10 Best Northern Lights Hotels in Norway

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Staying in a Northern Lights hotel in Norway is one of the best ways to enjoy this incredible natural wonder.

In fact, Norway is considered one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world thanks to its northerly location, easy accessibility, and relatively clear skies. Because of this, many Norwegian hotels specialize in providing aurora-related experiences.

10 Best Northern Lights Hotels in Norway

If the main goal of your trip is to see the Northern Lights in Norway, I strongly recommend going through this article, since staying at any of these Norway Northern Lights hotels will make seeing the aurora even easier and more unforgettable.

Some of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights in Norway include igloos, a camp where you can sleep in traditional lavvu tents, and former fishermen’s huts, known as rorbuer, that have been transformed into a hotel. Regardless of where you end up staying, these hotels in Norway to see the Northern Lights offer all the comforts of home in perfect locations to see the aurora.

Although there are many aurora borealis hotels in Norway, in this article, we’ll focus on the ones that stand out for their location, amenities, and originality.

Best hotels to see Northern Lights in Norway

To sum it up, these are the best hotels in Norway for the Northern Lights:

1. Tromso Ice Domes Hotel: The best hotel to see the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway. Its famous igloos, located just outside the city, offer a unique experience for guests.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel: Nordic-style hotel with a glass bridge that’s perfect for seeing the aurora in Tromso.
3. Aurora Camp Tromso: Camp in traditional lavvu tents to experience Sami culture and enjoy seeing the aurora at the same time.
4. Eliassen Rorbuer: These wooden cabins are the best Northern Lights hotel on the Lofoten Islands.
5. Reinefjorden Sjøhus: Hotel with cabins where you can see the Northern Lights over the iconic Reinefjord, in the Lofoten Islands.
6. Senja Fjordhotell: The best hotel to see the Northern Lights in Senja.
7. Aurora Borealis Observatory: An elegant resort where floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow you to enjoy aurora displays from your room in Senja.
8. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel: The best Northern Lights hotel in Alta.
9. Nygård Apartments: A private Northern Lights accommodation in North Cape.
10. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg: The best and northernmost Northern Lights hotel on the island of Svalbard.

As you can see, the various Northern Lights accommodations throughout Norway mean you can enjoy an aurora display in many different locations.

Below, we’ll have a look in more detail at the best aurora borealis hotels in Norway.

1. Tromsø Ice Domes Hotel, the best Northern Lights hotel in Norway (Tromso)

My best advice for seeing the Northern Lights is to stay in a location that’s far away from light pollution. As such, if you’re looking for a good place to stay in Tromso, the Tromsø Ice Domes Hotel, which features Norway Northern Lights igloos and is rebuilt every winter, is your best bet.

1. Tromsø Ice Domes Hotel, the best Northern Lights hotel in Norway (Tromso)

Because this Norway Northern Lights hotel is located outside the city, there’s limited light pollution, which means clearer skies for aurora viewing. On top of that, your stay at the Ice Domes will be unlike any other. As part of the experience, you’ll take a guided tour of the hotel, enjoy a snowshoe walk to see the aurora, and eat a delicious campfire-cooked meal.

Sleeping in a room made of ice at the Tromso Ice Domes hotel might sound unpleasant, but it’s actually quite comfortable. In fact, you’ll be given cozy sleeping bags to curl up in and reindeer skins to sleep on, so there’s really no warmer way to sleep. If you’re planning a trip to Tromso, you should book this adventure.

2. Radisson Blu Hotel, a fantastic Norway Northern Lights hotel (Tromso)

The Radisson Blu Hotel offers top-notch Nordic design elements, along with quality amenities, including a sauna with city views, fitness room, restaurant, pizzeria, and pub. Located right by Tromso Harbor, this hotel in Norway to see Northern Lights is near many of the best things to do in Tromso, including the Polar Museum and Arctic Cathedral.

