Wilderness Cabins, Glass Roof Suites and Private Lodges
Where you stay on a Northern Lights holiday can make a remarkable difference to your experience. From waking in a secluded wilderness cabin surrounded by snow covered forests to watching the Aurora from the comfort of a glass roof suite, the Nordic countries offer some extraordinary accommodation.
But when it comes to choosing the best place to see the Northern Lights, there’s more to consider than beautiful interiors and spectacular photographs.
Location, light pollution, views of the night sky and local weather conditions all play an important role. Some accommodation allows you to watch for the Aurora without leaving your room, while other properties provide the privacy and space to step outside whenever the Northern Lights appear.
At Aurora Nights, we’ve spent more than 15 years carefully selecting accommodation across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Our team lives and works in the Nordics, giving us firsthand knowledge of the properties, their surroundings and the practical advantages of each location.
So which type of Aurora accommodation is right for you?
Wilderness Cabins: Privacy, Dark Skies and Nature
There’s something particularly special about staying in a remote Arctic cabin, surrounded by forests, frozen lakes and miles of open wilderness.
In northern Sweden and Finland, traditional log cabins and contemporary wilderness retreats provide a peaceful base for a Northern Lights holiday.
One of their biggest advantages is the opportunity to escape artificial light. Away from larger towns, the night sky can appear considerably darker, making it easier to distinguish fainter Aurora displays when conditions are favourable.
Many cabins have private outdoor areas, allowing you to step outside and check the sky throughout the evening. Some overlook lakes or open landscapes, providing wonderful opportunities for Northern Lights photography.
However, location is important. A cabin surrounded by tall trees may offer privacy but restrict your view of the horizon. We carefully consider the surrounding landscape and access to open viewing areas when recommending accommodation.
During the day, you can enjoy privately guided husky sledding, snowmobiling or snowshoeing before returning to your cabin for a sauna, dinner prepared by a private chef or a quiet evening beside the fire.
Best for: Couples and families who value privacy, peaceful surroundings, authentic Arctic experiences and easy access to dark skies.
Glass Roof Suites: Watch the Northern Lights from Your Bed
Finland has become particularly well known for its remarkable glass roof accommodation, with carefully designed suites and cabins offering uninterrupted views of the night sky.
The biggest practical advantage is comfort.
Rather than spending several hours outside in winter temperatures, you can lie in bed and watch the sky above you, keeping warm while looking for the first signs of Aurora activity.
This is particularly appealing for couples, families with younger children and travellers who prefer a more relaxed approach to Northern Lights viewing.
Some properties offer heated glass panels designed to help prevent snow and frost from obstructing the view, while others have panoramic windows overlooking forests, lakes or open Arctic landscapes.
It’s worth remembering, however, that not all glass roof accommodation provides the same viewing experience.
The direction of the windows, surrounding trees, exterior lighting and even reflections from inside the room can affect visibility.
And while glass roofs provide a wonderful way to watch the Aurora, they cannot overcome cloudy skies. You may also find that stepping outside provides a wider view if the Northern Lights appear beyond the visible section of your roof.
Best for: Couples, romantic escapes, special occasions and travellers who want the opportunity to watch the Northern Lights from the warmth of their accommodation.
Private Luxury Lodges: Exceptional Comfort and Personal Service
For families, groups of friends or couples looking for a particularly exclusive experience, a private luxury lodge offers a different approach to Northern Lights accommodation.
Across northern Norway, Sweden and Finland, some remarkable wilderness properties combine beautiful interiors with spectacular Arctic locations.
In Norway, private lodges can overlook fjords and mountains, providing dramatic scenery for Northern Lights viewing. In Sweden, secluded luxury retreats offer forest surroundings, private saunas and excellent opportunities to enjoy the Arctic at your own pace.
The advantage of a private lodge is having space, comfort and personalised experiences all in one location.
You might have a private chef preparing dinner, a dedicated guide arranging your winter adventures and a terrace or outdoor seating area where you can watch the night sky.
Private guiding can also be particularly useful when weather conditions change. Rather than relying entirely on sightings from your accommodation, your guide can assess local forecasts and arrange excursions towards clearer skies when practical.
For groups travelling together, exclusive use accommodation allows everyone to enjoy the experience without sharing facilities with other travellers.
Best for: Families, groups, special celebrations and travellers seeking exceptional service, private experiences and secluded luxury.
What Really Makes Good Northern Lights Accommodation?
Regardless of whether you choose a cabin, glass roof suite or luxury lodge, there are several important factors we consider when selecting accommodation.
Dark skies: Properties away from excessive artificial lighting offer better opportunities to see faint Aurora displays.
Unobstructed views: Open landscapes, lakesides and elevated positions can provide excellent viewing opportunities, although the Aurora may appear in different parts of the sky.
Local weather patterns: Some regions experience more favourable cloud conditions than others. In Swedish Lapland, for example, Abisko is well known for its local weather patterns, which can sometimes create clearer viewing conditions than surrounding areas.
Easy outdoor access: Being able to step outside quickly is valuable, particularly when an unexpected Aurora display begins.
Local expertise: Experienced guides who understand regional weather forecasts and Aurora activity can help you make the most of your chosen destination.
A beautiful property doesn’t automatically mean better Northern Lights viewing. The combination of location, darkness, clear skies and knowledgeable planning is what matters.
Choosing Your Ultimate Aurora Accommodation
The right accommodation depends on how you want to experience the Arctic.
You might prefer the peace of a remote Swedish cabin, the comfort of a Finnish glass roof suite or a private Norwegian lodge overlooking the fjords.
At Aurora Nights, we carefully match accommodation to your travel preferences, combining beautiful properties with private Northern Lights experiences and the knowledge of our locally based team.
Our CEO, Jonny Cooper, also developed the Aurora Buddy app, helping travellers stay informed about Northern Lights activity and potential viewing opportunities throughout their holiday.
While nobody can guarantee a Northern Lights sighting, thoughtful planning and carefully selected accommodation can make a significant difference.
And whether the Aurora appears directly above your cabin or you head out into the Arctic night with a private guide, your accommodation should be somewhere you genuinely look forward to returning to.
Click here to see all of our Nordic accommodation.
Because the ultimate Northern Lights holiday isn’t simply about where you watch the sky. It’s about enjoying everything the Arctic has to offer, in comfort and at your own pace.
