The best Airbnbs for spotting the Northern Lights
For most of us, seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – one we specifically travel for. But for some cities tucked above the Arctic Circle, the multi-coloured phenomenon is a common wintertime occurrence. If you plan your visit for peak season – between September and late March, when the nights are longest, and during a new moon, when the sky is darkest – and book the right Airbnb, you could see them right from your back garden. Below, you'll find Airbnb's most popular Northern Lights destinations, each one with its own spectacular views. Whether it's a mobile bedroom in Finland, a cosy coastal home in Greenland or a modern log cabin in Canada, nothing beats an aurora borealis sighting from the living room.
As a bonus, all of these selections are run by Superhosts, who each have a rating of 4.8 or above, a record of zero cancellations and at least a 90 per cent response rate, meaning they'll get back to you as soon as possible.
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, we have carefully selected these as recommendations based on their location, design, previous guest reviews and the fact that they have achieved Airbnb's Superhost status at the time of our research. All listings on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Alaska, United States
The off-grid lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but those brave enough to spend a couple of nights with no electricity or plumbing in deepest Alaska will be rewarded. Wake up to fairytale views over 100 private acres, where wildlife roams and the only noise is the blissful sound of the wind in the trees. There’s a propane heater for chilly nights and you can always warm up in the wood-fired cedar hot tub that overlooks the surrounding hillsides and winding blue threads of the nearby creeks. All stays include a hike or shoeshoe walk and you can book an aurora photography class too, so you’re amply prepared when the big moment comes.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £186 per night
Jokkmokk, Sweden
The only way to reach this Airbnb is by trekking into the wilderness with a guide, so be ready for it. When you arrive, it’ll be a new experience – bobbing on clear, icy waters among immense arctic landscapes within an area completely undeveloped; very few tourists make it this far. When you’re not holed up in your floating igloo, take in the sights via snowshoe, take a husky or reindeer ride, or make the most of the area’s excellent ski slopes. When you’re tucked up, the glass dome means that when the lights start dancing, it’s impossible to miss. The skies here are dark as can be, so even just stargazing is breathtaking, regardless of whether the lights appear.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £502 per night
Ytri-Skeljabrekka, Iceland
To say this cabin disappears into the surroundings is an understatement – with a mirrored frame, it doesn’t just blend in, but reflects back the beauty of Iceland from every angle. Inside is super luxe; a punchy contrast to the wild rugged nature that wraps you in a rolling wilderness panorama. There’s a kitchen with stovetop, cosy double bed and a dining table and chairs for two, plus a powerful hot shower to enjoy after a day hiking in the hills. Floor-to-ceiling windows at the foot of the bed ensures you won’t miss any night sky action – but the Northern Lights here are best enjoyed not tucked up away from the cold, but from the bubbling hot tub just steps from the door.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £420 per night
Selfoss, Iceland
An Icelandic lake house isn’t your average: it swaps the charms of the Lake District or Como for something rougher, hardier, but no less beautiful. This modern home, on the banks of Úlfljótsvatn, maximises views with vast swathes of glazing – you can see the sights from every seat in the house; the giant tub, bed, and by the crackling log fire in the cosy lounge. Outdoors, there’s a heated pool for diving in headfirst year-round. For a first-time trip to Iceland, this is a perfect place to start: it’s right in the heart of the Golden Circle, home to some of the country’s most iconic sights, including thunderous waterfall Gullfoss, the trusty Geysir geyser that erupts multiple times daily and the eerie calm of Þingvellir National Park.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £1,118 for two nights
Saare County, Estonia
Even if the Northern Lights don’t appear, this cabin for two is all about maximising its glorious views. Floor-to-ceiling windows next to a huge tub ensure proper R&R come bath time, with a side of the wind whistling through the trees as you watch wildlife scamper across the forest floor. All guests have adored their stay in this secluded hideaway, noting how clean and tastefully decorated the place is, especially earning the cabin a rare and impressive five-star overall rating.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £158 per night
Brensholmen, Norway
Just metres from the chalky white beach, you’ll find this little cabin, with wild unspoilt views over Hekkingen lighthouse and over to the island of Sommarøya. Guests love how secluded and tranquil this spot is, but don’t be fooled – it’s actually well-placed for a holiday as active as you like. There’s plenty of nearby hikes, plus kayak and canoe rental, and you’re just 55 kilometres from Tromsø’s cool city centre. But the main draw is the jacuzzi on the porch – the perfect place to sit after dark and watch the lights dance across the sky.
