Epic photos of Finnish winter darkness

As one of the world's northernmost countries, winter in Finland usually means embracing extended hours of darkness and crisp temperatures. The more North you wander, the rarer the sight of sunlight, and the higher your chances to experience what we call ‘kaamos’ (the polar night) in Finnish. This period wraps the wintry landscapes of Finland into soft darkness, usually reaching its peaks between November to mid-January.

However, don’t worry about a complete blackout: sunlight still reaches the upper layers of the atmosphere, and paired with the moon, stars and magical Northern lights, the country is dipped into a unique ambience. This is what makes Finland’s winter darkness so captivating.

To celebrate the magic of Finland’s darker period, we have collected some of the most epic photos of Finland in the dark, captured by our community online. So, come to the dark side and enjoy!

While you might think that the North of Finland gets all the darkness during winter, it actually creates a magical atmosphere all around the country. Go stargazing at the endless frozen sea in the Coast and Archipelago, discover a range of winter activities in the twilight magic in serene Lakeland, hunt the Northern Lights in the Arctic winters of Lapland, or just embrace the darkness and get active in vibrant Helsinki Region. Get ready to experience Finland in a different light!

Finland’s 41 national parks are the perfect spot to experience Finland’s most mystic winter vibes amidst stunning natural landscapes – the best stargazing opportunities included. Many of the parks offer marked winter trails and some might even reveal special wintry phenomena, such as breathtaking ice falls or picturesque crown-snow. Discover the magical snowscape in the dark on a hike or opt for a a guided snowshoe tour. For the truly adventurous, strapping on skis or hopping on a fatbike saddle promises an unforgettable adventure through the wintry twilight.

When planning a national park visit during winter, always make sure to wear enough clothes, bring appropriate gear (good winter shoes and headlamp are a must), and always take time to familiarise yourself with your destination beforehand.

For many, embracing the winter’s darker side also means embracing the cold. Ice-swimming is proven to boost your health – and your happiness hormones. And pairing it with a relaxing session in a hot steamy Finnish sauna afterwards, you might find the perfect balance between cold and warm, leaving you feeling extra rejuvenated. Who knows, maybe ice-swimming will become one of your next favourite winter activities?

Finland’s winter darkness brings a unique advantage: the perfect setting for spotting the captivating Northern Lights dancing across the sky. To catch this unique show, find a dark and clear spot away from city lights. And with a bit of patience and luck, you might have an experience that leaves you awestruck.