HOTEL IDEAS

Exciting Stays for the Northern Lights Experience

Nidhi Dhingra

Last updated: Apr 5, 2019

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Do

Tromso: Visit a traditional Sami home
Iceland: Swim in the Blue Lagoon, Go on a Game of Thrones trail
Canada: Shop for diamonds in Yellowknife

See

Tromso: Polar Museum, Art Museum of Northern Norway, Arctic Cathedral
Kiruna: Aurora Sky Station, UNESCO site of Laponia
Iceland: Strokkur fountain geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site
Canada: Northern Lights Space and Science Centre, Yukon

Eat

Try moose and reindeer meat – a local specialty

Events

Tromso : Silent Film Days – September, Tromsø International Film Festival – January, Polar Night Half Marathon – January, Northern Lights Festival – February
Kiruna: Kiruna Snow Festival - January
Iceland: Reykjavik International Film Festival - September, Iceland Airwaves Music Festival – November
Canada: Caribou Carnival, Yellowknife, World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Whistler

Filmy

Iceland: The romantic number 'Gerua' from Dilwale starring Shahrukh and Kajol is shot here
Finnish Lapland: Amitabh Bachhan starrer 'Shamitabh' is the first movie to be shot in this Arctic region
Canada: 'Neal n Nikki' in Vancouver and Whistler, parts of 'Apne', 'Thank You' and 'Kal Ho Na Ho' in Toronto

Want To Go ? 
   

Staying in a hotel is passé, especially when you have options like tree houses, igloos, huts and tents to choose from. Imagine seeing the magnificent aurora display or Northern Lights from a glass igloo or while enjoying a sauna from cosy interiors. Most of us manage this trip only once – given the long travel, high costs and freezing climes. Hence, get creative with the accommodation and make this trip one you will remember forever!

Fret not, both warmth and food are well taken care of at all these places. Here are some accommodations that have us drooling!

Enjoy a Hill View from Icelandair Hotel Akureyri

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri in north Iceland stands on top of a hill, just a few minutes drive from Akureyri Airport and walking distance from the city centre, making it a great location to spot the northern lights – easily accessible, and yet not in midst of city lights.

You can relax in the comfort of your room and see the dark skies suddenly break into a show of bright, florescent lights, streaking and flickering, from the glass windows. If you can tear yourself away, there's also a geothermal pool and spa just across the road.

The hotels boasts of a hearty breakfast to start the day with. When not waiting for the northern lights, explore the pristine Icelandic countryside – on skis or a snowmobile if you so like – or take in some of the natural wonders around.

Cost starts at: Rs. 6,542*

Coordinates: Thingvallastraeti 23, Akureyri 600, Iceland

Book Your Stay at Icelandair Hotel AkureyriBook Your Stay at Icelandair Hotel Akureyri

​Read more: Things to Keep in Mind for the Best Northern Lights experience

Relish the Centrally Located Enter Tromso Viking Hotel

Located right in the heart of Tromso, Norway, the Enter Tromso Viking Hotel is apt to see northern lights with your buddies or family. Located only 5km from the Tromso Airport, the pocket-friendly hotel features chandeliers in their rooms along with mini-bars to keep you warm with delightful spirits. Only 1.2kms from the Tromso Airport, the you   can relax in any one of the accommodations including Single Room, Double/Twin Room, Triple Room and Family Room.You can always catch the extraordinary phenomena of northern lights from the big windows or stroll down the nearby roads. Tromso is considered as one of the main base to chase northern lights in Norway. The hotel also offers apartments with super stylish furniture and large bathrooms with shower, sauna and spa bath.

Cost starts at: Rs. 3,259*

Coordinates: Gronnegata 18, 9008 Tromso, Norway

Breathe in Serenity at Santa's Hotel Tunturi

If you are planning to experience the magical northern lights in Finland, then check-in to the northernmost holiday resort in the country-  Santa's Hotel Tunturi. Only 28 km from the Saariselkä airport, feel absolute relaxed at one of the 260 rooms and apartment suites located in six different blocks. Since, the luxury resort is housed in the northernmost corner, you will find it easy to get awestruck by the bright northern lights in Finland. If looking to please your palate, then you can choose from Lappish a la carte or dig into delectable Scandinavian dishes at the in-house restaurants. The soothing spa sessions, traditional Finnish sauna and the gym will take care of your wellness.

Cost starts at: Rs 6,231*

Coordinates: Lutontie 3, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland

Read more: Head Over for The Perfect Northern Lights Experience!

Cherish Colourful Interiors at Scandic Hammerfest

Another exciting place you can choose to stay to experience northern lights in Norway is Scandic Hammerfest. Overlooking the beautiful town with breath-taking scenery, the hotel will welcome you with brightly lit rooms accompanied with colourful interiors. With only 4 kms from the Hammerfest Airport, the hotel will further impress you with fine dining restaurant with dishes inspired by the Arctic, fitness centre and well-equipped meeting rooms.You can also indulge in host of adventurous activities here to feel the thrill. The majestic northern lights can be witnessed here in the months of November, December and January. Hence, pack your bags and rush!!!

Cost starts at: Rs. 8,281*

Coordinates: Soroya 15, 9600 Hammerfest, Norway

Bask in the Harmonious Atmosphere at Alda Hotel Reykjavik

If you planning to see northern lights in Iceland, then you can check-in to the Alda Hotel Reykjavik for a lifetime experience. The plush boutique property is located just 15 minutes from the centre of the city which allows a serene escape from the crowd. Located about 48kms from the Keflavik International Airport, the plush hotel will pamper you with 88 guest rooms, attics and suites whereas, Brass kitchen & bar will take care of your taste buds. If looking to relax and unwind, then you can head for a soothing sauna session or hit the fitness centre to recharge your body in the bittering cold. Reykjavik is one of the popular areas to witness northern lights and therefore, a stay at Alda Hotel Reykjavik will serve you the experience you looking for.

Cost starts at: Rs. 9,080*

Coordinates: Laugavegur 66-68, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

We agree that some of these places will cost a bit on the pocket, but they will leave you with unmatched experiences to savour and tales to tell. Book yourselves for a short stay (if not long) or just visit for a meal and be prepared to be blown away!

Or, if you’re one for raw nature and rugged adventure, just find a spot for your sleeping bag, lie down and enjoy the skies put up a spectacle of northern lights just for you!

*Prices may vary 

 

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