Glass Igloos in Finland

Yup, we finally checked it off the list – we stayed in the glass igloos that have been all over Pinterest as one of the top travel destinations in Finland. You’ve seen the pics, I’m sure! After moving to Finland, I had so many friends and family send me the link to these igloos, that I finally decided to research it and see if we could stay in one.

The igloos are located at Hotel Kakslauttanen outside of Saariselkä, in the northern most part of Finland. After a little research I found out two things: it was expensive for sure and fully booked almost every night during the high season. Kind of what I expected, I guess. But there happened to be a couple of available nights that coincided with our first wedding anniversary. What a perfect way to celebrate our monumental event! I figured it would be a once in a lifetime experience.

After a bit more research, I booked one night in the glass igloo and the remaining nights in a log cabin. This combo was perfect. The glass igloo was definitely a fun adventure for one night, but I’m not sure that I would have needed to stay much longer.  The log cabin, on the other hand, was awesome and perfect for a longer stay – complete with a fireplace, sauna, and kitchenette.

I’m sure this is a surprise to no one, but there is essentially no privacy in the glass igloos. There is a small curtain that, when standing, covers maybe up to my stomach. I actually found this to be pretty hilarious as I, very sneakily I’m sure, attempted to get dressed while laying on the bed. And in the bathroom there is a perceived sense of privacy, but the frosted glass really doesn’t leave much for the imagination. My best tip – better make sure you like who you’re traveling with, haha!

The igloo accommodations are pretty minimal, but you’ve got everything you need for a night – beds, a toilet, and a mini sink, but no shower and no mirror. Who needs them! Although, if you are desperate to shower, you do have access to the public sauna and showers. So really, you do have everything you need – you just have to walk for it.

The beds are adjustable, like hospital beds, so you can prop yourself up to really get an amazing view of the sky. We took full advantage of this opportunity and watched the sunset over the trees and snow. If you’re really lucky, you may get to see some auroras while laying in bed. The trouble is that the auroras are best viewed late at night in complete darkness. Good luck staying awake waiting. I certainly failed at this!

The best part about these igloos was waking up in the middle of the night. Normally I hate waking up at night, but this time it was amazing! I opened my eyes and all I could see was sky above. For someone who isn’t almost blind without glasses, it would be an even better experience Almost like camping, but not, since I was still perfectly cozy, warm, and comfortable with an unobstructed view of the sky.

All in all, this was an awesome adventure. I had read several reviews about how unorganized the hotel was and when we checked in initially, this was true for us too, but they redeemed themselves in my eyes. They helped us organize reindeer and husky safaris, despite many of them already being booked. You can also rent nordic skis, snowshoes and have access to try all of the adventures that Lapland is known for.

Do get prepared to visit a tourist place. I think that out of everywhere I have been in Finland, this was the only place I felt like I couldn’t attempt to use my little bit of Finnish to even say “kiitos”. Almost everyone visiting and working there was from a different country. It’s worth the adventure though!

There are so many other adventures to check out in Lapland. If I haven’t convinced you yet with my last string of posts – put Lapland on your travel bucket list!!

Have you ever been? What are your favorite winter adventures?

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