The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and witnessing them is a bucket-list experience for many. While the Arctic regions, with their pristine wilderness and dark skies, offer the best views, the experience can be made even more memorable with the right luxury accommodations and practices. This article explores some of the best ways to experience the Northern Lights in comfort and style.
Glass Igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland offers a truly magical Northern Lights experience with its unique glass igloos. Nestled in the Finnish Lapland, far from the city lights, the resort provides an unobstructed view of the Arctic sky. Each glass igloo is a marvel of modern design and comfort, featuring thermal glass walls and ceilings that ensure a warm, cozy environment while offering a panoramic view of the starlit sky and the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora Borealis.
Guests can recline in comfort and warmth, witnessing the spectacular light show from their own private space. The experience is heightened by the resort’s serene location amidst the wilderness, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle of everyday life. Along with the Northern Lights, visitors can enjoy other Arctic activities like husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobiling. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is not just a stay; it’s an immersive Arctic adventure that blends luxury with the raw beauty of nature.
Website: https://www.kakslauttanen.fi/accommodation
Lyngen Lodge, Norway
Lyngen Lodge in Norway provides a luxurious and intimate Northern Lights experience in the heart of the Arctic wilderness. Overlooking the stunning Lyngen Alps and fjords, this eco-friendly lodge is a haven of comfort and elegance amidst the rugged Nordic landscape. The lodge’s architecture, with its panoramic windows and natural wood finishes, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis in a cozy setting.
Guests at Lyngen Lodge can enjoy a range of outdoor activities tailored to the Arctic environment, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. After a day of adventure, they can relax in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub or sauna, providing a serene space to unwind and soak in the breathtaking surroundings. The lodge prides itself on its gourmet cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Norwegian dishes, enhancing the authentic Nordic experience.
Website: https://www.lyngenlodge.com/en/
Deplar Farm, Iceland
Deplar Farm in Iceland offers a personalized experience for those seeking to witness the Northern Lights in an exclusive setting. This converted sheep farm, nestled in the remote Fljot Valley, is surrounded by towering mountains and vast Icelandic wilderness, providing an idyllic backdrop for Aurora viewing. Deplar Farm blends rustic charm with modern luxury, featuring elegantly designed rooms and an array of world-class amenities.
The farm specializes in tailor-made adventures, allowing guests to embark on private Northern Lights excursions with expert guides who know the best spots for viewing this natural phenomenon. The experience is enriched with outdoor activities like heli-skiing, horseback riding, and sea kayaking, depending on the season. After a day of exploration, guests can indulge in the farm’s geothermal heated outdoor pool and spa, offering a serene retreat under the Arctic sky. Deplar Farm’s culinary offerings highlight local Icelandic cuisine, making every meal a delightful exploration of local flavors.
Website: https://elevenexperience.com/deplar-farm-iceland-winter/
Aurora Safari Camp, Sweden
Aurora Safari Camp in Swedish Lapland gives its guests a truly immersive way to experience the Northern Lights in a pristine Arctic environment. This camp provides a luxurious glamping experience, set in the remote wilderness, perfect for uninterrupted views of the Aurora Borealis. The camp features Lavvu-style tents, inspired by traditional Sami dwellings, equipped with transparent roofs and cozy interiors, offering a blend of rustic charm and comfort under the Arctic sky.
The Aurora Safari Camp experience is about more than just accommodation; it’s an adventure into the heart of Lapland. Guests are guided by wilderness experts who enhance the experience with their knowledge of the region and the Northern Lights. The camp also offers an array of Arctic activities, including snowshoeing, ice fishing, and Sami cultural experiences. Guests enjoy gourmet local cuisine, prepared using fresh, regional ingredients, adding an authentic touch to the culinary experience.
Website: https://www.aurorasafaris.com/aurora-safari-camp
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Finland
The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland, offers a distinctive way to experience the Arctic wilderness and the Northern Lights. Nestled in the forest and overlooking the scenic Lappish landscape, this hotel combines contemporary Finnish design with a cozy, natural ambiance. The individual treehouse suites, perched on stilts and blending into the forest, provide panoramic views through their large, floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an immersive experience in nature.
Each suite at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is elegantly designed with warm interiors and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and serene stay. The strategic orientation of the suites maximizes the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your room. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Rakas, offers a fine dining experience with dishes crafted from local ingredients, reflecting the flavors of Lapland. Guests can also indulge in a variety of Arctic activities, including husky safaris, snowmobiling, and visits to Santa Claus Village, making their stay at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel a magical blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Website: https://arctictreehousehotel.com/
The Northern Lights Resort & Spa, Canada
The Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Canada presents a serene setting for experiencing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Located near Whitehorse in the Yukon, this resort is perfectly situated away from urban light pollution, offering optimal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis. The resort’s design harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings, providing a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Canadian wilderness.
Guests at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa can choose from cozy log cabins or the Aurora Glass Chalets, which feature large windows facing the northern sky for spectacular night-time viewing. The resort emphasizes wellness and relaxation, offering amenities like an outdoor hot tub, a Finnish sauna, and a range of spa treatments. During the day, guests can engage in activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. The dining experience at the resort focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring every meal is both delicious and authentic.
Website: https://northernlightsyukon.com/
Treehotel, Sweden
Treehotel in Sweden provides its guests with a truly unique and luxurious stay amidst the serene beauty of the Swedish Lapland. Located in Harads, near the Lule River, Treehotel is renowned for its innovative and eco-friendly treehouses, each with a distinct design that blends avant-garde architecture with natural simplicity. From the Mirrorcube to the UFO, each treehouse is an artistic creation offering a different perspective of the surrounding forest.
At Treehotel, guests are treated to a blend of comfort, modernity, and a deep connection with nature. The treehouses are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay while suspended among the trees. This elevated position provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Northern Lights in the winter months. The hotel also offers traditional Swedish cuisine at its on-site restaurant, with dishes prepared using local ingredients. Activities such as husky sledding, snowshoeing, and guided Northern Lights tours enhance the experience, making a stay at Treehotel an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and wonder.
Website: https://treehotel.se/
The post How to Experience the Magic of the Northern Lights in Ultimate Comfort first appeared on Mechanic Insider.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jens Ottoson.
