Sleeping under the Northern Lights: A Glass Cone in Swedish Lapland
I have struggled to write this blog post, as this was a highlight of my trip to Swedish Lapland. It is difficult to find the right words to describe the experience. Never having seen the Northern Lights before, I was hoping this trip would give me the best opportunity. Sweden did not disappoint. With multiple sightings throughout the trip, I felt very well versed in the Aurora in this area of Sweden at this point. However my stay at Aurora Safari Camp really was a stand out moment for me. Watching the Northern Lights from the comfort and warmth of a cosy bed, a real bucket list moment. Here, I will do my best to put my experience of sleeping under the Northern Lights into words.
Where can you sleep under the Northern Lights?
On first arrival at Aurora Safari Camp (by snowmobile across the frozen lake), you know you have arrived truly somewhere special and pretty unique. The camp has a strong African influence, following owners Naila and Jonas’ Kenyan roots. The camp comprises five accommodations, which make this site very private and perfect for large families or groups. On first reaching the camp, climb up the bank of the lake where you’ll find three tipis which are closest to the lake and the main building. This is where guests can socialise and have meals. All accommodation is heated, with a toilet and sink, and use of showers in the sauna area. I love this site for rapid access to the outside, or the lake, the best place to see the Northern Lights when they appear overhead.
To get to the Glass Cones, continue up the steps, passing the sauna room. Here you will see two cones either side of the walkway. There is a small lounge at the very top, with large windows and cosy seating, allowing extra space for those staying in the Glass Cones. I was (very) excited to see my suitcase had been placed in the left hand cone, meaning this was my home for the evening.
Why Swedish Lapland for Northern Lights?
My honest response is..why not?! During this trip to Swedish Lapland, I have truly fallen in love with the region and country. It has so much to offer, from beautiful scenery and delicious food. Everything has been considered here, it is calmly thought out. There is always a plan B and no need for stress, as many of the Swedes say ‘it’s no worries’.
As I have mentioned already, we had multiple sightings of the Northern Lights on this week long trip. However, Aurora Safari Camp and neighbouring properties stood out as the ideal location. On the edge of the lake with no light pollution, this is one of the key factors for being able to spot them with the naked eye. Another factor is having the right people with you, local experts who WANT their guests to leave with the best experience. That is what Jonas was for us. On arrival back at camp after dinner, he was waiting to take us straight down to the lake as the aurora was out there, just still gathering strength. We spent 40 minutes to an hour here, and with his help were able to take some photos.
Time for bed – but not for Mother Nature
With the cold setting in now, I headed back to my glass cone accommodation for the night. These cones offer a panoramic view of the night sky, as well as a glass roof. I promptly turned my bedding around to sleep looking out of the window. There are blinds in the cone rooms, of which I was adamant not to use. Jonas suggested just using the one on the left hand side, obscuring the view from the walk way, which did feel comfortable, but only when I was ready to sleep later on.
It was around 10pm when I received a message from Jonas, telling me to turn the lights off and look up. At the same time, he was running around outside turning all of the outside lights off, which would interfere with an aurora viewing. I dashed around turning the lights off in my room. I jumped into bed and couldn’t quite believe my eyes. The Northern Lights were dancing overhead, with bright colours of green and pink. The strongest I had seen on the whole trip and all the while, I was tucked up under my duvet. No need for coats, scarfs and gloves. Sleeping under the Northern Lights is something I won’t forget any time soon, and count myself incredibly lucky to have had this experience.
A Unique Northern Lights Stay
As much as a Northern Lights sighting is nothing guaranteed, there are few things you can do to give yourself the best opportunity. I would highly recommend staying at Aurora Safari Camp, as the light pollution is minimal. Your hosts will do everything in their power to make any sightings as strong as possible. Using local knowledge and expertise is key and invaluable. Staying in glass cone accommodation is a unique experience on its own, however I truly hope you are as lucky as I was, and struggle to find the words to describe your experience, sleeping under the Northern Lights.
If you have any questions on staying at Aurora Safari Camp we would love to hear from you and help you plan your adventure. For a little inspiration, check out our Luxury Glamping in Swedish Lapland Trip. I haven’t even touched on all of the Winter experiences on offer here, such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and winter cycling just to name a few. We can create a trip for you based on the experiences that suit you, so do get in touch and we can make it happen.
