No visit to Finnish Lapland is complete without completing one crucial aim …
And what better way to see this magnificent display, than in your very own glass igloo!?
When planning our own 3 week adventure through this gorgeous country, staying in at least one glass igloo was a priority.
And guess what … not only did we stay in one glass igloo hotel in Finland, we ended up staying in 3!
As well as another rather unique accommodation, located in Rovaniemi, offering equally as amazing a chance to see the Northern Lights.
So keep reading below to learn more about which Aurora cabins in Finland I recommend, based both on personal experience and a deep dive into other peoples experiences as well.
First up ...
Because they are awesome!
Need more convincing? Okay so …
The main reason to stay in a glass igloo is to enjoy the incredible sky views on offer in Finnish Lapland.
They have some of the clearest skies in the world, as so much of the region is totally uninhabited.
Sure, if you stay inside of a major city, such as Rovaniemi, then light pollution will spoil the views.
However, all of the best Northern Lights igloo hotels are located outside of busy towns and cities, meaning you have unspoiled views of the stars.
Of course, your main aim is to see, not only stars, but also the Aurora Borealis.
Well, in case you didn’t know, these stunning lights can come and go very quickly, meaning that you need to be on the watch for a long time, just in case you miss them.
One way to do this is to head out on a Wilderness Tour, or on your own to a remote spot and huddle up for warmth.
Though this is honestly a lot of fun, there really is no better way to wait for the Northern Lights than in a comfy Aurora igloo!
All glass igloos in Finland have the glass ceilings facing the northern skies, with comfy beds, usually adjustable with a remote control.
This means that you don’t even need to sit up in order to get the best views!
Finally, I recommend staying in a Lapland igloo hotel, because it is simply very unique and something we have not yet come across anywhere else on our travels.
Based on our own experiences hunting for the Northern Lights in Finland, there are a lot of lessons and tips we picked up along the way.
Well, here’s a few of my top tips for spotting them during your stay:
As you can tell, staying in Glass igloos in Lapland is naturally a great way to follow all of the above tips and to increase your chances of seeing the lights.
Simply get into bed, turn off all the lights and keep a keen look on the night sky as you relax and in comfort.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to see the Northern Lights in Finland.
Now that you’re convinced of the need to stay in a glass igloo hotel in Finland, let’s dig into which one (or ones) to choose!
So, in no particular order ...
Located just a few kilometres from two separate ski resorts, Pyhän Asteli is perfectly located well outside of any busy towns.
For years, it has grown increasingly popular with groups of people coming to enjoy the incredible skiing opportunities.
In the last couple of years, they have realised the incredible demand for new sorts of accommodation, directly geared towards spotting the Northern Lights in comfort.
They currently offer 5 very modern glass igloos as the newest addition to their array of suites and lodges.
What we loved most about their igloos was that they were very spacious, more so than any other glass igloos we stayed in.
They also have a large, extremely comfy double bed and glass ceilings stretching around half of the TeePee-shaped ceiling.
Many guests visiting Pyhän Asteli choose to first spend a week or more skiing and staying in one of their cheaper ski lodges; before opting for a night or two in the igloo, as a luxurious way to relax and enjoy the Northern Lights as the last part of their trip.
It’s worth mentioning that, as well as these glass igloos, Pyhän Asteli have just opened (as of 2019) a string of Aurora suites, which are larger rooms, with sloped ceilings and large glass panels offering views to the northern skies.
Other noteworthy facilities on-site are their brand new sauna and hot tub, the perfect way to chill and unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Read even more in our full review of Pyhän Asteli.
The Arctic Snow Hotel, located 25km northwest of Rovaniemi is most famous for … you guessed it ... their snow hotel.
It’s built once a year in November and is available for guests to stay in between November and March, when it starts to melt.
As our visit fell in October, we weren’t able to trial it out; however, we were able to trial one of their wonderful glass igloos!
They have more than 30 of these located on-site, and they are often all booked out every day of the month!
They are smaller than those at Pyhän Asteli, however, have plenty of space for your basic needs.
Also, they have one great feature that sets them apart … remote controlled beds!
When you’re lying down at night and decide you need to sit up a little more to get a better view of the sky, just reach over and use the remote attached to the bed.
I loved that the glass igloos have almost 360 degree views of the sky, as much more of the roof is made of glass.
Another Great feature is that each igloo comes fitted with an aurora alarm, which you can set on or off.
When set on, it goes off in the night time to wake you up if the Northern Lights suddenly become visible.
