Seeing one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena, the Northern Lights, is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many. Not so if you live in the Nordic Countries. Here, from late September to early April, when the nights are at their longest and the skies are at their darkest, residents are in with a good chance of witnessing this mesmerising spectacle on a regular basis.
From pale greens and yellows to vibrant pinks, reds and purples, the shimmering waves of colour that pop against this velvet backdrop are the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with the magnetic field of the Earth. The most common colour to see is green, which is created by the particles colliding with oxygen at high altitudes; more rare and intense shades like red or purple occur when the particles interact with either oxygen or nitrogen at lower altitude levels. The intensity and colour of the aurora depends on solar activity, which fluctuates in an 11-year cycle, with stronger displays often occurring during periods of heightened solar storms.
With fairy tale snowy landscapes already beckoning, the chance of seeing an aurora borealis only adds to the appeal of a winter trip to the Nordic region. Whether you’re gazing up from a glass igloo in Finnish Lapland, from a hotel made of ice in northern Sweden, from a dormant lava field in Iceland or from a peaceful island in Norway, witnessing the Northern Lights can feel like a dream come true.
Read on to discover where to cosy up and turn your eyes to the skies, with our hand-picked selection of Michelin recommended hotels.
Finland
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Set in the heart of Finnish Lapland, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel allows you to witness mesmerising auroras from the comfort of your private glasshouse cabin, with each one featuring a panoramic window that brings the dancing colours of the northern skies right to your bed. The luxurious design of the hotel seamlessly intertwines with the pristine wilderness, offering the perfect blend of nature and modern comforts, including private saunas for the ultimate in warming relaxation. For those seeking adventure, dog-sledging and reindeer sleigh rides await nearby – as well as the SantaPark theme park – while the restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal fare including Arctic game like moose and reindeer.
Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, the iconic glass igloos are designed to give you an uninterrupted view of the aurora borealis from the comfort of your bed, allowing you to witness this breathtaking natural light show in absolute comfort. For those who prefer a bit more privacy, log cabins with observation domes are also available, where you can enjoy the lights in more secluded surroundings – and with your own private sauna. Beyond this, Kakslauttanen offers an array of Arctic adventures, including husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Iceland
Hotel Rangá
Located on the southern coast of Iceland, with a volcano behind and the sea in front, this rustic log cabin surrounded by rugged, untouched landscapes is one of the most unique places in the world to experience the Northern Lights. Cosy wood-panelled rooms offer stunning views of Iceland’s natural beauty, while the suites, each themed around a different continent, provide something a little different. It's the Northern Lights that really steal the show though; whether you're viewing them from the comfort of your room or from the outdoor hot tubs, they are magical. Nearby you can also enjoy glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs, making Hotel Rangá the perfect base for an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
Iceland
ION Adventure Hotel
Nestled in the dramatic landscape of Þingvellir National Park, the ION Adventure Hotel does exactly what it says on the tin. Whether you’re in the mood for fishing, horse riding, glacier hiking, ice climbing or diving between two tectonic plates, ION offers a full Icelandic experience. Built from reclaimed and renewable materials, it comes with furniture crafted from driftwood and showers heated by geothermal energy. After a day of adventure, the spa offers the perfect retreat to soothe your body, while unwinding in the 10-metre outdoor hot tub under glittering skies will soothe your soul. With minimal light pollution and a striking location amidst dormant lava fields, the hotel provides an ideal vantage point for watching the aurora borealis paint the skies.
Iceland
360 Hotel & Spa
Perched atop a hillside in southern Iceland, the 360's floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled panoramic views of the wild countryside, from forests and fields to distant waterways – as well as front-row seats to view the Northern Lights. A true design hotel, it comes with industrial-chic styling and stunning outlooks straight from your bed. After a day exploring everything from glaciers to geysers, take time to soak in the mineral-rich thermal baths, before heading outdoors for a chance to see the lights dance over the landscape.
Norway
Manshausen
Nestled in the Steigen Archipelago, the remote and breathtaking Manshausen Island is one of the best places in Norway to experience the Northern Lights. The main house dates from the 1880s, when the island was a traders' outpost, but the minimalist larchwood and glass sea cabins – many of which extend out over the water's edge – are as modern as can be. Whether it's through the floor-to-ceiling windows or wrapped up warm out on the terrace, the uninterrupted views of the arctic skies make it a prime location to witness the lights in all their glory. Beyond the aurora, the island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, kayaking and hiking – all in one of the most pristine and remote locations in Norway.
Sweden
ICEHOTEL
Located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, the world-renowned ICEHOTEL is an iconic destination. From December to April, you can stay in a room made of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River or upgrade to one complete with snow and ice sculptures, while the solar-powered ICEHOTEL 365 makes sure the Ice Bar stays frozen whatever the weather (there are some year-round ice suites here too). Spend the day exploring the snowy wilderness and enjoying activities like ice sculpting, dog sledging and snowmobiling, then order a cocktail in an ice glass before watching the Northern Lights dance on the horizon and finally retiring to your ice bed (warm clothes recommended)!
Sweden
Treehotel
Also in Swedish Lapland, but this time nestled deep in the forest, the Treehotel is the ultimate escape for those seeking an immersive experience where they become one with nature. Each of the unique treehouses – from the almost invisible Mirrorcube to the film-worthy UFO – offers elevated views through the treetops, providing the perfect aurora vantage point and making you feel as though you can reach out and touch the dazzling lights in the dark Arctic sky. Here it's just you, the forest, a sauna and a riverside hot tub – what more could you need?Hero Image: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
