Glass igloos in Lapland have been popular for some time, offering a blend of luxury and the chance to wake up in a stunning winter landscape. They’ve become a trendy and Instagram-worthy choice.
The Location
Aurora Queen Resort is located in Saariselkä, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
Getting There:
Option 1: Via Ivalo
- Helsinki to Ivalo: Take a direct flight from Helsinki to Ivalo. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Ivalo Airport to Aurora Queen Resort: From Ivalo Airport, it’s a 45-minute scenic drive to Aurora Queen Resort. Transfers can be arranged through the resort for a hassle-free journey.
Option 2: Via Rovaniemi
- Helsinki to Rovaniemi: Take a direct flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Rovaniemi to Aurora Queen Resort: From Rovaniemi, it’s a 4-hour drive to Aurora Queen Resort. You can either rent a car or arrange a transfer through the resort. The drive offers beautiful views of the Finnish Lapland landscape.
The Concept
Glass igloos are marketed as luxury escapes where you can stay in a winter wonderland or experience falling asleep under the Northern Lights in a cozy, warm glass igloo.
Let me be honest! I’ll provide you with more details about Aurora Queen Resort, so you can decide whether to start saving for a future stay or look elsewhere. Don’t get me wrong—Aurora Queen Resort is, without a doubt, THE BEST GLASS IGLOO and place I’ve stayed in Finland.
Aurora Queen Resort Highlights
- Accommodations: The resort has 17 glass igloos and 1 Panorama Sauna Suite (which does not have a glass roof). A stay of at least 2-3 nights is required, depending on the season, and rooms can book up quickly..
- Who It’s For: The resort is mainly designed for adults seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway, but children over 10 are most welcome. Pets are not allowed. The sauna and outdoor jacuzzi will be open this season (2024-2025) only for private bookings.
- The Staff: Would you believe that in a luxury place, you will be welcomed by the owners instead of the staff? It might be a Finnish style, but this amazing gesture ensures that customers receive the treatment they deserve, making their stay UNIQUE. Of course, there may be days when other staff members are welcoming you as well!
Panoramic view and Northern Lights Viewing
The glass igloos at Aurora Queen Resort are strategically positioned to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. With clear roofs and minimal light pollution, guests can enjoy better views of this natural wonder. The panoramic view is approximately 180 degrees, offering a broad perspective of the sky. However, the unique location in the middle of the forest has very tall trees next to the igloos that may partially block your view. From my experience of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland, you DON’T WANT TO BE INSIDE A BEAUTIFUL GLASS IGLOO! The best place to see the Northern Lights is OUTSIDE WITH A CLEAR HORIZON!
A Magical Experience
Waking up to a snowy landscape is TRULY MAGICAL, making it hard to leave your bed! During my stay, I even spotted two reindeer right outside of my igloo—until a guest tried to take a close picture, causing them to run off!
Comfort and Luxury
Each igloo is equipped with modern amenities, including heated floors, heated glass (which melts the snow and lets you enjoy the dreamy winter wonderland views), comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. The Panorama Sauna Suite (no glass roof) has a private sauna, providing the ultimate relaxation after a day of winter activities.
Private and Peaceful
The resort is located away from the hustle and bustle, in other words, in the middle of nowhere, ensuring a peaceful and tranquil environment. This unique location enhances your winter wonderland experience, making it more special and exclusive.
The Prices
You might know that glass igloos offer a premium experience, and the costs reflect that—they’re not cheap! The same goes for winter holiday activities and the overall experience. Winter holidays in Finland, including stays in these luxurious glass igloos, are NO EXCEPTION!
- Example Pricing: As of July 16, 2024, a 2-night stay for 2 adults from November 22nd to 24th costs €1,310.
- Age Policy: The resort is mainly designed for adults, but children over 10 are welcome. Pets are not allowed.
- Meals and Activities: Dinner and additional activities (prices listed below) are not included in the accommodation price and must be paid separately.
Great news, breakfast is included! Yei! You’ll be treated to delicious Finnish traditional food, and the restaurant area is wonderfully cozy where you can hang around, enjoy the fire by the chimney, have some hot drinks while chatting with the owners and fellow guests of the hotel. It’s a perfect spot to relax and mingle! Don’t forget, you can also buy some souvenirs to remember your stay.
Check the availability and prices according to your plans here
What Other Activities Can I Do There?
Aurora Queen Resort offers a variety of winter activities and authentic Sami cultural experiences. Local people, most often Sami, will take you on adventures and share the real Sami culture (not the touristy version).
