Imagine drifting off to sleep beneath a canopy of stars, only to be gently awakened by the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights.
Glass igloos offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience, combining the comfort of a cozy retreat with front-row seats to nature's most spectacular light show.
Let's explore 10 enchanting destinations where you can witness the aurora borealis from the warmth of your own private crystal dome.
1. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: Finland
Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a winter wonderland come to life.
The glass igloos here are a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. They feature thermal glass to keep you toasty while you stargaze.
During the day, guests can embark on reindeer safaris or try their hand at ice fishing.
Fun fact: The resort also boasts the world's largest smoke sauna, big enough for 100 bathers!
2. Aurora Village: Yellowknife, Canada
Just outside the city of Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories, Aurora Village offers a unique twist on the glass igloo experience.
Their heated teepee-style accommodations feature glass roofs, allowing for unobstructed views of the northern sky.
The village is situated in one of the world's best locations for aurora viewing, with over 200 nights of activity per year.
Fun fact: Each teepee is equipped with a bed that rotates 360 degrees, so you can follow the lights without leaving your cozy nest.
3. Levin Iglut: Finland
Perched on the slopes of Utsuvaara Fell, Levin Iglut offers breathtaking views of the Lappish wilderness.
Each glass igloo is equipped with motorized beds, allowing you to adjust your viewing angle with the touch of a button.
The nearby Gold Digger's Cabin restaurant serves up local delicacies, perfect for fueling your aurora-watching adventures.
Fun fact: The igloos feature state-of-the-art aurora alarms that alert you when the Northern Lights appear, ensuring you never miss a moment of the spectacle.
4. Borealis Basecamp: Alaska, USA
Just 25 miles from Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp brings luxury to the Alaskan wilderness.
The geodesic igloos here feature 16-foot north-facing windows, offering panoramic views of the starry sky and dancing auroras.
During the day, guests can enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, or simply soaking in the pristine beauty of the boreal forest.
Fun fact: The camp's “Snow Cat” groomer creates perfect trails for nighttime aurora viewing walks, complete with benches for resting and hot cocoa stations.
5. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos: Finland
Located on the shores of Lake Lehtojärvi, this unique resort combines traditional snow accommodations with modern glass igloos.
The glass-roofed cabins offer creature comforts like private bathrooms and kitchenettes while still providing unobstructed views of the night sky.
For the adventurous, there's even an option to spend one night in a snow igloo and another in a glass one.
Fun fact: The resort features an ice restaurant where everything, from the tables to the glasses, is made entirely of ice!
6. Wilderness Hotel Nellim: Finland
Tucked away in the remote village of Nellim, this hotel offers aurora bubbles that bring you closer to nature.
These cozy, pod-like structures feature a transparent north-facing wall and roof, perfect for aurora viewing.
The hotel's location near Lake Inari, far from light pollution, provides some of the clearest night skies in Lapland.
Fun fact: The hotel offers “Aurora Camps” where guests can learn to photograph the Northern Lights like pros.
7. Buubble: Iceland
For a truly unique experience, Buubble in Iceland offers completely transparent spherical rooms in the middle of a forest.
These “5 million star hotels” allow you to fall asleep surrounded by nature and (hopefully) the dancing auroras.
Each bubble is heated and comes with a comfortable bed, making it feel like you're camping in luxury.
Fun fact: The exact location of the bubbles is kept secret until booking to preserve the magical experience and protect the environment.
8. Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Yukon, Canada
This family-run resort in Canada's Yukon Territory offers glass chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows facing north.
The resort's location in the Yukon wilderness, away from city lights, provides excellent aurora viewing opportunities.
During the day, guests can relax in the Finnish sauna or enjoy guided tours of the surrounding boreal forest.
Fun fact: The resort has its own sled dog team, and guests can help care for and train the dogs during their stay.
9. Arctic Fox Igloos: Finland
Situated on the shores of Lake Ranuanjärvi, Arctic Fox Igloos offer a serene escape into Finnish Lapland.
Each igloo features a kitchenette, bathroom, and a private sauna, allowing you to enjoy the aurora in complete comfort.
The resort also offers ice fishing and snowshoeing for daytime adventures.
Fun fact: The nearby Ranua Zoo is home to Finland's only polar bears, which guests can visit as part of their stay.
10. Aurora Safari Camp: Sweden
For those seeking a more rugged experience, Aurora Safari Camp in Swedish Lapland offers Sami-inspired lavvu tents with glass roofs.
These cozy accommodations blend traditional design with modern comforts, all while providing clear views of the night sky.
The camp's remote location in the Råne River valley ensures minimal light pollution for optimal aurora viewing.
Fun fact: Guests can try their hand at traditional Sami reindeer lassoing techniques during their stay.
11. Apukka Resort: Finland
Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, just 15 minutes from Rovaniemi, Apukka Resort offers a unique aurora viewing experience with its “Aurora Cabins.”
These cozy, glass-roofed accommodations provide panoramic views of the Arctic sky, allowing you to watch the Northern Lights dance above you from the comfort of your bed.
During the day, guests can enjoy traditional Finnish activities like ice fishing, husky sledding, or relaxing in a traditional smoke sauna.
Fun fact: The resort also offers “Aurora Wagons” — mobile cabins on skis that can be towed to remote locations for an even more immersive Northern Lights experience.
Wrapping Up
From luxurious glass-domed suites to cozy forest bubbles, these magical retreats offer unforgettable ways to experience the Northern Lights.
Hopefully this was an interesting read for you 🙂
