Believe it or not, there are other reasons to celebrate winter that don’t center around skiing, boarding, ice skating, or hockey. We know those are fighting words for some, but we raise you a lifetime trip to see the Northern Lights. Intrigued? Well, you should be, because to see Mother Nature’s spectacle is like getting into the VIP section of Beyonce’s Renaissance tour. It’s a pretty big deal, and these are the places where you want to chase the lights. Or even better yet, at these destinations, they come directly to you. Either way, these are the top places to see the Northern Lights.
Deplar Farm
The Location: Iceland
How to get there: The lodge is located about 4.5 hours away from Reykjavik. The best way to get there is by helicopter. You can stop along the way at waterfalls and other picturesque sites to make a tour of it.
Deplar Farm is an award-winning resort in remote Iceland, that’s even inspired a Hulu series. Once a sheep farm, the property has since been converted into a 5-star destination for the adventurous. During the late fall-to-winter months, it’s also one of the top places to see the Northern Lights. Unlike other destinations on the list, though, you don’t need to chase the Northern Lights. At Deplar, they come to you as you sit in the heated pool taking in the light show.
Just 13 rooms make up the hotel which has an earthy turf roof, and floor-to-ceiling windows for looking out into the miles of remote hillsides. No matter the season or weather, the hotel has activities that engage all senses. Days can be spent heli-skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, or relaxing at the spa. Because you’re in the middle of nowhere, Northern lights show in vivid display at night.
Arctic Bath
The Location: Swedish Lapland
How to get there: Fly to Stockholm and take a transfer to Lulea, or a sleeper train to Boden station. Or, arrange for a private plane or helicopter transfer.
There are some resorts that make you feel like you’re entering a totally altered state. Arctic Bath gives full meaning to the word “trip.” You will embark on an experience with mind-bending potential. The allure of Arctic Bath is in the floating cabins which seem to hover above the water, land, or forest. With sky-gazing decks, floating walkways, and glass walls, the small and private accommodations immerse guests in an arctic wonderland. Though ample outdoor activities are available, many guests come for the spa and ice water pools. Nothing beats viewing the Aurora Borealis from a natural pool, which is what makes Arctic Bath one of the top places to see the Northern Lights.
Sheldon Chalet
The Location: Denali, Alaska
How to get there: Unless you are a mountaineer, air travel is the only way to reach the resort. The optimal way is to take a helicopter from Anchorage.
The existence of Sheldon Chalet is quite frankly mind-boggling because you are literally in the middle of nowhere. Located 10 miles from the summit of the largest mountain in North America, this 5 suite hotel is one of the most remote in the world. It makes you wonder how they even got electricity in these parts, much less a luxury hotel. That is one of the reasons though that Sheldon Chalet is one of the top places to see the Northern Lights.
At Sheldon Chalet, you won’t find cell service. However, you will find a skilled team of adventurous staff who take care of everything for you for a lifetime adventure. From organizing any meal imaginable to planning your whole itinerary, this is anything but a one-size-fits-all experience. You’ll build igloos, take one or two heli tours, explore ice caves, and have a picnic on the glacier. Because it is miles from the nearest town, you have some of the darkest skies for seeing the Northern Lights. Also, if you like to ski, you should put Sheldon Chalet on your bucket list as it’s guaranteed to be an adrenaline rush. All of this clocks in at around $32,000 per night, but well worth it as one of the top places to see the Northern Lights.
Arctic Treehouse Hotel
The Location: Rovaniemi Finland
How to get there: A short drive from the airport.
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FAQs
Q: Where is the most remote destination of the top places to see the Northern Lights?
A: Sheldon Chalet
Q: Where can I take a helicopter ride to see the Northern Lights?
A: Deplar Farm, Arctic Bath, and Sheldon Chalet
Q: Where is the best place to take the family to see the Northern Lights?
A: Arctic Treehouse
