As the first country in the world to prescribe for its health-promoting experiences, Sweden offers one of nature's most magnificent and beneficial phenomena - the Northern Lights! With the approaching solar maximum, you have the chance to enjoy this arctic light therapy of winter darkness; now stronger, more frequent and easier to discover than in many years.
With a growing interest in northern lights trips, and 61 % of travelers stating that the aurora borealis is their favorite natural phenomenon to experience, the timing couldn’t be better! A rare solar maximum is on the way, making the northern lights stronger, more frequent and easier to spot. And Sweden offers a front row seat to this powerful natural experience. Abisko in Swedish Lapland consistently ranks among the best places on earth to experience the northern lights thanks to its geographical location with clear weather and a unique microclimate.
“The time in Abisko was peaceful and beautiful” says Chris Brown from Louisiana, USA, who recently returned home after a trip with Lights over Lapland. “Seeing the Aurora was an experience we will never forget and it left us with a deep sense of awe for nature.”
Positive health effects
The positive health effects of experiencing awe, such as when experiencing the Northern Lights, are well documented. Studies show that experiencing magnificent natural phenomena can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and promote emotional recovery.
”Viewing the Northern Lights is a great way to connect with the night sky and my research suggests that this connection is beneficial for our mental health and happiness,” says Dr. Chris Barnes, a psychologist at the University of Derby in the UK.
2026 brilliant conditions for the Northern Lights
In Sweden, the Northern Lights can be seen up to 200 nights a year, and with favorable conditions expected in 2026, thanks to the solar cycle, this light phenomenon is more relevant than ever. The experience is both beautiful and beneficial, and is best enjoyed from saunas, warm outdoor baths, forest cabins or during quiet reindeer rides under the Arctic sky. For those who want to experience the Northern Lights in warmth and comfort, Sweden offers a number of cozy places where nature experiences are combined with Swedish hospitality.
Here are eight examples of warm and cozy viewing spots to view the Northern Lights.
- Aurora Safari Camp – Råne River Valley
Heated Sami-style tented huts with wood-burning stoves and no light pollution. There is also a floating sauna and private Northern Lights viewing. aurorasafaricamp.com - Arctic Bath – Harads
A floating spa hotel on the Lule River. Experience the light from the outdoor pools or from the Spa's lounge area. https://arcticbath.se/sv/ - Treehotel – Harads
Architect-designed wooden house suites with heated interiors and windows facing the sky for quiet and undisturbed northern lights viewing. treehotel.se - Pinetree Lodge – Särkimukka
Log cabin with outdoor jacuzzi, lake sauna and the secluded Aurora Hideaway Cabin.
https://swe.explorethenorth.se/ - Máttaráhkká Northern Light Lodge – Kiruna
A seven-room lodge with Sami hosts, rooftop terrace with hot tubs and panoramic views of the sky. mattarahkka.com - Camp Ripan – Kiruna
Family-run hotel with chalet-inspired rooms and Aurora Spa with heated outdoor pools.
ripan.se/en - Arctic Gourmet Cabin – Kaalasjärvi
Combine fine dining with Northern Lights viewing when you stay in these guest cabins. arcticgourmetcabin.com - Fjellborg Arctic Lodge – Väkkäräjärvi
Private lakeside retreat accessible by sledge and offering sauna, outdoor jacuzzi and dog sledding opportunities. fjellborgarcticlodge.com
