Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – The Ultimate Arctic Bucket List Experience in Finnish Lapland

Sleeping Under the Northern Lights in the Arctic Wilderness

Hidden deep inside Finnish Lapland, surrounded by endless pine forests, frozen lakes, and untouched Arctic wilderness, lies one of the world’s most iconic bucket list destinations: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort near Saariselkä.

This extraordinary resort is famous worldwide for inventing the original glass igloo concept, allowing guests to fall asleep beneath the stars — and often the magical Aurora Borealis — while staying warm and comfortable inside a thermal glass dome

Book Here:

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets.

For travelers seeking:

– Northern Lights experiences
– Unique Arctic accommodation
– Husky safaris & reindeer encounters
– Snowmobile adventures
– Midnight Sun summers
– Authentic Lapland culture
– Once-in-a-lifetime winter magic

Kakslauttanen delivers all of this… and much more.

This guide is designed as a complete long-form travel resource for Amazing Bucketlist, covering everything from accommodation types and seasons to excursions, food, wellness, and nearby adventures.

📍 Where Is Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort?

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is located approximately 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, in Finnish Lapland, about 40 minutes south of Ivalo Airport and roughly 10 km from Saariselkä village.

The resort sits on the edge of the vast Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected wilderness areas, offering hundreds of kilometers of hiking, skiing, and nature trails.

This location gives guests direct access to:

✔ Arctic forests
✔ Frozen rivers and lakes
✔ Fell landscapes
✔ Wildlife habitats
✔ Minimal light pollution (perfect for aurora viewing)

It truly feels like the end of the world — in the most beautiful way.

🌲 A Brief History of Kakslauttanen

Kakslauttanen began in the 1970s as a small roadside café built by Finnish entrepreneur Jussi Eiramo.

What started as a humble stop for travelers slowly evolved into a wilderness lodge — and eventually into an internationally renowned Arctic resort.

The breakthrough moment came in the late 1990s when Kakslauttanen introduced the world’s first thermal glass igloos, completely transforming winter tourism in Lapland.

Today, the resort attracts visitors from all over the globe and has been featured by countless travel publications, documentaries, and influencers.

Despite its fame, Kakslauttanen has managed to preserve a surprisingly authentic, nature-first atmosphere.

🏡 Accommodation Overview – More Than Just Glass Igloos

Kakslauttanen is divided into two main areas:

▸ East Village

The original part of the resort, featuring traditional log cabins and early glass igloos.

▸ West Village

A newer, more secluded forest area with expanded igloo options and modern Arctic chalets.

Both villages are surrounded by wilderness and connected by resort transport.

Let’s break down the accommodation types.

✨ Glass Igloos – The Iconic Arctic Sleep Experience

Glass igloos are what made Kakslauttanen famous.

Each igloo features:

✔ Thermal glass roof (anti-fog + insulated)
✔ Comfortable double or twin beds
✔ Heating system for Arctic nights
✔ Toilets (some with private showers)
✔ Optional private sauna (premium units)

Types include:

– Small glass igloos (2 persons)
– Family glass igloos (up to 5 persons)
– Premium glass igloos with private sauna & shower

On clear nights, guests can watch the Northern Lights directly from bed — no freezing outside required.

It’s one of the most surreal hotel experiences on Earth.

🪵 Traditional Log Cabins & Chalets

For travelers wanting more space or privacy, the resort also offers:

▸ Log Cabins

Classic Lapland wooden cabins with fireplaces, kitchens, and private saunas.

▸ Arctic Chalets

Larger modern units ideal for families or longer stays, featuring full kitchens and multiple bedrooms.

These accommodations are perfect if you want to combine glass igloo nights with more traditional Arctic living.

🌌 Best Time to Visit Kakslauttanen

Each season offers a completely different experience.

❄️ Winter (Late November – Early April)

This is peak season.

Expect:

– Snow-covered forests
– Frozen lakes
– Husky safaris
– Aurora Borealis
– Snowmobiling
– Ice fishing

Temperatures range from –5°C to –30°C.

Northern Lights season typically runs from September to early April.

🌸 Spring (April – May)

A quieter period with longer daylight, fewer tourists, and still plenty of snow activities early in the season.

☀️ Summer (June – August)

Welcome to the Midnight Sun.

Here you’ll experience:

– 24-hour daylight
– Hiking & mountain biking
– Canoeing & fishing
– Berry picking
– Wildlife photography

No Northern Lights, but magical endless summer days.

🍂 Autumn (September – October)

Often overlooked, but incredible.

Autumn brings:

– Golden forests
– First auroras of the season
– Crisp air
– Fewer crowds
– Stunning fall colors

Perfect for photographers and peaceful travelers.

