A 'double aurora' is the Northern Lights mirrored on the surface of a still, unfrozen lake, so the sky's green curtains are doubled in the water below. It's one of the most sought-after aurora photographs — and the Kuusamo region, dotted with lakes, is made for it.
Here's what it takes to capture one.
What is a 'double aurora'?
It's not a separate phenomenon — it's a reflection. When the aurora dances above a calm, dark, unfrozen lake, the water acts like a mirror, producing a symmetrical image of light above and below the horizon. Photographers prize it because it doubles the drama and creates natural symmetry.
The conditions you need
- Unfrozen water: the lake must not yet be iced over
- Calm, still air: even a light breeze ripples the reflection away
- Dark, clear sky with active aurora above
- Low light pollution around the shoreline
The best season for it
Timing is everything: you need aurora and open water. That overlap is roughly late August to November, after the nights get dark enough for aurora but before the lakes freeze solid in early winter. Autumn also brings the ruska colours for extra foreground.
Where to shoot it
The ideal spots are quiet lakeshores away from resort lights, with a clear view to the north across the water. There are many around Kuusamo — our guides know which combine calm water, dark skies and an open northern horizon, and can position you there on a photography-focused aurora hunt.
How to photograph it
Use your standard aurora settings (wide f/2.8, 5–15s, ISO 1600–3200) on a tripod, and compose with the horizon in the middle so sky and reflection balance. Focus on a distant light, lock it, and keep the tripod dead still.