Blog
Northern Lights
Under the Sky of the Far North: The Most Beautiful Hotels to See the Northern Lights in Europe
Experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of a stylish hotel: let yourself be enchanted by this luminous ballet in the sky, turning every night into an unforgettable moment.
Some nights change everything. Nights when the sky ignites in green, pink, and purple, as if nature itself decided to paint the horizon. The Northern Lights are one of those rare, magnetic, almost mystical spectacles that you witness only a handful of times in your life. In Europe, the northern lands, from Lapland to Iceland, through the Norwegian fjords, provide the perfect backdrop for this luminous dance.
To fully experience this phenomenon, choosing the right accommodation is essential. Here, glass cabins, designer domes, and secluded hotels compete with imagination to offer the best seats for the celestial show. From the cozy comfort of a heated bed under a glass roof to the terrace of a lodge suspended above the pines, every location is designed to elevate this intimate encounter with the sky.
Here is our guide: an exploration of the most beautiful hotels to see the Northern Lights in Europe, selected for their design, unique location, and enchanting atmosphere. Exceptional addresses to discover on Stay Some Days, for a stay suspended between earth and light.
Lights in the Night: The Phenomenon of the Northern Lights
Beyond the dark skies of the Far North, the Northern Lights appear as a silent, multicolored dance. This natural light phenomenon occurs due to the interaction between solar particles (solar winds) and the Earth’s upper atmosphere: when these electrically charged particles hit the atoms and molecules in the atmosphere (oxygen, nitrogen), they cause excitation that ends with the emission of light.
This celestial spectacle is most visible near the magnetic poles, in Europe, in the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and certain Arctic archipelagos, where the sky is often the darkest and clearest.
When to See the Northern Lights in Europe: The Best Time
Choosing the right season is crucial to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The ideal period runs from late September to early April. Months around the equinoxes, autumn (late September/early October) and spring (March), are particularly favorable: nights lengthen, the sky clears, and solar activity sometimes peaks, intensifying the spectacle.
In the heart of winter, from December to January, nights are very long and skies dark, which is a clear advantage, even though cold and cloud cover can sometimes interfere.
The best time to observe the Northern Lights is usually between 10 p.m. and 2–3 a.m., when the night is at its peak and the sky provides the purest canvas for this luminous ballet.
Where to Book and When: Practical Tips
Planning a trip to the Far North to admire the Northern Lights requires organization and anticipation. To fully enjoy the experience, it’s recommended to book well in advance. Designer hotels, glass cabins, glass igloos, or luxury lodges are highly sought after, especially during the high season from November to March, so it’s wise to reserve six to twelve months ahead.
Staying several nights in the same region significantly increases your chances of seeing the auroras. A minimum of three to four nights helps compensate for unpredictable weather and multiplies opportunities to witness the sky light up.
Accommodation choice is also crucial. Glass cabins, transparent domes, or large windows, ideally located in isolated and naturally dark areas, provide exceptional panoramas and comfort that turn aurora watching into an unforgettable experience.
Finally, checking forecasts before each outing is essential: weather, solar activity, moon phases, and cloud cover directly affect your chances. Some hotels even offer alert services or guided night excursions to ensure you don’t miss any celestial spectacle.
Our Selection of Exceptional Hotels to View the Northern Lights
We have curated a carefully selected collection of the best hotels in the Far North, chosen for their refined architecture, comfort, design, and most importantly, their ideal location for observing the Northern Lights.
Among these exceptional accommodations are suspended glass cabins, panoramic suites, glass igloos, cosmic domes, and secluded lodges, all designed to enjoy the sky from your bed or terrace, in a preserved environment far from artificial lights. The design is elegant, the immersion peaceful, and the panorama simply breathtaking.
Booking one of these most beautiful hotels via Stay Some Days ensures a stay where natural beauty, understated luxury, and thoughtful design combine to make observing the Northern Lights a truly poetic experience.
Magical Pond Nature Igloos
Hotel in Ruka – Finnish Lapland
Nestled in the snowy forests of Ruka, Magical Pond transforms each night into a living painting. Glass igloos floating on frozen ponds offer total immersion in the silent nature, where the Arctic sky becomes a moving canvas for the Northern Lights. Modern architecture blends with the landscape, and from your bed, every reflection on the shimmering water makes the experience even more magical.
Northern Lights Village Levi
Hotel in Levi – Finnish Lapland
In Levi, Northern Lights Village combines Lappish tradition with contemporary design. Wooden cabins with large windows allow you to watch the sky’s lights in an intimate and warm atmosphere, sheltered from the cold. Here, the crackle of fireplaces mixes with the aurora dance, offering a unique moment of contemplation in an authentic setting.