🔥 Sauna Culture – Deep Arctic Relaxation

Finland is famous for sauna culture — and Kakslauttanen takes it seriously.

Guests can enjoy:

✔ Private cabin saunas
✔ Traditional smoke sauna
✔ World-famous giant smoke sauna
✔ Ice swimming (winter)
✔ Outdoor hot tubs

The sauna ritual usually includes:

Hot sauna → cold snow or ice dip → warm drink by the fire.

It’s both invigorating and deeply relaxing.

🍽 Dining at Kakslauttanen

The resort features several on-site restaurants serving traditional Lappish cuisine.

Expect dishes like:

– Reindeer meat
– Arctic char & salmon
– Wild mushrooms
– Local berries
– Fresh rye bread
– Cloudberry desserts

There are buffet breakfasts, à-la-carte dinners, and cozy bars where guests gather after snowy adventures.

Everything focuses on regional ingredients and comforting Nordic flavors.

The Best Excursions at Kakslauttanen (Winter)

Kakslauttanen is built around “classic Lapland” experiences—many can be booked directly through the resort’s activities program.

A) Northern Lights Experiences

You can see auroras from your glass igloo on clear nights, but guided experiences add a lot:

Aurora hunt by car/van: Guides chase clearer skies away from cloud cover.
Aurora camp with open fire: A slower, cozy option—hot berry juice by the fire, storytelling, and lots of time outside.
Aurora + snowmobile combo: More adrenaline, more wilderness.

Aurora strategy that actually helps:

Stay 3+ nights if possible (weather can change fast).
Go out even if it’s “not perfect”—aurora can surprise you.
Prioritize clear sky forecasts over “high activity” hype.

What it feels like:
Most nights start quiet—dark forest, crunching snow, stars like glitter. Then the sky can suddenly shift: faint misty green… and if you’re lucky, brighter ribbons that ripple and twist.

B) Husky Safaris (Dog Sledding)

A husky safari is the “movie moment” excursion:

You’ll usually get a short briefing (how to brake, how to balance).
Then you glide through silent forest trails—only the sled runners and paws in snow.
Often there’s a warm break by a fire before returning.

Tips

Dress warmer than you think. Standing on a sled gets cold fast.
If you’re traveling as a couple, ask if you can swap driver/passenger halfway.

C) Reindeer Safaris (Sámi Culture & Calm Arctic Magic)

Reindeer rides are slower, more traditional, and incredibly atmospheric:

Gentle movement through snow-covered trees
Storytelling about reindeer life and Lapland traditions
A fire break with warm drinks is common.

Perfect for: families, couples who want romance over speed, and anyone who wants a more cultural experience.

D) Snowmobile Safari (The Big Adventure)

This is one of Kakslauttanen’s signature adrenaline activities. The resort describes it as the fastest way to explore Lapland nature, with tour options that include breaks and even longer safaris.

Common formats:

2-hour snowmobile ride + outdoor coffee break
4-hour safari with lunch by the fire
Longer / overnight options for real wilderness lovers

Pro tips

If you’re nervous: start with the shortest tour.
Bring a buff/face covering (cold air + speed can sting).

E) Skiing & Cross-Country Tracks (Saariselkä Region)

If you want a very “Finnish” winter day: cross-country skiing is it. The Urho Kekkonen National Park area has an extensive maintained track network around Saariselkä, Kiilopää, and Kakslauttanen.

Easy plan:
Morning sauna → afternoon ski loop → dinner → aurora watch.

F) Tobogganing / Winter Park Fun in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is famous for fun winter experiences beyond tours—think sledding/toboggan runs and easy-access winter activities. (Many travelers combine the resort stay with a half-day in Saariselkä.)

G) Snowshoeing & Winter Nature Walks

Snowshoeing is underrated:

Quiet, slow, deeply scenic
Great for photos (no engine noise, no speed blur)
Ideal on nights when you want a gentle aurora “hunt” close to the resort

H) Ice Fishing

If you want the “true Arctic” feeling:

Drill a hole in a frozen lake
Wait in stillness
Warm up by the fire afterward

It’s not about catching a huge fish—it’s about doing something timeless.

2) What to Do at Kakslauttanen Without a Tour

Not every day has to be scheduled. Some of the best moments are simple:

Your “No-Plan” Arctic Day

Morning: slow breakfast + a snowy walk around the igloos
Midday: sauna + hot shower + nap (Arctic naps hit different)
Afternoon: short forest walk, photos, maybe a drink by the fire
Evening: dinner + aurora watch (igloo roof + quick outdoor checks)

Sauna Ritual (Do It Properly)

Warm up deeply
Step outside into the cold air
Repeat
That contrast is the entire point—and it’s insanely relaxing.

