In Finland, 250km north of the Arctic Circle, the Michelin-recommended Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is in the business of delivering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With the aurora borealis, midnight sun and polar night bewitching the heavens here, much of the emphasis is on sky-gazing. There are neat rows of luxe glass igloos to sleep in, as well as a planetarium and a sky bar on-site. You can even chase the Northern Lights on horseback, riding amongst snowy pines as the sky blazes green and purple.
But bring your gaze down from the heavens, and you’ll discover there’s much more to this ultimate Lapland experience. At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort you can build your own itinerary from a lengthy menu of activities, from soothing wellness treats to high-octane adventures. Relax in the world’s largest smoke sauna, embark on an overnight husky safari or pan for gold in a river where people have been trying their luck for centuries. And at Christmas, Santa is on-site too.
Accommodation: Glass Igloos and Cosy Cabins
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is home to a range of accommodation designed to help guests make the most of their enchanting surroundings.Stay in a glass igloo to aurora-gaze from the comfort of your bed and wake up to piercing blue skies over the snowy Lapland wilderness. Opt for a small two-person igloo for a cosy experience or go larger to get your own private sauna. There’s also the six-person Kelo-Glass Igloo, which combines a glass dome with a log cabin and features a fireplace and kitchenette. Glass igloos are available from late August until April.
If you’re in a group, splash out on the one-of-a-kind Luxury Kelo Glass Igloo, which sleeps 12. Inside you’ll find three glass igloo bedrooms, three ensuite log chalet bedrooms, a large living room and a sauna. Daily firewood service is included.
Alternatively, opt for a cosy log chalet, crafted from thick Kelo pines. These rugged cabins house two to 10 guests, and fit in perfectly with their wild surroundings – even the beds and desks are built from logs. In winter, the sloping roofs wear a thick blanket of snow and a lamp at the door provides a warm welcome. There’s few electronics here, but a roaring stone fireplace and private electric sauna keep guests entertained. For riverside views, select the four-person ‘Gold Digger’ cabins.
Another accommodation option is a century-old house. Decked out with wall hangings, rocking chairs and an old-fashioned range, this is perfect for guests looking for immersion in authentic Lapland. This family home also features a private sauna, fireplace and terrace.
There’s also the subterranean wedding chamber, which has a turf roof concealed in the landscape. This might sound unusual, but earth lodges – or kammi – have been used as residences in Finland since ancient times. This two-person accommodation comes with a private sauna and bathtub.
Meanwhile, the Queen Suite is a spacious log cabin made of Kelo wood. Soak in its outdoor jacuzzi and sweat in the private sauna before sinking into a palatial four-poster bed.
And if you really want to become one with nature, sleep in an authentic snow igloo. You’ll be given a down sleeping bag, woollen socks and a hat. It’s recommended that you sleep in thermal underwear, and exercise and eat chocolate before slipping into your sleeping bag.
Facilities: Smoke Saunas, Kakslauttanen Planetarium and Santa
Wander down to the river to find the resort’s three smoke saunas – a true Kakslauttanen highlight. Unrobe in dressing rooms heated by roaring fires before sweating it out in the sauna. If you’re feeling brave, plunge into the icy water at the end of the jetty (a hole is cut in the ice during winter) for a shocking dose of cold water therapy. Thirsty after your sauna? The cold spring water is pure enough to drink.Later, make the most of those clear Arctic skies with a visit to the Kakslauttanen Planetarium. Boasting an impressive 18-metre diameter dome theatre, here you can watch captivating documentaries on the celestial marvels of the Arctic. Why not follow it up with a pint from the in-house brewery or a cocktail at the Igloo Tower sky bar? There’s also an art gallery to explore.
When it’s time to eat, there’s traditional fare on offer at both the Kelo Restaurant and the Aurora Restaurant, the latter of which boasts a glass igloo bar. Groups booking in advance can also dine at Korsu ‘The Underground’ Restaurant, the Smoke Sauna Restaurant or at the wonderfully festive Santa Claus Celebration House – Finland’s largest log cabin.
Speaking of St Nick, when in Lapland, make the time to call in on the man himself. At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, he lives in an idyllic red riverside chalet at the end of a beautiful wooden bridge. Be sure to book in advance.
