Imagine waking up in a suspended glass cube high in the treetops, or falling asleep under an aurora display inside a cosy glass igloo. How about sleeping in an exquisitely carved ice suite or listening to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean roll onto a volcanic sand beach? When it comes to choosing where to lay your head on a quest to see the northern lights it’s all about location, location, location. But there are some properties that offer something extra to elevate the experience.
From the picturesque fjords of northern Norway to the frozen lakes and snow-laden forests of Lapland, the big skies of the Icelandic countryside to the remote wilds of Alaska. With over 40 years’ experience in travelling to northern latitudes, we’ve found some truly superb places to stay in the auroral oval ensuring catching sight of the northern lights is the great big cherry on top of a exceptional escape.
Hotel Ranga, South West Iceland
Great for: Ease of exploring and huge skies. The location is ideal, just a 90-minute drive from Reykjavik, yet deep in the countryside and away from the light pollution of the city. It’s close to some of the country’s most stunning waterfalls and spectacular Thórsmörk valley. Ranga also has its own star-gazing observatory, outdoor hot tubs, and gourmet restaurant with one of the most delicious and exciting menus in the country. Ranga holds one Michelin Key distinction.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
Hotel Ranga is one of Iceland’s most sought-after hotels to experience the lights. Located far away from light pollution, this charming hotel has very favourable conditions for viewing a display of the northern lights. With an aurora wake-up service, it’s no wonder Ranga has earned an enviable reputation for being a remarkable place for any aurora hunter.
We recommend: The Suites. As well as standard and deluxe rooms, Ranga has seven themed suites, each with a unique design based on the seven continents. Styled using beautiful and authentic décor and furnishings.
Icehotel, Swedish Lapland
Great for: Those wanting to tick off a bucket-list experience! This unique hotel offers guests the chance to sleep in a room made of pure snow and ice and a special mixture known as ‘snis’. With different designs every year, each stay is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
The Icehotel is located on the edge of the tiny village of Jukkasjarvi some 200km above the Arctic Circle and surrounded by wilderness. It is next to the River Torne, which is frozen in winter and provides a vantage point for viewing the night sky at your leisure. The hotel also offers various evening excursions to catch the phenomenon such as snowmobiling safaris. For your best chances of seeing the aurora, we recommend a two-centre stay with a night in Abisko, often citied by space scientists as the best place in the world for the northern lights. Take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station for optimum viewing.
We recommend: Venturing out on the Northern Lights Snowmobiling tour – a 4-hour adventure in search of the elusive aurora. Food and hot lingonberry juice are provided inside a cosy log cabin with a fireplace to warm up!
Nellim Wilderness Hotel, Finnish Lapland
Great for: An authentic Lapland experience. Cosseted by Finnish Lapland’s wilderness, this family-run hotel, set on the shores of the beautiful Lake Inari, offers a quintessential winter escape for families, couples and groups alike. Choose to do as much or as little as you wish at this charming and welcoming retreat.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
Close to the shores of Lake Inari, Nellim is a small family-run hotel very much off the beaten track. It’s remote location and lack of light pollution, means it’s in an ideal spot for potential northern lights viewing. Nellim offers innovative ways to view the northern lights, including Aurora Camps, positioned with unobstructed views of the night sky.
We recommend: Staying in a rustic Log Cabin. Equipped with a sitting area, kitchen, fireplace and sauna; enjoy the comfort and convenience of your surrounds before heading outside for the chance to catch an aurora display.
Stay at Nellim Wilderness Hotel»
Black Sand Hotel, Reykjanes, Iceland
Great for: Immersion in Iceland’s pure nature and volcanic landscapes. Black Sand Hotel is a brand new property, opening in 2026, on the very edge of the rugged south coast. Overlooking sweeping black sand beaches that disappear into the North Atlantic Ocean, this experiential hotel draws on the wild, natural beauty of Iceland’s coast to offer a stylish space to slow down. On the doorstep is Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, while venture inland to explore the wonders of the Golden Circle route.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
On a coastal peninsula away from light pollution and with seemingly endless views towards the horizon, simply gaze skyward as darkness falls and cross your fingers. And the aurora wake-up service means you can sleep easy until the moment (hopefully) arrives.
