A Magical Night Under the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
- mynorrsken
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Before I ever set foot in Finland or any Nordic country, I felt an inexplicable pull toward the north. The landscapes, the quiet, the mood—they all felt familiar, even though I had never been there. Some of my favorite bands are also from that part of the world and that deepened my interest even more. When I finally arrived in Finnish Lapland nearly ten years ago, it felt less like discovering a new place and more like answering a long-standing call. We stayed for one night in an aurora cabin at Wilderness
Hotel Muotka, nestled deep in the snowy forest.
The First Encounter with the Arctic Night
That first night, we took snowmobiles into the dark forest. The Arctic night was unlike anything I had experienced before. The sky stretched endlessly above, filled with stars so bright they seemed close enough to touch. Then, the northern lights appeared. They moved slowly, like a living curtain of light, shifting colors and shapes. Standing in the snow, surrounded by silence and the glow of the aurora, something had physically shifted in me. I felt deeply connected to this place.
Experiencing the Northern Lights from an Aurora Cabin
Watching the northern lights through the glass ceiling of our cabin was a surreal experience. The lights danced overhead, so close it felt like reaching out could touch them. It was the most magical feeling I've ever had and could barely bring myself to close my eyes. I could barely sleep, knowing that once I woke up in the morning, they would be gone.
The aurora’s glow lasted for hours, a natural light show that felt both ancient and alive. It was a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the Arctic. This experience was not just about seeing the northern lights but feeling their presence in a way that stayed with me long after the trip.
Morning Adventures with Huskies
The next morning brought a new kind of magic. We went dogsledding, gliding through the snow as huskies pulled us across the quiet landscape. The huskies seemed perfectly at home in the snow, and their energy was contagious. It was -17 and I felt more alive than ever. Moving through the landscape at their pace allowed me to appreciate the stillness and beauty of Finnish Lapland in a new way.
Discovering My Scandinavian Roots
A few years later, I learned that I’m half Scandinavian, mostly Swedish. I didn’t know that at the time, but somehow it made sense. This discovery added a personal layer to my experience. It was not just a visit to a beautiful place but a journey toward understanding a part of my heritage.
Still, I don’t think that pull belongs only to my ancestry. There’s something about the north—the quiet, the space, the way life feels slower—that seems to speak to people regardless of where they’re from. Finnish Lapland became more than a destination; it became a place that felt like home.
Embracing the Magic of the North
My night under the northern lights in Finnish Lapland remains one of the most magical experiences of my life. The combination of the Arctic dark, the glowing aurora, and the peaceful snowy forest created a moment of wonder that I carry with me. It was a reminder of the power of nature to inspire and connect us.
If you ever feel a pull toward the north, listen to it. Finnish Lapland offers more than just stunning views; it offers a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and discover something unexpected about yourself.
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