Most winter yoga retreats chase the sun. But what if you decided to revel in the cold rather than evade it? There鈥檚 something profoundly therapeutic about snow-covered lakes and icy wildernesses, whether you want to venture into winter鈥檚 more introspective side or explore your more adventuresome side. The following getaways鈥攚hether domestic or international, rustic or glamorous鈥攅ntice you to do exactly that.

8 Winter Yoga Retreats

1. , Alaska
2. , Norway
3. , Canada
4. , Utah
5. , Wyoming
6. , Chile
7. , France
8. , Colorado

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Tordrillo Mountains, Alaska

Nothing says winter adventure quite like taking advantage of a comprising one million acres of rugged Alaskan backcountry. Accessible only by sea plane, the off-the-grid destination co-founded by Olympic downhill skiing legend Tommy Moe features expert guides and pilots on deck.

Back at the , which is within sight of Denali, you can cold plunge in Judd Lake or linger in the lakeside hot tub beneath a starlit sky in between yoga classes where you stretch out your aches. Depending on your definition of wilderness luxe, you can opt for a private cabin or a lodge suite. Did we mention it鈥檚 only a 40-minute flight from Anchorage?

Norway Wellness Retreat

Manshausen, Norway

Imagine staying in a sea cabin set above wintry ocean waters with the Northern Lights dancing beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. This bespoke Scandinavian adventure from Norwegian wellness brand and travel outfitter is the first in a series of wellness retreats that immerse travelers in the local culture. The debut retreat, which takes place in late February 2025 on the secluded Nordic island of Manshausen, delivers twice-a-day yoga practices led by . The rest of the time, you can opt to kayak through local fjords, hike to a Norse cave, stare into a fire, or linger over local, seasonal meals, depending on your preferred definition of (Norway鈥檚 answer to hygge).

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Located in Banff National Park amid the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is designed in a style reminiscent of the grand European resorts. A seat on a ski lift is a 10-minute drive away (beginners are welcome) although there鈥檚 also ice skating, sleigh rides among snow-draped trees, guided forest meditations, sound baths, and yoga in studios with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the scene outside to tempt you. When it鈥檚 not covered by snow, the namesake lake is a startling turquoise hue due to mineral-rich runoff from Victoria Glacier. The Chateau offers bottle refill stations with purified water from the lake and engages in negative environmental impact practices as part of its lease with Parks Canada.

The Lodge at Blue Sky

Park City, Utah

Located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport, the mountain resort comprises 3,500 acres of Utah鈥檚 stunning Wasatch Range. Named Travel + Leisure鈥檚 number-one destination in Utah, The Lodge at Blue Sky delivers rustic elegance, open spaces, and expansive views of snow-dusted mountains and serene valleys.

Outdoor adventures let you commune with nature any way you like, whether horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, winter fishing, nordic skiing, even taking yoga in a yurt mid-snowshoe outing. There鈥檚 also the property鈥檚 Edge Spa, an aptly named cliffside facility perched on a precipice overlooking Alexander Creek. Locally inspired treatments and utilizes bloom-to-bottle ingredients sourced directly from the resort鈥檚 grounds or wild-harvested nearby. Its extensive schedule includes indoor and outdoor yoga classes, guided meditation, breathwork classes, and sessions at the Edge Sanctuary, dedicated to energetic and vibrational healing sessions.

Amangani, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Framed by panoramic views of the Snake River Valley, Amangani captures the spirit of the Old Wyoming West with its sandstone architecture and untamed winter adventures, including an array of skiing and snowboarding options, fat tire biking, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and guided snowshoe wildlife expeditions. There鈥檚 also ice skating and sleigh riding to round out the options.

From a more restorative perspective, the resort鈥檚 Wellness Centre offers the anticipated amenities including includes four redwood-paneled treatment rooms and eucalyptus steam rooms as well as a heated outdoor pool with views of the surrounding mountains. It鈥檚 truly a choose-your-own-adventure approach to finding your peace.

Valle Nevado, Chile

Andes Mountains, near Santiago, Chile

Located in Chile鈥檚 Andes Mountains, Valle Nevado averages 230 inches of snow during the Southern Hemisphere鈥檚 winter and delivers world-class slopes. Located an hour and a half from Santiago, the resort delivers a spa, yoga and stretching classes both before and after hitting the slopes, and a heated outdoor pool with an enviable view.

There are three properties that comprise Valle Nevado: Hotel Valle Nevado boasts ski-in/ski-out access directly from the lobby, Hotel Puerta Del Sol offers family-friendly accommodations and entertainment, and Hotel Tres Puntas offers friend-friendly lodging where you can bunk with up to three of your friends.

Six Senses Courchevel

Courchevel 1850, French Alps

Experience the single , with ample uncrowded expert runs and terrain that accommodates every skill level for skiers and snowboarders alike at Six Senses Courchevel.听Off the mountain and its renowned powder, Six Senses helps you relax via the unexpected, including an to create sensory-minded elixirs, a Kneipp foot bath therapy, and an outdoor hot tub. You can also receive a personalized yoga and pranayama (breathwork) program tailored to your personal schedule. The property also draws on to help ensure guests experience proper sleep and has rigorous in place. Plus, it being France, you can trust that there will be no need to complain about the food.

听

Beyul Retreat

Meredith, Colorado

Tucked away on 23 acres of pristine wilderness, this backcountry lodge an hour from Aspen is a common destination for yoga retreats and invites guests to explore quiet, snowy landscapes through led excursions on snowshoe and cross-country ski and snowmobile. Recovery here can also include contrasts, such as alternating sessions of hot and cold therapy sessions, wood-fired saunas and invigorating cold plunges.

Beyond everyday yoga and physical rejuvenation, guests can engage in transformative cacao ceremonies, tap into creativity through art classes, and explore dream-focused workshops.With Wi-Fi-free cabins, the lodge offers a proper digital detox, giving guests a much-needed break from the demands of modern life.

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I love a good road trip, especially in the mountains of Colorado, where I live. It鈥檚 when I do some of the best creative thinking, and it feels like the possibilities for exploration are endless. Should I hike a fourteener tomorrow? Cross the border into Utah to go mountain biking?

I scoured the globe to put together this list of the most stunning drives you could imagine, from the snowcapped peaks of Chilean Patagonia to the windswept west coast of Ireland. I鈥檝e completed a handful, driven parts of many of them, and the rest are on my bucket list. I also chose these road trips for their proximity to adventure, and include essential details like the best hikes, beaches, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up.

The Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, Canada

Miles: 550
Road terrain: Mostly gravel
Best time to go: The Dempster Highway is open year-round, but traditional summer festivals in the Arctic towns and the aurora borealis viewing in winter are seasonal highlights.

Truly rugged and remote, this overland expedition traverses dramatic tundra landscapes, boreal forests, and mountain ranges en route to the Arctic Sea. Begin in the gold-rush outpost of Dawson City, Yukon, and load up on supplies鈥攖he unpaved gravel road is a known tire eater, so be sure you have a spare and a four-wheel drive car. From there the heads north through the historic Klondike region, crosses the Arctic Circle, and enters the Northwest Territories, where you鈥檒l have panoramas of what鈥檚 known as the polar Serengeti, a wide-open wilderness teeming with caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Along the way, you鈥檒l pass through Indigenous communities such as Tsiigehtchic, reached by ferry in summer after the snow melts. If you’re traveling during August, you can watch canoe races and listen to traditional music during Tsiigehtchic鈥檚 Canoe Days celebration. By the time you arrive in Inuvik, Canada鈥檚 largest community north of the Arctic Circle, you鈥檒l have logged 457 miles. Pitch your tent or park your teardrop at (from $28), perched on a bluff overlooking the Richardson Mountains and the nation鈥檚 largest river, the Mackenzie.

Pick up the final stretch of the trip in town, the Inuvik鈥揟uktoyaktuk Highway, an 86-mile gravel road that winds past the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a collection of pingo (mounds of earth-covered ice) more than 100 feet high, and ends in the Inuit shorefront hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Miles: 122
Road terrain: Paved
Best time to go: Early spring and early fall

This expanse of highway connects Bryce Canyon to , traveling through Dixie National Forest and the northern part of Grand Staircase鈥揈scalante National Monument. The whole thing could be completed in three hours, but given its proximity to so many perfect playgrounds for hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing, I suggest a four-day road trip. Bookended by Panguitch to the west and Torrey to the east, this designated bisects multiple ecosystems,听 from sage flats to slickrock deserts, and sleepy rural communities like Boulder, where you should stop for a meal at . The photo opps are endless, but Powell Point Vista, between the towns of Henrieville and Escalante, affords some of the best views of the area鈥檚 distinct Wasatch Limestone formations. If I could overnight in one place along the way it鈥檇 be , which has a drive-in theater, a pool, and a food truck (from $99).

The Romantic Road, Germany

Miles: 220
Road terrain: Paved
Best time to go: Spring or fall

Germany鈥檚 Romantische Strasse, or Romantic Road, could be the backdrop of a Grimm鈥檚 fairy tale, with its turreted and crenelated castles, red-roofed villages, and lake-dotted countryside in the Alpine foothills. This scenic byway across Bavaria connects the baroque town of W眉rzburg with the pastel-hued town of F眉ssen. The former is home to the Unesco-designated W眉rzburg Residence, one of the nation鈥檚 most opulent palaces, while F眉ssen is five minutes from what many consider the route鈥檚 highlight, King Ludwig鈥檚 , which was the inspiration for the palace in Disney鈥檚 Sleeping Beauty. If you want to stretch your legs, you can tackle the hike to Mount Tegel, located behind the castle, or take the cable car up and explore the trail network at the top.

