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Get lost in the arctic wilderness

Lili Marie Flax

Contributor

In the frozen, far reaches of the North, Lapland, the beating heart of Finland, is the ultimate Scandinavian paradise. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has the flame you need to warm the cockles of your heart this winter. Their exclusive glass igloos offer an unsurpassable 360° view of the fabled Northern Lights, from the comfort of your bed. You can sip hot cocoa or a foamy Finish beer while this natural phenomenon captures your soul. It is no surprise that this unbelievable display is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not the only thing that Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has to offer. You will be delighted all year round by the midnight sun in the summer, husky-safaris in the autumn, and snowboarding in the winter, accompanied by first-class Finnish food all-year-round.

The lap of comfort in Lapland

Nestled in the heart of Finland, 250 km from the Arctic Circle, you will forever carry the beauty of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort with you. The resort is located at the edge of the wilderness and shares a border with the largest National Park in Finland, Urho Kekkonen. You will have ample opportunity to marvel at the vast forest surrounding Kakslauttanen. The region boasts a highly conserved, spotlessly clean environment with a crystal clear stream you can drink straight out of. With the region being occupied by the indigenous Sami, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in their rich culture. If you wish to broaden your horizons and see Norway, this resort is an ideal base, as you can easily rent a car and travel across the border. 

Pay homage to the Aurora Borealis from your cosy nest

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, have mystified the souls of many for aeons. This natural light display is said to be caused by disruptions in the earth’s magnetosphere, due to the occurrence of solar winds. The beautiful array of natural lights is visible from Northern Lapland from late summer all through winter. You will have the opportunity to watch this incredible sight from your very own glass igloo, or the new kelo-glass igloos which sleep six and are equipped with their own sauna and fireplace. If you have a taste for adventure, Aurora Hunting may be for you. These guided expeditions are available by ski, on horseback, by snowmobile, or by reindeer-drawn sleigh.  

Witness summer’s magical Midnight Sun, while exploring all Lapland has to offer

In a dazzling contrast to the dark Arctic winters, Finland bursts with life during the bright summer nights. While away the hours on a midnight hike to the peak of Mount Kunispaä or go night-time horse riding. Although short, the summer offers a totally different perspective of the Finnish people. Public spaces, which were abandoned in the icy winters, are suddenly bursting with life as residents rejoice in two months of constant sunshine. The summer is a time of non-stop exploration at Kakslauttanen. Forage for Finland’s world-famous berries and mushrooms, go fishing in the most pristine spots, and even pan for gold. If adrenaline is what you are after, mountain biking, white-water kayaking, and ATV safaris will have you well catered for. 

Authenticity at its finest with first-class Finnish dining

There are glorious eateries at this magnificent holiday destination. The West Village Aurora restaurant has an unbelievable glass igloo bar that allows you to be astonished by the Northern Lights while you dine. The Kelo restaurant is a traditional Lappish space, constructed out of Kelo-wood that has been used to build homes for centuries in Lapland. Kaksluatten has one of the world’s largest smoke saunas. Smoke saunas are an essential part of Finnish culture and a very effective way of keeping warm in the icy weather. What better way to learn about this custom than at the Smoke Sauna restaurant? An awesome setting for a truly unique gastronomic affair. At all their restaurants, Kakslauttanen has a global assortment of wines to complement your traditional Finnish cuisine, a fantastic way to revel in the majesty of this amazing wilderness. 

Connect to your inner child at Santa’s House

The beautiful red log-cabin with snow-covered peaks is the very definition of Christmas. Father Christmas has finally opened up his incredible cosy home and is even available to hear your Christmas wishes, on appointment. This surreal experience is not only for the kids, as you may feel like embracing your inner child. The resort boasts many other fantastic events, such as automobile launches, at this fairy-tale site. This is truly a feather in the cap of the most wonderful winter holiday. Covered with a thick blanket of white snow, Lapland offers a plethora of winter adventures to keep you busy. If you are an animal lover, you will adore herding reindeer with the local Sami people, visiting husky farms to cuddle the fluffy puppies, and horseback riding in the snow. There is a multitude of safaris on offer, including husky sleighs, a reindeer sleighs, and snowmobiles. Quench your thirst for adventure with the most marvellous skiing peaks (with ample training for beginners). And finally, top it all off with one of Finland’s biggest attractions - the Sampo icebreaker cruise. 

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