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Come on, you're never too old to believe in Santa Claus and I think I found out that he lives here in Finland, not the North Pole! This amazing Igloo Village and Hotel is located in the vicinity of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, just about 21 miles from the Ivalo Airport.
If seeing the Northern Lights from one of the most unusual vantage points is on your bucket list, then this is the place to be. Can you imagine staying in a thermal glass igloo (sleeps 2) with frost preventative windows for crystal clear views and just lying in bed, looking up watching the lights dance across the sky? What an experience – your own private light show! The Northern Lights are generally visible from Late August to late April with prime time being in the winter. The inn keepers monitor the weather conditions and will signal optimal viewing with a bell so you don't miss anything.
The glass igloos come equipped with a toilet and sink – communal showers and saunas are located nearby. After spending a night or two in the igloo, you may want to move into a Log Cabin for the remainder of your time here, because there is much to see and do. There are three types of safaris – snowmobile, husky and reindeer. You really have to take the reindeer safari because there aren't too many places on earth that have this activity. Cross country skiing is also available and most activities are extra.
There is a sauna and outdoor pool, but I might save the pool for the summer months. There is an ice hole for the heartiest – it is literally a hole that you have to climb down into on a ladder and I dare say, it is not for the faint of heart.
There are two restaurants on the property and breakfast is served each morning from 8-11. The food is simple and homemade with a lot of local delicacies..
If you're thinking of renewing your vows, there is a Snow Chapel on the property. This facility along with the Ice Bar is built anew each winter. Believe it or not, there is WiFi available in public areas. You know you'll want to send pictures home of you and Santa frolicking with the reindeer. Speaking of Santa, newly opened is Santa's Resort, where, in the winter months, you can drive a reindeer sleigh or pan for gold with the elves in the summer.
The summer months bring a different experience with fishing and canoe excursions along with Midnight Sun trips. The Midnight Sun lasts for two months and you will have bright nights from May to the end of August.
No matter the season, the Kakslauttenanen offers you an experience like no other – the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun – take your pick and pack your bags.
Website: www.kakslauttenanen.fi/en
Rating: 
August 30, 2023