Along the way you鈥檒l pass plenty of beer gardens鈥攖he riverfront in the hamlet of Landsberg am Lech is a must-stop鈥攖he vineyards of the Franconia wine region (pick up a bottle of dry, white Silvaner), and spend a few hours rejuvenating in the historic spa town of Bad Mergentheim; at the ($150), you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa, and gardens.

The Explorers Way, Australia

Miles: 1,864
Road terrain: Paved (and remember, Aussies drive on the left-hand side)
Best time to go: Australia鈥檚 fall, March through May

The ultimate outback odyssey, the is a road trip through Australia鈥檚 Red Centre. Much of the drive follows the Stuart Highway, named after 19th-century explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse the continent from south to north. Stuart鈥檚 expedition took nearly a year, but two weeks is ample time to complete the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

I highly recommend detours to to stand in awe of the 2,831-foot-high monolith sacred to Aboriginals and to Litchfield National Park, teeming with waterfalls and wildlife like dingo and wallaby. Dedicate at least a day to explore the Aboriginal art galleries of Alice Springs, the Northern Territory鈥檚 second largest city and the approximate midway point of the route. When you reach the Top End, toast your trip with a bush negroni at Willing Distillery in Darwin or celebrate with a bush safari at (from $2,425, all-inclusive), just northwest of Kakadu National Park, home to more than .

Atlantic Road, Norway

Miles: 22
Road terrain: Narrow, paved
Best time to go: The coast is most dramatic in September and October

Norway has 18 designated national scenic routes, but the fact that the Atlantic Road was selected as the stage for the James Bond film No Time to Die is a testament to its wow-factor beauty. Officially known as , this drive links the village of K氓rv氓g on Aver酶y Island with the fishing village of Bud on the mainland via an archipelago connected by eight low-lying bridges. Few roads bring you so close to the ocean: roll down your window and you鈥檒l likely be kissed by sea mist.

Essential detours include the coastal path at Vevang to see Jan Freuchen鈥檚 鈥�,鈥� a sculpture scattered across the rocks and heath-covered hills, and the glass-walled viewing platform at Askev氓gen, which affords spectacular mountain and ocean vistas. Str酶msholmen Seasport, located between the towns of Kristiansun and Molde, offers scuba diving, fishing excursions, and wildlife safaris on the water. It also has four waterfront cabins that sleep up to ten people (from $55).

The Ring Road, Iceland

Miles: 820
Road terrain: Mostly paved, with some stretches of gravel
Best time to go: Late spring or early fall

Stretch after stretch of otherworldly landscapes unfold along this , also known as Route 1. It shows off vast lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, spouting glaciers, and bubbling geysers. You鈥檒l want at least seven days to enjoy all the attractions and adventures along the way, and if you do the drive in May, June, or July, you can take advantage of nearly 24 hours of sun.

Most road-trippers start in the capital, Reykjav铆k, the city closest to Keflav铆k International Airport. You can tackle it counterclockwise or clockwise, but if you do the latter first, the scenery crescendos from pretty to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If there鈥檚 one thing you shouldn鈥檛 miss, it’s a detour to the northern Troll Peninsula, which loops around the headlands past the end of the Skagafj枚r冒ur fjord.

On the southeastern coast of Iceland, take time to explore J枚kuls谩rl贸n, a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs, and nearby Diamond Beach, named for the brilliant chunks of ice that sparkle like gems against its black sands. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the airport, are the perfect final stop. Or tack on an adventure鈥攎aybe kayak in a glacial lagoon or ride an ATV along the beach鈥攚ith outfitter .

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Miles: 1,600
Road terrain: Narrow, winding, and paved (you鈥檒l also driving on the left-hand side here)
Best time to go: summer to take advantage of longer day-light hours

One of the longest coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way hugs the Emerald Isle鈥檚 rugged and spectacular west coast for miles, from its northern terminus on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to its southern terminus in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. The route is broken into 14 stages, and you鈥檒l want to budget a minimum of five days to complete it.

There are loads of opportunities to stretch your legs on untouched swaths of beach near soaring sea cliffs. Those at Slieve League jut up 1,972 feet at their highest point; follow the Pilgrim鈥檚 Path from Teelin village 1.5 miles to the tops, and after pop into town for lunch. You鈥檒l have plenty of options, but I highly recommend the award-winning pub (rooms are also available from $54). The iconic Cliffs of Moher, in the lunar-like Burren region, are one of the natural treasures of Ireland, with a five-mile (one-way) coastal walk that connects the charming villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

On Achill Island, explore Keel Beach, a nearly two-mile stretch of golden sand. When I visited, the waves were pumping and I rented a board and a thick wetsuit from . If the water鈥檚 calm, you can rent a stand-up-paddleboard. If your final destination is County Cork, celebrate with a pint at , a pub in Ballydehob that鈥檚 been run by the same family for a century.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon

Miles: 363
Road terrain: Paved
Best time to go: Late spring, early fall, or winter

Most people associate the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, with California, but the storied road spans from Canada to Mexico. Some of the best lengths, in my opinion, are in Oregon, where the road skirts virgin beaches, craggy mountains, and rocky coves, through a series of quirky seaside resorts and sleepy fishing villages. You could zip along all of it in 10 to 12 hours, but five days is the better plan, stopping at the many parks and public lands along the route. Ecola State Park (sea stacks, tidepooling, wildlife-watching) and Oregon Dunes Recreation Area (whose sweeping sandy expanses are said to have been the inspiration for 顿耻苍别鈥�s planet Arrakis) are both top of my list.

About 30 miles northwest of the city of Bandon is Cape Arago; this short detour off the byway takes you through the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve, home to more than 150 kinds of birds and . In the town of Coos Bay, I like to overnight at the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing ($235). The next day, you can drive 24 miles east to the remote Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area and hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls for an eagle鈥檚-eye view of the cascading waterfall and old-growth firs. Schedule your journey for spring and winter and bring your binocs鈥攜ou can often spot the blows from migrating gray whales as they surface off the coast.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Miles: 124
Road terrain: Paved
Best time to go: June to December, when you can spot whales from shore

This ocean-hugging highway showcases the Western Cape鈥檚 outrageously beautiful beaches, lush forests, national forests, and abundant marine life. Just under two hours鈥� drive from Cape Town, the former fishing village of Hermanus Bay is the gateway for the Garden Route. I always stop here to take advantage of the excellent land-based whale-watching between June and December. Continue three and a half hours east on the N2 highway to the harbor town of Mossel Bay, the route鈥檚 official starting point. Spend some time trekking around before heading out on your drive; my favorite is the 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Pinnacle Point to Oyster Bay.

, approximately midroute, is a great spot for birdwatching and kayaking and has accommodations that include campsites (from $20), cabins (from $50), and a bed-and-breakfast (from $90). A half-hour farther east is Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed the Saint Tropez of South Africa for its palatial beach homes. Just south is , a nice picnic spot where you can observe seal colonies. Spend a day exploring , which boasts a 50-mile-long shoreline and an interior with 500-year-old trees. Looking to burn off some energy after hours in the car? I suggest the Otter Trail. South Africa鈥檚 oldest hiking trail takes five days to complete and begins near the Garden Route鈥檚 eastern terminus at Storms River rest camp.

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

Miles: 180
Road terrain: Paved, two-lane highway
Best time to go: New Zealand鈥檚 fall, March through May, is perfect for hiking

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 鈥渆ighth wonder of the world,鈥� Milford Sound is big nature on steroids. The drive on the South Island from Queenstown along State Highway 6 (a.k.a. the Southern Scenic Highway) and then State Highway 94 (Milford Sound Highway) will get you there听 in just over four hours, but slow down to marvel at the waterfalls and alpine lakes framed by mountains. Te Anau is the halfway point of the drive and an ideal place to overnight, refuel, and stock up on food as there are no services farther en route to the sound. The lakeside town is also the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of and the jumping-off point for the Milford Track, arguably one of New Zealand鈥檚 most famous , so consider tacking on a few extra days.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Miles: 770
Road terrain: Rugged, pock-marked dirt, requiring four-wheel drive
Best time to go: Austral spring and summer, November to March听

Waterfalls tumbling from hanging glaciers. Forests of lengua trees and turquoise lagoons. Ancient marble caves and flamingo-filled lakes. The wild backdrop of Chile鈥檚 Southern Highway (Route 7) is an adventurer鈥檚 fantasy. Also known as the , this road cuts through remote, mountainous wilderness in northern Patagonia. Set aside at least two weeks so you can take time to visit Queulat National Park and Pumal铆n National Park, both located along the route.

Puerto Montt, a bustling town in the Chilean Lake District, is your starting point. It鈥檚 considered Chile鈥檚 seafood capital, so attempt to score a table at Pa Mar Adentro Restaurant and try the caldo curanto, a traditional seafood stew, before starting your journey south.

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile鈥檚 Ays茅n region, marks the route鈥檚 midway point. Take a day here to trek the trails of Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, home to two beautiful lakes, Los Sapos and Venus. Campsites are available in the Casa Bruja section of the reserve ($5), or continue a couple hours south to听General Carrera Lake and hole up at the family-run听 ($170). The owners serve terrific farm-to-table meals and partner with local guides who lead kayak trips to the Marble Caves and treks across Exploradores Glacier.

