The World’s Top Hotels for Viewing Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis – or “dawn of the north” – is a stunning natural phenomenon that every traveller should have on their bucket list. From Greenland (home to one of the world’s most northerly hotels) to Finland’s Lapland (where cosy glass igloos await), HotelsCombined offers plenty of incredible sky-gazing opportunities to experience:

Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland

Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland

While the various log cabin accommodations at Hotel Kakslauttanen are all amazing, it’s the property’s distinct glass igloos that have really put it on the map as an Arctic hot spot. In these toasty little units, guests can observe the stars and Northern Lights from the comfort of their own beds.

Alyeska Resort, USA

Alyeska Resort, Alaska, USA

One of the state’s top-rated hotels, Alyeska Resort is located 40 miles outside of Anchorage and is surrounded by lush forest and towering mountain peaks. Its relatively remote location makes it a great spot for viewing the northern lights and staff are happy to arrange wake-up calls so guests can enjoy them in all their glory.

Hotel Arctic, Greenland

Hotel Arctic, Greenland

Thanks to its one-of-a-kind setting at the mouth of an ice fjord, this unique hotel boasts stunning waterfront light shows. There are a number of distinctive rooms and suites to choose from, but the quirky igloo accommodation (a two-person cabin with an aluminium exterior) is our favourite.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Carved entirely out of ice, this exceptional hotel looks like something straight out of Disney’s Frozen – and at night, it has the amazing Aurora Borealis just outside its doors to boot. Celebrating its 16th anniversary this winter, Sorrisniva has a short lifespan; opening in January, it will welcome a limited number of guests before melting away in the spring.

Blachford Lake Lodge, Canada

Blachford Lake Lodge, Northwest Territories, Canada

A rugged, picturesque hideaway that is only accessible by bush plane, Blachford offers Aurora viewing from mid-August to the end of September and from December to mid-April. Guests can choose to stay in the main lodge or, for a truly Canadian pioneer experience, in one of five charming log cabins complete with lake views, outside camp fire pits and woodstoves for heat.

Ion Hotel, Iceland

Ion Hotel, Iceland

Set amidst a stunning backdrop of mountainous lava fields about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the Ion Hotel is a great base for exploring Iceland’s unique environment. And with its floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel is also the ideal place for taking in the Northern Lights.

Lyngen Lodge, Norway

Lyngen Lodge, Norway

Located high above the Arctic Circle, Lyngen Lodge is an intimate refuge that houses a maximum of 18 guests. No matter how frigid the weather, visitors will stay warm thanks to geothermic heating, a sauna, and a large open fireplace in the main lounge – and guests can even view the Northern Lights from the comfort of the outdoor Jacuzzi.