4 insights gained from our quest for the northern lights above the Arctic Circle

We just completed a trip to northern Finland, far above the Arctic Circle. Although the main aim of our journey wasn't to chase the northern lights, witnessing them for the first time remained high on our wish list. We were positioned in a prime location for viewing, and according to Visit Lapland, the northern lights can be seen roughly 200 nights each year in that area.

Sadly, we missed out due to persistent snow and cloud cover for most nights of our visit. Nevertheless, even though we didn’t catch a glimpse of the northern lights this time, we gained valuable insights on what to do — and what to avoid — when trying to experience one of nature’s most stunning spectacles.

Consider not basing your trip solely on the northern lights

Our first unexpected lesson was realizing that it was fortunate our trip wasn’t centered around viewing the northern lights, as that would have been a complete disappointment. Whether you're heading to Alaska, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Sweden, or Finland in search of the aurora borealis, there's a wealth of activities to enjoy in those regions, regardless of whether the colorful displays appear in the sky or not.

So, certainly choose a destination and season that offers a great chance to witness the northern lights, but don’t let the outcome of your trip depend on something that is completely out of your control.

Engage in skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, or exploring, and view the pursuit of the northern lights as just one of many enjoyable activities. This approach can help minimize disappointment if the lights don’t make an appearance.

For the record, while it’s possible to see the lights outside of these months, the best chances for viewing typically occur from October to March, with the clearest sightings generally around midnight. However, theoretically, you can spot them any time it’s dark and you’re far enough north.

Choose accommodations that offer rooms designed for optimal northern lights viewing

I’ve always been fascinated by the tales of various types of glass cabins and igloos designed for northern lights viewing, and now I completely get the excitement. They are not just adorable and Instagram-worthy — they are incredibly practical for spotting celestial activity.

I’d recommend seizing the opportunity to stay in a glass igloo, cabin, or any space designed for optimal viewing, even if it means spending a bit more.

During my trip, we stayed at the Star Arctic Hotel in Saariselkä, Finland. The glass cabin, available for just one night of our stay, cost about €100 more than the standard suite, but it was absolutely worth it. I genuinely felt sad when our time in that cabin ended.

Although we didn’t catch a glimpse of the northern lights, simply being able to open my eyes and gaze upward while snug in bed was so much easier than our later evenings spent bundling up and heading outside into the frigid night for a chance to see the northern sky.

Use the right apps

If you don’t plan to stay awake all night gazing northward during the dark hours, you’ll need some guidance on when you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of the lights.

There are various websites and apps to choose from, but we found the Aurora app particularly useful as it indicates the best places in the world to see the lights at any given moment and provides a forecast for your chances in the upcoming hours and days.

Join a tour or hire someone to seek them out for you

Just as you can see more stars away from city lights, the same principle applies to the northern lights.

Whether you choose a more secluded location with optimal viewing conditions, embark on a nighttime tour to a renowned viewing area with a guide, or stay at a place where staff can alert you if the northern lights appear, getting professional assistance will enhance your chances of success.

TPG's Brian Kelly joined a tour dedicated to finding the northern lights and had success spotting them in Norway.

TPG's former editor-at-large, Zach Honig, successfully spotted the northern lights with a guide above the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

Of course, you don't have to hire someone to notify you about the northern lights to see them. However, if your budget allows, it can be a smart move to increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

I remain eager to witness the northern lights, and I plan to keep exploring these northern destinations for more adventurous experiences. Despite not seeing them this time, we picked up valuable strategies to apply in future attempts.