15 Global Cities With Secret Tunnels, Rooftops, and Hidden Bars

Catching the northern lights is one of the world’s most magical travel experiences—but standing outside in subzero wind while your toes go numb? Not so much. Thankfully, there are spots where you can see the aurora borealis without turning into a popsicle. From cozy glass igloos to surprisingly mild coastal towns, these 15 places let you watch the sky light up in comfort and style—no snow boots required.

1. Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø sits well above the Arctic Circle, but thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, its winters are milder than you’d expect. The city is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and you don’t have to venture far from town to catch them. Many tours offer heated vans, glass-roof huts, or campfires while you wait for the show. Plus, the city has great food, hotels, and even saunas to warm up afterward.

2. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik isn’t freezing by Arctic standards, with winter temps hovering around 30°F (-1°C). You can see the northern lights right from the city on clear nights or take a short drive out for darker skies. Iceland also has geothermal hot springs and heated outdoor pools, so you can soak while you wait for the aurora. It’s one of the few places where watching the lights can actually be cozy.

3. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Fairbanks can get cold—but many hotels and lodges offer aurora viewing lounges, glass domes, or even heated yurts so you don’t have to stand outside. Some hot springs resorts let you watch the lights while soaking in steaming water. And if you book a northern lights tour, heated transport is usually included. It’s an ideal way to catch the aurora without feeling like an icicle.

4. Rovaniemi, Finland

Located in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is Santa Claus’s official hometown and a northern lights hotspot. The cold is manageable thanks to saunas in nearly every building and warm glass-roofed igloos where you can watch the sky from bed. Tour companies often provide insulated gear and heated shelters. Add some reindeer stew and hot chocolate, and it’s a surprisingly comfy Arctic adventure.

5. Abisko, Sweden

Abisko is known for having one of the most consistent aurora displays in the world due to its clear skies. While it’s in northern Sweden, the dry air and nearby Lake Torneträsk moderate the chill a bit. Plus, the famous Aurora Sky Station has indoor viewing areas and warm clothing rentals. It’s remote, but cozy cabins and lodge tours keep things warm and welcoming.

6. Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife is a northern lights powerhouse with surprisingly well-prepared infrastructure. Local operators offer heated teepees, ice huts with stoves, and aurora-watching cabins designed for warmth and comfort. The city itself is small and friendly, with plenty of restaurants and indoor spaces to hang out while waiting for the show. You’ll still need a jacket, but you won’t have to freeze to enjoy it.

7. Ilulissat, Greenland

Ilulissat offers a front-row seat to both icebergs and auroras—but the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively moderate. Many hotels offer warm balconies or glass-enclosed lounges with sky views. You can also join indoor-outdoor tours that include heated cabins and mulled wine. It’s off the beaten path, but the aurora comes with a quiet, luxurious twist.

8. Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Anchorage is far enough north for northern lights and close enough to the coast to avoid extreme cold. You can often see the lights from nearby parks, hilltops, or even your hotel balcony. Some local outfitters offer short tours in heated vans, and there are warm, scenic lodges just outside town. It’s a great mix of city comforts and natural wonder.

9. Kiruna, Sweden

Kiruna’s famous Icehotel might look freezing, but it also offers heated aurora-viewing lounges and glass-cabin accommodations with warm beds and panoramic views. The town is small but well-equipped, and many tours include indoor waiting areas or fireside stops. You get all the aurora action without sacrificing comfort—or your fingers.

10. Senja Island, Norway

Senja is Norway’s lesser-known aurora gem, with dramatic landscapes and a mild climate for its latitude. Cozy seaside cabins and hotels with glass ceilings offer warm places to view the lights. It’s less crowded than Tromsø, and you can often see the aurora from your porch or bedroom window. Plus, the coastal air keeps the bitter cold at bay.

11. Hveragerði, Iceland

Just a short drive from Reykjavik, Hveragerði is a geothermal town with natural hot springs and cozy accommodations. It’s dark enough to catch the aurora, but warm enough—thanks to the hot ground under your feet—to stay comfortable. You can soak in a hot river while watching green streaks dance overhead. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to see the lights.

12. Nuuk, Greenland

Nuuk is Greenland’s capital and offers northern lights viewing with city-level comfort. Winter temperatures are cold, but not extreme, and hotels here are warm, modern, and often have aurora views. You can book short excursions or simply take a walk to a dark hill nearby. The air is crisp and clean, and the vibe is rugged but not rough.

13. Alta, Norway

Alta calls itself the “City of the Northern Lights,” and it lives up to the name. It has a northern lights cathedral, indoor aurora exhibitions, and plenty of warm spots to view the real thing. Hotels and lodges here often have big windows or glass domes made just for watching the sky. It’s far north but very visitor-friendly and much milder than you’d expect.

14. Saariselkä, Finland

This Finnish resort town is designed with aurora hunters in mind. Glass igloos, dome rooms, and cabins with sky views make it easy to watch the lights in warmth. The resort areas provide winter gear, saunas, and hot meals, so you never feel the chill unless you want to. It’s a soft, luxurious way to meet the wild sky.

15. Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Scotland—especially in the Highlands or on the Isle of Skye. The temperatures rarely drop below freezing thanks to the oceanic climate. You won’t get Arctic-level shows every night, but on clear evenings, you can spot the aurora with a flask of tea in hand and no frostbite worries. It’s aurora-chasing, Celtic style.