The Best Hotels In Lapland

Lapland is not a city break destination; rather, it is a destination which features the Northern Lights, husky sledding adventures, and months of snow. The best hotels in Lapland have been designed keeping all these attractions in mind, including glass igloos, wilderness lodges, and design hotels especially made for viewing the Northern Lights from bed.

Be it an igloo in Saariselkä with a glass roof, or accommodation options near Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi or in Levi, you will find more unique options to book in Finnish Lapland compared to any other part of Europe. This is your guide to where to book in Lapland depending on your preferences.

Why Lapland Hotels Are Unlike Anywhere Else?

Lapland has eight seasons, and its hotels are based on that — the Aurora Borealis, springtime skiing, husky sledging, snowshoe hiking, and summer when the sun never sets. Simple lodges feel like a retreat, thanks to the purity of the air and the unspoiled backdrop.

Glass Igloos & Aurora Watching Icons

With the Northern Lights being the highlight, these are the accommodation areas that would have you right below them:

• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: This is where it all started – the first ever glass igloo resort located in Saariselkä. The choices at this property are glass igloos, log cabins looking down on them, and Kelo igloos (wood and glass) that offer both more privacy and heat.
• Northern Lights Village Saariselkä: A secluded resort located near a frozen lake, providing great potential for watching auroras. The tree house-style accommodation, along with a spa and sauna, provides an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
• Aito Igloo & Spa Resort: A smaller version of a spa-based glass igloo resort combining the experience of watching the Northern Lights with a relaxing time.

Best Design & Boutique Hotels

For those who desire both architecture and design elements within their travel destination:

• Arctic Light Hotel: Located in the former City Hall of Rovaniemi, Arctic Light Hotel was the first hotel of premium category in the Nordic Lapland. Some rooms have private saunas and starlight beds with breakfasts designed by celebrity chef.
• Design Hotel Levi: Modern design hotel located right in the Levi ski resort, preferred by those tourists who enjoy contemporary Scandinavian design and direct access to the resort facilities.
• Wilderness Hotel Inari: Situated next to Lake Inari, the Wilderness Hotel is a small hotel designed in minimalist style and offering real access to the wilderness.

Best For Families & Santa’s Village

Santa Claus is an iconic figure and one cannot miss out on visiting him at least once in their lives. The following are some of the hotels where the Santa Claus experience is ensured:

• Santa’s Hotel Aurora: This hotel is located close to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi. The hotel is basic yet comfortable for families who will have the chance to go to the reindeers and husky farms.
• Scandic Rovaniemi City: A pet and family-friendly hotel that is situated right in the center of Rovaniemi. They have facilities such as snowshoeing and snowboarding close by.
• Santa Claus Holiday Village: Individual log cabins and not rooms. These cabins are located close to the center and families can visit the Santa Claus office and the reindeers from there.

Best Ski-Focused Stays in Levi

Levi is one of the key ski resorts of Lapland, and its hotels specialize in convenience of access to slopes and après-ski facilities:

• Hotel Levi Panorama: This ski-in and ski-out hotel offers guests direct access to slopes along with panoramic views of fells, and is quite popular among skiers who prefer minimal travel between their rooms and slopes in the morning.
• Levi Hotel Spa: A combination of closeness to slopes and a full-scale spa facility makes this hotel one of the best options for those who wish to combine skiing and relaxation on the premises.

Wilderness Lodges for Total Seclusions

For visitors wishing to escape from the company of fellow visitors as much as possible, there are a few resorts that thrive in providing true isolation:

• Harriniva Adventure Resort: It is a husky and reindeer farm as well as a hotel that provides you with the opportunity to participate in dog sledding and snowmobile trips right from its grounds, located in the wilderness of Lapland.
• Wilderness Hotel Nellim: The resort is situated in Lake Inari, close to the border of Russia, and is one of the remotest resorts in Lapland.

How To Actually Choose?

With so many varied experiences to choose from, there are three main criteria which can help with deciding:

• Priority: If you are visiting just to see the Northern Lights, then you should consider either a glass igloo or a wilderness lodge without any light pollution and located away from towns or cities.
• Travel group: Families who want to visit Santa Claus’ Village will be best staying in Rovaniemi; skiers in Levi; romantic couples in Saariselkä or Inari.
• Season: Lapland winter hotels quickly sell out during aurora and Christmas periods; while the summertime midnight sun requires different planning and booking in advance.

Final Thoughts

Finally, Lapland compensates visitors who select hotels that suit their purpose for travel rather than just opting for one which looks best in pictures. While a glass igloo would be something never to forget for two days searching for the northern lights, a family holidaying with children would benefit much more from a Rovaniemi hotel near Santa’s Village and the Reindeer Parks.

It would be wise to book ahead of time, particularly for the winter season for viewing the Northern Lights and Christmas week, because those unique types of lodging options, such as igloos, tree houses, and wilderness huts, get booked up several months in advance. No matter what one chooses, Lapland is definitely among the best places to visit in Europe.

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