Planning a trip to Lapland isn't just about choosing a hotel. For many people, the accommodation becomes one of the highlights of the trip.
Whether that's sleeping in an ice hotel, watching the Northern Lights from a glass igloo or waking up in a luxury cabin surrounded by snow-covered forests, Lapland has some of the most unique places to stay anywhere in the world.
After planning three DIY trips to Finnish Lapland and helping hundreds of readers plan their own holidays, I've spent countless hours researching accommodation across the region. We've stayed overnight at the Arctic SnowHotel ourselves, visited several of the other properties featured in this guide, and seriously considered many more while planning our own itineraries.
Rather than simply listing hotels from Booking.com, I've included the places that genuinely stand out and explained who I think each one is best suited to.
From DIY itineraries and Northern Lights tips to budgeting advice, destination guides and honest reviews of the places we've visited, you'll find everything together in our Lapland Travel Guide Hub.
Just a quick note before we begin. Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products, services and experiences we've used ourselves or genuinely believe will help you plan your trip. Thanks for supporting Build a Break.
🏨 Best ice hotel: Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi
✨ Best glass igloo: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
💕 Best for couples: OloResort, Levi
👨👩👧 Best for families: Northern Lights Village, Levi
🌌 Best for Northern Lights: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä
🎅 Best Santa experience: Northern Lights Village, Levi
🌲 Most luxurious forest retreat: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
📸 Most Instagrammable stay: Snowman World Glass Resort
💰 Best value bucket-list experience: Arctic SnowHotel (visit for the day or stay overnight)
💡 Top tip: The most expensive hotel isn't always the best choice. Think about what you want from your Lapland trip. A glass igloo might be perfect for a honeymoon, while families may get far better value from a spacious apartment and spend the savings on unforgettable Arctic experiences.
If you're searching for the most unique places to stay in Lapland, it's easy to get carried away by the photos. Glass igloos, ice hotels and luxury cabins all look incredible, but the best choice depends on the type of trip you're planning.
For some people, staying in a glass igloo and watching the Northern Lights from bed is the ultimate bucket-list experience. For others, spending a night in an ice hotel is the memory they'll talk about for years. Families might prefer a resort that combines unique accommodation with Santa experiences and activities, while couples may be looking for somewhere secluded and romantic.
When we planned our own trips, we quickly realised there isn't one "best" hotel.
The right choice depends on your priorities, your budget and how you want to experience Lapland.
As you read through this guide, think about what's most important to you.
• Do you want to sleep beneath the Northern Lights in a glass igloo?
• Is spending a night in an ice hotel on your bucket list?
• Are you celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion?
• Will you be travelling with young children?
• Do you want a luxury retreat surrounded by nature, or somewhere close to the main attractions?
In the sections below, I'll share the accommodation that genuinely stands out, explain what makes each one unique, and who I think it's best suited to.
If I had to choose just one truly unique place to stay in Lapland, Arctic SnowHotel would be right at the top of the list.
Unlike many of the hotels in this guide, we've actually experienced it for ourselves, staying overnight as part of one of our DIY trips to Finnish Lapland.
Every winter, the entire hotel is rebuilt from snow and ice. From the bedrooms and corridors to the bar and restaurant, almost everything is carved from snow, with intricate ice sculptures and artwork making every room feel completely different. No two winters are ever quite the same, so each season brings a brand-new design.
Despite sleeping in a room made entirely from snow, we were surprisingly warm. Guests are provided with high-quality thermal sleeping bags designed for Arctic conditions, and after a quick briefing from the staff, we actually slept far better than we expected.
One of the things I loved most was that staying here is about much more than simply sleeping in an ice room. During your visit you can explore the Ice Bar, relax in the unique snow sauna, enjoy dinner in the Ice Restaurant, or book one of the many winter activities available from the resort.
If spending the night in an ice hotel feels a little too adventurous, don't worry. You don't have to stay overnight to experience it. Day visitors can explore the hotel, enjoy a drink in the Ice Bar or book dinner in the Ice Restaurant, which is exactly how many visitors experience Arctic SnowHotel.
For us, though, staying overnight was absolutely worth it. It's one of those experiences that's impossible to compare with a normal hotel stay and something we'll always remember.
I'd recommend it for:
Read our full Arctic SnowHotel review to see what staying overnight is really like, including what we packed, how warm we were and whether we'd do it again
If you've ever searched for a glass igloo in Lapland, chances are you've already seen Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
Widely regarded as one of the world's original glass igloo hotels, it's become one of Lapland's most recognisable bucket-list stays. Located just outside Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland, the resort offers the chance to watch the night sky from the comfort of your bed, with heated glass roofs designed for Northern Lights viewing during the winter months.
