couples seeking unforgettable Lapland memories.
Free cancellation Special offer Likely to sell out

Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

4.5 (179)

3 hours From £178.96

This combined husky and reindeer package is specially designed for those who would like to get the most of Lapland in a short period of time. You will be taken to a reindeer farm and for a short visit and safari. After visiting the reindeer, you will meet huskies and enjoy of a husky ride before heading back to Rovaniemi.
Free cancellation

Husky and Reindeer Farm Tour in Levi

No reviews

3 hours From £143.23

This tour is a perfect alternative for those who wish to see the arctic animals without spending extensive amounts of time outdoors, in the snow and frost. Seeing the arctic animals is the highlight of any holiday in Lapland which you will remember for years.
Free cancellation Special offer

Snowmobile Safari to Arctic Nature

5.0 (23)

3 hours From £78.29

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through scenic winter landscapes with your loved ones. Our snowmobile safari offers a unique opportunity to bond over a shared adventure while taking in the beauty of the winter wilderness. Our tour company provides top-notch training and equipment, ensuring a safe and an enjoyable experience for everyone. Book your snowmobile safari today and make lasting memories with your loved ones. Approximately 1 hour snowmobile driving.
Free cancellation

Riisitunturi Snow Monsters Winter Hike from Rovaniemi with Lunch

4.9 (52)

8 hours From £157.29

Experience the enchanting winter landscape of Riisitunturi National Park on a guided full-day hike from Rovaniemi. Witness the iconic Arctic Snow Monsters and traverse breathtaking snow-covered forests along well-maintained winter trails. This small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, ensures a relaxed pace with ample opportunities for photography and exploration. Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch prepared over an open fire, making your day in the wilderness truly memorable. Ideal for those with normal mobility and basic fitness, this tour operates in all winter weather conditions. - Discover surreal winter scenery and the Arctic Snow Monsters - Small-group experience for personalized attention - Enjoy a traditional lunch by an open fire in the Arctic wilderness - Guided by a professional local expert with insights on Lapland's nature
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Husky Safari from Levi 2 KM or 5 KM with Husky Sledge Ride

4.2 (35)

2 hours From £148.50

On a husky tour, you’ll visit a local husky farm where friendly, excited dogs are ready to meet you. You’ll learn about their life, training, and care, and have the chance to pet and take photos with them. Then, you’ll ride through snowy landscapes in a sled pulled by the huskies — either as a passenger or even trying out driving, depending on the tour. Along the way, you’ll stop to enjoy the views, warm up with hot drinks, and hear stories from the guide. It’s a fun and unforgettable way to experience Lapland’s nature and traditions.

Places to check out around Inari

Inarijärvi

Lake
Inarin Hopea

Jewelry Store
Jäniskoski

Waterfall
Juutuan Polku

Hiking Trail
Karhunpesäkivi

Sculpture Garden
Kaunispää

Mountain
Kaunispään Huippu

Scandinavian Restaurant
Kiilopää

Mountain
Lahjatalo Näkkäläjärvi

Gift Store
Muddus

Campground
Panimo

Pub
PaPaNa

Bar
Pirkon Pirtti

Restaurant
Ravintola Aanaar

Scandinavian Restaurant
Ravintola Petronella

Scandinavian Restaurant
Restaurant Aurora

Restaurant
Ritakoski

Hiking Trail
Saariselän Porotila

Farm
Savottakahvila

Café
Siida

History Museum
Suomen Latu Kiilopää

Hostel
Ukonjärven Lomakylä

Campground
Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto

National Park
Uruniemi Camping

Campground

Explore more nearby Inari

Credit: Jaakko Kemppainen

Saariselkä

68°25'10"N, 27°24'36"E

Aurora probability in Saariselkä: 62%

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.
Credit: Mark Davis

Utsjoki

69°54'32"N, 27°1'42"E

Aurora probability in Utsjoki: 67%

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.
Credit: Mark Blackwell

Ivalo

68°39'27"N, 27°32'22"E

Aurora probability in Ivalo: 65%

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.