Rumbo Sur Hotel ($190), in the isolated terminus town of Villa O鈥橦iggins, is a comfy final base surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers. A 4×4 is recommended, as most of the road is unpaved.

国产吃瓜黑料 travel columnist Jen Murphy hates driving but will happily sit shotgun on any road trip. Last fall she navigated on a weeklong mother-daughter road trip through southwest Colorado.

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Eight hours into an incredible show of jaw-dropping northern lights, the fatigue started to hit. What began as a calm evening鈥攎e and the resident sheepdogs of the admiring the last sunset of my solo trip through south Greenland鈥攈ad morphed into an all-night aurora borealis bonanza that kept me on my feet, my eyes on the sky.

I raced around the property grounds working my two tripods, hoping to photograph every shifting iteration of the intensifying lights: violet, lime, and cobalt ribbons reflecting off the fjord waters, an explosion of green tie-dye above the adjacent farm, and an eerie red glow enveloping the mountains I鈥檇 just hiked. By the time I finally looked at my phone, it was 4:30 A.M.鈥擨 was exhausted, but it was worth it.

For years I鈥檝e chased auroras around the world, from Norway to Michigan, and have 50-plus successful sky-swirl nights beneath my belt鈥攊ncluding a string of seven kaleidoscopic nights of auroras in Greenland before my Ilungujuuk stay. Yet this particular night in September 2023 was different. The colorful pillars danced and pulsed, then flickered overhead like lightning, electrifying the heavens from dusk to dawn. It was the most surreal display I鈥檝e ever seen.

But in 2024, experts predict the northern lights will get even wilder.

Get Ready for a Spike in Auroral Activity

Auroras are generated when storms on the sun鈥檚 surface blast particle-packed winds through the solar system. Although earth鈥檚 magnetic field protects us from most solar winds, some particles sneak through, and as they slam into our atmosphere, they create the crayon box of colors I saw in Greenland. Each hue is caused by a different interaction with gases鈥攇reen (the most common) from oxygen, blues and purples from nitrogen, and red (rarely seen) from less concentrated oxygen at higher altitudes. During strong displays, the lights can mix like paint, creating pink, yellow, and orange pillars.

Last year鈥檚 auroral colors were a mere preview of what鈥檚 to come. Over the next ten months, the intensity and frequency of solar storms are expected to peak鈥攁 period that happens roughly every 11 years known as solar maximum. According to the , between now and October, Solar Cycle 25 (which began in 2019 and will run until 2030) could produce the strongest and most dazzling aurora displays we鈥檝e seen in decades.

That means there鈥檚 no time like the present to make your bucket-list aurora trip a reality. I鈥檝e compiled some of the best and most geographically diverse spots to see brilliant displays of both the northern and southern lights, along with details on how to chase them, where to stay, and unique tours that take in the lights. All of these destinations lie within, or just outside, the auroral oval鈥攁 doughnut-shape ring above the geomagnetic north and south poles where more activity happens. Which is exactly what you want.

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights

South Greenland

Located within the auroral oval, south Greenland sees little to no light pollution, and its saw-toothed peaks and iceberg-filled fjords make for incredible silhouettes against the glow. The best time to view the lights dancing here is from late August to April (though the spectacle technically still happens outside of those months, you won鈥檛 see them in the summer due to the midnight sun in Greenland, and the rest of the Arctic). Fly into Narsarsuaq Airport via Reykjav铆k, Iceland, or Copenhagen, Denmark, then head to the region鈥檚 largest town, Qaqortoq (population 3,000) for a guided chase with , run by two Inuit sisters. I recommend hiking the blaze-marked paths and gravel roads up into the mountains, home to among herds of sheep, before heading back to your base at a property, like Illunnguujuk (from $53), to enjoy the Lite Brite nightscapes.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The ice-carved fjords and jagged peaks of Norway鈥檚 Lofoten Islands are also smack-dab within the auroral oval. The archipelago is a popular summer destination for hiking, climbing, and fishing, but the spectacular auroras happen, thankfully, in the off-season months after the crowds have gone home. For a particularly unique Lofoten experience, go aurora-hunting via horseback on a sandy (or snow-dusted) beach with outfitter , sail beneath the spectacle with , or book a night in one of the historic fishing cottages (from $154) to watch the green lights sashay over the sea鈥攕omething that the cottages boast is possible more than 180 days a year.

Northwest Territories, Canada

Weather permitting, you can watch the northern lights in the Northwest Territories up to 240 nights annually, according to this northern province鈥檚 tourism board. With tundra and spruce and birch forests, as well as Canada鈥檚 largest reindeer herd, this destination provides quite the backdrop. See the show by dogsled with , an Indigenous-run and family-owned business based in Yellowknife. Or head to nearby for an evening tour complete with cultural storytelling and a stay in a cozy lakeside tepee (hotel packages available from $527 for two nights). For even more of a treat, travel above the Arctic Circle to Inuvik for a , replete with reindeer-watching, snowmobiling, and aurora hunting ($4,395).

Iceland

I tell many first-time aurora hunters to try Iceland. It鈥檚 easily reached, very navigable, daytime adventures abound, and, thanks to minimal light pollution, you can spot the streaks just about everywhere鈥擨鈥檝e seen them above waterfalls, beaches, and even over the capital city of Reykjav铆k. But my favorite Iceland aurora perch is a hot spring. You鈥檒l find naturally heated pools (known as hot pots), all over the country. I like the (from $283), a collection of cabins with a central soaking pool on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, home to Kirkjufell, a small mountain shaped like a sorcerer鈥檚 hat that makes for a听. Aurora chasing at (from $110) in the untamed Westfjords is another one of my favorites. You can soak beneath the aurora swirls or enjoy the lights among its resident horses.

Fairbanks, Alaska

For U.S.-based aurora hunting, it鈥檚 tough to top the boreal forest surrounding Fairbanks, which promises impressive northern-lights odds. Explore Fairbanks says that anyone who hunts for the spectacle for at least three nights during the August-to-April aurora season has a 90 percent chance of success. The local offers a dinner and dogsled experience that takes in the nightly auroras, or drive two hours south to mush in Denali鈥檚 shadow with . For a snowshoe adventure beneath the lights, the Fairbanks outfitter offers trips听along six miles of trails north of town. And an hour east of Fairbanks, aurora hunting from the is a popular pick鈥攜ou can soak from a geothermal pool while the colorful lights riot above (from $180).

Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland

A unique weather phenomenon makes Abisko National Park one of the world鈥檚 top aurora-hunting locales. While the northern lights are active throughout the auroral oval most nights, weather鈥攑articularly cloud cover鈥攄etermines if chasers will see them or not. That鈥檚 where Abisko鈥檚 鈥渂lue hole鈥� comes into play: according to the , a stretch of sky above the park stays clear regardless of the surrounding conditions, something attributed to wind direction and altitude. You can make the most of this meteorological marvel at the park鈥檚 , a viewing center set at 3,000 feet elevation and accessed via a 1.2-mile-long chairlift. Come for the lights, but stay for the station鈥檚 , where glass ceilings let you enjoy a taste of Lapland without missing the night-sky entertainment. The best time for lights chasing in this area is mid-November to mid-March.

Northern Minnesota

While many of the best northern lights destinations sit within the auroral oval, you don鈥檛 have to travel to the ends of the earth鈥攐r even out of the contiguous U.S.鈥攖o see them. In fact, you can enjoy them from many听national parks. The auroral oval鈥檚 path tilts particularly in favor of Great Lakes escapes like northern Minnesota, but to see the aurora this far south, you鈥檒l need a strong solar storm, minimal light pollution, and a clear view to the northern horizon (like a lake) because the distance will make the lights appear closer to the horizon. I suggest scouting from the lake-abundant Voyageurs National Park or the wilds of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness鈥攂oth were recognized by DarkSky International as outstanding dark-sky spaces. To keep tabs on aurora activity and get involved with locals in the know, join the Facebook group , whose members share updates on the northern lights regularly.

The Best Places to See the Southern Lights

Stewart Island, New Zealand

The aurora borealis gets all the buzz, but the Southern Hemisphere鈥檚 aurora australis鈥攂etter known as the southern lights鈥攁re worth chasing, too. For that, head to Stewart Island, which earned DarkSky International鈥檚 Dark Sky Sanctuary status in 2019. More than 85 percent of the island, located 16 miles south of the South Island and accessed via an hourlong ferry, is a national park, with 170 miles of hiking trails, including the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand鈥檚 Great Walks, making this one of the more adventurous ways to enjoy the lights. Like Minnesota, Stewart Island isn鈥檛 usually in the auroral oval, which means you鈥檒l need a strong solar storm to see any activity here. Unlike Minnesota, you鈥檒l have to look southward to spot them.

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania听is another hub for aurora australis hunters. Margaret Sonnemann, author of The Aurora Chaser鈥檚 Handbook, says this island state is better positioned for sightings than just about anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica (which is nearly unreachable for tourists during aurora season). Its rugged peaks, ancient rainforests, and sandy shores only add to the auroral awe. Since Tasmania, like Stewart Island, doesn鈥檛 experience the midnight sun, the aurora is visible year-round鈥攑ending the weather, of course. Popular sky-watching spots include Goat Bluff lookout and Carlton Beach, or book a stay at (from $93), a lakeside base for rainforest bushwalks by day and celestial gazing at night. You can also have an awesome experience at Taroona Beach, admiring two twilight marvels鈥攁uroras and bioluminescence鈥攄uring the warm summer months.

