Helsinki: Chasing the northern lights in the Arctic Circle is a dream for many travellers. For this writer, that dream finally became a reality. An official invitation by the Finland government to Helsinki for the ‘Climate Solutions from Finland’ programme from Oct 5-10 opened the opportunity for me to travel to Rovaniemi in search of the aurora borealis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the three-day solo adventure to Rovaniemi was an extended trip with the approval of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in northern Finland and located on the Arctic Circle, is a renowned destination for tourists. Known as the ‘home of Santa Claus’, Rovaniemi is an ideal place to witness the northern lights, usually visible from late August to early April.
Lapland is known for its thick snow, magical winter landscapes, wildlife, popular winter activities, and the rich culture of the Sami, the indigenous people who have lived in the region for centuries. During the visit in late autumn, Rovaniemi’s charm was highlighted by the autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown creating stunning landscapes.
The journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi was made aboard the Santa Claus Express train, covering more than 800 kilometres in a 12-hour journey. In Rovaniemi, renting a car was necessary as public bus services were infrequent and limited. Visits included Santa Claus Village, Arktikum Museum and Science Centre, Ounasvaara Hill, and watching the northern lights at Apukka Resort.
Santa Claus Village, located at the Arctic Circle, is a symbolic gateway to the northernmost part of the world. The village was not crowded during the autumn season, allowing for a relaxed exploration and enjoyment of the atmosphere. A certificate was obtained as proof of crossing the famous Arctic Circle line, and an experience of meeting ‘Santa Claus’ brought back childhood memories. The visit continued to Santa’s Main Post Office to send postcards to friends, scheduled for delivery in December 2025 to mark the festive season.
A visit to a reindeer farm included a reindeer ride through the pine forests, a short yet memorable Arctic experience. Riding a seven-year-old male reindeer for about 400 metres was a thrilling experience despite the absence of snow requiring a wheeled cart instead of a traditional snow sleigh.
The Arktikum Museum and Science Centre offers a glimpse into life above the Arctic Circle, providing an in-depth look at Finnish history and culture, particularly the story of Lapland. Exhibits highlight the traditions of the S¡mi people and their connection with nature. The museum also explains the aurora borealis phenomenon, detailing how and why the northern lights appear, and why Rovaniemi is one of the best places to witness them.
Finally, Apukka Resort is a top spot to witness the northern lights, with wide, unobstructed skies for the viewing experience. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a natural light display in high-latitude regions near the Arctic, occurring when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. My aurora hunt began at night at Apukka Resort, watching the skies from around 11 pm. Just after midnight, the first hints of green lights appeared, soon expanding to fill the sky in a stunning display lasting about 20 minutes.
Rovaniemi offers unforgettable memories of the aurora, providing an authentic Arctic experience with strong, dry Arctic winds during the transition from autumn to winter. The cold was almost unbearable, with the lowest temperature experienced being three degrees Celsius, but felt like minus-four degrees Celsius. Despite the cold, watching nature’s extraordinary light show unfold was a moment to be cherished forever.