Discover the Best hotels for viewing the Northern Lights, offering unparalleled views and luxurious comfort. Find your perfect stay in prime locations for a magical Northern Lights experience. Embarking on a journey to witness the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a bucket-list adventure for many. Often perceived as a luxury experience, viewing this celestial dance doesn’t have to be a costly affair. In this blog post, we delve into some of the most budget-friendly hotels and accommodations that offer spectacular views of the Northern Lights, ensuring your dream trip remains within financial reach.
Best hotels for viewing Northern Lights
1. The Cozy Cabin: Tromsø, Norway
- Location & Atmosphere: Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Tromsø, Norway, The Cozy Cabin is a charming retreat perfect for Aurora chasers. Known for its high Northern Lights activity, Tromsø is a prime location for this natural phenomenon.
- Accommodation & Price: The cabin provides a warm, intimate setting with essential amenities, including a dedicated Aurora viewing deck. Prices are incredibly reasonable, starting at around $80 per night, making it a steal for the experience it offers.
- Unique Features: The real allure of The Cozy Cabin lies in its traditional Norwegian design and proximity to excellent viewing spots, away from city lights.
2. Aurora Inn: Reykjavik, Iceland
- Location & Atmosphere: Iceland, a land of fire and ice, is a top destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Aurora Inn, located in the outskirts of Reykjavik, is ideally situated for unobstructed views of the night sky.
- Accommodation & Price: Starting at $100 per night, this inn offers comfortable, modern rooms at a budget-friendly price. Each room is designed to maximize the viewing experience, with large windows facing the best directions for Aurora sightings.
- Unique Features: Aurora Inn also arranges guided tours for guests, providing expert insights into the best local spots for Northern Lights photography and viewing.
3. Starlight Lodge: Finnish Lapland
- Location & Atmosphere: Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland, and the Starlight Lodge is its hidden gem. Located in a remote part of Lapland, the lodge offers a serene escape, perfect for experiencing the Northern Lights.
- Accommodation & Price: With rates beginning at $90 per night, guests can enjoy a cozy, yet rustic stay. The highlight is the glass-roofed rooms, allowing uninterrupted views of the Aurora right from the comfort of your bed.
- Unique Features: The lodge also offers additional activities like husky sledding and snowmobiling, giving guests a complete Arctic experience.
4. Greenlight Hostel: Abisko, Sweden
- Location & Atmosphere: Situated in Abisko, known for some of the clearest skies in Sweden, Greenlight Hostel is an ideal spot for Aurora viewing.
- Accommodation & Price: This hostel caters to the budget-conscious traveler, offering dormitory-style rooms from $50 per night. It’s a great option for solo travelers or groups looking for an affordable yet memorable experience.
- Unique Features: The hostel organizes nightly Aurora hunting expeditions and has a cozy communal area where guests can share stories and tips about the best local spots for Northern Lights viewing.
5. Northern Star Retreat: Murmansk, Russia
- Location & Atmosphere: Murmansk, located above the Arctic Circle in Russia, is another splendid location for viewing the Northern Lights. Northern Star Retreat offers an authentic Russian experience, coupled with excellent opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis.
- Accommodation & Price: The retreat offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy rooms to shared facilities, with prices starting at just $70 per night. It’s a great mix of comfort and affordability.
- Unique Features: What sets this retreat apart is its cultural immersion. Guests can enjoy traditional Russian saunas and local cuisine, adding a unique cultural dimension to their Northern Lights adventure.
6. Aurora Borealis Inn: Yellowknife, Canada
- Location & Atmosphere: Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a premier location for Northern Lights viewing due to its geographical position. The Aurora Borealis Inn is situated away from the city lights, offering a pristine environment for night sky observation.
- Accommodation & Price: This inn provides cozy, family-run accommodation with room rates starting around $85 per night. The warm hospitality and comfortable rooms make it a favorite among budget travelers.
- Unique Features: The inn’s large, open deck is perfect for night-time viewing and photography. They also offer heated outdoor seats, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacle in comfort even during colder nights.
7. Glacier View Guesthouse: Alaska, USA
- Location & Atmosphere: Alaska’s remote and unspoiled landscapes offer some of the best views of the Northern Lights in the United States. Glacier View Guesthouse, located near Fairbanks, is strategically positioned for optimal Aurora viewing.
- Accommodation & Price: The guesthouse offers a homely and intimate experience with rates starting at $75 per night. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for a personal touch in their accommodation.
- Unique Features: Apart from its great location, the guesthouse organizes night tours and photography workshops, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to capture the Aurora in all its glory.
8. The Aurora Village: Scotland
- Location & Atmosphere: While not as well-known as Arctic destinations, Scotland’s northern regions, particularly the Highlands, offer beautiful Aurora displays. The Aurora Village, located in a remote Highland area, provides a unique European perspective on the Northern Lights.
- Accommodation & Price: This village offers a variety of accommodation options, including quaint cottages and lodges, with prices starting at $65 per night.
- Unique Features: The Aurora Village is not just about the Northern Lights; it’s about experiencing Scottish culture, history, and natural beauty, adding depth to your Aurora quest.
