When most people think Northern Lights they think Iceland - and for good reason, but there are other destinations to see the lights as well. In a world where the word "unique" is thrown around way too often, this is a phenomenon that may actually be worthy of it. If you do some digging you'll discover that seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed but, there are places to stay to increase your odds. Read on for a few suggestions - and also activities you can do during the day. Because remember - the lights only come out in the dark - but there are whole countries to explore by day! Even if the lights don't make an appearance - you're guaranteed to have an amazing trip in these locations.
Northern Iceland.
When you first get to Iceland you're likely going to land at Keflavík airport and make your way to Reykjavík. And there's plenty to do there. In fact, I've already written about some of the great things you can do without ever leaving the city. You can check out that blog post here.
BUT - if you're looking for something a little different - make your way to Northern Iceland where in the fall and winter you're approximately 50% more likely to see the Northern Lights. Akureyri is the capital of Northern Iceland. It's like a smaller version of Reykjavik with its shops, restaurants, and museums. But another, smaller town to stay in is Myvatn - known as the "Northern Lights Capital of Iceland." Here you'll feel a bit closer to nature, and you'll get terrific Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
Northern Iceland gives you potentially more opportunity to see the spectacle because the weather is more stable than in the Southern part of the country. With less sudden changes in weather and less wind come more Northern Lights opportunities for you. There are also fewer tourists in the area, which means less crowds and the chance to feel closer to nature with less to distract you.
One possibility for your stay is the Vogafjós Guesthouse. This family owned and operated business has been in this location for over 120 years. In 2005 a log guesthouse was added to the farm and restaurant. It's situated on a lava field surrounded by a birch forest. You can literally open the door to the cabin and peek out to see if the sky is gracing you with a show that evening.
All rooms have private bathrooms (not a given in Iceland). The cabins aren't fancy, but the floors are heated. You'll have a spacious room, and breakfast is included. On your walk to the restaurant in the morning you can stop and check out the cows being milked or observe while you eat!
In this location you're minutes away from Lake Myvatn, a truly gorgeous location from which to view the lights from November through March.
Southwest Iceland
If you don't want to travel all the way to the North, you may consider Ion Adventure Hotel located on Mount Hengill against a backdrop of lava fields in Southwest Iceland. It's located 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík - which means you've left the light pollution of the city behind.
The mountain is considered active, but its most recent eruption was over 2000 years ago, and it is not expected to erupt for another 2000 years. The architects took full advantage of its location, and you'll feel like you're entered another world. This location near Iceland's Golden Circle - and only a 15 minute drive from Þingvelli - makes it an ideal home base from which to explore.
The hotel design was inspired by its surroundings, and they did an incredible job of incorporating features native to Iceland - like the natural hot springs which provide geothermal hot water and energy to the hotel's natural hot pool.
The hotel prides itself on sustainability and has multiple awards attesting to its success in that category. You'll notice lava, reused wood, Icelandic wool, and recycled materials have helped create the tables, chairs, lights, and even sinks. They have an intense commitment to using all that is organic and fair trade. The designers also took advantage of the natural light in the design features - with floor to ceiling windows - to see the lights if they grace you with their presence.
So - what can you do and see close to the hotel while you're waiting for the lights to make an appearance? Here are just a few of the offered day trips.
Horseback ride along the mountains and into the volcanic area to Lake Pingvallavatn.
Snorkelling in Þingvellir National park (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Jeep tours along the South Coast
You'll see Gígjökull, an outlet glacier from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier that erupted in 2010. You'll see Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. You'll even get the chance to walk behind the waterfall. From there you'll visit two more waterfalls - Gljúfrabúi and finally, Skógarfoss - one of the country’s largest waterfalls.
Have you ever wanted to go inside a volcano? Here's your chance! This tour starts in Reykjavik and takes you inside the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano that last erupted over 4,000 year ago. You'll embark on a 60 minute hike to the crater where you'll be lowered on an open cable lift into the crater. No need to worry about claustrophobia as the ground space is equal to just over three full-sized basketball courts if they were side by side with each other, and the height is over that of the Statue of Liberty.
Þríhnúkagígur crater is truly extraordinary because typically magma chambers collapse after an eruption - this one didn't - and therefore we can see the gorgeous colors.
When you've finished your explorations it will be time to make your way back to the resort - where you have a chance of ending your day with this gorgeous sight.
Finnish Lapland
Another option for a Northern Lights viewing is a different country altogether. If you're looking to catch the Northern Lights but want something more unusual - catch a flight to the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland - a family hotel North of the Arctic Circle. It's an incredible place for Northern Lights viewing - with the season lasting 8 months - from late August through the end of April.
They're located on the edge of the wilderness, in an area unspoiled by the modern world - but not too far away either. You can safely drink from the nearby stream and lake, yet it's only 30 minutes from the airport with flights leaving regularly from Helinski.
The resort's roots go back to 1974 when a young Jussi Eiramo ran out of gas on the way home from a fishing trip. He felt immediately at home and ended up spending his first summer at that spot in a tent. The following summer he erected a small chalet and opened a café for those passing through. The resort has grown every year since, and is still run by Jussi today.
This resort offers a variety of accommodations. Log Chalets, a traditional house where you can experience old-world traditional Lapland lifestyle, Snow Igloos, Glass Igloos, and their newest addition - The Kelo-Glass Igloos - ideal for families. This is a perfect combination of the cozy log chalet with the famous glass igloos you've likely seen on Instagram. Each sleeps up to six people, and features a private sauna, kitchenette, and a bedroom with a glass roof.
There's plenty to do here year-round with summer offerings of canoeing, whitewater kayaking, horseback riding, forest hikes, mushroom and berry hunting, and midnight sun spotting.
During the winter months you can embark on reindeer, husky, and ice-fishing safaris. To name just a few of the varied activities. There's also plenty of traditional activities such as downhill skiing and snowboarding.
The newest addition to the resort area - a five minute drive from where it all started - is Santa's chalet. He recently decided to open his house for visitors, and you can schedule a meeting with him just over a small wooden bridge that crosses a narrow river.
No matter how you experience the Northern Lights - it's an experience you won't soon forget!
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