Where to Stay in Lapland for Northern Lights: Glass Igloos vs Cabins

Looking for where to stay in Lapland for the ultimate Northern Lights experience? This guide compares glass igloos in Finland with traditional cabins, covering the best places to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, pricing, and booking strategies. Whether you’re seeking Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort alternatives, family-friendly Lapland cabins, or budget Northern Lights hotels, you’ll find expert recommendations for Rovaniemi glass igloos, Levi ski accommodation, and wilderness lodges across Finnish Lapland.

Glass Igloo Finland vs Lapland Cabin: Quick Comparison

Glass igloos offer unmatched aurora viewing from bed (€250-€400/night), while cabins provide superior space and comfort for families (€150-€300/night).

Feature	Glass Igloos	Traditional Cabins
Price Range	€250-€400+ per night	€150-€300 per night
Best For	Couples, photographers, aurora chasers	Families, groups, extended stays
Capacity	2-4 guests (limited family units)	2-8+ guests with full amenities
Insulation	Heated thermal glass, engineered warmth	Traditional log construction, superior heat retention
Aurora Viewing	360° sky views from bed	Lakeside/forest settings, outdoor viewing
Amenities	Private bathroom (premium units), compact design	Full kitchen, private sauna, living areas
Booking Window	6-12 months advance for peak season	3-6 months is typically sufficient

Decision Framework:

• Choose glass igloos for: Photography, once-in-a-lifetime aurora experience
• Choose cabins for: Space, value, families, multi-generational trips, ski vacations

Read more: Best Time to Visit Finland Guide

Best Places to Stay in Lapland for Northern Lights

Top Glass Igloo Hotels in Finland

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Best Luxury Glass Igloos

• €400+ per night
• Finland’s original glass igloo pioneer with 40+ thermal glass units
• Kelo-Glass Chalets: Hybrid log-glass suites sleeping up to 6 guests with a private sauna
• Best for: Luxury seekers, iconic Lapland experience
• Transfer: 30 minutes from Ivalo Airport

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Best for Rovaniemi Access

• €350+ per night
• 39 heated glass igloos near Rovaniemi Airport (25 minutes)
• Year-round operation, close to Santa Claus Village
• Best for: Accessibility, combining city and wilderness

Levin Iglut Golden Crown – Best Ski + Northern Lights Stay

• €350+ per night
• Premium heated igloos with private saunas
• Adjacent to Levi ski resort (1 hour from Kittilä Airport)
• Best for: Ski + aurora combination trips

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – Best for Christmas Trips

• €350+ per night
• Family and couple configurations
• 10 minutes to Santa Claus Village, ideal for Christmas visits

Read more: Top Glass Igloos for Honeymoon

Best Lapland Cabin Rentals for Northern Lights

Wilderness Hotel Inari – Best Value Aurora Cabins

• €250+ per night
• Best value Northern Lights accommodation with aurora-ready cabins
• 45 minutes from Ivalo Airport, lakeside location
• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, authentic wilderness

Northern Lights Village Levi – Best for Skiing Families

• €280+ per night
• Aurora cabins with direct Levi ski resort access
• Shuttle services included
• Best for: Ski enthusiasts, active families

Apukka Resort – Best Mixed Igloo + Cabin Stays

• €300+ per night
• Mixed glass and wooden cabin options
• Close to Rovaniemi Airport (20 minutes)
• Best for: Flexibility, package deals

Read more: Lapland travel guide.

Lapland Accommodation Prices: Glass Igloos vs Cabins (Per Night)

Category	Glass Igloo	Cabin	Best Booking Window
Budget	€250-€300	€150-€200	3-6 months ahead
Mid-Range	€300-€350	€200-€280	6-9 months ahead
Luxury	€400	€300-€500+	9-12 months ahead

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Shoulder season* (September, October, March): 20-30% lower rates, 70%+ aurora probability
• Weeknight bookings: 15-20% cheaper than weekends
• Book 4+ nights for volume discounts at most resorts

When to Visit Lapland for the Northern Lights

• Peak Aurora Season: December-February (deepest darkness, highest activity)
• Best Value Season: September-October, March (excellent aurora odds, lower prices)
• Minimum Stay: 3-4 nights recommended (increases aurora viewing probability to 60-80%)

Airport Transfers:

• Rovaniemi → Santa Claus Village: 10 minutes
• Kittilä → Levi: 60 minutes
• Ivalo → Inari: 45 minutes
• Ivalo → Kakslauttanen: 30 minutes

Note: Always arrange transfers in advance during the winter months.

Top Things to Do in Lapland Beyond the Northern Lights

Daytime Activities:

• Husky sledging: Available from all major hubs (€100-€180 per person)
• Reindeer farm visits: Cultural experiences with Sami hosts
• Snowmobile safaris: Essential for remote wilderness access
• Levi ski resort: 43 slopes, Nordic skiing, snowboarding
• Ice fishing & snowshoeing: Tranquil afternoon activities near Inari

Evening Aurora Hunting:

• Most resorts offer complimentary wake-up calls during aurora activity
• Guided photography tours: €80-€150 per person
• Self-guided viewing from cabin decks or designated observation areas

What to Pack for Lapland Winter (Essential Checklist)

• Layering system: Thermal base + insulation + waterproof outer
• Footwear: Insulated boots rated to -30°C
• Accessories: Wool socks, thermal gloves, face covering
• Electronics: Extra batteries (cold drains power 50% faster)

Final Verdict: Should You Choose a Glass Igloo or a Lapland Cabin?

Glass igloos in Lapland deliver unforgettable Northern Lights viewing for couples and photographers, while traditional cabins provide superior comfort and value for families. For the best Northern Lights hotels in Finland, prioritise locations like Kakslauttanen, Wilderness Hotel Inari, and Levi’s aurora lodges. Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season, consider shoulder months for savings, and plan minimum 4-night stays to maximise aurora odds. Whether choosing Rovaniemi glass igloos or remote Lapland cabin rentals, Finnish Lapland offers world-class Arctic accommodation for every budget and travel style. Now you know where to stay in Lapland, plan your next trip with Pickyourtrail by discovering the best Finland tour packages for an unforgettable experience in 2026. 

FAQs

How much does it cost to stay in a glass igloo in Lapland?

A: Glass igloos cost €250–€400+ per night, depending on season and resort. Kakslauttanen usually starts at €400+, while places like Arctic Fox Igloos begin around €250. Prices peak in December–February, so book 6–12 months early.

Which is better for families: a glass igloo or a cabin?

A: Cabins are better for families because they offer more space, kitchens, and private saunas. Glass igloos fit 2–4 people and lack cooking areas, making them less practical for young kids. Kelo-Glass Chalets are a good family mix.

What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland?

A: Staying 3–4 nights in peak season gives you a 70–80% chance of seeing the aurora in remote spots like Inari or Kakslauttanen. Best viewing months: September–March, with clear, dark skies.

How far in advance should I book Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort?

A: For Christmas and peak winter, book 9–12 months early. For September or March, 4–6 months is enough. Family chalets sell out faster, so reserve as soon as your dates are fixed.

What’s included in Lapland glass igloo prices?

A: Most stays include the heated glass igloo, breakfast, and aurora alarm service. Extras usually include airport transfers, activities, dinners, and sometimes sauna access. Always check what’s included.