Norway
The 15 best hotels to stay in Norway to see the elusive Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights at these Norwegian stays
There’s something truly magical about the Northern Lights, a natural light display also known as the Aurora Borealis that has captivated the hearts and minds of people for centuries. The elusive and ephemeral nature of the Northern Lights adds to their allure, making each sighting a truly special and unforgettable moment. Choosing the right place to stay in Norway can greatly enhance your chances of experiencing this breathtaking phenomenon. Here’s a complete list of once-in-a-lifetime stays that greatly improve your chances of watching the Northern Lights dance and shimmer overhead. Trust us – it’s a memory that will stay with you forever.
Overview: Norway’s Northern Lights-safest stays
01
Lyngen North
Lyngen North is a boutique glass igloo hotel nestled by Lyngenfjord, offering prime northern lights viewing. The property features seven glass igloos, including 180º and 360º configurations with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of the aurora. Interiors are equipped with heated floors and insulated glass to ensure warmth during Arctic nights. The onsite Restaurant Solvind serves locally-inspired cuisine with ingredients like reindeer and cod, creating a unique dining experience. Nearby, activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing add to the Arctic adventure. Located three hours from Tromsø, Lyngen North delivers a secluded, immersive stay under the aurora belt.
Lyngen North
Spåkenesveien 281
Rotsund
Norway
Photography courtesy of Lyngen
02
Manshausen
On Manshausen Island in the Steigen archipelago, chef Ondrej Taldik’s menu highlights local seafood and seasonal produce, combining simplicity with rich flavours. The sleek sea cabins, designed by Snorre Stinessen, feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of the northern lights during the aurora season. With minimalistic interiors, the cabins immerse guests in nature while keeping them cosy. Outdoor hot tubs and a saltwater pool offer spots to unwind after a day of exploring or kayaking. When night falls, the retreat’s remote location ensures ideal conditions for witnessing the aurora, creating a serene blend of natural spectacle, modern comfort, and Arctic gastronomy.
Manshausen
Manshausen 3
Leinesfjord
Norway
Photography courtesy of Manshausen
03
Eliassen Rorbuer
Eliassen Rorbuer, located on the scenic island of Hamnøy in Lofoten, offers renovated traditional fishermen’s cabins overlooking the Reinefjord. The cottages maintain their historic charm while providing modern amenities like well-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and free Wi-Fi. Here, you’ll enjoy the Northern Lights from the comfort of your cabin between September and March, as the location’s remote setting ensures minimal light pollution. The onsite restaurant, Gadus, serves high-quality local cuisine with a touch of Italian inspiration, creating a unique dining experience. Outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing and hiking add to the allure of this Arctic retreat.
Eliassen Rorbuer
Hamnøy
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Eliassen Rorbuer
04
Trevarefabrikken
Trevarefabrikken, located in the fishing village of Henningsvær in Lofoten, was once a carpentry factory and cod liver oil producer. Now revitalised by Jonathan Tuckey Design, it serves as a cultural hub and boutique hotel. The original industrial character is retained, with exposed concrete, wooden details and views that frame the dramatic surroundings. Facilities include an ocean sauna, yoga studio, café, pizzeria and Trandamperiet restaurant, which offers local flavours. The remote setting provides a prime vantage for the Northern Lights, visible from on-site or nearby viewpoints.
Read the full article about Trevarefabrikken.
Trevarefabrikken
Dreyers gate 72
Henningsvær
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Trevarefabrikken
05
Littleisland Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse, built in 1912, features a renovated tower transformed into a luxurious three-floor suite with panoramic views over the ocean and Lofoten mountains. The off-grid retreat provides three daily meals showcasing local ingredients like fish and island berries, served in a cosy dining room. Accommodation includes ensuite rooms in the former keepers’ house, all with ocean views. The remote setting is ideal for observing the Northern Lights during winter, with minimal light pollution enhancing the aurora experience.
Littleisland Lighthouse
Litløya 1
Bø i Vesterålen
Norway
Photography courtesy of Littleisland Lighthouse
06
Wood Hotel Bodø
Wood Hotel Bodø, perched on Rønvikfjellet, offers 177 rooms featuring panoramic views of Bodø’s landscapes. The design integrates sustainably sourced timber, echoing traditional Norwegian cabins while maintaining a modern touch. On the eighth floor, a heated outdoor pool provides an immersive way to experience the Northern Lights during winter. The rooftop wellbeing area also includes a steam sauna and gym, creating a serene retreat for guests. Dining is led by Nord Matstudio, with Restaurant Attme and Café Turisthytta serving locally inspired cuisine that honours the area’s heritage and natural surroundings.
Wood Hotel Bodø
Fjellveien 187
Bodø
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Wood Hotel Bodø
07
Aurora Lodge
Aurora Lodge invites guests to experience Norway’s Arctic wilderness through its thoughtful design. Architect Snorre Stinessen prioritised natural harmony, using Nordic Green copper to merge the lodge with the landscape while preserving local vegetation. Elevated on stilts, the lodge offers sweeping views of the sea and Lyngen Alps through extensive glazing that blurs indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests can enjoy a sauna, relax on the terrace, or listen to the creek flowing beneath the structure. Winter brings clear skies ideal for observing the Northern Lights, turning the lodge’s remote setting into a front-row seat for this spectacular display.
