This winter, the northern lights will be at their most spectacular. Want to add even more enchantment to them? Here are seven luxurious winter lodging options for seeing the northern lights, ranging from glass cabins and mountain yurts to hotels on ice.
Even in urban locations like New York City, many Americans were treated to a unique sight this autumn: the northern lights blazing across the night sky.
The good news is that the aurora borealis, a natural phenomenon, is really active right now, in case you missed it.
In fact, even more frequent and spectacular light displays are expected during the winter of 2025, when northern lights activity is expected to peak. There has never been a finer moment to cross seeing the northern lights off your bucket list.
There are several options available worldwide if you want to take advantage of the thrilling northern lights forecasts this winter, including glass domes, cruise ships, and upscale hotels in Canada, Scandinavia, Iceland, and other places.
Here are some amazing locations to witness some of the most breathtaking and breathtaking natural phenomena on the planet.
Glass Resort, Finland.
You may even see the northern lights from the comfort of your bed when you stay at the Glass Resort in Lapland, Finland, which is regarded as one of the most dependable locations to observe them.
The resort features 24 apartments with glass walls and roofs, making it easy to see Finland’s breathtaking night sky.
After exploring the area’s stunning natural surroundings, you can quickly warm up and unwind in the private hot bath and sauna that each unit offers.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is well-known throughout the world for its vibrant hues and purported therapeutic properties, although it can get crowded. However, according to its website, The Retreat offers “a private lagoon sourced from the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon,” so crowds aren’t an issue there.
The opulent hotel is the ideal location to witness the northern lights because it has Michelin-starred restaurants, an underground spa, and breathtaking views of Iceland.
The Edge, Norway
It’s practically like being on top of the world when you visit Tromsø, Norway. Being inside the Arctic Circle and the world’s northernmost city, it’s a great place to see the northern lights.
Because they are so common, you can view the aurora borealis flying above the streets on many evenings of the year, despite Tromsø being a busy urban region.
The Edge, a four-star hotel directly on the sea, is one of the best locations to stay here. It has a rooftop bar where you can sip on delectable drinks while taking in the distant northern lights.
Arctic Bath, Sweden
Do you know what a floating hotel is? The experience is just as amazing as it seems. Six of the cabins of Sweden’s Arctic Bath hotel are suspended on platforms above the Lule River, which freezes over throughout the winter. The creative layout places you squarely in the middle of Sweden’s chilly countryside.
While you’re not busy taking in the aurora borealis, you can visit the hotel’s opulent spa, go dog sledding, swim in the outdoor river pool, or dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s the ideal location for a winter getaway.
Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Canada
To see the northern lights, you don’t need to take a plane abroad. Just travel north to Canada, where you may see the Northern Lights at a number of locations, such as the Yukon’s Northern Lights Resort and Spa.
Although the resort offers a wide variety of cabins, many of which have received excellent ratings for their seclusion and beauty, the Aurora Glass Chalets are the greatest choices.
You can’t miss any nighttime light displays because of their glass walls, and even when the northern lights aren’t visible, the views from the chalets are still rather breathtaking. Gourmet dining and a top-notch spa are also provided by the resort.
Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska
Perhaps bathing in hot water is the greatest way to take in the aurora borealis sight. While unwinding in one of the hotel’s natural hot springs, you may observe the northern lights at the Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska. It is simultaneously beautiful and restored.
However, you also have alternative choices here: Additionally, the resort can transport you to the summit of Charlie Dome Mountain, where you may spend time in one of its yurts and see the northern lights. You will be able to see the display in 360 degrees if they do.
Northern Lights Promise, Hurtigruten
When chasing the northern lights, you don’t have to stay on land. By booking a luxury cruise, you may float over icy rivers and seas while taking in the dazzling scenery of the coast at day and the dancing northern lights at night.
For those who want to experience the northern lights, Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise is possibly one of the greatest cruise alternatives available. You will have numerous chances to see the aurora borealis throughout the 11-day voyage across Norway’s waterways.
But don’t worry if you don’t see the lights; if you do, Hurtigruten will offer you a complimentary cruise. It is obviously confident in its ability to show you one of the most amazing natural occurrences on the planet.
Tips for spotting auroras
To improve your chances of seeing the lights, think about installing an app that provides you with aurora forecasts and updates, regardless of where you choose to travel.
For instance, My Aurora Forecasts and Alerts is a free app with positive reviews on the App Store and Google Play Store. It allows you to plan your northern lights viewing (according to weather conditions, of course) by providing forecasts for the next hour, several hours, and several weeks in advance.
If the lights aren’t happening, you can watch free live aurora webcams from all across the world using the app.
