When comparing Svalbard, Norway vs Lapland, Finland, the Slant community recommends Lapland, Finland for most people. In the question“What are the best travel destinations to see the Northern Lights?” Lapland, Finland is ranked 3rd while Svalbard, Norway is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Lapland, Finland is:
Finland has a long viewing season for the lights, stretching from August-April.
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Pros
Pro Northern lights can be seen in the day time
Svalbard is one of the only places where the northern lights can be seen during the day.
Pro Long viewing season
Finland has a long viewing season for the lights, stretching from August-April.
Pro View the Northern Lights from a glass igloo
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a unique way to view the Northern Lights. Glass igloos (which include a toilet and bed) let you sleep under the lights with a full view of the sky.
Cons
Con Extremely cold temperatures
The island of Svalbard is majorly covered by ice and can get to temperatures below -30°C in winter, with summer temperatures around 8-10°C
Con Very small community with few options for travelers
Svalbard is home to less than 3000 people. Being such a small community, there are very little options available for travelers (for example, there are only a few hotels to choose from).
Con Expensive accommodations
There aren't many hostels, so it can be difficult for backpackers and budget travelers to find affordable accommodations. However, there is a fairly active community on both Couchsurfing and AirBnB.