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This extraordinary hotel, beautifully set on the edge of one of Finland’s greatest national parks, offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for adults and kids including snowmobiling, husky tours, ice fishing, hiking, mountain biking, reindeer safaris and even gold panning. You never really need go anywhere else for your Lapland experience.
But what it’s really known for is its igloo-esque rooms; constructed of thermal glass that functions like a two-way mirror – you can see out but no-one can see in – they allow you to lay in bed and stare at the starred universe. If you’re lucky, you may even see the famed Northern Lights – from the comfort of your thermal-blanketed bed.
Reception can arrange the most unique and thrilling airport pick-ups you’ll ever experience: a snowmobile service from Ivalo airport, some 40km away.
The hotel has the world’s largest smoke sauna – an invigorating, organic affair that stimulates your circulation and gets you sweating out toxins. After, jump in the lake to cool off.
The resort offers you the chance to sleep a night in a real igloo. They promise the cosiest of igloo stays, providing thermal sleeping blankets and thick furs.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Saariselka, Lapland, Finland[0.1 miles]
The iconic igloo has been used by generations of Inuit for shelter. Air pockets in the ice insulate the inside, which can reach temperatures of 16°C degrees. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers you the chance to sleep in one.
Best for ages: 13+ | £60 | 1 night
Lapland, Finland
Traversing across the tundral plains and through boreal forests of Finnish Lapland’s gloriously unspoilt wilderness is special. Doing it on a sled pulled by husky dogs is thrillingly unforgettable. Tours range from several hours to several days; multi-day include the opportunity to harness, rig, feed and prep the pack.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 1+ hour
Lapland, Finland
Finns have used saunas for centuries – for hygiene, warmth and community. The traditional ritual alternates between intense heat and icy cold plunges into nearby frozen lakes. Sounds painful, but if heat up enough first, you won’t feel cold – only exhilaration and a deep physical, emotional and spiritual cleanse. Best experienced in Lapland wilderness.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 1+ hours
Lapland, Finland
Snowmobiling at up to 100km/h is the high-octane way to experience the Arctic wilderness, allowing you to cover huge distances and get a feel for just how remote and vast the area is. Options range from ‘try it out’ experiences lasting several hours, to multi-day camping-out adventures.
Best for ages: 15+ | £30
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Finnish Lapland, Finland
An unspoilt wilderness and outdoor adventure paradise. Summer and winter bucket list experience galore, plus the real home of Santa.
Round-ups that include this placetostay
Multiple countries
A remarkable, ethereal light display that’s one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. Pair it with other bucket list experiences – a thrilling husky ride, a cruise on the Norwegian fjords, or gazing up from bed in a luxury glass igloo. Unmissable.
Multiple countries
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