Dreaming of spending the night in a traditional Finnish log cabin, a luxurious Aurora Glass Igloo, or within the enchanting walls of a Snowhotel? Finnish Lapland is the place to go for a magical winter holiday. With some of the cleanest air in the world, many areas with little or no light pollution and lots of unique accommodation, you have great chances of spotting the Northern Lights.
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Lisa is our Finland expert. If you ask her, Finnish Lapland is the best place to go for a magical winter holiday.
It is said that Finland is one of the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights – they appear on more than 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland. To maximise your chances of witnessing this celestial dance, plan your visit between October and March. Finnish Lapland emerges as a top-tier destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts, offering a captivating display that can last for just a few minutes – or the entire evening!
Below is our carefully curated selection of places in Finnish Lapland for cosy relaxation, snowy excursions and aurora magic.
Nearest airport: Rovaniemi (ROV)
Perfect for: winter adventurers, families, Christmas & festive holidays
Tours including Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos: Arctic SnowHotel, Glass Igloo & Northern Lights I Christmas at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos I New Year’s at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
If you're yearning for an Arctic escape that seamlessly combines unique accommodation with a touch of Arctic wilderness, look no further than the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi. The journey to this winter wonderland is an adventure in itself, winding through the Arctic landscape and setting the stage for the magical experience that awaits. Nestled in the Lappish forest, this unique destination offers cosy glass igloos that allow you to witness the dancing Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
For those seeking an even more extraordinary experience, the Arctic SnowHotel provides an icy retreat with intricately sculpted rooms carved from ice and snow. Imagine unwinding in a frosty room on a bed of ice, cuddled up in a warm Arctic sleeping bag surrounded by reindeer furs – this is without a doubt the coolest hotel you will ever stay at!
Nearest airport: Rovaniemi (ROV)
Perfect for: families, Christmas & festive holidays
Tours including Santa Claus Holiday Village: Rovaniemi Santa Claus Adventure I Levi & Rovaniemi Winter Adventure
If you're dreaming of a winter escape that feels like stepping into a Christmas card, the Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi is where your fantasy becomes reality. Imagine a place where the festive spirit lasts all year round, nestled right on the Arctic Circle's doorstep. Your journey here isn't just a trip: it's an adventure into a land where the magic of Christmas is alive in every snowflake and jingle bell.
Picture waking up in a snug, cosy cottage, stepping outside, and finding yourself in a wonderland where Santa might appear around the corner at any moment. But it's not just about the festive atmosphere. This place is a gateway to unforgettable Arctic experiences. Whether you're mushing through the forest with a team of huskies, sharing a moment with reindeer, or watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, the holiday village brings you the essence of Lapland in an incredibly special way.
Nearest airport: Rovaniemi (ROV)
Perfect for: nature lovers, winter adventurers, Christmas and festive holidays
Tours including Vaattunki Wilderness Resort: Helsinki & Rovaniemi Wilderness Lodge I Ice Breaker & Rovaniemi I Christmas at Rovaniemi Wilderness Lodge I Cross Border, Aurora Express
The Vaattunki Wilderness Resort is the perfect destination if you’re looking for peaceful accommodation in the Rovaniemi area. Located right next to the river Raudanjoki in the middle of the pine forest, the resort is the place to enjoy pure Arctic nature in silence. Arctic Deluxe rooms have large windows with a gorgeous view, while the Panorama Huts offer even bigger floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can get as close to nature as possible from the comfort of a warm room. For a premium Northern Lights viewing experience, upgrade to an Aurora Cabin Igloo and enjoy a panoramic glass roof right above your bed!
In winter, the Vaattunki Wilderness Resort is a great place to look out for the Northern Lights and participate in winter activities. Meet the local Arctic animals and explore the snowy landscapes on a dog or reindeer sledding trip. Don’t forget that the best way to end a day well spent outdoors is to unwind in a steamy Finnish sauna.
Nearest airport: Ivalo (IVL)
Perfect for: families, couples, winter adventurers
Tours including Northern Lights Village: Kirkenes & Finnish Lapland I Finnish Lapland, Hurtigruten & Fjords I Winter Finland, Ice Hotel & Hurtigruten
The Northern Lights Village Saariselkä is located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle amidst magnificent untouched fells and forests near Urho Kekkonen National Park – the largest national park in Finland. Nestled in a tranquil setting away from any light pollution, the Aurora Cabins offer an enchanting way to view the winter night sky and witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of a cosy bed. The glass roof, heated with lasers, reveals the mystical Arctic sky directly above.
The resort has its own reindeer paddock, providing an opportunity to observe and interact with these gentle creatures. Various activities are available, including sauna sessions, snowmobile and husky safaris, Northern Lights hunting excursions, cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking.
Nearest airport: Ivalo (IVL)
Perfect for: honeymooners, couples, nature lovers, winter adventurers
Tours including Wilderness Hotel Muotka: Muotka Northern Lights & Wilderness Break I Muotka Arctic Experience
If you're seeking an intimate resort with a touch of luxury, look no further than the family-owned Wilderness Hotel Muotka. To reach this hidden gem, embark on a short yet truly enchanting bus trip along a narrow, winding road through the dense forest. At Muotka, you'll find yourself in a comfortable Wilderness Room, a cosy Panorama Log Cabin or a charming Aurora Cabin, all of which seamlessly blend traditional wilderness charm with subtle elegance. This cosy lodging invites you to unwind and cuddle up on the couch in front of the fireplace.
