8 Best Hotels In Norway To See Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
Norway is one of the countries that offers the highest chance of seeing the Northern lights and hotels in Norway are build with Northern lights in mind. From glass igloos and panoramic lodges to secluded island cabins, that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private outdoor hot tubs, and even Northern Lights wake-up alarms
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Norway to see the Northern Lights.
1. Nowary is Located Under the Auroral Oval: Nowary is located right beneath the Auroral Zone, this is where the solar activity is most intense so the chance of catching the Northern lights is the highest.
2. Long Aurora Season: The best time to see the Northern lights in Norway is from late September to early April, March being the best month. There are nearly 7 months of dark skies to catch the northern lights.
3. Easily Accessible Arctic Regions: Norway’s Northern Lights hotspots are easy to reach with regular flights, trains and buses connecting the region with excellent infrastructure.
4. Luxury and Comfort in the Arctic: Norway offers a wide range of Northern Lights focused hotels and lodges, including glass igloos, panoramic cabins, and wilderness resorts designed specifically for aurora viewing.
The best region to stay in Norway for seeing the Northern Lights is Northern Norway, particularly the area above the Arctic Circle.
- Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps – Easy access via Tromsø Airport
- Alta – Known as “The City of the Northern Lights,” Alta has a long history of aurora research and consistently clear skies.
- Lofoten Islands – Unique background for Northern lights with dramatic Fjords and fishing villages
- Steigen and Manshausen Island – Secluded, unspoiled, and far from artificial light
Norway sits close to the Arctic Circle which means it is one of the countries where the Northern Lights show most frequently and with the greatest intensity. Winters in Norway come with average of clear nights making it favourable to catch the norther lights, paired with it excellent infrastructure including roads, airports, travelling around is relatively easy and comfortable.
1Lyngen Lodge
Photo courtesy of © Lyngen Lodge
Where: Lyngen Alps
Located inside Norway’s Arctic Circle, one of the biggest draws of Lyngen Lodge is its location, you won’t need to venture anywhere to catch the Northern Lights, as they regularly appear right overhead. Far removed from urban light pollution, Lyngen Lodge has the highest success rates for seeing the Northern Lights occur from November to March, making it one of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights in Norway.
The lodge sits in the middle of nature, with expansive views of snow-draped peaks and a shimmering fjord. Featuring just 8 rooms, select from scenic Fjord View or dramatic Mountain View. Lyngen Lodge operated on a full board basis and the food is top-notch with traditional Scandinavian cuisine made exclusively with locally sourced, freshly gathered ingredients.
They also offer 2-hour Northern Lights photography classes. Beyond aurora viewing, the family-owned lodge offers other activities including dog sledding, whale watching, and ski touring.
Why Choose Lyngen Lodge: Remote location, no need to leave the lodge to catch the Norther Lights, intimate full board experience, Northern Lights photography classes.
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Book here : Booking.com |
2Aera Glass Cabins
Photo courtesy of © Aera Glass Cabins
Where: Troms
Located around a 30 minutes drive from Tromsø city centre (towards the fjords and wilderness) in the Arctic landscape of Tromsø, Aera Glass Cabins is probably the best hotel to see the aurora borealis in complete comfort and wild luxury.
The hotel features three types of cabins, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the panorama glass lodge being the highlight with a panoramic glass ceiling, and the newly launched Aurora igloo. Its secluded location, away from city light pollpollution,es it one of the best hotels for northern lights in autumn and winter months as well as enjoying the midnight sun in summer.
Each cabin is fully equipped with modern comforts, combining Scandinavian minimalism with high-end amenities. At the same time, you can have your dinner served directly in your lodge to avoid missing even a minute of the frequent auroral activity. They provide “aurora alarms” as part of the stay, so you’re more likely to be woken up (or notified) if the norther lights show up while you are sleeping.
Why Choose Aera Glass Cabins: Remote Arctic location, uninterrupted aurora views from glass cabins, no light pollution, luxury comfort, and aurora alarms to wake you when the lights appear.
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Book here: Expedia.com |
3Lyngen North : Glass Igloo Hotel
Photo courtesy of © Lyngen North
Where: Spåkenes Peninsula
Lyngen North, a family owned hotel located at the heart of the Aurora Oval which puts you in one of the prime zones for aurora activity. It is also located along The Arctic Route and just 45 minutes from Sørkjosen Airport making it easily accesible.
Offering four uniquely designed rooms purpose-built for watching the Northern lights. Select from sea cabins where the front side of the cabins is facing the Lyngenfjord right outside your door, 180 or 360-degree glass igloos, the clear glass windows in these igloos makes it perfect for observing the northern lights at night. Or catch the Northern lights in the sky suites.
All the details are thought about, with electrically adjustable beds positioned perfectly for skyward viewing, they also offer an on-site homemade aurora alarm system to ensure no one misses the Norther lights and the outside lights automatically dimm when the northern lights are visible. Lyngen North also boasts an outdoor jacuzzi facing the dramatic Lyngen Alps giving you a front-row seat to the night sky.
Why Choose Lyngen North: Unique 180 or 360 glass igloos, located within the auroral oval, accessibility with being in The Arctic Route.
