If you go to Finnish Lapland in the winter, you should be aware of a natural phenomenon called polar night. To help you, we have compiled eight facts about the polar night in Finland that you absolutely need to know if you are coming to northern Finland in the winter.
What Is the Polar Night?
The polar night is a phenomenon where the night lasts for more than 24 hours, typically occurring within the polar circles.
Where in Finland Do Polar Nights Occur?
The polar night occurs in northern Finland (Lapland), which lies above the Arctic Circle (see image below). The Arctic Circle runs right through Rovaniemi, which is the administrative centre of Lapland and the 17th biggest city in Finland. Places that experience the polar night in Finland include Rovaniemi, Sodankylä, Kittilä, Äkäslompolo, Enontekiö, Inari, Utsjoki, Muonio, Savukoski, Karigasniemi and Nuorgam.
What Is the Finnish Name for Polar Night?
The Finnish name for polar night is kaamos. The Finnish name, however, actually comes from the Northern Sami word skábma (loaned from Norwegian – link in Finnish).
What Time of Year Does the Polar Night occur?
The polar night occurs during the winter months, usually from late November or early December to mid- or late January. In Finland, the duration varies; in the northernmost parts of Finland, it can last from a few days to several weeks. In the city of Utsjoki, the polar night lasts a bit under two months, from approximately November 25th until January 17th.
By December 21, the winter solstice, almost all of Lapland experiences polar night. The snow-covered landscape reflects the dim light, providing some visibility and enhancing the beauty of the polar twilight with its deep warm colors. The true polar night lasts until late January in northern Lapland. With the sun’s return, even if briefly, the days gradually start to lengthen again.
How Dark Does It Get During the Polar Night?
During the polar night, the sun does not rise above the horizon, leading to a twilight-like darkness during the day. Despite the sun’s absence, the polar night isn’t completely dark. Around midday, the horizon emits a soft glow. A particularly enchanting phenomenon is the “blue moment” around 2 PM, when for about 15 minutes, the sky and snow are bathed in beautiful blue hues, giving the landscape a mesmerizing look. In the North, the sky turns deep blue, while in the South, it takes on reddish hues.
Can You See Northern Lights During Polar Night?
Yes, you absolutely can. During polar night, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are often visible, especially on clear nights. However, the best times to catch Northern Lights in Finland is actually mid-autumn and early spring, when the nights are more often clear. Snowfall, a typical occurrence during the polar night season, makes seeing Northern Lights difficult or impossible. Having said that, Visit Rovaniemi reports that statistics show that Finnish Lapland sees Northern Lights on approximately every second day, or even three days out of four, during the Northern Lights season.
What Can You Do in Finland During Polar Night?
Apart from spotting Northern Lights, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and other similar activies, there are some special events taking place in Finland during the polar night period.
An exciting highlight for visitors during this time is the Ruka Polar Night Light Festival, occurring for the 7th time in January 2024. Hosted by Ruka Ski Resort, this festival lights up the night from mid-January to early February, with the ski slopes illuminated for night skiing and the Kuusamo Water Tower adding to the magical ambiance.
Is the Polar Night the same as the Midnight Sun?
No, they are opposite phenomena. The Midnight Sun occurs in summer when the sun remains visible at midnight, while the Polar Night is characterized by an extended dark period in winter.
What did you think about our article? Share it with friends or leave a comment below!