Is this the best travel job in the world? Finland Arctic Snow Hotel is hiring a northern lights spotter

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 7 years ago

Is this the best travel job in the world? Finland Arctic Snow Hotel is hiring a northern lights spotter

By Annie Dang
Updated
Loading

Want to see the coolest natural light display on the planet before it dims for a decade?

Finland's Arctic Snow Hotel is looking for an official northern lights spotter to ensure its guests don't miss out on seeing what has been voted the world's No.1 bucket list experience.

The hotel, located close to the Arctic Circle, is looking for a spotter who is keen to wake in the early hours to scan the sky in Finnish Lapland for the lights blazing through the dark skies.

The Arctic Snow Hotel opens every year around October for the aurora borealis season.

The Arctic Snow Hotel opens every year around October for the aurora borealis season. Credit: Arctic Snow Hotel/Facebook

The spotter's shift would begin at 11pm and end at 6.30am. Their main job is to keep watch for the aurora borealis and wake hotel guests when it begins to glimmer.

No "spotting" experience is necessary for the seasonal role but the ad stipulates that "knowledge of English and staying awake" and being able to "recognise" the aurora borealis are essential.

The contracted position is set to start in December and is expected to end in March or April. Applications close on September 11.

The Arctic Snow Hotel  features glass igloos.

The Arctic Snow Hotel features glass igloos.Credit: Arctic Snow Hotel/Facebook

The hotel is also looking for waitresses, maids and receptionists, but it's apparent the role with the most interest is the northern lights spotter. View job ad here.

Advertisement

The hotel also posted a job ad to its Facebook page. Among the many questions posts one potential applicant asked: "Are you guys willing to hire foreigners?"

The hotel replied: "We can hire foreigners too but notice that it requires a lot from you if you don't live currently in the area as you have to get the apartment yourself and also having a car is highly recommended. This job is only for four months."

But the most important question about any job (even as a northern lights spotter) is salary. To which the hotel replied: "You can discuss about the salary if you make it to the job interview."

One Australian commented: "I often dream of seeing this. It would be a dream come true along with missing summer here! I can't get enough of winter. I work in a deep freezer and love it! Can someone from Australia apply?

The response from the hotel: "You can send your application and CV during this week to info@arcticsnowhotel.fi." So that sounds like a yes!

The Arctic Snow Hotel is constructed from ice and snow every year around October for the aurora borealis season. The hotel, which consists of glass-roof igloos, allows guests to watch the lights from the comfort of their bed.

Potential job applicants are advised they will need to find their own accommodation, the job will be full-time for four months (December 1-March 31), it's recommended that applicants have their own car (the hotel is located 27km from Rovaniemi and there is no public transport to the hotel) and being able to speak English is mandatory.

The northern lights are visible about 200 nights a year in Lapland.

The phenomenon is nearing the end of its 11-year solar cycle, meaning the lights will appear less frequently and not as bright. The downward leg of the cycle is likely to last until 2026.

If you're keen to see the northern lights, 2016 will still provide a wondrous display, making this season the most opportune time for travellers – light spotter or not.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading