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Coolstays to See the Northern Lights

8th January 2026
Beautiful, unpredictable and totally magical - take your seat for one of nature's greatest shows.

While you can never guarantee a sighting, the Northern Lights are most likely to appear during the winter months, the further north you go.

We've chosen some of our most northerly stays - from once-in-a-lifetime cabins in the wilds of Scandinavia, to snug cottages in the Scottish Highlands - where there's always a chance you could see the Aurora Borealis.

Scandinavian stays to spot the Northern Lights

The nearer the Arctic Circle, the better the chance. Here are some of our favourite Scandi properties in the far north and some dotted around the more temperate central zones.
LAUV Tretopphytter

LAUV Tretopphytter

Feiring - Feiring

2-4 per cabin

Marvellous treetop cabins tucked away in stunning Norwegian scenery with incredible views and warm, cosy interiors.

Eliassen Rorbuer

Eliassen Rorbuer

Hamnøy - Norway

2-4

You’ll struggle to find a more magical way to experience Norway than with a trip to Eliassen Rorbuer fishermen’s cottages.

The Bergaliv Loft House

The Bergaliv Loft House

Vallsta - Sweden

Sleeps 2

Minimalist treehouse retreat - Discover peace and tranquillity in the Swedish treetops

Cloud 9

Cloud 9

Borkenes - Norway

Sleeps 2

Beautiful glass-fronted cabin with a jacuzzi in Northern Norway offering heart-stopping Arctic views and a chance to spot the Aurora Borealis.

Hop Farm Beach

Hop Farm Beach

Soderhamn - Gävleborg

Sleeps 4

Tranquil digital detox cabin in the forests of Söderhamn, Sweden - a minimalist hideaway for rest, reflection and reconnection.

Aurora Collection

Aurora Collection

Saariselkä - Finland

2-6 per suite

Luxurious suites in Lapland with private jacuzzis and saunas offering incredible views and lots to see and do.

Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos

Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos

Saariselkä - Finland

2-6

Finland’s most magical destination? Cosy up in a glass-topped igloo at Kakslauttanen and look out for the Northern Lights

The Arctic Hideaway

The Arctic Hideaway

Fleinvær - Nordland

Sleeps 10

Deconstructed accommodation in eco-friendly cabins on an island beneath the Northern Lights, will offer you creative contemplation, the Norwegian way.

Manshausen Sea Cabins

Manshausen Sea Cabins

Nordskot - Steigen

Sleeps 4

Off the coast of Northern Norway is a modern adventure and exploration resort - your sea cabin awaits!

Scottish stays to spot the Northern Lights

Head to Northern Scotland among the mountains and isles for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the UK. You'll find snug cottages by the sea, sleek hygge cabins and luxury lodges - perfect for wrapping up warm and watching the light show.
Ceannabeinne Cottage

Ceannabeinne Cottage

Durness - Highland

3 +1

Beautifully restored cottage with serene interiors on the edge of a stunning stretch of Highland coastline, offering sweeping coastal views.

Tides

Tides

Uig - Isle of Skye

Sleeps 6

Beautiful retreat on the high tide line in Uig on the Isle of Skye offering amazing views and lots of things to see and do.

Croft 103

Croft 103

Durness - Sutherland

Two crofts, each sleeping 2 adults

Two contemporary eco-hideouts in a wild Scottish landscape, hidden away from the outside world for the ultimate romance…

Migdale Heights

Migdale Heights

ARDGAY - Sutherland

Sleeps 2

Cosy and stylish cabins nestled amongst the Scottish Highlands with hot tubs and spectacular views over Loch Migdale.

Brighid

Brighid

Isle of Lewis - Western isles

Sleeps 2

Contemporary holiday home perched on the North West coast of the Isle of Lewis with spectacular sea views.

Mayar Bhan

Mayar Bhan

Achnasheen - Ross-shire

Sleeps 6

A fabulous holiday home with stunning sea views and beautiful private grounds, situated in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands.

Waterloo Lodge

Waterloo Lodge

Lochinver - Highlands

Sleeps 6

Grand Highland lodge with a private hot tub, sauna, spacious social areas and a giant patio where you can soak in the stunning mountain views.

The Bunker

The Bunker

Point - Isle of Lewis

Sleeps 2

Unwind at The Bunker - a lovingly restored coal shed with sweeping sea views offering a tranquil escape on the Isle of Lewis.

The Lighthouse - Gairloch

The Lighthouse - Gairloch

Gairloch - Wester Ross

Sleeps 7

Enjoy having your own private haven in the spectacular Scottish Highlands at The Lighthouse in Gairloch.

Oran na Mara

Oran na Mara

Scarista - Isle of Harris

Sleeps 6

A uniquely designed, award-winning cottage, overlooking a remote, sandy beach on the Isle of Harris. The perfect Outer Hebrides retreat.

Avernish Lodge

Avernish Lodge

Kyle of Lochalsh - Ross-shire

Sleeps 4

Rugged outside, modern inside… This 2-bedroom lodge on the banks of Loch Alsh has the most beautiful of locations and superb style

Mol Bàn

Mol Bàn

Isle of Harris - Eilean Siar

Sleeps 6

Beautiful retreat for six on the Isle of Harris with heart-stopping sea views and a stylish and cosy interior.

Clarsach - Gairloch

Clarsach - Gairloch

Gairloch - Highlands

Sleeps 6

Sleek and spacious contemporary Highlands cottage, with three double bedrooms, enviable views and modern amenities.

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The best time to witness the Northern Lights is from late September to March, when nights are longest and skies are darkest.

Which countries offer prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights?

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and parts of Canada are renowned spots for experiencing the magical display of the Northern Lights.

How can Coolstays enhance my Northern Lights experience?

Coolstays offers unique accommodations such as glass igloos, remote cabins, and aurora domes that provide immersive experiences right under the night sky.

Are there any family-friendly Coolstays for viewing the Northern Lights?

Yes, many Coolstays properties cater to families with amenities like spacious living areas and activities suitable for children while offering prime views of the auroras.

Can I book a group stay through Coolstays for a Northern Lights trip?

Absolutely! Coolstays features larger properties perfect for groups, ensuring you have ample space and comfort while enjoying this natural wonder together.

Do I need special equipment to photograph the Northern Lights during my stay?

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings and a tripod will help capture stunning images. Many Coolstays properties have guides or hosts who can offer tips on photography.

How far in advance should I book a Coolstay for peak aurora season?

It’s advisable to book several months in advance during peak aurora season to secure your preferred property and dates.

Are there specific locations within these countries where Coolstays offers accommodations?

Yes, Coolstays provides options in top locations such as Tromsø in Norway, Abisko in Sweden, Rovaniemi in Finland, Reykjavik in Iceland, and Whitehorse in Canada.

What eco-friendly practices does Coolstays implement at its properties near the Northern Lights?

Many Coolstays properties use sustainable energy sources like geothermal heating or solar power and follow eco-conscious practices such as waste reduction and local sourcing.

Why choose a unique property over traditional hotels when visiting the Northern Lights?

Staying at a unique property offers a more personal experience with direct access to nature’s beauty while often providing unparalleled views from your accommodation itself.

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