The Northern Lights Travel Guide

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The Earth is still surprising with many unusual phenomena, the nature of which scientists cannot yet fully reveal. The northern lights can be attributed to such mystical riddles. In many countries, unique sites, villages, and hotels are equipped for hunters of a mysterious natural phenomenon. In Finland, in Rovaniemi, locals claim that there are three nights for every four nights, during which one can enjoy the heavenly carnival. In Sodankylä, a similar phenomenon is observed every second night. Astropolis was built here at the beginning of the twentieth century; this town is designed to study and observe the northern lights (Nordic Visitor, 2022). Therefore, Finland will be chosen as the country for the tourist trip.

In December, the polar night begins in Lapland and lasts for almost two months. The sun is not visible, but there is no darkness. The sky becomes the primary source of illumination with the northern lights. The season starts in mid-September and lasts until mid-March, peaking in December-January. Optimal conditions are cold and dry nights, cloudless skies, and pitch darkness. The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, is located 750 km from Lappeenranta, and the northern lights are shown here every other night. Its brightest glow is in February, and on this occasion, the Revontuli Festivaali Northern Lights Festival is held in the city. Whenever there is a festival, concerts and sports competitions are held on the Kemijoki River, and an exhibition of snow and ice sculptures is held in Konttinen Park. For guests who came to Rovaniemi for the northern lights, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel was built right on the Arctic Circle (Nordic Visitor, 2022). Thirty-seven separate rooms have one wall entirely made of glass, through which, being in warmth and comfort, one can see the snow-covered forest and the heavenly light and color representation.

After that, it is recommended to go to Sodankylä, a small town located in the heart of Lapland. 11 km from Sodankylä is Revontulikota Pohjan Kruunu, home of the Northern Lights. It was built in the style of the Sami tent; inside, there is a unique hall where a show imitating the northern lights is held (Arctic Academy, n.d.). The natural radiance in the sky in Sodankylä is visible every other night. To catch the lights in nature, it is best to sit on the shore of a lake or on top of a hill; the main thing is to stay away from settlements with their artificial lighting. As for places to eat, the Lappish influence is very noticeable in the national gastronomy, with venison as the protagonist and cranberry honey. Cheese and dairy products, in general, are also part of the Finnish diet.

On the way to Rovaniemi and at the place of stay, it is suggested to visit the following restaurants, where it is best to enjoy Finnish cuisine to feel the country’s spirit. Nili Restaurant is located in the city itself, where one can have a bite to eat upon arrival. Then stop at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, where Gastro Finland Oy is relatively close. In Sodankylä, tourists can look for gastronomic delights at Ravintola Revontuli Hietala Oy or try local drinks at the nearby Rooperante. This region is filled with various cuisines, including pizza, kebabs, and burgers. However, at the same time, the cuisine in Revontulikota Pohjan Kruunu is also well appreciated, even though the town is not the most popular among tourists. There are fewer amenities than other hotels and places can offer, but the region is filled with many exciting people who have long studied the northern lights phenomenon. The travel map between cities is shown in Figure 1.