A Journey to See the Northern Lights: Where to Go and Stay

Green and violet ribbons dancing above snow-covered forests, fjords and volcanic landscapes. The Northern Lights can become the defining moment of a journey, while the anticipation offers a reason to spend a few days surrounded by the nature of the North.

We have selected four destinations and three places to stay in each.

Finland: Panoramic Windows and Snow-Covered Forests

Finnish Lapland is a wonderful choice for a romantic escape or a family holiday. Spend your evenings watching for the aurora and unwinding in a sauna, and your winter days exploring snowy forests.

Where to stay:

• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Rovaniemi. Suites on a wooded hillside with large panoramic windows overlooking the forest and Arctic sky.

• Levin Iglut – Golden Crown, Levi. Glass igloos on Utsuvaara fell for those who dream of watching the night sky from the warmth of their room.

• Aurora Village, Ivalo. Cosy cabins with a glass roof above the sleeping area, allowing you to watch for the Northern Lights from your bed.

Autumn and spring also offer opportunities to see the aurora. Snow is not essential; dark, clear skies are what matter.

Norway: The Northern Lights Above the Fjords

Choose Tromsø and the Lyngen region for Arctic scenery, coastal landscapes and guided excursions in search of the aurora. Around Tromsø, the viewing season usually runs from late August to early April.

Where to stay:

• Lyngen Lodge. An intimate lodge in peaceful surroundings with minimal light pollution. When conditions are favourable, the Northern Lights may be visible directly from the property.

• Lyngen Experience Lodge. A waterfront lodge on the northern Lyngen Peninsula offering stays that include Northern Lights experiences.

• Lyngen North. Glass igloos beside the Lyngenfjord with views towards the Lyngen Alps. Panoramic glazing lets you watch the sky from your room.

This region suits travellers who want to spend a few days among mountains and fjords, with guided evening excursions to seek out the aurora.

Iceland: Night Skies and Volcanic Landscapes

In Iceland, a Northern Lights journey can easily become an itinerary of waterfalls, black-sand beaches and geothermal baths. The main viewing season runs from September to April.

Where to stay:

• Hotel Rangá, South Iceland. A countryside hotel away from bright city lights, with its own observatory and outdoor hot tubs. Guests can request a wake-up call if the aurora appears during the night.

• ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir. A design hotel surrounded by volcanic landscapes, featuring the panoramic Northern Lights Bar. Private Super Jeep excursions can be arranged to search for the aurora.

• Torfhús Retreat, Golden Circle region. Traditional turf-roofed houses with geothermal basalt pools. For greater privacy, choose a Torfhús or Torfvilla with its own outdoor pool.

Iceland is an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine days of exploration with comfortable evenings watching the sky.

Sweden: Ice Suites and Arctic Adventures

Swedish Lapland is ideal for travellers seeking unusual places to stay and memorable winter experiences.

Where to stay:

• ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi. A hotel with artist-designed rooms made of snow and ice, whose seasonal section is rebuilt each winter. Your stay can include an evening snowmobile safari in search of the Northern Lights.

• Treehotel, Harads. Distinctive designer rooms set among the pine treetops. Complement your stay with a guided nighttime excursion to a location with minimal light pollution.

• Arctic Bath, Harads. A hotel on the Lule River with cabins on the water and on land, combining spa experiences with cold bathing. During the darker months, the aurora may be visible from the property when conditions allow.

Planning Your Journey

The Northern Lights depend on solar activity, cloud cover and darkness, so sightings cannot be guaranteed on a particular date. Allow several evenings for viewing and choose accommodation away from bright city lights.

For more details and to book your trip, please contact us by phone at +38067 0000 111, on Telegram — @RaiSkyTravel or by email at res@raisky.travel