While the glass igloos are undoubtedly the main attraction, they're not your only option. The resort also offers traditional log cabins, larger family accommodation and luxury chalets, making it suitable for couples, families and larger groups.
One of the reasons Kakslauttanen stands out is its location. Saariselkä sits much further north than destinations such as Rovaniemi, giving visitors some of the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights anywhere in Finnish Lapland. If the aurora is your main reason for visiting, it's one of the best areas you can choose.
Of course, a stay here comes at a premium, and it's one of the most expensive accommodation options in Lapland. Personally, I'd save it for a honeymoon, anniversary or another special occasion rather than trying to fit it into a tighter budget.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples celebrating a special occasion.
• Anyone wanting the classic glass igloo experience.
• Travellers whose main priority is seeing the Northern Lights.
• Bucket-list holidays where the accommodation is part of the experience.
Read our guide to planning a DIY trip to Saariselkä to find out why it's one of the best destinations in Lapland for Northern Lights hunters.
If sleeping in a glass igloo isn't quite your style, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers a completely different take on a luxury Lapland stay.
Perched amongst the trees just outside Rovaniemi, the hotel is known for its striking Scandinavian design and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that bring the Arctic landscape right into your room. Instead of looking up through a glass roof, you'll wake up to uninterrupted views of the snow-covered forest, with the chance of spotting the Northern Lights if conditions are right.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is its location. It's just a few minutes from Santa Claus Village, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to combine luxury accommodation with some of Lapland's most popular attractions.
Inside, the suites have a warm, cosy feel, with natural wood interiors, stylish furnishings and plenty of little luxury touches that make it feel more like a boutique retreat than a traditional hotel.
Although it's undoubtedly a premium option, I'd be much more tempted to choose Arctic TreeHouse Hotel than a standard luxury hotel because it feels completely unique to Lapland. It's the sort of place where the accommodation becomes part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples looking for a luxury Arctic escape.
• First-time visitors to Rovaniemi.
• Anyone wanting stylish accommodation close to Santa Claus Village.
• Travellers looking for a unique alternative to a glass igloo.
Planning a trip to Rovaniemi? Read our guides to Santa Claus Village, our 2 Day Rovaniemi Itinerary and Where to Stay in Rovaniemi to help plan your visit.
Northern Lights Village is one of those places that seems to appear on almost every Lapland bucket list, and it's easy to see why.
Best known for its beautiful Aurora Cabins, the resort combines heated glass roofs with cosy Scandinavian interiors, giving you the chance to watch the night sky from the comfort of your bed if the Northern Lights decide to make an appearance.
What makes Northern Lights Village stand out, though, is that it's much more than just unique accommodation.
The resort offers a wide range of Arctic experiences, including husky safaris, reindeer rides, snowmobiling and one of Lapland's most sought-after Santa experiences, Searching for Santa. Families are guided by Santa's elves through a series of magical activities before meeting Father Christmas in his hidden forest cabin, making it one of the highest-rated Santa experiences in Finnish Lapland.
Booking our own trip to Levi, this was one of the places we seriously considered. In the end, we chose to stay in a centrally located apartment instead, allowing us to keep accommodation costs down and spend more of our budget on activities. For the Santa experience, we chose Arcandia instead, which became one of the highlights of our holiday.
That said, if budget wasn't such a big consideration, or if we were planning a once-in-a-lifetime Lapland trip, Northern Lights Village would be right near the top of my shortlist.
I'd recommend it for:
• Families looking for a magical Santa experience.
• Couples wanting to stay in a glass-roof Aurora Cabin.
• First-time visitors looking for an all-in-one Lapland resort.
• Anyone celebrating a special occasion.
If you're planning a trip to Levi, don't miss our guides to Where to Stay in Levi, 25 Best Things to Do in Levi and our full review of Arcandia.
If I were planning a romantic trip to Lapland, OloResort would probably be my first choice.
Located just outside Levi, this luxury boutique resort is surrounded by snowy forests and offers a much more peaceful experience than staying in the centre of the village. It's the sort of place where you come to slow down, enjoy the scenery and escape from everyday life.
The accommodation blends modern Scandinavian design with the natural surroundings, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere that's perfect after a day exploring Lapland. Large windows bring the Arctic landscape inside, while the secluded location means you'll have very little light pollution if the Northern Lights decide to appear.
