Can you see the northern lights in Utsjoki tonight?

The Finnish Meteorological Institute advises watching for the northern lights from an open place that is as dark as possible and away from settlement light pollution. On clear nights in the dark, auroras are seen on average on three nights in four near Kilpisjärvi, and in Utsjoki the share is about 10 percentage points lower. Getting here requires planning around the daily bus connection or hiring a car for the drive up the E75.

When to see the northern lights in Utsjoki

According to Finnish Meteorological Institute statistics, when the sky is clear and dark, auroras are seen on average on three nights in four (75% of nights) near the latitude of Kilpisjärvi, which is the highest frequency in Finland. In Utsjoki, the share is about 10 percentage points lower. The FMI notes that auroras appear every night on the Arctic Ocean coast of northern Norway, but further north still, inside the auroral oval, the number of aurora nights falls again.

Auroras occur fairly evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher activity in autumn and spring than in winter and summer. However, Explore Utsjoki notes that in summer the sun does not set below the horizon at all in the far north of Lapland, and the FMI states that summer nights are too light to see the faint glow of the aurora. Explore Utsjoki says that during the polar night, it is never completely dark all day in Utsjoki municipality; there are always a few hours of twilight, and after Christmas the light increases day by day. To check seasonal darkness, consult the daylight schedule for Utsjoki.

The weather does not change whether auroras occur, but because the light forms above all clouds, you cannot see them when the sky is covered by thick cloud. The FMI states that a couple of hours either side of midnight is the most typical time for auroras, though they can appear at random through the night, and during large geomagnetic storms they can last from sunset to sunrise.

Late winter and early autumn are statistically the best periods for auroral activity. Because spring is on average less cloudy, the FMI recommends March. Explore Utsjoki, the municipality's travel site, states that the northern lights are at their most spectacular in late winter if the skies stay relatively cloudless, which also coincides with the best skiing period. The tourism site also notes that autumn is a good time and less cold, and describes the area at 70° North as one of the best places in the world to experience the phenomenon, with many local professionals offering guided tours.

How to get to Utsjoki

Utsjoki is the northernmost municipality in Finland, running alongside the Norwegian border, and is Finland's only Sámi-majority municipality. The travel route to the Arctic Ocean, Nordkapp and the Varangerfjord passes through it. Explore Utsjoki states that the best way to reach the municipality is by car or bus.

The nearest airport is Ivalo, located 176 km away, which has regular Finnair flights. Lapland North gives the driving time from Ivalo Airport to Utsjoki as 2 hours. Kirkenes in Norway is 190 km away, Lakselv is 188 km, Alta is 314 km, and Rovaniemi is 447 km away. For the winter season 2026/2027, Lapland North lists direct flights to Ivalo from:

• London (BA Euroflyer)
• Paris Orly (Vueling and Transavia)
• Amsterdam (TUI fly)
• Düsseldorf (Eurowings)
• Frankfurt (Lufthansa)
• Zürich (Edelweiss Air)
• Vienna (Austrian)
• Munich (Discover Airlines)

These run alongside year-round services from Helsinki. You can hire a car at the airports, and local travel companies provide transport from Ivalo and Kirkenes to Utsjoki, Nuorgam and Karigasniemi. There are no daily public transport connections running from the Norwegian airports into Utsjoki.

A daily public bus runs from Ivalo to Utsjoki, Karigasniemi and Nuorgam, with timetables published on Matkahuolto's website. If travelling by train, the closest railway stations are Rovaniemi (the most common arrival point), Kemijärvi and Kolari; long-distance buses continue north from each station towards Inari and Utsjoki. The main road is the E75, which runs north from Rovaniemi through Sodankylä, Saariselkä, Ivalo and Inari. In Utsjoki itself, the municipality operates a shared car used by municipal staff on weekdays; in the evenings, at weekends and during summer, anyone can rent it.

Where to stand to see the aurora

The FMI advises watching the aurora from an open place that is as dark as possible and situated away from the light pollution of settlements. Settlements in the area sit primarily along the banks of the River Teno, which forms the border between Finland and Norway. The Sámi Bridge crosses the river at Utsjoki village, with Ailigas fell rising above the settlement. Explore Utsjoki states that on a clear, dark night you might see auroras above the River Teno or the fells.

Lapland North highlights exceptional northern lights viewing in Nuorgam, the northernmost point of Finland and the European Union. Kaldoaivi is Finland's largest wilderness area, a roadless region of river valleys and open fells. Lapland North notes that with no light pollution, Kaldoaivi offers memorable aurora viewing, though Explore Utsjoki recommends exploring the wilderness area with a local guide for safety and comfort. Explore Utsjoki also notes that booking a trip with a local company is the best way to make sure of seeing the aurora, as guides provide photography tips and can drive you to a better spot if needed. Kevo Strict Nature Reserve lies within the Paistunturi wilderness, known for its canyon and rugged marked trails open only in certain seasons, rather than as an aurora site.

Lapland North warns that winter temperatures can drop below −30°C and advises dressing in layers. Reindeer often wander onto roads throughout the year; slow down if you see one, as there are usually more nearby, and be especially alert at dawn and dusk. Lapland North warns drivers not to stop in the middle of the road to take photos, but to pull off at a safe place or a parking area. For broader regional comparisons across the north, see our guide to the best places to see the northern lights.