The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis is a beautiful natural phenomenon that can be seen in the far north over the Arctic Circle.
Caused by increased magnetic activity from the sun striking the magnetosphere and creating a fantastic light show that can be seen from these remote northern locations.
If you’re looking to witness this spectacular event you can head to Alaska, Canada, Iceland, southern Greenland, and all over Scandinavia and Russia during the winter months which will give you the best opportunity to see the northern lights because of many months of darkness and clear skies.
Now, travelers can experience the light show from the comfort of their own bedrooms without even having to go outside and brave the frigid cold weather. From outdoor spas, to luxury cabins and beautiful hotels, there is a variety of amazing ways to enjoy the Aurora Borealis in comfort.
Aurora Village Ivalo, Finland
When it comes to the best places to see the spectacular light show from bed, you can’t make a list without including Aurora Villa Ivalo on it. Cozy cabins with glass roofs offer some of the best views of the Aurora from bed anywhere on earth.
Starting at around $330 USD per night, the stay includes a private bathroom, shower, coffee machine, WIFI (hopefully you won’t be needing it), a restaurant, tour desk, and a bar! So head to the land of a thousand lakes and take it all in!
Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Canada
In the far north of Canada just 20 minutes from Whitehorse you’ll find the Northern Lights Resort and Spa, a great spot to view the northern lights which even has an outdoor hot tub!
Each room also includes a flat-screen TV (we hope you won’t be using it), tea and coffee maker, and a patio with spectacular mountain views.
Only 15 minutes away is Mt Sima Alpine Adventure Park, and also MacBride Museum so you’ll have plenty to do during the day time as well.
Eliassen Rorbuer, Norway
Less cheap than some of the other places on this list, and also a little more of an authentic experience, why not stay in a classic rorbu Norwegian resort? Starting at around $150 per night, these little cabins that used to be used by local fisherman have been turned into cute little hotels.
Located in the remote Lofoten Islands in the small town of Hamnøy, this is one of our favorite spots to experience fantastic views of the aurora aorealis. They also offer aurora photography lessons and tours. You can check prices and availability here.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is a popular naturally occurring geothermal open-air spa that you’ve probably heard of or at least seen photos of.
Right next to the lagoon is a luxurious resort and spa which has a rooftop where you can easily spot the Aurora from on clear, dark nights.
What better way to relax in the hot springs in the middle of winter than enjoying the amazing natural light show? Prices range from $1,200 USD per night and up.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Finland
Located in the town of Rovaniemi in the Lapland region of Finland, the cute Treehouse Hotel is one of the best spots to view the natural phenomenon right from your bedroom, as each “tree house” is equipped with panoramic windows with epic views of the night sky.
Each room also has heated flooring, a private bathroom and shower, a minibar, a TV, and much more. The resort also offers skiing activities, cycling, hiking, husky safaris, and tours to the nearby SantaPark. Prices start at around $500 USD per night.
The Arctic Bath, Sweden
One of the coolest-sounding names for a resort, the Arctic Bath in Swedish Lapland is a great nordic style “floating” spa and resort that also boasts amazing views of the northern lights above.
This resort is most popularly visited as part of the Arctic Bath Luxury Adventure 6-day tour for around $5000 USD.
Hotel Rangá, Iceland
Another popular northern lights resort in Iceland, Hotel Rangá is one of the few places that also has a stargazing observatory!
The hotel also offers a wake-up call when the aurora borealis begins to shine, and they even turn off all of the lights at the resort for better viewing!
With suites starting at around $775 per night, it’s definitely worth it as it includes a delicious breakfast, there are outdoor hot tubs, spas, a world-class restaurant, and unbelievable views of Mount Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcano in the distance.
Aurora Village, Russia
Aurora Village in the far north of the Murmansk region above the Arctic Circle offers an exceptional glamping experience. Relax in their unique “domes” that each has their own private bath, shower, and comfortable beds that easily allow you to witness the Aurora through the glass ceiling without ever leaving the room!
They also offer day tours to the north on the coast of the Barents Sea and the accommodation offers a ski pass as well as a garden and barbecue space! Check prices here.
Icehotel, Sweden
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden was first built in 1989 and has been rebuilt every year after it thaws and melts in the spring. Carved out of ice blocks from the Torne River nearby every year, this fantastic hotel also has epic views of the aurora borealis.
They also do snowmobile tours at night which is one of the most unique ways to witness the magical event in the skies above.
Star Arctic Hotel, Finland
The Star Arctic Hotel offers spectacular views of the northern lights straight from your bedroom with panoramic glass roofs opening up to the sky above!
Located in Saariselkä in Northern Finland, during the day you can go downhill skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing in the nearby Urho Kekkonen National Park and return at night to the fantastic views above.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Canada
While a little further south of the Arctic Circle in the Canadian Rockies, this is still a great place to witness the aurora borealis, sometimes even in the middle of summer if you’re lucky.
The resort is located on the beautiful Beauvert Lake, which freezes over in the winter, allowing you to skate on it!
The resort also boasts a golf course, and 10,000 square foot spa, and it’s also nearby the Marmot Basin ski area. Check prices and availability here.
The Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat, Greenland
One of the more remote places on earth to see the aurora borealis from, Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland is around 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, so you’re almost guaranteed to see a light show when you’re here.
The Hotel Arctic is the northernmost 4-star hotel in the world. The famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace which is now a museum is only 2 miles away.
Inn on the Lake, Canada
Another Canadian resort popular for viewing the aurora, Inn on the Lake is a great spot to watch the skies light up above from the comfort of your own bedroom in their cute lodges.
Each one comes equipped with a balcony, kitchen, rustic furnishings, and bathroom. They also offer kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and a fantastic restaurant.
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