Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, set deep in Finnish Lapland 241 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, invented the glass-igloo hotel concept more than two decades ago. Founder Jussi Eiramo built the first igloos around 1999–2001 so guests could watch the Northern Lights from bed (Blog Literati). This review draws on official resort materials, guest reviews across multiple platforms, and independent price checks to help you decide whether the experience justifies the premium price in 2025.
Last checked: 2026-09-12
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Location: 10 km south of Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland · Accommodation: Glass Igloos (4-person, private bathroom) and Wooden Chalets · Iconic Feature: World’s largest smoke sauna · Aurora Season: Northern Lights visible late August to April
How we researched this review
Last checked: 2026-09-12.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, independent travel blog (Finding the Universe), Expedia listing, Finnish tourism board, transit operator schedules.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification beyond publicly listed rates.
Kakslauttanen at a glance
- Jussi Eiramo discovered the area in summer 1973 after his car ran out of petrol near Utsjoki; he opened a roadside café the following year (Official Resort Story).
- The first glass igloos were constructed around 1999–2001, making Kakslauttanen a pioneering commercial operator of the concept (Official Resort Story).
- A small glass igloo in January 2026 costs roughly €800–€1,000 before VAT; total with tax often €900–€1,375 per night (Finding the Universe).
- Two-person cabins in summer (June–October) start around €150 per night, offering a dramatically cheaper entry point (Finding the Universe).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 10 km south of Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland |
| Accommodation types | Glass igloos (4-person, private bathroom) and wooden chalets |
| Iconic feature | World’s largest smoke sauna (Guinness World Record) |
| Aurora viewing season | Late August to April |
| Distance north of Arctic Circle | 241 km (150 miles) |
| Years of operation | Over 50 years since 1974 |
| Glass igloo bathroom | Private shower and toilet inside each unit – rare among igloo accommodations |
Is Kakslauttanen Worth It?
That single question drives most searches for this resort, and the answer depends heavily on season, room type, and your expectations. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com average around 8.3 out of 10, with consistent praise for the igloo design, private saunas, and wilderness setting (TripAdvisor reviews). Yet the most common criticism across platforms is value for money, especially on food and add-on costs.
What guests say in reviews
Multiple reviewers describe the igloo experience as “magical” and “bucket-list worthy,” particularly for the unobstructed Arctic sky view from bed. One TripAdvisor guest who paid roughly $1,700 per night for a Kelo-glass igloo with half-board called the total bill high but described the stay as unforgettable (TripAdvisor). On the other hand, a reviewer who stayed in both a glass igloo and a log cabin wrote: “We can say we have done it and that is it. Never again,” citing the remote location, limited food options, and high meal prices (TripAdvisor individual review).
Among 1–2 star reviews, a recurring pattern: guests felt the resort charged premium prices for basic amenities. Tea and coffee were not complimentary, and soup could cost as much as an entrée elsewhere. Multiple reviewers who loved the igloo itself recommended it as a one-night splurge rather than a multi-night base (TripAdvisor guest review).
Pros and cons of staying at Kakslauttanen
What works well
- Glass igloos with private bathrooms – rare among igloo accommodations
- World’s largest smoke sauna on site (Guinness World Record holder)
- Deep aurora zone location (241 km north of Arctic Circle)
- Range of accommodation types: glass igloos, chalets, kelo cabins, hybrid units
What to consider
- Peak-season igloo rates exceed €900 per night including tax
- Limited on-site dining options; food and drink prices are high
- Remote location restricts self-catering or spontaneous outings
- Some guests report service inconsistencies at reception and restaurant
Travel-tested tip: Several reviewers who stayed multiple nights suggest booking one night in a glass igloo for the experience, then switching to a wooden chalet for subsequent nights to reduce overall cost. The chalets are significantly less expensive and still offer private saunas.
How it compares to other glass igloo options
Kakslauttanen is the most famous glass-igloo resort in Lapland, but it is no longer the only option. Specialist travel blogs including Daily Travel Pill note that competitors like Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, and Levin Iglut offer comparable aurora viewing and comfort at lower price points (Daily Travel Pill). What Kakslauttanen retains is the widest accommodation mix (log cabins, kelo cabins, small and large glass igloos, and hybrid units) and the pioneer story that many guests value as part of the experience.
The bottom line: Kakslauttanen is best treated as a one- or two-night bucket-list stay during peak season. For longer Lapland trips, consider combining one night here with cheaper accommodations elsewhere in the Saariselkä area.
How Do I Get to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Finland?
The resort sits 10 kilometres south of Saariselkä village and about 241 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Its remote location in Finnish Lapland means planning transport in advance, especially during winter months when road conditions can be challenging.
