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- Skyview Igloo Resort in Rovaniemi
- The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
- Levi’s Northern Lights Village
- Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä
- Seaside Glass Villas in Kemi
- Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Rovamieni
- Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos
- Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi
- Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
- Pyhä Igloos in the Rovaniemi region
- Golden Crown – Levin Iglut in Levi
- In conclusion
Tell me, let’s be honest, who hasn’t dreamed of spending at least one night in these ice domes and being able to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own bed?
It’s the kind of experience you want to have once in your life (okay, even more, but it comes at a price!), and Finnish Lapland lends itself perfectly to it. Why? Because the weather is generally very favorable! As it’s very, very cold, the skies are dry and not very cloudy. So it’s pretty easy to spot the Northern Lights.
What’s more, in Finnish Lapland we have huge, flat open spaces, exactly what we’re looking for to set up this kind of establishment. Because in Norway, with all its mountains, we have to admit that it’s not so easy to find enough space to put igloos!
Hence Finnish Lapland! And frankly, there’s quite a lot to choose from, with more and more small and large establishments offering this type of experience. They also provide all the essential winter activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling… Your Lapland experience won’t stop at watching the aurora from your bed, and thankfully so! These igloos are much more than just beds. They’re crazy settings, usually lost in the fir forest to make the most of nature.
As I said, there are quite a few candidates, especially as there are so many towns and villages to visit in Finnish Lapland. But here’s a small selection of 11 that you won’t regret. I’ll put the others on the Finnish Lapland map in the accommodation/igloos and ice hotels section.
All right, let’s go!
Skyview Igloo Resort in Rovaniemi
It’s all new, it’s all hot, and it’s bloody beautiful! These luxury igloos were created by aurora hunters Lorenzo Mirandola and Lu Schaffner, so you might as well know they know what they’re doing when they bring you these igloos lost in the forest north of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland.
Unlike some, you’re in a real cocoon: it’s luxurious, super-comfortable and spacious. And what’s more, the bed is located under the ice dome.
I’ll go on (because it sounds great!), you also have a spa and sauna inside your accommodation! A true Finnish paradise experience!
It’s all brand new, and you’ll get the smell of new in your accommodation.
On the practical side :
- the bed is in the dome, so you’ll be under the stars!
- the igloos are 50m² with a living room, kitchenette and superb bathroom
- there’s room for 4 people, so families are no problem!
- breakfast included
- and of course, parking and wifi included!
So if you want to be pampered under the Northern Lights, this is the place!
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Located in the Saariselkä wilderness, you’re bound to be familiar with these igloos. After all, they’re the most famous, at least visually. You’ve all seen this photo of the many little igloos lost in the winter forest. So here’s your chance to find out more!
First of all, I think they have the best location. Saariselkä is superbly located, much further north than Rovaniemi, under the northern oval. In the event of faint auroras, you’ll still get them! It’s very cold there, so the sky is blessed with excellent weather. And the airport’s not far away!
The complex is huge, but the bubbles are well insulated! Because everything is so far away that you really feel like you’re in nature.
I say it’s huge because there are several types of accommodation, and I’d say that’s the strength of the establishment:
- small igloos (with toilet and sometimes bathroom)
- large igloos with sitting areas
- but also magnificent wooden chalets of various sizes, all ultra-cosy.
The igloos are grouped with the igloos, while the chalets are isolated in another part. It’s really neat!
- sauna included
- breakfast and dinner included
- of course wifi and parking
- and a whole host of activities on offer at the center!
Prices start at around 400€ for the igloos, and much less for the chalets.
Levi’s Northern Lights Village
Located in the heart of Levi’s wilderness, Northern Lights Village is a classic if you’re dreaming of sleeping in a glass igloo. It may not be the oldest or the best-known (hello Kakslauttanen), but it’s clearly one of the best and nicest places to watch the aurora.
Levi is one of Lapland‘ s liveliest resorts, with a small center full of restaurants, bars and activities, but the complex is tucked away in the forest. As a result, you’re only 10 minutes away from the hustle and bustle, and in total peace and quiet when you step out of your bubble. And of course, the location under the northern oval is perfect for maximizing your chances of catching a glimpse of the aurora.