OloResort
Hotel in Levi – Finnish Lapland
OloResort is a luxury sanctuary in the heart of Lapland, where each suite blends refined comfort with minimalist aesthetics. Panoramic views from modern cabins reveal the night sky in full splendor, while the Northern Lights reflect on fresh snow. Between privacy, design, and snowy landscapes, every moment becomes poetic.
Arctic TreeHouse
Hotel in Rovaniemi – Finnish Lapland
Suspended in the Nordic forest, Arctic TreeHouse suites offer a rare perspective on the Arctic sky. Elevated structures bring you closer to the stars, while large windows capture the colorful undulations of the auroras. Modern comfort and a warm atmosphere turn the observation into a sensory moment, where you almost hear the whisper of nature.
Aurora Collection
Hotel in Saariselkä – Finnish Lapland
In Saariselkä, Aurora Collection emphasizes minimalist elegance and closeness to nature. Glass suites and panoramic cabins provide a continuous sky show, where Northern Lights appear from dawn to dusk. Discreet luxury and refined design merge with absolute tranquility for a deeply immersive experience.
Parkside Pyhä
Lodges in Pyhätunturi – Finnish Lapland
Parkside Pyhä blends into the Pyhätunturi landscape with its cozy wooden lodges. Large windows and terraces allow guests to follow the aurora’s celestial ballet from their living room or bed. Here, the silence of snowy forests and the glow of the sky create a contemplative and enchanting atmosphere.
VALO Ice Cube Villas
Villas in Saariselkä – Finnish Lapland
VALO Ice Cube Villas offer an innovative concept: experience the Northern Lights as if they were dancing in your room. Transparent walls and minimalist cubic design highlight the Arctic sky and surrounding snow. Each villa is an intimate setting where modern luxury and raw nature meet for an unforgettable nocturnal show.
Kuuru Lakeside
Hotel in Stella – Finnish Lapland
On the edge of frozen lakes and surrounded by silent forests, Kuuru Lakeside is a timeless refuge. Rooms with lake views allow you to watch the Arctic sky turn green and violet, while aurora reflections on the water amplify the magic. The experience combines discreet luxury, preserved nature, and continuous celestial spectacle.
Glass Resort
Hotel in Rovaniemi – Finnish Lapland
Glass Resort combines modernity with immersion in the Far North. Glass suites offer panoramic views of the Arctic sky, where the Northern Lights unfold in a choreographed display. With contemporary comfort and an intimate atmosphere, each night becomes a poetic moment amidst snowy forests.
The Barö
Hotel in Inkoo – Finland
Located on a private island off the Finnish coast, The Barö provides a unique retreat between sea and forest. Elegant, secluded cottages allow guests to admire the Northern Lights reflected on calm waters while enjoying an intimate and warm atmosphere. Between preserved nature, refined comfort, and celestial spectacle, each stay becomes a suspended moment where time seems to stop.
Kuru Resort
Hotel in Rantasalmi – Finland
Nestled by crystal-clear lakes and pristine forests, Kuru Resort is a haven of tranquility in Finnish nature. Modern and cozy cottages offer perfect views of the Arctic sky, ideal for observing the Northern Lights from the comfort of your room or terrace. Between serenity, snowy landscapes, and celestial displays, every stay becomes magical and memorable.
Aera – Panorama glass lodge
Cabin in Tromso – Norway
In Tromsø, Aera – Panorama Glass Lodge offers a unique experience above the Norwegian fjords. Fully glass cabins allow unobstructed views of the night sky, while minimalist design highlights the surrounding landscapes. Between discreet luxury and total immersion in the Far North, each night becomes a breathtaking celestial ballet.
Moxy Tromsø
Hotel in Tromso – Norway
Moxy Tromsø combines urban energy with privileged access to the wonders of the Far North. Located near the city center but perfectly connected to Arctic landscapes, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with large windows to admire the Northern Lights. Here, dynamic design, friendly atmosphere, and celestial spectacle converge to transform every stay into an elegant and unexpected adventure.
Aurora Fjord Cabins
Hotel in Lyngseidet – Norway
Perched on the edge of Lyngseidet’s majestic fjords, Aurora Fjord Cabins offer total immersion in Norway’s wild nature. Each cabin, with large panoramic windows, allows guests to admire the Northern Lights reflecting in the fjord’s crystal-clear waters, creating a breathtaking show. Between cozy comfort and preserved Arctic scenery, each night becomes a suspended moment between sky and sea.
