10 Hotels to Experience the Northern Lights

There are few travel experiences quite like spending an evening beneath the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora borealis. This stunning display of natural beauty is a testament to Mother Nature’s artistry, captivating us on multiple levels. The vibrant hues of the northern lights, reminiscent of scenes from a dream or a Disney movie, are as unpredictable as they are awe-inspiring. With the right combination of clear skies and chilly temperatures, your chances of witnessing this spectacle improve, but even then, the northern lights can be elusive. The thrill of the unknown only heightens the excitement of each potential viewing.

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Yet, when the lights do make an appearance, they are nothing short of breathtaking—an experience that leaves you in a state of wonder. Although I’ve only witnessed the northern lights once, I’ve already planned another trip to try my luck again. If you’re eager to experience this natural wonder for yourself, here are ten hotels where you can savor stunning views of the northern lights.

Top 10 Hotels With Northern Lights Views

1. ION Adventure Hotel
2. Arctic Gourmet Cabin
3. Hotel Kakslauttanen
4. Aurora Borealis Lodge
5. Hotel Arctic
6. Tromso Ice Domes
7. Northern Lights Resort And Spa
8. Eliassen Rorbuer
9. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
10. Sheldon Chalet

Nesjavellir, Iceland

With its strategic northern location and stunning marketing campaigns, Iceland has become synonymous with remarkable northern lights viewing. The ION Adventure Hotel, located in Nesjavellir—a mere 45-minute drive from Reykjavik and just 15 minutes from Þingvellir National Park—has played a significant role in this reputation.

Designed with an abundance of windows, the hotel is nestled deep within the wilderness, minimizing light pollution for optimal viewing. Guests have described their experiences as “gorgeous” on TripAdvisor, with one visitor noting it’s “a really cool hotel with amazing design and friendly staff.” However, some caution that the lights are not as frequently visible as advertised; visitors may also notice a sulfury smell in the water due to the area’s geothermal activity. Perhaps it’s wise to stick to bottled water!

2. Arctic Gourmet Cabin

Kiruna, Sweden

If you crave an intimate, high-end experience complete with a personal chef and sommelier—all while soaking in stunning northern lights views—look no further than the Arctic Gourmet Cabin in northern Sweden. These cozy, family-owned cabins feature hot tubs and saunas, embracing the Scandinavian simplicity that allows the Aurora to take center stage. With only two cabins available, the setting rarely feels overcrowded, ensuring a peaceful retreat—accessible by car or bus from Kiruna.

Traveler feedback reinforces this charm, with reviewers on TripAdvisor calling the experience “not to be missed” and praising the “mouthwatering” food pairings offered.

3. Hotel Kakslauttanen

Saariselka, Finland

Picturing a fairytale winter retreat? Hotel Kakslauttanen might fit the bill. This upscale resort features glass igloos and charming snow-dusted log cabins that evoke a sense of wonder before you even lay eyes on the northern lights. Located in northern Finland, this renowned getaway allows for northern lights viewing from late August to April, while offering unique activities such as dog-sledding rides and reindeer safaris. Make sure to unwind at the scenic igloo bar at the West Village Aurora restaurant.

Guests rave about their stays at this four-star establishment on TripAdvisor. Some have dubbed it “the best resort” they’ve visited, while others are grateful for the hotel’s signature Northern Lights wake-up calls, ensuring no one misses the spectacle.

4. Aurora Borealis Lodge

Near Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska, ranks as one of the premier locations in the United States for experiencing the elusive northern lights. Just 20 miles north of Fairbanks lies the cozy Aurora Borealis Lodge, perfectly situated away from light pollution. Whether you choose a snug room in the lodge or a private two-bedroom log cabin, you’ll have a great chance of witnessing the Aurora from August through April. The lodge even provides educational sessions about the northern lights for those eager to learn more.

With a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, visitors share overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many stating that their stay was “so worth the money” and expressing enthusiasm to “recommend this place highly!”

