The Best Places to Stay During the Solar Maximum This Year
If you’ve ever dreamt of watching the Northern Lights dance across a dark Arctic sky, 2025 is your moment. We’re in the midst of a rare solar maximum, a peak in solar activity that occurs only once every 11 years. This phenomenon increases the frequency and intensity of aurora displays, making this year the most powerful aurora viewing window in over a decade.
At Aurora Nights, we design transformative, sustainable holidays that bring you closer to the magic of the Arctic sky. Our team of experts has curated the best destinations and accommodation for Northern Lights travel in 2025, each one offering a unique window into Arctic life and the extraordinary natural world above.
Why the Solar Maximum Is So Important for Aurora Viewing
The Aurora Borealis is triggered by solar activity, specifically, charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere. During a solar maximum, the sun produces more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME), leading to stronger and more frequent Aurora activity.
The result? 2025 is the most active year for the Northern Lights in more than a decade. If you’re considering a trip, this is your chance to see the Aurora at its most breathtaking.
Where to See the Northern Lights in 2025
(And the Best Places to Stay for the Ultimate Aurora Experience)
1. Swedish Lapland – Remote Beauty and Cultural Depth
Sweden is Best for: Dark skies, Sámi heritage, and intimate, private guided experiences
Swedish Lapland offers vast wilderness, low light pollution, and deeply rooted culture. It’s a destination designed for introspection and reconnection with nature, with local traditions, and with yourself.
Where to Stay in Sweden:
Aurora Safari Camp – The original glamping experience on the frozen Råne River. Stay in heated Lavvu tents with floor-to-ceiling aurora views and enjoy guided wilderness excursions.
Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge – A boutique 7-room property near Abisko, run by Sámi hosts offering snowmobile safaris, aurora photography, and cultural immersion.
Arctic Gourmet Wilderness Cabins – Two secluded cabins offering gourmet dining, private hot tubs, and tailor-made winter adventures in the heart of aurora country.
Explore our Swedish Lapland experiences
2. Finnish Lapland – Northern Calm and Iconic Igloos
Finland is Best for: Snow-laden forests, slow travel, and Northern serenity
Finland offers iconic winter visuals: frozen lakes, snow-covered pines, and glass-roofed accommodation. It’s a peaceful retreat with a deep connection to the land and sky.
Where to Stay in Finland:
Sunday Morning Resort – Logwood Apartments – Just outside Rovaniemi, these cosy apartments blend natural design with private saunas, snow activities, and expert-led Aurora chases.
Hotel Cahkal – Featured in the Aurora Across the Border itinerary, this boutique hotel near Kilpisjärvi offers gourmet Nordic dining and pristine wilderness.
See more Finnish Lapland holidays
3. Northern Norway – High Aurora Activity, Sea and Sky
Best for: Consistent aurora sightings, fjord backdrops, and wildlife
Northern Norway lies under the Auroral Oval—making it one of the most reliable regions in the world for aurora viewing. Here, snowy peaks meet dramatic fjords in an awe-inspiring combination of land and sea.
Where to Stay in Norway:
Lyngen Experience Lodge – Nestled between the Lyngen Alps and the fjord, this lodge offers snowmobiling, dog sledding, and unforgettable aurora photography tours in a small-group luxury setting.
Explore our Northern Norway lodge experience
4. Iceland – Geothermal Wonders and Skyfire
Best for: Short breaks, volcanoes, and vibrant landscapes
Iceland is ideal for travellers seeking both adventure and comfort. While weather conditions can be changeable, the solar maximum brings increased Aurora activity even during brief stays.
Where to Stay in Iceland:
Luxury Blue Lagoon Northern Lights Spa Retreat – Combine luxury with healing geothermal energy at Iceland’s most iconic spa. This itinerary includes a stay at the Manor Hotel Skalakot for horse riding, plus Northern Lights viewing from your thermal retreat.
See our Iceland Spa and Aurora holidays
5. Svalbard – Remote, Raw, and Remarkable
Best for: True Arctic wilderness and once-in-a-lifetime adventure
While Greenland is beautiful, we recommend Svalbard as a rare alternative for those craving extreme remoteness and Arctic purity.
Where to Stay in Svalbard:
Funken Lodge – Featured in the Svalbard Adventure itinerary, this elegant lodge offers panoramic Arctic views, snowcat safaris, and Northern Lights adventures under polar skies.
Start your Svalbard adventure
Planning Tips for Your 2025 Aurora Holiday
- Travel between September and March – These are the darkest and most Aurora-active months.
- Go North of the Arctic Circle – Locations under the Auroral Oval like Abisko, Tromsø, and Kilpisjärvi offer the best chance of sightings.
- Stay for 3–4 nights minimum – Cloud cover can vary, so give yourself extra time.
- Join expert-led Aurora chases – Local guides know exactly when and where to go.
- Choose remote lodges over city hotels – Less light pollution means clearer skies and better visibility.
Make 2025 the Year You Witness the Northern Lights
The solar maximum only comes around once every 11 years. Let Aurora Nights design a bespoke, sustainable journey that connects you with the wonders of the Arctic sky, on your terms.
Browse all our handpicked Northern Lights accommodation
Or get in touch to start planning your trip