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Book here: Lyngen-north.com |
4Hattvika Lodge
Photo courtesy of © Hattvika Lodge
Where: Lofoten Islands
Located just 10 – 15 minutes from Leknes Airport, Hattvika Lodge is tucked away in the fishing village of Ballstad in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Set well above the the Arctic Circle, and in a naturally dark-sky environment far from sources of light or pollution Hattvika Lodge is one of the most realiable and best hotels to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Moreover, the Lofoten archipelago is far enough north that the Northern Lights are visible even during very low activity periods.
The hotels itself offers an authentic experience, what was once fisherman cottages in the 1870’s have been rebuilt to an very high standard. Choose from “rorbu” fisherman’s cabins, seasdie suites – that offers access to an outdoor hot tub, hillside suites, the villa for larger groups or even hire your own private island. Each of the suites feature their own large windows so you can catch the Norther Lights from your own room. Hattvika Lodge also offer guided Northern Lights safaris and photography tours for those looking to dive deeper.
Why Choose Hattvika Lodge: Located close to airport, highest chance of catching the Norther Light even during low activity period, authentic experience in fisherman’s cabins
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Book here: Booking.com |
5Manshausen
Photo courtesy of © Manshausen
Where: Manshausen
Set on its own private 15-acre island in Steigen, Northern Norway, Manshausen offers unmatched seclusion nestled amidst fjords and rugged coastline. Placed within the auroral zone staying at the Manshausen offers the chance to catch some of the clearest and most dramatic Northern Lights views in Norway, making it one of the best hotel to see aurora borealis.
The island can be reached via express boat from Bodø to Nordskot (about 90 minutes), followed by a shuttle boat arranged by the hotel. Featuring 2 types of innovative cabins, Sea Cabins and The Tower cabins, both of which are designed to maximise the viewing of Northern lights. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sea Cabins offer an unobstructed view of the ever-changing light and scenery. Whilst The Tower cabins are spread over 2 floors, located on the edge of the old stone pier boasts full glass roof and front. Additionally, on offer are aurora tours, hiking excursions, and photography workshops.
Why Choose Manshausen: Secluded private island with minimal light pollution, panoramic views of the Northern Lights directly from the cabins, modern eco‑design.
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Book here: Manshausen.no |
6Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel & Lodge
Photo courtesy of © Sorrisniva
Where: Alta
Sorrisniva is a one-of-a-kind hotel for witnessing the Northern Lights. Nestled along the Alta River in the heart of the Arctic wilderness yet it is just a 30-minute drive from Alta Airport. Hotel’s remote (yet accessible) location means there is little light pollution making it one of the best hotels to view Northern lights.
Sorrisniva offers two types of accommodation: The traditional Igloo Hotel which it is famous for and the nearby Arctic Wilderness Lodge. Home to the World’s Northernmost Igloo Hotel, the igloo hotel is rebuilt every year with out of 250 tonnes of ice by experienced artists and builders with a new unique theme every year. Whilst the Arctic Wilderness Lodge feature panoramic windows stretching from floor to ceiling, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the river and the Northern lights. Combine the two for the best of both worlds.
Beyond the rooms, Sorrisniva provides a range of Arctic experiences, including husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and guided Northern lights tour.
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Book Lodge: Expedia.com |
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Book Igloo: Expedia.com |
7Trasti & Trine Boutique Hotel
Photo courtesy of © Trasti & Trine Boutique Hotel
Where: Alta
Trasti & Trine Boutique Hotel, located just 10 km from Alta City and only 500 meters from the Alta River, is one of the best family friendly hotels in Norway to experience the Northern Lights.
Set amid pristine Arctic nature, it offers a great base for activies such as dog sledding in the magnificent Finnmark landscape, hiking, biking, and skiing straight from your cottage door, while the on-site dog yard home to 60 friendly Alaska huskies.
Certified by Norwegian Ecotourism standards, Trasti & Trine is committed to preserving its stunning natural surroundings. One of the standouts is the unique two-story wooden house comes with floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for viewing the Northern lights.
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Book here: Booking.com |
8Flatmoen Natur Lodge
Photo courtesy of © Flatmoen Natur Lodge / Frikant
Where: Alta
Flatmoen Natur Lodge, located just 11 km from Alta Airport is a family owned business that specializes in guided tours by horse-drawn sleigh, along with offering the opportunity to stay at their unique lodge which is just 100 meters from the horses with the backdrop of Northern lights.
The lodge offers spacious cabins with panoramic views, a sun terrace, and plenty of outdoor seating, offering multiple ways to enjoy the Northern lights. A standout feature is the private outdoor jacuzzi, where you can relax under the Northern lights after a long day in the saddle or a cold day in the horse-drawn sleigh along the beautiful Alta River. You can even horse ride under the Northern Lights, making for an unforgettable way to experience the aurora.
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Book here: Booking.com |
1. Check Solar Activity : Use apps like My Aurora Forecast, SpaceWeatherLive, or NASA’s aurora predictions and look for Kp index 4+ and clear skies.
2. Stay Multiple Nights: The Northern Lights are never guaranteed, it is always recommended to stay 4 – 5 nights to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
3. Choose Hotels in Light Pollution Area: Northern lights are always occurring even during the daytime bur right conditions are needed to view them. Opt for hotels located in rural area away from the city light. Some are even located in designated aurora zones or dark sky zones.
4. Viewing The Northern Lights : Find out if the hotel you have selected offer an aurora wake-up call or have a designated area to view the lights.
* All listings featured in this article were independently selected. However, when you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All the images belong to the respective owners. Main Image © Manshausen Island Resort
