Äkäslompolo, Finland
Ten glass cabins on a forested hillside in Äkäslompolo, facing Pallas-Ylläs National Park. Only glass walls separate you from ancient pines and the starry skies above.
Ten glass cabins descend a hillside of ancient pine forest toward Kukaslompolo lake. The main building sits on top of the hill. The glass-walled sauna and outdoor jacuzzi rest at the valley floor, between the swamp and the river. Black-and-white wood architecture frames floor-to-ceiling windows and glass ceilings. Pallas-Ylläs National Park stretches across the horizon.
Four seasonal workers fell in love with Äkäslompolo and built this lodge themselves. Brian Stockil, Joanna Kinnunen, Fabienne Rochat, and Hanspeter Engler wanted northern lights cabins that anyone could afford. The lodge stays open to the wider community for sauna, dinner, and weddings. It is a home away from home, not a closed resort. Reindeer, birds, and wildlife roam the surrounding forest and swamp freely.
Snowshoe treks leave directly for Pallas-Ylläs National Park. Husky tours and reindeer excursions run through the dark season. Snowmobile safaris cross frozen landscapes under the northern lights. In winter, an ice hole at Kukaslompolo lake waits beside the sauna building.
Summer shifts the valley to long light and open water. Guests swim in the river below the lodge. Autumn brings foraging through birch and pine forests painted in ruska colours. The lodge arranges all activities through local partners, framed around four themes: Relax, Experience, Explore, and Enjoy.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
Area sceneryRoute length: 2km linearDifficulty: EasyLinear routeThis trail is an easy-level, scooter-groomed route designed for hiking and fatbike use. It is not lit and supports snowshoeing activities.
Area sceneryRoute length: 2.4km linearDifficulty: EasyLinear routeValaistu kuntorata is a lit path designated for foot traffic. It features a sand surface suitable for Nordic skiing in classic and skating styles and is groomed regularly, making it accessible for easy skiing and hiking activities.
Area sceneryRoute length: 8.5km routeRevontulilenkki is an 8.5 km Nordic skiing piste designed for skiing enthusiasts. This route is officially recognized as a piste and offers a well-maintained track suitable for cross-country skiing. It provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy skiing in the Ylläs region.
Area sceneryRoute length: 0.3km linearDifficulty: EasyLinear routeThis illuminated wooden boardwalk cycleway is 1.5 meters wide and supports designated foot traffic. The path is groomed for classic and skating styles of Nordic skiing.
Area sceneryRoute length: 0.1km loopDifficulty: EasyLoop routeThis section of Valaistu kuntorata is a 4-meter-wide sand surface cycleway. It supports designated foot traffic and is groomed for classic and skating Nordic skiing with an easy difficulty level and excellent trail visibility.
Route length: 1.7km linearEstimated time: 8minDifficulty: MediumLinear routeMoottorikelkkareitti is a dirt path designated for snowmobile use and suitable for mountain biking with a low difficulty scale. The path offers an outdoor route for cycling enthusiasts in a natural setting. It is officially recognized as a path, providing a clear trail for users.
Route length: 1.7km linearEstimated time: 8minDifficulty: HardLinear routeThis section of Jokijärvi-Aavahelukka is a path rated mtb scale 2, indicating a moderate mountain biking difficulty level. It’s appropriate for trail running as well.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterArctic Skylight Lodge lists skiing as an activity and Expedia says the property offers ski-in/ski-out access. Expedia also notes cross-country skiing and a ski shuttle for guests.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterExpedia lists snowshoeing among the activities available at Arctic Skylight Lodge. The lodge’s winter activities page says winter experiences can be done with snowshoes.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundThe lodge lists spa, hot tub/jacuzzi, sauna, spa facilities, and a spa lounge/relaxation area among its services. These are presented as activities and services available at the property, and charges may apply.
The restaurant sits behind glass walls, ancient pines pressing close on every side. Three-course set menus blend Lappish wild flavours with international dishes. Ingredients follow the seasons, sourced locally from the surrounding region.
The kitchen works with what the land provides. Wild tastes of Lapland define the plates. Dietary restrictions are accommodated with advance notice. A bar serves Finnish specialities alongside hot and cold drinks. Booking is required ahead of time. The dining room opens to the community, not only to overnight guests.
The glass-walled sauna sits at the valley bottom beside Kukaslompolo lake. Through the glass, the view stretches across water and swamp to the fells beyond. Guests throw water on hot stones and let the loyly roll down their backs.
Outside, an open-air jacuzzi faces the sky. During the dark season, northern lights appear overhead. In winter, an ice hole in the frozen lake stands steps from the sauna door. Summer swaps the ice for river swimming. Private sessions run in 90-minute slots throughout the day, bookable any day of the week.
The founders built Arctic Skylight Lodge around a single commitment: preserve this piece of land. The ancient forest, the swamp, and the surrounding habitat remain deliberately undisturbed. Reindeer graze the property. Birds nest in the pines. Construction was placed carefully to protect the ecosystem, not reshape it.
Seasonal and local ingredients supply the kitchen. The lodge received EU EAKR funding to support its development. No trees were cleared beyond what the cabins and paths required. Sustainability here is not a programme. It is stewardship of a specific valley the founders chose to protect when they decided to stay.
Arctic Skylight Lodge offers 1 accommodation type.
Glass Cabin
One of ten sleek, modern glass cabins hidden in a river valley facing Pallas-Ylläs National Park, featuring three floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass ceiling for panoramic views of the forest, northern lights, stars, and midsummer sun. Interior features a black-and-white…
A hint of luxury and a lot of nature. Ten glass cabins in an ancient Lappish forest, facing the fells of Pallas-Ylläs.
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