Witnessing the northern lights in Posio, Finnish Lapland, is a magical experience that requires some planning and insider knowledge. The aurora borealis appears most frequently from September to March when dark skies prevail. For the best chances of seeing this natural phenomenon, venture away from artificial light sources to locations like frozen lakes or hilltops around Posio. Dress in proper layered winter clothing, bring a camera with manual settings, and most importantly, allow several nights for viewing opportunities. At Polar Lights Tours, we combine local expertise with comfortable accommodation in our renovated school building to create the perfect base for your aurora hunting adventures.
What are the Northern Lights and why is Posio ideal for viewing them?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a mesmerizing natural light display caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions create the characteristic dancing green, blue, pink, and purple lights that have captivated humans for centuries.
Posio, located in Finnish Lapland, offers exceptional conditions for viewing this celestial spectacle. Situated at approximately 66°N latitude, Posio falls directly within the “aurora zone” where northern lights activity is most frequent and intense. The region’s minimal light pollution is perhaps its greatest advantage, with vast wilderness areas providing dark skies essential for aurora visibility.
What makes Posio particularly special is its unique combination of accessibility and pristine nature. Unlike more developed tourist destinations, Posio maintains its authentic wilderness character whilst still offering comfortable accommodation options. The area features numerous frozen lakes that provide unobstructed views of the northern horizon—exactly where you want to be looking for the aurora.
The crisp, clean Arctic air in Posio also contributes to excellent visibility when the lights appear. With roughly 200 potential aurora viewing nights annually, this remote corner of Finnish Lapland gives visitors remarkable opportunities to witness nature’s most spectacular light show against a backdrop of snow-covered forests and frozen landscapes.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Posio?
The optimal season for aurora hunting in Posio spans from September through March. During these months, the region experiences properly dark nights—an essential condition for seeing the northern lights. December, January, and February offer the longest periods of darkness, maximizing your viewing window each night.
Time of day plays a crucial role in your aurora adventure. While the lights can technically appear anytime when it’s dark, the hours between 10 PM and 2 AM typically show the highest aurora activity. However, we always recommend staying alert throughout the evening as displays can begin earlier or later.
Weather conditions significantly impact visibility. Clear skies are absolutely essential, as clouds will obscure even the most powerful aurora display. Before planning your evening aurora excursion, check local weather forecasts specifically for cloud coverage. The winter climate in Posio often delivers perfectly clear, cold nights ideal for northern lights viewing.
Solar activity directly influences aurora intensity and frequency. The sun operates on roughly 11-year cycles of activity, with more frequent and vibrant displays occurring during solar maximum periods. However, even during solar minimum years, Posio’s location in the aurora zone means displays remain relatively common.
For those planning their Finnish Lapland travels, consider these factors:
- September-October: Less snow but darker nights begin, with potential for seeing auroras reflected in unfrozen lakes
- November-January: Full winter darkness offers maximum viewing hours, though temperatures are coldest
- February-March: Increasing daylight but still excellent viewing conditions, with milder temperatures
Where are the best viewing spots around Posio?
Posio offers several prime locations for witnessing the northern lights, each with its own unique advantages. The key is finding spots with minimal light pollution and clear views of the northern horizon.
Frozen lakes provide perhaps the most spectacular viewing platforms in the region. Lake Kitkajärvi, one of Finland’s cleanest lakes, offers expansive views across its frozen surface during winter. The lack of trees or buildings creates an unobstructed panorama where you can watch the lights dance from horizon to horizon. The lake’s ice also reflects the aurora, creating a mirroring effect that amplifies the visual impact.
Riisitunturi National Park, just a short distance from our accommodation, features elevated viewing points that place you above the treeline. The park’s iconic snow-laden trees (known as tykkylumi) create a fairytale foreground for northern lights photography. The hiking trails remain accessible in winter with proper equipment, allowing you to reach viewing spots away from any artificial light.
For those seeking convenience without sacrificing viewing quality, our renovated school building accommodation in Posio provides excellent aurora viewing opportunities right from the property. Situated away from town lights, our guests often spot the northern lights simply by stepping outside into our grounds—no lengthy excursion required.
Korouoma Canyon, another natural wonder near Posio, offers dramatic cliff backdrops for aurora viewing. The 30-meter-high rock walls create a stunning frame for the lights dancing above.
Local recommendations include:
- Livojärvi shoreline for reflections on partially open water
- Posio wilderness cabins for comfortable aurora viewing with immediate shelter
- Custom viewing spots accessible only through our guided tours, where we’ve identified optimal locations based on years of experience
How should you prepare for a Northern Lights expedition in Posio?
Proper preparation is essential for a comfortable and successful Arctic adventure hunting the northern lights in Posio. Winter temperatures can drop to -25°C or lower, making appropriate clothing your top priority.