9. Lofoten Lights Lodge: Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Location & Atmosphere: The Lofoten Islands, with their dramatic landscapes and seascapes, provide a breathtaking backdrop for the Northern Lights. The Lofoten Lights Lodge is nestled in this stunning setting, offering unparalleled views.
- Accommodation & Price: The lodge blends traditional Norwegian charm with modern amenities, with prices starting from around $95 per night. It’s an excellent value for the location and the experience.
- Unique Features: Guests can enjoy not only the Northern Lights but also the majestic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, including its famous fishing villages and rugged coastlines. Boat tours and fishing trips add to the allure of staying here.
10. Midnight Sun Hotel: Rovaniemi, Finland
- Location & Atmosphere: Situated in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, this hotel offers a magical setting for Aurora viewing. The region’s clear skies and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot.
- Accommodation & Price: Starting at $80 per night, the Midnight Sun Hotel offers comfortable, family-friendly accommodations. It’s a great choice for those traveling with children.
- Unique Features: The hotel offers unique experiences like a visit to Santa Claus Village and reindeer safaris, making it a perfect winter holiday destination beyond just the Northern Lights.
11. The Aurora Cabins: Yukon, Canada
- Location & Atmosphere: The Yukon, with its vast wilderness and dark skies, is a top destination for viewing the Northern Lights in Canada. The Aurora Cabins offer a secluded and intimate viewing experience.
- Accommodation & Price: These cabins provide a rustic yet comfortable stay, with prices starting at $90 per night. They are designed with large windows and skylights to maximize Aurora viewing.
- Unique Features: Guests can enjoy additional activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing, offering a full Arctic adventure.
12. Northern Lights Resort: Scotland
- Location & Atmosphere: Scotland’s Northern Lights Resort is set in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands, offering a peaceful and serene environment for Aurora-watching.
- Accommodation & Price: This resort offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy rooms to luxury suites, with prices beginning at $75 per night. It’s a great mix of affordability and comfort.
- Unique Features: The resort’s highlight is its outdoor hot tubs, where guests can relax and watch the Northern Lights dance above.
13. Arctic Light Hotel: Kiruna, Sweden
- Location & Atmosphere: Kiruna, in the heart of Swedish Lapland, is a top destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The Arctic Light Hotel, with its stunning surroundings, offers an immersive Arctic experience.
- Accommodation & Price: Combining modern Scandinavian design with traditional comforts, this hotel offers rooms starting at around $110 per night. It strikes a balance between luxury and affordability.
- Unique Features: The hotel offers guided Northern Lights tours and ice fishing excursions. Its location in Kiruna also allows for easy access to the famous Icehotel.
14. The Northern Escape: Inverness, Scotland
- Location & Atmosphere: Inverness, a city in the Scottish Highlands, is increasingly recognized as a Northern Lights viewing spot. The Northern Escape, located just outside the city, offers a tranquil setting away from urban light pollution.
- Accommodation & Price: This quaint guesthouse offers a homely atmosphere with prices starting at $60 per night, making it one of the most budget-friendly options.
- Unique Features: Besides Aurora watching, guests can explore the Scottish Highlands, known for their stunning natural beauty and historical sites.
15. Aurora Guest House: Anchorage, Alaska
- Location & Atmosphere: Anchorage, Alaska, is a gateway to some of the most spectacular Northern Lights displays in the USA. The Aurora Guest House is strategically located to maximize the chances of witnessing the phenomenon.
- Accommodation & Price: Offering a range of room options, prices at this guesthouse start from $85 per night. It’s a great choice for those looking for a mix of comfort and affordability.
- Unique Features: The guesthouse stands out for its personalized service and local knowledge, helping guests find the best spots for Aurora viewing.
16. Borealis Basecamp: Fairbanks, Alaska
- Location & Atmosphere: Fairbanks is another Alaskan hotspot for the Northern Lights. Borealis Basecamp is uniquely situated in a remote area, providing an unobstructed view of the sky.
- Accommodation & Price: The basecamp offers cozy domes with transparent roofs for an all-night Aurora show, with prices starting at around $200 per night, offering a more luxurious experience.
- Unique Features: The domes provide a unique and unforgettable way to watch the Northern Lights in comfort and style. Dog sledding and snowmobiling tours are also available.
17. Star Gazer Inn: Greenland
- Location & Atmosphere: Greenland’s pristine and remote locations are perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. The Star Gazer Inn, located in a small, serene village, offers an off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Accommodation & Price: This inn provides a cozy, intimate setting, with room rates starting at $90 per night. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty.
- Unique Features: The inn offers unique cultural experiences, including Greenlandic cuisine and storytelling, adding a rich cultural dimension to the Aurora viewing experience.
Conclusion
Witnessing the Northern Lights doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the few. With these budget-friendly accommodations, you can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Aurora Borealis without stretching your finances. From the rustic charm of Norway’s cabins to the communal spirit of Sweden’s hostels, each of these locations offers a unique way to enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
