Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect in Lapland, but the experience we had at Apukka Resort was everything I had hoped for. It's where we got engaged, after all! If you're gearing up for your first Lapland trip, trust me, Apukka's a great place to stay, even if the lights decide to stay hidden for us.
We kicked off our Lapland adventure by staying a few days right at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, hoping to catch a glimpse of those Northern Lights (spoiler: it's still on the bucket list!).
Then, we made our way over to Apukka Resort, still crossing our fingers for some celestial magic (didn't happen, but hey, there's always next time!).
Four nights of cozying up in our sweet suite and diving into all sorts of adventures – husky tours, ice fishing, sauna, you name it! Here's the whole review of how it was!
Getting to Apukka Glass Igloo Resort
Apukka Resort enjoys a prime location just a 10-minute drive from the iconic Santa Claus Village and a mere 15 minutes from the city center of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes of snow-covered forests and pristine lakes, the resort offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We flew into the small Rovaniemi Airport from Helsinki. We initially took a taxi to Santa Claus Village, which is literally a 5-minute drive and cost us an arm and a leg. I highly recommend taking the bus from the airport instead of a taxi, it is so much cheaper!
We then pre-booked a transfer from Santa Claus Office directly to Apukka Resort.
If you're traveling directly to Apukka Resort from Rovaniemi Airport, you can hop on the Shuttle Bus, available from September to early April. This service offers a convenient route from Rovaniemi City or Santa Claus Village directly to the resort.
Alternatively, you can also rent a car or pre-book an airport transfer directly with the resort.
Apukka Resort Accommodation Options
Nestled amidst the wilderness just outside of the town of Rovaniemi within the jaw-dropping beauty of the Lappish landscape, Apukka Resort offers a diverse array of glass igloos as well as Aurora and Lakeview Suites.
You can find all room types and check availability here.
With unparalleled views of the Arctic sky, you'll get the ultimate Northern Lights experience. Each accommodation type at Apukka is cozy and thoughtfully designed so you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of Lapland. The Aurora Cabin is Apukka’s standard.
Aurora Cabins
The original and iconic glass igloos! The Aurora Cabins are compact (24sqm) and provide the most affordable glass igloo experience at Apukka. Watch the Northern Lights and magic of Lapland from the comfort of your bed as you gaze upon the Arctic sky through the heated windows ensuring uninterrupted view.
Perfect for couples or friends, the glass-roofed Aurora Cabins feature a pull-out sofa, private bathroom, climate control, electric fireplace, and complimentary amenities.
I cannot recommend staying at Apukka Resort enough for your winter wonderland experience in Lapland. Being conveniently close to Rovaniemi, the airport and Santa Clause Village, it does get popular and we booked almost a year in advance to not miss out! Check availability and best rates.
The Aurora Cabins also come in Queen and King sizes. The difference for the Aurora Cabin Queens is, that they are situated near Lake Olkkajärvi and are lovingly decorated with extra attention to detail.
The Aurora Cabin King has a slightly larger floor plan, featuring a cozy living area and a dark interior, complemented by a spacious king-size bed for added space and is great for a small family.
Lastly, there's the Aurora Cabin Family, which offers more spacious accommodations. These Family igloos feature an additional nook, accommodating up to six guests instead of four. Plus these cabins have a picturesque lake view.
Suites & Villas at Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi also offers several suites, such as the Komsio Glass Suite, perfect for a couple's intimate getaway. The lower level includes a bathroom with a shower, while the second level provides a breathtaking 360° view of the sky.
The Kammi Glass Igloo Suite is slightly larger with more space and a fully equipped kitchenette, perfect for couples or small families.
We stayed in a Kammi Glass Igloo Suite and loved it (more on that below)!
Lastly, there are two types of villas, they do not have glass roofs but huge windows overlooking the lake and Lappish landscapes instead.
Villa Apukka is perfect for bigger family trips or group getaways, featuring three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy lounge area, a well-equipped kitchen, and a dining room. The Apukka Lakeview Suite features a spacious kitchen, two bedrooms, and glass walls overlooking Lake Olkka.
Staying In the Lappish Kammi Glass Igloo Suite (We Stayed Here!)
We checked into one of the Kammi Suites for 4 nights in January, which was about EUR650/night, reflecting its premium quality rather than being budget-friendly. The standard Aurora Cabins start at about EUR390/night in comparison.
