Five ways to see the Northern Lights
Is it the gods thrashing or the magical fox swishing its tail? Ancient beliefs about the origin of the Northern Lights vary from culture to culture. In winter 2009 to 2010 there are five new ways to discover this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
The Finnish word for Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, revontulet, translates directly as fox's fires. The ancient Finns believed aurora were caused by a fox running along snow-covered fells striking its tail on the snowdrifts and sending a trail of sparks into the sky. Again, some Sami and Siberian people believed that aurora came from the wounds of the departed. The colorful skies weren't a sign of suffering but rather caused by blood that ran when the spirits played ball or went horseback riding in the afterworld.
Nowadays the more academic explanation is that auroras form when solar winds hit the Earth's atmosphere at the height of 100 km. In northern Finland, north of the Arctic Circle, auroras may be visible on clear nights up to 200 times a year. The probability of seeing the lights grows the further north you go. In Kilpisjärvi and Utsjoki auroras are seen three out of four nights during winter. Even in Helsinki, the Northern Lights can be seen as many as 20 times a year, in areas away from city lights. The season for aurora watching is from September to March, with the best months being September and March. During the summer, the nights are too bright for observing auroras.
Igloo Village Kakslauttanen
Admire the Northern Lights in five new ways in winter 2009 to 2010
Igloo Village Kakslauttanen close to Ivalo is committed to offering the best views of the Northern Lights in the most comfortable conditions possible. The village pioneered the use of the first glass igloos, made of a special thermo glass which keeps the interiors at room temperature whilst windows remain frost-free even at -30°C. New for 2010 is the Sky Panorama Bus, a unique opportunity for Aurora Hunting in the rugged landscape of Lapland. Available in the evenings from late August onwards, the Sky Panorama Bus is suitable for groups. The Sky Panorama Bus is the only bus in Finland equipped with a panoramic skylight. Prices for Aurora Hunting are €60 per person with a return trip from Kakslauttanen, guide services included.
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Aurora Safaris
For something more hands-on, Midnight Snowmobiling, also known as Aurora Safari combines the beauty of the Northern Lights with the thrill of snowmobiling at night. In the evening visitors set out across ice fields to specially chosen lookout points away from any artificial light. Hot drinks around a comforting campfire are provided to top off the extraordinary experience. The Aurora Safaris of Safaris Unlimited in Kemi last 1.5 hours and cost €63 per person, half price for children.
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Hotel RukaVillage
If you prefer a more laid-back approach to admiring the aurora, perhaps the comforts of your own hot tub appeal? Hotel RukaVillage is a brand new high class hotel located in the very heart of the popular ski resort, Ruka. The large apartments offer private saunas and outdoor hot tubs that allow you to relax and enjoy the spectacular Northern Lights with no effort, apart from that of raising your arm to sip your drink of choice! Surrounded by arctic wilderness, frozen lakes and snow-covered forests, Ruka is located just below the Arctic Circle, close to the Russian border. This latitude promises snow-sure skiing from late November to early May. Winter prices for seven nights at RukaVillage start at €710 per room, which includes a double bed, fold out sofa-bed, kitchen, balcony and sauna.
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Aurora Chalet
Another northern highlight is the Aurora Chalet in Luosto. As the name suggests, the hotel is fully equipped to serve the guests in their desire for aurora-admiration. A special alarm system of the hotel will let you know when to look up at the Northern skies and all the rooms are built to face the northern horizon, so you can stay comfortably in your privacy to see the auroras weaving across the skies. All the spacious rooms come with their own sauna and some with a fireplace. Winter prices for a double room with private sauna, breakfast and Northern Light alarm start from €98.
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Arctic Snow Hotel
For a totally different hotel experience, the Arctic SnowHotel comes up trumps! As the name suggests, the hotel is fashioned from ice and snow and is located close to Lapland's capital of Rovaniemi. Guests are supplied with warm fleece-lined sleeping bags to shield them from the cold winter night with temperatures that can plummet to -30C. The temperatures in the rooms themselves are maintained to a relatively cosy 0 to 5°C. In the hot tub outside guests can relax and gaze skyward in search of the Northern Lights while sipping hot beverages. A traditional Finnish snow sauna completes the experience with its distinctively humid heat. Rooms for couples are €110 per person per night and €500 for a family or group. The stay includes a guided tour of the ice hotel, high-quality sleeping bags, shower and toilet facilities and breakfast in the Log Restaurant.
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