Welcome to the first post in our travel blog series on chasing the Northern Lights! This series will cover the best countries to witness this spectacular phenomenon, starting with Finland. Seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is on many travelers’ bucket lists, and 2024 is shaping up to be an excellent year for it. Let’s dive into why you should see Northern Lights in Finland and how to plan your trip.
Why 2024 is the Best Year to See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are closely tied to the solar cycle, an 11-year cycle of solar activity. We’re approaching a peak in solar activity, which means 2024 will likely offer some of the most vibrant auroras in recent years. Increased solar activity means more frequent and intense auroras, giving you a higher chance of seeing this natural wonder. Scientists and aurora enthusiasts are excited about the upcoming peak, making 2024 a prime year for your aurora adventure.
Why Now?
Now is the perfect time to plan your Northern Lights trip for several reasons. Firstly, the technology for aurora forecasting has improved significantly, allowing you to plan your viewing nights more effectively. Plus, Northern Lights tourism has become more popular, leading to better infrastructure and more tour options in key destinations. Finally, as we anticipate higher solar activity, it’s wise to book early to secure the best accommodations and tours before they fill up.
Which Country Should You Plan to Visit?
There are several great countries for seeing the Northern Lights: Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Canada, and Alaska (US). Each offers unique experiences, but Finland stands out for its accessibility, variety of activities, and welcoming atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at why Finland is an excellent choice.
Why Choose Finland?
Finland, particularly the region of Lapland, is ideal for Northern Lights hunting. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, offers a perfect blend of urban and natural attractions. You can visit Santa Claus Village, go on reindeer and husky safaris, and stay in cozy accommodations designed for aurora viewing. Kemi, another great spot, features the famous SnowCastle and Icebreaker Sampo tours. The Finnish hospitality and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it easy for travelers to enjoy their trip.
Visa Process for Indian Passport Holders
As an Indian passport holder, you will need a Schengen visa to travel to Finland or any other part of Europe, except UK (United Kingdom). Here is how you can apply:
1. Gather Documents:
- Passport: Valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Finland.
- Visa Application Form: Filled out and signed.
- Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000.
- Flight Itinerary: Booking confirmation for flights.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letter.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing sufficient funds.
- Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit and itinerary.
- Employment Letter: If applicable, proof of employment.
2. Book an Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment with the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate, or through a visa application center like VFS Global.
3. Attend the Appointment:
- Submit your documents and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
4. Pay Visa Fee:
- The visa fee is approximately €80 for adults. Additional service fees may apply if applying through a visa application center.
5. Wait for Processing:
- Processing time is usually around 15 calendar days. Plan accordingly to avoid last-minute issues.
What to Pack
When packing for your Northern Lights adventure, consider the following essentials:
- Warm clothing: Layered clothing, thermal socks, gloves, and a good winter jacket are essential for staying warm in the Arctic cold.
- Camera with a tripod: Capture the stunning auroras with a DSLR or a smartphone with good low-light capabilities. A tripod will help stabilize your shots.
- Passport and travel essentials: Don’t forget your passport, visa, travel insurance documents, and any medications you may need.
Best Time to Visit
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible in Finland, Sweden, and Norway from September to April. The best months for aurora viewing are March, September, and October. These months offer a good balance of dark nights, milder temperatures, and increased chances of clear skies for aurora viewing.
Duration
Plan to spend at least a week in Lapland to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. Longer stays allow flexibility for weather conditions and aurora sightings, ensuring you have the best possible experience.
Travel Itinerary for Finland
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
- Start your journey by flying into Helsinki. As an Indian passport holder, you’ll need a Schengen visa. Make sure to apply well in advance and prepare all required documents.
- Spend your first evening exploring Helsinki. Visit landmarks like Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square.
On Day 2: Helsinki to Rovaniemi
- Travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi via a domestic flight or an overnight train. Both options offer scenic views and comfort. One way flight may cost between ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per person, depending on the time of your booking. Train is going to cost between ₹6,000 – ₹7,000.