Ilulissat, Greenland

Hotel Arctic holds the title of “the world’s most northerly four-star hotel”—a key advantage for those seeking to catch the Aurora borealis. Positioned near West Greenland’s picturesque Ilulissat ice fjord, the hotel offers a range of Greenland Adventures at your doorstep, but its accommodations are so compelling that you might hesitate to leave during chilly fall, winter, or spring nights. On-site, you’ll find a brasserie and wine bar, not to mention breathtaking views across the water.

Past guests laud Hotel Arctic on TripAdvisor, describing it as “undoubtedly the best hotel in the Arctic region” and praising its “Arctic luxury” while highlighting the “great hotel at the perfect location.”

6. Tromso Ice Domes

Tromso, Norway

Offering a uniquely Arctic experience, the Tromso Ice Domes are constructed each fall and remain open throughout the winter. These icy structures come outfitted with reindeer skins and polar expedition sleeping bags, keeping you warm as you await the northern lights. While the dazzling lights are a major draw, the ice domes boast more attractions, including impressive ice sculptures and guided snowshoe tours that culminate in freshly prepared dinners cooked over an open fire.

What’s it really like to spend a night in an ice dome in the frigid north of Norway? Guest reviews are mixed. Some find the experience to be “really cool” and “stunning,” while others deem it “not a must” for travelers. For some, a warmer, less icy alternative might be more fitting.

Whitehorse, Canada

Nestled in the Yukon River Valley, the cozy Aurora-view Cabins at the Northern Lights Resort and Spa offer striking scenery, even without the iconic lights. Made from Douglas firs and set against a backdrop of pine forests and mountains, these rustic accommodations are idyllic. That said, witnessing the northern lights at this Canadian gem is hard to beat. The resort features Aurora Glass Chalets designed for optimal viewing, plus an outdoor panoramic jacuzzi perfect for warming up on chilly winter evenings.

Did the Northern Lights Resort and Spa deliver on its promises? According to TripAdvisor, the answer is a resounding yes. Guests describe their stay as a “fabulous retreat” with “great hosts” and an “amazing location.”

Hamnoy, Norway

On the tiny Lofoten Islands, the village of Hamnoy is home to one of Norway’s most picturesque lodgings: Eliassen Rorbuer. This collection of renovated fishermen’s cottages provides a rustic glimpse into northern Norwegian life while serving as a backdrop for the enchanting displays of the northern lights. On-site, the Krambua restaurant features local fish, enhancing that quintessential Norwegian atmosphere.

While Eliassen Rorbuer may not offer the utmost luxury—being former fishing cottages—the reviews reflect their charming nature. Guests describe the accommodations as “incredible, incredible, incredible” and appreciate the “good views of mountains,” though some found the bunk beds in certain rooms more appealing than others.

Rovaniemi, Finland

The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel takes the concept of “treehouse” to luxurious heights, offering upscale treetop accommodations complete with underfloor heating and rain showerheads—alongside floor-to-ceiling glass walls strategically designed for viewing the northern lights. Cozy indeed, each treehouse features a fireplace, sauna, and kitchenette, with beds positioned to allow for stargazing from the comfort of your covers.

Guests on TripAdvisor share that their experiences here were “just magical” and that it was “the best trip ever.”

10. Sheldon Chalet

Denali National Park, Alaska

Merely ten miles from the majestic Denali summit, the remote Sheldon Chalet is a dream destination for anyone hoping to witness the Aurora borealis. Surrounded by towering mountains that seem almost magical when illuminated by the northern lights, the panoramic rooms provide expansive views of both the mountains and the night sky. A world-class chef ensures that your dining experience is equally unforgettable.

So, is the Sheldon Chalet as enchanting as it appears? Guests certainly think so! One reviewer mused, “Five stars are not enough. I’ve never experienced anything so exhilarating that it brought me chills and tears at the same time.”

If you’re thirsting for even more celestial experiences, be sure to check out these six locations perfect for viewing a supermoon in 2020.