Dreaming of sleeping under the Northern Lights is one of the most powerful experiences one can have in Finnish Lapland. Around Rovaniemi, Several resorts in Lapland offer unique accommodations designed for this purpose. Glass igloos perched on a frozen lake, treehouses, glass suites hidden in the forest: there's plenty to choose from. The price, however, varies considerably. But each of these three luxury accommodations offers a different way to experience the magic of the Arctic, even for just one night.
Here is my selection of three unusual accommodations in Lapland. I've stayed in the first two, and I visited the third while filming for Petit Futé. For each: its highlights, prices, and where to book.
1. Aito Resort, a favorite for a spa and nature getaway
Aito Resort It remains my favorite accommodation in Finnish Lapland, especially for its comprehensive spa. On offer: a traditional Finnish sauna, volcanic sand bath, Himalayan salt beds, and jacuzzis overlooking the lake. In the morning, you can even go feed the reindeer right next to the resort.
I went twice! The first time, I loved it so much that when I could go back to create content, I was overjoyed. And most importantly… I finally got to eat their mushroom soup again 😍 (I'm just telling you about it now) here, (She deserves her own article).
Good to know: Aito Resort is burkini friendly. So you can enjoy the spa and jacuzzis with complete peace of mind.
The resort offers three accommodation options to suit different budgets.
The classic room is suitable for a first budget-friendly trip to Lapland. The Aurora Nest is an all-glass igloo perched directly on the lake. You can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The Aurora Treehouse sits 3 meters high, offering panoramic views of the lake. It's the most luxurious of the three options, perfect for a special occasion.
Approximate budget: up to approximately 500 euros in high season for the classic room and the Aurora Nest. Expect to pay between 800 and 1500 euros for the Treehouse.
Access : Approximately a 40-minute drive from Rovaniemi. Airport transfers are included, and a shuttle bus connects to the city center and Santa Claus Village.
Things to know before booking: The remote location means you'll need to plan your outings around the shuttle schedule, or rent a car. The Treehouse also quickly adds up.
2. Aurora Hill Resort, perched at the highest point in Rovaniemi
The real advantage of’Aurora Hill Resort, That's its location. It overlooks Rovaniemi from its highest point. As a result, you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights there than in accommodations below.
Well, getting there was another story. First, we struggled to find it. Then, the car couldn't make it up the slope; it just kept sliding down… a nightmare. And once we got to the top, we were stuck in front of the door (the entrance is self-service), and we had to call customer service to get in. But honestly, it was worth it: we were right at the top, with a picture window that was just wow. A truly wonderful experience.
It's also the most affordable of the three unusual accommodations. Its independent cabins include a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and a bedroom with breathtaking views of the forest. A nice bonus is that the team delivers breakfast directly to the cabin, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
Indicative budget: from 229 euros per night.
Access : about ten minutes by car from the centre of Rovaniemi, convenient for combining activities.
Things to know before booking: The experience is more "cozy cabin" than glass igloo, and the proximity to the city makes it a little less cut off from the world than the other two.
3. Silver Birch Resort, the most intimate and private
Silver Birch Resort This is perfect for those seeking a complete escape. There are only five cabins on the entire property. They stand 3 meters above the ground, on a private peninsula, with no neighbors.
I didn't sleep there; I went to create content for Petit Futé. I met a passionate, super friendly manager who explained the whole concept to us: a huge property spanning several hectares, but only five cabins. It's the most secluded spot in Rovaniemi. You come here for peace and quiet, to slow down and enjoy nature.
Their unique feature: a completely mirrored glass exterior. From the outside, no one can see inside. But from the inside, the view opens up completely onto the lake and the forest. And through the glass ceiling, you can also see the stars, or even the Northern Lights. Only guests have access to the resort's restaurant. The entire stay is therefore experienced as a true escape from the world.
Indicative budget: from 650 euros per night.
Access : approximately 25 minutes drive from both the center of Rovaniemi and the airport.
Things to know before booking: It's the most expensive of the three. And since the resort is isolated and you'll be dining there, plan for a car or transfers if you want to get around during your stay.
Comparison of 3 unusual accommodations in Lapland
| Accommodation | Price / night | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Aito Resort | ≈ €500 (room, Aurora Nest); €800 to €1,500 (Treehouse) | Approximately 40 minutes from Rovaniemi, airport transfers included |
| Aurora Hill Resort | From €229 | ≈ 10 min from the center |
| Silver Birch Resort | From €650 | Approximately 25 minutes from the city center and the airport |
Which one should you choose based on your profile?
- Do you want the best value for money or are you travelling with your family? : Aurora Hill Resort, with its fully equipped kitchen and proximity to the city.
- Are you dreaming of a wellness retreat? : Aito Resort, for its full spa (burkini friendly) and its igloo on the lake.
- Are you planning a honeymoon or a special occasion? Silver Birch Resort, for the total privacy of its five cabins.