Journalist and photographer Stephanie Vermillion covers adventure travel and all things astrotourism, from eclipse chasing and meteor showers to her personal obsession: auroras. She hopes to check off another astro-bucket-list topper鈥攕eeing the southern lights鈥攄uring a trip to New Zealand鈥檚 South Island this year.听

Want more of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 award-winning travel coverage? .

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Ever come across an incredible hotel听that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn鈥檛 it be something to stay there?We do, too鈥攁ll the time. Welcome to Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for听the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here. Or at least dream about it.

Why We Love Manshausen

B酶rge Ousland was the first person to cross Antarctica solo and part of the first duo to reach the North Pole during the darkness of winter. Which means he鈥檚 spent a lot of time shivering in a tent, envisioning a cozier place to sleep. In 2010 the legendary explorer turned his dreams into a reality, buying a nearly above the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea鈥檚 Gr酶t酶ya Strait and setting to work creating , a chic, modern, sustainable adventure oasis.

A haven for anglers听since the 1600s, Manshausen Island had one salvageable building, a farmhouse from the 1800s that Ousland renovated into the main lodge. He then built seven austere glass-sided cubes cantilevered over the water. In June he finished two more 鈥渢owers鈥濃�攖wo-story structures, each with听a glass-roofed bedroom that provides jaw-dropping views to the sea, 392-foot Skotstindan mountain to the east, and听the heavens, often lit with the aurora borealis.

Ousland鈥檚 ultimate goal is to make Manshausen 100 percent carbon-neutral. It’s tough to charge solar panels in winter when there are only a few hours of daylight, but he plans to supplement the sun鈥檚 energy with听a windmill that delivers power听back to the grid. His small staff also maintains a garden, fishes for cod and halibut, raises sheep to cut the grass (there are听currently 11 lambs on island), and barters with locals for what the property can’t produce.

Considering that Manshausen (a name derived from mannshaue, or 鈥渕an鈥檚 head,鈥� after a rock resembling a human head that was quarried there) was the dream of a world-renowned explorer, it鈥檚 no surprise that the place offers all manner of rugged day trips (for an extra fee), from expedition-style hiking to sea kayaking, led by experienced staff guides. But Ousland mostly built Manshausen as a place for visitors to听enjoy the scenery. 鈥淢any people just need to fill up their batteries, relax, and connect with nature,鈥� he says.

国产吃瓜黑料 Intel

You, too, can fish. The lodge provides gear and shares beta on where cod, pollack, and halibut are biting. I would opt for a short ride on one of Manshausen鈥檚 private power boats to the mainland to attempt the , a technical climb of 1,998-foot S酶rskottinden peak, followed by a 15-foot rappel to a nearly mile-long traverse of an exposed ridge that ranges in width from 15 to 45 feet. The views to the surrounding mountainous Arctic islands are uninterrupted. I鈥檇 also love to paddle a sea kayak with a guide to their secret coves for a swim. And this being Scandinavia, I鈥檇 spend quality time in the stoked and ready wood-fired sauna to steam away my aches at the end of each day.

Choice Accommodations

Book one of the two new and identical solar-powered twin towers, named after Norway鈥檚 two greatest polar explorers, Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Built on a pier, the towers听appear to be floating on water. In each, the primary bedroom on the second floor is covered by a full glass roof, perfect for viewing the midnight sun during the summer and the stars and northern lights in the fall, winter, and spring. Downstairs is a twin听bed, a full bath, and a sitting room with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall facing the sea. The cozy feeling of hygge here is one of the draws. Or opt for the single-story glass cabins, whose views are also incredible:

Eat and Drink

Hyperlocal cuisine is on full display at the , housed in the main lodge, where a simple yet sophisticated menu includes sea urchins, sandwort, pine shoots, wood sorrel, fish, moose, and elk, most of which is grown, foraged, caught, or harvested on or within close proximity of the island. I鈥檝e been told that the head chef, Ondrej Taldik,听has more range with a beet than perhaps anyone on the planet, serving them fried, baked, rehydrated, crisped, pickled, and fermented.

When to Go

Ousland prefers spring, when the light returns, the weather is calm, and the fishing for halibut is fantastic. But I might prefer fall, with its cooler days and cold nights. The aurora borealis is best viewed September through March, but the resort is closed November to January.

How to Get There

There are direct flights to Oslo from New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Once there, you鈥檒l hop a 90-minute flight north to the town of Bod酶, on Norwegian or SAS airlines. Head to the ferry terminal (a 15-minute walk or short taxi ride from the airport) and board ; the passage takes 1 hour 20 minutes and leaves daily at 6 P.M. year-round, and twice daily in the summer months. The lodge will pick you up by shuttle boat at Nordskot if they know when you鈥檙e arriving.

Don鈥檛 Miss

If you have time to spend in Bod酶 before heading toward Manshausen, visit, the most powerful tidal stream in the world. A 33-mile drive north of Nordskot will get you to , one of Europe鈥檚 largest coastal fortifications from World War II. It guarded the entrance to Vestfjorden, a 96-mile-long fjord to Narvik, an important route used to ship iron ore from Sweden to Germany. The , 75 miles north of the island in the municipality of Hamar酶y, is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Prize鈥搘inning author.

Details

To Book:

Price:听Glass sea cabins are 5,600 Norwegian kroner ($523 as of press time) per night for two people, including breakfast. The new towers are 8,900 kroner ($830) per night for two people, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: Mannshausen 3
8283 Leinesfjord, Norway

Stephanie Pearson鈥檚 maternal and paternal great-grandparents emigrated from Sweden, but she loves Norway almost as much, especially the cool air, cool people, healthy living, and long coffee breaks. She鈥檚 been there twice, most recently to dog-mush above the Arctic Circle from Troms酶 back to Jukkasj盲rvi, Sweden.听

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Consider the opening scene of Yellowstone鈥檚 pilot episode, which depicts a bloody car crash, but in the background of all that chaos is an expansive ranch glowing with the soft yellow leaves of autumn in Montana. I wanted the camera to pan wide and expose more of that beauty.

With most TV shows today, location plays a large part in the storyline. Sure, The White Lotus is complex and groundbreaking, and the Game of Thrones鈥� prequel, House of the Dragon, is epic, but their locations are equally enticing, from the glistening waters of the Mediterranean in season two of White Lotus to the moody beaches near King鈥檚 Landing, shot in Croatia, in Game of Thrones.

Yellowstone spends the next several seasons delivering on that initial tantalizing sample, offering sweeping views of cattle grazing in broad pastures, characters fishing in idyllic streams, and massive log ranches framed by snowcapped peaks.

Such scenery has sparked a tourism trend, as superfans seek out the beautiful and adventurous locales on their screens. A February produced by American Express noted that 64 percent of the 3,000 people interviewed in an online survey were inspired to travel to a destination after seeing it on TV or in a movie.

This movement isn鈥檛 entirely new. Remember the brilliant series Breaking Bad, which ran from 2008 to 2013? It launched national awareness of Albuquerque, New Mexico, gave rise to tours and merchandise, and was embraced by the city鈥檚 visitors bureau, which still offers information. Croatia, the primary filming location for the fictional city of Westeros in Game of Thrones, reported a $200 million bump in tourism during the show鈥檚 five-year run, according to the country鈥檚 tourism bureau. And both of the hotels featured in the first two seasons of The White Lotus enjoyed a boost in bookings after each aired鈥攊n fact, web interest in the Four Seasons Resort Maui jumped 425 percent after the first season, according to the property.

About ten years ago, busloads of hikers on Hunger Games tours descended on the trailheads of DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest, in my home state of North Carolina, where waterfalls and caves were shot to serve as the setting for the resourceful archer Katniss. At the peak of the movie鈥檚 popularity, Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of Pura Vida 国产吃瓜黑料s, led tours to sites in the film and even offered a survival-skills package, teaching participants tasks like shelter-building and fire-starting before having them compete against each other in the wilderness.

鈥淭hese shows and movies give people a chance to escape, and being able to visit the place on the screen gives fans a chance to connect with those characters or that story even more,鈥� Moerschbaecher says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a model we鈥檝e seen for a long time. That鈥檚 what Disney World is based on, right? Everyone can go and live the dream.鈥�

Want to plan a visit to the dream? We’ve mapped out how to see the most dramatic locations for five irresistible TV shows.

Yellowstone: Montana

This hourlong soap opera on Paramount+ follows the Duttons, led by the patriarch, John (played by Kevin Costner), as they try to hang onto their family ranch. Violence and drama ensue, but there鈥檚 nothing more dramatic than the location, which Costner has called a 鈥減ostcard for Montana.鈥� The show, now in its fifth season, has been filmed in multiple locations in Montana and Utah, but the Bitterroot Valley, south of Missoula and flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Ranges, is the true star.

See It for Yourself: The Dutton鈥檚 Yellowstone Ranch is an actual working cattle ranch in the valley called Chief Joseph Ranch. Since Yellowstone premiered in 2018, the ranch鈥檚 owners have allowed fans to rent cabins featured in the show and given tours of the property. Sadly, the family is taking a break from visitors in 2023, so you鈥檒l have to get your dude-ranch experience nearby. We suggest the , also in the Bitterroot Valley, with views of Trapper Peak and access to the Bitterroot River (from $1,800 a night, all-inclusive). You can ride horses or take part in a cattle drive. Or sign up for a guided float and casting adventure down the Bitterroot with the outfitter (from $480).

