When the season turns colder .. and winter arrives with its icy grip, Lapland is on most people’s bucket list, wanting to see the marvel of the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights - and maybe catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and Rudolph preparing for their big day. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland, ticks every box in that regard, being in the right zone for optimal aurora viewing, reindeer and Santa spotting - although it has plenty to offer visitors any time of year.
This family-friendly Kakslauttanen Artic Resort is located in two halves – East and West Villages – offering in total around 190 different types of accommodation - 65 log chalets, 65 glass igloos, 40 Kelo-Glass igloos (a combination of log chalet and glass igloo). The resort’s two restaurants offer à la carte menus packed with local Lappish delicacies. Private celebrations can also be booked in the Santa Claus Celebration House, Korsu “The Underground” Restaurant or the Smoke Sauna Restaurant.
There are five smoke saunas, including the largest one in the world, ice swimming and all types of safaris – husky; reindeer; snow mobile; snow tank; riding and ice fishing. Other activities include aurora hunting; cross-country skiing; icebreaker sampo; downhill skiing and snowboarding. In the autumn months, there are horse and ATV safaris; hiking in the Urho Kekkonen National Park; mushroom and berry picking; canoeing in the wilderness; mountain biking and gold panning. Many of these activities can also be enjoyed in the summer but the warmer months also offer Lemmenjoki Cruises and fishing trips. The resort can supply both rental clothing and equipment if booked in advance.
For souvenirs and local handicrafts, there is a gift shop in each section of the resort.