Holmen Lofoten
Hotel in Sorvagen – Norway
Located amidst the spectacular landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, Holmen Lofoten combines Nordic charm with modern comfort. Rooms and cabins overlooking the fjords and mountains offer ideal views to watch the Northern Lights dance in the Arctic sky. Between Northern light, sparkling sea, and intimate atmosphere, each stay becomes authentic and memorable.
Hattvika Lodge
Hotel in Ballstad – Norway
Nestled in the picturesque village of Ballstad, Hattvika Lodge offers a warm refuge in the heart of Lofoten’s wild landscapes. Comfortable rooms with large windows allow guests to admire the Northern Lights reflected on the sea and surrounding mountains, turning each night into a breathtaking natural show. Between cozy ambiance, grand panoramas, and Arctic immersion, every stay becomes unique and unforgettable.
Arctic Bath
Hotel in Harads – Sweden
Suspended over the frozen waters of Swedish Lapland, Arctic Bath is a unique hotel where bold architecture meets wild nature. Its cabins and floating baths offer direct views of the night sky, allowing guests to admire the Northern Lights from the warm water or the comfort of a stylish space. Every stay becomes a suspended moment, between the cozy atmosphere of the place and the magical display of Arctic lights.
Treehotel
Hotel in Harads – Sweden
Perched atop Nordic pines, Treehotel offers a unique experience between sky and forest. Each cabin, with bold contemporary design, allows guests to admire the Northern Lights in an intimate and secluded setting while enjoying cozy comfort. Between height, panoramic views of Lapland, and poetic atmosphere, each stay transforms into a magical interlude in the heart of wild nature.
Ion Adventure
Hotel in Nesjavellir – Iceland
Nestled in the heart of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, ION Adventure Hotel combines modern luxury with wild adventure. Rooms and suites offer spectacular views of lava fields and the Arctic sky, perfect for watching the Northern Lights when night falls. Between contemporary design, refined comfort, and full immersion in Iceland’s wonders, each stay becomes unforgettable, where nature takes center stage.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Hotel in Grindavik – Iceland
Located in the heart of the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal waters, The Retreat offers a luxurious and unique Icelandic experience. Elegant panoramic suites allow guests to watch the Northern Lights dance above turquoise lagoons and surrounding lava fields. Between refined design, absolute well-being, and intimate connection with Icelandic nature, each stay becomes a true moment of magic and contemplation.
Highland Base
Hotel in Kerlingarfjoll – Iceland
Perched in the heart of the volcanic mountains of Kerlingarfjöll, Highland Base is a refuge for adventurers seeking raw and spectacular nature. Comfortable lodges offer direct views of Arctic skies, perfect for observing the Northern Lights in a secluded and majestic setting. Between lunar landscapes, absolute silence, and intimate atmosphere, every stay becomes an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Umi
Hotel in Skogar – Iceland
Nestled at the foot of Skógar’s majestic waterfalls, UMI offers a unique setting where the power of Icelandic nature meets modern comfort. Rooms with large windows allow guests to admire the Northern Lights reflecting on volcanic landscapes and crystalline rivers. Between intense sensations, grand panoramas, and intimate atmosphere, each stay becomes a poetic immersion in the heart of the Arctic sky.
Under the Sky of the Far North: An Unforgettable Experience
Watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of a design hotel, a glass cabin, or a secluded lodge in the Far North is not just a trip—it’s a sensory and poetic experience. Between Arctic skies, snowy landscapes, and architecture designed to elevate every moment, these stays turn each night into a suspended instant, where light and nature converse in perfect harmony. On Stay Some Days, our selection of the most beautiful hotels to see the Northern Lights in Europe promises an unforgettable stay, combining comfort, design, and celestial magic—a chance to dive into the infinite colors of the North and create memories illuminated by starlight.
Images Courtesy Magical Pond Nature Igloos, Northern Lights Village Levi, OloResort, Arctic TreeHouse, Aurora Collection, Parkside Pyhä, VALO Ice Cube Villas, Kuuru Lakeside, Glass Resort, Aera – Panorama Glass Lodge, Moxy Tromsø, Aurora Fjord Cabins, Holmen Lofoten, Hattvika Lodge, Arctic Bath, Treehotel, ION Adventure Hotel, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Highland Base, UMI, The Barö, Kuru Resort, Stay Some Days.
Article updated on October 11, 2025