You’re really outside Levi, in the real peace and quiet, as you can see from the photos. Levi is a very lively resort, as I said earlier. For me, it was a surprise to see this and I confess it’s not my favorite Lapland resort. However, here you benefit from the advantages of the city as well as the peace and quiet of the village!
In terms of accommodation, the emphasis is on comfort and modernity. There are no “mini-igloos without showers” here, just well-equipped Aurora Cabins:
- a heated, frost-free glass roof (essential!)
- a double bed facing the sky
- a small private bathroom
- and cosy Nordic decor.
You’ll also find larger family cabins, perfect for groups.
Services are also available:
- breakfast and dinner included in the price
- on-site restaurant with wood-burning ambience
- sauna (this is Finland!)
- free wifi and parking
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and above all, a host of activities available directly from the village: snowmobiling, dog sledding, reindeer, guided aurora hunts…
On the budget side, expect to pay between €300 and €400 per night for an Aurora Cabin, including meals. Not cheap, but not among the most expensive. The experience is magical and ultra-comfortable.
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Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä
The Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä is another must for glass igloo holidays in Lapland. Situated well up north, in an area perfect for watching the aurora, it’s a place that combines wild nature with modern comforts.
What makes Levi different? Here, we’re more secluded, more peaceful, with a real feeling of being “at the end of the world”. Saariselkä is a pleasant little resort, but the complex is set in a secluded spot in the forest, free from light pollution. A perfect setting for looking up at the sky as soon as night falls.
Personally, I prefer Saariselkä because it’s further north and quieter. And I love their dense forests. However, as Levi is Finland’s most popular resort, it has many advantages, especially if you want to have a bit of a social life with bars and restaurants!
Accommodation is designed to make the most of this spectacle. The famous Aurora Cabins all feature :
- a heated glass roof that keeps the view clear
- a queen-size bed facing north
- a private bathroom
- woodsy decor with a Nordic chalet feel.
There are also more spacious family options, ideal if you’re bringing children or friends.
In terms of service, we offer the same quality as our “cousin” in Levi:
- breakfast and dinner included
- restaurant with local cuisine and panoramic dining room
- sauna, of course (tradition!)
- free wifi and parking
- and a wide range of activities available on site: husky safaris, reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, guided aurora hunts…
Budget-wise, you’ll also need to reckon with €300-400 per night for an Aurora Cabin, including meals.
Seaside Glass Villas in Kemi
A complete change of scenery with the Seaside Glass Villas in Kemi. No snow-covered forest here, but… the frozen sea of the Gulf of Bothnia! Yes, you literally sleep facing the sea ice, with the chance to see the northern lights reflected on the ice. It’s a truly unique setting in Lapland, very different from conventional igloos.
The location is quite exceptional: Kemi is on the coast, not far from the Swedish border, and just a stone’s throw from the famous Sampo icebreaker and the SnowCastle, the huge ephemeral ice castle. So if you’re looking for an original winter experience, you’ve come to the right place.
However, Kemi is located much further south than Rovaniemi, so I’d say it’s not the most perfect location for the Northern Lights. If they’re really strong, you’ll have them over your head, otherwise you’ll have them to the north, on the horizon. But the setting of Kemi and the Gulf of Bothnia is quite stunning!
The villas are modern and glazed on the sea side, with :
- a large panoramic bay window
- a double bed facing the ice and sky
- a small, fully-equipped kitchen (useful if you want a more autonomous stay)
- a private bathroom
- sober, contemporary decor.
The big plus, of course, is the view: pink sunrise over the ice floe, dancing auroras over the frozen sea, or the chance to see the icebreaker boats passing by.
Services:
- wifi and parking included
- breakfast served nearby (or possibility of cooking in the villa)
- access to the SnowCastle restaurant
- nearby activities: cruise on the Sampo, snowmobiling on the frozen sea, ice fishing…
For the budget, expect to pay around €300-350 per night for a villa. This is more affordable than the igloos of Levi or Saariselkä, and above all a different experience, focused on the sea and ice rather than the forest.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Rovamieni
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is the perfect combination of two polar experiences: sleeping in an ice hotel sculpted each winter and spending the night in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights. No need to choose, here you have both in the same place!
