Arctic Resort
Arctic wilderness experiential resort — part adventure camp, part design hotel. Heavy on handcrafted Kelo pine, open fires, smoke saunas, and purpose-built experiences around the aurora. Not a spa retreat, not a city-break substitute. This is firmly a destination for people who want to be outside (or watching outside from bed).
Book glass igloos well in advance — they sell out months ahead for peak aurora season (Jan–March)
Why It Matters
The originator of the glass igloo concept. Home to the world's largest smoke sauna. Has the largest planetarium in the Nordic countries. Over 50 years of operation and still family-run. The resort sits directly adjacent to Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland's largest.
Kakslauttanen is the original glass igloo resort — the place that started the whole sleep-under-the-aurora trend back in 1974. You lie in a thermal glass pod watching the Northern Lights arc overhead without setting foot outside, and yes, it's as good as it sounds. The resort spreads across two separate villages on either side of the main northbound Lapland highway, 250 km above the Arctic Circle, about 30 minutes from Ivalo airport.
Where You'll Stay
13 room types available
Gold Digger Cabin (West Village)
Kelo pine cabins set along a quiet gold riverbank in the West Village. Built for two. Rustic atmosphere — fireplace, private sauna, no modern distractions. The name nods to the area's historic gold-panning heritage. Up to 4 guests.
45 sqmKelo-Glass Igloo
The best of both worlds. A proper log chalet built from Lapland's rare Kelo pine — dead-standing silver pine — with a glass igloo bedroom attached for aurora viewing. Private sauna, fireplace, kitchenette. Sleeps up to six. Great for families who want the igloo experience without roughing it in 25 m².
2x Single Bed, 1x Double Bed, 1x Bunk Bed · 90 sqmLarge Cabin (East Village) — for 5
Spacious 65 m² cabin for up to 5 guests. Two proper bedrooms plus a sofa bed in the living room. Fireplace, private sauna, kitchenette, and bathroom.
1x Double Bed, 1x Bunk Bed, 1x Sofa Bed · 65 sqm
Large Cabin (West Village)
The biggest standard cabin at 82 m², located in the West Village near the restaurant, safari centre, and Celebration House. Up to 6 guests. Kelo pine construction, private sauna, fireplace.
1x Double Bed, 2x Single Bed, 1x Bunk Bed · 82 sqmLarge Cabin for 2 (East Village)
A 51 m² cabin designed for couples who want the log chalet atmosphere without sharing walls with kids. Double bed, living area with sofa, fireplace, private sauna, kitchenette. Quiet East Village location.
1x Double Bed · 51 sqmLarge Glass Igloo with Shower and Sauna (West Village)
A step up in space at 38 m² with four single beds — good for two couples or a small family. Full thermal glass roof, private shower, toilet, and sauna. West Village location puts you close to the main restaurant and safari centre.
4x Single Bed · 38 sqmLuxury Kelo-Glass Igloo
The most extravagant option on the property. A 310 m² handcrafted compound with 3 log chalet bedrooms (each with private bathroom, 2 guests) plus 3 separate glass igloo bedrooms — meaning 6 guests can sleep under the stars simultaneously. Add a large living area, private sauna, and fully equipped kitchen. Price includes private airport transfers, daily firewood service, daily cleaning, welcome basket, and luggage service. Built for groups of up to 12.
310 sqmQueen Suite (East Village)
The top romantic option in the East Village. Crafted from Kelo pine, 70 m², with a private sauna, elegant bathroom, and — the standout feature — an outdoor Jacuzzi for stargazing (or aurora watching) from hot water. Max 2 guests.
Double Bed · 70 sqmSmall Cabin (East & West Village)
Traditional Kelo pine log cabins at 45 m². East and West Village versions are similarly spec'd: double bed, bunk bed, cozy fireplace, private sauna, kitchenette. Good for families of up to 4. No glass roof — these are for people who want the woods-and-fire atmosphere without the sky view.
45 sqmSmall Glass Igloo with Shower and Sauna (East Village)
The original glass igloo experience. A compact 25 m² pod with a full thermal glass roof for unobstructed aurora views from your bed. Includes a private toilet, shower, and electric sauna attached. Two single beds — these are genuinely snug for non-couples. No TV, no WiFi. Available only during the Northern Lights season (late August through end of April).
2x Single Bed · 25 sqmSmall Glass Igloo with Shower and Sauna (West Village)
Same format as the East Village version but positioned in the West Village near the Aurora Restaurant and main activity hub. 25 m², two single beds, private toilet, shower, and sauna. Northern Lights season only.
