The air so clean and crisp you will feel it deep in your lungs, the water is so clean you will taste heaven with every sip you take from the stream, the surroundings are so peaceful your brain will finally take an overdue break. The Kakslauttanen Hotel is not only famous for being located in the most ethereal spot in Sweden, but for their dim lit glass domes scattered around the most enchanting spot of the Lapland region.
It is not easy to get to, but if you are an adventure traveler, this is your next stop. Fly into Helsinki and take a 1.5hr flight to Ivalo Airport and drive for 30 minutes to Kakslauttanen Artic Resort .
As soon as you set foot in this virginal piece of heaven, you will fall head over heels with it so hard that you will make this your yearly winter trip.
As soon as you check in, the friendly staff will swift you away to your room after touring the frosty grounds for a couple minutes. If you choose to stay in the Igloo (I highly suggest you do) you will have to do a double take to realize that this is actually going to be your home for the nest few days. The domes, nestled between celestial pine trees, resemble an igloo, but instead of ice it is made out of glass. The reason behind the design of the rooms was to be able to see the Aurora Borealis on its full splendor and not have anything interrupt the breathtaking views.
It is open year round, however my favorite time of year to visit is during the winter. In the summer the sun does not set making every night a White Night dream, this time of year is also gorgeous. Their activities include horse-led safaris, nature hikes, river cruises in the world-famous Lemmenjoki National Park, berry picking and panning for gold. During the winter, the most iconic sight is the Aurora Borealis, however you can also sled with reindeer and huskies, ride sleighs through the snow, ice fish and take a daylong trip on an icebreaker cruise ship.
If you are the kind of traveler that loves to get their “winter fix” skip the typical Colorado ski trip and try something more bizarre, something more exciting, something more adventurous.
Pictures provided by the property and photographer Valtteri Hirvonen.
