You’ll never forget an experience like seeing the Northern Lights. It’s important to be in the right place at the right time to see the ethereal display, however conditions must be perfect to witness it. We’ve rounded up the best hotels to see the aurora borealis with so many options available.
If you want to see the spectacular natural phenomenon, you’ll need to make sure you visit between winter and spring so you’ll have a better chance of seeing it.
When it comes to deciding on where to go, there are plenty of destinations to consider. The Northern Lights are most likely to be seen near the Arctic Circle in places like Alaska, Canada, and Iceland, but sometimes they’re visible in the most northerly regions of the US and UK.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve selected our favorite hotels to experience the polar lights. As you wait for the aurora to appear, these cozy retreats are perfect places to stay on an island off the coast of Newfoundland or a glacier ridge in Alaska.
Reykjavik Dome
We start our list of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. Iceland’s winters have only a few hours of daylight, giving you plenty of chances to see the aurora borealis.
There’s no better place to gaze at the starry night sky than from your own cozy dome, complete with a sheepskin-covered king-size bed, fireplace and hot tub. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, the luxurious accommodation boasts breathtaking views of the snow-capped Mount Esja.
If you’re not relaxing in your dome, our knowledgeable guides will take you on a special tour of the Northern Lights. To keep warm, you’ll take Icelandic woolen blankets and hot chocolate with you as you head out into the countryside after consulting the Aurora forecast.
Hotel Rangá
Hotel Rangá is a great option for those who prefer a rural Icelandic retreat. The boutique hotel overlooks the river Yti-Rangá in the countryside near Hella and is about two hours from the capital.
It does not matter what time of day or night it is, the hotel’s Aurora wake-up service will make sure you don’t miss the polar lights. You can also take a tour of the solar system on clear nights with a local astronomer and visit the Rangá Observatory to see the stars through high-quality telescopes and learn about the solar system.
You’ll find beautiful handmade artwork in the 775-sq-ft master suites. Indulge in a glass of bubbly after a long day exploring the Icelandic wilderness in the generous soaking tubs.
Fogo Island Inn
On our next stop, we will visit the spectacular Fogo Island Inn in Canada. With floor-to-ceiling windows revealing breathtaking views of the North Atlantic, this striking timber-clad hotel sits on a rugged island off the coast of New Foundland, nestled on a rocky outcrop.
Featuring handcrafted quilts, a wood-burning stove, a soaker tub, and underfloor heating, the 1,100-sq-ft Flat Earth Suite is the most exclusive accommodation. You can enjoy the rooftop hot tubs, live music in the lounge, visit the art gallery, and, fingers crossed, watch the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky from the comfort of your room during your stay.
The Inn’s unique operating model is perhaps the most impressive of all. The property is owned by a charity, and all profits go to initiatives aimed at securing the future of Fogo Island. As part of its efforts to minimize its impact on the environment, the Inn sources 80% of its ingredients from the island and uses electric vehicles. Additionally, guests can opt to achieve carbon neutrality during their stay by opting in.
Blachford Lake Lodge
You cannot mention Blachford Lake Lodge in our list of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights. From Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, you must take a floatplane to reach this idyllic lakeside eco-lodge.
Due to Blachford Lake Lodge’s remote location, there is minimal light pollution, making it ideal for spotting the aurora. In addition to two decks, a hot tub, sauna, and tipi, you can also enjoy the stunning vistas of the icy lake during winter if you visit.
It’s also possible to relax under a duvet in your log cabin. The most opulent room at the lodge is Sunrise 2, where Prince William and Kate Middleton stayed.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Located on the shores of Lac Beavert in the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is one of the most picturesque mountain resorts in Canada. In addition to aurora hunting, the stunning national park offers snowshoeing, cross country skiing and hiking. During the evenings, you can relax in the 10,000-sq-ft spa, take a dip in the pool or curl up in front of the fire with a glass of wine.
If you want to make your stay extra special, consider booking the legendary Outlook Cabin. Known as the Royal Retreat (Queen Elizabeth II stayed here in 2005), the spacious abode features six ensuite bedrooms, two fireplaces and a spacious private patio where you can eat al fresco. You won’t have to lift a finger during your stay thanks to the butler on hand.
Sheldon Chalet
In Alaska’s Denali National Park, Sheldon Chalet offers dramatic views of glaciers and can only be reached by helicopter.
Its elevation is 6,000 feet and the nearest town is 55 air miles away, making it the perfect place to watch the aurora dance across the inky skies of Alaska. You can learn more about the star constellations and explore the nearby glaciers and caverns with expert guides.
In the ultra-exclusive retreat, you’ll find five bedrooms with large windows revealing sweeping mountain views and comfortable king-size beds topped with faux-fur throws. You can expect a gourmet meal prepared by the talented resident chef throughout your stay, along with platters of Alaskan seafood on arrival.
Nellim
This family-run resort, located deep within Finnish Lapland, features snug rooms and traditional log cabins. The last but not least on our list of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights is Nellim. Alternatively, you can stay in an Aurora Bubble, a glass-topped igloo that lets you admire the starlit sky from the comfort of your bed.
You will increase your chances of spotting the aurora by participating in the Northern Lights Adventure package. Snowmobiling, husky sledding and a trip to Lake Inari will be included during your three-night stay, where you can observe the night sky and, if you’re lucky, watch the polar lights.
