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

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

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

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

Rovaniemi

Home / Finland / Rovaniemi

Located right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is a captivating destination that perfectly merges the enchantment of the northern lights with the charm of winter wonderland experiences. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers travelers a unique blend of festive spirit, stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to witness the aurora borealis.

From September to March, Rovaniemi serves as a prime location for experiencing the northern lights. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, your chances of witnessing this celestial display are outstanding.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Rovaniemi. 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

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Rovaniemi area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 7:34am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 11 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 3 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 3 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 3.66 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 384.3 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

Waxing gibbous 78%

Sunrise 4:42am

Sunset 9:46pm

Moonrise 5:28pm

Moonset 4:35am

Weather Forecast for Rovaniemi

Clouds

1°C Feels like -5°C

High
3°C
Low
-3°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 49%

  • Northerly winds 7 km/h gusts of 14 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Rovaniemi

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

  • Free cancellation

    Santa Claus Village with Reindeer & Husky Ride

    5.0 (16)

    4 - 5 hours From £173.78

    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

    Rovaniemi:%100 Money Back Guarantee Northern Lights Hunting

    4.9 (628)

    5 - 12 hours From £149.08

    AURORA HUNT – REAL NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE IF YOU DONT SEE THE LIGHTS GET %100 MONEY BACK WITH NO QUESTION Join Lapin Taivas for an authentic Northern Lights adventure! We can travel up to 300+ KM in our comfortable Mercedes Pegabus Vans, chasing clear skies or heading deep into the wilderness — this tour is made for true Aurora Hunters. Our professional guides and photographers use the best weather data, cameras, and lenses to find the lights and capture unforgettable shots. All photos are delivered to your email within 8–72 hours after the tour. Unlike standard tours, we follow no fixed route. We drive wherever the sky is clear, often 100+ KM away from city lights, to give you the best possible viewing conditions. With an impressive 93% success rate during the 2024–25 season, this is one of the most reliable and exciting Aurora experiences in Lapland. ✨ Lapin Taivas – Your Way to the Lights ✨ ⚠️ Not recommended if you have another early morning activity the next day.

  • Free cancellation

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

    4.8 (46)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £202.01

    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 Likely to sell out

    Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

    4.5 (182)

    3 hours From £193.19

    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

    Snowmobile Safari to Arctic Nature

    4.8 (28)

    3 hours From £87.33

    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

    Family Snowmobile Safari in Rovaniemi in small group

    5.0 (92)

    3 hours From £101.45

    We are Snowride Lapland, a premium snowmobile company in Rovaniemi offering tours in English, Spanish and French. What sets us apart is that we are the only company in Rovaniemi offering heated sledges for children under 1.35 meters, equipped with seat belts and safely pulled by our guides, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. We operate some of the newest snowmobiles on the market, providing a smoother, safer and more reliable ride. Tours are limited to a maximum of 8 guests per group, allowing us to provide highly personalized service and exceptional attention. For groups larger than 8, we automatically provide a private tour at no extra cost. All our guides have several years of experience leading snowmobile tours in Lapland, guaranteeing a safe, professional, and high-quality experience from start to finish. We carefully select our guides to ensure top-quality service, unlike many operators who may use inexperienced staff.

Places to check out around Rovaniemi

Explore more nearby Rovaniemi

  • Northern lights in Ranua, Finland

    Credit: VALO Hotel & Work

    Ranua

    65°55'46"N, 26°30'57"E

    Aurora probability in Ranua: 0%

    Ranua, a charming town in Finnish Lapland, is renowned for the Ranua Wildlife Park, where visitors can observe Arctic animals in their natural habitats, including polar bears, lynxes and reindeer, making it a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Wild flowers in a field near Kemi, Finland

    Credit: Benjamin Genz

    Kemi

    65°44'8"N, 24°33'56"E

    Aurora probability in Kemi: 0%

    Located on the shores of the Bothnian Bay in Finnish Lapland, Kemi is known for its iconic Snow Castle, a magnificent structure built entirely of snow and ice each winter, as well as its rich maritime history and beautiful coastal scenery.

  • Islands in the transition zone of Kemijoki and Kemijärvi, Kemijärvi, Finland

    Credit: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

    Kemijärvi

    66°42'48"N, 27°25'45"E

    Aurora probability in Kemijärvi: 0%

    A picturesque town in the stunning natural surroundings of Finnish Lapland. Nestled amongst pristine lakes and dense forests, that make Kemijärvi a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and skiing.

Other places in Finland

Inari•​Levi•​Luosto

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

Nili Ravintola

Home / Finland / Rovaniemi / Nili Ravintola

Nili Ravintola is a Scandinavian Restaurant at Valtakatu 20, 96200 Rovaniemi, Suomi

Ravintola Nili tarjoaa aitoja Lapin herkkuja keskellä Rovaniemeä! Vain muutama askel ja ainutlaatuinen tunnelma vie sinut tuntureille ja erämaihin nauttimaan arktisen luonnon puhtaista mauista.

Website • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Phone: +358 40 0369669

Where to find Nili Ravintola?

66°30'7"N, 25°44'3"E

What do people think of Nili Ravintola?

  • 3.5

  • Great eat. But expensive!!:(

    Wolfgang W4 January 2013

  • Avoid this restaurant if you don't eat meat.

    Johanna13 June 2013

  • Very Good Eat! But very extensive!(In my opinion)

    Mona4 January 2013

  • Если это лучшее место в городе, то страшно подумать, что в остальных заведениях..

    Natasha S3 January 2013

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