The hype
Visually stunning and a true 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience, but guests consistently feel gouged by hidden fees and poor service.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Igloos And Chalets
$500-1200+/ nacht
Boek dit als You are chasing the ultimate Instagram bucket-list shot and don't mind sacrificing hotel service for a glass ceiling.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- The world-famous glass igloos are exactly as photogenic as they look online
- Kelo-Glass igloos offer the best of both worlds: a cozy log cabin with a private glass viewing dome
- Direct access to husky safaris, reindeer sleighs, and Santa's home on the massive property
Snel Overzicht: A mass-tourism factory that trades on its famous glass roofs while charging five-star prices for two-star service and cafeteria food.
Beoordeeld door @ettevi_wanderlust: I stayed in this Kelo-Glass Igloo and it was the ultimate winter dream. Going from the freezing snow into my warm log cabin, then curling up by the fire before sleeping under the stars in the glass annex was an experience I'll never forget.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The 'Small Glass Igloo' is tiny, lacks privacy (neighbors can see in), and the thermal glass melts snow but can't stop the noise of your neighbor snoring.
- Your primary goal is seeing the Northern Lights from bed
- You are traveling with kids who want to meet Santa and see reindeer
- You have a high budget and can book the 'Kelo-Glass' combo units
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
7.5
- Housekeeping: Strictly on-demand and paid (~€15/day). If you don't pay, they won't come.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but small igloos suffer from persistent sewage smells due to compact plumbing.
- Maintenance: Glass is kept clear of snow, but interiors in older East Village igloos are showing wear and tear.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, nothing luxurious. You get one set; replacements cost extra.
- Odors & scents: Woodsmoke in the cabin areas (pleasant), drain odors in small igloos (unpleasant).
Sleepability™
6.5GEMATIGD
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Thermal glass heating systems
- Snow plows early in the morning
- Neighbors walking on crunching snow right outside your glass wall
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- There is no WiFi in the igloos or cabins, only in the main reception/restaurant building.
- Check-out is strictly at 10:00 AM, which is very early given the late sunrise.
- The resort is 10km from Saariselkä village; a taxi costs ~€30 one way, so you are somewhat captive.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Headlamp (it gets pitch black and paths are poorly lit)
- Slip-on boots (you will be taking shoes off constantly)
- Instant noodles/snacks (restaurant food is expensive and mediocre, and nearest shop is 10km away)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Kelo-Glass Igloo (West Village): The only way to do this right—private sauna, fireplace, kitchenette, and a glass bedroom attached to a log cabin.
- Large Glass Igloo: Includes a private shower and toilet (unlike the small ones).
Kamers om te vermijden
- Small Glass Igloo: No shower, very cramped, luggage barely fits, and you have to trek to the communal building to wash.
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I am requesting a Kelo-Glass Igloo in the West Village, specifically one further from the reception lights to minimize light pollution for aurora viewing.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Do the igloos have bathrooms?
All igloos have a toilet and sink. Small Glass Igloos do NOT have showers (shared facilities nearby). Large Glass Igloos and Kelo-Glass Igloos have private showers.
Is the Aurora Alarm real?
Yes, rooms are equipped with an Aurora Alarm system that beeps when the Northern Lights are visible, though reliability varies.
How do I get my luggage to the room?
You drag it yourself on a provided wooden sled through the snow. Luggage handling service is available for a fee (~€12/person).
Is food included?
Most rates are 'Half Board' (breakfast and dinner included), but reviews consistently rate the food as 'cafeteria style' and 'bland'.
Can I see the Northern Lights from my bed?
Yes, if the sky is clear and activity is high. The thermal glass melts the snow/frost to keep the view clear.
Is there a pool or gym?
No guest pool or gym. There is a smoke sauna and ice hole for dipping, but for a swimming pool, you must go to Saariselkä (10km away).
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
Buy your own firewood at the Kuukkeli Supermarket in Saariselkä if you have a rental car; the resort charges ~€35/box.
- ✨
Book the 'West Village' if possible; it's newer and has the Kelo-Glass igloos.
- ✨
Bring a sleep mask; the 'Aurora' lights from neighbors and the resort itself can be bright even at 2am.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'Small Glass Igloo' smells like a drain because the toilet vent is right next to the bed.
💡You have to pay ~€15-18 per person per day if you want your room cleaned.
💡The 'thermal glass' works, but it gets incredibly hot inside the igloo if the sun comes out (greenhouse effect).
💡There are no phones in the rooms to call reception; you have to walk if you have an issue.
💡The 'Santa's Home' visit is a paid activity, not a free amenity.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Igloos And Chalets zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.