Yet, the Kammi Suite offers a significant difference – it spans across two stories, featuring a full glass roof covering the second floor, which serves as the bedroom.
On the lower floor, there's a private bathroom, a cozy living area seamlessly connected to the full kitchenette and three windows to look out into the beautiful scenery of the winter wonderland.
Unlike the Aurora Cabins, which are conveniently situated near the reception area, the Kammi Suites are set farther away, ensuring minimal light pollution for an optimal Aurora viewing experience.
If you can afford it, I highly recommend booking the Kammi Suite over the Aurora Cabins!
Upon arrival, we were provided with a sled to transport our luggage to the suite. No concierge service here, but it certainly added to the experience. Luckily we had bought good winter boots for this trip!
The Kammi Suite itself was super warm and cozy and we slept really well. Unfortunately, despite our anticipation, we were unable to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the arctic sky from our suite – a disappointment, yet a reminder of nature's unpredictable ways.
Restaurants at Apukka Resort
We started every morning with a hearty buffet-style breakfast at Aitta Restaurant, featuring an array of delicious options. The restaurant prides itself on serving Nordic cuisine, with an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, ensuring both freshness and sustainability, which I love.
They are open for lunch as well as dinner, which we had to try of course. I can highly recommend the sautéed reindeer from the menu.
If prefer to dine in the comfort of your room, room service is also available, but be aware there is a fee.
Try the authentic flavors of the North at Kota Restaurant, where you'll enjoy dinner within the intimate setting of a traditional wooden teepee-style building.
As we entered the little building in the evening, we were greeted by an open fire at its center with the gentle aroma of smoke that was warm and inviting. The menu is small but the food is fresh and we couldn't go past a few drinks too.
Activities at Apukka Resort
Husky Tours
Apukka Resort offers some unforgettable activities to choose from. I highly recommend the Aurora Husky Tour, where you'll be whisked away by a team of energetic huskies under the night sky. Although the Aurora Borealis didn't make an appearance, abundant snowfalls added an extra layer of excitement to the adventure.
On our final day, we revisited the Husky Tour during the daytime, and the experience was equally as cool.
Reindeer Sleigh
Another timeless experience in Lapland is a reindeer sled ride through snow-covered forests and landscapes guided by these gentle creatures. An absolute favorite of mine! It's family-friendly too.
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
We also went snowmobiling and ice fishing, which is really an authentic Finnish adventure. We reached our fishing spot in the middle of a frozen lake on a snowmobile riding through the snowy forests.
As we arrived at the lake, our guide showed us how to drill holes and attempt to outsmart the fish beneath the icy surface. We also had some hot drinks and made a fire right on the frozen lake.
Safe to say we didn't catch anything but the experience was just so wholesome and unlike anything we'd ever done!
Private Sauna Experience
We all know the Finns love sauna. At Apukka Resort, you can experience a sauna with a unique twist, the Sauna Carriage!
One evening, an enchanting mobile sauna arrived directly at the doorstep of our Kammi Suite, featuring a snug wood-heated stove inside, an undoubtedly unique experience. And for those feeling adventurous, you have the option of rolling in the cold snow afterward!
Other Adventures You Can Book
Additional arctic adventures can be booked, including horse tours, snowshoeing, and the snow train experience.
Packing for the Cold of the Arctic Circle
Ensure you have a comfortable winter getaway in Lapland by packing all the essentials. I am notoriously cold and usually need more layers than others. I highly recommend packing long underwear or Merino wool base layers, a snow warm jacket and snow trousers, good winter boots, a beanie, gloves, a scarf, and, surprise, a swimsuit for those unique sauna and cold plunge experiences!
But don't worry too much about the cold of the winter season, Apukka Resort provides free full-body thermal suites and we took advantage of them, which kept us really warm when we went on our arctic adventures.
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Apukka Resort – Final Words
Apukka Resort offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Finland. Located just outside of Rovaniemi City Center, the hotel sits in an ideal destination for anyone wanting a real Finnish experience but seeking a mix of convenience and wilderness.
The resort's picturesque location provides an excellent vantage point for witnessing the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic skies (if you're lucky with the weather!).
With cozy accommodations and a range of winter activities, Apukka Resort offers a truly magical stay in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
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