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The Finnish phrase for Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, revontulet, translates directly as fox’s burns. The ancient Finns trusted aurora were made by a fox running along snow-covered fells moving its tail on the snowdrifts and placing a trail of sparks into the sky. Again, some Sami and Siberian individuals believed that aurora came from the wounds of the departed. The colorful skies weren’t a signal of suffering but quite caused by blood that ran when the spirits played ball or went horseback taking 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 north Finland, north of the Arctic Circle, auroras may be accessible on clear nights up to two hundred times a year. The chance of seeing the lights grows the further north you go. In Kilpisjärvi and Utsjoki auroras are seen three out of 4 nights during wintertime. Even in Helsinki, the Northern Lights can be caught 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 nighttimes are too bright for observing auroras.

Admire the Northern Lights in 5 new ways in wintertime 2009 to 2010

Igloo Village Kakslauttanen close to Ivalo is involved to offering the best views of the Northern Lights in the most sufficient conditions possible. The village pioneered the use of the first glass igloos, made of a special thermo glass which supports the interiors at room temperature whilst windowpanes remain frost-free even at -30°C. New for 2010 is the Sky Panorama Bus, a special opportunity for Aurora Hunting in the rugged landscape of Lapland. Available in the evenings from late August onwards, the Sky Panorama Bus is fit for groups. The Sky Panorama Bus is the unique bus in Finland equipped with a panoramic skylight. Costs for Aurora Hunting are €60 per person with a return trip from Kakslauttanen, guide servicing included.