23 Breathtaking Places to Catch the Northern Lights on a Budget

Destination 19: Ylläs, Finland

While most tourists flock to Rovaniemi, Finnish locals know that Ylläs is Lapland’s best-kept secret when it comes to aurora chasing. Located deep in the Arctic wilderness, Ylläs offers some of Finland’s clearest night skies, making it an ideal budget-friendly alternative to more popular spots. The town is surrounded by pristine snowy forests, frozen lakes, and towering fells, ensuring unobstructed 360-degree views of the aurora. One of the best ways to experience the Northern Lights in Ylläs is to hike up one of the seven fells in the area. From the top, you’ll get a breathtaking panoramic view of the night sky, free from artificial lights and city noise. Unlike Rovaniemi, where aurora excursions can be expensive, Ylläs is a DIY-friendly destination where you can simply step outside your cabin and see the sky glow in shades of green and violet.