Of all the many available choices of accommodation in Finland, perhaps the most exotic are those destinations where visitors can spend a night in a room fashioned from snow and ice; or in the more luxurious, and warmer, glass igloos available in so many new igloo villages. Indeed, both options have proven to be among the most popular in winter as can be seen by the increase in the number of beds available, which has been growing steadily since the very first Snow Hotel and Igloo Hotel opened. These beds are predominantly located in Finnish Lapland, where the external temperatures can drop below -30º Celsius. However cold it is outside, visitors can be assured that their beds are snug and warm, soft reindeer skins (in some of the accommodations) under thick and comfy sleeping bags see to that, and the room temperatures are kept between 0ºC and -5ºC, thanks to the insulating properties of snow. A hot berry drink at bedtime, and in the morning a visit to the sauna, are usually features of these overnight stays.
Traditionally, Finland’s alternative accommodations tended to be located in and around Finnish Lapland, but today you don’t need to travel that far north to enjoy an aurora-themed holiday. The most southerly destination is Lomakeskus Revontuli located in Hankasalmi, in Finnish Lakeland, who offer Sky Aurora and Deluxe Glass Igloos among its range of choices. On the west coast near Vaasa, Kalle’s Inn Glass Houses‘ are situated at the edge of the Kvarken UNESCO World Heritage, providing guests with uninterrupted views of the sea, the sky and the rocky islands from the warmth and comfort of their bed. Further north on the southernmost fell in Finland, adjacent to the Syöte National Park that is named after the fell, Kuuru Tunturilaakso, invites their guests to experience Finnish nature and the beauty of the Northern Lights in their glass-roofed luxury Suites which have been built by local companies and decorated by Finnish top designers.
On the opposite side of the country, north of Kuusamo and close by Ruka Ski Resort, Iisakki Glass Village is operated Ruka Safaris. A small resort, clients can experience an unforgettable night under the northern sky in one of their luxurious glass villas, enjoy half board dinner or a special Lappish theme dinner in the nearby restaurant, and take part in a number of artic adventures. About 8 km from the village of Ruka, Magical Pond offers accommodation in 20 glass igloos where you can experience the atmosphere of silence, pure nature, and the Arctic night in peace under the shelter of a modern igloo. The architecturally impressive village offers a wonderful holistic experience, often crowned by the northern lights and the splendour of the Milky Way that appear in the Lapland sky. By the tranquil shores of Lake Livo in Posio, Livo Arctic’s igloos feature large ceiling windows offering direct views of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Visitors can also immerse yourself in thrilling winter activities, including husky and reindeer sleigh rides, Northern Lights excursions, and exhilarating snowmobile adventures through snowy landscapes.
The next set of alternative accommodations are clustered around Ranua, famous its Wildlife Park which is the most northern zoo in the world. Arctic Fox Igloos are located on the naturally beautiful, peaceful shores of the lake Ranuanjärvi, far from any city light pollution. Each igloo offers an unobstructed view to the far-reaching open lake, and the northern skies, where the Northern Lights may be seen on cloudless nights. In addition to a glass-walled bedroom, each of the Arctic Fox Igloos is also equipped with a private sauna! Arctic Guesthouse Ranua provides accommodation in a traditional B&B Guesthouse since the 1940’s, or in one of their 10 fully mobile and floating AuroraHut glass igloos
Suitably for a city designated as the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi has an abundance of alternative accommodations to choose from, including a snow hotel. Close by the Ounasvaara Ski Resort the Snowland Restaurant is one of the world’s largest igloo restaurants, in addition to serving meals the venue is also used for Ice Discos, weddings, and private parties. Part of SantaPark Arctic World near Santa Claus Village, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel offers guests a brand new way to experience the Arctic Circle and the beauty of the Northern Lights in the nest like atmosphere of their thoughtfully designed suites. Also located by Santa Claus Village, Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle has four different glass igloo types. Premium Igloos, Premium Igloos with Sauna, Premium Igloos with Hot Tub and Premium Igloos with Alcove. Glass Resort is nestled in a peaceful corner of Santa Claus Village right on the Arctic Circle, eight kilometres north of Rovaniemi city centre. There are 24 Premium Glass Apartments with private Hot Spring outdoor hot tub and Sauna. There are also 3 Deluxe Glass Apartments, with extra space and upscale comforts. Inspired by Lapland’s indigenous “kota” design, they offer two stories of peaceful luxury, perfect for families or small groups seeking both privacy and exclusivity.
A little further from Rovaniemi, the Apukka Resort builds a variety of ice buildings every winter, as well as providing accommodation in private rooms and apartments, and special aurora cabins, as well as offering original aurora activities just north of the Arctic Circle. Further north, just 25km outside the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, lies the Arctic SnowHotel which sleeps 70 guests and is one of the largest in the Nordic region. Within the grounds of the Arctic SnowHotel you’ll also find an Ice Bar, where drinks are actually served in ice rather than with ice, an Ice Chapel for weddings, and other non-ice hospitality buildings. Their Igloo Hotel that opened in 2014 is now is comprised of 39 glass igloos with 127 beds.
SkyView Igloo Resort offers accommodation in 14 Igloo Towers, offering a truly elevated experience, located on the quiet hill of Ollerovaara, just minutes from the city of Rovaniemi, yet surrounded by untouched nature that feels a world apart. Nova Galaxy Village is a small glamping resort for adults only, with 12 Scandinavian style Aurora Hut glass igloos with wood-burning saunas, a reception building, a cozy open-fire restaurant, Stella Nova Flame, and facilities for our own, exclusive Arctic activities. Vikajärvi Lake View Experience Igloos are located on the ice of the lake during the winter. The igloos have a shared cottage for communal use, where guests can make their own meals, or you can enjoy the heath of the fireplace and the sauna in the cottage. Aito Igloo and Spa Resort offers accommodation in 3 Aurora Treehouses, cosy cottages perched on a 3-metre pillar among Arctic evergreens. The panoramic window commands a magnificent view of the lake and gives you a front row seat to the spectacular winter display of Northern Lights! They also have an Aurora Nest is a mobile igloo boat. Ollero Eco Lodge also has a modern Glass Igloo which lies on the Ounasjoki riverbank, a few quick steps from their Main Lodge.