Located some twenty kilometers from Rovaniemi, on the edge of a frozen lake and far from the city lights, the complex is ideal for enjoying clear skies. You’re out in nature, but with Lapland’s capital within easy reach.
There are two types of accommodation:
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Glass Igloos: modern, comfortable, with heated glass roof, double bed facing the sky, private bathroom and adjustable heating. Ultra-cosy, especially when it’s -20°C outside.
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The SnowHotel: made entirely of ice and snow, with sculpted, illuminated rooms, each with a unique design. Constant interior temperature of around -5°C, but cold-weather sleeping bags provided (and the pride of waking up to say “I did it!”).
Services are a real plus:
- wood-fired outdoor sauna and Jacuzzi (perfect after a chilly night!)
- 3 on-site restaurants, including an Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar
- breakfast included
- free wifi and parking
- various activities: husky excursions, snowmobiling, ice fishing, aurora hunting…
In terms of budget, expect to pay around €350-400 for an igloo with breakfast, and slightly less for a night at the SnowHotel. Many people choose to spend one night in each to enjoy both experiences.
Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos
Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos is the perfect address if you’re looking for a compromise between total immersion in nature and warm comfort. Located in Inari near Saariselkä, right in the heart of the taiga, it’s a much more intimate place than the big resorts, with a real “end-of-the-world” atmosphere.
What’s striking here is the absolute calm. No big resort nearby, just forest, snow and northern sky overhead. In other words, it’s the ideal place to see the aurora: no light pollution, often clear weather and a perfect location (right in the north, under the northern lights).
In terms of accommodation, the establishment offers several options:
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Aurora Cabins (glass igloos): modern, cozy, with heated panoramic roof, double bed, private bathroom and sober Nordic decor.
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Wilderness Hotel rooms and suites: woodsy, chalet-style ambience, some with private saunas.
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Chalets: more spacious, perfect for families or those seeking a secluded cocoon.
Services are not to be outdone:
- sauna (tradition!) and Nordic bathing facilities
- breakfast and dinner included
- free wifi and parking
- cosy restaurant with fireplace
- a wide choice of activities offered directly by the hotel: huskies, snowmobiling, reindeer, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, guided aurora hunts.
Budget-wise, igloo prices start at around €200 with meals included, and less for classic rooms. It’s an excellent combination of unusual experience and Scandinavian comfort, in a much more intimate setting than the big resorts.
Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi
The Apukka Resort is the ultimate base camp for experiencing the magic of Lapland without leaving Rovaniemi. Located just ten kilometers from the center and the airport, it offers the perfect combo: unspoilt nature, northern lights overhead, and all the typical activities of the region, without complicated logistics.
What makes it unique is its unusual accommodation. Not just classic igloos:
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Aurora Cabins: small, modern cabins with glass roofs so you can watch the sky from your bed.
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Aurora Wagons: mobile cabins that can be moved around the forest or lakeside for maximum privacy.
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Komsio Suites: inspired by traditional Lapp cradles, with a large panoramic bubble above the bed.
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There are also wooden chalets and more classic rooms for those who want a cosy experience.
In terms of services, everything is designed for polar immersion:
- breakfast and dinner included
- several outdoor saunas and Nordic baths
- on-site restaurant combining local cuisine with a friendly atmosphere
- free wifi and parking
- a wide range of activities organized directly by the resort: sled dogs, reindeer, snowmobiling, ice fishing and, of course, Aurora hunting (they even offer an “Aurora Alert” so you don’t miss a thing).
Budget-wise, it starts at around €350 per night, with meals included. Unusual options like the Komsio Suites are a little more expensive, but the experience is truly unique.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
In the heart of Santa Claus Village, just above the Arctic Circle, you can also sleep in charming glass igloos. Here, the main attraction is clearly the location: you step out of your bubble and straight into Santa’s village, with its reindeer, stores, attractions and, of course, the Red Man’s house.
