Seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Countries closest to the Arctic Circle such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland are some of the top places in the world for spotting this incredible natural phenomenon. If you want the best chances of catching the aurora, plan your stay in a Northern Lights hotel that is remote and away from the big population centres. The further your hotel is from a city, the less light pollution and the clearer the sky. Discover a selection of top hotels to spot the aurora borealis, from dome hotels in Iceland to Northern Lights hotels in NorwayOpens in a new window and remote ranches in the wilderness of Finland. 


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Canada Northern Lights Hotels

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Iceland Northern Lights Hotels

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Finland Northern Lights Hotels

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Norway Northern Lights Hotels

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Sweden Northern Lights Hotels

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FAQs 

 

Where is the best hotel to see the Northern Lights? 

Hotels close to the Arctic Circle generally give you the best chances of spotting the aurora. You'll find Northern Lights hotels in IcelandOpens in a new window that are wonderful options for both enjoying the beautiful nature that Iceland is so famous for and giving you a great chance of seeing the aurora. Northern Lights hotels in FinlandOpens in a new window can often be found way up in the country's remote northern regions like Lapland. 

Are the glass igloos in Finland heated? 

The iconic aurora borealis igloo hotels you’ve likely spotted on social media in recent years are indeed heated. Temperatures can drop to -40°C in Finland during the winter months, so any aurora borealis hotels you book are likely to have more than adequate heating so you can stay nice and toasty while you wait for the Northern Lights to show their face. 

Where are the prettiest Northern Lights? 

The Northern Lights are beautiful regardless of the destination you choose. You need to be patient and lucky to see them at their most striking. It can sometimes take several nights of waiting and gazing at the stars before you spot them, and it’s worth it. Iceland is one of the most famous countries in the world to see the Northern Lights. Explore Reykjavík Northern Lights hotelsOpens in a new window and start planning your stay. 

What is the best time for a Northern Lights trip? 

The best time for a Northern Lights trip is during winter. You can only see the Northern Lights at night, so the longer the nights, the more opportunities you have of spotting them. Nights last up to 18 hours in December in Norway's capital, OsloOpens in a new window. Up north in TromsøOpens in a new window, nights last even longer, which is why it's such a popular destination for travellers dead set on seeing the Northern Lights. 

How much does it cost to stay in a glass igloo? 

The cost of staying in a glass igloo in depends on the season. During high season in the depths of winter is when you’ll typically find the highest prices, but you might find bargains in the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring. Explore a wide selection of igloo hotels in Finland's LaplandOpens in a new window region and unique Reykjavík Northern Lights hotels on Hotels.com. 

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland? 

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland is from September to March, when nights are dark and at their longest. The further north you go, the more chances you have of spotting them. December is a great time to visit for a festive feel, but be prepared for crowds. February is typically a quieter period with plenty of snowfall that can give your trip that extra magical touch.  

Can you see the Northern Lights in the summer? 

While the aurora still occurs, it’s usually invisible. There simply aren't enough hours of darkness in summer for you to see it. In places like Iceland, the sun never truly sets from the start of May to the end of August, so there isn't a real night for the Northern Lights to be seen with the naked eye. There are still tons of amazing things to do, however, from hiking to whale-watching tours and music festivals.  

How do the Northern Lights happen? 

The Northern Lights are caused by solar wind particles that enter the Earth's atmosphere. These particles react with gases in the uppermost atmosphere, which we see under the right conditions as swaying and shimmering waves of colour. Discover top-rated aurora borealis hotels on Hotels.com and take your chance to see the aurora with your own eyes. 


Northern Lights Travel Ideas & Tips

Northern Lights in and around Trondheim

The 10 Best Place to See the Northern Lights in and around Trondheim

To see the northern lights, it is best to travel north, and in Trondheim there are several places where the conditions are just right.

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What to do in Norway

What you need to know before you go to Norway

Norway is a place of truly striking natural beauty, no matter the season. In summer, the rolling green hills gleam like emeralds while, in winter, the fjords have a stark, rugged charm.

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Best Things to Do in Finland

Best Things to Do in Finland

Plenty of interesting destinations and quintessential experiences await travellers across Finland, ranging from public saunas to street culture and from national parks to highlights of contemporary art. 

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