Aurora Lodge
Fv57 38
Tromvik
Norway
Photography courtesy of Aurora Lodge
08
Malangen Brygger Resort
Malangen Brygger Resort, located on the shores of the Malangen fjord, provides an ideal base for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The resort features a variety of accommodation options, including waterfront cabins, sea-view apartments and hotel rooms, each designed to showcase the surrounding Arctic scenery. Large windows and terraces offer uninterrupted views of the fjord and mountains, enhancing the chances of spotting the aurora. The resort’s restaurant serves locally inspired dishes, such as reindeer and fresh seafood, using seasonal ingredients. Unwind in the sauna, enjoy outdoor hot tubs, or take part in organised Northern Lights safaris for a closer aurora experience.
Malangen Brygger Resort
Malangsveien 1660
Mestervik
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Malangen Brygger Resort
09
Glød Aurora Canvas Dome
Beneath the Arctic sky, the Glød Aurora Canvas Dome immerses guests in Norway’s natural beauty. Each dome is fitted with a transparent section, allowing for uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights from the warmth of a cosy bed. Located near Alta, the domes feature wood-burning stoves, Nordic-style furnishings and private bathrooms, creating rustic comfort and modern amenities. The resort also offers an onsite sauna and opportunities for activities like dog sledding or snowshoeing. During winter, the remote location reduces light pollution, enhancing the aurora’s visibility as it illuminates the surrounding forest and fjord.
Glød Aurora Canvas Dome
Jordfallet 3
Alta
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Glød Aurora Canvas Dome
10
Scandic Grand Tromsø
In the centre of Tromsø, Scandic Grand Tromsø places guests close to the city’s attractions and natural wonders. The hotel’s comfortable rooms feature Scandinavian design with wooden floors and large windows that showcase views of the surrounding mountains and city. The in-house restaurant serves a hearty breakfast, while Gründer By Night bar offers a lively atmosphere for evening drinks. With the Northern Lights frequently visible in the region from autumn to early spring, the hotel provides an excellent base for aurora excursions, allowing you to easily join guided tours or simply view the aurora from nearby locations within the city.
Scandic Grand Tromsø
Storgata 44
Tromsø
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Scandic Grand Tromsø
11
Snowhotel Kirkenes
Snowhotel Kirkenes offers an unforgettable Arctic experience, surrounded by rugged landscapes near the Russian border. The hotel is famous for its unique ice rooms, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures created by local artists. Each year, the snow and ice structures are rebuilt, providing you with new and fresh designs. The heated wooden cabins, known as Gamme cabins, are designed in the style of traditional hunting lodges, with panoramic windows that frame views of the Northern Lights during winter. The on-site restaurant, Låven, serves local delicacies like king crab which adds to the authentic Arctic atmosphere. Winter activities include dog sledding, ice fishing, and guided aurora tours.
Snowhotel Kirkenes
Sandnesdalen 14
Bjørnevatn
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Snowhotel Kirkenes
12
North Experience
Located amidst the natural beauty of the Lyngen Alps, North Experience offers an ideal base for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The property features cosy glass igloos and Aurora Fjord Cabins with large windows designed for aurora viewing without you having to leave your warm and cosy bed. The remote location ensures minimal light pollution, enhancing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights during the peak season from late September to March. Activities include dog sledding, ice fishing and Northern Lights safaris, which take guests further into the wilderness for optimal viewing conditions. The combination of rustic settings and modern amenities provides an immersive Arctic experience.
North Experience
Hattengveien 45
Oteren
Norway
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Photography courtesy of North Experience
13
Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
With a prime location by Tromsø Harbour, Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø offers an ideal setting for aurora seekers. The modern rooms feature Scandinavian design with large windows overlooking the Arctic Cathedral, fjords or city, enhancing the chance to glimpse the Northern Lights from within. Dining options include Charly’s, serving local dishes such as king crab and smoked reindeer and Yonas Pizzeria, known for artisan pizzas. The 10th-floor fitness centre and sauna provide panoramic views, adding to the Arctic experience. As a guest at the hotel, you can easily join Northern Lights tours departing nearby, making it a convenient base for aurora excursions.
Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
Sjøgata 7
Tromsø
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
14
Aurora Fjord Cabins
Set along the Lyngenfjord, Aurora Fjord Cabins offer an intimate escape into Norway’s Arctic landscape. Each cabin is positioned to maximise views of the fjord and the Northern Lights, with large windows providing unobstructed sights from the comfort of your room. The rustic interiors feature wooden finishes, a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy living area, creating a homey atmosphere. Outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing, fishing and dog sledding, are available, while winter nights often bring the aurora to the skies above. With minimal light pollution, thanks to the remote location, your experience of watching the Northern Lights dance over the fjord will definitely be a spectacular one.
Aurora Fjord Cabins
Årøybuktnesset 44
Lyngseidet
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Aurora Fjord Cabins
15
Thon Hotel Lofoten
Thon Hotel Lofoten is located at Svolvær harbour, offering easy access to the Lofoten archipelago’s dramatic landscapes. The hotel features contemporary Nordic design and is directly connected to the Lofoten Cultural Centre, making it a hub for local arts. You will be able to enjoy award-winning breakfasts at the in-house restaurant, Paleo Arctic, which serves regional dishes like stockfish and reindeer. The location beneath the Auroral Oval ensures high chances of seeing the Northern Lights during the season, with views possible from the harbour or nearby mountain vantage points. The surrounding mountains also help create clearer skies by breaking up cloud cover, enhancing aurora visibility.
Thon Hotel Lofoten
Torget
Svolvær
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Thon Hotel Lofoten
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