Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen is located right at the edge of the wilderness, along the road to the Arctic Sea. It’s a mere stone’s throw to the Urho Kekkonen National Park, the largest of Finland’s national parks.

The Sami have inhabited the region for over a century. The surrounding environment is one of the cleanest you’ll find anywhere in the world.

The water is so pure that you can quench your thirst straight from a stream running down the fell or the lake into which it flows, and the air is so fresh that you can feel it deep down in your lungs. Up here, winters are cold and summers comfortably warm.

All in all, what you’ll find here is perfection. Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, so Kakslauttanen is an easy and risk-free choice for a successful holiday. And our international staff are here to serve you in a variety of languages.

In the summer of 1973, Jussi was on a fishing trip in Utsjoki, Finland’s northernmost village. On the drive back to central Finland, he ran out of fuel. The young man really had no choice but to set up camp where he stood, on a roadside in the middle of the wilderness.

The place happened to be called Kakslauttanen. For some inexplicable reason, Jussi felt as if he had come home. He spent his first summer there in a tent. In the second year, a small chalet was erected on the site, and Jussi began to run a café to serve passers-by on their way to North Cape.

Little by little, year after year, Kakslauttanen has grown to become Finland’s internationally best-known travel business. It is still being run by Jussi, with great care and attention – the way it has always been.

Accommodation

Admire the northern lights and the twinkling of the bright starry sky in one of our Glass Igloos – either with a group of friends, or snuggled up romantically with your loved one. The two-person igloos include a toilet and the option of an extra bed. Saunas and showers are available in separate buildings.

The four-person igloos include their own toilet and shower. The Glass Igloos are available to book all through the Northern Lights season, beginning from around 24th August until the end of April.

Our newly built Kelo-Glass igloos combine the comforting warmth of our cosy log chalets with the sensational views of our world-famous glass igloos.

Sleeping up to six and featuring a private sauna, fireplace, kitchenette, and a bedroom with a stunning glass roof, they’re made from Lapland’s unique Kelo pinewood. Take in the enchanting beauty of the northern lights and the Lappish wilderness from the comfort of your own private hideaway.

Our log chalets for one to ten people are made of impressively large kelo pines – trees that once stood dead and dried out – and designed in a rugged style that fits perfectly with their wild surroundings.

While you won’t find widescreen TVs or dishwashers inside, you can enjoy even better sources of entertainment in every chalet – a fireplace and a sauna.

A night in one of our snow igloos is an unforgettable experience. Rarely does anyone get the chance to sleep as cosily as they do in an ice-cool igloo that shields them from even the faintest outside noise.

Even if the mercury dips to minus 40 degrees centigrade outside, the temperature inside is a consistent minus three to minus six. We’ll provide everything you need for a cool, comfortable night in, such as a down sleeping bag.

For lovebirds travelling together, we have a truly classy suite. The spacious 60 m2 log chalet made of kelo wood features a great bathroom with conveniences like a bath tub and sauna. On the terrace, there’s an outdoor Jacuzzi for relaxing bathing whatever the season.

Earth lodges (kammi in Finnish) have been used as residences in Finland since ancient times. Their turf roofs conceal them in the landscape, as if forest trolls had built them.

It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate love nest – the earth lodge is the perfect hideout. And why rush out? After all, you do have a sauna and a great bathroom with bathtub all to yourselves.

In the almost century-old traditional house, you can immerse yourself in the authentic Lapland lifestyle of old. The hectic, modern rat race will feel like a distant memory as you rock comfortably in the rocking chair.

The log house sleeps two people, and naturally it features a sauna as well. The house also has a very interesting past, very much intertwined in world history.

Smoke Saunas & Ice Swimming

While you’re in Finland, going to the sauna is an essential part of your holiday. The heat will help you relax and unwind and relieve you of stress, both physically and spiritually. By the river, we have three different-sized smoke saunas, the largest one of which is the largest smoke sauna in the world.

The three saunas can take up to 100 bathers at once. Each of them has a fireplace in the dressing room. At the end of the jetty, you can take a dip in the water, and don’t worry if it’s frozen over – we’ll cut a hole in the ice.

The refreshingly cold spring water is pure enough to drink. The smoke saunas are only available by special order because it takes six to ten hours to heat them up. In the western village there are two further smoke saunas at your disposal.

Restaurant

Our two restaurants offer à la carte menus packed with delicious local Lappish cuisine. Depending on where their accommodation is located, guests can enjoy meals at either our traditional Kelo restaurant or our West Village Aurora restaurant with its famous glass igloo bar.

For groups booking in advance, dining is also available in our Santa Claus Celebration House, Korsu “The Underground” Restaurant or Smoke Sauna Restaurant.

Meeting Premises

For business meetings, the obvious number-one choice in our venue offering is Santa’s Festival Hall. For smaller groups there are a number of different-sized meeting rooms available. All meals, coffee servings and related activities can be easily arranged.

Automotive Launches

Kakslauttanen makes the perfect setting for PR events and product launches of all sizes. The rising floor of the Celebration House makes it possible to showcase vehicles in spectacular fashion.

