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 discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

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

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

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

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Inari area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 8:54am UTC)

Kp 3.67

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 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 -6 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 8 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

Waning crescent 22%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Moonrise 12:20am

Moonset 2:00am

Weather Forecast for Inari

Rain

16°C Feels like 15°C

High
17°C
Low
10°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 95%

  • Easterly winds 5 km/h gusts of 12 km/h

  • Rain 11 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

    Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

    4.5 (182)

    3 hours From £192.51

    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

    Santa Claus Village with Reindeer & Husky Ride

    5.0 (17)

    4 - 5 hours From £174.48

    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 and an exciting husky sled ride. During the snowy season, husky rides typically range from 800 meters to 2 km, depending on weather and trail conditions. When snow is limited, rides are operated on wheeled carts (approximately 500 meters). 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

    Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage

    4.9 (2572)

    8 hours From £174.93

    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

    10 km Authentic Husky Safari in the Taiga Forest – Family Kennel

    4.8 (46)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £201.30

    Escape mass tourism and experience a truly authentic husky safari in the untouched taiga forest of Lapland. Drive your own husky sled on a 10 km wilderness trail, guided by professionals and hosted by a small family-run kennel where dogs are raised with care, respect, and love. ✔️ Small groups only ✔️ Hotel pickup included ✔️ No crowded routes or commercial loops Travelers choose this experience because it offers something increasingly rare in Lapland: ✔️ A genuine connection with the dogs ✔️ A peaceful ride through pristine wilderness ✔️ A personal, non-commercial atmosphere ✔️ Clear communication and well-organized transfers

  • Free cancellation

    Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari & Northern Lights (New Snowmobiles)

    4.4 (20)

    4 - 5 hours From £139.76

    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

    Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi

    4.6 (54)

    2 hours From £130.97

    Delve deep into the wilds of Lapland on this 2-hour reindeer safari from Rovaniemi. Climb into your sled with a guide, then charge off into the snowy forests as the reindeer take the lead. During your sled ride (1,5 km), admire panoramic views over the Lapland countryside and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the reindeers’ hooves in the snow. Warm up with a hot drink by the fire, then listen as a guide talks of the reindeers’ role in traditional Lappish culture. This tour includes round-trip travel from Rovaniemi.

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: 2%

    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: 1%

    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•​About Seek The Aurora

Ravintola Petronella

Home / Finland / Inari / Ravintola Petronella

Ravintola Petronella is a Scandinavian Restaurant at Honkapolku 5, 99830 Inari, Suomi

Petronella on sulattanut sydämiä jo vuosia ja vienyt kielen mennessään monelta Saariselän kävijältä. Taitavasti valmistettuja mestarikokkien luomuksia ja huolella valittuja viinejä nautitaan mutkattomasti rennossa lappilaisessa ilmapiirissä.

Website • Facebook • Phone: +358 20 7919601

Where to find Ravintola Petronella?

68°25'15"N, 27°24'36"E

What do people think of Ravintola Petronella?

  • 4.5

  • Ten geyikli tüm yemekler ördek çiğeri ördek bacağı gayet lezzetli

    Gökçe G23 January 2019

  • Cozy and romantic place! Great for large groups as well. Delicious food!

    i3klyngirl9 March 2017

  • Good food with good service

    W C18 January 2017

  • Love the atmosphere & menu ❤️ Especially willow grouse with willow grouse is so delicious 😋

    Desirée C23 February 2016

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