Visiting the Arctic is a bucket list trip for many and after having recently been lucky enough to visit the magical Kakslauttanen Resort in Northern Finland, I completely understand why. Getting to experience this destination first-hand gave me a real insight into what the resort has to offer and what makes a trip to the Arctic so unforgettable.
The flight into Ivalo airport offers breathtaking views over the snowy forests below, providing a glimpse of what awaits. When you first step off the plane you are hit with the fresh cold air but then all you can see is the beautiful snowy landscapes that surround you. It was truly a magical view, and that was just the beginning.
The drive to the resort offered even more snowy sceneries as you drive through the snow-covered forests and spot the log cabins appearing through the trees. From the moment we arrived at the resort it felt like stepping into a movie. Being surrounded by snow covered trees as far as you can see and feeling the fresh cold Arctic air makes everything feels so peaceful and instantly makes you slow down and take it all in.
Accommodation and Arctic Skies:
The accommodation reflects traditional Finnish style with cozy log cabins dotted throughout the forest. During our stay we also experienced one of the resorts iconic glass igloos. These offer a view of the sky from your bed, allowing you to search for the Northern Lights from the warmth of your accommodation. While we sadly didn’t get to see the Northern Lights dancing overhead, we did get to appreciate the incredible evening Arctic sky. As the sun sets the sky was instantly glowing soft pinks and oranges overhead and we got to truly admire this view from the warmth of our igloo.
Located across Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, there is plenty to see and do, from the wide variety of activities on offer to simply exploring the beautiful surroundings of the resort. There’s more than enough to keep you busy throughout your trip. After a long day out in the snow, you can unwind with a three-course evening meal in the cosy log cabin restaurant. During your meal, you can choose from a range of drinks and cocktails, including the resort’s own alcohol brewed on site at its private brewery. Here, they craft beers inspired by Arctic nature, as well as spirits made from local ingredients, allowing you to experience the unique flavours of the Finnish wilderness.
Unforgettable Arctic Experiences:
During our trip we got to experience some of the amazing experiences the resort has on offer. The resort offers a wide range of activities, each providing a completely different experience of the Arctic to make your trip unforgettable. During our trip we got the chance to experience:
A reindeer sleigh ride in search for the Northern Lights
A trip to the planetarium
A trip up the glass igloo tower.
Each activity was very different but was a unique and exciting experience.
Husky Safari:
The husky safari activity offered such an amazing experience. When you first arrive you are greeted by the dogs who are barking and jumping with excitement to get going. The dogs love to run and you can tell how keen they are to get running. Once you set off the dogs instantly go silent as they focus on the trail ahead. We travelled through snowy forest routes while taking it in turns to have a go at mushing (driving the sled). Afterwards, there was some time to meet the dogs and give them some cuddles, a perfect ending to an incredible experience.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride:
The reindeer experience offered a calming experience. Wrapped up cosy in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer you travel out into the forest in hunt of the Northern Lights overhead. During the tour there is a break where you sit by fire and get to learn all about these majestic animals while the guides keep an eye out for any sign of Auroras. We were lucky enough to catch a small glimpse of the Northern Lights which was an amazing addition to an already magical evening. As this activity is in the evening it can get very cold and we experienced a very cold evening, so much so my eyelashes and hair had all gone white from being frozen!
Snowmobile Safari:
One of the most exciting fast paced activities they offer is the snowmobiling safari. Driving through the forests and across snowy terrain was exhilarating, all while being surrounded with the most amazing scenes.
Glass Igloo Tower:
Towering over the forest you can find the glass igloo tower. This offered full panoramic views across the resort and surround forests. This gave a different look at the resort and offered an amazing view. Visiting at sunset provided some of the most beautiful views of the trip.
The Planetarium:
Kakslauttanen is home to Scandinavia’s biggest planetarium, and it gives you an immersive experience learning about all things Auroras from the legends about them to the science of how they are created. A trip to the planetarium offers a very different experience as you get to learn all about the natural phenomenon.
A Trip to Remember:
When asked to pick a favourite moment of the trip it was impossible to pick a top moment as there were so many aspects of the trip which made it so memorable and special. All the amazing activities on offer from the adorable, excited huskies to the thrill of driving the snowmobile to just appreciating and being amazed by the beautiful snowy scenery which surrounded me. It was truly a magical trip like no other just full of magical unforgettable moments.
My Packing List:
A trip to the Arctic is like no other and for many a whole new experience. One of the big factors to consider when getting excited for your trip is what to pack and wear. The temperatures in the Arctic can vary greatly with us experiences temperatures from around -12 to -26! So, it is very important to have the correct clothes to be prepared for your trip. Thermal layers will be your best friend during a trip to the Arctic. We recommend wearing a few layers of thermals and fleece clothing. I found that for the activities wearing about three layers under the thermal suites they provide was the perfect amount however this will vary by personal preference and the temperature you have during your trip. One item I would recommend people to pack is a snood, balaclava or scarf, this made such a difference in keeping warm especially during the activities. My final packing tip is good wool socks. Being out on the snow for a long period can get cold so layering a few pair of socks really helped make a difference even with snow boots on.
My Travel Tips:
A portable charger is your best friend – Phones are not the best in the cold weather and the battery can go down quickly and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the perfect moment during your trip.
Capturing the Northern Lights – If you are lucky enough to have the lights appear during your trip, you can capture amazing pictures using your phone. Just make sure it has night mode or a long exposure on and just hold the phone still.
Make sure you pack some lip balm – The cold air can make your skin dry so moisturiser and specifically lip balm would be a packing essential for your trip.
