Updated May 2026

Borealis Basecamp — Aurora Hotel in Fairbanks (north), Alaska

Glass-domed igloos 25 miles outside Fairbanks — North America's answer to Kakslauttanen.

★★★★★4.5· Editor's pick

Aurora HotelLuxuryDark sky 5/5Glass roof

Borealis Basecamp — aurora viewing site, hero photo — Photo: borealisbasecamp.com

Borealis Basecamp transplants the Finnish glass-igloo concept to interior Alaska. Twenty fiberglass-domed cabins with a clear front face the boreal forest from a 100-acre site 25 miles northwest of Fairbanks. The dome roofs are insulated polycarbonate, transparent enough to watch aurora from bed but rated for -50°F. The on-site restaurant runs a fixed 4-course tasting menu nightly.

Aurora season

Aug → Apr

Peak months

Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar

Latitude

64.95° N (60-65)

Dark-sky rating

5 / 5

Glass roof

Yes

Aurora alarm

Not provided

What to expect

Two-night minimum. Stays include round-trip transport from Fairbanks airport, breakfast, and access to the property's snowmobile trails. Cube cabins (the newer rectangular alternative) have larger windows and slightly more privacy.

Dark-sky notes

Bortle 2. Property sits on a forested ridge with the only artificial light being the lodge itself.

Amenities & features

fiberglass igloosaurora alarmrestauranttransport includedsnowmobile trails

Book or research

For current rates, dates, and reservations, visit the property's own site:

Visit borealisbasecamp.com ↗

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights at Borealis Basecamp?

Borealis Basecamp has a viewing season of Aug → Apr, with peak months in Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar. Dark sky is reliable here, so any moonless clear night during these months is a viable viewing window.

Can you watch the aurora from your room?

Yes — Borealis Basecamp has glass-roof rooms designed for aurora viewing from bed. There's no wake-up alarm here, so most guests check the sky periodically through the night.

How do I get to Borealis Basecamp?

Fairbanks (north), United States (Alaska). 13075 Murphy Dome Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA. See borealisbasecamp.com for current access details and bookings. As a aurora hotel, plan ahead — winter dates fill 6+ months in advance.