We might as well make this clear from the start: Abisko and Aurora Sky Station is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Abisko is located right underneath the aurora oval, which means conditions are optimal with the often cloudless sky. It is not so much about finding the northern lights here; it is more about finding clear skies. Peter Rosén, who runs Lapland PhotoAdventures, says guests who stay three nights or more have had a 100% success rate. auroraskystation.se
One of the most important things to keep in mind when taking photos of the northern lights is getting away from artificial light. Along the Bothnian Bay archipelago coast, it is often just as easy to find good photo conditions as in the mountains. At Brändön Lodge, there are also a number of activities that take place under the northern lights or that aim to find them, such as dog sledding trips, dinners, and snowshoe treks, just to name a few. brandonlodgelapland.com
Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is literally one of the coolest places in the world. It is not uncommon to see the northern lights dance above the world’s first – and largest – hotel built of ice and snow. Since Icehotel 365 opened its gates and made it possible to visit Icehotel all year round, you can even catch the first northern lights of the year during dark, clear autumn evenings. icehotel.com
Sleeping in one of the rooms at Treehotel is an experience in itself, but if it was the northern lights that attracted you to this place, check out the seventh room. “The 7th Room” was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta and sits ten metres off the ground, among the pines. Here you can see the northern lights without having to leave the room, as it has large panoramic windows facing north along with skylights in the bedrooms. treehotel.se
If the goal is to see the Aurora Borealis from the absolute comfort of your own bed, look no further than the unique Peace and Quiet Hotel. This is the only accommodation in Swedish Lapland specifically built around the northern lights experience, featuring dedicated glass igloos that serve as private observatories. The hotel chain has strategically located properties at prime aurora viewing spots, including sites near Jokkmokk and Kiruna, ensuring guests have the best possible chance to witness the spectacular celestial display all night long. Peaceandquiethotel.com
The idea of an Arctic Bath on the Lule River by Harads was conceived back when the Treehotel was inaugurated. The river needed a sauna raft to give people staying at the hotel something to do. In the end, it became more than that, and Arctic Bath opened in January 2020: a 700 square-metre open-air cold bath and hotel. The only thing that could improve on the experience would be northern lights across the sky. arcticbath.se
If you are hiking in the mountains during autumn, when evenings get darker, remember to look up at the sky if it is a clear evening. With a bit of luck, you might spot the first northern lights of the season. The first northern lights are sometimes seen as early as late August.
Tucked into the pine forest by the riverside, this intimate lodge welcomes guests from around the world who come to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience winter in Swedish Lapland. This is the place to watch the northern lights in complete tranquility – from your private hot tub under the stars, during a guided snowshoe walk through the silent forest, or curled up by the fire in your cabin with panoramic windows facing the night sky. arcticretreat.se
Where the public road ends in Kangos, it is still five kilometres to Särkimukka village, home to four people and some 200 huskies. People from all over the world visit Pinetree Lodge in Särkimukka to experience winter and an arctic adventure. This is the place to experience the northern lights during a dog-sled ride, a snowmobile tour or perhaps from your bed in one of the northern light apartments – with panoramic, north-facing windows. And if the northern lights were to fail, you would still have a fantastic time. explorethenorth.se
Where the mountains rise steeply along the Silver Road, you’ll find Vuoggatjålme – a remote hideaway on the edge of the highlands. Nestled in quiet mountain landscapes with far-reaching views, this tiny settlement is home to one of Sweden’s most beautifully located mountain lodges. Travelers come here to experience the Arctic silence, the dramatic landscape and nights lit up by the northern lights. Be sure to book a table at the restaurant, where you can enjoy exceptional dishes made from local delicacies. vuoggatjalme.se
To enjoy the Northern Lights at their absolute best, you need darkness – untouched, natural darkness. The wide-open marshlands near Lapland Guesthouse offer exactly that. It’s the ideal place to witness the aurora dance across the sky, whether you prefer to wander out alone or join a guided small-group experience. Laplandguesthouse
The story goes something like this: some members of staff at Camp Ripan in Kiruna were sat in the sauna. They ran outside to “take a dip in the snow” and saw northern lights covering the sky. They said: “Imagine sitting in the sauna or taking a bath, watching the northern lights at the same time”. Said and done, the following year, they had built their own Aurora Spa. ripan.se
