Saariselkä, Finland
At Kakslauttanen, Finland's largest log building hosts Santa's own celebrations, while 200-guest smoke saunas and reindeer safaris through Sámi forest draw from Lapland's oldest traditions.
Snow blankets the ground around Celebration House, Finland's largest log building. Massive hand-hewn timbers rise in traditional Lappish craftsmanship. Inside, a stone fireplace crackles beneath a towering Christmas tree. Soft amber light fills carved wooden interiors. A 30-meter glass dome bar crowns the structure, opening panoramic views to the Saariselkä sky. This is where Santa Claus himself celebrates.Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort exists to gather people under extraordinary circumstances. Celebration House opened in 2021 as Northern Europe's largest privately owned planetarium theatre. It hosts product launches, chamber music concerts, wellness retreats, and gatherings for up to 250 guests. Art exhibitions showcase Finnish creativity alongside handcrafted textiles, ceramics, and decorative works inspired by Lapland. Modern audio and video technology sits within ancient log walls.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort runs reindeer safaris through snow-covered forest, pausing at a traditional kota for hot berry juice and Sámi reindeer stories. After dark, Aurora Hunting with Reindeer traces the same trails under the northern lights. Husky safaris depart near the Kiilopää Fell area, bordering Urho Kekkonen National Park. Guests drive dog sleds through fell terrain, swapping drivers halfway. Finnhorse riding winds through rolling Lappish fells in deep winter silence. Guided fishing on the Sotajoki River targets trout, grayling, and Arctic char. Scandinavia's biggest planetarium screens a Northern Lights film exploring Arctic myths. Santa Claus greets visitors before guests enter the Celebration House for hot drinks among reindeer.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
Route length: 35km routeEstimated time: 8hRuijanpolku is a historic 35 km one-way hiking route managed by Metsähallitus. It connects Sompiojärven parking area to Laanila, passing notable spots like Kaptukaislampi lean-to and Kiilopää road.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterThe resort’s winter information says guided ski treks can be booked and that Nordic ski lessons are available at the resort. It also notes that cross-country skis can be hired in town for use on the nearby trail network.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: SummerIn summer, Kakslauttanen offers midnight sun experiences and says it can organize a car ride straight to the peak of Mount Kaunispää. Its summer and autumn activity pages group this with hiking and other seasonal experiences.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundKakslauttanen operates a planetarium in West Village and offers a 30-minute visit that includes entry into the Igloo Tower. The resort describes it as the largest private-owned planetarium in Northern Europe.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterKakslauttanen arranges snowmobile safaris from the resort. One listed excursion is a 2-hour snowmobile safari that includes pickup from Kakslauttanen, thermal outfits, and instructions.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundKakslauttanen offers smoke sauna experiences, and its materials describe a 2-hour smoke sauna and ice pool session. The resort also says smoke saunas are available to reserve for guests.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterThe resort offers reindeer safaris as part of its winter activity selection. Guest-facing materials also describe Northern Lights reindeer sled safaris and similar reindeer experiences arranged from the resort.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterKakslauttanen offers husky safaris in winter, and some packages include versions lasting two or four hours. The resort also lists husky safaris among its bookable Arctic activities year-round in its activity program materials.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: WinterThe resort offers snow tank excursions, including an aurora-hunting tour by snow tank. One external operator listing states the tour departs from Kakslauttanen, lasts 3 hours, and includes a guide, transfers, and a hot drink with a treat.
Route length: 1.9km linearEstimated time: 9minDifficulty: EasyLinear routeAholammentie is a sand-surfaced highway track identified as a grade 3 route. It supports mountain biking with a low difficulty scale and has a source reference from OpenAerialMap.
Dining at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort draws from Lapland's deep food traditions. The Smoke Sauna Restaurant serves Lappish delicacies inside a kelo log hall, where guests gather around a central fire after sessions in the adjacent smoke sauna. Candlelit banquet tables line the forest-themed East Village Restaurant, glowing under amber lanterns. The Planetarium Restaurant in West Village seats over 350 guests beneath glass walls adorned with Finnish artists' works, including Finland's largest glass artwork. Its on-site Brewery and Distillery produces craft beers from Arctic-sourced ingredients. Fresh pastries arrive daily from the in-house bakery. Korsu Restaurant, Aurora Restaurant, and Celebration House each offer distinct settings shaped by Finnish Lapland's seasons and storytelling traditions.
