Located just outside Ivalo and surrounded by quiet forest, Aurora Village offers a comfortable base for discovering this unique northern landscape. Known for its distinctive glass-roof cabins and nature-based activities, the resort allows visitors to stay close to nature while enjoying the landscapes, wildlife and culture of northern Lapland. Visitors can explore the region through hiking, paddling and cycling, meet Arctic animals, experience local culture, relax in traditional saunas and, as autumn arrives, witness the Northern Lights.
Far in the north of Finnish Lapland, the landscapes around Ivalo offer one of Europe’s most peaceful and unspoiled nature experiences. Vast forests stretch across the horizon, rivers wind through the wilderness and gentle fells rise above the tree line. The air is exceptionally clean, the pace of life slow, and nature is always close.
One of the key reasons why Finnish Lapland is such a special summer and autumn destination is its vast, untouched wilderness. Large areas remain completely unspoiled, offering space, silence and a true connection to nature. At the same time, the region is exceptionally safe, and thanks to Finland’s Everyman’s Right, nature is freely accessible to everyone allowing visitors to explore forests, lakes and open landscapes without restrictions, something that is rare in many other countries.
During summer, the extraordinary Midnight Sun keeps the landscape bright day and night. With comfortable temperatures and endless daylight hours, visitors have plenty of time to explore the Arctic outdoors. Despite its northern location, summer in Lapland can be surprisingly warm, with temperatures often reaching well above 20°C. Hiking trails lead through ancient forests and open fell landscapes, rivers invite paddling adventures and quiet lakes provide perfect places to relax.
Nature is at its most vibrant during these months. Wild berries ripen across the forests, birds fill the air with sound and reindeer often wander freely through the landscape. Nearby Inari, known as the cultural heart of Finland’s Sámi people, offers a deeper insight into northern traditions at the renowned Siida Museum.
As summer gradually turns to autumn, Lapland’s famous ruska season transforms forests and fells into vibrant shades of red, orange and gold. The crisp air and colourful scenery make this one of the most beautiful times for hiking and photography. From late August onwards, darker nights return and the Northern Lights begin to appear once again in the Arctic sky.
Stay beneath the northern sky
Aurora Village is best known for its glass-roof cabins, designed to bring the Arctic sky directly into the experience of staying in Lapland. The cabins are set within a peaceful forest setting, offering privacy while still providing easy access to the resort’s services and activities.
Each cabin features a heated panoramic glass roof that allows guests to watch the sky from the comfort of their bed. During summer this means enjoying the warm glow of the Midnight Sun late into the night. In early autumn the same view may reveal star-filled skies or even the first Northern Lights of the season.
The Aurora Cabin – Glass Igloo Cabins provide a cosy retreat surrounded by nature. Families or small groups may prefer the Aurora Suite, which includes two separate glass-roof bedrooms in a spacious layout. The Aurora Tower adds a loft beneath the glass roof, creating a relaxing place to watch the northern sky.
For travellers seeking more space and comfort, the Aurora Tower Suite combines two glass-roof bedrooms with a living area, kitchen and fireplace.
Exploring northern Lapland
One of the best reasons to visit Ivalo during the warmer months is the easy access to Lapland’s wilderness. Without snow covering the terrain, forests, rivers and fells open up to a wide range of outdoor experiences.
Guided hikes lead visitors into the landscapes of Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland’s second-largest national park. Here, ancient pine forests, wetlands and open fell areas create diverse scenery.
Another popular excursion leads to Otsamo Fell, where the trail follows the Juutua River before climbing above the tree line. From the summit, views stretch far across Lake Inari and the surrounding wilderness.
The nearby Juutua Path (Juutuanpolku) in Inari is an easy six-kilometre circular trail along the Juutua River. The route passes forest scenery, traditional lean-to shelters and the impressive Jäniskoski rapids.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore the forest trails on fatbikes, while the Ivalo River, flowing nearly 180 kilometres through northern Lapland, offers excellent opportunities for paddling trips.
Fishing is also popular in the region’s clean waters, where anglers may catch Arctic char, trout or grayling.
Animal encounters and nature experiences
Animals are a natural part of life in northern Lapland, and several experiences around Aurora Village allow visitors to meet them in a relaxed environment.
Horseback riding offers a peaceful and memorable way to explore the landscape, with experiences organised at Aurora Village’s own stables. Riding through forest trails and open nature, visitors experience the quiet and stillness of Lapland from a different perspective. Calm and friendly Finnish horses carry riders safely through the wilderness.. For younger visitors, a pony cart ride through the nearby forest offers a gentle introduction to this traditional way of moving through nature.