Further north again, in fact almost 200km above the Arctic Circle lies the picturesque Lapland Hotels SnowVillage Finland in Lainio, which is a little under 30km from Kittilä, and near to the excellent ski resorts of Levi and Ylläs. The SnowVillage also features a wonderful SnowHotel, with a selection of suites for two or four. There are also log cabins for those who prefer warmth and comfort. In addition to their popular ice bar and snow restaurant there is also a Snow Chapel, with detailed ice sculpting that is always well worth seeing. The Golden Crown Levi Igloos are located at an altitude of 340 metres around the slopes of Utsuvaara, 10 kilometres from the resort town of Levi, offering accommodation in a choice of premium or superior glass igloos, or in the Northern Lights Luxury House, a stunning holiday villa whose large windows create a stage for the amazing performances of northern nature.
Operated by Hullu Poro Hotel, there are 11 Aurora Pyramids situated at the Tonttula Elves villa Hideaway in Köngäs village, only 10 minutes drive away from the centre of Levi Ski Resort. Each Aurora Pyramid (30 m2) has a bedroom with panorama window and double bed, desktop and bar chairs, armchair (with an extra bed), TV, small kitchenette and WC/shower. The Aurora Cabins at the Northern Lights Village in Levi are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in the warm bed. The laser-heated glass-roof opens up into the northern sky, directly above the bed. Northern Lights Ranch is a unique restaurant, accommodation and activity facility located in Finnish Lapland, 15 km from Levi Ski Resort and 30 km from Kittilä airport. It combines tranquility, pure air and beautiful nature into an Arctic experience which is rare to come by. Reindeer Manor features ten glass igloos for two, each with a private outdoor hot tub, large windows above the beds, and uninterrupted views of the northern sky. Selected igloos also offer the option to add an extra bed for one adult or two children.
Arctic Skylight Lodge is tucked away in a pictoresque river valley, just a few kilometers outside of Äkäslompolo, spread out over the hill rolling down to Kukaslompolo are the 10 luxurious glass cabins, offering cinematic views of the river valley and the surrounding nature. Hotel Jeris and Arctic Sauna World are located on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi next to Keimiötunturi fell. Pallas-Ylläs National Park and cross-country skiing tracks are located just next to the hotel. The hotel also provides accommodation in 20 new Arctic Sky Nests will stand on a quiet forest slope. Close enough to the hotel for ease yet surrounded by trees and silence. Harriniva Adventure Resort now offers 12 new Arctic Glass Suites rise by the river, just steps from the main building. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to the Arctic sky, and your own private sauna waits after the day’s adventures.
Further north in the Saariselkä region, Wilderness Hotel Muotka offers cozy accommodation in a range hotel rooms and suites, Aurora Cabins, and Panorama Log Cabins. Inspired by the enchanting nature of Lapland, all rooms are decorated with natural, harmonic colours. The Aurora Cabins at the Northern Lights Village Saariselkä are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in the warm bed. The laser-heated glass-roof opens up into the northern sky, directly above the king size bed. Star Arctic Hotel is located on the top of the Kaunispää Mountain “Beauty Hill” of Saariselkä. The glass roofs of their Aurora Cabins face north, where the northern lights appear more frequently. Equipped with a private WC facility, equipment and shower. Top Star Saariselkä offers accommodation in Arctic Glass Cubes which feature panoramic and insulated windows along the front wall and on the ceiling, perfect for taking in the wonderful Finnish nature. Aurora Queen Saariselkä comprises 28 beautiful glass igloos with glass ceilings and panorama windows, for a full-immersion view of the surrounding nature and northern lights.
Aurora Village Ivalo is an exclusive high quality Northern Lights resort, located in the forests of Inari, with 28 Aurora Glass Cabins, a unique cozy Lappish restaurant and a range of wonderful winter activities. Wilderness Hotel Nellim offers cozy hotel rooms, spacious suites and rustic log cabins in various price ranges. You can also choose to spend your night under the night sky in our famous Aurora Bubbles or Aurora Kotas. Wilderness Hotel Inari is located in the beautiful arctic wilderness by the shores of Lake Inari, offering breathtaking views and an ideal location for aurora viewing – accommodation in 12 Aurora Cabins, 40 wilderness rooms, and 8 log cabins. Wilderness Hotel Nangu offers accommodation in Aurora Log Cabins and also have an Aurora Hut.
Arctic Land Adventure in Kilpisjärvi offers guests an unforgettable combination of nature, silence and luxury. Their exclusive accommodation in 4 high quality Glass Igloos is combined with ‘live like a local’ Reindeer Ranch visit and traditional Lappish food experience. The new Utsjoki Arctic Resort feature Kelo-Glass Igloos which combine the comforts of a cosy log chalet with the sensational experience of sleeping under the stars. Admire the enchanting beauty of the Northern Lights and the Arctic wilderness from the comfort of your own private hideaway!
To see a comprehensive list of all alternative accommodations in Finland, visit our Snow Hotels, Glass Igloos, and Aurora Accommodation page. To discover more about the many other attractions of Lapland, visit our Lapland Travel & Tourism Guide.
