Discover the Wonders of the Finnish Arctic Lakeland Sky
Experience the Taiga Stargazing Adventure
Lentiira Stargazing offers an incredible opportunity for both local enthusiasts and foreign visitors to explore the celestial wonders of the Finnish arctic lakeland sky. From September to March, you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky, weather permitting. Our passion is to share this enchanting experience with you.
Meet Your Guide: Rob Johnstone
Rob Johnstone, a Scottish-born professional astronomer, is internationally recognized through the Universe Education Forum programme, endorsed by NASA and the Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics. Rob's journey in astronomy began with his first sighting of Halley's Comet in 1986 in South Africa, which ignited his lifelong passion for astronomy and education.
With decades of experience, Rob has educated and captivated diverse audiences including international tourists, schools, educational institutions, companies, and offered tailor made and bespoke tours in Namibia and South Africa. Four years ago, Rob brought his expertise to the Kainuu region in Finland, where he now offers unparalleled stargazing experiences in Lentiira Holiday Village, Kuhmo.
Why Lentiira?
The Kuhmo area, particularly Lentiira, boasts an incredible night sky, a natural treasure ideal for stargazing. The geographical location, climate, and minimal light pollution make the autumn and winter months perfect for observing the stars and deep sky objects.
State-of-the-Art Stargazing Equipment
Our excursions feature state-of-the-art GPS-guided astronomical telescopes, providing guests with the opportunity to explore the hidden jewels of the Taiga Night Sky.
What You Will See
During your guided tour, you will have the chance to observe:
- Planets: Up-close views of planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.
- Distant Galaxies: Discover the vastness of galaxies beyond our Milky Way.
- Nebulae: Witness the colourful and mysterious birthplaces of stars.
- Globular Star Clusters: Marvel at dense collections of stars.
Stargazing Excursion Highlights
- Start Your Evening with Dinner: Enjoy a hearty meal at the Lentiira Holiday Village Pirtti restaurant. Savour the delicious local cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, preparing you for an unforgettable night under the stars.
- Move to the Stargazing Location: After dinner, we will move to our nearby stargazing location, specially chosen for its clear skies and minimal light pollution. Here, you'll have the opportunity to peer through our high-quality telescope and observe the wonders of the universe that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
- Hot Drinks Under the Stars: Warm up with a hot beverage as you gaze up at the Milky Way.
- Guided Night Sky Tour: As you sip on a hot drink beneath the Milky Way, our knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of the night sky in the Lentiira wilderness. You will discover a treasure chest of deep sky objects, including
Bespoke Tours
In addition to our scheduled excursions, Lentiira Stargazing offers tailor-made and bespoke tours designed to meet your specific interests and needs. Whether you are an amateur astronomer seeking a focused exploration of particular celestial objects, a photographer aiming to capture the night sky, or a group looking for a private and exclusive stargazing experience, we can customize the tour to ensure it exceeds your expectations.
Information
Season
September to March
Group size
10 maximum
Price
Guided Night Sky Tour: 250€
Dinner with Rob + Guided Night Sky Tour: 335€
Take Note
Stargazing is weather dependent.
Excursion Duration
The stargazing adventure lasts between 2 to 3 hours, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the splendour of the night sky.
What to Bring
- Warm clothing for the cooler night temperatures. During winter months the use of thermal overalls are included.
- A sense of wonder and curiosity.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Night
Experience the magic of the Finnish arctic lakeland sky with Lentiira Stargazing. Let Rob Johnstone guide you through the cosmos, unveiling the mysteries and beauty of the night sky. Join us for an enchanting evening of stargazing, where the wonders of the universe await your discovery.