As well as their Northern Lights igloos, we also had the chance to sample a 3 course meal in their restaurant which was divine!
I had root vegetable soup, followed by flame-smoked salmon, finished off with Finnish pancakes for dessert.
I’m not usually a massive fan of salmon, but it really did taste amazing and is cooked right there in the restaurant by the open fire.
After dinner, we enjoyed a late night visit to the sauna and hot tub, which is the perfect way to end an evening in Finnish Lapland.
The hot tub is also one of my favorite ways to relax and hope to see the Northern Lights.
For more info, check out our full review of Arctic Snow Hotel.
Full disclaimer, the Northern Lights Ranch is more of an aurora cabin, as opposed to an “igloo”, but has all of the same features, and more!
For us, this was a particularly special night as it was the first time we got to see the Northern Lights, which we did so from the comfort of the outdoor hot tub!
As they are located quite far north (almost 200km north of Rovaniemi) you have even better chances of seeing the Northern Lights here.
They are also located well outside of any towns, so there is very little light pollution.
The room itself was extremely large, far more spacious than any of the other aurora cabins we stayed in, and are excellently furnished.
They even have a private seating/TV area!
The large double bed was amazingly comfy, and is actually made up of 2 separate beds, each one separately controlled by remote.
For help spotting the Northern Lights, the ceiling and two side walls are made fully of glass, leaving unhindered views of the northern sky.
Not all cabins come with a hot tub, but I 100% recommend staying in one that does offer this.
I made full use of ours, both in the evening before dinner and in the morning before breakfast.
Speaking of which, the food here was out of this world!
Their on-site chef is extremely talented, whipping us up a 3 course feast consisting of lobster soup for starters, followed by roast beef and vegetables for main and topped off with a lemon dessert.
It really was incredible, and the ambience of the dining area is great, complete with log fire.
Check out our full review of Northern Lights Ranch for more details.
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has to be one of the most luxurious accommodation options in Finland.
The resort is situated in one of the world’s BEST areas for spotting the Northern lights, so where better to stay than a glass igloo?
There are two types of glass igloo on-site; the authentic glass igloo and the Kelo-glass igloo. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.
You’ll get to relax in the evening all cuddled up in bed, and gaze out of the open glass roof as you look out for the magical aurora borealis.
Although the igloos are beautiful, it’s the fantastic facilities that will take your breath away!
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is home to the largest smoke sauna in the world, two on-site restaurants, and a relaxation room with a fireplace.
You’ll find other saunas on-site too, and the resort can organise endless activities for you including reindeer safaris, ice-fishing, and hiking.
This place has so much to offer and is perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious stay!
Arctic Fox Igloos is another beautiful glass igloo hotel in Finland.
With luxurious accommodation options, excellent facilities, and a stunning location, this is one of the best options out there!
The resort is situated on the edge of Lake Ranuanjärvi, and some of the igloos are located right by the lakeside offering breathtaking views.
No matter which igloo you choose you’ll be treated to open-glass panels, a kitchenette, and a spacious bedroom.
However, the highlight of staying here is that you’ll have a private sauna to relax in - just a few steps away from your bed!
If that’s not enough to convince you, then Arctic Fox Igloos has fantastic amenities too including an on-site restaurant, a bar, and BBQ facilities.
The staff here are also happy to book excursions for you including husky safaris, canoeing trips, and snowmobiling.
You can even take a trip out to the Arctic Wildlife Park which is just a couple of miles away.
Trust me - this is one of the most luxurious options in the country!
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly glass igloo hotels in Finland then you need to check this place out.
Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos is set on the shores of Lake Inari so naturally boasts spectacular scenery!
Not only is this one of the BEST places to stay if you're looking to immerse yourself in the Sami culture, but it’s a great area to spot the aurora borealis too.
If you’re on the lookout for this magical phenomenon, you’ll want to stay in one of the aurora cabins!
These cabins sleep up to four people and offer a glass roof, so you can stargaze whilst you lie in bed. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot the Northern lights dancing around the sky.
Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos has plenty to offer in terms of excursions too, with options for snowshoeing, ice fishing, and a culture tour.
You’ll also want to dine at the Ukko Restaurant during your stay as it offers panoramic views of Lake Inari!
Levin Iglut is a luxury glass igloo hotel in Finland and is located in one of Lapland’s most popular areas.
There are three types of igloos here; the Superior Igloo, the Prime Superior Igloo, and the Suite igloo.
Each one offers a magical experience, as they feature glass-panel roofs, a private kitchenette, and a cosy bed.
