Whether you’re considering a trip to the Nordics or already planning one, there are probably a few things you know you’ll see: planes of fresh, powdery snow stretching for miles, vivid green forests of aspens and pines stippled with frost, the mighty fjords and their sparkling waters, and if you’re lucky, the great dance of the Northern Lights.
Surprise — we recommend checking out all of these! While most adventures on your itinerary will be day-time activities with the evening left for recharging, there’s one thing the northern countries have mastered: the all-immersive experience. Now, when the sun sets and those temperatures reach farther into the negatives, you can return to your glass-domed igloo to settle in and watch for the Borealis overhead, or a glass-walled treehouse where you can see the sunrise from under your down comforter, or even relax in a cabin made from Lapland pines with a built-in sauna.
You won’t find a flatscreen television or much digital offerings here, but you will hear the crackling fireplace, breathe that crisp Nordic air, and maybe hear a wolf howl or two.
We’ve compiled a list of unique Scandinavian accommodations below for you to experience the best, all-immersive trip of a lifetime.
KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT
Located right on the edge of Finland’s wilderness, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is just as pristine and awe-inspiring as its surroundings. Glass-domed igloos dot the winter landscape and pines weave between them. The igloos lodge two or four people comfortably and also come with one to two beds. The ceiling is paneled with hexagon-shaped glass, creating the perfect panoramic viewing spot for the Northern Lights.
This resort has many accommodations options, which sets it apart from other winter hotels. You may elect to stay in a Kelo Glass Igloo, which is part cabin, part igloo with a built-in sauna, or even a traditional snow igloo that envelops you inside a frosty -4°F dome, which completely blocks any outside sound.
You’ll be in a most remote location, but the closest airport is only a thirty minute drive away. Igloos are open August – April for optimal Northern Lights viewing!