Lapland feels like something out of a winter fairytale. You’ll find frozen lakes, snowy forests, reindeer sleigh rides, and nights when the Northern Lights light up the sky. In this guide, I’ll share where to stay in Lapland, from unique glass igloos to cozy Arctic cabins and hotels. I’ll cover options from Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, to the wilderness of Ivalo and Levi.
If you want to stay in a glass igloo and watch the sky from your bed, or relax in a log cabin after a day of husky sledding, Lapland is the perfect place.
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Check out these helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:
🌟 Check out Lapland in Winter: The Ultimate Finland Travel Guide blog post!
Unique Experiences to Book in and around Santa Claus Village
Where to Stay in Lapland: Accommodations for All Budgets
Why Choosing Where to Stay in Lapland Matters
Choosing where to stay in Lapland is important and will shape your experience. Many glass-roofed cabins and Arctic hotels are built for seeing the Aurora Borealis, so location is key; it’s best to pick a place away from city lights and close to nature.
But it’s not just about the views. The best places to stay in Lapland offer modern comfort and let you enjoy nature. You can find private saunas, hot tubs under the stars, on-site restaurants, and easy access to activities like reindeer safaris, cross-country skiing, and husky sledding.
No matter if you’re planning a romantic trip, a family holiday, or a special adventure, where you stay can make a big difference. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Lapland, from glass igloos to luxury Arctic hotels.
🌟 Check out How to Plan the Best Santa Claus Village Itinerary blog post!
Where to Stay in Lapland: 8 Glass Igloos & Unique Options
Aurora Village (Ivalo)
Aurora Village in Ivalo is a special place located deep in northern Finland. Each Aurora Cabin has a glass roof, so you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed. The cabins are warm, comfortable, and located in a quiet area.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Ivalo
There is a cozy on-site restaurant, two saunas, and a hot tub here, which are great for relaxing after a day outside. Right at the hotel, you can book reindeer rides, husky safaris, or snowmobiling tours through the forests and over frozen lakes. Breakfast and a three-course dinner are also included.
For a relaxing and authentic experience, this is the perfect destination and one of the best places to stay in Lapland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.3 🏨 Book This Hotel
Glass Resort (Rovaniemi)
If you want to experience Lapland luxury, Glass Resort in Rovaniemi is a great choice. It’s close to Santa Claus Village and combines Scandinavian design with the Arctic landscape. This glass igloo hotel has private saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and panoramic views of the snowy forest.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Rovaniemi
The villas have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch the sky change colors during the Northern Lights. There is a restaurant with Nordic food made from local ingredients. If you want comfort and privacy, this is one of the best places to stay in Lapland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle (Rovaniemi)
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle is a short walk from Santa Claus Village. The glass igloos are modern and cozy, with wide sky views from your bed. You can ask for an Aurora alarm, which will wake you up if the Northern Lights appear.
Breakfast is included, and you have direct access to outdoor activities like reindeer rides and cross-country skiing. If you’re traveling with kids or enjoy the holiday atmosphere, this is a fun and memorable place if you’re wondering where to stay in Lapland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos offers a lifetime experience. Here, you can sleep in an ice-carved room or stay in a heated glass igloo with views of the stars.
The SnowHotel has an ice restaurant, ice bar, and an ice chapel, all rebuilt each year. You can try a snow sauna, relax in outdoor hot tubs, or eat Lappish food at the restaurant. It’s one of the most unique accommodations and snow hotels to stay in northern Finland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 8.8 🏨 Book This Hotel
Levin Iglut – Glass Igloos (Levi)
Levin Iglut is pure tranquility, set high on a hill above Levi Ski Resort. The glass igloos give you privacy and unobstructed views of the Arctic sky. Each igloo has heated glass to stop frost, comfortable beds, and stylish Nordic decor.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Levi
They have their own restaurant with Finnish dishes and an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the night sky. Whether you want to ski, relax, or see the Northern Lights, this place combines modern design with the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.1 🏨 Book This Hotel
Northern Lights Village Levi (Levi)
This is one of the most incredible spots in Lapland to see the Aurora Borealis. The Aurora Cabins have laser-heated glass roofs and there is very little light pollution, so you get clear sky views that are unreal.
