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These Glass Igloos in Lapland Are the Ultimate Way To See the Northern Lights

Apukka Resort is the perfect way to experience the wild side of Lapland
Apukka Resort is the perfect way to experience the wild side of Lapland | © Culture Trip

From traditional suites styled from ancient Lappish culture to modern glass igloos that offer a chance to sleep under the stars in luxury, Apukka Resort is an indulgent getaway in remote Finland that has to be seen to be believed.

Apukka Resort

Resort, Serviced Apartment, Ice Hotel, Cottages

Katselukuvat (8 of 24)
Courtesy of Apukka Resort

An agricultural research facility turned into a luxury hotel, Apukka Resort contains hotel rooms, holiday apartments and aurora viewing cabins, so there are plenty of options to choose from. The resort has also opened their ice cabins – hotel rooms made from ice blocks but designed to look like traditional log cabins – the first of their kind in Finland. Even being so close to the city centre and airport, the views of the Northern Lights are spectacular. An ‘Aurora Adventure’ guided tour is also offered from the resort for further experiences such as riding snowmobiles or feeding reindeer.

Accommodation to suit everyone

There are various types of rooms and cabins to choose from at Apukka, from the home comforts of the stunning glass igloos to the more cosy mobile wagons. The Lappish Komsio hut is derived from traditional Sámi cradles which once provided safe sleeping environments for young children. The Komsio suites at Apukka have a viewing ceilings that give 360° exposure to the night sky. If you’re looking to chase the Northern Lights, be sure to check out this handy guide before you book your stay.

The luxury interiors at Apukka come in all sizes, from cosy mobile wagons to spacious glass “igloos”

The Aurora Glass Cabins are arguably the structures Apukka is most famous for. These cleverly designed dwellings are positioned in such a way that you are always optimally placed to see the Northern Lights. The rooms are fully equipped with modern conveniences and private enough to use as romantic getaways for couples. Put simply, you can see the starry skies but no one can peer in.

Aurora Wagons might initially seem like an odd choice; converted wagons and caravans with glass roofs and panoramic windows aren’t for everyone after all, but they do offer the chance to get fully immersed in the Arctic wilderness.

Finally the Ice Hotel Cabins are pretty self-descriptive. These individual structures are made from blocks of ice in a style that is exclusive to the Apukka resort. Don’t worry, the resort provides thermal blankets, warm drinks and even blankets made of reindeer hide to make sure you’re perfectly cosy during your stay.

Things to do in Apukka

Lapland changes drastically throughout the seasons of the year. In the summer, as the snow melts away, the midnight sun gives off an effervescent glow that bathes the lush environment in natural light. Apukka Resort is situated between two lakes and is in the heart of an unspoiled Lappish forest. In the summer months you can take an arctic boat trip or visit a reindeer farm.

As the nights close in, however, winter in Finland becomes a magical experience. The chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase greatly and the facilities available at Apukka really come into their own.

Apukka Resort is the perfect way to experience the wild side of Lapland

In a land where reindeer outnumber humans, one of the adventures you can book is a reindeer safari. Take in the best of Lappish nature at a sedate pace on a sled ride through the snow. If you want a more energetic excursion, a tour led by huskies is also available.

Two other safaris on offer are a snowmobile outing or one on a snowtrain, which lets you sit back and relax in a cabin being pulled along by a motorised sled. This one is ideal for chasing the Northern Lights and taking pictures at the same time.

About the author

Cassam Looch has been working within travel for more than a decade. An expert on film locations and set jetting destinations, Cassam is also a keen advocate of the many unique things to do in his home city of London. With more than 50 countries visited (so far), Cassam also has a great take on the rest of the world.

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