3) Best Day Trips Near Kakslauttanen

Kakslauttanen is close enough to do a few classic Lapland side trips while still keeping the “remote resort” vibe.

A) Saariselkä Village

Saariselkä is small but useful:

Cafés and casual food
Gear rentals (depending on season)
Easy access to ski and winter activity areas

B) Urho Kekkonen National Park

For nature lovers this is a must—especially if you want:

Marked trails
Scenic fell landscapes
Cross-country networks in winter

C) Ivalo (Gateway Town)

If you have time before a flight, Ivalo is handy for:

Stocking up on essentials
A relaxed meal
Simple “local Lapland” vibes

These are designed to maximize aurora chances while balancing relaxation and adventure.

Itinerary 1: 3 Nights (Classic First Timer)

Day 1 – Arrival + Settle In

Transfer from Ivalo Airport
Explore the resort area, early dinner
First aurora watch from your igloo + short outdoor check

Day 2 – Big Adventure Day

Morning: Husky safari
Afternoon: sauna + rest
Night: guided aurora experience (camp or hunt)

Day 3 – Culture + Calm

Reindeer safari (slower, magical)
Optional: Saariselkä visit for winter fun
Night: aurora watch (repeat—because why not)

Day 4 – Departure

Itinerary 2: 4–5 Nights (Best Balance)

Day 1: arrival + igloo night
Day 2: snowmobile safari (2–4 hours) + sauna + aurora
Day 3: huskies + chill afternoon + aurora hunt
Day 4: national park (snowshoe or ski) + last big dinner
Day 5: optional reindeer / ice fishing + departure

This itinerary gives you multiple aurora attempts and spreads “high energy” tours across days.

Itinerary 3: 7 Nights (Dream Trip / Content Creator Mode)

If you’re filming or creating content (YouTube + Pinterest), 7 nights is amazing:

2 aurora tours on different nights
Huskies + reindeer + snowmobile as separate “hero” days
2 slower days for photography, sauna, village visits
1 national park day

It also gives you more buffer for weather.

5) Getting There + Transfers (Simple, Practical)

Flying

The resort highlights Ivalo Airport (IVL) as the most convenient option, with daily flights from Helsinki.

By Bus / Public Transport

Kakslauttanen also notes buses from Rovaniemi and that the “Kakslauttanen” bus stop is about 100 meters from East Village reception.
Rome2rio lists a direct bus option from Ivalo Airport to the Kakslauttanen stop, with multiple daily departures (schedules can change—always verify near your travel dates).

Private Transfers

If you want zero stress (especially with winter luggage), private transfer is the smoothest option—book in advance.

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Airport transfer: [BOOK TRANSFER HERE]

6) What to Pack (Winter) – The Real List

Even if tours provide thermal suits, you still want proper layers.

Essentials

Thermal base layers (top + leggings)
Fleece/wool mid-layer
Warm insulated jacket
Snow pants (or insulated trousers)
Wool socks (multiple pairs)
Insulated boots (non-slip soles)
Beanie + neck warmer + insulated gloves/mittens
Hand warmers (cheap, life-saving)
Lip balm + moisturizer (dry cold air)

Photography extras

Extra camera batteries (cold drains them fast)
Power bank
Tripod (for aurora shots)
Headlamp (red light mode is ideal)

7) Northern Lights Photography Tips (Quick but Powerful)

If you want shots that look like Pinterest:

Use a tripod
Use night mode on newer phones (keep the phone still)
If using a camera: wide lens, high ISO, a few seconds exposure
Keep batteries warm (inside jacket pocket)

Most important: don’t spend the entire aurora staring at settings. Watch it with your eyes too.

Is Kakslauttanen worth it?

If your goal is a true bucket list Arctic stay—sleeping under the stars and (hopefully) auroras—then yes. The resort’s glass igloos are a world-famous concept and a core reason people choose this destination.

When can you stay in the glass igloos?

Glass igloo stays are tied to the Northern Lights season, typically late summer through spring. (Exact seasonal dates vary by year and availability—check official booking pages.)

How far is it from Ivalo Airport?

The resort promotes Ivalo Airport as the most convenient gateway, and there are transfer options including bus and resort transport info.

Do I need tours to enjoy the trip?

Not at all. Many guests love slow days: sauna, forest walks, igloo nights, and one or two “big” excursions.

How many nights should I stay to see the Northern Lights?

There’s never a guarantee, but staying 3–5 nights increases your chances because weather changes quickly.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is not just a hotel—it’s a full Arctic “dream sequence”: glass igloos glowing in the forest, silent snowfall, huskies pulling you through the wilderness, reindeer bells in the dark, and the possibility of the sky turning green above your bed.

If you’re building a bucket list of places that don’t feel real until you’re there—this is one of them.

Ready to plan it?