Seeing the Northern Lights is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural experiences. The colours, movement and silence feel almost unreal — something between science and mythology. But witnessing them well comes down to choosing the right location: dark skies, minimal light pollution, high solar activity, and a hotel that understands what aurora-seekers actually need. From glass igloos to Arctic lodges, these are some of the best places in the world to chase the aurora and the stays that elevate the moment.

Abisko, Sweden — Europe’s Most Reliable Aurora Spot

Abisko sits in a unique micro-climate that often keeps the skies clear even when surrounding regions are cloudy. This makes it one of the most reliable places in the world for Northern Lights visibility. The surrounding national park offers pristine wilderness, icy landscapes and a sense of stillness that enhances the whole experience.

Where to stay:
Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi — An iconic Scandinavian experience where rooms are sculpted from ice and snow each winter. Even if you choose a warm room, the hotel offers aurora excursions, night photography tours and a surreal Arctic atmosphere that feels tailor-made for aurora hunting.

Tromsø, Norway — Lively City Meets Arctic Wilderness

Tromsø blends Arctic remoteness with a buzzing cultural scene, making it ideal for travellers who want both adventure and comfort. Its location above the Arctic Circle gives excellent aurora visibility, and you can pair your trip with dog-sledding, fjord cruises and Sami cultural experiences.

Where to stay:
Scandic Ishavshotel — Perfect harbour views, floor-to-ceiling windows and excellent access to boat tours and aurora safaris. A great choice if you want the lights without sacrificing the atmosphere of a city stay.

Reykjavík & Southern Iceland — Volcanic Landscapes Under Shifting Skies

Iceland’s landscape turns aurora chasing into something almost cinematic: black volcanic plains, waterfalls, glaciers and steaming geothermal pools. Iceland has unpredictable weather, but when the skies open, the lights are spectacular.

Where to stay:
Hotel Rangá — A luxury lodge in a remote location with an aurora wake-up call service, outdoor hot tubs, and an observatory. One of the best properties in Iceland for Northern Lights viewing without crowds.

Finnish Lapland — Glass Igloos for the Ultimate View

Few Northern Lights experiences feel as magical as falling asleep under the stars in a heated glass igloo. Finnish Lapland has long winter nights, clear conditions, reindeer-filled forests and an atmosphere that feels like a Scandinavian fairytale.

Where to stay:
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Glass Igloos) — One of the most famous aurora hotels in the world. Sleep under transparent ceilings while the sky glows above you. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone who wants the aurora experience without going outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.

Svalbard, Norway — The Polar Night Experience

Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited places on earth. From November to January, the sun doesn’t rise — creating an unusual window where you can see the Northern Lights even during the day. The remote Arctic landscape makes this one of the planet’s most dramatic aurora backdrops.

Where to stay:
Funken Lodge — A boutique-style Arctic hotel offering cosy luxury with panoramic views and easy access to snowmobile safaris, polar exploration tours and daytime aurora hunting.

Rovaniemi, Finland — For Families and Fairytale Atmosphere

Rovaniemi is known as the “home of Santa Claus,” but it also offers excellent aurora visibility and a family-friendly environment. Forested landscapes, frozen lakes and snow-lined trails create a beautiful, gentle setting for first-time aurora hunters.

Where to stay:
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel — Elevated suites with huge windows facing the sky. Stylish, warm and designed for viewing the aurora from bed.

Fairbanks, Alaska — Aurora Season Done Properly

Fairbanks sits directly under the auroral oval, giving consistent Northern Lights activity from late August through April. The crisp, stable winter climate improves visibility and the surrounding wilderness makes for spectacular photography.

Where to stay:
Chena Hot Springs Resort — A rustic, atmospheric stay where you can watch the aurora from a natural hot spring. The combination of warm water and icy skies is unforgettable.

Yellowknife, Canada — Clear, Dry Skies and Wild Beauty

Located in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is known for some of the clearest aurora skies in North America. The dry winter climate makes visibility excellent, and you can pair your trip with Indigenous cultural experiences and snow-filled adventures.

Where to stay:
Blachford Lake Lodge — Accessible only by bush plane, this remote lodge offers an off-grid wilderness experience with outstanding aurora visibility.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights don’t need perfection — they need the right ingredients: clear skies, dark nights, high latitudes and a stay designed to help you enjoy them comfortably. Whether you want an ice-sculpted hotel, a glass igloo, a boutique Arctic lodge or a cosy hot-spring retreat, each destination above offers not just the chance to see the aurora, but a way to experience it in a way that feels personal and unforgettable. For more winter travel ideas and quiet winter escapes, visit our Travel section