A visit to a nearby husky farm introduces guests to the energetic sled dogs of the Arctic. Even outside winter, visitors can meet the dogs, learn about their daily life and the work of husky mushers.
In summer and autumn, experiences continue with adapted activities. A husky wagon ride takes guests through forest landscapes on a wheeled cart, while husky hiking offers a slower way to explore nature alongside a husky, often including a relaxed break by the fire.
Together, these activities offer a natural and engaging way to connect with Arctic animals while exploring the landscapes of northern Lapland.
When autumn colours arrive
Autumn is often considered one of Lapland’s most beautiful seasons. During ruska, forests and fells glow in rich shades of red, orange and gold.
The crisp air and colourful scenery make this an ideal time for hiking, photography and enjoying the quiet Arctic landscape.
At the same time, darker nights return, and from late August onwards the Northern Lights may appear again in the sky. Contrary to common belief, the aurora is not limited to winter, autumn often offers excellent conditions for viewing, with milder temperatures and, at times, reflections visible on unfrozen lakes.
Aurora Village organises several ways to experience the aurora. Guests can visit Aurora Camp, located on a forested hill far from artificial lights, where they gather around a campfire with hot drinks while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Guides share insights into the phenomenon and the surrounding Arctic nature, and the setting also offers good opportunities for night-time photography.
For those seeking the best possible conditions, guided Northern Lights tours travel by car to areas with clearer skies. Led by experienced guides, these excursions combine local knowledge and careful route planning to maximise the chances of witnessing the aurora.
Discover northern culture
The region around Ivalo is also rich in culture and history. Nearby Inari is the cultural centre of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of northern Europe.
At the Siida Museum, visitors can learn about Sámi culture, traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding and fishing, and the close relationship between people and the Arctic environment. The exhibitions present the traditional way of life in the north and the rhythm of the eight seasons that shape life in Lapland.
Another interesting excursion leads to the village of Nellim, located near the Russian border and surrounded by beautiful wilderness landscapes. Guided visits explore the quiet village, the Paatsjoki River area and local history, with stories connected to the Skolt Sámi culture and life in this remote northern region.
Visitors can also take part in Arctic craft workshops, where local traditions come to life through hands-on experiences. Using materials such as reindeer leather and antler, participants create small handmade items such as key charms, while learning about Sámi handicrafts and the cultural significance of reindeer in the region. These workshops are guided by local artisans and are suitable for all levels.
Sauna and relaxation
No visit to Finland would be complete without experiencing the sauna. At Aurora Village, guests can enjoy a modern glass-roof panorama sauna, where the surrounding forest becomes part of the experience, as well as an outdoor jacuzzi on a scenic terrace.
For a more traditional experience, a wood-heated barrel sauna offers a peaceful setting to unwind. Depending on the season, the experience can also include an ice bath, providing a refreshing contrast after the heat of the sauna.
Northern flavours at Aurora Village
Dining is an important part of the Aurora Village experience. After a day exploring Lapland’s forests, rivers and fells, guests can enjoy a relaxed three-course dinner served at the resort’s restaurant.
The daily changing menu focuses on local ingredients, Nordic flavours and seasonal produce. Dishes may feature Arctic fish such as trout or char, local perch, reindeer prepared with traditional recipes, or creative plant-based options made with vegetables, grains and mushrooms.
Starters might include silky soups, smoked fish mousse or beetroot carpaccio, while desserts often highlight Nordic berries such as lingonberries, blueberries or cloudberries.
Vegetarian and vegan options are always available, and the restaurant places increasing emphasis on local producers, sustainability and traditional Finnish flavours.
A peaceful gateway to the Arctic
Despite its remote atmosphere, Aurora Village is easy to reach. The resort is located only 15 minutes from Ivalo Airport, one of the northernmost airports in Europe.
Within a short time of arrival, visitors find themselves surrounded by forest and open northern landscapes.
For travellers seeking space, nature and authentic Arctic experiences, summer and autumn reveal a quieter but equally fascinating side of Lapland. Endless daylight, colourful forests, clear rivers and the return of the Northern Lights create a setting where nature takes centre stage.
At Aurora Village, this landscape becomes part of the stay itself — offering a peaceful gateway to the wilderness, culture and experiences of northern Lapland.
