When it comes to bucketlist natural spectacles, there’s perhaps none more breathtaking than the colorful Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this dazzling dance of light across the night sky is one of the world’s most extraordinary, and at times elusive, sights. Many travelers dream of catching a glimpse of this stunning phenomenon, but when it comes to planning an adventure to the chilly north, there’s no better time to book accommodations and activities than right now.

Two of the best destinations to witness the Aurora are Iceland and Sweden, where wide-open skies, low light pollution, and a wealth of nature-based experiences come together to create an idyllic setting. Here's where intrepid travelers should start when charting their course for an Arctic adventure.

Iceland: Land of fire, ice, and aurora magic

Iceland is the perfect spot for a Northern Lights-themed getaway as, from September to April, long, dark nights and crisp air create ideal conditions for spotting the glow. Better yet, the capital city of Reykjavik is easily accessible and makes a great home base for experiencing this natural marvel.

Adventurers don’t need to venture deep into the wilderness to catch the show. Just a short drive from Reykjavik lies some of the darkest skies in the country. Here, geothermal wonders live alongside a quirky downtown area that’s brimming with colorful houses, world-class restaurants, and cozy cafés, making for a truly unforgettable vacation. This means that by day, visitors can embark on tours to bubbling hot springs, frozen glaciers, spouting geysers, and towering waterfalls before spending evenings searching the skies for lights that dazzle above otherworldly landscapes.

And, after soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, walking between continents in Thingvellir National Park, riding Icelandic horses through lava fields, and standing beneath a snowy sky, explorers will find a wealth of comfortable accommodations waiting to greet them. Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, an elegant, modern hotel situated just outside the city center, provides easy access to Iceland’s dramatic countryside. Book a room with sweeping views of Mount Esja and Reykjavik Bay to enjoy a front-row view of the Northern Lights, unwind with Icelandic and Scandinavian fare at VOX Restaurant, and rejuvenate in the sauna and whirlpool spa for the perfect stay.

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

For travelers who want to stay even closer to Reykjavik’s cultural heart, Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio by Hilton blends boutique charm with rich history. Housed in a former department store, it’s steps from the city’s restaurants and museums and perfectly positioned for Aurora-watching excursions just beyond the city’s glow.

Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton - Lobby

Or, for a once-in-a-lifetime stay, head into the remote countryside to Hotel Ranga, an SLH Hotel, one of Iceland’s premier Northern Lights destinations. Located far from city lights, this luxury countryside retreat offers wake-up calls for Aurora sightings, a star observatory, and outdoor hot tubs under the night sky. Comfy lodge-style interiors and a gourmet restaurant round out the experience.

Hotel Ranga, an SLH Hotel

Sweden: Snowy lapland offers a Serene setting

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path Aurora experience, Sweden offers quiet, snowy landscapes and high-latitude vantage points, especially in Swedish Lapland. Located above the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights can be seen in this region from September through March, with the best visibility during the darkest months of winter.

Choosing where to stay in this wilderness wonderland is key, and there’s one destination that reigns supreme. Arctic Bath, an SLH Hotel in the town of Harads is a destination like no other. This floating hotel and spa on the Lule River is an architectural marvel designed to look like a cluster of logs adrift in the water. Here, fully immersed in nature, travelers can choose from dreamy floating cabins or stunning land cabins with large windows offering breathtaking views of a seemingly endless sky.

Arctic Bath, an SLH Hotel

At the heart of this one-of-a-kind resort is a striking circular bathhouse, where refreshing plunges into frigid waters await. And when the river freezes, the scene is even more surreal, with ice all around and steam rising from the baths. Foggy saunas provide a welcome dose of warmth, while the onsite restaurant’s sustainable, mouthwatering dishes that include modern preparations of locally sourced Arctic char, reindeer, and cloudberries provide delicious sustenance for days filled with adventure.

From Arctic Bath, explorers can enjoy a wealth of activities, including a wildlife safari aimed at spotting moose, reindeer, and eagles; cultural experiences that allow travelers to learn more about the indigenous Sami culture; fishing and ice fishing excursions; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across a winter white landscape; and more. Yoga, meditation, and luxe spa treatments are also on the menu, serving as delightful diversions between stargazing sessions.

From looking up at the Arctic sky from a floating hotel in Swedish Lapland to soaking in a geothermal spa in Iceland, travelers on the hunt for prime Northern Lights viewing opportunities should plan a trip now to ensure they have front-row seats to these magical illuminations.