Bucket List Travel Series: Experiencing the Northern Lights in Finland

Are you dreaming of embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to witness the Northern Lights? Join me as I plan an unforgettable trip to Finland, a land of mesmerizing natural beauty and cultural richness. I have been dreaming of staying in a Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort ever since I saw it on social media years ago but I can't help but to consider the more luxurious alternative in The Arctic Treehouse Hotel.

Let's explore the best way to experience the enchanting phenomenon of the Northern Lights and make the most of the journey to the Arctic wonderland.

Fun Facts and Tips

• The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a result of collisions between charged particles from the sun and the Earth's atmosphere, creating a spectacular luminous display.

• Saunas (pronounced "sow"-"nahs" with "sow" rhyming with "wow") were invented in Finland and are an important part of Finnish culture.

• Embrace the local culture by trying traditional Finnish dishes and engaging with the warm and welcoming locals, who are always ready to share stories of their Arctic homeland.

Best Time to Visit

To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, plan your visit to Finland between late August and early April. The peak period for viewing the Northern Lights is typically between September and March, when the nights are long and the sky is dark. I'm planning my trip for mid to late January to coincide with my birthday, but this would make a great Valentine's Day trip too!

Discovering Helsinki

Begin your adventure by flying into the vibrant city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Spend a couple of days immersing yourself in the city's vibrant culture, captivating history, and unique architectural wonders. Visit the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, explore the bustling Market Square, and delve into the captivating exhibits at the Helsinki City Museum. For more ideas check out this Forbes Travel Guide story:

https://stories.forbestravelguide.com/spending-a-perfect-day-in-helsinki

Accommodation in Helsinki

For the stay in Helsinki, there are a few hotels that come at the recommendation of our very own head of concierge, a Finland native. All three have full-service spas with saunas and steam-rooms.

• Hotel St. George Helsinki.

  • 1840s Finnish styled hotel with an art gallery, situated in Helsinki city center by the beautiful Old Church Park.

  • Rates start at $350/night and booking through me will get you an extra $100 resort credit. The St. George Suite even has its own sauna.
    

Sauna in the St. George Suite

• Hotel Maria.

  • Built in 1885, but renovated in 2023, this wellness inspired hotel is the perfect place to wash away the stresses of travel. Hyvästi (Finnish for goodbye) jet lag!

  • While all three recommended hotels have wonderful, full-service spas, the spa at the Hotel Maria has to be the one I am most excited about. The Maria Spa has a large co-ed Finnish Spa, a steam room, cold and warm water plunge pools, jacuzzi, and greenery-filled fully enclosed atrium sanctuary with the Spa Bar. They also offer in-room treatments for ultimate comfort and privacy.

Spa at Hotel Maria

• Hotel Kämp.

  • This luxurious hotel, located in the heart of Helsinki, offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and historical charm, providing a splendid base for exploring the city.

  • Just an 8 minute walk to Palace - Established in 1952, Palace has always been a pioneer of Finnish gastronomy. It was the first Finnish restaurant to receive a Michelin Star in 1987 and currently holds 2 Michelin Stars.

  • Executive class rooms (starting around $500/night) and suites are granted access to the exclusive Upper Lounge on the 2nd floor of the hotel.
    

Upper Lounge at Hotel Kämp

Venturing into the Arctic Circle

From Helsinki, we venture into the Arctic Circle via a short 1.5 hour flight. I have dreamed of staying at Kakslauttanen Artic Resort for years after I saw it on social media. It has always been "THE Northern Lights" place for me until I actually started doing research and talking with people with first hand experience. Now I sit and question: is it the best option for me and will I regret going somewhere else?

• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

  • Fly into Ivalo (IVL) and then its a 30 minute drive (or shuttle) to the resort.

  • The iconic glass igloo has put Kakslauttanen on the map for many, including myself, as it offers a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring natural light show of the Northern Lights. They even have an alarm system that notifies you of Aurora activity. They also offer traditional cozy log cabins in addition to the glass igloos.

  • That being said, at around 1000 Euro per night you are paying for the novelty. The food and service offered at Kakslauttanen are not what most would consider luxurious.

  • Do be mindful of the amenities offered in your accommodation.. The infamous glass igloos offer a toilet but showers and saunas are located in a separate building. While doable, the idea of walking outside in the arctic circle to shower sounds more like glamping than staying at an expensive resort.
    

Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Artic Resort

But you can't tell me that this isn't something special that you want to experience before you kick the bucket.

• Arctic Treehouse Hotel

  • Fly into Rovaniemi and then take a quick (~7 minute) ride to The Arctic Treehouse Hotel.

  • Treat yourself to a luxurious and unique stay at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, where contemporary treehouse suites (start around $800/night) offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding nature, providing an immersive Arctic experience of unparalleled beauty and comfort.

  • While all guest rooms have a northern facing, floor-to-ceiling window, the Arctic GlassHouse would be my accommodation of choice if we were to travel with another couple (it sleeps 4).

  • In Rovaniemi, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the Santa Claus Village and access great dining options.

Arctic GlassHouse at Arctic Treehouse Hotel

Experiencing the Arctic Enchantment

Consider adding some of these extraordinary Arctic activities to your itinerary:

1. Chasing the Northern Lights either on a guided tour or venturing out on your own,

2. Husky Safaris

3. Reindeer Sleigh Rides

4. Snowmobile Adventures

5. Arctic Floating (don't worry, it is in a safety suit) **Only at Arctic Treehouse Hotel

Embarking on a journey to Finland to witness the Northern Lights is a remarkable experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. From the dynamic allure of Helsinki to the serene Arctic landscapes of Lapland, this adventure offers a perfect fusion of nature, culture, and magic, regardless of which arctic resort you choose. You'll have to stay tuned to see which one I choose.

Send me a message to start planning your bucket list trip to encounter the Northern Lights in Finland and embark on an unforgettable odyssey in the land of untamed beauty and celestial wonder.