An ice bar can be custom-built and branded with, for example, company logos as required. The glass igloos and attractive new kelo chalets, as well as high-quality catering services, guarantee an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Equipment Rental

Why take the trouble of bringing all your necessary clothing: winter overalls, rain clothes and rubber boots with you?

At Kakslauttanen, we have a comprehensive selection of rental apparel available. However, it’s good to let us know what sizes are required in advance. In addition to clothes, you can also rent skis, snowshoes, sleds and bicycles from us.

Weddings & Honeymoons

A winter wedding under the northern lights makes for a magical ritual. What else could such natural phenomenon spell but eternal happiness?

We build a special chapel out of snow for weddings, and the log chapel of Tieva, in the middle of the forest, also provides an ideal wedding setting. If they so desire, the bridal couple can ride to the wedding site on a sleigh, drawn by a reindeer or a horse.

“The nightless night” will lend an unforgettable glow to a summer wedding. In the autumn, during the colourful ruska period, it is as if the entire nature of Lapland joined in on the exhilarating wedding atmosphere, as tree leaves and ground flora are ablaze in shades of red.

Wedding ceremonies are held at the peak of the Kaunispää fell, the island of Ukko – a holy island of the Sami – in Lake Inarinjärvi, or Santa’s bridge, among other places.

We also have a portable wedding altar available that can be set up anywhere in the wilderness. A unique experience awaits you at the gold panning site, where the happy couple can pan for gold nuggets for their wedding rings.

Being hopeless romantics, we have designed and built a number of our accommodation facilities particularly with bridal couples and wedding travellers in mind. Would you prefer an igloo, an earth lodge or the Queen suite? There will always be room for wedding guests as well, whether with us or at the hotels in Saariselkä.

Santa’s home

After all these centuries, Santa has finally decided to unlatch the doors of his home to the public. The idyllic red chalet awaits visitors at the end of a beautiful wooden walking bridge, across a narrow river. Santa will be there to order; please book an appointment in advance.

Santa’s Celebration House is quite a sight. Finland’s largest log building accommodates over 250 guests, whether they be dining, celebrating a wedding or enjoying a concert. For corporate clients, the Celebration House provides an excellent setting for various customer events.

The elevated floor section enables impressive product launches for everything from perfumes to sports cars. Although built in the traditional way out of logs, the house has been fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

Husky Safari

There are two big husky farms right next door to Kakslauttanen. It won’t take you long to get a feel for steering huskies, and before you know it, you’ll be sledding through the wilderness drawn by these eager and friendly dogs. No petrol fumes, no rumbling engines – just you and the call of the wild.

Reindeer Safari

Our reindeer safari is a relaxing trip into nature, hosted by local reindeer herders. On a reindeer safari you can chat with the locals and connect with Sami people in an authentic way. We offer varying lengths of safari, with the longest including an outdoor lunch.

Snowmobile Safari

This is the fastest, loudest and most adrenaline-pumping way to get around in Lapland’s nature. On our snowmobile safari, we’ll ride down the fell into the snowy forest, enjoying some of the best scenery the region has to offer.

The two-hour safari includes an outdoor coffee break, while the four-hour safari includes lunch prepared over an open fire and enjoyed out in the open. For those craving more, we also offer an overnight safari.

Snow Tank Safari

However cold and windy the weather, you’ll be warm and comfortable in our enclosed panoramic sleigh, pulled by our unique snow tank.

We’ll take you across the snowy fells while you take in the beauty of the landscape surrounding you, with a guide to answer all your questions and tell you more about what you’re seeing. Choose from a two or three-hour ride, with a break for traditional refreshments on the way.

Horse Riding

Winter horseback riding is worth a try, even if you’ve no previous experience. Children can also give it a try. The Finnish Christmas comes to life in a special way when riding a sleigh, with the snowy forest around you, the sound of bells tinkling in your ears, and the comfort of warm blankets covering you.

Aurora Hunting

Seeing the northern lights casting their magical glow across the Arctic sky is always an impressive sight, but what makes it truly unforgettable is a special trip to chase this natural phenomenon.

Imagine a nocturnal adventure in the wilderness, riding a sleigh drawn by a reindeer or horse, enjoying the panoramic views from the snow tank’s sleigh, speeding along on a snowmobile, or perhaps gracefully gliding on skis.

Ice Fishing

How about going ice fishing on Inarinjärvi with a local guide? You can also take part in searching and emptying the winter nets (juomus in the regional dialect).

After a lunch prepared over an open fire, we’ll ride snowmobiles to a church in the wilderness, at Pielpajärvi, and then on to the museum of the Sami people at Siida.

Skiing

Saariselkä has frequently been ranked as one of the world’s best cross-country skiing destinations. The diverse network of ski tracks runs for almost 200 kilometres, with around 30 kilometres being illuminated.

At Kakslauttanen, you can get going right from the yard of your chalet. We offer ski instruction to people of all ages, and the ski bus service means you’ll be able to enjoy all parts of the extensive network of tracks. The ski season is long – tracks are usually available in October, and you can ski right through into May.

