Saariselkä

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Saariselkä is a small resort village in the fells of Finnish Lapland, at around 68°N and roughly 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. It sits on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest areas of protected wilderness. Few places in Europe combine this much northern latitude with such easy access, and the surrounding fells and forests keep light pollution low enough for regular aurora sightings through the winter.

The village is built around Kaunispää, a fell with a panoramic viewpoint and a restaurant at the top. On clear nights it makes a handy spot to watch for the lights above the treeline, while quieter vantage points are only a short walk or drive away. Several operators run guided aurora tours by minibus, snowmobile or snowshoe, and many of the area’s cabins and glass-roofed igloos let you keep watch from bed. Kakslauttanen, a short drive to the north, is one of the best known.

Winter days are busy. Saariselkä has a small ski area with gentle slopes, and an extensive network of cross-country trails that runs on into the national park. Husky and reindeer safaris are on offer, along with snowmobiling, ice fishing and Sámi cultural visits. In summer and autumn the same trails attract hikers, particularly during ruska, when the fells turn red and gold. The village has a good selection of restaurants and a couple of pubs, but it stays calm and unhurried.

Ivalo Airport is only about 30 km to the north, with direct flights from Helsinki in winter, so transfers are short. The village makes a good base for day trips to Inari and the Siida Sámi museum. For a livelier resort with a bigger ski area, see Levi.

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How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

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

7%

There is a 7% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Saariselkä area (forecast for 6 November 2026 at 6:18pm UTC)

Kp 2.00

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 15 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 8 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 3.46 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 357.8 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 18%

Sunrise 8:45am

Sunset 3:02pm

Moonrise 4:25am

Moonset 2:21pm

Weather Forecast for Saariselkä

Snow

0°C Feels like -5°C

High
1°C
Low
-1°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 98%

  • North-Westerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 10 km/h

  • Snow 1 mm

Aurora season in Saariselkä

The aurora season in Saariselkä runs from September to March. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of September, October, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Saariselkä

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

  • Free cancellation

    Lapland Reindeer Safari From Saariselkä

    4.8 (47)

    2 hours From £143.56

    Experience the best of the Lapland wilderness on this 2-hour reindeer safari from Saariselkä. Wrap up against the cold and climb into your sled, then charge off into the snowy forests with a guide. During your 1-hour sled ride, enjoy sweeping views over the Lapland countryside and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the reindeer hooves in the snow. Warm up with a hot cup of coffee, then listen as a guide talks of the reindeers’ role in traditional Lappish culture. This tour includes round-trip travel from Saariselkä.

  • Free cancellation

    From Saariselkä: Northern lights tour to Lake Inari, incl. dinner

    4.4 (41)

    5 hours From £152.05

    Go in search of the famous Northern Lights in Finland on this small-group to Lake Inari from Saariselkä. Wrapped up warm against the cold, travel deep into the Finnish wilderness by sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. Keep watch on the skies for sightings of the spectacular Northern Lights and — with a little luck — marvel at spectacular views of the evening light show around Lake Inari. Meet and feed Reindeers with your local guide. Savor a warming dinner by the campfire in warm teepee and enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour — limited to 10 people.

  • Free cancellation

    Auroras Northern Lights Viewing & Photographing - Saariselkä

    3.9 (53)

    4 hours From £135.06

    Join our signature Northern Lights experience in the heart of Saariselkä, where wide-open tundra and dark Arctic skies create ideal conditions for seeing the aurora. Leaving the village lights behind, you’ll head into the quiet wilderness of Lapland to wait for the Northern Lights in a private location chosen for its uninterrupted northern views. While watching the sky, settle into the warmth of a traditional tepee, gather around the fire, and enjoy light snacks in the stillness of the Arctic night. Far from crowds and noise, the experience is as much about the atmosphere as the aurora itself. Throughout the evening, your guide shares local stories and fascinating insights into the science behind the Northern Lights, adding depth to what you see above. Professional photography is also included, so you can simply enjoy the moment and leave with lasting memories of the night—whether the aurora appears in full color or quietly dances overhead.

  • Free cancellation

    Husky Adventure 10km

    4.8 (6)

    4 hours From £211.51

    husky safari INCLUDES: Warm overalls/boots/gloves 2h total duration of the program at the kennel (plus included transportation ±45min one way) The total length of Husky ride is 10km or ±45min. 2 persons in a sledge, one is driver, another is passenger, halfway driver becomes passenger and passenger becomes driver Instructions and stories from an experienced dog masher, followed by hot drinks and cookies Possibility to a husky farm to play with the dogs and take photos

  • Free cancellation

    King Crab Experience to Norway from Saariselkä

    No reviews

    13 hours 30 minutes From £381.40

    Journey from Saariselkä across the Arctic landscapes to Kirkenes on Norway’s Barents Sea coast. Head out by snowmobile sleigh for a true King Crab experience, where you’ll catch, cook and taste fresh king crab straight from the Arctic waters. On the return journey, stop by Lake Sevettijärvi to enjoy traditional sautéed reindeer soup before heading back to Saariselkä.

  • Free cancellation

    Hunting Northern Lights by Snowmobiles - Saariselkä

    4.3 (24)

    4 hours From £176.69

    Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through Lapland after dark on a nighttime safari across snowy forests and gentle fell landscapes. Following easy trails beneath the Arctic sky, you’ll ride far from artificial lights into remote wilderness — ideal conditions for Northern Lights searching. Feel the excitement of driving through silent, snow-covered scenery where frosted trees open into wide sky-viewing areas. The combination of adventure, Arctic silence, and riding beneath the stars makes this a truly unforgettable experience. While the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, the remote location offers excellent opportunities when conditions are favorable. During the journey, we stop at a carefully selected forest location to light a fire and enjoy light snacks. Warm up, relax, and hear your guide share stories about the Northern Lights and life in the Arctic.

Places to check out around Saariselkä

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Hiking Trails and more…

Explore more nearby Saariselkä

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of Saariselkä.

  • My last evening at Kiilopää and for the first time in a week the skies cleared, the temperatures plummeted and the Aurora came out.

    Credit: Steve Selwood

    Kiilopää

    68°20'28"N, 27°30'9"E

    Aurora probability in Kiilopää: 7%

    Kiilopää is a fell on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, a short drive south of Saariselkä. Popular for hiking and skiing, it has open horizons and dark skies that make it a favourite spot for watching the Northern Lights.

  • Gold village in Tankavaara with built reproductions of buildings of the gold rush towns

    Credit: Usm

    Tankavaara

    68°10'59"N, 27°16'0"E

    Aurora probability in Tankavaara: 7%

    Tankavaara is a small settlement south of Saariselkä, famous for its Gold Village and the Gold Prospectors’ Museum. Visitors can try panning for gold and learn about the rugged history of Lapland’s prospectors.

  • Lemmenjoki during March 2023

    Credit: Harri P

    Lemmenjoki National Park

    68°31'48"N, 25°55'47"E

    Aurora probability in Lemmenjoki National Park: 8%

    Lemmenjoki National Park, to the west of Inari, is the largest national park in Finland. Its river canyons, old gold-digging sites and vivid autumn colours attract hikers and boat travellers, and the remote setting means very dark skies.

Other places in Finland

InariLeviLuostoRovaniemi