When can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland? Why 2026 is the ideal year

This winter, scientists estimate that there will be many aurora borealis in Lapland. The cause is the sun's peak activity, which makes its light and its impact on the Earth's sky more powerful. We explain why this makes it a great year to discover the Northern Lights and why Lapland is the best destination for it.

The sun at its most active

The Sun's cycles

The Sun operates in 11-year cycles, during which it gradually stores up energy. More sunspots form on its surface, more flares occur and its power increases until it reaches a peak around the 5th year of the cycle. These power peaks are called solar maximums. We are currently in cycle 25, which began in December 2019. Its new peak of activity is therefore likely to occur between late 2024 and early 2026.

What are the links with the aurora borealis?

If we go back to the very beginning of the process, it is solar storms that cause the aurora borealis. Solar flares and certain plasma emissions (notably CMEs [SpaceWeather links What is a mass ejection]) project particles that can reach the Earth. They then come into contact with the gases in our atmosphere and create bursts of energy, specifically bursts of light that are commonly known as "aurora borealis", because of their visibility in the northern hemisphere (boreal having its root in the ancient Greek word for "north wind").

Surprising situations

On some occasions, this peak in solar activity has been the source of astonishing events. You've probably already seen photos of the Northern Lights in Lapland, but have you ever seen them in Belgium or France? In recent years, we've seen a few on rare occasions. But, in fact, they have been seen much further away from the Arctic Circle in the past, such as during the Carrington event in 1859, a major solar storm [SciencePost link to the Carrington event] during which the inhabitants of the Caribbean were lucky enough to experience them.

a real peak in 2026-2027?

As for when to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, you might think that the peak has passed with the peak of the sun. But in fact, several researchers (source: [link]) believe that the solar maximum does not quite correspond to the peak in terms of the aurora borealis, the period when there are the most auroras in Lapland: the effects of the peak are felt gradually, and the most intense auroras often arrive 1 or 2 years later. So 2026 will be particularly favourable! In concrete terms, winter 2026 is the best time to enjoy this dreamlike spectacle.

The perfect time

More specifically, October, February and March are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Lapland [link to Lapland Northern Lights expedition]. This is when the sky is clearest and the nights are darkest. The best time to observe the Northern Lights is between 8pm and 2am. But the real secret, apart from the advice available in our article [link to article on observing and photographing the Northern Lights] on best practices for observing and photographing the Northern Lights, is patience!

Why Lapland is the perfect place

Knowing when to see the Northern Lights is one thing: knowing where is quite another.

The best places to see the Northern Lights are as far north as possible. We're particularly aiming for north of the Arctic Circle. Up there, the northern lights in Lapland are surely the most famous, and this region is perhaps the best-known place to see the aurora borealis.

What is Lapland?

Lapland is a region in northern Europe, divided roughly equally between Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia. Comprising the northernmost territories of each of these countries, it is famous for its relatively wild culture, inhabited by the Sami people who live between natural landscapes of taiga and tundra in a polar climate in winter.

A unique culture

While the idea of seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland is certainly appealing, there are a number of other distinctive features to note. The country navigates between the Sami culture and a more European one:

• a special relationship with the land
• a way of life close to nature
• a rich and unique local fauna
• numerous tales, songs and legends
• the legendary land of Father Christmas.

The local aboriginal culture invites us to explore the snow-covered forests and discover the local wildlife. There are plenty of activities to choose from: snowshoeing, trekking, dog sledding and much more!

-> The best things to do on holiday in Lapland [link to article on holidays in Lapland].

The best place

Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian Lapland lies under what is known as the auroral oval: a magnetic band where the northern lights appear very regularly. It is estimated that they are visible every other clear night in winter.

A magical land, close to nature

As well as being a land where nature has all the rights, where you can freely explore dazzling landscapes in an exotic climate, it's also a place where local Sami songs and legends about Father Christmas create a subtle blend of dreams and nature, enhanced by the luminous, inimitable colours of the Northern Lights.

There's nothing left to do!

Discovering the Northern Lights in Lapland means reconnecting with nature and its snow-covered landscapes, in a magical atmosphere of fairytales, legends and illuminated nights. Are you convinced? Wildhartt offers holidays for all levels in Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian Lapland. And to get there, the train is surely the best way [link to train article]. It's as comfortable as it is environmentally responsible, and it fits in perfectly with our inner desire to reconnect with nature. We're just waiting for you!