Isn’t life a remarkable journey? It astounds me that we inhabit this beautiful planet, teeming with marvels like the Grand Canyon, majestic giraffes, and the breathtaking northern lights.
While I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the first two wonders, the northern lights remain elusive for me—perhaps because I’ve yet to journey to the Arctic, where these ethereal hues of green, yellow, and sometimes red waltz across the sky.
But I pledge to make that pilgrimage soon. In the meantime, many of my colleagues here at The Points Guy have embarked on their own adventures chasing the northern lights. We’ve compiled some handy guides on setting expectations for your trip and discussing whether it’s best to view them by land, air, or sea.
Regardless of how you choose to experience this natural wonder, a comfortable place to rest beforehand, during, or after your quest is essential. Whether you prefer the stylish ambiance of Reykjavik or wish to take in the spectacle from a glass igloo in Finland, here are some of the best accommodations for witnessing the northern lights.
Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights
Ion Adventure Hotel
Nestled in Selfoss, Iceland, the Ion Adventure Hotel, part of Design Hotels and a member of Marriott Bonvoy, offers an intimate stay—only 45 rooms—set against a stunning backdrop. Located about an hour from Reykjavik, its rugged, concrete design echoes the nearby lava fields. From the Northern Lights Bar, floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of both the landscape and the sky. For those eager to get closer to the magic overhead, the hotel staff can arrange a variety of adventures.
Marriott Bonvoy members can book a night starting at just 50,000 points, while cash rates begin around $276.
Hotel Ranga
In Hella, Iceland, Hotel Ranga combines rustic charm with luxury flair. A venue of Little Luxury Hotels of the World and part of Hyatt for now, it has earned a reputation as “a blend between a hunting lodge and a grand log cabin.” The hotel even features an Observatory, where a local astronomer assists guests in stargazing—perfect for those worried about spotting the lights in the middle of the night. Simply press a button on your in-room phone to alert the hotel’s Aurora wake-up team when the sky starts to glow.
A Category 7 World of Hyatt hotel, award nights here range from 25,000 to 35,000 points, while cash rates start around $300.
Reykjavik Edition
The Reykjavik Edition stands out among Marriott’s internationally renowned collection of stylish hotels curated by famed hotelier Ian Schrager. Situated in a trendy district of Reykjavik, this hotel offers guests access to one of the city’s premier viewing spots for the northern lights: The Roof Bar. Here, patrons can indulge in sustainably sourced cuisine while enjoying striking vistas of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Cash rates at the Reykjavik Edition start around $392, and Marriott Bonvoy members can secure an award night starting at 59,000 points.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
For Hilton Honors members on the hunt for the northern lights, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica offers a solid choice among the four Hilton properties in the capital. Though its location is less central for those wanting to immerse themselves in Reykjavik’s vibrant scene, it serves as a convenient base for many excursions that venture out to see the night sky. After an evening of celestial exploration, unwind at the hotel’s spa, relax in the sauna, or sample a local brew at the bar.
Cash rates at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica can be as low as $158 per night, with Hilton Honors members able to book starting at 45,000 points per night.
Star Arctic Hotel
In the Lapland region of Finland, the Star Arctic Hotel in Saariselka provides an idyllic setting to witness the northern lights. Located atop Kaunispaa Mountain, its stylish Scandinavian aesthetic rivals even the beauty of the Aurora. Guests can choose between Scenic View Suites with expansive windows or glass-topped cabins that allow for star-gazing from bed. Don’t miss the hotel’s restaurant, featuring locally sourced reindeer and fish for an authentic taste of Finnish cuisine.
Depending on the season, rates can vary significantly, especially during peak northern lights activity, when they start around $408 per night.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Another gem in Finland’s Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is famed for its glass-domed igloos, which allow guests to feel enveloped by the northern lights. Beyond chasing the Aurora, the resort offers an array of captivating winter activities, including husky safaris, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and skiing—creating an enchanting winter wonderland that truly must be seen to be believed.
