7 Best Glass Igloo Hotels in Finland for Watching the Northern Lights
Imagine lying in a warm, comfortable bed while snow covers the forest outside and the Northern Lights suddenly begin dancing across the Arctic sky above you. You do not need to step outside, drive into the wilderness, or stand in freezing temperatures. You simply look up through the glass roof.
This is the magic of staying in a glass igloo in Finland.
Finnish Lapland has become one of the world’s most memorable destinations for Northern Lights experiences, thanks to its unique glass roof cabins and igloo hotels. These properties combine the comfort of a luxury stay with an unforgettable connection to the Arctic wilderness.
From romantic igloos for couples to spacious cabins for families, here are seven of the best glass igloo hotels in Finland for watching the Northern Lights.
1. Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi
If you want to combine the Northern Lights with the magic of Christmas, Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle is hard to beat.
Located next to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the property gives travellers easy access to some of Lapland’s most popular winter experiences. The igloos are positioned with Northern Lights viewing in mind, and an aurora alarm can alert guests when the lights appear.
Inside, the heated glass igloos are designed for comfort during the Arctic winter. Underfloor heating keeps the rooms warm, while anti fog glazing helps maintain clear views through the glass roof. Selected accommodation options also feature private saunas or outdoor hot tubs.
The location is another major advantage. Santa Claus Village is nearby, while Rovaniemi Airport and the city centre are both easily accessible.
Best for: Couples, families and first time visitors to Finnish Lapland.
2. Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi
Apukka Resort takes the glass igloo concept a step further with several different accommodation options designed specifically for Northern Lights viewing.
The popular Aurora Cabins feature beds positioned toward the sky, allowing guests to watch the night above them from the comfort of their room. Heated panoramic glass roofs help prevent snow and frost from blocking the view.
There are also larger options for families and groups. The Kammi Glass Igloo Suite, for example, combines traditional Finnish design with a glass roofed upper level that creates a cosy space for watching the Arctic sky.
Another thoughtful feature is the availability of winter clothing, including thermal overalls and boots, which can be particularly useful for visitors arriving from warmer countries.
Located around 15 minutes from central Rovaniemi, Apukka also offers access to a range of winter activities and transportation services.
Best for: Families, couples and small groups looking for variety.
3. Golden Crown Levi Igloos, Utsuvaara
For travellers looking for romance, privacy and dramatic Arctic scenery, Golden Crown Levi Igloos is an excellent option.
Set high on Utsuvaara fell near Levi, the property benefits from elevated surroundings and broad views across the Lapland landscape. With fewer natural obstacles on the horizon, guests have excellent opportunities to watch the Northern Lights.
The Superior Igloos are particularly suited to couples, while the Northern Lights House offers a more spacious private setting with its own terrace, sauna and hot tub.
The Nordic inspired interiors are warm and minimalist, creating a relaxing contrast to the snowy landscape outside. Guests can also dine at Restaurant Utsu, where Nordic ingredients and local flavours are part of the experience.
For an extra special evening, imagine sitting in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow while the aurora moves overhead.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners and romantic winter escapes.
4. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä
Kakslauttanen is one of Finland’s most famous glass igloo resorts and is often associated with the rise of the glass igloo experience in Finnish Lapland.
The resort offers classic glass igloos as well as the larger Kelo Glass Igloos. These combine the warmth and character of a traditional wooden cabin with a glass roofed bedroom, making them particularly appealing to families and groups.
The Kelo Glass Igloos also feature private saunas, giving guests a chance to warm up after spending time outdoors.
During winter, the resort can feel like a fairytale village, with features such as an ice chapel and ice bar adding to the atmosphere.
Kakslauttanen is located near Saariselkä, surrounded by the forests and wilderness of northern Finnish Lapland. It is a great choice if you want your accommodation itself to be part of the adventure.
Best for: Families, groups and travellers looking for a classic Lapland experience.
5. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, Sinettä
Why choose between staying in a glass igloo and visiting a snow hotel when you can experience both?
At Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos near Rovaniemi, travellers can stay in a heated glass igloo while also exploring a remarkable snow and ice hotel that is rebuilt each winter.
The glass igloos provide a warm and comfortable base for Northern Lights watching, with panoramic views of the Arctic sky. Many accommodation options also include private sauna facilities.
