Hotel Kakslauttanen
The Igloo Village in Northern Lapland

The Igloo Village and Hotel Kakslauttanen in the heart of Finnish Lapland, just 10 km south of the Saariselkä ski resort, offers one of the best winter wilderness experiences for snow-based activities. The perfect spot for romantic winter getaways.

The Igloo Village and Hotel Kakslauttanen is surrounded by Lapland's stunning scenery in the vicinity of Urho Kekkonen National Park.It's not only close to the home of Santa Clause; the land of the Sami is one of the best winter destinations to experience the postcard-perfect winter scenes, just 250 km (155.4 miles) north of the Arctic Circle.

Finnish Lapland has no definitive borders and includes the northernmost part of Norway, Sweden, and Russia. The indigenous people, the Sami, have been here since the Ice Age, traditionally making their living by hunting, fishing and reindeer herding.

Secluded and nestled into a beautiful setting of pine trees, it features the world's largest snow restaurant and the largest smoke sauna.

With unique heated glass igloos, snow igloos, an ice chapel, an ice sculpture gallery, a glass tepee as well as several traditional log cabins, the hotel Kakslauttanen is the ultimate location for an arctic romantic winter break in a winter wilderness off the beaten path.

Every December, several structures are re-built from ice and snow near the log cabin village. The best ice sculptors in the world come to the Hotel Kakslauttanen to participate in the yearly event of an ice sculpture competition. The creations remain on display in the ice gallery for the rest of the winter.

Although all seasons have their beauty, winter does something to the colours. The blue of the sky seems bluer, the white of the snow whiter and the crisp air crisper. The fairytale winter scenery is the perfect backdrop for winter wilderness activities - from reindeer sledding to snowmobile safaris and high speed racing on the close by tracks to the magic of the winter nights, when the spell-binding Northern Lights dance across the sky like swirling dervishes. It's truly the most magical time for a visit.

The Hotel Kakslauttanen hosts an international ice-sculpting week that takes place every December. The sculptures remain on display in the gallery. Guests are encouraged to try their talent in the arts of cutting ice, even in summer, when the ice is stored in an immense storage room at the resort.

The tables and even drinking glasses are sculpted of ice. Traditional lap food like salmon and reindeer are prepared on a large open fireplace. While waiting for the food, ice sculpting classes are given by an instructor.

A roll in the snow or a dunk in the invigorating icy water is the buzz. It offers room for over 100 people in two separate saunas. Each sauna has its own relaxation room with an open fireplace, showers and toilets.

The temperature is constantly between minus 3 and minus 6 degree C (26.6 - 21.2F), even if the outside is at an extreme minus of 32C (- 25.6F). There is no bathroom. Part of the adventure is taking a sauna in the morning in the smoke sauna nearby.

To watch the night sky full of twinkly stars or the breathtaking drama of the Northern Lights - if weather permits - must be magic. Even watching a storm or the falling snow from the coziness of a warm bed must be an enjoyable event.

I am not sure, tough, if I could sleep in the days of the Midnight sun, when daylight shines bright almost around the clock. There is a toilet in the igloo, but no shower. Again, part of the experience is taking a sauna in the morning.

More and more couples in search of a different kind of wedding celebration say their "I do's" in the Ice Chapel made of 3 feet think ice walls, even windows and altar are made of ice. Reindeer hide cover the floor in lieu of a red carpet. A special honeymoon cabin awaits the newlyweds. Couples who have married here are raving about the service.

Thermal underwear is a must and so are lots of layers of clothing, a warm snowsuit, mittens and a hat to keep the ears from freezing. And socks. Don't forget woollen socks - not cotton ones. A flashlight can't hurt either.

Sleeping bags, woollen socks and a hood are provided for sleeping in the Snow Igloos, even warm clothing can be rented.

The darkest time is Kaamos - the Finish Polar Nights - the time between December and January, when the sun does not rise. It's the time with only a few hours of twilight. The white of the snow reflects light, and of course, it is the best time to watch the drama of the Aurora Borealis.

Winter lasts until the beginning of May. The closer the spring, the more daylight hours will appear and the days of the midnight sun are getting closer.

The Experience is pricey; though certainly unusual and most definitely unforgettable. The living standard in Finland is high and almost everything has to be transported for great distances.

Snow Igloos: 20, sleeps 1 to 5
Glass Igloos: 20
Log Cabins: 32 diff. sizes, queen suites and one honeymoon suite, charming with fireplace, bath, and sauna - sleeps up to 6
Provided: Sleeping bags, woollen socks and a hoods.
Facilities: Largest smoke sauna, ice pool, showers (open every morning)
Restaurant: 4 - world's largest Snow Restaurant, restaurant in the sauna (dining on request), formal restaurant in the lodge - local cuisine
Transfers: Yes - additional cost. Make a reservation at the time of booking.
Smoking: Non smoking policy in the cabins and the igloos
Internet: Computer available in the reception building/Wifi connection
Breakfast and Dinner: Included during the winter month; during the summer month only breakfast included in the rates.
Rates: on request

Note: The information provided here was correct when published. Rates and details can change without notice.

Telephone: + 358-16-667-100
E-mail

• Helsinki 1085 km / 674.2 miles
• Rovaniemi 250 km / 155.3 miles
• Ivalo Airport: 40 km / 24.8 miles
• Inari: 70 km / 43.5 miles
• Saariselkä: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Nordkapp: 450 km / 279.6 miles
• Arctic Circle: 250 km / 155.4 miles



• Airplane: Helsinki to Ivalo Airport - transit organized by the hotel
• Train: Helsinki to Rovaniemi 250 km, regular bus service
• Bus: To Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, Ivalo and all over Finland, bus stop 100 m from the hotel
• Daily Bus Service from the Hotel to Saariselkä (shopping, ski resort)



• Finnair
• Information on Finland
• Excursions can be organized through the hotel

Winter Activities

• Winter safaris by reindeer, husky and snowmobile
• Cross country and downhill skiing (though the Alps are a better for the latter)
• Snowshoe hikes, kick sledding
• Action Park Saariselkä - "big boy toys" go-kart on ice, snow-kart and co-piloting high speed rally cars

• Pan for gold in a crystal-clear stream
• Safaris unique to Lapland
• Hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, rafting

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Took my breath away
Barbara says: "The #1 item on my list of things to do before I die is to see the Aurora Borealis. Had seen photos of this place previously and hoped to go there, but ..."

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