The igloos are modern and cosy, perfect for a polar experience while remaining in close proximity to the entertainment. Each unit includes :
- a panoramic heated glass roof for watching the stars and, if you’re lucky, the northern lights
- a comfortable double bed
- private bathroom
- sober, typically Nordic decor
Services on offer:
- breakfast included
- on-site restaurant and all Village restaurants within walking distance
- free wifi and parking
- activities directly from the village: husky safaris, reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, aurora hunting…
It’s a practical and magical option for those who want to experience Santa’s magic while enjoying the northern night under the stars.
But there are other types of accommodation at Santa’s Village. You’ll find some nice chalets, but at more affordable prices, and above all the Glass Resort, with luxurious igloos in a crazy setting!
Pyhä Igloos in the Rovaniemi region
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, away from the big tourist resorts, Pyhä Igloos is for you. Located at the foot of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, about 1h30 from Rovaniemi, they offer a much quieter, more authentic atmosphere. No crowds: just forest, hills and Arctic sky.
The igloos are modern and well-equipped:
- heated, anti-icing glass roof
- comfortable, sky-facing double bed
- private bathroom
- sober, Scandinavian decor, cosy without fuss
Their location is top-notch for nature lovers: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and walks in the national park start right from the doorstep. And when night falls, it’s one of the quietest places to watch the aurora, far from artificial lights. What’s more, it’s right at the foot of the slopes!
In terms of services, you have :
- breakfast included
- on-site sauna (of course!)
- free wifi and parking
- organized activities with local guides: dog sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, aurora hunting
The big advantage of this place is its price, much more affordable especially before the big winter months with prices starting at less than 200€!
Well, on the other hand, the mention of igloo is a bit of a stretch as these are apartments with a great view of the sky, but they’re not bubbles spaced far apart like we’ve seen before. Hence the more reasonable price, but if you look at people’s reviews, everyone is ultra satisfied!
So Pyhä Igloos is the perfect option for those who want the experience without the crowds, in the heart of one of Lapland’s most beautiful national parks.
And quite honestly, although I find it low in latitude compared to Saariselkä, my first time in Lapland was at Pyhä and I really enjoyed it, the nature, the ski area, it was top!
Golden Crown – Levin Iglut in Levi
Situated on a hill overlooking Levi, the Golden Crown – Levin Iglut offers probably one of the finest panoramic views in Lapland. Here, the igloos face the valley, with a totally unobstructed horizon. The result: when the auroras come, it’s a great show.
Accommodation ranges from small standard igloos to premium igloos with private Jacuzzis. All are equipped with a heated glass roof, sky-facing double bed and private bathroom. The decor is modern and sober, with a touch of luxury in the higher categories.
Services:
- breakfast included
- gourmet dinner at the Utsu restaurant (panoramic view)
- free wifi and parking
- classic activities (huskies, snowmobiling, reindeer, guided aurora)
Budget: from €350 per night for an igloo, more for versions with jacuzzi. A real “wow” spot. And quite honestly, between the panoramic view and the price, it’s an excellent option! Especially as we’re ideally placed for the early hours. Beware, I’ve fallen in love!
In conclusion
So yes, it’s something that comes at a price. No, we can never be sure of seeing the Northern Lights and the weather. However, in Finnish Lapland these risks are very limited, thanks to the quality of the sky, the surrounding nature, and a little help from the sun, which means that in Finnish Lapland we regularly see the Northern Lights.
But Finnish Lapland is generally a once-in-a-lifetime trip (although once you’ve had a taste of the far north…), so it would be a shame not to be tempted by this unique experience! You can also view the interactive map of Lapland to help you plan your stay.
Here are some other articles from the blog that might interest you (note that there should be more in the coming weeks!):
- everything you need to know about Finnish Lapland
- The best things to do in Finnish Lapland
- dog sledding in Lapland
- how to see the northern lights in Finnish Lapland
- discover Kilpisjärvi in Finnish Lapland
- All the good places to stay in Rovaniemi – you want to stay in a cottage or you prefer economy hotel? I tell you everything !
