How to Choose the Best Glass Igloo in Finland
Have you ever dreamt about lying in bed and gazing up at the northern lights dance across the sky above you? Nothing but a curved pane of glass between you and the Arctic night. Finland can help you make this dream a reality.
Come to Finland and stay in a glass igloo. These igloos built with a thermal glass dome have quickly become a signature in any good Finland holiday itinerary. Learn all you need to know about choosing the best glass igloo experience in Finland.
Start With the Aurora Forecast, Not Just the Location
One-in-a-lifetime northern lights views are the reason people from all over the world clamour to stay in a glass igloo. Every glass igloo resort will promise you northern lights views, but not all locations are created equal. Places in inland Finnish Lapland, like Saariselkä, Levi, Ylläs, sit in the zone where the auroras are most likely to be seen. To get the best views, it’s important to find a property nestled in the midst of wilderness, far away from city lights. The best resorts also keep a close eye on aurora monitoring and will have alarm systems to wake guests when the lights appear in the middle of the night. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in your experience.
Understand the Glass, Literally
Not all glass igloos are built the same way. Although most boast of having a glass ceiling that offers you stunning views of the Arctic night, some only have a part of the ceiling fitted with glass panels while others, like the famous glass igloos in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, have a domed ceiling fully constructed out of thermal glass. Kakslauttanen’s glass igloos are the ones which started this whole trend. This kind domed design lets you have a 360 degree view of the sky and the thermal glass resists frosting and fogging even in very cold temperatures well below freezing, and is fitted with an electric system that periodically heats up the surface to melt away gathered snow.
Decide Between Standard and Luxury Igloos
One thing to note is that glass igloos usually have less space and furnishings than your standard luxury hotel room. However, all standard glass igloos come with a double bed, heating, and a private bathroom. They may also be fitted with a private electric sauna.
If you are looking for a bit more space, then you may consider the "Kelo" glass igloos in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. These are designed to combine a traditional Lappish chalet with a modern glass These log cabins include a fireplace, sauna, and kitchenette but the bedroom loft is situated underneath a glass dome.
Most glass igloo resorts are remote enough that you'll need a rental car or arranged transfer from the nearest airport. Ivalo, Kittilä, or Rovaniemi are the main gateways and most of the time, the resorts themselves arrange transfers. Others sit closer to towns with a little more bustle around.
The aurora season generally runs from late August through early April but the season peaks between December to February. That’s when these resorts are busiest so it is highly recommended to book your stay well in advance.
What's Included Beyond the Room
Northern lights and glass ceilings are well and good but the best glass igloos come with a range of other experiences you can try out in your Arctic holiday. Popular winter activities such as snowmobiling, reindeer safari, skiing, ice karting and husky sledge rides are also a part of the package when staying in a glass igloo. So you can have your pick of what particular activities you want to include in your itinerary when choosing a glass igloo stay. A good glass igloo accommodation package will include winter activities also.
So, while glass igloos resorts abound in Finnish Lapland, you need to do a little homework on glass quality, location, and inclusions when choosing which one to book for your perfect winter wonderland adventure. And voila! You'll set yourself up for one of the most memorable nights of any trip to Finland.
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos
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