Downhill Skiing

The two fells of Saariselkä, Finland’s northernmost ski centre, are just a 15-minute drive from Kakslauttanen. Saariselkä boasts 15 slopes of varying difficulty, and also boasts a Freestyle Park.

Icebreaker Cruise

An icebreaker cruise out of the town of Kemi is one of Finland’s most popular travel attractions, and this nautical experience is within easy reach of Kakslauttanen.

Over the course of the day-long trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a dip in the icy Bay of Bothnia – in a dry suit, mind you. The period for icebreaker cruises extends from mid-December until the end of April.

Horse Safari

The rolling fells of Lapland are made for horse riding. The vast landscapes and the great silence make this horse safari a truly exceptional and captivating experience. Roaming the wide-open wilderness on a Finnish horse, you’ll find it hard to avoid the feeling of a little cowboy – or cowgirl – awakening within you.

Gold Panning

Gold mining has taken place in the area of Kakslauttanen for centuries. Many have been seriously struck with gold fever, and they have remained in Lapland for life. At the gold-panning site, you’ll get to try your luck.

Husky Farm Visit

Experience the arctic wilderness with a loyal companion, a husky dog. Together you will experience the amazing views and arctic nature of the Kiilopää Fell area, right on the border of Urho Kekkonen National Park, the largest national park in Finland.

The climb is moderate. You will learn about the arctic wildlife and plants along the way. The hike ends at the husky farm where you get to thank your companion. Also, who knows if you are going to see some of the incredibly cute husky puppies!

Cruise On Lemmenjoki River

Many people in Lapland reckon that the Lemmenjoki National Park is the most beautiful area in the province. On a riverboat cruise, you’ll get acquainted with the Sami village of Lemmenjoki and make a stop at the waterfall of Ravadas.

While you’re having lunch on the shore by the fire, the guide will tell you tales of gold mining, local reindeer herding and the Sami culture. On the way back, you’ll visit the Sami museum of Siida in Inari.

Mushrooms & Berries

After the northern lights and the midnight sun, Lapland’s best-known natural treasures are berries and mushrooms. The impact of the night less night on nature is extraordinary. Due to the high exposure to sunlight in a short period of time, the region’s berries and mushrooms are both tasty and packed with vitamins.

The cloud berry is a local specialty; people come from all corners of the world to pick and enjoy this wonderful berry. Travelers are free to help themselves to the natural treats of the forest and wetlands.

ATV Safari

On an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) safari you get to ride in diverse terrain and see Lapland’s nature open up in a completely different way than in the winter. Choose between various distance options for our ATV safaris. Aurora hunting option available!

Canoeing

Canoeing is one of the best ways to immerse to the pure nature of Lapland. Your experienced guide provides gear and instructions so you are all set for your adventure. The Ivalo River is almost entirely a wilderness river.

Paddle peacefully on the calm waters of the Ivalo river and admire the surrounding wilderness. When you are having a break and enjoying soup lunch by the open fire the guide will tell you stories of the local nature, history and culture.

The river is nicknamed the “river of gold” as during the Lapland gold rush plenty of gold was found on its banks.

Mountain Biking

In the vicinity of Kakslauttanen there are dozens of kilometres of well-marked biking routes, both for beginners and active cyclists. You can rent a bike from us for the easy routes.

Hiking

You won’t find a better place for hiking or trekking than Kakslauttanen anywhere in northern Europe. You can enter the Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest natural conservation areas, right behind our chalets.

And the Lemmenjoki National Park is just down the road too. Don’t worry about taking water bottles with you either – the environment here is so clean that you can drink straight out of a mountain stream.

Fishing Trips

This is where true anglers come to make their dreams come true, but also where beginners can get a taste for this exciting sport.

There are more than a few crystal-clear rivers just a short car ride from Kakslauttanen where anglers of all skills and ages can try their luck. Trout, grayling and Arctic char are among the many fish populating our rivers.

Northern Lights

The magnificent aurora will often light the skies of Northern Lapland from late summer. Our organised aurora trips start in late August. You can go aurora chasing with us on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage. Of course, if you prefer the other type of horse power, you can get there just as well on a quad bike.

Day Trip To Inari

On the Inari day trip you’ll visit a reindeer farm to get up close with these calm and lovable creatures. A trip to Siida Museum, the National Museum of the Finnish Sámi, will give you a unique look at Sámi culture and the nature of Northern Lapland.

The day also includes a cruise on lake Inari, with a visit to Ukko Island, a holy place for the Sámi.

The Midnight Sun

We organise many opportunities for adventure under the midnight sun. You can admire the bright magical nights on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage.

Or, if you prefer motors to horses, take one of our quad bikes and drive towards the sun. We’ll even organise a car ride straight to the peak of Mount Kaunispää, if that’s what you’d prefer.

The Northern Norway By Car

Kakslauttanen serves as an excellent base if you’re also thinking about visiting Norway – North Cape, for example. If you’re flying in, you can conveniently collect a rental car at the Ivalo Airport or, alternatively, at the hotel.

Website: www.kakslauttanen.fi

Rooms: 32

Price: from 122 EUR per night