February 17, 2008

Northern light show

A unique hotel in northern Sweden is offering guests en suite ice fishing and a chance to see the elusive Northern Lights from the comfort of a hot tub. Doug McKinlay strikes it lucky

Abisko in northern Sweden — Abisko in northern Sweden is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights Photograph: Doug McKinlay

Ark hotel in northern Sweden — The Ark Hotel is a collection of flatpack huts constructed on the ice of Lake Tornetrask Photograph: Doug McKinlay

Ark hotel in northern Sweden — The design is modelled on 'arks', the special huts that locals build and drag onto the ice each year to give them shelter while ice fishing Photograph: Doug McKinlay

Ark hotel in northern Sweden — Each hut sleeps up to three people and is insulated from the elements with a double layer of pine and plywood Photograph: Doug McKinlay

Ice fishing in northern Sweden — In each hut, there's a hole in the floor, allowing you to fish while sheltered from the elements Photograph: Doug McKinlay

northern lights — This area is known as the Abisko Blue Hole: a microclimate created by the surrounding mountains keeps clouds at bay and increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights Photograph: Doug McKinlay

northern lights — An outside toilet with a view Photograph: Doug McKinlay

northern lights in Sweden — The Aurora Borealis put on a spectacular show. The best time to see the light show is between November and March Photograph: Doug McKinlay

northern lights in Sweden — The huts and toilet block are designed to cause minimal environmental impact and will be dismantled at the end of each winter Photograph: Doug McKinlay

northern lights — At night temperatures can drop to -20C. Guests can warm up in the hotel sauna or a hot tub Photograph: Doug McKinlay

northern lights in Sweden — The Northern Lights are best seen on cold, clear nights. For more information see abisko.nu Photograph: Doug McKinley/Doug McKinlay

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