One of the reasons this made our shortlist is because it feels completely different to a traditional ski resort hotel. Rather than being close to busy slopes and restaurants, it's all about privacy, tranquillity and experiencing Lapland's wilderness.
We didn't choose it for our own trip because we wanted to stay within walking distance of activity meeting points, restaurants and supermarkets. However, if we returned as a couple or for a special occasion, OloResort would be incredibly difficult to overlook.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples looking for a romantic Arctic escape.
• Honeymoons and anniversaries.
• Travellers wanting luxury accommodation surrounded by nature.
• Anyone happy to stay outside the main resort in return for peace and privacy.
Thinking of staying in Levi? Read our guides to Where to Stay in Levi and 25 Best Things to Do in Levi to help plan your trip.
If you're looking for somewhere that combines unique accommodation with an incredible choice of Arctic activities, Apukka Resort is well worth considering.
Located just outside Rovaniemi, the resort is famous for its range of distinctive places to stay, including glass-roof Aurora Cabins, Aurora Wagons and stylish suites designed to make the most of the surrounding Arctic landscape. Whether you're hoping to spot the Northern Lights from your bed or simply wake up surrounded by snow-covered forests, it's easy to see why Apukka has become one of Lapland's most popular resorts.
What I like most about Apukka is that it offers much more than just unusual accommodation. Guests have access to a huge range of activities, including husky safaris, reindeer experiences, snowmobiling, ice fishing and Northern Lights excursions, making it an excellent choice if you'd prefer to have everything organised in one place.
Its location also makes it a great base for exploring Rovaniemi. You're close enough to visit Santa Claus Village and the city's attractions, while still being far enough away from the brightest lights to enjoy a more peaceful Arctic setting.
Like many of the accommodation options in this guide, Apukka comes at a premium, but if you're looking for a resort where both the accommodation and the experiences are a major part of the holiday, it's easy to see why it's so highly regarded.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples looking for a unique Lapland escape.
• Families wanting accommodation and activities in one place.
• First-time visitors to Rovaniemi.
• Travellers wanting to stay in a glass-roof Aurora Cabin.
Planning a trip to Rovaniemi? Take a look at our guides to Santa Claus Village, our 2 Day Rovaniemi Itinerary and Lapland on a Budget for more ideas.
If your idea of a perfect Lapland holiday is escaping into the wilderness without sacrificing luxury, Northern Lights Ranch is hard to beat.
Located around 20 minutes from Levi, the ranch offers a collection of beautifully designed Sky View Cabins, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to admire the surrounding forest and, if you're lucky, the Northern Lights from the comfort of your room.
Unlike some of Lapland's larger resorts, Northern Lights Ranch has a much more intimate feel. It's designed for guests who want to slow down, disconnect and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Arctic rather than being in the middle of a busy ski resort.
The resort also offers a range of winter activities, including husky safaris, horseback riding, snowmobiling and Northern Lights excursions, so there's plenty to do without needing to travel far.
The only reason it wouldn't be my first choice is its location. If you're planning a DIY trip without hiring a car, I still think staying in central Levi is more practical, as you'll be within walking distance of restaurants, supermarkets and most activity meeting points. However, if you're happy to hire a car or simply want to immerse yourself in Lapland's wilderness, Northern Lights Ranch offers a completely different experience.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples looking for a romantic getaway.
• Honeymoons and special occasions.
• Travellers wanting a peaceful luxury retreat.
• Anyone who loves the idea of staying surrounded by Arctic nature.
If you're planning a trip to Levi, don't miss our guides to seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland.
If your dream of Lapland involves frozen lakes, Arctic wilderness and experiencing Sámi culture, Wilderness Hotel Inari is one of the most unique places you can stay.
Set on the shores of the beautiful Lake Inari, this resort feels much more remote than many of Lapland's better-known destinations. It's designed for travellers who want to immerse themselves in nature, while still enjoying comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities.
One of the things I like most about Wilderness Hotel Inari is the variety of accommodation available. Whether you'd like to stay in a traditional log cabin, an Aurora Cabin with a heated glass roof or a modern Arctic chalet overlooking the lake, there's something to suit different budgets and styles of travel.
The location is another huge advantage. Inari sits much further north than Rovaniemi, making it one of the best areas in Finland for seeing the Northern Lights. During the day, guests can experience everything from husky safaris and snowmobiling to reindeer experiences, ice fishing and cross-country skiing, while evenings are often spent watching the skies over Lake Inari.
For me, this is one of the accommodation options I'd choose if I wanted to experience a quieter side of Lapland. It feels less like a busy resort and more like a genuine Arctic escape, making it ideal for anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the incredible scenery.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples looking for a peaceful retreat.