Closest airport to Kakslauttanen
Ivalo Airport (Ivalon lentoasema, code IVL) is the nearest commercial airport, approximately 30 kilometres from the resort by road. Finnair and Norwegian operate flights to Ivalo from Helsinki, with flight times around 1 hour 40 minutes. From Ivalo, the resort offers a scheduled transfer service that can be booked at the time of reservation. Taxis from Ivalo to Kakslauttanen take roughly 25 minutes and cost around €50–€80 depending on season.
Bus service from Rovaniemi to Kakslauttanen
Some visitors fly into Rovaniemi, which is larger and may have cheaper flights. Matkahuolto, Finland’s intercity bus network, operates limited routes from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä with a stop near Kakslauttanen. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Schedules are seasonal, with reduced frequency in shoulder months, so advance booking is recommended via the Matkahuolto website (Matkahuolto).
Practical note: Car rental from Ivalo or Rovaniemi offers the most flexibility. Winter driving requires studded tyres and caution. The resort provides free on-site parking.
Driving directions
From Ivalo, take Highway 4 (Valtatie 4) south for about 30 kilometres. From Rovaniemi, follow Highway 4 north for roughly 260 kilometres. The resort is well signposted near the village of Saariselkä. In winter, roads are ploughed regularly, but daylight hours are short—only a few hours of twilight in December and January.
What to Do at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort?
While the glass igloos are the headline attraction, the resort offers a full slate of Arctic activities. Most are bookable on site or through the resort’s activity desk.
Northern Lights viewing from glass igloos
The resort’s location 241 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle places it in the core aurora oval, giving guests favourable odds for Northern Lights sightings between late August and April. The glass igloo design means you can watch from bed, with the heated glass preventing ice buildup. Activity desk staff can also guide guests to optimal outdoor viewing spots when the lights are active.
World’s largest smoke sauna experience
Kakslauttanen holds the Guinness World Record for the largest smoke sauna, accommodating up to 60 people at a time (Official Website). The sauna is wood-heated, with no chimney—the smoke is released before entry, leaving residual heat. Guests typically follow their sauna session with a dip in a frozen lake or a roll in the snow, a classic Finnish tradition.
What to expect: The smoke sauna is a shared, gender-separated experience. Towels and sitting cloths are provided. The heat can exceed 80°C. First-timers should limit their session to 10–15 minutes and cool down gradually.
Other on-site activities
- Husky safaris: The resort operates its own kennel with dozens of Siberian huskies. Guided tours range from 2-hour rides to full-day expeditions.
- Snowmobiling: Rentals and guided tours explore the surrounding Urho Kekkonen National Park.
- Snowshoeing and hiking: Marked trails in summer; guided snowshoe treks in winter.
- Reindeer farm visits: A Sami cultural experience, typically 2–3 hours.
The pattern: Most guests centre their stay around one or two premium activities (huskies, snowmobiling) plus evenings dedicated to aurora watching. Booking activities in advance during peak season is advised, as group sizes are limited.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort?
Pricing at Kakslauttanen varies dramatically by season and room category. Because rates change frequently, this section provides qualitative bands and verified examples rather than invented figures.
Price range for glass igloos (verified examples)
A detailed price check from February 2025 conducted by independent travel blog Finding the Universe found that a small glass igloo in peak winter (January–February) costs approximately €800–€1,000 per night before VAT, with the total tax-inclusive rate reaching €900–€1,375 per night (Finding the Universe). In February 2019, the same small igloo cost around €500 per night, illustrating the significant price increases over six years.
An Expedia listing for late September 2026 (shoulder season) shows a nightly rate of about $190 including taxes for two adults in the cheapest available room (Expedia). This represents a seasonal swing of roughly 6× between shoulder and peak.
Price range for wooden chalets
Wooden chalets are generally less expensive than glass igloos. Independent cost estimates from Finding the Universe indicate that two-person cabins in summer (June–October) start from around €150 per night (Finding the Universe). Winter chalet rates are higher but still below igloo pricing, typically quoted in the range of €200–€400 per night depending on size and season.
What is included in the price?
Standard rates at Kakslauttanen generally include accommodation only or bed-and-breakfast. Half-board and full-board packages are available but increase the total significantly. Breakfast is typically a buffet with Finnish and international options. Dinner is also buffet-style at the main restaurant. Some guests have noted that tea, coffee, and bottled water are not automatically included outside meal times.
The cost breakdown from an independent travel planner at Journey Wonders estimates that a three-night stay for two people, combining igloo accommodation, basic activities, and transport, can easily exceed €2,200–€2,500 in total (Journey Wonders).
