Two nights in Lapland
In late January 2020, I traveled to Lapland, the largest and northernmost region of Finland. The snow covered wilderness creates the most magical scenery and makes up for the dramatically low temperatures.
Currency: Euro
Native People: Sami
Religion: Laestadianism & Animism
Capital City: Rovaniemi
I have always dreamt of sleeping in an Igloo and have had the Kakslauttanen Resort’s Igloo’s on my bucket list and vision board for so long. It didn’t disappoint and was well worth the hard work to get there. This experience was so magical and if you ever get the chance put it on your bucket list or find a way to make it happen, it’s worth it!!!
Flying from Moscow via Helsinki I landed in Ivalo, a village that is about 30mins from Kakslauttanen Resort. I was collected by the resorts shuttle and taken to the resort where I spent two nights in a Glass Igloo. Not only was I visiting Lapland for the Igloos, I was visiting to hopefully see the Northern Lights. Sadly the weather wasn’t on my side this trip and I didn’t get to see them but I was still able to experience some amazing activities.
Accomodation: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
I stayed in a Small Glass Igloo in the East Village. There are two villages that make up the resort, The East village which is the original village housing the Small Glass Igloos, Snow Igloos and Log Cabins whereas the West Village is a newer and larger extension, housing the Large Igloos, Kelo Glass Igloo’s and Log Cabins plus the larger dining quarters and Igloo bar. You do have the option of visiting the other villages by getting on one of the complimentary shuttles that the resort provides.
The Igloo was surprisingly warm as the glass is heated to prevent the Igloo from fogging up and the snow getting stuck on the outside. The Igloo had two beds on either side and a sectioned off area for the sink and toilet, the beds were adjustable by remote so you can be propped up to see the Auroras. There are shower facilities in another building nearby for the guests staying in the Small Glass Igloos.
I think two nights was enough time to experience everything as it’s such a remote place and other than the offered activities there isn’t too much else to do other than relax, which isn’t a bad thing but it is an expensive place to stay to just do nothing if you know what I mean.
Pro’s:
Wifi
Aurora Alarm (To alert you when the Auroras are present)
Heated Igloo
Adjustable bed for a better views
Toilet and sink with fresh Lapland water
Con’s:
Toilet only, no Shower
Small space
Can see into other Igloos when curtains are open
Have to take your own bags to your Igloo either by dragging it through the snow or on a sled if someone isn’t available to drop it to your room (Luckily someone was available to deliver my bags)
Kakslauttanen Experiences
All experiences provide full snow outfits and boots which I would highly recommend utilising even if you think your snow gear will be enough - it get’s COLD! Especially when you are travelling quite quickly through the winters air.
Husky Safari
There are two big husky farms right next door to the resort where you get to experience the dog sledding tradition. You get to meet the gorgeous dogs and get a lesson on how to be the driver and passenger of the sled. I would recommend doing this throughout the day rather than a night safari as it’s a more rewarding view and not as cold.
Reindeer Sleigh Aurora Hunting
Seeing a reindeer was like being a child again excited for Christmas, they were very beautiful creatures with fascinating antlers. It was a much slower paced ride than the Huskies but amazing nonetheless. I did a night safari to hopefully see the Auroras and it did get quite cold but we did get to stop off halfway for a mulled wine and snacks.
Snow Mobile Aurora Hunting
I’ve never been on a snow mobile before and really enjoyed it, it was pretty cool being able to drive through the snow covered paths and wilderness without having to trek through the snow by foot. Again I did a night ride to hopefully see the Auroras. We had a fascinating guide who taught us how to drive the snow mobile and made a fire in a large teepee for the hot drinks and snacks. This was awesome at night but it would also be beautiful during the day.
Clothing
If you haven’t been to cold climates before and think you will be okay with some basic winter clothes then THINK AGAIN. There is nothing more painful than having no feeling in your feet because it’s so cold. Although the resort provides you with snow outfits for the activities I would recommend investing in the following items:
Long Down Jacket
Thermal long sleeve top
Thermal long sleeve bottoms
Thermal socks (I doubled up with 2 pairs)
Jumpers that are warm that can fir thermals underneath
Snow pants or thick pants that you can put thermals underneath
Snow boots rated to at least -20 degrees
Snow gloves and even a set of leather gloves to go inside the snow gloves
Thick beanie (I had my fur hat which was the warmest thing ever but as long as you have your head covered with something warm it will help)
Neck warmer (this is a life saver as you can bring it above your mouth and nose and shield you from the cold)
What is an Aurora?
A natural electrical phenomenon characterized by the appearance of streamers of reddish or greenish light in the sky, especially near the northern or southern magnetic pole. The effect is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the upper atmosphere. In northern and southern regions it is respectively called aurora borealis or Northern Lights and aurora australis or Southern Lights.
Who are the Sámi?
The Sámi people are an indigenous Finno-Ugric people inhabiting Sápmi, which today encompasses large northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula within the Murmansk Oblast of Russia. The Sámi have historically been known in English as Lapps or Laplanders
