Introduction
Finnish Lapland is a fantastic destination and an autism-friendly winter destination for witnessing the mesmerizing natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The region’s proximity to the North Pole makes it an ideal location to experience this stunning light display.
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis
In northern Lapland, observers can see the Aurora Borealis on almost every clear night during this period. In southern Finland, sightings occur on only around 10–20 nights each year.
The Northern Lights occur as a weather phenomenon when particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. Solar storms on the sun’s surface release vast clouds of electrically charged particles, known as solar wind.
This hurtles across space towards the Earth. When these charged particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, they interact with atoms and molecules. These interactions cause them to emit light. This creates the breathtaking display of colours known as the Northern Lights. Therefore, clear skies are essential for optimal viewing conditions.
To maximise your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring spectacle, head northwards, preferably near or above the Arctic Circle. This increases your likelihood of encountering dark, starry skies, creating an ideal backdrop for the Northern Lights.
If you plan to visit Finnish Lapland to experience the Aurora Borealis, consult local weather forecasts and regional information sources to ensure prime viewing opportunities.
I took the images in this post in and around Saariselkä, a small Finnish town in the far north of Finnish Lapland. Visitors consider it one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights. Its remote location, minimal light pollution, and clear skies create the perfect atmosphere to observe the Northern Lights, formally known as the Aurora Borealis.
The Autism-Friendly Winter Destination of the Northern Lights Village
I found that Saariselkä offers a unique way to enjoy the northern lights while surrounded by modern comforts. Guests can stay in stylish hotels, rustic timber lodges, or glass-roofed aurora cabins that bring the sky inside. Private hostel rooms and luxury pods provide cosy spaces for couples or families. Each stay helps make the northern lights experience comfortable, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.
Additionally, the village offers many guided safari tours and experiences by snowmobile or husky sled in the winter months to significant viewing spots and photography workshops to perfect your Northern Lights photography.
Apart from the northern lights, Saariselkä offers many things to see and experience. Sensory activities make it a great autism-friendly winter destination. Visitors enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, or take snowmobile safaris that stop at a woodland cabin where they build a fire, cook sausages, and drink mulled wine. Husky sledding, reindeer farm visits, hiking, tobogganing, snow-biking, and snowshoeing add even more adventure. Saariselkä also has plenty of bars, restaurants, a convenience store, and a gas station.
Helpful Tips for Visiting an Autism-Friendly Winter Destination
Before I set off on any trip, I always make sure my online connections are secure with NordVPN, and when I’m travelling hand-luggage-only, I pack everything I need in my Stubble & Co Adventure Bag, which is built to handle every short and long haul journey from city breaks to remote adventures.
I know it is possible to travel to Saariselkä directly without one of the so-called ‘Santa tours’, but its cheaper to go directly with Finnair frequently operates flights from Helsinki (HEL) Airport to Ivalo (IVL) Airport. The Saariselkä Ski Bus departs from outside the only terminal building at Ivalo Airport from snowfall until the 1st May.
I found that the Saariselkä Ski Bus has experienced Finnish drivers who are used to driving buses on ice roads with tickets starting from only 10€ / adult or 5 € / child from Ivalo airport and it will drop you outside your hotel/lodgings in Saariselka. Ski Bus – Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort (skisaariselka.com)
