There is nothing in nature that matches the lofty beauty of the Northern Lights in Scandinavia. Dancing ribbons of green and purple of the aurora have dazzled wandering eyes over the ages and to many, seeing it is a dream come true. Scandinavia, and its clean Arctic landscapes, and prolonged winter nights, is one of the best places in the world to witness this effect.
When you are planning a visit to watch the auroras, it will matter where you stay. Scandinavia has many memorable options: glass igloos and luxury hotels, all the way to Arctic hotels. Here, we will take you through some of the top hotels to stay in when seeking the Northern Lights, be it the cozy cabins, the contemporary Arctic Circle hotels or something entirely new in terms of staying to view the aurora borealis.
Quick Stats for Northern Lights in Scandinavia Travel
The following are some of the highlights to make a trip in:
- Peak Season: Late September- early April.
- Peak Viewing Hours: Approximately, midnight to 2 AM.
- Aurora Visibility: 80 or more percent likelihood on clear days above the arctic circle.
- Most Desirable Destinations: Troms.., Rovaniemi, Jukkasjarvik (all in northern lights hotels in Norway) are the most appealing places.
- Stay Recommendation: Try to spend 3-4 nights at least to improve the weather chances.
- Winter Temperatures: -5oC to -25oC depending on the geographic location.
These essential facts will provide you with a sound base to start with in planning your Northern lights in Scandinavia.
Why Scandinavia Is Perfect for Aurora Borealis Stays
Scandinavia is directly beneath the Auroral Oval a ring around the north pole where the Northern lights in Scandinavia are observed most. There are good viewing points in Finland, Sweden and Norway north of the Arctic Circle. The best conditions to see the auroras are during the long and dark winters (late in September to early April).
By staying in well planned Northern Lights hotels, you will experience this natural wonder even without the need to step out of the room. A lot of properties have panoramic glass windows, sky domes or even clear igloos hence you can view the auroras dancing in the sky as you sleep in bed.
Best Hotels to Experience the Northern Lights in Finland
1. Glass Igloos in Finnish Lapland
When individuals consider the aurora borealis stays, glass igloos of Finland can be mentioned. These special accommodations are comfortable and are accompanied by a front-row seat to Northern Lights in Scandinavia. Glass roofs are heated so that the sky is clearly seen and there is no need to worry about frost or fogging.
The igloos are mostly found in secluded places where there is minimal city lights and this will increase your likelihood of seeing the auroras. A lot also provide snowmobile safaris, husky sledding and encounters with reindeers to complete your Arctic experience.
2. Arctic Circle Hotels in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus is also a superb location to travel in Scandinavia, where the Northern Lights in Scandinavia are more than just shiny. Its hotels combine the new best Nordic hotels design with warm interiors, ideal after day of snow activities. Think of taking a warm sauna and then going out to chase the aurora that does not get more Scandinavian than that.
Northern Lights Hotels in Sweden
1. The Iconic Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi
No ranking of the finest Nordic hotels could be done without referring to the Icehotel in Sweden. The Icehotel is a masterpiece of architecture made out of ice blocks which are cut off the Torne River rebuilt each winter. Its ice suites are memorable but on-site, warm accommodations also make it easy to spend longer periods of time.
Visitors here may participate in guided tours of the Northern Lights, participate in dog sledding, or merely take a nightcap by the flicker of a fire as they await the sky to clear enough to be illuminated. It is among the most iconic Arctic circle hotels adventure in one of the best hotels in Northern Lights in Scandinavia because of the blend of the art, nature and the adventure.
2. Treehotel in Harads
Those that wish to be different indeed may stay at the Treehotel in Sweden which has futuristic cabins in the form of tree houses suspended in the tree canopy. The cabin design is different in every cabin–a mirrored cube that reflects the snowy scenery, a UFO-like pod that resembles that which fell out of the sky.
This is an enchanted place to view the aurora with a little light pollution and the best location in Swedish Lapland. It is a combination of caprice, imagination and pure Scandinavian beauty.
Luxury Arctic Northern Lights Hotels in Norway
1. Tromsø – Gateway to the Northern Lights
Among the most popular cities to travel to during Northern Lights in Scandinavia is Tromsso which is commonly referred to as the Paris of the North. This is where you will discover a blend of boutique accommodation and luxury Arctic hotels that are a blend of contemporary comforts and awe-inspiring vistas of fjords or mountains.
The Tromso hotels would be the best choice in case you would enjoy a mix of city life, restaurants, museums, and culture with the possibility of going on the Northern Lights travel scandinavia tours at any time. Nightly aurora chases are organized in many hotels with professional guides who are familiar with the most remote places to see it.
2. The Snowhotel in Kirkenes
To have a more adventurous experience the Snowhotel in Kirkenes has rooms that are hewn out of snow and ice. All suites involve elaborate ice sculpture that is lit up by soft LED lights. In case the chill is not the kind of thing you prefer, they have warm cabins with expansive windows overlooking the surrounding enclosed wilderness.
Husky sledding, snowshoeing or king crab fishing after a day, you may come home to your snug cabin and (with any luck) watch the auroras swirl overhead. Such a combination of Arctic actions and memorable accommodation makes it one of the most unusual hotels on the Arctic Circle in Norway.
Tips for Maximizing Your Northern Lights Experience
- Spend at least 3-4 nights: You cannot be sure of the aurora. The longer you stay the better.
- Go remote: Hotels that are not situated in cities have the most clear skies.
- Wear lots of clothes: It may get as cold as it can get, down to the freezing point-thermal layers would be a necessity.
- Take your time: The Northern Lights in Scandinavia may come any time of the night. There are numerous hotels that provide an aurora alarm service so that you will not miss them.
- Spend the day: You are waiting the auroras, but meanwhile, snowmobiling, ice fishing, reindeer sleigh ride, or Sámi communities are available in the area.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to the Best Hotels in Scandinavia
Seeing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia is a dream that must be done comfortably and in a stylish manner. Glass igloos in Finland, the Icehotel and luxury Arctic accommodation in Norway, these are just a few of the best hotels in Scandinavia that an aurora seeker can find. All properties are a blend of breathtaking design and front row view of one of the most magical spectacles on earth.
Should you be prepared to plan your memorable trip, you might as well book with Scandic, a reliable name that has good options of Northern Lights hotels and other Nordic accommodations. The Northern lights adventure with the right hotel can be a story to be enjoyed forever.
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FAQs
1. Where to stay for the Northern Lights in Norway?
Favored Northern Lights remaining in Norway are Tromsso, Kirkenes, and Lofoten with their friendly hotels and special accommodations in the Arctic.
2. What is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Norway?
September to March are the most favorable month with long dark nights and clear skies maximizing the possibility of seeing the aurora borealis.