Northern Lights Village Levi also offers a wide range of activities like photography tours, snowshoe hikes, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. You can relax in the hot tub or try local food at the restaurant and bar. It’s a good choice for nature lovers who want both adventure and comfort.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
Northern Lights Ranch (Levi)
For a more secluded and romantic experience, Northern Lights Ranch is perfect. It’s a unique hotel in the snowy forest, with boutique-style glass-roofed cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and private hot tubs.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Levi
The suites are cozy and have warm lighting and wood details. This peaceful place is far from the crowds and is ideal for couples who want a quiet escape and a clear view of the Arctic sky. This is a true hidden gem if you’re looking for where to stay in Lapland for a romantic getaway.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.6 🏨 Book This Hotel
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä)
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is one of the most famous places to stay in Lapland. It’s known for its glass igloos and traditional log cabins. The resort is near Urho Kekkonen National Park and is surrounded by nature, making it a good base for outdoor adventures like husky safaris and reindeer rides. Breakfast and dinner is included with your stay.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Saariselkä
You can relax in the smoke sauna, have a drink at the Glass Igloo Bar, or explore the snowy landscape during the winter months. Watching the Aurora Borealis from your bed is a highlight here.
🌟 Hotel Rating 8.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
Where to Stay in Lapland: 7 Best Hotels Options
Arctic City Hotel (Rovaniemi)
If you want to stay near the city center, Arctic City Hotel in Rovaniemi is a great base. This 4-star hotel has modern rooms, a restaurant, and free parking. It’s close to Santa Claus Village, shops, and the Arktikum Museum.
The rooms are cozy, comfortable, and have free Wi-Fi. It’s a good option if you want to be close to the city and still enjoy Lapland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 8.8 🏨 Book This Hotel
Santa Claus Holiday Village (Rovaniemi)
Nothing says Lapland quite like the Santa Claus Holiday Village. Located right in Santa Claus Village, the cottages are cozy and feel like a Christmas postcard. Each cabin has a private terrace, kitchenette, and easy access to outdoor activities like reindeer safaris.
You can meet Santa, visit souvenir shops, explore Snowman World, or enjoy the snowy forests around the property. It’s the perfect place to stay in Lapland for families and anyone who loves the Christmas spirit.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi)
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel mixes modern design with Finnish nature. The suites are built on stilts in the pine forest and have large floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Arctic landscape. You can see the Northern Lights or the midnight sun right from your bed.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Rovaniemi
The rooms are warm and simple, with soft lighting, comfortable beds, and heated floors. Some suites have private saunas or fireplaces. The on-site restaurant, Rakas, serves Finnish food made from local ingredients. It’s a great place if you want comfort, design, and to be close to Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi’s main attractions.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.2 🏨 Book This Hotel
Apukka Resort (Rovaniemi)
Located just outside Rovaniemi, Apukka Resort offers great glass-roofed cabin experiences in Lapland. The Aurora Cabins and Lakeview Suites are built for sky views and are set on the edge of a frozen lake away from city lights.
You can join husky and reindeer safaris, try snowmobiling, or relax in a wood-heated sauna or outdoor hot tub. The restaurant serves Finnish comfort food, and the staff are friendly. Apukka is a perfect place for both adventure and relaxation near Santa Claus Village.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.2 🏨 Book This Hotel
Wilderness Hotel Muotka (Sodankylä)
Wilderness Hotel Muotka is near Urho Kekkonen National Park and is a good option if you want a quiet place with clear views of the Northern Lights. The log cabins and panorama rooms have large windows, and some have private saunas or fireplaces.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Sodankylä
You can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or join husky safaris right outside. The restaurant serves Finnish meals in a relaxed setting. Because of its remote location and easy access to activities, Muotka is a great place for nature lovers.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.2 🏨 Book This Hotel
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage (Kittilä)
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is one of the most famous snow hotels in Finland, built from snow and ice every winter. Each year, new snow sculptures and ice corridors are made, turning it into a frozen wonderland.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Kittilä
You can stay overnight in an ice room or pick a heated cabin nearby. This unique hotel has an ice restaurant, a snow chapel, and you can try activities like husky sledding and snowshoeing. Staying overnight is pricy, but overall, a great place to see the creativity and skill that make Lapland special and unforgettable.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can visit for a day.
🌟 Hotel Rating 8.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
Ski-Inn Ruka Valley (Ruka, Kuusamo)
If you love skiing, Ski-Inn Ruka Valley is one of the best accommodation options. This ski-in, ski-out resort is right next to the slopes of Ruka Ski Resort. The modern apartments have private saunas, kitchenettes, and free Wi-Fi, so it’s good for couples or families who want comfort and convenience.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Ruka
During the summer months, you can go hiking or mountain biking. In the winter months, you’ll find some of the best cross-country skiing trails. There’s free parking and restaurants nearby, so it’s a great option to stay in Lapland any time of year.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.2 🏨 Book This Hotel
Final Thoughts
Lapland has some of the most unforgettable stays in the world, from glass igloos under the Northern Lights to cozy hotels surrounded by snowy forests. Each place has something special, like a hot tub under the stars, a private sauna, or the chance to meet Santa.
