For guests who are staying at the Glass Igloo Village in Kakslauttanen, they often have a number of recurring questions about staying in the glass igloos or about their holiday to the arctic. We’ve compiled a useful crib sheet for some of our more frequently asked questions on travelling to the igloo village.
Currency – Euro (EUR)
How much to take: If you plan on using card payment (which is widely accepted) then a minimal amount of cash is required. Kakslauttanen stays are always on a half board basis – buffet breakfast and 3 course fixed menu evening meal. Around €8 for lunch of soup & sandwich. From about €25 for a bottle of wine, €7 for cocktails, €5 for beer. Tipping is not expected but would be welcomed for exceptional service.
Packing
Of course everybody is different but we highly recommend packing light. Most people will not require more than the amount of luggage than can fit into hand baggage if the bulky items; coats, outer trousers, boots, hats, gloves are rented (approx. €25 pppd – Suit & Boots)
A packing list for a 4-day tour should be similar to the following:
- First Layer: 4x Underwear, 2x Long underwear (long johns and top – not cotton), 4x Thin socks (not cotton)
- Mid Layer: Warm fleece or wool pants and sweater, Thick Socks, we recommend wool socks, a thermal sweater or jacket, Thin hat gloves scarf to go under the provided if required.
- Outer Layer: These will be provided for activities and can be rented for entire stay. We recommend a wind and waterproof layer that ideally gives further thermal protection, walking boots or similar with good tread and room for 2 pairs of socks as well as a warm hat and gloves.
- Other things to bring: Hygiene equipment (antibacterial gel is useful), toilet requisites, Personal medicine (remember to give necessary info to your guide), Goggles and head torch (optional)
Flights
If you are flying to Ivalo via Helsinki, then you may be required to identify your luggage on arrival to Finland for customs purposes. This is not necessary on the return journey. Check in is open at the airport 2 hours before departure and online 36 hours before departure (with Finnair) and 24 hours before departure (with Norwegian Airlines). We recommend 90 minutes on departure to check in, drop off any baggage and get through security. When taking through flights you can get off one flight and on to the next without needing to check in again and for this reason the time between the flights can be as low as 45 minutes. Please check as to whether you need to identify your luggage on arrival to Finland though (of course if you take only hand baggage this is not required). Economy baggage allowance is 23kg for hold and 8kg for hand (both Finnair and Norwegian Airlines). Please double check weight restrictions if upgraded seats or extra weight is purchased. Ensure you double check the live flight schedule before travelling in case of any unexpected flight delay or changes.
Log Cabins
All cabins have European plug sockets and include towels and bed linen. Instructions on how to light the log fire and turn the sauna on are included with your room key. Your cabin is supplied with a sufficient amount of wood to light the fire. If you want to purchase more, then it is an additional €10 payable at reception. Your room key has a bottle opener hidden inside the leather fob attached to it. There is no tea or coffee included in your room, however a kettle, mugs and cutlery is. Tea and Coffee along with other sundries can be purchased at the reception/shop. Daily cleaning is not included – but can be added on request.
Glass Igloos
The glass igloos are an amazing experience but space is limited – please bear this in mind with luggage. They have ensuite toilet and wash basin and the shower and sauna facilities are shared in a block away from the igloos. Extra luggage can be stored in the main resort building. The Glass igloos are room temperature. If you have a large igloo in the West Village, then these have a private shower – but no sauna.
Washing
Your log cabin has its own sauna and we recommend you use it; saunas should be enjoyed without clothes/bathing suits which will trap dirt next to the skin. The traditional way is to sauna and then shower after the sauna to remove dirt. This should be done in the evening before bed. We advise against showering and washing your face in the morning as it will remove the skin’s protective layer and make you more prone to sore chapped skin.
Activities
- Huskies: 2 persons per sled. Please ensure you listen carefully to the guide when learning how to control the dogs. There will be an element of strength/fitness required and participants must be able to stand for long periods of time. Not advised for young children.
- Snowmobiles: 2 persons per Snowmobile. Please ensure you listen carefully to the guide with regards to driving the vehicle. As you would expect there is a zero tolerance on driving under the influence of alcohol. There may be a breathalyser test. If you are wanting to drive the Snowmobile, please take your full driving license with you (provisional licenses are not accepted). You will be asked to accept local driving conditions and may be asked to sign a liability waiver. In case of an accident, there will be a local excess payable of up to €1200. Reception is the meeting place for all activities – arrive 5-10 mins early. All activities are subject to weather conditions. Suitable replacements may be offered in case of delay or cancellation of an activity.
Miscellaneous
Phone signal may vary depending on your network. There is no Wi-Fi in your cabins or igloos – however there is at reception/dining area. The nearest town is 10km away which is accessible via the bus that stops across the road from the resort. If bringing an SLR camera, a second battery is recommended as the cold temperature may reduce your batteries life span. A tripod may also be handy as these are best used to capture the Aurora. Smoking is not permitted in any of the resorts accommodation.