- Check into your accommodation in Rovaniemi. Spend the day exploring the town and visiting the Arktikum Science Museum.
Day 3-4: Experiencing Rovaniemi
- Visit Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa and cross the Arctic Circle.
- Book a Northern Lights tour for the evening. These tours often include professional guides and warm gear.
- During the day, enjoy activities like reindeer and husky safaris or snowmobiling. Don’t miss the Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals.
On Day 5: Rovaniemi to Kemi
- Travel to Kemi, which is about 1.5 hours away by train or car. Train is going to cost between ₹800 – ₹1200. However, taxi services are a bit expensive and can cost you between ₹15,000 – ₹20,000
- Check into your accommodation and visit the SnowCastle, a stunning ice structure that changes every year.
Day 6: Activities in Kemi
- Experience the Icebreaker Sampo tour, where you can break through ice-covered waters and even take a dip in the icy sea (in a survival suit!).
- In the evening, join another Northern Lights tour to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras.
Day 7: Return to Helsinki
- Head back to Helsinki and spend the night. This is a great time for last-minute shopping or visiting any sights you missed on Day 1.
On Day 8: Departure
- Fly back home with unforgettable memories and hopefully, plenty of Northern Lights photos.
Costing and Budgeting Tips
Traveling to Finland can be affordable with proper planning. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
- Flights: International flights range from ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 round trip. Domestic flights or trains within Finland cost around ₹10,000 – ₹20,000.
- Accommodation: Expect to pay ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 per night depending on the city and type of lodging.
- Activities: Northern Lights tours cost around ₹7,000 – ₹12,000. Reindeer or husky safaris cost ₹5,000 – ₹8,000. The Icebreaker Sampo tour is about ₹18,000 – ₹22,000.
- Meals: Plan for ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per day.
- Miscellaneous: Schengen visa fee is around ₹7,000 – ₹8,000, and travel insurance costs ₹1,000 – ₹2,000.
Total estimated cost per person is approximately ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000.
Tools and Apps for a Seamless Trip
Make your trip easier with these tools:
- Flight and Accommodation Booking: Use Skyscanner for flights and Booking.com or Airbnb for stays.
- Transportation: Download the VR Finnish Railways app for train bookings and use Google Maps or Bing Maps for navigation.
- Local Activities and Tours: Book tours on GetYourGuide or Viator. For aurora tracking, use My Aurora Forecast & Alerts.
- Currency Conversion and Budgeting: XE Currency for real-time exchange rates and Tumudo for tracking expenses.
- Travel Insurance: Compare and purchase travel insurance on Policybazaar.
Conclusion
Finland is a fantastic destination for experiencing the Northern Lights, especially in 2024. With the expected peak in solar activity, it’s the perfect time to plan your trip. From the charming town of Rovaniemi to the unique experiences in Kemi, Finland offers a magical winter adventure. Start planning now to ensure you get the best deals and make the most of your journey.
Call to Action
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Have you experienced the Northern Lights before? We’d love to hear about it! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog series for updates on future posts about Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Canada, and Alaska. Happy travels!
Additional Resources
Here are few more pointers which you should consider, while planning your trip –
- Patience: Waiting is essential. Nature takes its time, so be patient. It’s worth enduring the cold temperatures!
- Kp Index Value: Tour guides use this measure to predict aurora intensity. Higher Kp-index values mean better chances of witnessing the dancing lights.
- Cloudless Starry Night Sky: Booking tours can help you find a cloudless night sky. Guides will keep driving until you’re away from light pollution. Also, do not plan your trip during full moon.
- High Solar Activity: While we can’t control this, hope for the best—the more active the sun, the better your chances.
- Pitch Darkness: Venture far from city lights to experience the true darkness required for the aurora borealis.
Remember, the Northern Lights are a magical phenomenon, and these prerequisites enhance your chances of experiencing their beauty!
So, start planning your adventure today and make 2024 a year to remember.