The Northern Lights are, honestly, one of those bucket-list wonders you just have to see for yourself. Watching them swirl and shimmer above you—while you’re tucked up in a cozy hotel room—feels like pure magic.
Up in the Nordics, some hotels have figured out how to turn this phenomenon into a nightly show. They’ve built accommodations with glass ceilings, walls, or entire domes, so you can watch the aurora without even putting on your boots.
These eight hotels—scattered across Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden—each bring something special to the table. We’re talking glass igloos, Arctic treehouses, and luxury domes that make the Northern Lights feel like your own private spectacle.
I’ve rounded up what makes each spot unique, the best times to visit, and a few booking tips. Whether you’re dreaming of a snug igloo or a plush suite, there’s a Nordic adventure here with your name on it.
1) Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort stands out as a legend for aurora hunters. You’ll find it way up in Finnish Lapland, about 155 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
The real draw? Those famous glass igloos. I remember lying back and staring straight up at the sky, the glass somehow staying crystal clear even when it’s below freezing outside. No scraping ice off for a view—just pure, uninterrupted sky.
You’ve got options, too. Some rooms combine a traditional log cabin with a glass igloo, so you get that rustic vibe with a modern twist. Others are full-on domes for the ultimate sky-watching experience.
The setting’s pretty dreamy: deep forest, a frozen lake, and all the snowy adventures you could want. Ever tried ice swimming? The staff will chop a hole in the lake if you’re feeling brave. Or you can stick to reindeer sleigh rides and cross-country skiing, which, trust me, are just as memorable.
If you want your best shot at the lights, aim for September through March. That’s when the magic usually happens.
2) Levin Iglut Glass Igloos, Finland
Levin Iglut perches on Utsuvaara Hill, and honestly, the views compete with any I’ve seen in the Nordics. The glass-roofed igloos let you catch the Northern Lights from bed—no need to bundle up and head outside.
Each igloo has an electrically heated glass ceiling, so snow just melts away. I loved that I could see the night sky, even in the dead of winter. Sometimes, the aurora bursts overhead in greens and purples that don’t even look real.
The resort sits right in Levi, which is a big deal for skiers. During the day, you get rolling panoramas of Lapland’s wild landscape. Then, at night, the show starts all over again—stars, lights, the whole deal.
Inside, it’s modern and warm, but you never lose that feeling of being surrounded by Arctic wilderness. It’s a great pick if you want comfort without missing out on the wild beauty of Lapland.
Levin Iglut has built up a reputation as one of Finland’s top glass igloo experiences. The location gives you both the aurora and access to winter adventures.
3) Reykjavík Domes, Iceland
Just outside Reykjavík, these transparent domes offer a surprisingly practical way to see the lights. The clear ceiling means you can stay toasty in bed and still scan the sky.
Each dome comes heated and furnished for comfort. With the see-through structure, you get panoramic views—so if the aurora shows up, you’re not missing a thing.
The domes sit far enough from city lights to keep light pollution low. That’s key for seeing the lights clearly. Plus, you’re close enough to Reykjavík to enjoy the city by day, then retreat to your dome at night.
Staff keep tabs on weather and aurora forecasts, which I found super helpful. They’ll even give you a heads up when conditions look promising.
If you want the northern lights without freezing your toes off, this is a solid choice.
4) Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Finland
The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is tucked away in Lapland and feels like a secret hideaway. Here, glass-roofed treehouses put you right up in the canopy, with huge windows that stretch over the bed and walls.
Each treehouse blends into the snowy forest, so you get privacy and killer views at the same time. The rooms stay cozy, even as you watch winter’s wildest scenes unfold outside.
The glass panels are perfectly angled for sky-watching. During winter, you’ve got a good shot at spotting the aurora, though, as always, it’s a bit of a waiting game.
The hotel sits in a quieter corner of Lapland, which I loved. You get all the classic winter activities nearby, but the real draw is that feeling of being nestled among the trees, high above the ground.
Inside, you’ll find all the basics you’d expect from a modern hotel, but with a playful, treehouse twist.
5) Hotel Ranga, Iceland
Hotel Ranga is one of Iceland’s top picks for catching the Northern Lights without leaving your room. It’s set in the countryside of South Iceland, far from the city glare.
The hotel offers a Northern Lights wake-up call, which, honestly, is a lifesaver. Staff will knock or call when the lights appear, so you don’t have to keep one eye open all night.