Autumn: Aurora Chasing, Cloudberries and Ruska
The aurora borealis is the number one reason travellers venture so far north of the Arctic Circle. As solar winds whip into Earth’s upper atmosphere, the otherworldly light show paints the night sky in bold pinks, purples and greens. Legend says that the aurora borealis is a display of spirits moving across the heavens, or that it’s a reflection of the shields of the Valkyries – mythical female warriors. Autumn is the perfect time to catch this heavenly display, with the lights most likely to appear just before midnight.You can view the Northern Lights from the secluded comfort of your private glass igloo – or you can hunt them down. At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, you can chase the aurora borealis on horseback or a quad bike, or opt for a romantic horse-drawn carriage. This once-in-a-lifetime experience may be what brought you to Kakslauttanen, but once arrived, you’ll find the resort offers a heady range of autumnal activities to help you embrace the wilderness.
During the first three weeks of September, the Finnish landscape is ablaze in the electrifying colours of ruska (the colours of Arctic autumn), with the leaves on its birch, aspen and mountain ash trees turning luminous yellows and deep scarlets. Roam wide-open landscapes on a horse safari, mountain bike up and down the fells, or take a hike with a loyal husky by your side.
On your adventures, fill your water bottle at icy mountain streams, and pick flavourful, vitamin-rich mushrooms and berries in the forests and wetlands. Look out too for the amber-coloured cloudberries – a local speciality with a sweet, tangy taste; just show your bounty to a member of staff for a safety check before indulging.
Elsewhere, explore Lapland’s gold mining tradition by canoeing on Ivalo River – the ‘river of gold’ – whose banks were once heavy with the precious metal. Or try your luck at Kakslauttanen’s gold panning site.
Autumn is also a beautiful time to learn about the culture of the Sámi People – the indigenous people of Lapland. Take a cruise on the Lemmenjoki River through the breathtaking National Park to a Sámi village and stop at the Sámi Museum of Siida in Inari.
Winter: Polar Night, Husky Safaris and Skiing
Between December and January, Kakslauttanen is plunged into the polar night – or Kaamos – when the sun doesn’t rise for weeks. During this time of year, visitors will experience unending snow, extreme frost and a bewitching 'blue moment' at around 2pm every day, where the sky and snow turn an intense blue for 15 minutes. Look to the north and you’ll see a cerulean sky, turn to the south and the heavens are orange and red. While the sun doesn’t rise during Kaamos, there is a lighter period from 10am to 3pm each day, with reflections on the brilliant white snow illuminating the surroundings.At Kakslauttanen, temperatures vary between 0°C and -40°C in winter, with metres-upon-metres of snow and extreme frost. However, the season is usually dry and still. Towards the end of the season, the mercury rises and long hours of sunshine bounce off the snow.
In winter, the Aurora Borealis is vibrant in the night sky. And once there’s snow on the ground, you can enjoy it on skis, snowmobiles or even a sleigh ride fit for a winter wonderland. Indeed, Kakslauttanen’s thick covering of winter snow gives way to a whole host of activities, including husky safaris (ranging from 15 minutes to an overnight adventure) and reindeer safaris hosted by local herders.
Saariselkä – the municipality in which Kakslauttanen is based – is frequently ranked among the world’s best cross-country skiing destinations. Its season runs from October to May. Pop your skis on outside your chalet and take advantage of the area’s diverse network of tracks, running for almost 200km. There’s also a ski school for those looking to improve. If downhill skiing or snowboarding are more your speed, Saariselkä’s two peaks are just a 15-minute drive away and offer 15 slopes of varying difficulties.
Adrenaline junkies should consider a snowmobile safari, which includes an alfresco lunch prepared over an open fire, or alternatively ice karting on a professional 570-metre long ice circuit illuminated by LEDs. Prefer a slower pace of life? Go ice fishing on Lake Inarijärvi or take a sleigh ride under warm blankets, complete with jingle bells.
The resort can also arrange a day trip on Icebreaker Sampo. This day-long cruise includes an unforgettable icy dip in the Bay of Bothnia (dry suit mandatory). It runs from mid-December until the end of April.
Summer: The Midnight Sun, Whitewater Canoeing and Reindeer Farms
While many visitors flock to Kakslauttanen to see the Northern Lights, the magic of the midnight sun should not be underestimated. During this enchanting time of year, the sun never sets below the horizon. From April to August, summer nights are as bright as day.Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort delivers a variety of experiences to help you make the most of the midnight sun. Take midnight horse rides, quad bike tours, or horse-drawn carriage rides. Alternatively, a car can be arranged to take you to the peak of Mount Kaunispää for staggering views of the landscape bathed in orange light.
During the summer months, you can enjoy many of the activities offered in autumn – and more. Embark on a day trip to Inari to visit a reindeer farm and visit Ukko Island – a holy place for the Sámi People. Alternatively, go whitewater canoeing on the Juutua River, or paddle around the Lutto River for a more sedate experience. If you’re in the mood for fishing, trout, grayling and Arctic char are on the menu at this time of year.
All Hotel Images: © Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