And when it comes to winter adventures, Muotka offers a plethora of activities, from exhilarating husky sled rides and enchanting reindeer safaris to the quiet wonder of snowshoeing through pristine, snow-covered landscapes. Immerse yourself in winter bliss at Wilderness Hotel Muotka, where each day brings new opportunities to explore and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings.
Nearest airport: Ivalo Airport (IVL)
Perfect for: families, nature lovers, winter adventurers, Christmas and festive holidays
Tours including Wilderness Resort Inari: Inari Northern Lights & Wilderness Break I Arctic Highlights of Inari I Inari Santa & Wilderness Break
Far above the Arctic Circle, just outside the small Sámi town of Inari and next to the lake of the same name, you will find the beautiful Wilderness Hotel Inari. This resort offers accommodation in glass-roofed aurora cabins, rustic wilderness rooms and log cabins with décor inspired by the surrounding wilderness. It is the perfect spot for outdoor activities and Northern Lights chasing.
The on-site restaurant offers Lappish cuisine in a cosy atmosphere with views over the frozen lake. In the bar, you can try a variety of wines and unique cocktails. A must-try is the Husky Howling, Reindeer Kick or Brown Bear’s Kiss. And treat yourself to one (or more…) of their cinnamon buns: they are the best we have ever tried!
Nearest airport: Kittilä (KTT)
Perfect for: families, couples, winter adventurers
Tours including Northern Lights Village Levi: Tromsø & Finnish Lapland
Located 170 km north of the Arctic Circle in Fell Lapland, Levi is surrounded by pristine nature and vast wilderness. The Northern Lights Village is nestled in the tranquil Sirkka village region, outside of Levi’s town centre. As soon as you arrive, you will notice the serene, soothing atmosphere. Here you can immerse yourself in the wintry outdoors while enjoying the comforting hospitality of this splendid accommodation.
And of course, at Northern Lights Village Levi you can take part in delightful winter excursions: from husky and reindeer sledding to snowmobiling, heated sleigh rides and Northern Lights chases, there is something for everyone looking for a truly authentic Arctic outdoor experience. After an action-packed day, bask in the warmth of your cushy bed while gazing directly up at the enchanting night sky. The Aurora Cabin and Aurora Suite glass igloos have heated panoramic glass roofs, giving you your own private, front-row view of the stars and mysterious Northern Lights.
Nearest airport: Kittilä (KTT)
Perfect for: couples, winter adventurers, nature lovers
Tours including Harriniva Adventure Resort: Snowmobile & Dog Sledding Adventure
Escape to the winter wonderland of Muonio and experience the perfect blend of adventure and comfort at Harriniva Adventure Resort. Your journey to this Arctic retreat is a scenic expedition through the captivating Lapland landscapes. Situated near the picturesque Muonio River, the resort offers a range of accommodations, from wilderness cabins to hotel rooms to exclusive Aurora View Rooms.
Picture yourself gazing at the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky from the warmth of your room or stepping outside to embrace the magical spectacle. Harriniva Adventure Resort caters to every winter enthusiast with an array of thrilling activities, including dog sledding, snowmobiling and the tranquillity of cross-country skiing through the pristine snowy wilderness. This Arctic haven offers an unparalleled experience, where each day brings new opportunities to explore the beauty of Lapland's winter wonders.
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Nearest airport: Tromsø or Kittilä (KTT)
Perfect for: off-the-beaten-track travellers, nature lovers, winter adventures
Tours including Santa’s Hotel Rakka Kilpisjärvi: Tromsø & Finnish Lapland
The journey to this remote hotel is one of the most scenic bus routes in the entire Arctic North. Kilpisjärvi is located in a remote and striking corner of Finnish Lapland, nestled next to Saana Fell and the dramatic Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, where the borders of Finland, Sweden and Norway meet. Santa’s Hotel Rakka features elegant Nordic design and floor-to-ceiling windows in its stylish rooms – perfect for taking in the breathtaking scenery and night sky. The scenic Rakka Restaurant also boasts panoramic windows, so you can savour both the view and traditional Nordic cuisine with a modern twist.
Round off your stay with traditional Arctic outdoor activities, such as a thrilling snowmobile safari to the cairn marking the borders of Finland, Sweden and Norway – the most peaceful border in the world. Learn about the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer herding traditions or, for the perfect ending to an Arctic day, chase the dazzling aurora on snowshoes or by snowmobile.
Nearest airport: Ivalo Airport (IVL)
Perfect for: winter adventurers, couples, nature lovers
Tours including Star Arctic Hotel: Star Arctic Northern Lights Escape
Located on top of the Kaunispää fell in Saariselkä, 225 km north of the Arctic Circle, Star Arctic Hotel offers stunning, expansive views of the wintry landscape by day. The tasteful buildings and cabins blend harmoniously into the natural environment, accentuating the peaceful atmosphere. Star Arctic offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tobogganing, husky and reindeer encounters, Northern Lights chases and more.
By night, the hotel offers outstanding Northern Lights viewing conditions, thanks to its remote felltop location, far away from light pollution. After a fun-filled day of adventures, you can keep an eye out for the Northern Lights while you unwind in the warm comfort of your room. The Scenic View Suites in the hotel boast large, north-facing windows for optimal night sky viewing. Or stay in an Aurora Glass Cabin to watch the shimmering lights through the glass roof from the comfort of your cosy bed.
From unique accommodations to thrilling winter activities, we are here to assist you in booking your dream trip that captures the essence of this Arctic wonderland. Contact us at info@authentic-scandinavia.com for trip advice and embark on a journey to Finnish Lapland that will linger in your memories for a lifetime. Discover all our trips to Finland here.
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