The nearby SnowHotel offers something completely different. Visitors can explore ice rooms, an ice restaurant and other seasonal snow structures, giving them a fascinating glimpse into traditional Arctic winter experiences.
The property is around 30 minutes from Rovaniemi, making it an interesting alternative for travellers who want something beyond the usual city based Lapland itinerary.
Best for: Adventure seekers and travellers who want multiple Arctic experiences in one stay.
6. Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos, Ranua
For a quieter and more peaceful glass igloo experience, consider Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos.
Located beside Lake Ranuanjärvi, the property offers beautiful views across the frozen landscape and Arctic sky. The surroundings are particularly appealing for travellers who prefer nature and tranquillity over busy resort areas.
The igloos accommodate couples and small families, while private saunas provide a welcome way to relax after a day outdoors.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is its proximity to Ranua Wildlife Park. Visitors can combine their Northern Lights adventure with the chance to see Arctic animals, including polar bears.
Ranua is approximately 90 minutes from Rovaniemi, so it works especially well as part of a wider Lapland road trip or multi destination itinerary.
Best for: Wildlife lovers, couples and families seeking a quieter escape.
7. Northern Lights Village, Saariselkä
As the name suggests, Northern Lights Village places the aurora experience at the heart of its concept.
The property features glass roofed cabins designed to give guests comfortable views of the night sky. Cabins also include cosy interiors and fireplaces, creating a warm retreat during the cold Finnish winter.
An aurora alarm can wake guests when the Northern Lights become visible, meaning you do not have to stay awake all night hoping for a glimpse.
Saariselkä’s location in northern Lapland also offers darker surroundings and a stronger sense of wilderness compared with staying closer to Rovaniemi.
For travellers who want a straightforward Northern Lights experience without focusing entirely on ultra luxury, Northern Lights Village can be an appealing choice.
Best for: Couples and travellers looking for a relaxed aurora focused stay.
Which Glass Igloo Hotel Should You Choose?
Each property offers something different, so the right choice depends on what you want from your Finland holiday.
For Christmas magic: Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
For families and groups: Apukka Resort
For romance and luxury: Golden Crown Levi Igloos
For a classic Lapland experience: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
For something unique: Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
For wildlife and tranquillity: Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos
For a focused Northern Lights experience: Northern Lights Village
Best Time to Stay in a Finnish Glass Igloo
The Northern Lights season in Finnish Lapland generally stretches from late August into April, with the darker months offering the best conditions for aurora watching.
September and October can be particularly beautiful because autumn colours may still be visible, while nights become increasingly dark. If the weather cooperates, reflections on lakes can create stunning photographs.
December to February brings the classic Lapland winter experience, with snow covered forests, frozen landscapes and long nights. December is especially popular with families who want to combine the Northern Lights with Christmas experiences, although it is also one of the busiest periods.
March is another excellent option. Snow is usually still abundant, nights remain dark enough for aurora viewing, and daylight hours become longer, giving you more time for activities such as husky rides, snowmobiling and reindeer experiences.
Tips for Your Glass Igloo Stay
A little preparation can make your experience even better.
Keep indoor lights low: Room lights can reflect against the glass and interfere with Northern Lights photography.
Bring a tripod: A tripod makes it much easier to capture sharp night sky photographs.
Check what your booking includes: Meals, winter clothing, transfers and activities vary between properties.
Book early: Glass igloos are popular, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
Stay for at least two or three nights: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. A longer stay gives you more opportunities to see them.
Pack warm clothing: Even though the igloos are heated, you will likely spend time outdoors enjoying activities across Lapland.
Experience the Magic of Finnish Lapland
A glass igloo stay is much more than a hotel experience. It gives you the opportunity to slow down, disconnect from everyday life and spend a night surrounded by one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
Whether you choose the Christmas atmosphere of Rovaniemi, the peaceful wilderness of Saariselkä or the romantic landscapes around Levi, sleeping beneath a glass roof can become one of the highlights of your Finland holiday.
The Northern Lights may not appear every night, but the snow covered forests, quiet Arctic landscapes and cosy glass igloo experience are unforgettable in their own right.
Planning your Finland holiday?
Let Traavel Bug help you create a personalised Finland itinerary that combines Northern Lights experiences, glass igloo stays, husky safaris, reindeer encounters, scenic winter landscapes and authentic Arctic adventures.
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