Swap Iceland’s Blue Lagoon For The U.S.’s Own Hot Springs, Complete With Northern Lights Views

Relaxing in geothermal hot springs and looking up to see the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead is an idyllic experience that many people dream of and is something that draws millions of people to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon every year.

In fact, Iceland has the choice of both the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon, which are perfect for taking a soak in crystal clear blue water while, if you’re lucky, gazing up at one of the earth’s greatest phenomena, painting the sky in pinks and greens. However, Iceland is notoriously expensive to get to and stay in.

But, there is a chance to get this mesmerizing experience right in the U.S. Chena Springs, one of the best hot springs in the US, provides not only an amazing hot spring, but a chance to witness world-class Northern Lights views. Let’s find out more about where this spa spot is, how to get there, and all the details you need to know.

Chena Hot Springs In Fairbanks, Alaska, Is An Ideal Alternative To Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Enjoy Northern Lights views without the huge crowds and international airfare

Located about an hour and 15 minutes outside of Fairbanks, AK, along the Chena River, lies the Chena Hot Springs Resort. This remote, naturally beautiful resort is home to a healing hot spring that truly gives you some of the most stunning views in the world.

Much like Iceland, Alaska is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, and you have the benefit of not having to leave the US.

Here you can take a dip in the geothermal lake or the indoor mineral pools that sit around 106 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. As such, it’s a great hidden hot spring to visit in the winter, when those Alaskan temperatures take a nose dive.

Winter is also a great time of year to see the Northern lights at Chena Hot Springs Resort, when the skies are darker, as well as in the fall and early spring. Summer is a less reliable time to see them. However, as long as the skies are clear, there is a chance of seeing them.

Unlike the Blue Lagoon, Chena Hot Springs isn’t filled with influencers and tourist crowds. Its remote nature prevents exactly that. As it’s so remote, the lack of light pollution means that you’re actually more likely to see the Northern Lights here than at the Blue Lagoon in Keflavik.

Chena Hot Springs Resort information

What Can You Do Around Chena Hot Springs Resort?

This resort is a hub for wellness and relaxation, surrounded by nature

So, while the geothermal lake is the main draw to Chena Hot Springs Resort, there are plenty of things to see and do. The resort also boasts hot tubs and indoor pools containing mineral spring water, which helps boost your general well-being. If you visit during the winter, the resort also hosts snowmobile tours and ice fishing experiences in the area.

Onsite, you will also find the Aurora Ice Museum, opened in 2005, and containing over 1,000 tons of ice and snow from around the resort. You can take a 45-minute tour around the museum and then enjoy a cocktail at the chilly ice bar. The resort also offers a kennel tour where you can learn all about Alaskan huskies and the roles they play in Alaskan mushing culture.

Depending on the season, there are ATV tours, dog sled tours, hiking, horseback rides, and more that you can enjoy. Alternatively, you can relax and unwind onsite with Chena Hot Springs’ extensive massage therapy selection. All of this, on the doorstep of the Chena River State Recreation Area.

How To Get To Chena Hot Springs Resort

Getting to Fairbanks can be tricky

With Chena Hot Springs being over an hour outside of Fairbanks, it’s not the easiest place to get to. There is a shuttle from downtown Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs and back, which is $180 per person for a round trip and $90 for one-way. The 60-mile route from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs is open all year round, so if you are driving a rental car or your own vehicle, you can also get here.

There is no public transport from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs, so you can either pay for the shuttle or drive. To get to Fairbanks, you can fly into Fairbanks International Airport. This has a ton of internal routes in Alaska and connects to the continental US through Seattle Tacoma International Airport.

You can also get the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This route takes 11 hours, 40 minutes, and runs once a day at 8.20 a.m. Adult prices one-way start from $285, and this scenic route gives you amazing views of Denali National Park. Be aware that this train only runs between mid-May and mid-September.

So, if you’re looking for a hot spring and Northern Lights experience, but don’t want to travel to Iceland, check out Chena Hot Springs Resort in central Alaska. This resort has so much to see and do, from outdoorsy vibes to gentle relaxation.