Hotel in Saariselkä, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Famous glass igloos and log cabins in Lapland wilderness. Unparalleled Northern Lights viewing from bed, smoke saunas, reindeer farm, and authentic Arctic experiences.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is located at Kakslauttanen, 99830 Saariselkä, in far northern Finnish Lapland, approximately 250 km north of Rovaniemi and 40 km south of the Norwegian border. The resort sits within the boreal taiga landscape of northern Finland, adjacent to Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. Ivalo Airport, the nearest regional hub, is approximately 30 km from the resort, with transfers taking around 30–40 minutes by road. Ivalo is served by Finnair flights from Helsinki and selected European gateways.
Kakslauttanen is internationally recognised for its glass igloos — private curved-glass sleeping units that allow guests to observe the Northern Lights, star fields, and the surrounding boreal forest from a heated interior, without exposure to Arctic outdoor temperatures. The resort also offers log cabin accommodation, traditional Finnish cottages, and larger luxury cabin suites, providing a range of options from intimate two-person igloos to family-scale configurations. Each glass igloo includes a private sauna, combining the world's most unusual sleeping format with one of Finland's most enduring cultural traditions.
Beyond the glass igloos, the resort contains a comprehensive range of facilities including traditional wood-fired smoke saunas considered among the most authentic in Finland, a restaurant serving Lapland cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, an ice bar open during winter months, and a working reindeer farm where guests can engage directly with the animals and learn about traditional Sámi reindeer husbandry practices.
The activity programme is extensive across both seasons. In winter the resort offers husky safaris, snowmobile excursions, reindeer sleigh rides, ice fishing, and guided Northern Lights hunts. The aurora season at this latitude extends from late August through April, with peak viewing probability from November to March. In summer, the midnight sun creates near-continuous daylight, enabling gold panning, canoeing, fishing, and hiking in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Additional on-site facilities include a planetarium, an art gallery, and a brewery and distillery producing Finnish craft spirits.
Amenities
- glass igloos
- smoke sauna
- restaurant
- Northern Lights viewing
- reindeer farm
- ice bar
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +358 16 667 100
Location
Kakslauttanen, 99830 Saariselkä
68.3833, 27.3500 — View on map
Highlights
- Glass igloos with curved panoramic roofs for viewing Northern Lights and stars from the warmth of bed
- Working reindeer farm and traditional smoke saunas — authentic Finnish Lapland cultural experiences
- Adjacent to Urho Kekkonen National Park, offering wilderness hiking, skiing, and gold panning
- Year-round activity programme: husky safaris and ice fishing in winter; canoeing and midnight sun hiking in summer
- On-site planetarium, art gallery, brewery, and distillery — a fully self-contained Arctic resort destination
Tips
- Book glass igloos at least 6–12 months in advance for winter visits — they sell out rapidly from June onwards for the peak Northern Lights season
- The resort's remote location away from any urban light pollution gives significantly better aurora viewing conditions than Rovaniemi
- Pack layered thermal clothing for outdoor activities; temperatures at Saariselkä regularly fall below -20°C in midwinter
- Book the smoke sauna experience through the resort in advance; timing and group sizes are managed to preserve the authentic atmosphere
- Ivalo Airport is approximately 30 km from the resort; Helsinki to Ivalo flights are operated by Finnair, with connections available from major European hubs
FAQ
What is a glass igloo and how warm is it inside?
Glass igloos at Kakslauttanen are small curved-roof sleeping units with thermally insulated glass panels that allow guests to observe the Northern Lights, stars, and surrounding forest from a heated interior. The glass is heated to prevent condensation, keeping the interior comfortably warm even when outside temperatures drop below -30°C.
When is the Northern Lights season at Kakslauttanen?
Northern Lights are visible at Kakslauttanen from late August through April, when sufficient darkness exists at this latitude. The peak aurora season is November to March, with the darkest nights and clearest winter skies offering the highest probability of sightings.
Does the resort cater for families with children?
Yes. The resort offers family-scale log cabin accommodation and an activity programme that includes reindeer farm visits, sleigh rides, and family snowmobile tracks in winter. The summer programme similarly features accessible outdoor activities suitable for children.
Is there direct transport from Rovaniemi to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort?
Rovaniemi is approximately 250 km south of the resort. The most practical approach is to fly to Ivalo Airport, around 30 km from the resort, from which the resort can arrange transfers on request. Coach services from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä are available but take around 3–4 hours.
Accessibility
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is located on uneven boreal terrain with snow and ice covering access paths for much of the year. Glass igloo units are at ground level but require navigation of outdoor paths that may be slippery or uneven in winter conditions. Guests with mobility impairments should contact the resort directly before booking to discuss which accommodation types and activities are accessible.
When to visit
The resort has two peak seasons: winter from November to March for Northern Lights viewing, husky safaris, and snow activities including the full glass igloo experience; and summer from June to July for midnight sun wilderness activities. Shoulder season in September and October offers autumn foliage and the start of the aurora season with fewer visitors.