Rovaneimi in Finland beckons the traveller in any season.
Rahul Bhatnagar
If you’re dreaming of a winter escape that’s straight out of a fairy tale, look no further than the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi, Finland. Trust me, this place is a vibe you won’t forget!
We kicked off our Finnish journey in Helsinki, where we spent two days soaking up the city’s cool design scene. Picture this: trams gliding through the softly falling snow, cosy cafés serving hot cocoa, and all the winter feels setting us up perfectly for what was to come. After all that city exploration, we were ready to dive into Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the legendary home of Santa Claus!
Getting to Rovaniemi was easy-peasy, with direct flights from London, but we loved our little Helsinki pit stop. It felt right to warm up to this winter wonderland gradually.
Arrival in the Snowy Paradise
Finally, we arrived in Rovaniemi, where the magic really begins. The Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos is about 26 kilometres from the city, nestled right by the Arctic Circle. This place is like a winter wonderland postcard, surrounded by frosty trees and a frozen lake—perfect for a cosy getaway.
As we checked in, we were greeted by the sight of those iconic glass igloos, and I could barely contain my excitement! Each igloo has a glass roof, allowing for 360-degree views of the starry sky (or hopefully the Northern Lights). Talk about Instagram-worthy!
Our Cosy Glass Igloo
Stepping inside our igloo, we found it surprisingly warm. Seriously, who knew a glass structure could feel like a snug cocoon? The beds were super comfy and could recline so we could lie back and gaze at the night sky. The clever heating system in the glass kept everything toasty and melted any snow that fell overnight, so we didn’t miss a thing.
On our first night, we camped out for the Northern Lights, but they decided to play hard to get. No worries though! The hot tea and comfy beds made up for it. Plus, we learned the hotel was all about sustainability, so our warm showers were carefully managed—talk about eco-friendly.
Dining in an Ice Wonderland
One of the highlights was definitely dining at the Ice Restaurant. Yep, you heard me right. We sat on ice benches with reindeer skins to keep us comfortable. The whole vibe was so surreal, with ice sculptures and soft, colourful lights setting the mood. We dined on a three-course meal served on plates made of ice—how cool is that?As a vegan, I was a bit worried about the menu, but the staff was super accommodating and created a custom feast for me. And let me tell you, the dessert was served on a giant ice snowflake! The food was piping hot and delicious, making for a memorable dining experience that felt straight out of a fantasy novel.
The Ice Sauna Experience
Now, let’s talk about saunas—Finnish culture’s best-kept secret. At the hotel, we experienced something completely unique: an Ice Sauna! Imagine stepping into a sauna made of ice, with the steam rising as you pour water over heated logs. It was like stepping into a winter wonderland sauna party.
And if that wasn’t enough, we took our relaxation up a notch by heading to a hot tub on the terrace. Soaking in warm water while snowflakes danced around us and the stars twinkled above? Pure bliss.
Rovaniemi is all about adventure. The hotel organized loads of fun activities, from reindeer sleigh rides to thrilling snowmobile excursions. We even tried out electric scooters—imagine zipping through the snowy landscape like a local!
The SnowHotel itself is a work of art, constructed entirely from snow and ice. It’s only around during the winter months before melting away in spring. Many guests opt to spend a night in the ice rooms for the ultimate experience. We decided to brave it and slept on a bed of ice in sleeping bags, with nothing but a rope hanging across the entrance for privacy. It was chilly, but also exhilarating, and we were rewarded with a certificate for our brave stay.
A Magical Farewell
On our last night, just as we were about to say goodbye, the Northern Lights finally made an appearance! It felt like a magical farewell gift. We stood outside, awestruck by the vibrant colours dancing across the sky. It was the perfect end to an incredible adventure.
Before we left, we also checked out the Ice Chapel—perfect for a whimsical wedding or renewing vows. It felt like we had stepped into a fairy-tale, surrounded by beautifully carved ice and soft lighting.
The Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience that wraps you in the magic of winter. From cute igloos and dining on ice to relaxing in an icy sauna and chasing the Northern Lights, every moment is filled with adventure and charm.
So, if you’re looking for a getaway that’s a little out of the ordinary, pack your bags, grab your warmest gear, and get ready for a frosty fun time in Lapland. You won’t regret it.