The Lake Smoke Sauna at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort holds up to 200 guests in a single communal session. Birch-scented smoke clings to blackened timber walls. Gentle heat radiates from stones fired for hours before bathers enter. The fragrant aroma of burning wood fills every breath. Outside, Finnish Lapland stretches frozen and silent. Guests step from the smoke sauna directly into an ice swimming hole cut through the lake surface. Cold water shocks the skin as Arctic dusk glows violet overhead. Back inside the resort's candlelit log lodge, Paiste gongs and singing bowls hum through sound healing sessions. Vibrations settle deep into resting muscles.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort operates in Finnish Lapland, where extreme seasons shape every building and resource decision. The resort's log cabins and glass igloos use local timber and integrate with the surrounding boreal forest rather than clearing it.Kakslauttanen heats its facilities through the long Arctic winter using energy systems suited to northern Finland's climate. Specific certification details and energy sourcing data are not publicly listed by the resort.
kakslauttanen-arctic-resort offers 12 accommodation types.
Queen Suite (East Village)
The Queen Suite is the resort’s high-end suite category, aimed at guests seeking a more polished and service-rich stay. It features a double bed, a deluxe bathroom with an indoor bathtub, and an outdoor jacuzzi, along with VIP-style extras that…
Small Glass Igloo with Shower and Sauna (East Village)
A classic glass-igloo option in the East Village, this room is designed for Northern Lights viewing while keeping guests warm and private. It includes a glass roof, an en-suite shower, and a private sauna, making it a strong choice for…
Kelo-Glass Igloo
This hybrid accommodation combines a traditional log chalet with a glass-roofed sleeping area, offering more space and a more complete lodge feel than the standard igloos. It is presented as a highly practical all-round option for longer stays, with a…
Small Glass Igloo with Shower and Sauna (West Village)
Located in the West Village, this is the smaller glass-igloo format with the same core appeal: a glass roof for sky watching, plus a private sauna and shower. It suits travelers who want the iconic igloo setting in a more…
Large Glass Igloo with Shower and Sauna (West Village)
This larger West Village glass igloo provides extra space while keeping the same panoramic sleeping concept. It is built for guests who want the igloo experience with more room to spread out, and it includes a shower and private sauna…
Luxury Kelo-Glass Igloo
The most spacious and upscale Kelo-Glass option, this accommodation is aimed at larger groups or special-occasion stays. It combines multiple log-chalet bedrooms and glass igloo bedrooms with a private sauna and elevated services, making it the resort’s premium multi-room experience.
Small Cabin (West Village)
A traditional log-cabin style stay in the West Village, this option is suited to couples seeking a more rustic and private atmosphere than the glass igloos. It is part of the resort’s classic chalet-style accommodation range, emphasizing warmth, simplicity, and…
Large Cabin (West Village)
This larger West Village cabin is designed for families or small groups who want more sleeping capacity and the comfort of a traditional wooden chalet. It offers the resort’s cabin-style experience with a more generous layout and the practical facilities…
Small Cabin (East Village)
The East Village small cabin offers a compact, traditional accommodation option with the same Nordic lodge atmosphere as the resort’s larger cabins. It is best suited to couples looking for a quieter, more conventional stay with a cozy interior and…
Large Cabin for 2 (East Village)
Despite its name, this East Village cabin is configured for two guests and provides a more generous cabin layout than the smallest options. It is a good fit for couples who want extra space, a private log-chalet feel, and the…
Large Cabin (East Village)
This East Village cabin offers a larger-format stay for small families or groups, keeping the traditional log-cabin character while increasing sleeping capacity and usable space. It is a practical choice for guests who want a more home-like base than the…
Gold Digger Cabin (West Village)
Set more privately near the river, the Gold Digger Cabin is presented as a secluded couple’s retreat away from the main reception area. Its appeal lies in its quieter location and romantic, isolated atmosphere, making it distinct from the resort’s…
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort sits in Finnish Lapland with its Celebration House ready for gatherings large and intimate. Book direct to plan yours.
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