Nightly rates begin around $587.
Related: Searching for Santa: A once-in-a-lifetime trip in Finland’s snowy Arctic
Icehotel
No two experiences at the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, are alike, as each year a new iteration is crafted from ice and snow, melting away with the warming climate come April. While there are permanent accommodations available, combining a trip to witness the northern lights with a stay in this ephemeral hotel built from nature’s own artistry is a unique adventure. The hotel arranges dinners under the lights, photography lessons for capturing the perfect shot, and night-time snowmobiling safaris—ideal for thrill-seekers.
Rates for snow rooms range between $300 and $500 per night, and as TPG Reporter Emily McNutt discovered, you can even arrange for an airport transfer by dog sled.
Northern Lights Resort & Spa
You needn’t trek to Iceland or Scandinavia to glimpse the northern lights; Canada’s Yukon offers its own stunning views. Near Whitehorse, the Northern Lights Resort & Spa provides glass chalets that boast impressive windows perfect for sky-gazing right from the comfort of your bed.
This resort offers three- and four-night all-inclusive packages, complete with special viewing experiences, three daily meals, sauna access, winter clothing rentals, and even dog sledding.
For the 2023-24 season, the resort is fully booked for its $1,371 per person Aurora Viewing Package, but you can already submit a request to reserve for the 2024-25 season.
Arctic Treehouse Hotel
For those who prefer viewing the northern lights from chic, Scandinavian-designed suites with floor-to-ceiling windows perched among the treetops, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel has you covered. Located in the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, this stylish establishment offers complimentary activities like snowshoeing throughout winter and exquisite dining at its Rakas restaurant.
Rates vary throughout the season, generally starting in the high $700 range and exceeding $1,000 per night during peak season.
Eliassen Rorbuer
The Eliassen Rorbuer resort in Norway’s Lofoten Islands features a collection of fisherman’s cottages nestled in the picturesque village of Hamnoy. Its stunning scenery feels straight out of a fairy tale. Guests can pursue the northern lights for an impressive 182 days a year while staying in waterfront cottages equipped with expansive skylights. From this prime location, guests can embark on boat trips to soak in the views or join a guided outing to capture the spectacle of the night sky.
With accommodations ranging from three-bedroom apartments to cozy cottages, prices generally start at a very reasonable $193 per night.
Moxy Tromso
The TPG Award-winning Moxy is heralded as Best Affordable Hotel Brand in 2023 for good reason: it combines everything a guest could need, from comfortable rooms to lively communal spaces in unique locales around the globe. Tromso, Norway, is one such location, where you can explore the northern lights.
Start your day with a breakfast buffet, then venture out to discover the town. As night falls, gear up for your aurora search with dinner and drinks at the Moxy Sky Bar—don’t forget to inquire about their secret menu! While the hotel does not operate its own northern lights tours, it can easily direct you to one of the many local companies that do.
Rates for the Moxy Tromso begin around $95 or 12,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Aurora Safari Camp
Taking inspiration from small bush camps in Kenya, Aurora Safari Camp offers a unique Arctic experience in Swedish Lapland. The all-inclusive camp covers food, drinks (even alcohol), and activities such as sauna sessions, fat biking through the snow, and Nordic skiing—all among charming accommodations complete with large windows perfect for stargazing.
For rates and availability, reach out through the company’s contact page to discuss the details of your desired trip.
Arctic Bath
Think of Arctic Bath as a spa resort paired with a side of northern lights, nestled in Sweden’s Lapland. Here, guests can indulge in modern interpretations of traditional Swedish spa rituals—enjoying cold baths, saunas, and more. In the nighttime, chase after the stunning Aurora, all while savoring exquisite Scandinavian cuisine in the resort’s upscale restaurant. The best part? You don’t need to venture far to find the lights; just hope for clear skies and a bit of luck.
Rates at Arctic Bath start around $575 per night.
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