Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Review: Glass Igloo Experience in Finnish Lapland

Location: Finnish Lapland, far above the Arctic Circle

Resort Overview

Setting:

• Surrounded by thick, white snow (approximately 2 feet deep)
• Untouched and perfectly quiet environment
• Remote location

Two Village Options:

1. East Village (where creator stayed)

   • Original glass igloos and log cabins
   • Quiet, rustic vibe

2. West Village

   • Newer and more modern
   • Closer to activities and services

Accommodation Type: Glass igloo with transparent dome roof for viewing stars and northern lights

Arrival Experience

Challenge: Finding the Igloo

• Resort is quite remote with very few signs
• Map provided but no staff around to guide guests
• Wandered through snowy paths trying to locate their specific igloo
• Frustrating experience, especially after a long day of travel
• Eventually figured it out independently

First Impression:

• Had seen pictures and expected something small and cozy
• Reality was much smaller than imagined
• Initial disappointment with the compact size

Glass Igloo Specifications

Size & Layout:

• Definitely compact
• Just enough space for a double bed
• Small entry area for luggage storage

Bathroom Facilities:

• Washroom with tiny sink inside igloo
• No shower in the igloo
• Must walk to sauna building (short walk away) for showers

Amenities:

• Very minimal
• Kettle
• Hand mirror
• Complimentary resort goodies

Highlight Feature:

• Transparent dome roof
• 180-degree view of sky and snowy forest
• Can gaze at stars and northern lights from the warmth of bed

Sauna Experience

Description:

• Delightful, warm, tranquil, and authentically Finnish
• Saunas are an important part of Finnish life
• Great to experience the traditional way
• Located a short walk from igloos (serves as shower facility)

Dining Experience

Restaurant Overview

• In-house restaurant for all meals (resort is in remote location)
• Cozy Nordic vibe
• Handcrafted wooden furnishings
• Large windows overlooking snowy forest
• Truly atmospheric setting

Dinner

Menu Options:

• Resort caters to international tastes
• Three-course Indian meal option available (pleasant surprise)

Indian Meal Served:

1. Gentle soup (starter)
2. Aloo Gobi and flavorful Mutton Rara with basmati rice (main course)
3. Rich chocolate dessert

Review: Delicious and incredibly satisfying after a chilly day outside

Breakfast

Setting:

• Calm and peaceful walk to restaurant
• Tall pine trees dusted with fresh snow
• Freezing cold but incredibly fresh air
• Completely different from city life (no traffic sounds, no people, just soft wind)

Menu:

• Fruit and juice
• Good mix for different dietary preferences
• Hot Finnish coffee (described as "definitely awesome")

Review: Hearty breakfast

Evening Experience

Walk Back to Igloo After Dinner:

• Serene experience
• Snow sparkling under headlamps
• Forest around was still and silent

Inside the Igloo:

• Tucked into bed and looked up at sky
• Clear panoramic view of snowy arctic forest through glass walls
• Could enjoy view while staying warm in bed

Final Verdict

Pros:

• Memorable, unique experience
• Not every day you can sleep under the stars in the Arctic
• Beautiful panoramic views from bed
• Authentic Finnish sauna experience
• Good food with international options

Cons:

• Small igloo size
• No shower inside igloo (must walk to sauna)
• Initial struggle locating the igloo due to lack of signage
• Very expensive for what it offers
• Not a luxury stay in the traditional sense

Recommendation:

• Worth experiencing if it's a bucket list item
• However, it's certainly very expensive for what you get
• If looking for novelty and unique experience, then absolutely worth it

Alternative Glass Igloo Accommodations in Finland

The creator recommends checking out these more affordable options with better hospitality:

1. Rannua
2. Star Arctic
3. Wilderness Hotel Inari

These alternatives offer glass igloo experiences at lower price points with improved service.

Overall Summary

While the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort glass igloo stay had some significant flaws (compact size, lack of in-room shower, poor signage), it provided a memorable Arctic experience with stunning views of the northern sky, authentic Finnish culture, and surprising culinary options. Best suited for travelers seeking a unique bucket-list experience rather than traditional luxury accommodation.