Sodankylä
Aurora enthusiasts who want a scientifically renowned location with genuine Finnish Lapland character
About Sodankylä
Sodankylä is the scientific heart of Finnish Lapland aurora research — home to the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, one of the world's oldest continuously operating auroral research stations, founded in 1914. The observatory monitors geomagnetic activity, aurora forecasts, and space weather, and its long data record makes Sodankylä arguably the best-documented aurora location in the world. At 67.4°N, the town sits well above the Arctic Circle with reliable aurora conditions from October through March and polar night from early December to early January. The surrounding landscape of pine forest and frozen lakes is quintessential Finnish Lapland. Unlike more commercial resorts, Sodankylä retains an authentically Finnish character — the Midnight Sun Film Festival held here every June draws international filmmakers to the dramatic northern light. For aurora tourists, the nearby Tankavaara Gold Village (a genuine gold panning site since the 1870s) adds a unique historical dimension. The area's darkness and cold dry air make for exceptional photography conditions.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -16°C | 18h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -13°C | 14h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -7°C | 8h | High |
| Apr | 0°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +6°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +16°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +7°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | 0°C | 11h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -7°C | 16h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -14°C | 18h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Drive from Rovaniemi (1.5h north via E75). No commercial airport; car rental from Rovaniemi recommended. Some transfers from Rovaniemi Airport available.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Wilderness cabins
- ✓Guesthouses
- ✓Aurora research lodges
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $120/day in Sodankylä. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Aurora Queen Resort
Muotkantie 110, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
hotel
Noa Villas adults-only Riverside Resort
Korpijoentie 575, 99550 Sodankylä, Finland
hotel
Cahkal Hotel
Revontulentie 4, 99490 Kilpisjärvi, Finland
hotel
Wilderness Hotel Kieppi
Raitopolku 1, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
hotel
Invisible Forest Lodge
Ketavaarantie 21, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotelNorthern Lights Village Pyhä
Astelintie 1, 98530 Pelkosenniemi, Finland
resort hotelSanta's Hotel Aurora
Luppokeino 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
hotelHotel Ylläsrinne Deluxe
Hotellintie 6b, 95900 Kolari, Finland
hotelHotelli Sodankylä
Unarintie 15, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
hotelHotel Karhu
Lapintie 7, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Rolls Sodankylä
Rovaniementie 3, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
hamburger restaurant
Aarnikota
Kerotie, 99555 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurant
Sodankylän Olohuone Tähti
Jäämerentie 11 B, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurant
Kahvila Smak
Jäämerentie 14 2. krs, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
cafe
Piitsi Pubi
Jutotie, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurantRavintola RuusuSuola
Jäämerentie 28, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurantSodankylän turkinpippuri
Jäämerentie 25, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
pizza restaurantTori-Kioski Mikkola Ky
Ojennustie 10, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
fast food restaurantBar Krouvi
Unarintie 15, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurantRavintola Revontuli Hietala Oy
Jäämerentie 17, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Arctic wonders
Unarintie 13, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
point of interest
Living with reindeer tours
Ivalontie 1938, 99660 Sodankylä, Finland
point of interest
Soma Adventures
Puljuntie 1680, 99160 Kittilä, Finland
travel agency
Call of the Wilderness
Luostontie, 99555 Sodankylä, Finland
travel agency
Oratunturi Fell
99560 Sodankylä, Finland
tourist attractionScandlap Explorer - Snowmobile Rides
Karigasniementie 2281, 99910 Kaamanen, Finland
point of interestSnowride Lapland
Kansankatu 2, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
tour agencyEanan Levi Tours
Levin ympärystie 677, 99130 Sirkka, Finland
point of interestWild About Lapland
Rovakatu 24, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestLampivaara Amethyst Mine
Lampivaarantie 3 Ukko-Luostontie, parking, 99555 Luosto, Finland
tourist attractionNearby Destinations
Luosto
Couples and small groups seeking intimate Finnish Lapland aurora experiences away from the crowds
Rovaniemi
Families and couples wanting the full Finnish Lapland winter magic with glass igloo stays
Saariselkä
Skiers and snowmobilers who want aurora viewing combined with outstanding winter sports
Inari
Cultural explorers wanting authentic Sami experiences alongside top-quality aurora viewing
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Enontekiö
Travellers seeking authentic Sami cultural immersion and intense Arctic wilderness with minimal crowds
Inari
Cultural explorers wanting authentic Sami experiences alongside top-quality aurora viewing
Luosto
Couples and small groups seeking intimate Finnish Lapland aurora experiences away from the crowds