Located in the wilderness of Lapland, Apukka Resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines adventure, relaxation and the magic of the Northern Lights. We spent an unforgettable two nights at Apukka Resort, watching the stars from our glass igloo, experiencing the thrill of husky sledding and relaxing in a sauna.
In this review, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Apukka Resort, from its ideal location to its luxurious facilities and activities that will make you want to book it right now!
Where is Apukka Resort?
Apukka Resort is just a short 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus in Northern Finland.
Surrounded by vast frozen lakes and snow-dusted forests, this Arctic retreat offers the perfect mix of seclusion and accessibility, far enough from the city lights for Northern Lights viewing, yet close enough to easily explore Rovaniemi’s main attractions.
Getting here is easy, with Rovaniemi Airport being the closest airport, with direct flights from major European cities. Apukka Resort offers transfers to and from the airport and the centre of Rovaniemi.
Accommodation & Room Types at Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort has 8 different room types that offer a mix of cosy arctic interirors with modern amenities. Whether you want to sleep under the Northern Lights or stay in a cozy cabin surrounded by frozen lakes and wilderness, there's something for every type of traveller.
We stayed in the Kammi Glass Igloo Suite and couldn't reccomend it enough! We'll dive more into the room types below.
Aurora Cabins
The Aurora Cabins are glass-roofed igloos, designed for the ultimate Northern Lights experience. You can lie in bed, wrapped in warm blankets, and watch the sky dance with color.
There are 4 different Aurora Cabins to choose from; the Original, Queen, King and Family. The differences are the size of the beds and the space in the cabins, with the family cabin designed for families and groups.
Each cabin is fully heated, so you stay cosy and warm even in extreme winter temperatures, and comes with an ensuite bathroom and modern amenities. It’s a bucket-list stay for anyone visiting Lapland.
Komsio Glass Igloo Suites
The Komsio Glass Igloo suites take it up a notch, with two floors to offer an even more luxurious experience. The first floor has a cosy living room and bathroom, and the second floor is the bedroom with an incredible glass roof.
With Scandinavian interiors, a comfortable double bed and a spacious living area, these suites are perfect if you want more space to relax and enjoy the arctic.
Kammi Glass Igloo Suites
Similar to the Komsio Suites, the Kammi Suites also have two floors with a glass ceiling above the bedroom. However, it also features a larger seating area and a kitchenette.
This is the suite we stayed in, it was extremely comfortable, cosy and stylish. The kitchen is useful for cooking your own food (great if you're on a budget!), and the living area is spacious for relaxing.
Apukka Lakeview Suites
The Apukka Lakeview Suites are designed for families and groups, with separate bedrooms, kitchenettes and stylish Nordic décor. They have more space and although they don't have the iconic glass ceiling, they do feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of Lake Olkka.
Villa Apukka
The final accomodation type at Apukka Resort is Villa Apukka, designed for groups of up to 14 guests. It's designed to be a home away from home, with all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay in the arctic.
Facilities & Activities at Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with a variety of Arctic experiences and facilities designed to make your stay unforgettable.
Sauna Experiences
Apukka Resort doesn't just have a sauna, it has 4 unique sauna experineces that are designed to be memorable and enhance the experience. You can choose from a Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath, Sauna with a Jacuzzi, a Sauna Carriage and the Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming.
We experienced the Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming, which involved a sauna cabin floating over a frozen lake, with a ice dipping hole. It was definitely a memorable experinece, but it does take some discipline to get yourself into the frozen lake (I couldn't do it - Rory could!).
Restaurants & Bar
There are two on-site restaurants and a bar, which provide delicious dining options including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. There's plenty of cosy seating areas to enjoy hot drinks after being in the cold.
Activities
Apukka Resort has a huge range of activities, which cover all the seasons from winter to summer. The activities available depend on when you stay, as there are early winter activities for when there isnt enough snow for certain winter activities.
Here are some of the best activities available at Apukka Resort:
- Husky Safari: Drive your own team of huskies through snow-covered trails.
- Reindeer Sleigh Ride: A peaceful, traditional way to explore the Arctic landscape.
- Snowmobiling: Speed across frozen lakes and through snow-capped forests.
- Northern Lights Tours: Chase the aurora by snowmobile, reindeer sleigh or bus.
- Ice Fishing: Try your luck at catching fish in a frozen lake.
- Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: A slower way to take in Lapland’s winter scenery.
We did a Husky Safari and had an incredible time, it was such a bucket-list experience and we highly reccomend it! The guides are very knowledgable and it's a fun way to learn about huskies and their training.
At the end of the tour, you can warm up with some traditional hot berry juice and ginger biscuits while asking the guide questions.
Read more of the best activities 👇
Chloe Butcher
Dining experience at Apukka Resort
As previously mentioned, Apukka Resort has two on-site restaurants and a bar. Breakfast is included in your stay, and some holiday packages offer lunch and dinner buffets.
Restaurant Aitta
The main restaurant, Aitta, is where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. It's an A la Carte Menu, serving a mix of traditional Lappish dishes and international cuisine, all made with fresh, local ingredients. They also have great vegeterian and vegan options!
We only stayed for breakfast, but it was one of the best hotel breakfasts with so much choice; from pancakes and pastries to eggs, meat and cheeses, it had everything you could possibly want.
Restaurant Kota
For an authentic taste of Lapland, Restaurant Kota offers a unique dining experience in a traditional wooden teepee-style hut.
The cosy, rustic interior and fire-lit setting provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a three-course meal cooked over an open fire. The menu features classic Lappish flavors, often including locally sourced ingredients like reindeer, Arctic fish, and wild berries.
Lobby Bar Riihi
Lobby Bar Riihi is the perfect place to relax and grab a snack or hot drink during the day, or socialise with an alcoholic drink in the evening. The bar has a cosy ambiance with wooden beams, soft lighting, and a fire.
Service and Staff at Apukka Resort
We found the service and staff at Apukka Resort to be exceptional, everyone was friendly, helpful and made you feel right at home in the Arctic. During our activities, the tour guides loved getting to know you and answering any questions.
The staff are always on hand to make sure your stay is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, whether it’s helping with activity bookings, offering local tips, or providing recommendations for things to do in the area.
What is the best time to visit Apukka resort?
The best time to visit Apukka Resort is during the winter months, from late November to March, when the resort is blanketed in snow and the Northern Lights are visible most nights. However, the summer months (June to August) offer a different kind of magic, with long daylight hours perfect for outdoor adventures.
Are there any special packages or deals available?
Apukka Resort does offer various special packages tailored to different interests, including 👇
- Aurora experiences, with guided tours and glass igloo stays.
- Winter Adventure packages that combine outdoor activities like snowmobiling and husky safaris.
- Romantic getaways with private saunas and Northern Lights viewings.
- Family Packages, which include kid-friendly activities like sledding and reindeer encounters.
What should I pack for a stay in Lapland?
For your trip to Lapland, it's essential to pack layered clothing to stay warm in the cold Arctic climate. Include thermal base layers, waterproof boots, and winter accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves.
Don’t forget swimwear if you plan to use the sauna or hot tub, and camera gear to capture the stunning landscapes, especially the Northern Lights. Apukka Resort does offer winter clothing for all of their experiences, so don't worry if you forget something.
Our complete Lapland packing list 👇
Chloe Butcher
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had an incredible and unique stay at Apukka Resort. We couldn't reccomend it more if you're looking for a unique glass igloo accomodation and the best arctic adventure activities. It's a very convenient location, as you're located in the wilderness but still close enough to Rovaniemi to explore the town and Santa Claus Village!