Some suites come with big windows and even hot tubs. A few have skylights right above the bed. I loved being able to watch the aurora from my pillows—or, if I felt like it, stepping onto a private deck for a better view.
Hotel Ranga provides aurora forecasts and some handy tips for catching the show. They’ll even help you set up your camera if you want to snap some shots.
The location puts you close to Iceland’s famous waterfalls and black sand beaches. You can explore by day and chase the lights at night.
Best time to visit? September through April, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest.
6) Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway
Snowhotel Kirkenes is a bit of a legend because it stays open all year, not just in winter. The hotel features 13 themed rooms, each carved from ice and snow, and the designs change often.
The rooms keep their chill, even in summer, so you’re always surrounded by frosty art. Some rooms have windows or openings that let you catch the Northern Lights from bed during the winter months.
Kirkenes sits way up north, close to the Russian border—prime territory for aurora spotting.
What sets this place apart is the wild Arctic activities you can try. Guests go king crab fishing, hop on dogsleds, or zip around on snowmobiles. There’s even an ice bar for a drink surrounded by frozen sculptures.
The hotel hands out thermal sleeping bags, so you’ll stay warm even when everything around you is ice. It’s a unique way to experience the Arctic, for sure.
7) Lyngen North, Norway
Lyngen North sits hidden in the Norwegian Arctic, about two hours from Tromsø. Its remote spot means you’re right in the aurora zone, so your odds of seeing the lights shoot way up in winter.
Each modern lodge is built with floor-to-ceiling windows facing north. I loved that you could just lie in bed and watch the sky—no need to brace yourself for the cold.
Outside, the Lyngen Alps rise up in snowy peaks, and frozen fjords stretch out below. The whole scene honestly looks like something out of Frozen.
The season runs from September through April, lining up with the best aurora action. With barely any light pollution, the sky stays pitch dark and perfect for stargazing.
Guests can fill their days with dog sledding or snowshoeing, but most people come for those big bedroom windows and the chance to see the lights without leaving their covers.
8) Glass Resort, Swedish Lapland
Glass Resort in Swedish Lapland takes a different approach to icy accommodations. Instead of everything being made of ice, these places use transparent materials so you can stay warm and still watch the sky.
The glass igloos have heated interiors and beds set right under the clear ceiling. I loved just lying there, watching the Northern Lights flicker above me—no need to bundle up.
Most of these resorts are tucked away from city lights, so the darkness makes the aurora pop even more.
Inside, you’ll find modern comforts like private bathrooms and climate control. It’s a great mix of Arctic adventure and cozy living.
Some places mix glass igloos with classic snow structures, so you can pick your vibe—warmth or that authentic frozen feel.
The best time for Northern Lights here runs from late September through March. Winter brings the longest nights, giving you more chances to catch the show.
Understanding the ‘Frozen’ Aesthetic
The Frozen aesthetic, to me, is all about blending wild winter beauty with that signature Nordic knack for design. These spaces feel magical, but they’re also surprisingly livable.
Key Elements of Nordic Design in Hospitality
Nordic hospitality leans on three big ideas: natural materials, tons of light, and functional simplicity. You’ll spot wood, stone, and glass everywhere, connecting you to the landscape outside.
The color palette stays chilled out—think whites, grays, and soft blues, with warm wood tones sneaking in for balance. It all echoes the snowy scenery outside.
Core Materials Used:
- Light wood: Birch and pine pop up in furniture and wall panels.
- Wool textiles: Blankets, cushions, and wall hangings keep things cozy.
- Natural stone: Fireplaces and accent walls bring in earthy vibes.
- Glass: Huge windows and see-through partitions invite the outdoors in.
Lighting’s a big deal here. Designers make the most of natural daylight with floor-to-ceiling windows, but they also add warm lamps and fixtures to fight off those endless winter nights. The result? Spaces that feel open, inviting, and never gloomy.
How Scandinavian Minimalism Enhances the Experience
Minimalism strips away distractions so you can zero in on what matters: the view and the moment. I’ve noticed that rooms usually have just what you need—a bed by the window, a comfy chair, and some well-placed lighting.
No clutter, no fussy decorations. The Northern Lights take center stage, and everything else fades into the background.
This pared-down style actually makes it easier to relax. The empty space feels peaceful, not empty, because the textures and craftsmanship add warmth without going overboard.
Maximizing Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
The aurora borealis can be a bit unpredictable, but some planning really helps. I focus on timing and preparation to make every Nordic hotel stay count.
