The hype
Magical for one or two nights if the Aurora shows up, but the cabins are smaller than they look and the buffet food gets repetitive.
Northern Lights Village
$450-650/ night
Book this if You want the bucket-list 'sleeping under the Northern Lights' experience without sacrificing (too much) comfort or being totally isolated from civilization.
Why People Love It
- Laser-heated glass roofs that actually stay snow-free for aurora viewing
- The 'Aurora Alert' system that wakes you up so you don't have to keep watch
- Walkable(ish) to Saariselkä village, unlike many remote igloo resorts
Quick Take: It's a glass-igloo factory that trades privacy for convenience, but when the sky lights up, you won't care about your neighbors.
Reviewed by @globetrotwithval: I stayed in this Aurora Cabin and the glass roof view was even better than I expected. The bathroom is compact with sloped ceilings, but the heated floors kept me toasty. Waking up here felt like living inside a private snow globe.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the roof, not 5-star service; expect self-service vibes and a 'tourist processing' feel at check-in.
- You are chasing the Northern Lights and want to do it from bed
- You want a 'resort' feel where safaris and food are all on-site
- You are okay with a buffet dinner rather than fine dining every night
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good, but reports of 'missed spots' and rooms not being cleaned daily unless requested.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but small. Some complaints about hair in drains and a lingering vinegar/cleaning product smell.
- Maintenance: Glass roofs are well-maintained (critical). Some wear and tear on cabin interiors (scuffs, loose handles).
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to woodsy, occasional strong cleaning chemical odors in bathrooms.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Snowmobiles in the distance during the day
- Neighbors walking on crunchy snow paths
- The Aurora Alert alarm (if enabled)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Aurora Alert' is a real system (often a tablet/phone notification) included in most stays—use it.
- Sauna and hot tub are NOT included in the room rate; they are expensive private bookings (~€100+).
- Breakfast and dinner are usually buffet-style; lunch is often a soup buffet.
What to pack
- Slip-on boots for quick dashes outside to see the lights
- A tripod (essential for capturing Auroras, phones struggle handheld)
- Moisturizer and lip balm (the air is incredibly dry inside the heated cabins)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Cabins 1-20 (Highest Row) — best forest views and least light pollution from the reception area
Rooms to avoid
- Polar Sky Suites (unless you want to be isolated 3km away)
- Cabins near the reception/restaurant (noise and foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting an Aurora Cabin in the 'Highest Row' (numbers 1-20) facing the forest to minimize light pollution and maximize privacy. Please avoid cabins near the main walkway.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Can I see the Northern Lights from every cabin?
Yes, all Aurora Cabins have north-facing heated glass roofs, but cabins in the back rows have less light pollution.
Is the glass roof heated?
Yes, laser-heated glass melts snow and ice quickly to ensure a clear view.
How far is the town center?
It's about 350-800 meters (10-15 min walk), but it can be a cold, dark walk in winter.
Is there a gym or pool?
No gym. No heated swimming pool. There is an 'Ice Pool' (hole in the ice) available with the private sauna booking.
Do I need a car?
No, you can take a shuttle from Ivalo Airport (~€70) and walk to town, but a rental car gives you freedom to explore further.
Are the Polar Sky Suites better?
They are bigger and have a sauna, BUT they are 3km away on a fell. Only book if you want isolation and have a car or don't mind shuttles.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The lunch soup buffet (~€15) is a better value than the dinner buffet if you're paying out of pocket.
- ✨
You can walk to the local K-Market (grocery store) in Saariselkä to stock your mini-fridge with cheaper drinks and snacks.
- ✨
Don't pay for the 'Aurora Hunting by Car' tour immediately; wait to see if the sky is clear enough to see them from your bed first.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'vinegar smell' in some bathrooms is likely a strong eco-descaler used for the hard water.
💡The shower is basically in the same wet-room space as the toilet in some cabins—it's tight.
💡You can't drive your car to the cabin door; you must park at reception and sled your bags (or pay €5).
💡The 'Aurora Alert' can be terrifyingly loud if you aren't expecting it at 2 AM.
💡Reindeer roam the property, which is magical until you step in what they leave behind.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Northern Lights Village is located and what's nearby.