Photo by Veikko Wahlroos.
When someone mentions winter, we often think of poor driving conditions, snowplows, and never leaving the house. It’s easy to forget the magical side of the season—the crispness of freshly fallen snow, adventures in the chilly night air, and evenings spent sharing stories with loved ones at home around the fire.
Jussi Eiramo, owner and founder of Finland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, hasn’t forgotten about this magic. He has created a wonderland based on the mystical essence of those cold nights. The perfect getaway location to remind anyone of the beauty of winter, Kakslauttanen is complete with frosty snow caves to sleep in and even glass igloos where visitors can watch the swaying northern lights as they drift off to sleep.
Photo by Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
Hidden away in the frozen tundra of Finland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort provides a unique experience for anyone looking for an enchanting getaway in the dead of winter. Accommodations range from modernized glass igloos and snug, timbered prospector cabins to Santa Claus’s own bedroom, which glitters with twinkling lights and smells of pine. But don’t expect to spend all day inside one of these quaint rooms.
Though open year-round, Kakslauttanen is best known for its variety of winter safaris. Options include a reindeer or husky safari, each of which gives anyone a chance to drive a sleigh through the snow-soaked landscape as they are pulled by his or her very own reindeer or dogsled team. From December to April, Kakslauttanen also provides a cruise known as the Icebreaker Sampo. During this cruise, guests have the chance to go on a nautical daytrip which explores the large Sampo Kemi ship just outside of Kemi (one of Finland’s most visited tourist towns). You’ll even have the chance to take a dip in the freezing water! Don’t worry, they provide impermeable dry suits to keep you warm.
Photo by Veikko Wahlroos.
Thrill seekers don’t need to worry, either; Kakslauttanen is just a 15-minute drive from two of Finland’s best skiing and snowboarding peaks. Not quite the best skier in town? No need to worry—just pop over to the ski school for a refresher course before heading out to the slopes. Adrenaline junkies should also be sure to check out the Snowmobile Safari. The resort offers the safari as a two-hour, four-hour, or overnight trip, so those who are more daring can experience the beauty of the Northern Hemisphere at a faster pace.
The resort truly caters to those looking for an enchanting experience. From cozy rooms with inviting hearths to igloos in which travelers can watch the stars from the comfort of their own beds, Kakslauttanen is the place to rekindle the love for all things winter.
So forget about bundling up in front of your space heater this winter. Instead, wander over to Kakslauttanen for a wonderful reminder of the beauty and magic that winter holds.
—Amelia Wallace
Winter just sounds cold and a little miserable to me, even with all the fun that you can have, I still worry about my poor little toes and ears freezing off! However, the ice igloos sound fantastic! I want to see the Northern Lights and to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so what better way to enjoy that than from the comforts of a quaint glass igloo! I love it!