Nature is an important part of life, and many people seek peace, exercise and joy there. Although darkness might be frightening to some, it is not a reason to skip hiking for months on end. Hiking in the dark can be an amazing experience as long as you have the right gear and skills. We want to encourage you to get out in nature even when darkness falls - safely.
Only in the dark can you see the stars
In nature, far from the city streetlights, the starry sky shines brightly. You don't need special gear - just warm clothes and plenty of time. You can also combine stargazing with skiing, hiking or snowshoeing.
In Finland, it is easy to see, for example, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Orion’s Belt, Cygnus and Lyra. You can also see the moon, planets (e.g. Jupiter and Venus), shooting stars, comets and the Milky Way.
Northern lights - a magical show in the sky
Seeing the northern lights is an unforgettable experience. Finland, one of the northernmost countries in the world, offers excellent opportunities for seeing them. Even Helsinki, which is located on the southern coast of Finland, is north enough to see the northern lights. The best way to ensure that you get a glimpse of the northern lights is to travel to Northern Finland.
Tips for seeing the stars and northern lights
- Avoid areas with light pollution: National parks and other protected areas are ideal places.
- Darkness: Northern lights can be seen from September to April. During the full moon, they are more difficult to spot.
- Clear sky: Because cloud cover will block any view of the northern lights and stars, a clear sky is crucial.
- Solar activity: Sufficient solar activity is essential to seeing the northern lights. Check the probability of northern lights occurring: Northern lights and space weather (fmi.fi)
- Timing: Autumn and spring are better times than the winter for seeing the northern lights. The best time is late evening, at around 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Where you can see the northern lights or stars
Darkness can last for most of the day in Lapland. At the winter solstice, Rovaniemi is bathed in darkness for 20 hours, and in the northernmost areas of Finland, the sun does not rise at all.
- Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: The streetlights at Ylläs are turned off from October to February. Pallas has few lights to begin with.
- Urho Kekkonen National Park: Along the Aurorapolku Trail (2.1 km), which is located close to the centre of Saariselkä, there is a rest hut, from which you can easily observe nature while sheltered from the freezing temperatures outside.
Safety first
Although spending time out and about in nature when it is dark is a fascinating experience, safety always comes first..
- Remember to bring along a headlamp or torch and spare batteries.
- Dress warmly - the temperature may drop sharply.
- Wear reflective clothes or reflectors to help others see you.
- Trails can be slippery in the winter, so make sure your footwear has good traction.
- Always tell others where you are going, especially if you are hiking alone.
- Set aside enough time and enjoy, as hiking in the dark is not for anyone in a hurry.
Take a guided excursion for your first time out
If you are nervous about hiking in the dark, start with a guided excursion. This allows you to get started safely while learning about nature. There are various guides on available hiking destination services.
Reflectors mark the trail, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. All you need is a headlamp or torch and weather-appropriate clothes. Make sure your footwear have good traction.
Stargazing, making campfires in the dark or hiking leisurely along a reflector trail offer a completely new way to enjoy nature. Remember, only in the dark can you see the stars at their brightest!
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