Lapland
Winter Wonderland in Lapland: A Magical Stay at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
After a few days in Helsinki, it was time to head north—far north—to experience the magic of Finland’s Lapland. Our journey took us from Helsinki to Ivalo, a short 1 1/2 hour flight via Finnair (more blueberry juice!) into the heart of the Arctic Circle. Our final destination: the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, a winter wonderland nestled in the northernmost region of Finland.
Arrival at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
After arriving at Ivalo Airport, we took a short bus ride to Kakslauttanen. We were greeted in the Igloo Bar with warm berry juice. After checking into our kelo, we went for a walk around the resort to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings. The resort, with its charming Finnish log cabins and iconic glass igloos, looked like something straight out of a storybook.
Later in the evening, headed back for a drink in the Igloo Bar before dinner. Dinner was a traditional Finnish meal, rich in local flavors, and as we wrapped up our meal, we were excited about the Northern Lights tour that was planned for the night. Unfortunately, due to the heavy snowfall, the bus tour was canceled. We didn’t mind, we settled into our beautiful kelo complete with a personal fireplace and sauna. It was the perfect way to relax after anotherday of travel.
Day 2 – A Day with SPARKLE, Santa, and Reindeer
The next morning after breakfast, we met Sparkle, an adorable elf, who greeted us with a smile, a bell, and led us on a winter walk to her house. It was like a fairytale. Afterward, we paid a visit to Santa Claus! Santa was there to welcome us and we even received a special gift from him. It felt like Christmas had come early!
Next, we visited the Celebration House, where we were treated to warm berry juice and gingerbread cookies.
As evening approached, we headed out for an unforgettable sleigh ride with reindeer. Gliding through the snow-covered forest, it was gorgeous and so very quiet. We were incredibly lucky to witness the Northern Lights during the ride. We made a stop halfway through the ride at a traditional teepee, where we warmed up around a crackling fire, sipping more berry juice to stay toasty. It was one of those moments you could never forget, the perfect backdrop for such a magical experience. The lights were incredible!
Searching for the Northern Lights
Back at the resort, we continued our search for the Northern Lights. The Kakslauttanen Artic Resort has an Aurora Siren in each cabin as well as an app you can download with an alarm, which helps guests know when the lights are visible in the sky. This helps you rest and sleep easy knowing you will not miss out. I was incredibly lucky to be in such a beautiful place and have these memories.
Staying in a Kelo with an Igloo
Our accommodations at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort were nothing short of spectacular. We had upgraded to a Kelo with glass Igloo, a combination of a traditional Finnish log cabin and a glass igloo. The cabin itself was cozy and inviting, complete with a fireplace and a Finnish sauna, offering the perfect balance of warmth and comfort in the midst of the Arctic cold. The glass igloo allowed us to gaze at the stars and, if we were lucky, the Northern Lights from the comfort of our bed. It was an experience unlike any other—waking up in the middle of the night to the ethereal beauty of the lights dancing across the sky from the warmth of our igloo was truly magical. I am glad we upgraded our room but truly any of the options at Kakslauttanen are memorable.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure. It’s truly a winter wonderland.