For clothing, focus on the layering principle:
- Base layer: Thermal underwear made from wool or synthetic materials that wick moisture away from your body
- Mid layer: Fleece or wool for insulation
- Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers
- Extremities: Insulated boots, wool socks, thermal gloves/mittens, and a warm hat covering your ears
- Face protection: A balaclava or scarf to protect your face from biting wind
For photography enthusiasts, capturing the aurora requires specific equipment and settings:
- Camera with manual settings (DSLR or mirrorless preferred)
- Wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
- Sturdy tripod to prevent camera shake during long exposures
- Extra batteries (cold temperatures drain battery life rapidly)
- Remote shutter release to avoid camera movement
Beyond clothing and camera gear, bring these essentials:
- Headlamp with red light option (preserves night vision)
- Hand and foot warmers for extra comfort
- Thermos with hot drinks
- Snacks for energy during long viewing sessions
- Phone with aurora forecast apps installed
At our renovated school accommodation in Posio, we provide guests with warm overalls and boots if needed, plus guidance on camera settings for those wishing to photograph the aurora. Remember that patience is perhaps your most important tool—the lights appear on nature’s schedule, not yours.
What should you expect during a guided Northern Lights tour?
A guided Northern Lights tour offers a comprehensive experience that goes beyond simply seeing the aurora. Our tours typically begin in the evening, with departure times adjusted seasonally based on darkness onset and aurora forecasts.
Transportation is handled in comfortable, heated vehicles that allow you to warm up between viewing sessions. We take you to carefully selected locations around Posio, choosing the optimal spot each night based on current weather conditions and aurora forecasts. Having multiple potential viewing areas significantly increases your chances of successful sightings.
Our expert guides bring deep knowledge of both the science behind the aurora and the rich Finnish folklore surrounding this phenomenon. You’ll learn how the indigenous Sámi people interpreted the lights, with stories of fire foxes running across the sky creating sparks with their tails. This cultural context adds meaningful depth to your experience.
Traditional elements feature prominently in our tours. We often build a campfire where you can enjoy warm berry juice or hot chocolate whilst waiting for the lights. Some tours include a traditional Finnish wilderness meal served in a wooden kota (similar to a teepee), combining aurora hunting with authentic local cuisine.
Photography assistance comes standard on our tours. Our guides help with camera settings and can even take photos of you with the aurora as your backdrop—ensuring you return home with quality images of your experience.
Throughout the evening, our guides monitor aurora forecasts and maintain communication with other guides, allowing us to relocate quickly if better viewing conditions are reported elsewhere. This mobility and local network give our tours a significant advantage over independent aurora hunting.
After your evening excursion, return to our comfortable accommodation in the renovated school building, where you can warm up and share your aurora experiences with fellow travelers.
Your accommodation at Lehtiniemi Guesthouse & Camping
Your peaceful retreat in the heart of Lapland! Our newly renovated lodge, once an old village school, offers a unique and cozy accommodation experience in the serene surroundings of Posio. The perfect getaway for those looking to connect with nature, relax, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lapland.
Lehtiniemi Guesthouse & Camping is located in the picturesque nature of Posio, just a short drive from the Posio center and the region’s major attractions, such as Riisitunturi National Park and Korouoma Canyon. Our lodge offers an excellent base for exploring Lapland’s natural wonders.
Accommodation Options
We offer comfortable 2–6 person apartments, ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends. Fully equipped with a kitchen, cozy living area, comfortable beds, and a bathroom with a shower. The interiors are thoughtfully decorated with a warm, local touch to make you feel right at home.
Amenities & Services
- Enjoy a quiet setting surrounded by nature, providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Relax in our shared living room with a fireplace, or explore our library room for a peaceful reading session.
- Indulge in a traditional Finnish sauna experience in our lakeside log sauna.
- We offer a dedicated caravan area with parking spots.
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast or enjoy a delightful traditional home cooking dinner.
- Take advantage of our fishing facilities, which include a rowboat, fish trap, and a fishing guide if needed (extra fee). Fishing permits are included with your stay.
- We welcome pets upon request, ensuring your furry friends can join in on the adventure.
- Catering Services available upon request for an extra fee, catering services can be arranged to suit your needs.
- Enjoy a variety of indoor games such as table tennis, board games, and stationary cycling in our spacious game room.
- Experience the great outdoors with options for camping, hammock lounging, and renting E-Fatbikes, canoes, and a rowing boat with an electric motor. In winter, snowshoeing is also available.
By choosing Polar Lights Tours for your Posio adventure, you’re maximizing your chances of witnessing this breathtaking natural spectacle while experiencing the authentic heart of Finnish Lapland.