The White Lotus: Sicily, Italy

This HBO series follows wealthy guests as they travel to luxury White Lotus鈥揵randed resorts and wrestle with issues of class, privilege, and desire. Each season has been set at a Four Seasons property鈥攖he first in Maui, the second in Taormina, Sicily. Rumor has it that the next season will be set in Thailand, but where exactly hasn’t been revealed yet.

See It for Yourself: Why not bounce around the island of Sicily as the characters in season two did, by foot, boat, and Vespa. Book a room at the in the coastal community of Taormina (from $2,620). The stunning property, formerly a convent, is perched on the edge of a cliff, boasting views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Europe鈥檚 most active volcano. A few companies offer comprehensive White Lotus tours, including the LGBTQ+-centric , with a nine-day exploration that takes in featured locations like the towns of Noto and Palermo ($7,550, including two nights at the Four Seasons). Or be your own guide. Rent a Vespa and cruise the serpentine streets of Taormina, just like the distressed Tanya in her better moments. Definitely make a detour to , which features prominently throughout the second season.

House of the Dragon: England, Portugal

贬叠翱鈥檚 House of the Dragon is the prequel series to Game of Thrones, taking place more than a century earlier but covering similar territory: medieval characters fighting over power and, ultimately, the throne. The original GOT was filmed in Ireland, Croatia, and Iceland, and House of the Dragon follows the same pattern, bouncing around walled stone towns and wild lands in Spain, Portugal, and England.

See It for Yourself: There鈥檚 not much opportunity to mimic the lifestyle you see on House of the Dragon because, you know, swords and dragons aren鈥檛 really part of our day-to-day, but there are a number of set locations that you can鈥攁nd should鈥攙isit. Try an inexpensive of Monsanto, Portugal, a city whose houses are built around massive boulders; this setting is home to the fictional House Targaryen鈥檚 ancestral home.

In Cornwall, England, the dramatic coast factors into a number of scenes throughout the first season. Check out , a sandy strip of coast marked by crags and caves that serves as the backdrop for a crucial scene involving Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon. The surfing here is pretty good, too. For more adventure, head into Derbyshire to , and hike the area you might recognize as the Vale of Arryn, a rugged expanse of peaks ruled by the show鈥檚 House Arryn.

Alone: Saskatchewan

While the other shows on this list offer up fictional characters and storylines, the drama on History Channel鈥檚 Alone is very real. This reality show pits ten contestants against each other in a game of survival in extreme locales; whoever can stay alive by themselves the longest wins $500,000. Over the past nine seasons, the contestants have been dropped off everywhere from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to northern Mongolia and Patagonia. Season ten premiered on June 8 and has contestants attempting to survive on the shores of Reindeer Lake in Saskatchewan.

See It for Yourself: The 2,568-acre Reindeer Lake straddles the border of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and is surrounded by a lush boreal forest. It鈥檚 known for its world-class pike fishing and robust black bear population (with more than 40,000 of them in the area). The exact Alone filming locations haven鈥檛 been disclosed, but viewers saw the contestants get dropped off by seaplane at a lakeside lodge and camp out in canvas tents for a week before starting the competition.

Book a cabin at the and you鈥檒l be navigating the same terrain as your favorite contestant but without the suffering (four-day packages start at $5,395, all-inclusive). Cabins at the lodge are hand-built, with woodstoves and hot showers. Instead of trying to trap wild game for dinner, you鈥檒l be fed generously by a chef. Spend your days fishing Reindeer Lake with a guide (cost included in your stay), who will put you on pike, walleye, or lake trout, and prepare a fresh shore lunch with your catch.

Succession: Norway

OK, Succession has officially ended, but our enthusiasm for the show endures. We were emotionally invested in watching members of the Roy family vie for power within the Waystar RoyCo empire. Most of the show was filmed in New York City, but because we鈥檙e talking about mega millionaires, the show featured plenty of jet-setting to remote British castles, Iceland, Croatia, and Italy. Oh to be a media mogul.

See It for Yourself: As wonderful as it would be to follow the family鈥檚 travels and hit every hot spot, we don鈥檛 all have an inheritance to burn. So focus on Norway, where the Roys experience some of the country鈥檚 most iconic and luxurious highlights. Reserve a room in coastal Valldal at the , whose all-glass exterior walls expose a wilderness of mossy boulders, hardwoods, and rushing rivers (from $436 a night, including breakfast and dinner).

The Juvet will also put you close to Trollstigen (鈥渢he troll ladder鈥�), a crazy-beautiful mountain road that climbs almost 3,000 feet via 11 hairpin switchbacks, passing waterfalls and rocky outcroppings. While the Roys traverse this road in a car, it would be more fun on two wheels; this is a classic road-bike climb (or you might ride it on an now) but one that comes with risk, as you鈥檙e sharing the road with motorists enjoying the scenery.

Another must-see site from Succession is the 22-mile Atlantic Road, dubbed the world鈥檚 most beautiful drive, as it connects Averoy Island with mainland Norway via a series of bridges and islets. Grab a drink at , a restaurant atop Nesaksla, the mountain where negotiations for the media empire take place. You can either take the Romsdalen gondola to the summit (like the Roys) or hike two hours to the top.

And then come back down to earth.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 National Parks columnist. He watches way more TV than he probably should, so it鈥檚 nice to justify it for work. Traveling to the locations of his favorite shows sounds nice, but if it鈥檚 at all possible, he鈥檇 rather just hang out in the van from The A-Team.

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The merits of hut-to-hut hiking are many: it鈥檚 one of the most accessible ways to tackle a multiday outdoor adventure, offers the benefits of backcountry camping鈥攃rowd-free sunrise vistas, deep wilderness immersion, and long, glorious days on the trail鈥攁nd promises the creature comforts of home, notably running water, toilet facilities and a warm, dry place to sleep.

While the U.S. has several well-known and well-regarded hut systems, I’ve hiked a handful of the world’s most famous hut-to-hut trails and can tell you that some trekking systems abroad are worth traveling for. Here are the most stunning, with accommodations that range from rustic guesthouses run by locals to high-altitude refugios to backcountry bunkhouses set amid scenery that will soothe your soul. One thing鈥檚 for certain鈥攅very one of these 13 trips is a bucket-list-worthy escape.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Length: 33.6 miles
Terminus: 罢丑贸谤蝉尘枚谤办
Best time to go: July to August
Days to complete: 5 to 6

Starting with the splotchy rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, as colorful as an artist鈥檚 paint palette, Iceland鈥檚 fabled doesn鈥檛 slouch on the scenery for the entire route southward. The trail, only open mid-June through September鈥攁nd even then you鈥檒l encounter snowfields鈥攖raverses volcanic moonscape slopes freckled with obsidian and plunges into deep green valleys filled with mirror-clear tarns. Because its otherworldly landscapes and jaw-dropping beauty attract the masses, the five (from $80) tend to book up to six months in advance, though hikers may elect to bring their own tent and camp near each hut for free. Want to trek with a guide or explore farther off the beaten path? arranges a Hidden Trails itinerary each summer that tacks on several obscure lakes and waterfalls to this famous hike (from $3,475).

Overland Track, Tasmania

Length: 40.4 miles
Termini: Ronny Creek (north) and Narcissus Hut at Lake St. Clair (south)
Best time to go: December to March
Days to complete: 6 to 7

Though it鈥檚 punctuated by a state-of-the-art hut system (think: mud rooms, clean kitchen spaces, and composting toilets), Tasmania鈥檚 is rugged, rooty, and rocky, even by American standards. Still, we wouldn鈥檛 let a little rain and mud stand in the way of this recommendation; the trade-off are expansive button-grass plains descending into ancient eucalyptus forests, possible encounters with adorable wallabies and wombats, sapphire alpine lakes, and the chance to set off on a class-three scramble up 5,305-foot Mount Ossa, the highest in this Australian island state. Most hikers depart from Ronny Creek and stay in a handful of huts en route to Lake St. Clair and the ferry to the St. Clair Visitor Center, though if you鈥檙e up for another 11 miles of tramping, by all means. Plan to pay a total of about $190 for . Looking for a splurge? Check out Tasmanian Walking Company鈥檚 six-day (from $2,803), which boasts privately owned huts with fireplaces, local wine, and freshly prepared meals.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Length: 143 miles
Termini: Besisahar (east) to Pokhara (west)
Best time to go: March to April or October to November
Days to complete: Up to 21

The is a breathtakingly high altitude romp around the Annapurna massif, passing through some of the Himalayas鈥� most soul-stirring scenery as it climbs from lush forests filled with delicate butterflies and past rushing cascades to Thorung La Pass, a lung-crunching 17,769 feet above sea level. Travelers can expect to see myriad important Buddhist cultural markers, too: fluttering prayer flags, centuries-old temples, and intricate prayer wheels. Accommodations are simple and affordable: teahouses with Western-friendly menus and private-room options鈥攋ust don鈥檛 expect a heater. And small villages are now connected via a dirt road that spans most of the route, so making the trek is not the remote experience it once was (and you can hop on adjacent trails to avoid the road altogether). As of April 2023, Nepal implemented a new rule stating that all trekkers must hire a licensed guide or porter to explore the country鈥檚 wilderness trails. Experienced tour companies like and offer excellent guided trips, full of history and heart (inquire for prices).

