What, When and How to: Northern Lights in Levi, Finland

Marcus Blakumen
Love 2 Travel
Published in
3 min readDec 28, 2022

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their stunning displays of colourful light in the night sky. One of the best places to see the Northern Lights is in Levi, Finland, where the Aurora Borealis can be seen on clear nights from late September to early April.

Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash

If you are planning a trip to Levi to see the Northern Lights, here are a few things you should know:

  1. What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles from the sun. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with the atoms and molecules in the air, causing them to emit light. This light is what we see as the Northern Lights.

Photo by Jaanus Jagomägi on Unsplash

2. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Levi?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Levi is during the winter months when the nights are longer and the sky is clear. The Northern Lights are visible from late September to early April, but the peak season is from November to January.

3. How to see the Northern Lights in Levi

There are several ways to see the Northern Lights in Levi, including:

  • Join a guided tour: Many tour companies in Levi offer guided tours of the Northern Lights, which can be a great option if you are not familiar with the area. The tour guides will take you to the best viewing spots and provide you with information about the Northern Lights.
  • Go on a Northern Lights safari: Northern Lights safaris are a popular activity in Levi, and involve driving or snowmobiling to the best viewing spots. Some safaris also include a stop at a cosy cabin or restaurant for a warm drink and snacks.
  • Stay at a Northern Lights-viewing hotel or cottage: Many hotels and cottages in Levi have a view of the Northern Lights, and some even have a glass ceiling or wall so you can watch the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed.

4. What to wear to see the Northern Lights in Levi

It can get very cold in Levi during the winter, so it is important to dress warmly when viewing the Northern Lights. Make sure to wear layers of warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, and warm boots. It is also a good idea to bring a warm drink and some snacks to keep you warm and energized.

5. How to photograph the Northern Lights in Levi

If you want to photograph the Northern Lights in Levi, it is important to use a camera with manual settings, as the Northern Lights can be difficult to photograph due to their constantly changing intensity and colour. To get the best results, use a tripod and a wide-angle lens, and set the aperture to f/2.8 or lower. You may also need to use a high ISO and a long exposure time to capture the Northern Lights.

Conclusion

The Northern Lights in Levi, Finland are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that should not be missed. Whether you join a guided tour, go on a safari, or stay at a Northern Lights-viewing hotel or cottage, there are plenty of ways to experience the beauty of the Aurora Borealis in Levi. Just remember to dress warmly and bring your camera to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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