1. SNOWSHOEING
- Price: 89€ per person
- Duration: Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour
- Includes: Thermal clothing (boots, jacket, snow pants, gloves)
2. SNOWMOBILING
Scenic Snowmobile Adventure
- Price: 215€ per person (shared snowmobile), 295€ (individual snowmobile)
- Duration: Embark on a 4-hour guided expedition
- Includes: Thermal clothing (boots, jacket, snow pants, helmet, balaclava, gloves)
Snowmobile Safari Evening Adventure
- Price: 185€ per person (shared snowmobile), 245€ (individual snowmobile)
- Duration: Experience a 2.5-hour guided journey
- Includes: Thermal clothing (boots, jacket, snow pants, helmet, balaclava, gloves)
3. REINDEER RIDES
Reindeer Safari
- Price: 145€ per person
- Duration: Delight in a 2-hour guided tour
- Includes: Reindeer sleigh ride, Thermal clothing (boots, jacket, snow pants, gloves), Hot beverages and transfers
Reindeer Safari Evening
- Price: 160€ per person
- Duration: Engage in a 3-hour guided excursion
- Includes: Reindeer sleigh ride, Thermal clothing (boots, jacket, snow pants, gloves), Hot beverages and transfers
4. HUSKY RIDES
Husky Safari
- Price: 185€ per person
- Duration: Participate in a 2-hour program
- Includes: Driving instructions, Husky ride, Thermal clothing (boots, jacket, snow pants, gloves), Transfers
5. HUNTING NORTHERN LIGHTS
Aurora Hunting by Minivan
- Price: 145€ per person
- Duration: Seek out the Northern Lights during a 3-hour guided tour
- Includes: Comfortable minivan ride, Experienced guides, Northern Lights forecast
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The optimal time to visit for Northern Lights viewing and winter wonderland lascapes is between late September and early April. This period offers long, dark nights and clear skies, increasing the likelihood of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Nevertheless the winter season 2024-2025 at Aurora Queen Resort starts on November 19, 2024.
What About the Weather in Saariselkä?
Finland is well known for its DARK AND COLD WINTERS! As a Mexican living in Finland, I’d say from my experience that 90% of people visiting Finland have NEVER EXPERIENCED THE COLD AS THEY WILL IN FINLAND.
So please, do not panic, just get the right clothes. Wearing warmers and buying some hand and feet heaters are never a bad idea. The “worst advice” I can tell you is: wear enough clothes and do not think about the temperature outside but instead try to enjoy it.
- Autumn (September-November): As days shorten in autumn, average temperatures range between 0°C and +10°C. Lapland typically sees its first snowfalls by the end of September, but it isn’t until late October that the snow fully covers the ground.
- Winter (December-April): Winter temperatures vary widely, from 0°C to -40°C, with an average of -14°C in January. Despite the extreme cold, the dry air makes it more bearable. Snow can reach up to a meter deep and usually remains until May.
- Spring (April-June): Spring brings a rapid and vigorous revival of nature. Snow melts by early May, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and +10°C. While spring days can be warm, nights often remain quite cold.
Important considerations:
Northern Lights Season
When to See the Northern Lights:
– Many people don’t know that Northern Light season starts in mid-August and lasts until mid-April, when nights are dark enough. But remember, you need solar activity, clear skies, the right location, and timing. Up north in Finland, according the Finnish Meteorological Insitute “the statistical probability for seeing auroras during a dark and cloudless night is approximately:
- at Kilpisjärvi: 75 % of nights
- in Lapland (e.g. ski resorts Ylläs, Levi, Saariselkä): roughly 50 % of nights
- in the central part of Finland (e.g. Oulu, Kuusamo): roughly 25 % of nights
- on the south coast (e.g. Helsinki, Turku): once in a month on average.”
Seasonal Highlights:
- Autumn: The only season where you can see the reflection of the lights in the water and it’s not so cold.
- Winter: The most common season to hunt the Northern Lights (but not the only one), it’s a cold season, and Northern Lights tours are usually SOLD OUT!
- Spring: Northern Lights can be seen until mid-April. It’s not as busy a season, but every year the number of visitors is increasing! Days are still cold and nights can still be freezing.
Daylight, cold weather, and wild nature
– Limited Daylight: If you visit during the winter-spring time, the amount of light is limited. You are staying up north, meaning days are short (2 hours), dark, and cold!
– Cold Weather: Make sure to pack warm, layered clothing, thermal underwear, a good quality down jacket, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and scarves. During my stay in the begging of January in 2022, we reached -33°C and I can tell you that on our way back home I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life!
– Spotting reindeer outside of your igloo: Isn’t that part of the dream? Well, you are staying in the middle of the forest, surrounded by wild Finnish nature, and reindeer are quite common to see in Lapland!
Overall, if you’re looking to splurge on a unique experience in the Finnish Lapland, staying at a glass igloo like Aurora Queen Resort is an excellent choice – if not THE BEST! With an excellent location, luxurious amenities, authentic winter experiences, breathtaking views, and warm and friendly hospitality, this resort offers an unforgettable stay. Highly recommended for a magical winter getaway!
I said it before and I’ll say it again: Aurora Queen Resort is by far
THE BEST GLASS IGLOO
and place I’ve stayed in Finland.
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