However, if you’ve got the cash to splash then you need to check out the Suite Igloo!
With a large lounge area, a spacious design, and an outdoor terrace area with a private jacuzzi - you won’t find much better than this!
The Suite Igloos also offer the BEST views of the valley and the Northern Sky, so are the perfect option if you’re looking to spot the aurora borealis.
Aside from the igloos themselves, Levin Iglut also has a fantastic restaurant on-site that’s set within a glass tower. This means you can enjoy the scenic views as you dine too.
The staff here can also organise a ton of awesome activities for you!
Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos is set next to the beautiful Pyhä-Luosto National Park, so expect to see stunning views at every turn.
They have a variety of accommodation options on-site, but the showstoppers are their glass igloos. There are ten of them at the hotel and each one is designed perfectly.
With a heated glass ceiling, a private bathroom, and bathrobes, you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate cosy stay in Finland.
However, these igloos go one step further!
They are fitted with an ‘Aurora alarm’ so if the Northern lights are present throughout the night, you’ll be alerted to them.
This is one of the best features I’ve ever heard of as you won't need to worry about missing this magical experience!
Not only that, but this place has so many excellent facilities including an on-site restaurant, a lobby bar, and a terrace area.
What more could you want?
And who doesn’t want to stay somewhere called Santa’s Hotel anyway? The name alone would be enough to convince me!
Speaking of Santa, the Apukka Resort is situated in Rovaniemi - Finland’s Capital and the official ‘home of Father Christmas’.
There are a variety of accommodation options on-site, but some of the most popular choices include the Aurora Cabins.
These cabins are designed in typical ‘igloo-style’ and are a great place to look out for the Northern lights.
Not only does this hotel offer glass igloos, but they also have NEW lavish suites that feature a glass-panel roof.
These suites feature a large lounge area to relax in, a private bathroom, and then your bedroom is located on the second floor underneath the glass roof.
This is the perfect option for small families or those looking for a bit more space!
Aside from fantastic accommodation, Apukka Resort also has plenty of awesome facilities including an on-site restaurant, multiple saunas, and a bar.
This hotel even offers tons of activities including snowshoeing, reindeer tours, and ice fishing. You can even head out on an overnight adventure into the wilderness.
The Wilderness Hotel Nellim & Igloos is another property that overlooks the beautiful Lake Inari.
They have endless accommodation options on-site including log cabins, lakeside villas, and Arctic suites.
However, if you’re looking for a glass-roof ‘igloo experience’ then you’ve got three options; the Aurora Cabin, the Aurora Kota, and the world-famous Aurora Bubble.
These all feature a glass roof so you can look out into the sky, and marvel at the Northern lights if they decide to pay you a visit.
So, no matter which one you choose you’re guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.
Wilderness Hotel Nellim & Igloos also offers an on-site restaurant where you can taste delicious local cuisine and relax by an open fireplace.
Not only that, but this hotel offers a wide variety of activities including skiing, snowmobiling, and husky safaris.
There’s even a ‘reindeer day’ where you can meet these curious animals and learn about the Sami culture.
As you can see, this place has so much to offer and is one of the top glass igloo hotels in Finland!
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway then make sure you check out this place!
Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän is situated by Lake Saimaa and offers a wide range of accommodation options.
This includes hotel rooms, houseboats, and luxury villas. However, their glass-roof suites are the place to be!
You’ve got the option of the Forest Suites and the Scenery Suites, although I’d highly recommend checking out their Panorama Suites.
Although it doesn’t have a glass roof, it does have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, so you’ll get stunning views of the area from every angle.
Not only that, but the Panorama Suites feature a private sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi where you can relax under the stars - perfect for a romantic evening for two!
The hotel itself also offers plenty of fantastic experiences for couples too including the beautiful Lake Spa. Whether you’re looking for a hot stone massage or a pampering treatment - this place has plenty of options.
They even offer a ‘romantic evening spa’ experience where the two of you can experience the spa under candlelight!
Glass Resort is set within the infamous Santa Claus Village, itself one of the best things to do when in Rovaniemi.
They have 24 glass apartments on-site and each one features a private hot tub, a sauna, and a kitchenette.
Each one is also surrounded by nature and offers stunning views of the sky and the beautiful landscapes all around you.
However, the highlight of this accommodation has to be the location of the outdoor jacuzzis, as they’re set on the second floor of the apartment.
So, not only will you get beautiful views but you’ll be right underneath the stars! For this reason, they’re a great option if you’re looking to spot the Northern Lights.