2x Single Bed · 25 sqmTraditional House (East Village)
A century-old log house — the most historically authentic option on the property. Cozy fireplace, private sauna. Max 2 guests. If you want to feel genuinely connected to traditional Lapland living rather than the designed-for-tourism igloo experience, this is your pick.
65 sqmWedding Chamber (East Village)
The dedicated honeymoon and wedding accommodation at 37 m². Features a luxurious bathroom with a bathtub (unusual in the Lapland cabin world), a private sauna, and romantic atmosphere. Max 2 guests.
Double Bed · 37 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
9 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The resort monitors aurora activity and can wake guests when the lights appear — critical for glass igloo guests who might sleep through peak displays.
Nighttime reindeer sledge ride into the wilderness to hunt the aurora. Hot berry juice break by an open fire.
Nighttime snowmobile ride into the forest to find the aurora. Driving license required. Sleigh option available for non-drivers.
Try gold panning in an area where gold has been mined for centuries. Campfire hot drink and snacks included.
Up to 6-hour guided canoe excursion on calm Lapland waters with an open-fire soup lunch.
Up to 6 hours of guided fishing in crystal-clear rivers. Trout, grayling, and Arctic char.
Guided 3.5-hour hike into one of Finland's largest national parks, accessible directly from behind the resort chalets.
Ride Finnhorses — Finland's national breed — through the winter forest. Suitable for beginners. Hot drink at the end.
Guests drive their own sled pulled by a team of huskies through the Arctic forest. Pairs share a sled (swap halfway) or can book solo for extra cost. Includes thermal clothing and transfer. Hot drink or soup at the end.
Extended husky safari through the wilderness with a lunch break over an open fire. Runs Mon/Wed/Fri and Tue/Thu/Sat.
Two-day adventure; each participant gets their own husky team. Overnight in a wilderness expedition kota, meals included. Ages 18+ only.
Guests sit in a traditional reindeer sledge through the snowy forests. Ends in a reindeer herder's kota with hot juice and Finnish treats. All ages welcome.
Hike through Kiilopää Fell area with a husky dog companion. Ends at the husky farm. Moderate climb into Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Drill a hole in the frozen river, sit in silence, and meditate on the chance of catching trout, grayling, or Arctic char.
A 570-metre professional ice karting circuit with LED lighting and timing systems. Ages 12+, min 150 cm height, max 130 kg.
High-adrenaline ride through Arctic fell landscapes. Driving license required. Pairs share or solo available.
Extended snowmobile safari with open-fire lunch in the wilderness.
Exclusive private visit to Santa's Home with pickup/dropoff included.
Visit Santa Claus in his private home on the resort grounds. Ends with a hot drink at the Celebration House. Suitable for all ages.
Access to 200 km of cross-country ski trails directly from the resort. Instructor-led session for beginners and improvers. Trails include 30 km of illuminated tracks.
A 30-minute immersive show in the largest planetarium in the Nordic countries. Covers the science and mythology of the Northern Lights. Available in 15 languages. Includes entry to the Igloo Tower.
Full-day trip to the Gulf of Bothnia to cruise on the retired icebreaker Sampo, with the option to dip in the icy water in a dry suit. Available mid-December to end of April.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
WiFi available in reception and restaurant areas. Note: no WiFi or TV in the glass igloos.
The Kakslauttanen Art Gallery showcases Finnish artists with work reflecting the Arctic region's culture and spirit.
A cultural complex in the West Village housing the Nordic countries' largest planetarium, the 30-meter Igloo Tower observation deck, an art gallery, design shop, underground ballroom, and an on-site brewery and distillery.
A glass chapel set in the wilderness — used for wedding ceremonies.
Crafts beverages using Arctic ingredients. Products served at the Planetarium Bar & Café.
Pets accepted at the resort. Additional charges may apply.
Luggage transport service to/from igloos available for a fee. Wooden sleighs also available for self-service luggage transport.
Curated locally crafted items and unique souvenirs in the West Village Cosmos complex, plus a souvenir shop at the West Village reception/Aurora Restaurant.
Ski, snowshoe, and Nordic walking equipment rental available from both East and West Village receptions. From €20/day.
Bus stop to Ivalo directly outside East Village; bus stop to Rovaniemi across the main road from East Village. Tickets via matkahuolto.fi.
Electric vehicle charging available at the resort. Contact reception for details.
Free car park on-site; space reservation not required.
BUILD YOUR KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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