Sleeps: Seven
Price: From around £283 per night, with a five-night minimum- Reykjavik, this cottage sits in the middle of a near-empty valley, surrounded by mountains, seemingly endless tundra and the occasional Arctic fox. The traditional home comes with a wood stove and well-equipped kitchen, plus a sleeping attic with two beds. If you can pull yourself out into the cold, you'll be rewarded with centuries-old hiking trails, bird-watching at nearby fjords and even some of those famous Icelandic waterfalls.\n<strong>Sleeps:</strong> Two<br>\n<strong>Price:</strong> from about £145 per night<br>","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_320,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_640,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_640,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_1280,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_1024,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_2048,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_1280,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c628f4910ed1022ca/master/w_1280,c_limit/piece-of-heaven-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Bordeyri, Iceland
About 80 miles west of Reykjavik, this cottage sits in the middle of a near-empty valley, surrounded by mountains, seemingly endless tundra and the occasional Arctic fox. The traditional home comes with a wood stove and well-equipped kitchen, plus a sleeping attic with two beds. If you can pull yourself out into the cold, you'll be rewarded with centuries-old hiking trails, bird-watching at nearby fjords and even some of those famous Icelandic waterfalls.
Sleeps: Two
Price: from about £145 per night - museums and gorgeous coastal views.\n<strong>Sleeps:</strong> Two<br>\n<strong>Price:</strong> from about £70 per night<br>","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_320,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_640,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_640,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_1280,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_1024,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_2048,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_1280,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9c8cad268421c2d31d/master/w_1280,c_limit/marianns-cottage-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Bodø, Norway
Just outside the town of Bodø, this guestroom is perfect for both solo travellers and duos as it has a lofted bedroom with two single beds. The apartment comes with an indoor fireplace, a full kitchen and huge windows for peeping at the night sky and the nearby lake. We suggest renting a car and taking frequent day trips to Bodø to experience the city's street art, museums and gorgeous coastal views.
Sleeps: Two
Price: from about £70 per night
- November 2016, this tiny Canadian house offers modern comfort in the heart of the Yukon wilderness. You'll find a fitted-out kitchen and raised queen bed inside, while activities such as dog sledging, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing wait just outside the door. And, of course, there's always the possibility of the aurora borealis paying a visit during the cold months.\n<strong>Sleeps:</strong> Three<br>\n<strong>Price:</strong> from about £65 per night<br>","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_320,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_640,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_640,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_1280,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_1024,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_2048,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_1280,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9cdb797d0116fd4b4a/master/w_1280,c_limit/le-petit-chalet-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Whitehorse, Canada
Built in November 2016, this tiny Canadian house offers modern comfort in the heart of the Yukon wilderness. You'll find a fitted-out kitchen and raised queen bed inside, while activities such as dog sledging, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing wait just outside the door. And, of course, there's always the possibility of the aurora borealis paying a visit during the cold months.
Sleeps: Three
Price: from about £65 per night - airport. But with the home's sprawling Northern Lights views and day trips to the Lofoten <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/topic/islands/">Islands, it's well worth the effort.\n<strong>Sleeps:</strong> 10<br>\n<strong>Price:</strong> From about £40 per night<br>","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_320,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_640,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_640,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_1280,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_1024,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_2048,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_1280,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bed9ac15cf5da489ecef5/master/w_1280,c_limit/vesteralen-hadsel-kaljord-havhus-seahouse-airbnb-nov19-pr.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Sortland, Norway
Whether you want to go fishing in a fjord, soak up some mountain views or simply snuggle under a pile of blankets, this Norwegian home has you covered. Sleeping up to 10 guests, this listing is ideal for people wanting an authentic and remote vacation – you have to hop on a charter boat or take on a three-hour bus ride just to get here from the airport. But with the home's sprawling Northern Lights views and day trips to the Lofoten Islands, it's well worth the effort.
Sleeps: 10
Price: From about £40 per night
