Kind Compass

Seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland: A Solo Trip I’ll Never Forget

December in Lapland is pure magic: snowy forests, short blue daylight, soft pink sunrises, frozen waterfalls and some of the best northern lights displays in the world. Temperatures can drop to –30°C but with the right layers and planning, it’s the perfect time for an Arctic adventure.

Lapland in winter feels like stepping into another world — silent forests, frozen lakes, and skies that sometimes catch fire with green and violet light. I spent a week based in Rovaniemi exploring on my own, and this is exactly how my first night unfolded… plus everything you need to know for planning your own Arctic adventure.

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 Arriving After Midnight to –30°C and a Chance of Aurora

My flight was delayed, so I arrived in Rovaniemi after midnight. I picked up my hire car, drove through the snow-covered roads to my Airbnb cabin, and my host met me at the door. She showed me around and said:

“If you want to see the aurora tonight… this might be your only chance.”

Ten minutes later she came back with a snow suit and said:
“It’s out now. Go down the track.”

I threw it on, grabbed my camera, and walked into the forest.

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 Watching the Aurora From a Forest Laavu

Just a short walk from the cabin was a small wooden laavu — one of those free public shelters you find all over Finland. The sky was glowing green through the trees, shifting and stretching like silk.

I sat by the fire, wrapped in the snow suit, watching the aurora dance overhead. No crowds. No tours. Just silence, cold air, and the crackle of burning wood.

❄️ Base: Rovaniemi (and Yes, You Need a Car)

I stayed just outside Rovaniemi in a cosy cabin surrounded by forest. Having a car was essential — not just for northern lights chasing but also for exploring.

I drove to:

Ranua Wildlife Park

Rovaniemi town for food + supplies

Santa Claus Village (twice, because it’s huge and surprisingly fun)

Local nature trails for daytime walks

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 Tours With Arctic Adventures (The Easy Way to Explore)

I didn’t self-drive activities — Arctic Adventures picked me up for all my trips, which made everything stress-free. It meant I could relax, not worry about roads or weather, and go with people who know the region inside out.

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 Aurora Expectations: Be Realistic and Be Ready

The northern lights are magical, but they’re unpredictable. Some nights you get faint green glows; others you get explosions across the whole sky.

From my experience:

Apps help but don’t guarantee anything

Clouds can kill the show

Clear, cold nights are your best friend

Sometimes the best displays are at 1–3am

My first night was pure luck — but I was prepared.

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理 What to Pack for Lapland (ESSENTIALS)

Lapland is extremely cold in winter. What you pack matters.

Absolute essentials:

Merino wool base layers (top + leggings)

Waterproof insulated coat

Waterproof winter boots

Thermal / merino / alpaca socks

Merino or fleece gloves + waterproof outer gloves

Thermal hat + neck warmer

Snow pants

Hand warmers

Camera with spare batteries (they die fast in the cold)

If your accommodation provides a snow suit — use it. It’s a game changer.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

Lapland is one of the most peaceful, surreal, beautiful places I’ve ever travelled solo. From forest fires to frozen silence and midnight auroras, it’s the kind of trip that stays with you forever.

If you’re dreaming of seeing the northern lights — go. Pack warm, stay flexible, and give the Arctic a chance to surprise you.