2. Radisson Blu Hotel, a fantastic Norway Northern Lights hotel (Tromso)

However, this Norway Northern Lights hotel’s crowning feature is a glass bridge that allows you to enjoy Northern Lights displays without even leaving the hotel. That way, you can make your dream of seeing the aurora come true while staying warm and cozy indoors.

Even better, most of the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso depart from this hotel, so if you do want to venture out into the Norwegian wilderness to see the aurora, you won’t have far to go.

3. Aurora Camp Tromso, the most traditional Northern Lights hotel in Norway (Tromso)

Have an adventure, see the aurora, and experience Sami culture all at the same time by booking a stay at the Aurora Camp in Tromso. This chance to go Northern Lights camping in Norway includes a warm dinner and stay in a glass-roofed lavvu (traditional Sami tent).

3. Aurora Camp Tromso, the most traditional Northern Lights hotel in Norway (Tromso)

You’ll start the day off with a RIB-boat whale safari around Kvaenangen Fjord, where you’ll hopefully see some orcas and humpback whales. Then, you’ll eat lunch on the boat before heading off to the Green Gold Villa in the Lyngen Alps. There, you’ll enjoy some aurora viewing if the conditions are right.

If the Green Lady ends up making an appearance, your guide will help you find the best settings on your camera to capture the Northern Lights. Finally, you’ll end the day in your private lavvu, where you can cozy up for a good night’s sleep.

4. Eliassen Rorbuer, my favorite Northern Lights accommodation in Norway (Lofoten)

Admire the Northern Lights dancing over the most spectacular fjord in the Lofoten Islands from some of the most famous Norway Northern Lights cabins, Eliassen Rorbuer.

4. Eliassen Rorbuer, my favorite Northern Lights accommodation in Norway (Lofoten)

These renovated fishermen’s cabins are full of rustic charm and feature fjord and mountain views, as well as fully-equipped kitchens and bathrooms. If you’d prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, there’s even an on-site restaurant that serves Norwegian-Italian fusion cuisine.

We spent a night in one of Eliassen Rorbuer’s cozy cottages during our trip to the Lofoten Islands and got lucky enough to see the aurora from one of our cottage’s windows. As you can imagine, this experience was absolutely unforgettable. That’s why, in my opinion, Eliassen Rorbuer easily earns the title of best Northern Lights hotel in the world.

5. Reinefjorden Sjøhus, where to stay in Norway for the Northern Lights (Lofoten)

Yet another incredible Norway Northern Lights accommodation on the Lofoten Islands with fjord views is Reinefjorden Sjøhus.

5. Reinefjorden Sjøhus, where to stay in Norway for the Northern Lights (Lofoten)

The cabins and apartments at this aurora borealis accommodation in Norway are more modern than the traditional Eliassen Rorbuer, but still offer excellent views of the Northern Lights. In fact, each accommodation features several floor-to-ceiling windows, which are perfect for indoor aurora viewing.

All accommodations are equipped with kitchens, and some units even feature terraces and patios with sea and mountain views. Unit options include deluxe and standard apartments, waterfront cabins, studios, and houses with sea views, so you’ll have a wide variety to choose from.

When you’re not mesmerized by the aurora, you can easily go fishing and/or hiking, both of which are popular activities in the area.

6. Senja Fjordhotell, a Northern Lights Norway hotel with fjord views (Senja)

At Senja Fjordhotell, all rooms offer views of the fjord and mountains, which is ideal for when the aurora makes an appearance. Even better, this Northern Lights Norway resort is just a short walk from the beach and has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.

6. Senja Fjordhotell, a Northern Lights Norway hotel with fjord views (Senja)

You’ll also benefit from ski-to-door access, ski equipment storage, and a chance to enjoy the hotel’s spacious terrace. Go for a twin or double room with sea views or splash out for a suite with a balcony. Either way, all rooms, regardless of size, include a desk, kettle, and flat-screen TV.

Best of all, you’ll have plenty to do here, since the area is great for skiing, hiking, and biking.

