Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: World-famous Arctic resort in Saariselkä, Lapland with iconic thermal glass igloos, smoke saunas, and reindeer safaris

Set amidst the pristine snow-covered pine forests of Finnish Lapland on the edge of the Urho Kekkonen National Park in Saariselkä, Finland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort opened in 1974, founded by Jussi Eiramo. World-renowned as the pioneer of the thermal glass igloo (invented here in 1999), the resort allows travelers to sleep under the starlit Arctic sky and the dancing green ribbons of the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of heated glass domes. Spanning two distinct villages (East Village and West Village), the property features iconic Kelo-glass log cabins (combining rustic pine log cabins with connected glass igloos), the world’s largest smoke saunas, ice swimming, and husky safaris.

Arrival introduces travelers to the magical stillness of Lapland: hosts greet guests in the snow-draped timber lodge with warm spiced berry glögi by an open log fireplace. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating quintessential Arctic winter and summer wilderness pursuits: driving your own dog sled team through snowy pine forests on husky safaris, meeting indigenous Sámi herders on reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling through frozen valleys, cross-country skiing across 200km of illuminated trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park, ice fishing on Lake Inari, and reserving dinner at the Kelo restaurant.

Arctic living balances sub-zero adventure with legendary Finnish wellness: the resort is home to multiple traditional Finnish wood-fired smoke saunas (including the world’s largest smoke sauna) situated along a frozen stream with an ice hole ('avanto') for traditional cold plunging. Dining is centered in two monumental pine-log restaurants serving authentic Lappish gastronomy, including sautéed reindeer with lingonberries, fresh Arctic char, and cloudberry desserts.

Accommodations comprise thermal Glass Igloos, Kelo-Glass Igloo Cabins, traditional Log Cabins, and luxury Queen Suites ranging from 20 to 100 square metres. Each glass dome is constructed of specialized thermal insulated glass that remains crystal clear even when temperatures plunge to -40°C outside.

Northern lights seekers, romance couples, and Arctic adventurers seeking the original thermal glass igloo experience, traditional Finnish smoke saunas, and husky sledding in Lapland should book Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort without hesitation. Travelers seeking tropical beaches or warm climates should look elsewhere. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.6 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 3,100 reviews and a 4.5 out of 5 on Google across 3,800 reviews.