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Experience the aurora borealis at these editor-loved and award-winning hotels.
Northern Lights over Hotel Ranga.Credit:Stefan Liebermann / Hotel Ranga
She also studied environmental science, where she learned about natural phenomena like the aurora borealis.
(A stay here gives you unlimited access to the Retreat Spa and the Retreat Lagoon.)
An added plus: the on-site restaurant, Moss, offers Michelin-starred dining without having to leave the hotel.
Northern Lights over The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Ranga offers an aurora wake-up service, alerting guests if the lights appear while theyre asleep.
This hotel is very popular, so bookings during peak season can be difficult to secure.
The resort also offers luxurious log cabins, and some even come with private saunas.
Glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.VW PICS / Universal Images Group via Getty Images
On-site dining includes two restaurants serving Lappish cuisine, such as reindeer and king crab.
When it comes to Northern Lights viewing, Kakslauttanen is hard to beat.
Its location in Finnish Lapland, with minimal light pollution, offers excellent chances of seeing the aurora borealis.
Northern Lights over Icehotel.Courtesy of Icehotel
Their most deluxe suite combines the two, with a sculptural ice living space and a warm bathroom.
Specialized Northern Lights packages are also available, which include guided snowmobile or husky sled tours for prime viewing.
The remote location requires planning for transportation, and availability can be limited in peak season.
Aerial view of cabins at Arctic Bath.Courtesy of Arctic Bath
Each cabin is constructed from natural materials, and large panoramic windows provide excellent views of the Northern Lights.
This hotel has limited facilities, so its more suited for those seeking an immersive wilderness experience.
It has expensive rates and limited availability, but offers a secluded and luxurious experience.
Northern lights over Lyngen Lodge.Courtesy of Lyngen Lodge
Rooms are intimate and minimalist with a Scandinavian cabin feel.
Meals are served in a communal dining space with a warm vibe perfect for swapping aurora stories and tips.
Sheldon Chalet made theTravel + LeisureIt List 2019 thanks to its unique remote luxury offerings.
Chris Burkard / Sheldon Chalet
It features just five guest rooms that are perched atop a glacier in Denali National Park.
Weather can be unpredictable so aurora sightings are not guaranteed.
The suites offer even more luxury, with fireplaces and deep soaking tubs.
Northern Lights over Alyska Resort.Courtesy of Alyeska Resort
The lodge is only accessible by floatplane, which adds to the cost and travel complexity.
In fact, it’s only accessible by floatplane from Yellowknife.
The eco-lodge features five cozy log cabins and five lodge rooms, with rustic decor.
Snowy cabin at Blachford Lake Lodge.Julien Schroder / Blachford Lake Lodge
Blachford is situated under the auroral oval, so Northern Lights sightings are frequent and spectacular.
When the sun goes down, the lodge offers Northern Lights viewing tours from late fall through winter.
The lodge itself features charming rustic vibes with a log cabin design, including handcrafted furnishings and cozy rooms.
Northern Lights near Lazy Bear Lodge.Courtesy of Lazy Bear Expeditions
Rooms are warm and inviting, with modern amenities and wood-paneled walls that create an authentic wilderness lodge feel.
The decor leans toward classic, charming island aesthetics, with a mix of modern amenities and traditional accents.
Many hotels even offer “Northern Lights guarantees” or packages that increase your likelihood of seeing them.
Sunset over Mission Point.Courtesy of Mission Point
If you are using your phone, there are apps that can help simulate long-exposure controls.
Its also important to focus manually, as autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions.
Dont forget hats, gloves, and insulated boots.
As always, all selected hotels align with ourT+L Hotel Values.