Mount Meru Trek, Tanzania

Length: 43.5 miles
Terminus: Momella Gate
Best time to go: December to February or July to October
Days to complete: 3 to 4

If you don鈥檛 have time for a full expedition up Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet), or you鈥檙e seeking an epic acclimatization hike before the big journey, Mount Meru (14,968 feet) is a fantastic option. Situated in Arusha National Park, in northern Tanzania, this brief trek boasts abundant wildlife sightings on day one (giraffes, zebras, and, if you鈥檙e lucky, elephants) before a steep ascent that affords phenomenal views of the collapsed crater and ash cone. From the summit, hikers can even enjoy panoramic vistas eastward to Kilimanjaro, often hovering above the clouds like an ethereal being. As for accommodations, expect rustic, dorm-style cabins with indoor mess halls and separate lodging for your porters. Due to the amount of wildlife, an armed ranger is required to hike with groups on the first day of this trek, so a guided trip is a must. and are both highly regarded (inquire for prices).

Kumano Kodo, Japan

Length: 43.5 miles
Termini: Tanabe (west) and Katsuura (east)
Best time to go: March to May or October to November
Days to complete: 5

The , located south of Osaka on Japan鈥檚 Kii peninsula, is a centuries-old pilgrimage route and one of only two paths of its kind to earn Unesco World Heritage status (the other is the Santiago de Compostela in Spain and France). Technically, the Kumano Kodo is not a singular route but a network of footpaths that crisscross the deeply wooded region, passing ancient Shinto shrines and temples, edging past misty waterfalls (including the tallest in the country), and wending through tiny villages. The (a.k.a. the Imperial Route) is the most popular way to explore. Skip the guided tours on this one鈥攖he Kumano Travel website is incredibly thorough and helpful with bookings鈥攁nd instead plan to overnight in traditional ryokans, or inns, as you go.

Nahuel Huapi National Park Traverse, Argentina

Length: 25 miles
Termini: Villa Catedral (south) to Arroyo Lopez (north)
Best time to go: December to March
Days to complete: 4 to 5

Soaring, toothy peaks that seem to grasp at the sky, glittering azure lakes, rushing waterfalls, and refugios that resemble hobbit houses鈥� there鈥檚 a lot to love about this trek across Argentina鈥檚 first national park. Utilize the robust public transportation from the gateway city of San Carlos de Bariloche, and nab a night at 鈥攖he only reservable hut of the four鈥攊n advance. Alternatively, you can hire a respected company like for a guided adrenaline-fueled adventure along steep, rocky ridgelines, with opportunities to rock-scramble and take in the striking views of enormous Lake Nahuel Huapi (from $1,310). Before jetting off, spend a few days luxuriating in Bariloche, surprisingly European and often touted as the Switzerland of South America.

Jotunheimen National Park Historic Route, Norway

Length: 35.4 miles
Termini: Gjendesheim (east) to Eidsbugarden (west)
Best time to go: July to early September
Days to complete: 4

For a hearty dose of towering peaks, deep-cut valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, look no further than through , often referred to as Land of the Giants. Thirty-five miles might not seem like much at first, but this trail is no walk in the park鈥攜ou鈥檒l be following in the footsteps of Norway鈥檚 mountaineering history, sometimes gaining over 3,600 feet in a day as you clamber over craggy terrain (chains are present to aid with grip on the most harrowing sections), making your way between two remote lakes once essential to accessing the region: Gjende and Bygdin. You can book the DNT huts鈥攖he video below, of Fondsbu, is just one run by the 鈥攊n advance and traverse the 鈥渇airylands鈥� of Svartdalen solo, or sign on with for a similarly supported route that鈥檒l quench your hiker hunger with delectable included meals (from $4,800).

Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand

Length: 22.4 miles
Terminus: Whakapapa Village, North Island
Best time to go: November to April
Days to complete: 3 to 4

Unlike the Tongariro Crossing (a day hike which traverses the same eponymous national park), the allows travelers to get up close and personal with the nation鈥檚 most notorious volcanic peaks, sans the crowds. The loop circumnavigates the snowcapped, charcoal-hued cone of Mount Ngauruhoe, skirting hissing steam vents, ancient lava flows, and brilliant emerald lakes. Considered one of New Zealand鈥檚 Ten Great Walks, this hike is for geology and Lord of the Rings buffs who鈥檇 love nothing more than tackling a such a boulder-strewn landscape en route to Mordor. You can opt to through the well-appointed huts (which include bunk beds with mattresses, indoor heating, kitchens, and non-flush toilets), or book a locally led trip like three-day jaunt (from $891).

The Walker鈥檚 Haute Route, France and Switzerland

Length: 108 to 141 miles (depending on the route)
Termini: Chamonix, France (west) and Zermatt, Switzerland (east)
Best time to go: Mid-July to mid-September
Days to complete: 10 to 14

Sure, this one winds up on virtually every best-of hiking list on the planet, but if you take a second to Google a few snapshots of the gobsmacking glacially carved valleys, fields full of crocus and blue bugle, and steep summits that jut skyward like granitic witches鈥� hats, you鈥檒l quickly see why. The (not to be confused with the similarly named ) passes below the summits of ten of the twelve highest peaks in the Alps. You鈥檒l alternate between staying in well-appointed mountain huts and quaint European villages, indulging in fresh pastries and local cheeses between leg-burning ascents. Huts book up well in advance (and require a for booking), or just let an experienced company like or do all the hard work and logistics, while you focus on the scenery (from $6,195 and $3,616, respectively).

Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada

Length: 111.8 miles
Termini: Sarah Point on Desolation Sound (north) to Saltery Bay (south)
Best time to go: June to September
Days to complete: 9 to 10

Often lauded as our northern neighbor鈥檚 best, least commercialized, and longest hut-to-hut trek, the meanders across the British Columbia seashore, terminating some 90 miles north of Vancouver. The journey is a bucket-list adventure for forest bathers and ocean lovers alike, with wonderful opportunities to spot wolves, deer, raccoons, grizzlies, and elk, not to mention pick plentiful blackberries and salmonberries in late summer. Fourteen (with another slated to open next year) are set along the route, and the provides loads of how-to info it you鈥檇 prefer to go it alone. Another possibility is a guided partial trek with (from $1,340).

The O Circuit, Chile

Length: 85 miles
Terminus: Torres del Paine National Park鈥檚 Laguna Amarga Entrance
Best time to go: November to March
Days to complete: 11

As one of the premier treks in South America, southern Chile鈥檚 O Circuit is a show-stopping option for mountain-loving backpackers who want to put in the big miles when the U.S. is knee-deep in winter. Longer (and more secluded) than its more famous cousin to the south, the , the O Circuit includes the aforementioned route, plus dozens of off-the-beaten-path miles skirting the northern expanse of Torres del Paine National Park. Purchase your online in advance, then plan to get to your refugio (see the sites managed by and ) or camping spot as early as possible, as this trip is incredibly popular. Wildland Trekking offers , if that鈥檚 your preference ($5,900).

Triglav National Park Traverse, Slovenia Mountain Trail, Slovenia

Length: 27 miles
Termini: Vrsic Pass (north)听to Lake Bohinj (south)
Best time to go: June to September
Days to complete: 4

It seems like the Julian Alps have been on the tip of every travel writer鈥檚 tongue ever since the Juliana Trail made its debut back in 2020. But if you鈥檇 rather not blow all your vacation time hiking the full 168 miles through this scenic landscape, through Triglav National Park will give you a taste of the best stuff. Book hut reservations for , , and in advance, then get ready to traipse across craggy ridgelines, limestone escarpments, and peacock-green tarns. If arranging the trek yourself sounds like too much of a headache (and the language barrier can be intimidating), offers a similar itinerary, with an optional add-on to summit 9,396-foot Mount Triglav, the highest in Slovenia ($430).

Sneffels Traverse, Colorado

Length: 29.4 miles
Termini: Telluride (south) and Ouray (northeast)
Best time to go: July to September
Days to complete: 5

The U.S. is home to several well-regarded hut systems, but one stands out above the rest: the . Run by the in the (you guessed it) glorious San Juan Mountains of western Colorado, this route begins at 10,676-foot Last Dollar Pass, above the iconic ski town of Telluride, and meanders between four diminutive, eight-person bunk-style cabins on its way to the gold-rush town of Ouray. Due to its popularity, hikers ($275, including return-shuttle service) through the hut system between June 1 and October 15. Expect eye-catching meadows of purple lupine, serrated sky-high peaks, and verdant forests of aspen and pine along the way.

Emily Pennington has now trekked on every continent, including hundreds of nights spent on the trail in the United States. For big adventures, she recommends bringing a Kula Cloth and a clip-on carabiner mug.

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Long before the birth of my daughter, Sophie, last spring, I was disillusioned with the American way of parenting. Many of my objections led back to a single overarching theme: we no longer cultivate in our children a healthy relationship with outdoor play.

The problem is familiar: recent studies show that unstructured time outside鈥攔eferred to as free play, in the words of child development experts鈥攊mproves mental and physical well-being, yet kids can鈥檛 peel themselves away from their tablets and smartphones and Xboxes for more than a few minutes at a stretch. When outdoor activities are present at all, the emphasis is narrowly focused on sport specialization and competitive achievement. Where I live, near Aspen, Colorado, I see kids monitored so closely by parents that any semblance of self-direction or self-reliance is lost. That鈥檚 not how I want to raise Sophie. I want her to do her own thing, try a number of activities, and build up the kinds of skills that will enable her to find joy in the outdoors.

