Skip to main content

See the Solar Winds at Finland’s Northern Lights Wilderness Camp

It’s no surprise that travelers can find the best Northern Lights viewing as far north as possible. For those without the vacation time and the means to take a North Pole cruise, the Scandinavian Arctic Circle is the next best thing. In the past few years, Finland has become ground zero for all things Aurora. The recently debuted Northern Lights Wilderness Camp in Finnish Lapland might be the purest, prettiest (and priciest) way to see the one-of-a-kind phenomenon.

Finland’s Northern Lights Wilderness Camp is an experience unlike any other. Guests begin their journey inside the Arctic Circle, where they travel via snowmobile to a “mobile hotel.” The camp consists of just three mobile sleeping huts — tiny, two-person rooms built atop sleds to ensure they can be moved into just the right position to see the lights. All the essentials — an oversized bed, a gas stove, a table, a heater, and a dry toilet — are provided. Snowshoes and kicksleds allow brave guests to venture into the wintery wilderness outside. The real draw, however, is the glass roof built into the side of each hut, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the Aurora show from the comfort of a warm bed.

Northern Lights Wilderness Camp Off the Map Travel Kilpissafarit
Kilpissafarit/Off the Map Travel

Upon arrival, the camp staff provides guests with an overview of how things work and what to expect. They’re then left to enjoy the camp at their leisure. There are no traditional amenities — no lobby, no sauna, no restaurant, no cocktail lounge, not much at all really. Here, it’s about the simple purity of the experience. Locally sourced snacks and hot drinks are provided, as is an Arctic grill dinner and a cooked-to-order breakfast the following morning.

Recommended Videos

In the last decade, Finland, in particular, and Scandinavia, in general, have become go-to destinations for Americans seeking off-the-beaten-path wilderness activities. It’s a place where adventurous travelers can camp with ancient nomadic reindeer herders, sleep in one of the world’s coolest ice hotels, and enjoy a Viking-style spa experience at Sweden’s Arctic Bath.

Not surprisingly, overnighting at such an exclusive “hotel” isn’t cheap. The one-night experience is available only through Off The Map Travel with a price tag of more than $2,200. Sure, there are far more affordable alternatives like Finland’s own Snowman Glass World Resort with budget-friendly nightly rates of “just” $600 (based on double occupancy). But, do you really want to share your personal Aurora experience with hundreds of strangers?

Before heading into the great white north, check out our essential guide to Northern Lights photography.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The best main street in the U.S. is in this picture-perfect Pennsylvania town
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has one of the most charming main streets in the United States
Bethlehem, PA

USA Today has just revealed its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best main streets across the United States, and taking the top spot is Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Located just 70 miles north of Philadelphia, this charming city has earned high praise for its picturesque downtown, walkability, and a range of attractions that make it a must-visit destination.

Bethlehem’s Main Street has won over readers for its mix of dining options, local shops, and cultural landmarks. Among the highlights is Bitty & Beau's Coffee, a unique coffee shop that doubles as a human rights movement, offering employment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visitors can also explore the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, a building steeped in history, which once housed the First House of Bethlehem in 1741 and later the Golden Eagle Hotel, opened by the Moravians in 1823.

Read more
This country is home to both of the summer’s hottest travel destinations
Japan is the place to be this summer
City lights in Tokyo

Looking for this summer’s top travel spots? Mastercard’s newly released Travel Trends 2025 report has the answer, and all signs point to Japan. According to data from the Mastercard Economics Institute, Tokyo and Osaka are the top two fastest-growing global destinations this summer, based on the sharpest increases in tourism demand compared to previous years.

Japan’s rising popularity isn’t exactly new, as Tokyo was the most visited city in the world in 2024, unseating Bangkok after a decade-long reign. Experts say the weakened Japanese yen is playing a major role, making travel to Japan more affordable for international visitors. But it’s not just the exchange rate. Travelers are drawn to Tokyo’s futuristic architecture, peaceful gardens, diverse food scene, and interesting blend of old and new. Osaka, meanwhile, is known for its bustling street food stalls, lively nightlife, and iconic sites like Osaka Castle.

Read more
Study reveals the most magical spots to get engaged this year
Thinking about popping the question this year?
Cappadocia, Turkey

If you’re planning to pop the question in 2025, or simply looking for fun ideas, a new study has revealed the most enchanting places around the world to get engaged. The research, conducted by engagement ring specialists Angelic Diamonds, developed a “perfect proposal destination index” by analyzing 80 global destinations based on key romantic factors. These included the percentage of romantic hotels and restaurants, annual hours of sunshine, and the average cost of a bottle of wine – because no proposal is complete without a toast.

Topping the list is Imerovigli, Greece, a cozy village perched along the caldera cliffs of Santorini. Scoring an impressive 88.04 on the index, Imerovigli boasts more than 3,600 hours of sunshine annually, the most of any destination on the list, and an incredible 63% of restaurants rated as romantic. Wine lovers will also be pleased: a bottle averages just £4.22 ($5.25 USD). Recommended proposal spots include Skaros Rock for panoramic sunset views and Anastasi Church with its iconic blue dome.

Read more