Where to see the northern lights from your bed, bath and beyond

For the best chance of spotting the aurora, check in to a glass igloo or a hotel made of ice

Manhausen Sea Cabins, Norway

Manhausen Sea Cabins, Norway

Against a spectacular backdrop of small islands, white sandy beaches and mountains in Steigen, Northern Norway, you’ll find three sea cabins along an old stone jetty, with the fourth situated above the others on a natural ledge. Each two-bedroom cabin is glazed on three sides, and through the large windows you can watch the changing sea and sky.
From £231, self catering; sleeps four

Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos, Finland

Fancy a snowy Lapland adventure with a great chance of spotting the lights? Look no further than Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, 250km north of the Arctic Circle, where you can snuggle down in a cosy heated “igloo”. Your accommodation has a glass roof, so you can watch the snow fall as you drift off to sleep, as well as a private sauna. This is a big resort, so you may need to walk a little, but nearby you’ll find the Aurora restaurant, complete with Glass Igloo Bar.
Double igloos from £119, room only

Kakslauttanen igloos

Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Iceland

There can be few destinations with such inspiring natural surroundings as this one. In Western Iceland, Ion is surrounded by hot springs, rivers, lava fields and a dormant volcano. Once part of a geothermal power plant, it’s rather more glamorous now, with rooms looking out towards the Unesco-listed Thingvellir National Park (through floor-to-ceiling windows if you choose to go deluxe). And the chance of spotting the aurora? Well, the hotel’s Northern Lights Bar didn’t get its name for nothing.
Doubles from £100, room only

Ion hotel

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Situated along the Alta River is the world’s northernmost ice hotel. This impressive 2,000sq metre igloo is made entirely from snow and ice each year and offers a unique opportunity to sleep in the snow – even your bed is a block of the ice. Admire the handmade ice sculptures and take a night cap like no other in the ice bar. Maps and torches are provided if you want to go out to see the aurora.
From £216, room only; sleeps four

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

Croft 103, Scotland

Journey to Scotland’s most remote northern regions where, hidden away, you’ll find the Croft 103 cottages. These two contemporary hideouts overlook the heather, lochs and mountains of north-west Sutherland, and come complete with outdoor bathtubs for soaking under the night sky.
From £214, self-catering; sleeps two

Croft 103

Claire Wills is international editor at CoolStays.com, an online travel brand for finding extraordinary properties including treehouses, windmills, cool cottages, B&Bs and hotels in the UK and abroad