In the weeks leading up to her birth, I researched countries that take a different approach to parenting. I came across a 2020 study published in The Lancet, England鈥檚 most prominent peer-reviewed medical journal, that identified various mental and physical metrics among children鈥攅verything from happiness and life satisfaction to nutrition and health鈥攁nd ranked countries accordingly. The United States came in 39th. At the top of the list: Norway.

The report raised an obvious question: Why are Norwegian parents doing so much better than Americans are?

As I discovered, access to the outdoors and an appreciation for free play are essential.

My research was helped along by a happy coincidence. Earlier last year, I met a Norwegian-American family named the Lockers who鈥檇 recently moved to Aspen. A few months before Sophie was born, I sat down with John and Camilla Locker to get their perspective on Norwegian-style outdoor-centric parenting. John is from New York City; Camilla was born and raised in Oslo. During the pandemic, the family moved to Norway and sent their three-and-a-half-year-old son to a forest school鈥攁 preschool that primarily happens outdoors.

鈥淗e came home the first day with a whittling knife,鈥� John said. 鈥淚 was shocked. But they taught him how to use it safely, and soon he was bringing us spoons, bowls, and other things he鈥檇 whittled.鈥�

At forest schools, even inclement weather occasions outdoor fun, the Lockers told me. 鈥淥n rainy days,鈥� Camilla recalled, 鈥渢hey put a big tarp on a hill, covered it in soap, and let the kids slide down.鈥� The children took naps outside in the dead of winter.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 because we wear wool,鈥� said Norwegian Anine Husebye Haug. Haug, 22, was staying with the Lockers for the winter, and she offered anecdotes from her own upbringing. She was shocked by the poor outerwear choices she saw in Colorado. 鈥淎mericans wear the wrong clothes鈥攕ynthetics!鈥攕o when they鈥檙e skiing, they must come in for hot chocolate every two runs. We never come in.鈥� Turns out those heavy woolen sweaters are more than a fashion statement.

Such experiences鈥攁ttending a forest school, sleeping outdoors in winter鈥攁re part of Norwegians鈥� national identity, which in part is rooted in wilderness capability and resilience. Axel Rosenberg, a lecturer at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, told me that this trait is captured by the word friluftsliv. (Don鈥檛 bother trying to pronounce it.) The term dates back to the late 19th century and was popularized by Roald Amundsen, who in 1911 became the first explorer to reach the South Pole.

鈥淟iterally translated, it means 鈥榦pen-air life,鈥欌�夆�� Rosenberg said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 how we think about nature, how we relate to nature, and how we integrate nature into our daily lives.鈥�

The term is credited to Henrik Ibsen, who used it in the 1859 poem 鈥淥n the Heights,鈥� about a farmer鈥檚 yearlong trek through the wilderness. Later, around the turn of the 20th century, Norwegians sought to set themselves apart from Denmark鈥攖he two countries existed under a unified government until 1814鈥攁nd friluftsliv helped cement a distinctively Norwegian identity. Amundsen, along with explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Paul Knutsen, built on the tradition with their grueling polar expeditions.

鈥淭hey credited friluftsliv for opening their world,鈥� Rosenberg said. 鈥淭he ability to deal with Mother Nature became a benchmark.鈥�

Yet Norwegians weren鈥檛 quite as outdoor savvy as they thought. On Easter Sunday in 1967, a group of 15 Norwegians died from exposure while trekking through the mountains, a tragedy that generated headlines across the country. According to Rosenberg, the incident prompted a shift in Norway鈥檚 outdoor philosophy, with emphasis placed on skills that keep people safe. The country created the Fjellvettreglene, or , a set of backcountry protocols. Schools began exposing students to nature and emphasizing life lessons that could only be absorbed outdoors.

Norway鈥檚 education system embraces trial and error, Rosenberg told me. Kids learn by doing, instead of just being lectured about safety. 鈥淏y starting at a young age, you find out that nature isn鈥檛 dangerous if you stay within your limits,鈥� he said.

When I visited the Lockers, the family emphasized how seriously Norwegian parents take the directive to let kids fail. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no nanny culture, no babysitter culture,鈥� Camilla said. 鈥淚n Norway, kids roam, and they come home filthy and happy.鈥�

According to this philosophy, children participate in outdoor activities from a young age. Not long after learning to walk, they鈥檙e skating around town on plastic skis. They commute to school by bicycle or, in winter, on cross-country skis. Cycling is so important that, at ten years old, kids take a test to ensure they鈥檙e competent riding next to cars on the road.

As their skill set grows, Norwegian children not only build an appreciation for the outdoors, they also improve their coordination, endurance, and ability to problem-solve. 鈥淔ree play鈥攆rom climbing trees to building forts in the woods鈥攊s crucial,鈥� said Kristin Vindhol Evensen, an associate professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. 鈥淭he interplay between children and the local environment, which could be playgrounds in an urban environment, or the forest, or mountains in a more rural area, is what creates resilience.鈥�

My assumption was that all the early-age competence would lead to ultracompetitive youth leagues. But Norwegians value play and skills acquisition above competition. In 1987, the country ratified the Children鈥檚 Rights in Sport, formal legislation that establishes guidelines for youth sports. Among its main directives is that the primary purpose of sports is to gain skills, make friends, and have fun; there鈥檚 nothing about winning. In fact, the guidelines explicitly ban rankings, keeping score, and timed competition before the age of 11. Another mandate: no child is allowed to participate in a championship event until the age of 13.

The guidelines emphasize enjoyment and self-improvement. Haug told me that a favorite kids鈥� game is to run or ski a one-to-five-kilometer course, then repeat. The goal isn鈥檛 to beat your previous time; it鈥檚 to lock into the same pace and come as close as you can to repeating it. Having grown up in the world of ski racing, I had to laugh.

鈥淓verything is a game鈥攜ou鈥檙e sort of tricked into learning,鈥� Haug told me. 鈥淔rom a very young age, you鈥檒l put on cross-country skis and play games while wearing them, like tag or capture the flag.鈥� Coaches give pointers, but only to help kids develop. At this stage, winning isn鈥檛 the objective.

It鈥檚 difficult to argue with the Norwegian formula. Not only does it turn out adults who are physically fit and seemingly well-adjusted, it also produces some of the best athletes in the world. Norway dominated the past two Winter Olympics. In Beijing in 2022, Norway fielded 84 athletes and won 16 gold medals, the most ever by a single nation at a Winter Games. In contrast, the U.S. sent 224 athletes, won eight golds, and totaled 11 fewer medals than Norway. It was an amazing performance by a country with just five million people.

Norway鈥檚 sporting prowess is also growing away from the snow. In 2022, Casper Ruud became the first tennis player in the nation鈥檚 history to reach the top ten, finishing the year at number three. Triathlete Kristian Blummenfelt is an Olympic gold medalist and Ironman world-record holder; his compatriot Gustav Iden won the Hawaii Ironman in October. Anders Mol and Christian S酶rum are the best beach volleyball team on the planet. Jakob Ingebrigtsen is considered one of the world鈥檚 best middle-distance runners. And hurdler Karsten Warholm won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

鈥淏eing able to play and learn and not worry about competition until you鈥檙e older is a big part of why Norwegian athletes are so successful,鈥� said Felix McGrath, a former member of the U.S. Alpine Ski Team. McGrath saw Norway鈥檚 system up close: he worked as a ski coach there for 20 years. His wife, Selma Lie, was a member of the national cross-country ski team, and the two raised their four kids in Oslo. McGrath鈥檚 son Atle skis for the Norwegian national alpine team and won two World Cup races this past season.

The Norwegian approach has a definite advantage over the competition-crazed American one, McGrath told me. De-emphasizing results in preadolescent kids allows children whose bodies are still developing to thrive. 鈥淚n the U.S., those kids are beaten, and it鈥檚 demoralizing. They end up quitting before they get bigger and stronger and are ready to break through. In Norway, by the time they鈥檙e being timed or keeping score, they鈥檝e reached an age where their bodies and minds have matured enough to compete.鈥�

McGrath wondered if Atle would have risen through the ranks in the U.S. system, where kids are identified as talented (or not) very early on, often before they hit puberty.

My conversations with the Lockers, Rosenberg, McGrath, and others were enlightening, but I had my doubts that raising Sophie the Norwegian way was even possible in the States. Our culture doesn鈥檛 lend itself to free play and outdoor trial and error. Americans are far more litigious鈥攈ence all the helicopter parenting. If Sophie were to fall and break something, my health insurance may make patching her back up challenging and unaffordable.

Still, I believe there are ways I can apply the Norwegian method. Backyard trampolines abound in Norwegian towns and suburbs, and I鈥檓 already plotting how to get permission from my homeowners鈥� association to install one on a patch of community green-space. I鈥檓 also rehearsing ways to persuade Sophie to commute by bicycle. I don鈥檛 want her to get hurt, of course, but I鈥檓 resolved to encourage her to push her boundaries.

