Stay in the Glass Igloo, Finland 2024-2025

If you ever find yourself in Lapland, there's no better way to spend a night than to stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern lights from the comfort of your bed. The attraction has been gaining popularity in Finland for more than a decade, with Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort being one of the most frequented hotels. The glass walls of igloos let you experience the beauty of the Arctic and sleep under the stars, all while staying cozy in warm blankets.

Best Time to Stay at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Located in the Saariselkä Fell region, just 155 miles (250 km) north of the Arctic Circle, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort draws in hundreds of visitors every year, mainly for its frequent Northern lights sightings. The igloos are open for booking from late August through late April, which coincides with the Northern Lights season.

The leaves turn golden, red, and vibrant orange from early to mid-September, while the forests provide ample opportunity for mushroom and berry picking through early October. Although igloos are not available during summer, when the sun never sets, it's a perfect time for hiking and wilderness exploration.

Northern Lights in the Igloos

Glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort are probably one of the best spots to marvel at the beauty of Northern Lights, as you wait for this natural phenomenon inside a warm and cozy room at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Each room is even equipped with an Aurora Alarm, which will wake you up when the auroras first appear on the sky. The alarm is active until 1 am and is controlled by one of the staff members. While Northern lights are usually quite frequent here from August through late April, some weather conditions might impact the visibility, so check aurora visibility reports from Finnish Meteorological Institute.

Hotel Facilities

The igloo village is located in an open area surrounded only by pines, snow, and the sky. Inside the igloo, you’ll be snug and comfortable, with the true magic lying in the glass walls. It’s like sleeping under the open sky, surrounded by nature and the stars. Small glass igloos feature two single beds and either are equipped with an attached shower and sauna or provide access to these facilities in separate buildings. There are also several kelo-glass igloos–wooden chalets with a built-in glass igloo. Kelo-glass igloos feature a kitchenette, private bathroom, fireplace, terrace, and sauna. Despite the remote location, Wi-Fi and mobile coverage is available.

Cost

Prices vary depending on the month, season, and other factors, so be sure to check with the official website. Glass igloos and kelo-glass igloos generally cost around anywhere from €600 to €1,200. The price of a luxury kelo-glass igloo hovers around €3,300.

Transportation & How to Get There

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is located in the Saariselkä area, which spreads throughout the municipalities of Inari, Savukoski, and Sodankylä and is partially situated in Urho Kekkonen National Park. The closest city is Ivalo, just 30-40 minute drive away. Despite the remote location, Lapland's roads are well-maintained, so it's relatively easy to get to the resort by car.

You can also hop on a plane from Helsinki to Ivalo and get on a bus from Ivalo to Kakslauttanen. The trip lasts approximately an hour and costs around €10. If you find yourself in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, you can easily board a bus here and arrive in Kakslauttanen in about three hours. The ticket costs around €45. For bus transportation around Finland, visit Matkahuolto, the official bus operator of the country.

Attractions

Besides glass igloos, the resort offers numerous other ways to enjoy Lapland. During winter, expect to experience a whirlwind of emotions on a thrilling husky or reindeer safari or explore the snowy forests on snowmobiles. Traditional winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, ice karting, and ice fishing are also available. The fall season brings plenty of leaf-peeping spots, opportunity to enjoy a variety of natural treats, like berries and mushrooms, and exciting horse-riding. Visitors can also go hiking with a husky and enjoy a walk through arctic nature of the region.