Our Glass Igloo! by Christopher Chapman is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Brightened from original.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the aurora borealis in person? At the Kakslauttanen vacation resort in Finland, you can actually spend the night in a glass igloo where you can gaze in comfort.
The glass igloos were the first of their kind when they were built in 1999. Resort owner Jussi Eiramo wanted to allow guests to admire the northern lights in comfort. They utilize thermal glass which not only keeps the igloo warm despite cool temperatures outside but also melts snow, ensuring a good view.
Hybrid log cabin / glass igloos, called Kelo-Glass igloos are also available to rent. They offer a larger accommodation with a fireplace, kitchenette, and of course, a glass roof to admire the night sky.
Located in the pristine Lapland wilderness north of the Arctic Circle, the population density is only about 2 persons per square kilometer (.3 square mile). During early January the sun never rises, during June and July it never sets!
The resort features many activities available in all seasons. From hiking and fishing in summer to skiing and sled rides in winter.
If you really want to rough it, you can spend the night in a “snow igloo” but be forewarned, it’s a bit chilly! Temperatures outside can drop to -40, while inside it’s a frosty 27 degrees! Rooms cost between $374 to $861 per night depending on the room.
The resort was started in 1974 by Eiramo. He was returning home from a fishing trip in northern Finland when he ran out of fuel. He liked Kakslauttanen so much, he ended up spending the entire summer there. The next year he started a small roadside cafe and the rest is history.
glass igloo— Hotel Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo by Man Ng is licensed under CC BY 2.0