Best Times of Year for Aurora Viewing
You’ll spot the northern lights most often from late September through late March. That’s when darkness stretches longest and the aurora dances brightest against the sky.
December to February brings the deepest darkness, but wow, it gets cold. I’ve found that September and March hit a sweet spot—still dark enough, but a bit kinder weather-wise.
The moon matters more than you’d think. When there’s a new or crescent moon, the sky turns pitch black and the aurora pops. I always peek at the lunar calendar before booking a trip.
Let’s talk KP index for a sec. This little number (from 1 to 9) tells you how strong the aurora might be. If it’s 3 or higher, you’ve got a solid shot at seeing the lights in northern Scandinavia.
Clouds can ruin everything, unfortunately. I always check weather forecasts and pick hotels in spots that usually get clear winter skies.
Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights from Your Room
Manual mode is my go-to on the camera. I set a wide aperture—f/2.8 or lower if I can swing it.
A shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds usually captures the aurora’s movement just right. Too long, and things get washed out.
I play with ISO, anywhere from 1600 to 3200, depending on how bright the lights look. Sometimes I just trust my eyes and adjust on the fly.
A tripod makes all the difference for sharp shots during those long exposures. I set it up right by the window and turn off every interior light to dodge those pesky reflections.
RAW format is a lifesaver. It keeps all the details so I can tweak colors and exposure later.
If I’m brave (or just stubborn), I’ll open the window to ditch glass glare. Not always possible when it’s freezing, but it’s worth a try. At the very least, I give the window a good clean before shooting through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re planning a Northern Lights trip, you probably have a million questions. I get asked about costs, best locations, and which places really deliver those magical aurora views.
Glass igloos in Finland usually run $400 to $800 a night during peak season. Ice hotels in Scandinavia can start around $200 if you don’t mind a basic room.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland always tops the list for Northern Lights viewing. Their glass igloos let you stare up at the sky while staying toasty inside.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland? Those floor-to-ceiling windows make the night sky look unreal. Levin Iglut Glass Igloos are purpose-built for aurora watching with heated glass domes.
Iceland’s Hotel Ranga and Reykjavík Domes both offer killer views. They’re far from city lights, and you get comfy rooms with a front-row seat to the sky.
Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 per night for a glass igloo during peak Northern Lights season. It really depends on the property and when you book.
Kakslauttanen’s glass igloos start at about $500 a night for two people. Levin Iglut’s rates kick off around $450.
If you’re on a budget, you might find off-peak deals for $300 a night. Booking early can snag you better rates at the fancier spots.
Most glass igloo hotels bundle accommodations with cool activities. Think husky sledding, snowmobile tours, or reindeer safaris along with your stay.
Kakslauttanen pairs glass igloo nights with traditional log cabins in some packages. They’ll even wake you up if the aurora gets wild.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel has photography packages led by pros. Hotel Ranga in Iceland throws in Northern Lights alerts and outdoor hot tubs as part of the deal.
Ice hotels in Scandinavia mix epic aurora viewing with the thrill of sleeping on ice. Each winter, they rebuild these places from local snow and ice.
When the aurora shows up, the translucent ice walls create wild lighting effects. Most ice hotels sit way out in the Arctic, far from any city glow.
You’ll probably spend your evenings outside, watching the sky, then head back to your chilly room. The hotels hand out thermal sleeping bags that actually keep you warm, even in serious cold.
Finnish Lapland is packed with glass igloos. Kakslauttanen and Levin Iglut both sit above the Arctic Circle, where aurora activity is off the charts.
Northern Iceland also has great glass dome and igloo options, like Reykjavík Domes. Iceland’s location means you’ve got good odds of seeing the lights from September through April.
Northern Norway and Swedish Lapland jump into the mix too, with glass accommodations made for aurora hunters. They share that sweet Arctic latitude with Finnish Lapland, so the light shows don’t disappoint.
Ice hotels near the Arctic Circle? They’re honestly in some of the best spots on earth for catching the Northern Lights.
Since these places are way out in the Arctic wilds, you won’t find much light pollution messing with the view.
Long winter nights stretch on and on up here, giving you more chances to spot that green glow dancing across the sky.
I’ve noticed that inland areas, where a lot of these ice hotels pop up, tend to get clearer weather too.
Most of these hotels really lean into the experience—they’ll set up cozy outdoor viewing areas just for aurora hunting.
Staff usually keep an eye on the Northern Lights forecast and, if the lights start showing off, they’ll let you know right away.
