Our experience of staying in an arctic glass igloo

We were delighted to have the opportunity to stay at the glass igloo’s in The Arctic Snow Hotel and Igloo’s. We love exploring unique accommodations and these igloo’s in the winter wonderland that is Lapland where the perfect place for a cosy and unique stay. 

Location

We checked into The Arctic Snow Hotel Glass Igloo’s in Rovaniemi Finland close to the arctic circle. Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and gives yo great options for stepping back into city life if you feel the need. The location of the igloo’s are in prime position away from the lights of the city centre and in close proximity to Santa Claus’s village and the arctic circle. The distance from the city centre incresed our chances of seeing the Northern lights due to the dark skies.

The Igloo’s

The igloo’s have a complete glass roof with a built in heating system to melt the snow that settles on the roof always allowing you the maximum view. Giving us the opportunity to sleep under the stars and gaze up on the look out for the northern lights. The rooms are set to a certain cosy temperature and the heating system works to keep it that way. Coming inside the glass igloo’s it’s a welcome break from the harsh weather outside during the winter months reaching up to -40.The beds are located in the centre of the room allowing maximum viewing of the above skies and surrounding snow topped tree’s and hills.It’s own private shower and toilet is also located in a one corner of the igloo.Tea and coffee making facilities are also available for the opportunity to enjoy a cup under the skies. 

Aurora’s

The igloo’s have a built in aurora alarm which you can switch on. The alarm will buzz when ever the night watch see’s any glimpse of the northern lights. Then all you have to do is make sure your lights are switched off and gaze up at the skies.The general gist is you need clear skies. If you can see the stars you have a chance of seeing the lights.

The complex

The glass igloo’s are located within The Arctic Snow Hotel complex. The complex boasts three restaurants, an ice bar, a traditional Finnish sauna, a snow sauna and private hot tubs. 

Restaurants and bars

The ice restaurant 

We were sure to wear our warm clothes to dine at the Ice restaurant. A three course meal was served on a table made completely from ice. The fur mats kept the ice benches warm as we enjoyed the meal. The desert was served on an ice plate shaped like an ice flake.  Kota restaurant

This teepee shaped restaurant housed a fire pit in the middle of the room. The speciality of the restaurant is the salmon fillets cooked directly on the fire. We were seated with direct view of the fire and watched as the salmon was cooked and plated.   Log restaurant

The complex’s main log restaurant offers  traditional Finnish cuisine in a cosy restaurant. Look at the surrounding windows to see the snow topped trees and landscapes. If you sit in the right seat you can also see reindeers.   Ice bar

We headed to the ice restaurant for the happy hour special. Cold drinks were served in cups made of ice in a bar made completely of ice.   Snow hotel 

For everyone that is willing and daring you can also spend the night in a arctic snow hotel. The snow hotel is completely made of ice and snow and is built again every winter. Building commences from October every year. Rooms and suits are provided for sleeping, but don’t worry we kept surprisingly warm in the sleeping bags provided even in the -5 temperatures.