If your travel plans for this new year include gazing at the northern lights, then you’re in luck. The Northern Lights will have the best show it’s had in nearly two decades, and you can thank the sun’s upcoming solar maximum for that. This means the more active the sun is with sunspots, the more vibrant the shows of Northern Lights, which is why this year is the best time to see those beautiful aurora colors and a chance to mark this unique phenomenon off your bucket list.
For those looking for the best front-row seats to catch all the magic, Airbnb has a category just for you. The homeshare platform released its “most wish-listed stays” in the Arctic category to help you find the best accommodations to see the Northern Lights. Whether you’re looking for secluded chalets or cozy cabins, these eight properties guarantee the best seats to view the Northern Lights.
We hope you love these Northern Lights Airbnbs! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
This four-bedroom, high-quality, well-equipped chalet is at the largest ski resort in Levi. The chalet is just about 700 feet from the slopes, and the Levi Village is 10 minutes away. This spacious chalet is home to an open floor plan kitchen and lounge area with large floor-to-ceiling windows to glimpse those Northern Lights. There are three bedrooms with single beds that convert into doubles, and the fourth bedroom has one single bed.
Really step into the arctic wilderness of Europe by staying in this Floating Glass Room in Jokkmok, Sweden. This unique structure is made for two, so it’s the perfect escape for couples. The eco-friendly luxury suite is in the complete wilderness, so you can feel absolute peace and quiet while watching the best Northern Lights views free from manmade light pollution.
Snuggle up in this Alaskan Log Cabin in Fairbanks, Alaska, for the ultimate cozy cabin lifestyle. This one-bedroom, one-bath cabin can accommodate up to four guests and located in the edges of the woods about five miles from downtown. Fairbanks is not only a good fit for adventure and relaxation but it’s also the epicenter of viewing the Northern Lights, where you can get the perfect view as Fairbanks is located under the “Auroral Oval.”
Take yourself off-grid by staying at this quaint studio cabin in Alaska. The Aurora Outpost is on a private 100-acre homestead just seven minutes away from Fairbnaks and five minutes from Fox, Alaska, This small private cabin features an open floor plan with a spacious loft for sleeping. The two-person cabin has no electricity and lighting is provided by warm lanterns, and there is no plumbing — but a small water system and an outhouse, so you will have the full off-grid cabin experience. There is a small kitchenette with a sink, an ice chest, and a propane stove for cooking.
Are you making your way to Iceland to see some Northern Lights? If so, check out this Aska Modern Cabin for your stay. This modern cabin is on the northern shore of Lake Myvatn and right beneath the airport. This tiny cabin can accommodate up to two guests and features one bedroom, one and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a dining area. Experience the best show of the Northern Lights and the best spot in the house.
This architectural masterpiece comprises three units and is located in the exclusive residence area of Akureyri. The apartment is the biggest out of the Villa Lola and features a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, one bedroom and bath on the first floor, and a loft with a double bed. Akureyri is just a ten-minute drive, and there is access to surrounding sites and activities like hiking tours, walking tours, horse tours, midnight sun rides, and other unique adventurous activities.
Stay in your own sanctuary by the sea in the Lofoten Islands and immerse yourself in nature. This secluded waterfront cabin sleeps seven people and features a living and dining area, a fully stocked kitchen, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and other perks like heated floors, a sauna, and breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. Situated about 10 minutes from the airport and Leknes, the cabin has the best of both worlds, with privacy and easy access to town.
Built in 1994 and renovated in 2014, this cabin’s charm and history will reel you in. The Villa Hegge can accommodate up to six guests and features a kitchen, three bedrooms, and a living room. This updated modern space is filled with many Scandinavian gems and eclectic elements that put you in the mood for a relaxing Norwegian vacation. The home also has big windows and a modern fireplace so you and your guests can cozy up and watch the Northern Lights shine above.