The glass igloo is Lapland's most iconic accommodation concept — and one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the world. Lie in a heated glass cabin and watch the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun from your bed. No alarm clocks needed; the aurora wakes you. This guide covers the best glass igloo properties in Finland, with honest details on pricing, features, and what to expect.
What Is a Glass Igloo?
A glass igloo is a small cabin with a heated glass roof (and often glass walls) designed for viewing the sky — primarily the Northern Lights — from the comfort of a warm bed. The concept was pioneered in Finnish Lapland and has become a global travel icon.
Modern glass igloos use thermally insulated glass that prevents frost buildup and maintains indoor temperatures of 20–22°C even when it's −30°C outside. Most are compact (15–40 m²) with an en-suite bathroom, motorized beds that adjust for optimal viewing angle, and aurora alert systems.
Top Glass Igloo Properties
1. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Location: Near Saariselkä, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle
The original. Kakslauttanen opened its first glass igloos in 1999 and remains the most famous glass igloo property in the world. Options include classic glass igloos (20 m²), larger Kelo glass chalets with private sauna and fireplace, and the two-story Queen Suite.
Prices: Glass igloo from €400/night (low season) to €900/night (peak). Kelo chalets from €600/night. Queen Suite from €1,200/night.
Book: 6–12 months ahead for December–March. Website: kakslauttanen.fi
2. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Location: Rovaniemi
Architecturally stunning treehouse suites designed by Studio Puisto, perched among Arctic pines with floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing north. The design won multiple architecture awards. The on-site restaurant Rakas serves excellent Nordic cuisine.
Prices: Arctic Glass Houses from €350/night. Arctic TreeHouse Suites from €300/night. Premium suites from €500/night.
Book: 3–6 months ahead for winter.
3. Levin Iglut
Location: Levi fell slope
Premium glass igloos positioned on a fell slope facing north — ideal for aurora viewing above the village lights. Superior igloos include private sauna and outdoor hot tub. Walking distance to Levi ski resort and restaurants.
Prices: Standard igloos from €350/night. Superior igloos with sauna from €550/night. Premium panorama igloos from €700/night.
Book: 3–6 months ahead.
4. Star Arctic Hotel
Location: Saariselkä
Modern glass cabins with clean Nordic design, heated glass roofs, en-suite sauna, and fell views. Less internationally known than Kakslauttanen, which means better availability and a quieter experience.
Prices: Glass cabins from €300/night. Premium cabins from €450/night.
Book: 2–4 months ahead.
5. Arctic Fox Igloos
Location: Ranua, between Rovaniemi and Oulu
A newer property near the Ranua Wildlife Park. Spacious glass igloos (30 m²) with private sauna. The location is further south than most glass igloo properties, which means lower aurora probability but easier access and lower prices.
Prices: From €250/night (low season) to €500/night (peak).
Book: 2–3 months ahead.
6. Nova Skyland
Location: Inari
Glass cabins on the shore of Lake Inari at 69°N — one of the northernmost glass igloo options. Excellent aurora probability. Quiet location with authentic Sámi cultural experiences nearby.
Prices: From €350/night. Premium lake-view cabins from €500/night.
Book: 3–6 months ahead.
How to Choose the Right Glass Igloo
- Aurora priority: Choose Kakslauttanen, Star Arctic, or Nova Skyland for the highest aurora probability (furthest north).
- Design and architecture: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel stands apart for its award-winning Scandinavian design.
- Ski access: Levin Iglut offers walking distance to Levi's slopes.
- Family-friendly: Larger Kelo chalets at Kakslauttanen or Arctic Fox Igloos accommodate families.
- Budget: Star Arctic and Arctic Fox Igloos offer the best value. Low season (September–November, March–April) is significantly cheaper.
- Romance: Levin Iglut's superior igloos with hot tub, or Arctic TreeHouse's treehouse suites.
What to Expect
- Rooms are compact. Most glass igloos are 15–30 m². You're paying for the view, not the space.
- Aurora is not guaranteed. Even in prime season, you may get cloudy nights. Book 2–3 nights minimum.
- Glass can frost in extreme cold (below −30°C), though modern heated glass minimizes this.
- Most properties offer aurora alert systems — a buzzer or notification if the lights appear while you sleep.
- Summer visits offer Midnight Sun viewing instead of aurora. A different but equally memorable experience.
Booking Tips
- Book early: Peak winter dates (December–February) sell out 6–12 months ahead at top properties.
- Shoulder seasons: September–November and March–April offer aurora viewing at significantly lower prices.
- Midweek: Some properties offer lower midweek rates.
- Package deals: Booking igloo + activity packages directly through the property often saves 10–20% vs booking separately.
- Cancellation: Most properties have strict cancellation policies for peak season. Check before booking.
FAQ
Are glass igloos worth the money?
If you see the Northern Lights from your bed, it's unforgettable. If you get three cloudy nights, it's an expensive hotel room. Mitigate risk by staying 2–3 nights and visiting during peak aurora months (February–March).
Are they warm enough?
Yes. Modern glass igloos maintain 20–22°C inside regardless of outside temperature. The heated glass prevents ice buildup.
Can you see stars from inside?
Absolutely. Even without aurora, the Arctic sky seen from a glass igloo — with no light pollution — is spectacular.
For complete trip planning, read our Ultimate Lapland Travel Guide (2026 Edition).