Silence settles over the landscape, the crisp autumn air feels fresh in your lungs, and the scents of the season fill your nose. Then it happens: a faint green streak appears in the sky, slowly coming to life and growing stronger. Soon it feels like the entire sky is ablaze.
If you’re dreaming of northern lights, Ylläs offers a front-row seat to this stunning natural show from late August all the way to mid-April. No need to wait for snow or freezing temperatures—autumn is a great time for aurora watching, as long as the skies stay clear. The evenings are dark enough, and the air is still relatively mild. The best viewing spots offer wide, unobstructed views of the northern night sky, where auroras most often appear.
Below you’ll find five favorite places in Ylläs to spot the northern lights during the snow-free season. Be sure to bring a headlamp, warm clothes, a camera—and a pinch of patience. The auroras show up when they feel like it.
Aurora viewing spots ranked by ease of access
Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll or a longer adventure, here are five aurora spots in Ylläs, ranked by how easy they are to reach.
- Ylläs Swing – a lakeside swing with a view Located near the village of Äkäslompolo, Ylläs Swing is an easy-to-reach spot on foot. Just follow the signs from behind the K-market Jounin Kauppa to the shore of Lake Äkäslompolo. From here, you’ll get a wide-open view of the sky, with Kesänki fell in the distance. On calm nights, the lake’s surface beautifully reflects the northern lights. This is also a popular photo spot—if you’re aiming for that perfect social media shot, Ylläs Swing is a sure bet.
- Scenic Road parking area – an aurora trip by car The Scenic Road parking area is a popular spot to admire the sky, whether you’re catching the sunset or watching the northern lights dance above. If you’re driving, you can combine a few locations along the way to check for aurora activity. For example, the parking area at Ylläs Ski Resort Äkäslompolo offers a direct view to the north. These are great options if you want to stay close to your car and switch locations during the evening.
- Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas backyard – views to the fells From the backyard of Kellokas, you’ll get a wide view toward the Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park, the northern sky, and the surrounding fells. The viewpoint is easy to reach and well-suited for families or anyone not looking for a long hike. Here, you can combine aurora spotting with an evening walk along the nature trail.
- Tuomikuru – a cozy firepit under the sky The trail to Tuomikuru day trip hut starts from the Ylläsjärvi side and offers a bit more adventure. Despite its location, the sky opens wide in all directions from the hut, making it a great place to gaze upward as darkness falls. It’s the perfect spot to combine northern lights watching with a short hike into the national park.
- Kukastunturi – 360° views and a touch of adventure If you’re looking for wide-open scenery and don’t mind a bit of effort, Kukastunturi will reward you. From the summit, you’ll get panoramic views in every direction—perfect for admiring the night sky. In autumn, the easiest way up is by bike. Just remember to bring lights and warm clothing! Kukastunturi is a great choice if you want to combine aurora watching with a small adventure. And if luck is on your side and the northern lights decide to show up, the feeling is unforgettable. That moment when you’re in the right place at the right time—it’s addictive. A smile creeps in, and the memory will glow long after the night is over.
Tips for northern lights watching
Want to catch the auroras in Ylläs? Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your experience smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
- Respect private property. Never park in someone’s yard or walk through private land.
- Park safely. If you’re aurora hunting by car, make sure your vehicle doesn’t block traffic or create a hazard. Don’t park on the road.
- Use reflectors or lights. If you’re parked by the roadside, be extra careful of passing traffic. Always bring a headlamp or other light source on aurora outings—you’ll be out in the dark no matter what. Just avoid blinding yourself or your group with overly bright lights, as it can make it harder to spot auroras for a while afterward.
- Make sure you don’t get lost. If you’re heading out on a longer trip, bring a phone with a fully charged battery. A map and compass are also good backup tools, just in case. It will get dark.
- Check the weather and forecasts. Northern lights are only visible when the skies are clear—but a clear sky alone doesn’t guarantee auroras.
- Use aurora apps to help with tracking. Tools like Northern Lights Alert (with camera and live monitoring) can help you stay updated on aurora activity and increase your chances of spotting them.
- Check the aurora forecast here.
- Northern light camera: The Ylläksen Yöpuu northern lights camera is located right by the shore of Lake Äkäslompolo. You can follow the real-time sky conditions through the live feed.
- Bonus tip: If you’re unsure whether the faint glow in the sky is caused by northern lights, try taking a photo with a slightly longer exposure using your camera or phone. Cameras are more sensitive to auroras than the human eye. If the haze turns out to be auroras, stay for a while—you might just witness the sky bursting into color right above you.
- Learn more about the northern lights. Read up and double your chances of seeing them.
Aurora watching in Ylläs – magic above the fells
Your first big northern lights show is an experience you won’t forget.
The scent of autumn, the fell landscapes, and the glowing sky come together in a way that no photo can fully capture—you simply have to be there. The moment is pure magic!