We recommend: Staying three nights to fully recharge and combining with a longer stay in Iceland, perhaps for city sights in Reykjavik or to explore further along the south coast at Ranga.
Treehotel, Swedish Lapland
Great for: Feeling a real connection with nature among the peace and quiet of the surrounding forest. There are a variety of unique ‘rooms’ to choose from built among the trees, which vary in size and design. If you’re feeling active – you can also take part in a host of thrilling activities available.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
Located in Lulea, in northern Sweden, the Treehotel is far away from the hustle and bustle urban life. Not only is it far away from light pollution but this stunning property offers a rare wilderness adventure. Surround by striking landscapes and views overlooking the Lule River valley, guests can admire the northern lights in eight differently themed suites. Including a Bird’s Nest, a Blue Cone and a futuristic UFO.
We recommend: The Mirror Cube, a fun and spacious room, with floor-to-ceiling reflective windows that appear to camouflage the structure from the outside – clever! Keep watch for the aurora through the glass ceiling, as you relax in style.
Gáldu Hotel and Spa, Finnish Lapland
Great for: Another champion of wellness, this time in Finnish Lapland, Gáldu is opening in November 2025. This boutique spa property sits near Saariselkä on edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park. The name Gáldu is derived from the Sami word for ice plunge, providing a sense of what awaits. Find the perfect balance of wellness, adventure and luxury. All the spacious and stylish rooms have floor to ceiling windows so you can look out onto your picturesque surrounds.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
You may be lucky enough to see the aurora from your large bedroom window, especially if you stay in a Stellar Haven offering sky views over the treetops. Or head out on an aurora chase with a local guide.
We recommend: Sampling the Arctic flavours in the restaurant, which offers modern interpretations of traditional Lappish dishes.
Hotel Husafell, West Iceland
Great for: Exploring West Iceland’s natural gems including Langjokull icecap and Hraunfossar waterfall. Hotel Husafell uses 100% pure energy from spring-fed hydroelectricity and geothermal heating, while natural hot water from nearby mountains is piped into fabulous geothermal pools next door.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
Tucked into the hinterland of Borgarfjordur, this rural bolthole enjoys dark night skies with superb aurora potential.
We recommend: Dining in the restaurant, which serves outstanding food and imaginative dishes, rich in local produce and flavours, accompanied by panoramic mountain views.
Arctic Bath, Swedish Lapland
Great for: Well-being and relaxation in stylish luxury surrounded by nature. From the team that devised the Treehotel, Arctic Bath opened in 2019 on the Lule River outside Harads in Swedish Lapland. An extraordinary concept, the hotel freezes onto the water in winter and floats during summer. Intimate and restful, 12 individual cabins – six on water, six on land – are built around the central, eye-catching spa building. A Michelin Key–awarded property, the onus here is on mindfulness and connection to nature. You can be as active or leisurely as you choose.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
Like Treehotel, Arctic Bath is away from the artificial lights of Harad’s village and the river’s edge offers a great spot to gaze at the aurora. You might even be treated to the northern lights dancing overhead while taking a bracing dip!
We recommend: Be sure to invigorate your senses dipping into the open-air plunge pool before warming in the dry sauna.
Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska
Great for: Combining aurora hunting with relaxing in the resort’s healing mineral waters. Originally founded over 100 years ago, the resort continues to attract people from all over the world to bathe in its warm mineral waters.
Why is it good for seeing the northern lights?
Located outside Fairbanks, Alaska, the resort is in big sky country under an active band of the auroral oval. Join a guided tour to venture up the surrounding mountains for unobstructed 360° views of the night sky.
We recommend: Soaking in the natural hot springs of Rock Lake or an outdoor hot tub, while you await nature’s light show.
Stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort »
Feeling inspired?
For more information on any of the featured hotels, or for help with finding your perfect room with a view, speak to one of our dedicated Travel Specialists on 01737 214 250, or send an enquiry.
Take a look at our collection of northern lights holidays from resort hotels to self drives, expertly-guided tours to coastal cruises. You can also read our guide on when and where to see the northern lights.