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The Nordic Nomad

Finland

The 9 best places to stay in Finland to see the elusive Northern Lights

The Nordics • Stay • The 9 best places to stay in Finland to see the elusive Northern Lights

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights at these Finnish 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 Finland 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: Finland’s Northern Lights-safest stays

01 Levin Iglut Glass Igloos

02 Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

03 Wilderness Hotel Nangu

04 Northern Lights Ranch

05 Aurora Village

06 Wilderness Hotel Muotka

07 Nova Skyland Hotel

08 Pyhä Igloos

09 Seaside Glass Villas

Levin Iglut Glass Igloos

The Levin Iglut Glass Igloos, which are in the ski resort town of Levi, offer a luxurious setting for viewing the captivating Northern Lights. These unique accommodations, nestled in the midst of untouched wilderness, provide unobstructed views of the celestial spectacle, making them an ideal location for celebrating a special occasion. From September to April, the Aurora Borealis can be seen in Levi, providing ample opportunity to experience the enchantment of these elusive lights. The Levin Iglut Glass Igloos, outfitted with luxurious and comfortable amenities, are an enticing option for witnessing the splendour of the Northern Lights.

Levin Iglut Glass Igloos
Harjatie 4
Levi
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Levin Iglut Glass Igloos

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä is the ultimate destination for experiencing the Northern Lights. This small ski resort town, known for its stunning natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, offers a range of unique accommodations that provide unparalleled views of the Aurora Borealis. The glass igloo rooms, where guests can comfortably observe the Northern Lights from their bed, are a popular choice at the resort. We recommend opting for a Kelo-Glass Igloo, which combines the traditional Finnish “kelo” log cabin with a transparent glass igloo. The cabin portion of the kelo-glass igloo is made of logs, and includes a bedroom, living area, and fireplace, providing a cozy and rustic atmosphere.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Kiilopääntie 9
Saariselkä
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Wilderness Hotel Nangu

Escape to the wild at Wilderness Hotel Nangu in Lapland. This hotel, nestled in the heart of the Finnish wilderness, has a ton of unique accommodations to choose from like glass igloos, traditional log cabins and even lake huts. When you’re not busy having the time of your life skiing, snowshoeing or ice fishing, you can relax in the hotel’s saunas and hot tubs. Don’t forget to fuel up for all your adventures at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves up delicious local dishes inspired by Lappish cuisine. And of course, no visit to Wilderness Hotel Nangu would be complete without the chance to see the Northern Lights, which can be viewed from the hotel’s Aurora Cabins.

Wilderness Hotel Nangu
Veskoniementie 1320
Inari
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Wilderness Hotel Nangu

Northern Lights Ranch

In the mood for an experience that you’ll never forget? Northern Lights Ranch in Finland should be at the top of your list. This must-visit destination boasts comfortable cabins and breathtaking auroras that are just the beginning. You’ll also get the chance to interact with resident reindeer that are sure to be a highlight of your trip. For the ultimate viewing experience, be sure to stay in the View Sky Cabin, which has a transparent roof that is perfect for watching the Northern Lights put on a show overhead. When you’re not busy bonding with the reindeer or trying your luck at ice fishing, you can warm up by the fireplace or in the sauna (it can get chilly in Finland, after all).

Northern Lights Ranch
Ounasjoentie 1619
Köngäs
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Northern Lights Ranch

Aurora Village

Escape to Aurora Village in Finnish Lapland for an unforgettable Northern Lights experience. This location is high above the Arctic Circle and is known for being one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. Stay in one of the 28 cosy cabins, each with its own space in the woods and a glass roof that allows you to see the sky from your bed. You’ll be surrounded by sparkling white snow, pure Arctic air, and roaming reindeer as you watch the Northern Lights dance and tumble in the night sky. Put on the provided snowshoes and take a walk through the forest for breakfast before joining the locals in feeding the village reindeer.

Aurora Village
Aurorakuja 38
Inari
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Aurora Village

Wilderness Hotel Muotka

Wilderness Hotel Muotka in Finland is a romantic and idyllic retreat located in Lapland’s Taiga Forest. The hotel offers luxurious cabin accommodations with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness, making it an ideal choice for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful and immersive nature experience. Wilderness Hotel Muotka is also known for being one of the best locations in Finland for viewing the Northern Lights, with Aurora Cabins and panoramic log cabins providing cozy places to watch the night skies. The hotel’s family owners offer a variety of wilderness adventures, including reindeer herding, cross-country skiing, husky sledding and ice fishing. The main hotel building also features a restaurant that serves locally-sourced, delicious food.

Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Muotkantie 204
Sodankylä
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Wilderness Hotel Muotka

Nova Skyland Hotel

Nova Skyland Hotel in Rovaniemi is the ultimate luxurious getaway located within the popular (and slightly touristy) Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. Don’t let the crowds fool you though, this hotel is an oasis of serenity surrounded by a forest of snowcapped alpine trees. The Aurora Suites are spacious, minimalist, and oh-so-Scandinavian, with a shower room stocked with fluffy towels and mini toiletries, a minibar stocked with all the essentials (including a kettle, because who doesn’t love a good cuppa), and a lounge with a double bed and chair for all your lounging needs. The real showstopper is upstairs though – a huge window overlooking the forest for aurora spotting in bed (because who wants to actually leave their warm and cosy suite). And just in case you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a fire hut stocked with logs and marshmallow toasting sticks for all your toasting needs.

Nova Skyland Hotel
Tähtikuja 6
Rovaniemi
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Nova Skyland Hotel

Pyhä Igloos

Get ready to snuggle up under the Northern Lights in one of Pyhä Igloos’ cosy cabins, complete with a glass-roof right above your double bed. Located on the pristine Pyhätunturi mountain, these igloos offer the best of both worlds – close to amenities but feeling secluded in the peaceful Finnish wilderness. Not only are these igloos well-equipped, but they’re also committed to sustainable tourism, with ground heat as the core source of energy and solar panels on the roof. Plus, the walls are built using nine-inch thick certified local timber logs for a cosy interior and an extremely low carbon footprint. When you’re ready to fuel up, head to the restaurant just a five-minute walk away. This eatery offers delicious and locally-sourced meals that are sure to satisfy your hunger.

Pyhä Igloos
Kerontie 3
Pyhätunturi
Finland

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Photography courtesy of Pyhä Igloos

Seaside Glass Villas

Forget tourist traps … Seaside Glass Villas in Kemi offers a unique and private stay that will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. Located beachfront in the Bottenviken bay in the Gulf of Bothnia, these villas are just a stone’s throw from the city centre and its charming inner harbour. Each villa is a standalone unit with its own entrance, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Plus, with views of the sea that will take your breath away, you’ll want to stay here all year round. In the winter, watch the Northern Lights dance above while you cozy up in your villa, or join the Icebreaker Sampo Cruise for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the frozen sea.