Sleeping under the Northern Lights: The best hotels in and around Kittilä
Welcoming: Hotel Aurora Estate
The atmosphere at Aurora Estate, located in the idyllic village of Ylläsjärvi, is reminiscent of the warm and nostalgic world of Scandinavian children’s films. The boutique hotel has seven cosy rooms, one of which is a glass igloo floating on the water overlooking Lake Ylläsjärvi. Cross-country skiing and toboggan runs practically cross the hotel’s “backyard”, and a ski bus operates daily to the fells and back as well as to Äkäslompolo.
Protected: Northern Lights Ranch
The little, white wooden cabins of the Northern Lights Ranch almost melt into the snow-covered landscape of Finnish Lapland. Accommodation can be equipped with a private kitchenette on request, or you can dine in the cosy restaurant with a view of the curious reindeer. Just 15 kilometres from Levi, you can experience total darkness without light pollution – ideal for immersing yourself in the magical dance of the Northern Lights.
Fairytale-like: Santa’s Hotels
Santa’s Hotels are not far from Santa Claus’s “official residence” in Rovaniemi. Families with multiple people can stay in comfortable glass igloos with views of the northern sky. Each igloo has an aurora alarm that indicates the light spectacle. During the day, the shuttle bus (Santa’s Express Bus #8) will take you to Santa’s village, and in the evening you can enjoy the finest Finnish cuisine in the Arctic Eye Restaurant overlooking the northern sky.
Cosy: Hotel Levi Panorama
Hurtle down the slopes during the day, marvel at the Northern Lights from your bed at night – both are possible at the Panorama Hotel in Levi. The hotel is located right by the ski slope of Levi Ski Resort, only 15 minutes by car from Kittilä Airport. On the upper floors, there are three special rooms with a glass roof which offer a perfect view of the sky. You can also round off a perfect evening in the hotel’s restaurant, bar or sauna with panoramic views.
Illuminated: Arctic Skylight Lodge
Only glass walls separate you from the unspoilt forests and starry skies in the glass cabins of the Arctic Skylight Lodge in the ski resort of Äkäslompolo. Here you can experience nights nestled almost idyllically in a river valley with views of Pallas-Ylläs National Park. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass roof offer breathtaking panoramic views of the moon, the stars and – with a bit of luck – the magical Northern Lights. The hotel features a beautiful sauna area, and the restaurant serves first-class cuisine with local ingredients.
Elegant: Arctic Nook
Set in the winter landscape of Kittilä, Arctic Nook’s luxurious villas offer ultimate comfort and stylish design. They can accommodate up to eight people and are the perfect retreat after a day of adventure in the wilderness of Finnish Lapland. Relax in the jacuzzi on the terrace, in your own sauna or by the fireplace. Another plus point is your own parking space right outside the door.
Comfortable: Nivunki Village
The welcoming hosts at Nivunki Village maintain the traditional Väärti culture – a way of life that welcomes travellers as members of the family. In addition to their comfortable overnight stay in one of the tipi-shaped kotas (cottages), every guest enjoys a delicious breakfast, additional winter clothing and snowshoes. Known for its crystal clear air, the region offers the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis dance in all its glory against the unspoilt night sky.
Soothing: Jeris Lakeside Resort
In Sami mythology, Lake Jerisjärvi is considered sacred – those who come here should feel its calming effect immediately. The Jeris Lakeside Resort offers even more comfort and relaxation with its cosy rooms, AuroraHut glass igloos and a spectacular world of saunas overlooking the water. In winter, not only is the frozen lake suitable for hiking and cross-country skiing, it is also the perfect place to see the Northern Lights and millions of stars in the sky.
Luxurious: Levin Iglut Golden Crown
Magical nights can be spent in the glass igloos of Levin Iglut. Situated at a height of 340 metres on the slope of a fell, they offer an unparalleled view of Lapland’s rugged landscape. Luxurious facilities cater for all needs, from a private terrace to an outdoor jacuzzi. Restaurant Utsu, a glass tower serving a hearty breakfast buffet and dinner in front of the warm fireplace, is also unique.
Header - Photo by Levit Iglut
Paragraph 1 - Photos by Sirly Ylläsjärvi on Aurora Estate
Paragraph 2 - Photos by Teemu Kiiskinen on Northern Lights Ranch
Paragraph 3 - Photos by Santa's Hotel
Paragraph 4 - Photo by Hotel Levi Panorama
Paragraph 5 - Photo by JONAS PALSSON on Arctic Skylight Lodge
Paragraph 5 - Photo by Brian Stockil on Arctic Skylight Lodge
Paragraph 6 - Photo by Arctic Nook Hotel
Paragraph 7 - Photos by Nivunki Village
Paragraph 8 - Photos by Jeris Lakeside Resort
Paragraph 9 - Photo by Ilkka Vayrynen on Levit Iglut
Paragraph 9 - Photo by Timo Koivisto on Levit Iglut
