Northern lights. Kerttu Komulainen.

The gates of Pohjola: Northern lights magic in Kuhmo

Kuhmo’s dark and clear night skies offer wonderful opportunities to experience one of the greatest wonders of northern nature – the northern lights. Watching these shimmering lights in shades of green, violet, and sometimes red is an unforgettable experience that combines the peace of nature with the mysterious power of the sky. Kuhmo is one of the best places to watch auroras in Arctic Lakeland Finland.

Revontulet / Northern lights. Kuva: Esko Kinnunen

Northern lights in folklore

The northern lights have fascinated people for centuries, inspiring countless explanations and names across the North. In Finland, the most famous is the “fox fire” legend, which tells of a magical fox whose bushy tail sends sparks into the sky as it runs across the snowy fells. The Finnish word revontuli (literally “fox fire”) comes from this very story. The Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, also makes indirect references to the aurora with the expression “the gates of Pohjola”, describing the luminous arc across the northern sky. In folklore, the northern lights have been seen as omens, as the playful spirits of the dead, or as celestial dances – stories that connect this natural phenomenon with human imagination and mythical thinking.

Northern lights Inka Makkonen

When can you see the northern lights in Kuhmo?

The northern lights appear most often from autumn to spring, when nights are dark. The first opportunities usually come at the end of August and continue until April. Darkness, a clear sky, and very little light pollution make Kuhmo an ideal place for aurora spotting.

Tips for spotting the northern lights

  • Check the forecasts: A clear sky is essential. Several apps and websites provide real-time aurora forecasts.

  • Choose a dark location: Kuhmo’s wide forests and lakeshores offer many areas free from light pollution. Lakes and ridges also create beautiful reflections in the landscape.

  • Be patient: Auroras can appear and vanish quickly. Warm clothing, a hot drink, and a calm mind are the best companions.

  • Look north: The lights often appear in the northern sky but can also dance directly overhead.

Revontulet / Northern lights. Inka Makkonen

Best places to watch the northern lights in Kuhmo

Kuhmo offers many places where the sky opens widely across the horizon:

  • Lakeshores, such as Lammasjärvi, where reflections shimmer on the water in autumn.

  • Edges of nature reserves and hiking areas, such as Elimyssalo or Lentua, where silence and wilderness frame the show.

  • Open fields and ridges, with broad views to the north.

Stargazing in Kuhmo, Lentiira. Rob Johnstone

Explore the sky and the galaxies with a guide

In Kuhmo, you can also join guided northern lights excursions, arranged by Koe Kainuu Adventure’s Kerttu, or enjoy a unique experience at Lentiira Holiday Village, where you can look deep into the universe on a dark night. Professional astronomer Rob will guide you through the stars, planets, and galaxies with the help of a high-quality telescope.