7. Aurora Borealis Observatory, a homey Northern Lights Norway resort (Senja)

Marvel at the Northern Lights while you soak in an outdoor hot tub at the Aurora Borealis Observatory, an aptly named Norway Northern Lights hotel in Senja.

7. Aurora Borealis Observatory, a homey Northern Lights Norway resort (Senja)

If you’d prefer to stay inside, the large, floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms and apartments transform the spaces into aurora observatories as soon as the Northern Lights appear. Other features of this Northern Lights accommodation in Norway include free breakfast, where you can choose from continental, buffet, or a-la-carte options, ski-to-door access, and a hot spring bath.

Take advantage of the area’s excellent skiing and rent some gear so you can hit the slopes, or visit the nearby city of Finnsnes, located just 10 minutes away. Additionally, kids will love the on-site playground.

8. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the most original Northern Lights hotel in Norway (Alta)

Not far from Alta but far enough to avoid light pollution, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is the most original and (literally) cool Northern Lights Norway igloo hotel.

8. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the most original Northern Lights hotel in Norway (Alta)

Take advantage of the hotel’s many amenities and admire the ice sculptures, enjoy a drink at the ice bar, or have a lovely meal at either of the two on-site restaurants. Additionally, this hotel in Norway for Northern Lights boasts two outdoor hot tubs and a sauna, perfect spots for relaxing and taking in the Northern Lights.

When you’re ready to hit the hay, there are ultra-warm sleeping bags and reindeer skin sleeping pads to keep you warm as you sleep in your ice room. Rest assured that the showers and changing rooms are in a warm, modern building next door.

9. Nygård Apartments, a private Northern Lights accommodation in Norway (North Cape)

At Nygård Apartments in North Cape, you’ll enjoy the independence and privacy of staying in a self-catering apartment with views of the harbor and Stappan Bird Sanctuary. This Northern Lights accommodation in Norway also includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

9. Nygård Apartments, a private Northern Lights accommodation in Norway (North Cape)

Food can be purchased from the nearby grocery store, or there’s a seasonal restaurant called Terrassen that serves seafood and is located just 550 yards away from the apartments. If you manage to see the Northern Lights, the apartments are cozy, comfortable places to watch a display, but you can also head to the beach, which is just a 2-minute walk away.

In terms of activities in the area, hiking, skiing, deep sea fishing, wildlife safaris, and bird watching are great ways to keep busy. Alternatively, you can explore Gjæsvær fishing village, where the apartments are located.

10. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg, the best northernmost aurora borealis hotel in Norway (Svalbard)

Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is probably the most distinctive Northern Lights Norway resort. The hotel’s owner until 2020, Mary-Ann, transformed the building from miners’ barracks into a stylish and luxurious accommodation for enjoying the Northern Lights in Svalbard.

10. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg, the best northernmost aurora borealis hotel in Norway (Svalbard)

As such, you’ll find plenty of great amenities here, including an on-site restaurant that serves Arctic-inspired cuisine, a bar, and a game room with a pool table, darts, and foosball. Best of all, the on-site sauna and spa are the ultimate spots to relax while you wait for the aurora to dance across the sky.

Choose from a single or twin room with a shared bathroom, or go for a queen or family room with a private bathroom for more personal space. Regardless of the type of room you select, you’ll have access to a shared kitchen and common dining area.

As you’ll have seen, all of the aurora borealis hotels in Norway I’ve discussed have their own special features that make them stand out, whether they be fjord views, unique design elements, or optimized features for aurora viewing. Rest assured that you’ll be in for a treat and have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights no matter which of these Northern Lights hotels in Norway that you choose.

Finally, wherever you end up staying, remember to check the Northern Lights forecast every day through the official NOAA space administration website, as well as the cloud forecast in Norway through the Yr.no website to see if there will be clear skies in your area.

Good luck with your Northern Lights chasing in Norway!