The Northern Lights are a spectacular light show that appears out of this world. It is possible to stand under the stars of the Arctic and observe the Northern Lights dance.
These celestial lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis (Dawn of the North), are caused by electrically charged particles reaching the earth’s magnet field. You have a better chance of seeing the poles if you travel further north.
Here’s a list of some of the top hotels to view the Northern Lights.
ION Hotel – Selfoss (Iceland)
The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is located less than an hour from Reykjavik. Its modern minimalist structure stands out among the lava fields and craggy terrain.
The hotel is close to the Thingvellir National Park and the famous Geysir Hot Springs. It organizes everything from rafting, glacier trekking, and diving in the Silfra Fissure (the rift between the American-Eurasian continents). ION’s own Northern Lights bar offers a great place to watch the night sky glow brightly. You can also sit down with an astronomer at the hotel and get all your questions answered.
Hotel Ranga – Hella, Iceland
You can enjoy the tranquillity of Hotel Ranga’s countryside while you soak in an outdoor hot tub that offers a view over Mount Hekla volcano. The hotel offers a special Aurora alarm wake-up service that ensures you don’t fall asleep during the show. It also has its highly-equipped observatory to help you stargaze. Hotel Ranga is located just two hours from Reykjavik’s airport. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway
A hotel entirely made of ice is an amazing frosty experience. If that doesn’t appeal to you enough, you can camp in a traditional lavvo tent at the Sorrisniva with a warm fire. You’re right on the banks of Alta River and in prime territory for aurora-spotting. Get together with your huskies to help you get there!
Hotel Kakslauttanen – Saariselka, Finland
Imagine being able to lie in the cool, incandescent sky and still be in your cozy bed at home. This is the Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finnish Lapland. This family-run establishment built a village with igloos, where you can sleep in tiny domes of glass that don’t heat up or freeze over. You can also enjoy reindeer safaris and horse-riding in snow, as well as an icebreaker cruise that includes a dip in the glacial Baltic Sea (in a dry suit).
Santa Claus Holiday Village – Rovaniemi, Finland
The Santa Claus Holiday Village is a unique option for accommodation in the Rovaniemi area (land of Sami, an indigenous people of Lapland). The Santa Claus Holiday Village is a great place to begin your search for Northern Lights. There are also plenty of activities to keep kids entertained during daylight hours. The Gingerbread Club at the hotel offers everything you need, including sledding, arts & crafts and baking.
Abisko Mountain Lodge – Abisko, Sweden
The rustic cabins at the Abisko Mountain lodge are located in the northernmost part of Swedish Lapland. They offer a comfortable option for an Arctic getaway.
Although the hotel has a variety of activities, including ice-fishing and heli-skiing, its main selling point is its central location.
You can see the Abisko National Park’s icy Tornetrask Lake from your window. Scientists have discovered a blue hole, a region of sky that stays clear, even in overcast conditions. For a privileges view, head over to the Aurora Sky Station.
Treehotel – Harads (Sweden)
Sweden’s Treehotel is exactly what its name suggests — a hotel that features an ingenious design and where you can sleep up in the trees. You can take a soak in the wood-fired tub in the forest or sign up for a photography class to capture the perfect photo of the auroras.
Hotel Alyeska – Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Hotel Alyeska is a Chateau-style motel that combines modern comfort with the wilderness of Alaska. This hotel is a hidden gem and offers a great vantage point to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen in the early hours of the morning. The staff at the hotel will gladly wake you up from your sleep to let you catch this coruscating spectacle.
Blachford Lake Lodge, Yellowknife Canada
Blachford Lake Lodge offers a great spot to view the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. The remote position of the lodge offers stunning views from its hilltop perch. You can also explore the Canadian wilderness by skis, fat-tire bikes, or kick sleds. There are also workshops on igloo building, snowmobile excursions, and other activities. Blachford Lodge hot tub offers stunning views while soothing your senses.