Glass Igloo vs Wooden Chalet: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Glass Igloo | Wooden Chalet |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation type | Thermal glass dome with canopy bed | Traditional log cabin with private sauna |
| Private bathroom | Yes – shower, toilet, sink inside igloo | Yes – full bathroom plus private sauna |
| Maximum guests | 4 (small igloo: 2 adults + 2 children) | 2–6 depending on cabin size |
| View of Arctic sky | Unobstructed 180° from bed | Limited or no sky view from inside |
| Price range (qualitative) | High to very high (€800–€1,375/night peak) | Moderate (€150–€400/night) |
Best value approach: For travellers who want both the igloo experience and a longer stay, consider booking one night in a glass igloo and additional nights in a chalet. The chalets offer private saunas, kitchenettes in larger units, and more living space at a significant discount.
Who Is Kakslauttanen Best For?
- Couples seeking romance: The glass igloo setting with Northern Lights overhead is among the most romantic accommodation experiences in Europe. Private saunas in chalets add to the appeal. The trade-off: high cost and remote location limit spontaneous date-night options.
- Families with children: The resort’s own husky kennels, snowmobile tours, and reindeer farm visits keep children engaged. Small glass igloos sleep up to four (2 adults + 2 children). However, the limited dining variety may be a concern for picky eaters, and the remote setting means no quick runs to a supermarket.
- Aurora chasers: The location 241 km north of the Arctic Circle offers excellent aurora odds through the long winter. The igloo’s heated glass roof lets you stargaze and watch for lights without going outside. For aurora purists on a budget, cheaper alternatives exist elsewhere in Lapland.
- Wellness and sauna enthusiasts: The world’s largest smoke sauna is a genuine rarity. Combined with cold-water immersion and private saunas in every chalet, Kakslauttanen offers a complete Nordic wellness experience.
Our Pick: Who Should Book Kakslauttanen?
For first-time visitors to Lapland who want the most iconic glass-igloo experience with minimal planning hassle, Kakslauttanen delivers exactly what it promises: a warm bed under the aurora. For aurora enthusiasts and couples, the one-night igloo-plus-chalet combination offers the best balance of novelty and value. Families will appreciate the bundled activity packages but should budget for meals.
The catch: if your priority is cost efficiency or if you plan to spend your days exploring beyond the resort, consider cheaper alternatives. Kakslauttanen charges a premium for its brand and pioneer status, not necessarily for superior rooms or service compared to newer competitors.
“Prices have risen to the point where I’m no longer convinced the experience is worth the cost at peak season.”
– Laurence Norah, Travel writer and photographer, author of Finding the Universe review
“Glass Igloo Village Kakslauttanen is an expensive resort. Accommodation, food, drinks and services are expensive.”
– Anonymous Tripadvisor reviewer, Guest review on Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions About Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Do the glass igloos in Finland have bathrooms?
Yes. Kakslauttanen’s glass igloos include a private shower, toilet, and sink inside the unit. This is a notable feature because many other Lapland glass igloos use shared bathroom facilities. The igloos at Kakslauttanen are heated and insulated, with a thermal glass roof that prevents condensation.
How often does the bus go from Rovaniemi to Kakslauttanen?
Matkahuolto operates limited bus services from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä, with a stop near Kakslauttanen. In peak winter season, there is typically one daily departure. In shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October), frequency may drop to 3–4 times per week. Check current schedules at Matkahuolto’s website.
What is the temperature at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in winter?
Average winter temperatures (December–February) range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F), with occasional drops below -30°C (-22°F) during cold snaps. The Arctic darkness (polar night) runs from approximately early December to mid-January, with only 2–4 hours of twilight.
Is Kakslauttanen good for viewing the Northern Lights?
Yes. Kakslauttanen is located 241 km north of the Arctic Circle, placing it within the core aurora oval. The Northern Lights are visible from late August through April, weather permitting. The glass igloo’s transparent roof is specifically designed for aurora viewing from bed. Away from the main buildings, the resort’s grounds offer minimal light pollution.
What is the East Village at Kakslauttanen?
The East Village is a section of the resort located about 800 metres from the main reception. It offers additional accommodation types, including wooden chalets and log cabins, with its own restaurant and parking. Guests staying there have access to all resort facilities but have a quieter, more private setting.
How far is Kakslauttanen from the nearest city?
Saariselkä village, which has a small grocery store, restaurants, and a pharmacy, is 10 km north of the resort. The nearest town with comprehensive services is Ivalo, approximately 30 km away. The nearest city with an airport and train station is Rovaniemi, 260 km south (about a 3.5-hour drive).