🌌 Introduction
Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen in Finnish Lapland is one of the world’s most iconic places to experience the northern lights. With luxury glass igloos, snowy forests, and the chance to see auroras from the comfort of bed, it’s a magical Arctic escape for couples, photographers, and families alike.
📍 Where Is Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen and Why Go?
Located about 250 km north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä is a small resort town, while Kakslauttanen is a nearby wilderness village famous for its glass igloo hotels.
Why this destination stands out:
- Home to the world-famous glass igloo hotels
- Extremely dark skies and dry winter air
- Close proximity to Urho Kekkonen National Park
- Excellent winter activities and tours
- Peaceful and safe – ideal for romantic or family stays
🔭 When to See the Northern Lights in Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen
Aurora Season: Late August to early April
Best Months: September, February, March
Best Viewing Hours: 20:00 to 01:00
Bonus: Auroras often visible right from bed through the glass roof
🧭 Suggested Itinerary (3–5 Days)
Day 1: Arrival & Stargazing
- Fly to Ivalo Airport and transfer to Kakslauttanen (30 min)
- Check into a glass igloo or cozy log chalet
- Evening: Northern lights viewing from bed or private aurora alert service
Day 2: Arctic Adventures
- Try reindeer or husky sledding in the surrounding forests
- Visit a traditional smoke sauna or ice bar
- Optional: snowmobile tour into Urho Kekkonen National Park
- Night: Aurora snowshoe hike or wilderness campfire
Day 3: Sami Culture & Nature
- Visit a local Sami museum or reindeer farm
- Explore Saariselkä village: shops, cafes, and panoramic toboggan runs
- End with a fine dinner at the hotel’s Arctic restaurant
- Evening: Aurora photography experience or just relax under the sky
Optional Extras:
- Ice fishing on frozen lakes
- Skiing or snowboarding in Saariselkä ski area
- Visit the Northern Lights House (Kaunispää)
📷 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen
- From your own glass igloo or panoramic suite
- Kakslauttanen West Village – wide open views
- Urho Kekkonen National Park trails
- Kaunispää Hill – accessible by lift or hike
- Aurora camps hosted by tour operators
❄️ Top Things to Do
- Stay in a luxury glass igloo
- Go husky or reindeer sledding
- Join an aurora hunt with local guides
- Visit an ice gallery and snow sauna
- Enjoy Arctic cuisine with Lapland delicacies
- Experience polar night or twilight hiking
🛌 Where to Stay
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – original glass igloos & luxury cabins
- Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – great value glass-roofed rooms
- Star Arctic Hotel – hilltop views & stylish aurora suites
- Holiday Club Saariselkä – resort-style stay with spa and activities
💡 Travel Tips
- Book early – this is one of Finland’s most in-demand aurora spots
- Use layered winter gear – dry cold can be intense
- Private airport transfers are efficient and fast
- Consider staying in both Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen for variety
- Photographers should bring wide-angle, fast lenses
🌍 Why Choose Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen for the Northern Lights?
This is where comfort meets wilderness. Whether you want to photograph the aurora from a snowy forest or simply fall asleep watching the lights from your pillow, this destination is built around the magic of the Arctic sky. With iconic glass igloos, deep silence, and unforgettable winter experiences, it’s one of the most unique northern lights destinations on Earth.
📎 Internal Linking Suggestions
- “Best Glass Igloo Hotels for Northern Lights Viewing”
- “What to Pack for a Winter Aurora Trip”
- “Dog Sledding vs Snowmobiling in Lapland”
- “Where to See the Aurora in Finnish Lapland”
- Saariselkä or Kakslauttanen partner profiles