• Travellers wanting to experience the beauty of Lake Inari.
• Northern Lights enthusiasts.
• Anyone looking to combine luxury accommodation with authentic Arctic experiences.
If staying in a glass cabin has always been on your bucket list, but you'd also like to be within walking distance of Lapland's biggest attractions, Snowman World Glass Resort is a fantastic option.
Located just a few minutes from Santa Claus Village, the resort combines luxury glass suites with one of the best locations in Rovaniemi. Unlike some of Lapland's more remote resorts, you can easily walk to Santa Claus Village, making it an excellent choice for families or first-time visitors who want to experience the festive heart of Finnish Lapland.
The modern glass apartments are designed with comfort in mind, featuring large panoramic windows, stylish Scandinavian interiors and private outdoor hot tubs in many of the suites. After a day exploring the Arctic, relaxing in a hot tub surrounded by snow is about as Lapland as it gets.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location. Not only are you right next to Santa Claus Village, but you're also within easy reach of many of Rovaniemi's most popular winter activities, making it an ideal base for exploring the area without spending lots of time travelling.
Although we didn't stay here ourselves, we did spend time exploring Snowman World during our visit to Rovaniemi and can certainly see the appeal. If you're looking for somewhere that combines unique accommodation with one of Lapland's most famous attractions right on your doorstep, it's a brilliant choice.
I'd recommend it for:
• Families visiting Santa Claus Village.
• Couples looking for a luxury glass suite.
• First-time visitors to Rovaniemi.
• Anyone wanting a unique stay in a central location.
Read our guides to Snowman World, Santa Claus Village and our 3 Day Rovaniemi Itinerary to help plan your visit.
If you're looking for something a little different from the traditional glass igloo, Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloos certainly stands out.
Rather than the familiar dome-shaped cabins found at many Lapland resorts, these distinctive pyramid-style glass igloos offer panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscape, creating a unique place to relax after a day of exploring.
Inside, the igloos are designed with comfort in mind, featuring modern interiors, heated accommodation and large glass panels that allow you to enjoy the night sky from the warmth of your bed. Each cabin also includes its own kitchenette and private bathroom, making them a practical choice for longer stays as well as short winter breaks.
Like many of the accommodation options featured in this guide, the real appeal is the experience rather than simply having somewhere to sleep. Waking up surrounded by snow-covered forests, then spending the evening watching the stars and hopefully the Northern Lights, is exactly the sort of memory many people travel to Lapland to create.
Although there are now several excellent glass igloo resorts across Finnish Lapland, Aurora Pyramid Glass Igloos offers a slightly different take on the experience and is well worth considering if you're looking for something a little less conventional.
I'd recommend it for:
• Couples looking for a memorable Arctic escape.
• Travellers wanting a unique alternative to a traditional glass igloo.
• Special occasions and bucket-list trips.
• Anyone who loves modern, unusual accommodation.
This is a question I get asked a lot and I don't think there's one right answer.
If I've learnt anything while planning our own trips to Lapland, it's that the best accommodation depends just as much on the type of holiday you're planning as it does on the hotel itself.
If I were returning to Levi, I'd probably choose either OloResort or Northern Lights Ranch. Levi is still my favourite destination in Finnish Lapland because it perfectly matches what I'd imagined Lapland would be like before we visited. Snow-covered forests, cosy cafés, plenty of activities and a real winter village atmosphere. Both of these hotels offer the chance to experience that while escaping into the surrounding Arctic wilderness.
If I were visiting Rovaniemi, I'd be very tempted by Snowman World Glass Resort. The accommodation looks incredible and its location just a few minutes' walk from Santa Claus Village makes it a brilliant base, especially for first-time visitors wanting to experience everything Rovaniemi has to offer.
That said, if someone asked me to recommend one truly unforgettable overnight experience, I'd still say Arctic SnowHotel. Sleeping in a hotel built entirely from snow and ice is something you simply can't experience in many places around the world, and it's a memory I'll never forget.
The truth is, there isn't a bad choice on this list. Whether you choose a glass igloo, an ice hotel or a luxury forest retreat, you'll be staying somewhere that makes your Lapland holiday even more memorable. The most important thing is choosing the accommodation that fits the type of trip you're dreaming of, rather than simply booking whichever hotel looks best on Instagram.
Whenever I spot great-value DIY Lapland flights and accommodation from UK airports, I share them with members of the Build a Break Travel Club. If you'd like to experience Lapland without paying package holiday prices, it's a great place to start.
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