To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, aim for the period from late August to early April, with very dark nights.
Where to stay in Rovaniemi on a tighter budget?
These three places remain exceptional experiences, and I know that not everyone can (or wants to) spend between €230 and €650 on a single night. My advice: do as I did! Book a comfortable apartment for your entire stay, and treat yourself to just one unusual night for the experience.
Here are four apartments I've found for you. I haven't stayed in them myself, but I chose them for their location, reviews, and value. The prices are for a week for two people in February, during peak season; they often drop outside of holiday periods. The lowest prices include the Booking.com Genius discount.
Kaamos Apartment, the most space for the price
This is the cheapest option in our selection, and by far the most spacious: 52 m² with a balcony, fully equipped kitchen, and free parking. It's located in a quiet area about 3 km from the center, with a supermarket right next door and a cross-country ski trail 200 m away. Buses 4 and 5 stop nearby and reach the center in about ten minutes, but it's especially a great choice if you're renting a car. It has an overall rating of 8.1/10, with a cleanliness score of 9.2. Expect to pay around €1,100 per week for two people.
Lapland's Little Retreat, for getting around everywhere on foot
Just 150 meters from the center, you're in the heart of Rovaniemi: restaurants, shops, and tour departures are all within a few minutes' walk. The apartment is small (25 m²) but well-designed, with a double bed, two futons, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Couples rate it 9.7/10. Expect to pay between €1,120 and €1,460 per week for two.
Rovaniemi City Center Apartment, the right compromise
Located 450 meters from the city center, this 37 m² apartment features a proper bedroom, a living room with a sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views. Guests particularly praise its cleanliness (9.6/10) and location (9.5/10). Expect to pay between €1,320 and €1,470 per week for two people.
Urban Lapland Apartments, private sauna in the heart of the city
My top pick from the selection! Just 350 meters from the center, this 38 m² apartment has its own sauna: the quintessential Finnish experience, without the resort price tag. It also features a fully equipped kitchen and a living room with a sofa bed. It's rated 9.8/10, but based on only about ten reviews so far. Expect to pay between €1,430 and €1,590 per week for two people.
Want to know how much my entire stay cost, including accommodation? I'll tell you all about it in my article. Lapland budget: how much I spent in 11 days.
What unusual accommodations should you choose in Finnish Lapland?
These three unique accommodations offer three distinct ways to experience Lapland. At Aito Resort, it's all about the spa and wildlife. Aurora Hill Resort focuses on cozy, treetop retreats and is more accessible. Silver Birch Resort offers total disconnection in a glass bubble.
And to plan the rest of your stay, find all my activity ideas in my guide on What to do in Rovaniemi.
And you, which one would you choose for your next trip under the Northern Lights?
Have a question about these accommodations? Ask it in the comments. And have a great trip! ❄️
FAQ: Sleeping in unusual accommodations in Lapland
Can you necessarily see the Northern Lights from a glass igloo?
No, nothing is guaranteed. To see the Northern Lights, you need both sufficient solar activity and a clear sky, and neither can be controlled. Your best bet is the season: aim for the period from late August to early April, with truly dark nights. And keep in mind that the experience is worthwhile even without the Northern Lights: falling asleep facing the snow-covered forest is already magical.
Is it cold at night in a glass igloo?
Not at all. The igloos and glass cabins are heated; you sleep in them just like in a hotel room. Be careful not to confuse them with snow igloos, where the temperature stays around zero and you sleep in extreme cold-weather sleeping bags.
How much does it cost to stay overnight in unusual accommodation in Rovaniemi?
Expect to pay between €229 and €650 per night depending on the accommodation: from €229 for Aurora Hill Resort, up to around €500 in high season for the Aurora Nest at Aito Resort, and from €650 for Silver Birch Resort.
Is just one night in a glass igloo enough?
For most travelers, yes. The trick I followed myself: more conventional accommodation for the entire trip, and just one exceptional night to experience the Northern Lights. If seeing the aurora borealis is truly your priority, two nights will give you a better chance of seeing clear skies.
When to book a glass igloo in Lapland?
Book as early as possible, ideally several months in advance if you're traveling between December and March. Unique accommodations have limited rooms and book up very quickly, especially during school holidays and around Christmas.
Where to stay in Rovaniemi on a tight budget?
The most economical option is to rent an apartment for the duration of your stay. You can find highly-rated ones near the city center starting at around €1,100 per week for two people in February, during peak season. I've listed four of them earlier in this article.
Transparency: only my night at the Aito Resort during my second trip, undertaken for Petit Futé, was provided free of charge as part of this collaboration. The rest was at my own expense. My opinion remains 100% sincere: I share both the positive and negative points. This article also contains affiliate links.
As a photographer and content creator based near Paris, I share my Muslim-friendly travels, detailed budgets, and tried-and-tested addresses here to help you plan your own trips with peace of mind.
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