Watch the Northern Lights From a Cozy Bed at This Posh Igloo Hotel

Igloos and northern lights at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

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Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers an amazing location for viewing the aurora borealis, or northern lights. It has several types of lodging, but the glass igloos are probably the most popular as they let visitors enjoy the mesmerizing aurora borealis in complete comfort. The resort is located far enough away from any artificial light sources, so as long as it’s a clear night, the odds of seeing a colorful aurora are pretty high.

The glass igloos are designed with thermal insulation so that they remain warm and comfortable during wintery conditions. They have private bathrooms and saunas, and the glass walls provide unobstructed views of the sky above, allowing guests to lie down in bed and watch one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. It’s definitely one of the most romantic hotels in Europe.

Other options range from log cabins to traditional Finnish homes with kitchenettes to unique earth lodges — wood-roofed rooms dug out of the earth that are hard to see from above ground. But don’t think they’re basic: the earth lodges at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort have WiFi, private saunas, and oversized bathtubs in the ensuite bathrooms.

Summer activities

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If you’re planning to visit Finland in the summer, you’ll have plenty to do, even if you can’t see the aurora. Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes at Kakslauttanen, and common fish found in the nearby lakes include arctic char, whitefish, and salmon.

The area also provides plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking through pristine nature trails that lead to traditional Lappish villages or breathtaking waterfalls. Wild mushroom-picking is another popular activity for tourists, as are mountain biking, hiking with reindeer, and even panning for gold.

Winter activities

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Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is the absolute definition of a winter wonderland. During the colder months, visitors can take part in husky and reindeer safaris or go snow karting and snowmobiling. Of course, the hotel offers standard winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus the resort is near a few ski resorts. You can also do more non-traditional winter activities like “snowtank” safaris or rides on an icebreaker ship, designed to smash through iceberg in arctic waters.

How much does Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort cost?

Photo: Booking.com/Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a variety of packages, and while it isn’t inexpensive, it’s also not only for millionaires, especially when the Euro-to-USD conversion rate is favorable. Prices for the glass igloos start from 220 Euro per night, while the traditional snow igloo hotels range from 150-400 Euro per night — roughly $170 to $450 USD per night, as of January 2023. Some packages include activities, though you can also add them on a la carte. As you may expect, the off-seasons of mid-spring and late autumn are the most affordable.