Adopting the Norwegian attitude with respect to youth sports will be harder. It鈥檒l be nearly impossible to tell my daughter when she turns 11 that she can鈥檛 play in a soccer game because 鈥淒ad has a better plan,鈥� even though there are a few examples of this model working in the U.S. Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, famously took his daughters off the tournament circuit when they were ten to help them ease into the game. Ted Ligety, the legendary ski racer who won two Olympic gold medals, recently wrote on Instagram about how much he benefited from recreational skiing with friends after training days. Ligety and his buddies abandoned their competition skis for shaped ones and had fun pushing one another on the same slopes the rest of us ski.

鈥淲ithout play and experimentation, I would have stayed an OK ski racer and maybe eventually an OK college skier,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淏ut I played and experimented, and it made all the difference.鈥�

The best advice I received was to keep outdoor activities light and fun. Rosenberg told me about another Norwegian tradition called S酶ndagstur, or 鈥淪unday outing.鈥�

鈥淣orwegians take the family out for the entire day to ski, build a bonfire, and roast hot dogs,鈥� he said. Done, done, and done.

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runs like any other coffee shop: patrons come in, order chai lattes and slices of poppyseed cake, then sit down to read a book, chat with a friend, or type away on their laptops. But on any given day at this cozy space in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the northernmost town in the world, there are also a couple friendly dogs lounging around.

The dog cafe opened in April on the remote, Norwegian-governed archipelago surrounded by the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean. Four Norwegian transplants who all worked together at a Longyearbyen hotel鈥擬artin Fiala, Nicola Bunyan, Iris Dahle Bj酶rkmann, and Kristina Labunskaite鈥攐pened the business to create a homey environment for locals and visitors, who come with the hope of seeing polar bears and the northern lights.

A rotating crew of local dogs鈥攑ets听that belong to staffers, friends, friends of friends, former colleagues, and other residents鈥斺�渨ork鈥� several shifts a week. Their entire job is to bring joy to patrons and create a living room vibe at the cafe. After their human parents drop them off, the pups hang out, alternating between several dog beds, couches, and the floor. They鈥檙e also in hot demand for Instagram photos.

Like many good ideas, Caf茅 Huskies started as a joke over beers. A few years ago, Fiala read about cat cafes opening up around the world. But cats are to prevent the spread of disease and protect local wildlife, so he made an off-hand comment about adapting the concept to dogs. Longyearbyen is home to many dog-sledding companies that lead tours across the Arctic tundra, and travelers seem to really love the huskies on those trips, so the concept felt on-brand.

鈥淚 said, 鈥楪ee, someone should open a husky cafe. That would be really popular,鈥欌�� says Fiala. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of a ridiculous idea. But then I thought about it and decided that it would definitely work.鈥�

At the same time, Bunyan and Labunskaite were also considering opening a boutique to sell the creations of local artists, such as photography prints, knitted items, illustrations, and knick-knacks made from reindeer antlers. When a centrally-located retail space came up for rent, the friends took it as a sign to combine their visions and make them a reality. Bj酶rkmann, who is from mainland Norway and could help with all the startup paperwork written in Norwegian, also joined in.

They quickly spruced up the space, ordered equipment, and began recruiting dogs to spend time at the cafe.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 have all these dogs ourselves, so we had to figure something out,鈥� says Fiala. 鈥淏asically, we鈥檝e asked friends or colleagues who have dogs if they鈥檇 like to bring them in as a kind of dog socializing spot and that鈥檚 worked OK so far.鈥�

With a few four-legged volunteers, they began pairing various pets together to see who got along and who didn鈥檛. From those interactions, they鈥檝e crafted a special dog schedule that ensures there鈥檚 always one or, ideally, two chummy dogs relaxing at the cafe at any given time. (Because the cafe dogs all have different personalities and tendencies, general customers are not allowed to bring their pets on the premises.)

Whenever he鈥檚 scheduled to work, Clooney鈥攁 long, lanky, white and gray husky鈥攕erves as the official greeter, calmly accepting pats and rubs as customers walk through the front door. There are also DJ and Eminem, two elderly retired sled dogs known for sleeping on the job, as well as Jersey, a sweet female with piercing blue eyes. Tequila, a cheery, all-white five-year-old just had her first litter of puppies. And Stuka, Jeti, Fox, Brun, Gandhi, Thando, Nemi, and R2-D2 also pick up shifts from time to time.

It鈥檚 a loose arrangement just for fun in which no money exchanges hands: the pups get plenty of treats, lots of affection and stimulation, and regular walks during each shift. Their humans, meanwhile, get to pick up tired, happy dogs at the end of the day, as well as free coffee and food whenever they come in. Customers can enjoy a few hours of dog-induced contentment.

鈥淲e created this really nice, cozy vibe because that鈥檚 what we like鈥攚e wanted to make this type of place for ourselves and share it with everyone,鈥� says Bunyan. 鈥淲e want people to feel at home.鈥�

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Catching the northern lights, or aurora borealis, used to be a chance occasion, a rare fluke for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. But nowadays, scientists have figured out more accurate ways to predict when and where the northern lights will appear.

鈥淪cientists around the world are still working to understand the aurora,鈥� says Dr. Kathryn McWilliams, director of the SuperDARN Canada National Research Facility and a professor of physics and engineering physics at Canada鈥檚 University of Saskatchewan. 鈥淭here are many types of instruments, on the ground and in space, that monitor auroral conditions, and there are many scientific and government websites with maps of the auroral oval, which is the region with the highest probability of seeing the aurora.鈥�

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has an that estimates conditions weeks ahead of time. You can also check out the , where scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitor and track the likelihood of the aurora happening. And, of course, there鈥檚 an app: shows a map of the best locations in the world for viewing the lights now or weeks from now.

Generally speaking, the best time of year to see the northern lights is from late August to mid-April, because those are the darkest months of the year, but you can certainly catch the aurora in midsummer if you time it right. The best sightings will occur during the darkest hours of the night, between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M.

Picking a geographic location close to the North Pole will help boost your chances of seeing the northern lights鈥攏orthern-latitude places like Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are often sure bets. But you鈥檒l also need to make sure you鈥檙e far from any light pollution and have a clear night sky without clouds, storms, or a too-bright full moon. We鈥檝e picked some of our favorite spots in the Northern Hemisphere for catching the lights.

Where to Go to Watch the Northern Lights

1. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

This 218,000-acre national park is one of the most remote northern spots in the lower 48. The designated it an official dark sky park in 2020, meaning there鈥檚 minimal light pollution way out here. Pitch a tent at one of the park鈥檚 more isolated campgrounds鈥攖here are 15 hike-in or boat-in backcountry campsites鈥攆or the . If you鈥檇 rather have a bed to sleep in, stay at the 31-room (from $169) in the town of Ranier, ten minutes from the park鈥檚 entrance, which has a rooftop sauna and hot tub for night sky-gazing, free yoga, and whiskey tasting at the in-house distillery.

2. Djupvik, Norway

Backcountry skiers visit Norway鈥檚 Lyngen Alps in winter for the legendary ski touring. While there, they might be treated to a brilliant showing of the northern lights. Stay at the eight-room boutique (from $234) and you鈥檒l have guided backcountry skiing by day and northern lights photography classes by night. To get here, you鈥檒l fly into Troms酶, a popular northern lights destination, then drive 2.5 hours into the Lyngen Alps, where the lodge sits on the edge of a fjord.

3. Fairbanks, Alaska

From August to April, you can see the northern lights in Fairbanks on most clear nights. The city even has its own for the latest status from six prime viewing locations around the area. Sign up for an aurora tour if you want a guided perspective: offers tours by ground or air. Sleep in a geodesic igloo with a clear roof or a tiny cube with floor-to-ceiling windows at , 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, where two-night packages (from $980) include dogsledding and snowmobiling.

4. Whitehorse, Canada

Twenty minutes outside the Yukon city of Whitehorse, recently added three new glass chalets, with prime nighttime viewing of the northern lights and three-night packages (from $1,190). Or catch the lights from a hot tub: the new in Whitehorse is slated to open this year with four outdoor soaking pools. Want even more of an adventure? Fly into Old Crow, the northernmost community in the Yukon, and take a tour with , an Indigenous-led guided operation that leads night tours and dogsled excursions.

5. Levi, Finland

If Santa Claus lives anywhere, it might be Levi, a charming village fit for elves 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the heart of Finnish Lapland. In winter, Levi is home to one of the biggest ski resorts in Finland, but many people also come here for the northern lights. Sleep in one of 24 glass-roofed igloos at (from $274), where even the on-site restaurant has entirely glass walls and ceiling.

6. Hella, Iceland

Here鈥檚 a hotel amenity we can get behind: at the 51-room (from $428) in southern Iceland, if you select the aurora wake-up service, the hotel will buzz your in-room phone whenever the lights appear at night, ensuring you won鈥檛 miss the spectacle. Once you鈥檙e awake, you can watch the night sky from three geothermally heated hot tubs or the hotel鈥檚 own rooftop observatory. This hotel is located between the towns of Hella and Hvolsv枚llur, about an hour鈥檚 drive into the countryside from Iceland鈥檚 capital city of Reykjav铆k.

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The Lyngen peninsula in northern Norway is home to 124 peaks, each over 3,200 feet tall. The Lyngen Alps offer incredible backcountry skiing鈥攁nd even the occasional chance to ski from a summit to the sea below. In 2018, Norr酶na ambassadors and professional skiers , , and took to Lyngen鈥檚 slopes to test out gear in the company鈥檚 home country. Welcome to Lyngen shows the footage from their expedition.

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