If you want to wake up and see the Northern Lights, this guide will help you choose where to stay in Lapland for your next winter adventure.
Tips/ things to know before visiting Lapland, Finland
How to Get to Finnish Lapland?
To get to Finnish Lapland, most visitors arrive through Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the region’s main travel hub. It’s located about 800 km north of Helsinki and has its own international airport, making it the easiest entry point to the Arctic.
By Plane
The fastest way to get here is to fly straight to Rovaniemi Airport. There are direct flights from Helsinki all year, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you land, it’s just a quick 5–10 minute drive to Santa Claus Village. If you have a few days in Finland, you can also explore Helsinki first before heading north to Rovaniemi.
By Train
If you want a slower and more scenic trip, you can take the overnight train from Helsinki Central Station to Rovaniemi Train Station. The journey takes about 8–10 hours and is a comfortable way to see the Finnish countryside. I recommend booking a sleeper cabin for extra comfort.
By Bus
Another option is taking a long-distance bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The trip takes about 11 to 12 hours, but it’s usually the cheapest way to travel. You’ll get to see Finland’s peaceful landscapes along the way.
How to get around Lapland?
The easiest way to get around Lapland is by rental car. Everything is pretty spread out, and public transportation isn’t very convenient, especially in winter when schedules are limited. With a car, you can explore at your own pace, visit small villages, and stop for scenic views whenever you want.
Daylight Hours in Lapland
Depending on the day of the year, daylight in Lapland can change a lot. In December and January, you only get about 3–6 hours of daylight. Around December 21, during the Polar Night, the sun doesn’t rise at all. But even then, you’ll see a few hours of soft blue light that makes everything look magical and adds to the cozy winter vibe.
Best time to visit?
For the ultimate unique experience, the best time to visit is from late November through March, when the village is covered in snow and looks like a real-life holiday postcard.
December – March (peak season)
This is the best time to visit Finland, especially if you want to experience the holiday season. The snow is perfect, the northern lights are at their best, and the whole place feels like a winter wonderland. You can go skiing, sledding, or try to catch the auroras. Temperatures can drop to -30°C, so make sure to pack warm clothes and sturdy snow boots to stay cozy.
April – June
As the days get warmer and sunnier, the nights are still cold, but this is a great time to see the northern lights under clear skies. This is a quieter season, and it’s a peaceful time to explore Finland’s snowy landscapes before the snow melts.
July – August
Summer in Lapland is mild, with average temperatures around 17°C. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures like canoeing, hiking, and sea kayaking. In June and early July, you get almost 24 hours of daylight because of the midnight sun, so you can explore as much as you want.
How many days do you need in Lapland?
7–10 DAYS: Lapland is a winter wonderland that’s best enjoyed slowly. With a week or more, you’ll have time to visit Santa Claus Village, look for the Northern Lights, and join reindeer or husky safaris. You can also try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. When you want to relax, spend a night in a glass igloo or ice hotel, and warm up in a cozy Finnish sauna.
Finland’s winters can get very cold, sometimes dropping to -30°C. To enjoy your trip, you need to pack the right clothes and be ready for the weather. The best way to stay warm is by layering. It’s always better to wear an extra layer you can take off if you get too hot than to not have enough when it’s freezing.
What to wear in Lapland?
Finland gets very cold in the winter, with temperatures that can drop to -30°C. To enjoy your trip, it’s important to pack warm clothes and be ready for the cold. The best way to stay comfortable is by layering. It’s always better to wear an extra layer you can take off if you get too hot than to not have enough when it’s freezing.
PACKING ESSENTIALS: What to wear to stay warm and comfortable during our trip:
- 5 layers: A base layer, a mid-fleece layer, a sweater, a heated vest, and a heavy winter jacket.
- 2 pairs of wool socks (or heated socks for extra warmth).
- Insulated gloves or a base layer of gloves paired with mittens (heated mittens are great for added warmth).
- A wool or fleece scarf to protect your neck and face from the chilly winds.
- A beanie hat at all times—make sure it covers your ears to keep warmth in.
- Waterproof insulated boots or moon boots are the best option for keeping your feet warm and dry. Moon Boots were a lifesaver for me. They’re extremely warm and reliable, and I saw a lot of other people wearing them too.
If you’re taking part in any outdoor activities, you’ll be provided with all the necessary gear to protect you from the cold.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.