The journey to Kakslauttanen
Well, where do I start? It had been years since I’d flown anywhere, so even just the whole getting-on-a-plane thing was exciting, let alone visiting a country I’ve only ever dreamed about! The journey was as smooth as could be expected. After landing and baggage collection, we set off by minibus, taking time to absorb the beautiful forest-y scenery. Turning off the main road, seeing the snow get ever deeper, and the trees even thicker, you realise just how remote the glass igloo village is. Stepping off the bus at Reception, and hearing, well, nothing, just emphasises it ever more!
Described by Arctic Directs Admin and Business Support expert, Jessie
A wonderful blast of warmth enveloped us as we entered Reception at the glass igloo village and took in the sights and smells that greeted us. Even warmer were the smiles of the staff welcoming us! After many greetings were exchanged, we soon got down to business and sorted out where we were staying, and (joy of joys!) what activities were planned for us…
As a die-hard animal lover, horses were top of the list of hopes, and not far behind I was hoping to meet the huskies… Score! Yes! Puppy cuddles and horse riding were both on the itinerary! Throw in some snowmobiling, sledding by reindeer, a visit to the Planetarium, and a smoke sauna, and I was well-set for a very educational stay!
We were transferred to our Kelos after, and I can still remember that warm, woody smell as I opened the door and stepped into Finnish comfort and luxury. The views were stunning, the lights twinkled, and I was torn between cuddling into the rocking chair or flopping onto the beds in the igloo section to see if I could spot any Northern Lights. My tummy won the argument and we shushed through the snow.
The next day, after a well-varied breakfast, we followed our guide, Sergei, over to the stables to meet our horses. They were beautifully friendly, very sturdy, and Sergei ensured we understood how to control them whilst on our walk. Once we were mounted up, off we set with Sergei taking the lead, and chatting away about each of the horses and their little quirks. After a lovely hack, seeing the tracks of wildlife in the snow, we gathered back at the stable for lots of photos, cuddles, a good chat and a hot drink and cake.
A trip full of activities at the glass igloo village
A warming lunch soon followed, and then we were whisked off to meet the huskies. Now, I am a horsey person through and through, but I also love my dogs…. and these fluffy bundles of energy very definitely stole the show! The sheer noise of excitement to go go go could be heard before we even saw them, and after some quick but thorough instruction on how to control the sleds, we each got settled with our teams and they were straining to be set loose!
My word, the speed! My stomach caught up with us after the first 200 meters, and then it was just a thrill to enjoy watching the dogs loping along. After a quick break for a swap of drivers, we set off for the second half of our trek. Balancing the sled was easier than I thought, and when we pulled up for the final time, I enjoyed being able to wander round and greet the dogs properly.
The smoke sauna experience
We rounded the day out by enjoying a smoke sauna! which was located in glass igloo village resort. Whilst trying to melt my glasses, I learned about the smoke sauna ritual. I wasn’t brave enough for a dip in the ice pool, but I enjoyed the shrieks of my colleagues as they took the plunge!
Another wonderful dinner followed, and further cosy snuggles in the Kelo to enjoy watching the snow fall, and knit the final hours of the day away.
Day 3 arrived, more marvellous breakfast, and then came the activity I was, well, worried about the most – snowmobiles! Having never driven one before, I didn’t know what to expect. But, our snowmobiles were very well mannered! This time, I drove first and very quickly felt at home scooting off over the snow. It was hard to enjoy the scenery quite so much whilst trying to stay on track, but before I knew it, we stopped for a break, photos, and a change of driver. This made the next leg gave plenty of chances to see the fields whipping past and again, lots of animal tracks across the otherwise pristine snow.
A hunt for the Northern Lights from the glass igloo village
After catching our breaths, and enjoying another warming lunch, we appreciated visiting the Planetarium. We learnt all about the Northern Lights, and how not only the Finnish people but also other nations believe they are formed and what they mean to each nation. We closed the day with the most peaceful of all activities yet – sledding by reindeer!
We had excellent conditions to see the Northern Lights, but sadly we weren’t blessed by them during our meandering through the forest. We were, however, settled by a roaring fire and regaled with stories about living with and farming reindeer, how they are such a vital part to life in Lapland. Many cups of warm blueberry juice later, and we left the flickering flames to trek back to the resort and enjoy some final photos with the reindeer.
Visiting Finland was a superb experience and I for one was very sad to leave such warm and friendly people. The sights, sounds and smells were an amazing experience, and I look forward to visiting Kakslauttanen again!