If you still need convincing, then there’s a glass restaurant on-site that serves delicious food and offers stunning views of the surrounding area!
Glass Resort offers plenty of awesome activities too including husky safaris, snowmobiling, and Northern lights photography tours.
With so much to offer, this hotel is easily one of the BEST options if you’re planning to visit Finland.
There are plenty of igloo hotels in Finland to choose from, but make sure you check this one out!
Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos offers a variety of rooms and suites, but the best option here is the Aurora Cabins.
With a heated glass roof, a spacious design, and a cosy bed to stargaze from, they have a lot to offer. Some of the larger Aurora Cabins also feature a private sauna and an interior fireplace for the ultimate experience.
You’ll find an on-site restaurant at the hotel too called Restaurant Tuisku with a Lapland-inspired menu. This gives you plenty of opportunities to try the local cuisine.
Although this hotel and its facilities have so much to offer, it’s the activities available that really steal the show.
Some of these include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and husky safaris. The hotel also offers a ‘reindeer day’ and a ‘reindeer farm visit’ if you’re looking to spend some time with these beautiful creatures.
The excursions available will differ depending on the time of year so just keep this in mind!
Aurora Village is a small family-run business in Ivalo and has so much to offer if you’re looking for an igloo experience in Finland.
Like other hotels in this guide, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the famous Northern lights right from your bed!
They have plenty of Aurora Cabins to choose from, and each one features a glass-panel roof, a private bathroom, and a Nespresso machine.
Although these cabins don’t have the luxurious facilities like others on this list, they are a more budget-friendly option for living out this bucket list experience.
At Aurora Village Ivalo, you’ll also be surrounded by nature at every turn with lush forests and small lakes.
There are plenty of hiking trails you can take right from your front door too, so what are you waiting for?
Not only that, but this hotel offers tons of exciting activities including Northern lights tours, snowmobiling, and husky safaris.
There are even two saunas on-site that you can book out privately, and the opportunity to go ice swimming!
Levi Northern Lights Huts is situated on an old reindeer farm that’s been run by the same family for generations!
This makes it the perfect option if you’re looking to spend lots of time with these gorgeous creatures, as they offer plenty of reindeer experiences.
If you choose this awesome hotel, you’ll be staying in an Aurora Cabin in the middle of a wintery forest!
With heated glass-panel roofs, a private bathroom, and an electric fireplace - these units have everything you could need for a cosy night under the stars.
Levi Northern Lights Huts also offer an on-site buffet restaurant where you’ll get to taste traditional Lappish delicacies!
If you decide to stay here, you’ll have plenty of activity choices too including snowmobiling, husky safaris, and skiing.
However, they’ve also got a ‘search for Santa’ experience - which I’m 100% down for!
This hotel even offers a convenient shuttle service so you’ll have no problem exploring the village of Levi!
Remember at the start when I mentioned something a little different?
Well, here it is!
Rather than a glass igloo, here you’ll find an equally spectacular Northern Lights glass hotel.
So, if you’re looking for one of the most luxurious places to stay in Lapland, and one of the best-located, then I highly recommend the Arctic Treehouse Hotel.
Situated right next to Santa Park, on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel has won numerous awards in recent years for it’s highly luxurious rooms and facilities.
I can honestly say I’ve never stayed somewhere quite like this, and they are equally as unique and inspiring as the glass igloo hotels we visited in Finland.
Each room is spacious, modern and fitted with all the luxurious comforts you’d expect, most noteworthy the amazingly cosy double bed.
However, by far the most striking feature is the large glass-panelled wall on the front of each cabin.
These look straight out into the beautiful woodland ahead and, on a clear night, are a great way to see and experience the Northern Lights.
It is also worth mentioning that their on-site restaurant is one of the cosiest, most inspiring dining areas I’ve ever been in.
Fitted with a large central fireplace and offering a massive breakfast spread, it is almost worth visiting for this alone!
In fact, before leaving we simply had to return and ended up spending 3 hours in front of the fire completing a bit of work before reluctantly heading off.
Read more in our full review of Arctic Treehouse Hotel.
With the Finland glass igloo trend picking up year-on-year, I have no doubts that even more will spring up.
In fact, I hope this is true as we would certainly love to return and try out even more glass igloos in Finland!
That being said, if you are in the same area as any of those mentioned above, I would strongly recommend checking them out for a night or two.
Now over to you ...
Which of these will you choose to stay in?
Or perhaps you have a recommendation you think we missed?
Drop a comment below!
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