Ever since childhood, witnessing the Northern Lights in Lapland has been at the top of my travel bucket list. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by blankets of soft, white snow while the aurora borealis dances across a starry night sky. While the Northern Lights are undeniably the highlight of any trip to Finland, there’s so much more to enjoy. From exciting activities to cozy accommodations perfect for unwinding after a busy day, here’s your complete guide to Ivalo.
Where We Stayed
Wilderness Hotel Juutua
This charming hotel is the perfect spot to rest after a day of chasing the Northern Lights. Surrounded by towering trees and the serene River Juutua, the hotel recently underwent renovations, adding new rooms. The accommodation options include Wilderness Rooms in the main building, Juutua Suites with private saunas, and spacious Arctic Rooms in a separate building, each offering breathtaking views. I stayed in an Arctic Room, and although I didn’t have a private sauna, the hotel’s hot tub and sauna outhouse were just a short stroll away.
One of the highlights of Wilderness Hotel Juutua is the Aanaar restaurant, which serves fresh local food. We enjoyed grilled white fish from Lake Inari and a delightful birch leaf sorbet with tar bavaroise and licorice stones for dessert. It's a must-visit, even if you're not staying at the hotel.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
At this unique resort, you stay in glass-roofed cabins that face the Northern Lights, meaning you can watch the aurora borealis from the comfort of your bed. The cabins are cozy and comfortable, and each one has a button to heat the roof and melt the snow if needed. The main resort base has a lively vibe with a reception, buffet-style restaurant, small bar, and a fireplace. There are plenty of outdoor activities available, including fat biking, husky sledding, and snowmobiling. The resort also has a sauna, ice pool, and hot tub available for booking.
What We Did
The Janiskoski Rapids
One of the magical moments of my trip was visiting the Janiskoski Rapids. The breathtaking rapids and surrounding scenery were the perfect spot for lunch and photos. To get there, we crossed a suspension bridge over the Juutua River, and once across, our guides prepared salmon and potato soup over a campfire, followed by cookies and hot chocolate.
Aurora Camps
No trip to Finland is complete without visiting an Aurora Camp. I visited two camps during my stay, and both were incredible. The first camp was after I saw the Northern Lights for the first time while staying at Wilderness Hotel Juutua. Although the lights didn’t appear again, the stargazing was extraordinary. The second camp, located near the Russian border along the Paatsjoki River, was equally memorable. We toasted marshmallows, drank warm blueberry juice, and soaked in the vast, beautiful wilderness.
Sámi Siida Museum
While not exactly an aurora-hunting activity, a visit to the Sámi Siida Museum is a must in Inari. It offers an insightful look into the culture of the Sámi people and the beauty of the Finnish wilderness. The museum includes both indoor exhibits and outdoor experiences, such as visits to self-made huts and cabins that show how the Sámi people lived.
Aurora Hunting by Fat Bike
A unique and exhilarating way to experience the Northern Lights is by fat bike. The Northern Lights Village offers a guided three-hour bike ride through the snowy trails. With only headlamps lighting the way, we made a stop for refreshments before heading back to the resort. It’s a truly memorable way to enjoy the lights!
Finland’s Ivalo offers an experience that blends natural beauty, adventure, and authentic culture. Whether you’re looking for the aurora borealis or simply wanting to explore the wild landscapes of Lapland, it’s a destination that promises unforgettable memories.