The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon caused by interactions between the solar wind – a stream of charged particles ejected from the sun – and Earth’s magnetic field. When the sun emits a burst of these particles, they travel through space and eventually reach Earth. As they approach, they follow the lines of magnetic force created by Earth’s magnetic field, which leads them towards the planet’s Polar Regions. High-energy particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating the Northern Lights. Oxygen and nitrogen emit different colors, with the pattern and movement of the lights driven by Earth’s magnetic field.

The Northern Light season begins at the end of August and continues until the beginning of April. Visibility is influenced by weather conditions. In Rovaniemi, the Northern Lights can be statistically seen 150 nights per year. The 23-24 season is particularly ideal for hunting the Northern Lights, as the Sun is entering a highly active phase.

Equinoxes, which occur around March 20th and September 22nd, are often considered the best times to witness the Northern Lights. During these periods, the Earth’s magnetic field aligns more directly with the solar wind – the stream of charged particles from the sun. This alignment intensifies the geomagnetic activity, making the collisions between these particles and the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere more frequent and vibrant. As a result, the Northern Lights are typically more active, visible, and colorful during the equinoxes.

In Finnish folklore, the Northern Lights are often associated with the mystical fire fox, or “Revontulet.” According to the belief, a giant fox in the far north runs across the snow-covered fells, sweeping its large, bushy tail along the ground, and sending sparks into the sky. These sparks are believed to create the mesmerizing patterns and colors of the Northern Lights. The word “Revontulet” itself can be translated to “fox fires,” reflecting this charming legend that links the natural spectacle with the creature’s fiery tail.

The Arctic Treehouse Hotel offers an unparalleled experience for witnessing the Northern Lights. Nestled in the heart of Lapland’s serene forest, its location away from city lights provides an unobstructed view of the sky. Unique to the hotel is its thoughtful lighting design, which ensures safety for walking around the area without causing light pollution that could interfere with viewing the aurora. The glass-wall design of each treehouse allows guests to enjoy the magical spectacle from the comfort of their room. Combining luxury, prime location, and considerate illumination, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel is the ideal destination for those seeking to experience the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.