If you’re planning a trip where it’s possible to witness the Northern Lights dance across the sky, you’ll want a place that puts you away from light pollution. While watching the aurora can never be guaranteed, the more time you have to spend in a good viewing spot, the greater the odds will be. These Vrbo rentals all offer ideal vantage points in places around the world where they’re most likely to make an appearance.
Private Getaway Cabin near Hot Springs - Fairbanks, Alaska
The ‘Red Bear Den’ is a three-bedroom cabin for up to seven located 23 miles from the center of Fairbanks and 35 miles from soaks at Chena Hot Springs in an area famous for aurora viewing. As the host notes, the backyard has a great clearing and you’ll be far enough away from the city lights. While it has a very remote feel, you’ll be within walking distance of a local store for basic foods and gas while enjoying the modern essentials. The cozy space is filled with Alaskan artwork and includes a well-equipped kitchen with basic cooking supplies, a dishwasher, a double stove, and a Keurig coffeemaker. Satellite TV with a DVD player and Wi-Fi are included along with items for little ones like a high chair and stroller.
The Iconic Wikkelä Villa - Ranua, Finland
Located next to the Simojoki River in Lapland, the Wikkelä Villa sits in one of the best spots for aurora viewing and includes giant windows and doors made of glass that bring in views of the lights as well as the river and forest. The stunningly luxurious traditional Finnish-style space includes four bedrooms, accommodating up to eight, and a wood-burning fireplace. On the terrace, there are fireplaces, a Jacuzzi, and a Traditional Finnish wooden beach sauna. All sorts of gear are included too, like snowmobiles, snowshoes, fat bikes, a quad bike, boat, paddleboards, and bicycles, some of which are complimentary and others can be used for an additional fee.
Amazing Views, 11-Minute Drive From Park - Healy, Alaska
This one-bedroom home for three is perfectly situated for exploring Denali National Park, just an 11-minute drive from its only entrance road, right off the Parks Highway. While you’re here, you’ll have plenty of privacy and seclusion with a location at the end of a road on a 2-acre bluff. You’ll have breathtaking mountain views and an ideal vantage point for viewing the northern lights along with all the modern conveniences. You can also watch for the abundant wildlife that can be spotted regularly from the large living room windows.
Cottage Near Snæfellsjökull National Park - Arnarstapi, Iceland
A three-bedroom for up to six, this cottage is located on the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, known for featuring a bit of everything Iceland has to offer from waterfalls to black sand beaches and the opportunity for aurora viewing. A two-story rental, it has a spacious living room with a TV and DVD player, a modern kitchen with a dishwasher, and a washer/dryer. The expansive terrace that stretches around three sides is the perfect spot to watch the lights and once back inside you’ll have plenty of heaters and blankets to keep you warm.
3-Bedroom Accommodation in Leknes - Lofoten Islands, Norway
Nestled in the forest among the Lofoten Islands north of the Arctic Circle near the main shopping and dining hub of Leknes, this three-bedroom cabin offers a stunning sea and mountain view, surrounded by dramatic landscapes. The terrace is ideal for taking it all in, and the owner can even arrange for trips to view the northern lights. The space itself is nice and cozy, with in-floor heating adding to the warmth. You’ll have a well-stocked kitchen, satellite TV, and strong Wi-Fi too.
House with a Stunning View - Sortland, Norway
This newly built two-bedroom home accommodates up to five and offers jaw-dropping sea views from the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows while being less than 200 feet from a beach. Outstanding fishing and hikes in the mountains will be right out your door while kayak rentals are available nearby for getting out on the water too. You’ll also have an outdoor Jacuzzi for memorable soaks and all the modern comforts like a kitchen with high-end appliances, including a dishwasher, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Beautiful and Cozy Cabin with Sauna - Malangen, Norway
Set in a remote location surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this cabin is perfect for aurora watching just an hour from Tromso in beautiful Malangen. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the winter, but your reward is this peaceful setting with the cabin nestled in the woods by the sea less than a mile from Malangen Brygger Resort’s restaurant and bar with incredible scenery and wildlife right out your door. It sleeps up to eight in three bedrooms and includes all the essentials like Wi-Fi and satellite TV, plus a sauna to warm up in.
Family-Friendly Apartment Near Fishing, Skiing, Northern Lights - Tromso, Norway
This two-bedroom apartment for up to six boasts magnificent fjord and mountain views while providing access to it all, including skiing and aurora viewing during the winter. It has a large open-plan kitchen/living room/dining room, with a dishwasher, coffeemaker, and all you need to make your own meals. There’s a veranda if you want to bundle up and enjoy those vistas among the fresh air, along with a washer/dryer, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi.
Isle of Harris Award-Winning Tiny House - Harris, Scotland
With little light pollution, the Outer Hebrides, including the Isle of Harris, is one of the best places to catch the Northern Lights. When conditions are right, you’ll enjoy a mesmerizing display from this award-winning tiny house. It also sits in one of the best areas for walking if you don’t mind bundling up, but right from inside you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery from a panoramic window. The home is ideal for a couple, accommodating two, providing a cozy stay with decor that includes driftwood found after winter storms on the beaches. There’s a satellite TV, Wi-Fi, a small kitchen for cooking basic meals, and access to laundry service too.
Northern Lights Log Cabin Gregory A - Sodankylä, Finland
It’s a postcard-perfect snowy wonderland that surrounds this cabin located 90 minutes north of the Arctic Circle. It’s made of unique Kelo pine logs that provide excellent insulation from the cold outdoors while providing gorgeous forest views and a sauna. You’ll have easy access to ski slopes and reindeer sleigh rides nearby too. It has a fabulous deck for immersing yourself in this magical setting and includes all you need for a comfortable stay with a large, well-stocked kitchen, cozy living spaces, fast Wi-Fi, Direct TV, and a washer/dryer.
Holiday Cabin - Saariselka, Finland
Located on a property with two other cabins, this cabin offers two bedrooms, accommodating up to four. You’ll be surrounded by a magical wonderland in the winter, over 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and only about six miles from the famous Santa’s Village. Although it’s remote and far from any light pollution, there’s no need for a car with restaurants, shops, a supermarket, toboggan run, ski slopes, and more all within walking distance. All the modern conveniences are included like an open plan kitchen/lounge area with a wood-burning fireplace, Wi-Fi, and even a private sauna that adjoins the shower room.
Welcome To Aurora Deluxe - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
The name says it all, at Aurora Deluxe you can enjoy a view of the aurora right from the house. A large two-story home with three bedrooms that can accommodate up to nine, it’s just five minutes from downtown Yellowknife. It has a deck facing mostly north for a magnificent mountain view and the chance to catch the lights too. If you’re traveling with a larger group you’ll especially appreciate the radiant heat system with many thermostats to control various zones so everyone can sleep at their own preferred temperature. You’ll have a full kitchen that includes coffee and an assortment of teas, strong Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and laundry facilities.
