The Best Luxury Glass Igloo in Rovaniemi: Apukka Resort Review
Many of us dream of being snuggled in a cosy bed somewhere in Lapland, looking through a clear ceiling as the aurora dances above. And one of the most accessible ways to make that a reality is staying at a glass igloo in Rovaniemi.
As the hub of Finnish Lapland, you are spoilt for choice with unique stays and direct routes to get to them but there is one that stands out above the rest – Welcome to Apukka Resort.
Named Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” award for being “One of a Kind”, Apukka Resort is so much more than glass igloos. Although let’s be real, that’s what you are here for right!?
And seeing what the fuss was for myself on a recent Autumn in Lapland stay, I am reporting back to you with all the juicy details of the realities, budget tips and brutally honest review of the luxury glass igloo in Rovaniemi.
DOUBLE DISCLAIMER: We stayed during the off-season to showcase some of the Apukka Autumn Adventures. We were hosted for 2 nights in a Kammi Glass Igloo as well as the floating sauna experience and husky tour. Alas, my reviews always remain brutally honest.
Where is Apukka Resort?
Apukka Resort is in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.
Well, about 15 minutes from the city center or 10 minutes from Rovaniemi airport.
Don’t worry it is only 10 minutes from Santa too at Santa Claus Village.
How to get to Apukka Resort?
As the capital of the region, Rovaniemi is one of the most accessible points across all of Lapland, making Apukka Resort one of the most accessible glass igloo experiences in Lapland.
For more specific transport routes and timings, Visit Rovaniemi has a great page of transport infographics. With information on how to get there and how to get around
Although sometimes having too many options can make it harder to decide what is best for you. So I am here to mix in my own personal experiences and Mistakes I made along the way to Rovaniemi to help make your ride as smooth as possible.
🚄Taking the TRAIN to Rovaniemi
Finnish railroads are operated by VR.
Offering several train routes between Helsinki and Rovaniemi year-round.
(EXCEPT the day we wanted to book… Unfortunately, a very rare 2-day break for trackwork closed the route for the iconic Santa Express train.)
THE SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS
The double-decker overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
Book a regular seat from €49 or make the 12-hour journey fly by in a deluxe private €160 sleeper compartment. Some with private showers and toilets!
✈️ Flying to Rovaniemi
It is easier than ever to fly directly to Santa now that Rovanimi Airport directly connects to over 40 Airports throughout Europe.
With even more options for connections via Helsinki.
We enjoyed a few days to shake off the jetlag and find some reindeer hotdogs at the markets.
🚏Taking the BUS to Rovaniemi
Matkahuolto and Onnibus are the primary Bus services across Finnish Lapland.
While it may not be most people’s first choice, it happens to be the only means of public transport if you are looking to explore Finnish Lapland beyond Rovaniemi. So you may not want to rule them out completely.
🚕 Driving to Rovaniemi
Yes, driving to and in Rovaniemi is possible. However, conditions can be very dangerous especially for inexperienced snow drivers.
Not to mention either car hire or taxis are going to be the most expensive option to get around.
🎅 the Apukka Shuttle Bus
To get to the resort itself, the best option is the official Apukka Shuttle Bus, which they say is the “Most Ecological Way of getting to and around Apukka Resort and Rovaniemi”.
The Shuttle Bus operates daily from September to April with direct access between Apukka Resort, Santa Claus Village, and Rovaniemi City.
Adults: 8 € / one way
Children 4-14 yo: 4 € / one way
Infants 0-3 yo: free of charge
Family (1-2 adults, 1-3 children): 20 € / one way (only from the bus)
For more info and booking details, please reference the official Apukka Shuttle Bus website
What is a Luxury Glass Igloo?
A glass igloo is a specialty hotel room hut with a panoramic glass ceiling. Coming in many shapes and sizes but typically with a panoramic glass roof to sleep under the stars and hopefully, the northern lights.
Becoming famous for for turning the wild Arctic Aurora chase into an intimate, bucket-list experience anyone can enjoy from bed. Well, that and how Instagrammable they are.
What To Know Before Booking Apukka Resort
Understanding the seasons in Finland
In general, Finland follows are regular seasonal guideline across Summer, Autumn, Spring and Winter.
Each of these seasons comes with a range of alternate seasonal experiences/packages at Apukka Resort.
The Seasons of Finnish Lapland:
❄️ Midwinter (Late December – January)
🌨️ Snowy Spring (February – Early April)
🌱 Spring (Mid-April – May)
☀️ Summer (June – Mid-July
🌾 Late Summer Harvest Season (Late July – August)
🍁 Autumn (Late August to Early October)
🌨 First Snow (October – Early November) : We visited in Late October and found the perfect autumn/winter balance on a budget – incredibly underrated season imo.
🎄 Christmas (Late November – December)
Apukka Resort Room Types
| Room Type | Sleeps | Key Features | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Cabins | Comfortably 2 but up to 4 guests | Heated glass roof, panoramic forest views, cozy minimalist design | Iconic Glass Igloo |
| Aurora Cabin Queens | 2-4 Guests | The same as above but with a Queen Bed | Iconic Glass Igloo |
| Aurora Cabin Kings | 2-4 | You’ll never believe it, this is the same but with a KING BED! | Iconic Glass Igloo |
| Aurora Cabin Families | Up to 6 | 41 m² lakefront luxury with extended living space | Part Igloo, Part Lakefront Lodge |
| Komsio Glass Igloo Suites | Up to 4 | A Unique loft igloo with lower-level living space and a bed upstairs with a glass dome-like roof. | Next-level glass igloo (literally, it has 2 floors) |
| Kammi Glass Igloo Suites | Up to 4 | The crown jewel of Apukka Resort. Similar to the above but with an additional fully equipped kitchenette | The Ultimate Luxury Glass Igloo experience |
| Apukka Lakeview Suites | Up to 6 | 42 m² of luxury lakeside living. No Glass Roof but massive windows overlooking the Lake. | Lakeview Luxury Apartment |
| Villa Apukka | Up to 14 Guests but can hosted 30 for special events. | A mega 230 m² private villa with multiple bedrooms with sauna | Two-storey family holiday house |
Apukka Resort Activities
Another reason understanding the seasons is key when planning your Apukka Resort stay is the variation of available seasonal activities. Split into:
- Winter Activities 1st December – 5th April
- Sauna Experiences 1st August – 5th April
- Summer & Autumn Activities 1st August – 9th November
- Early Winter Activities 10th November – 30th November
Although I would group them more like:
- Sauna Experiences: Outdoor jacuzzis, traditional floating saunas and Arctic plunges
- Animal Encounters: Husky tours, Reindeer walking and Sleigh rides
- Deeper Adventures: Snowmobile safari, ice fishing, tubing, trekking, snowshoeing…
- Aurora Hunting: Aurora Train rides, Horse carriage ride, nighttime husky tours and general northern lights drives.
These activities are operated through their dedicated tour company Apukka Adventures based right within the Apukka Resort lot.
These can be booked directly at Apukka either individually or part of their special holiday packages as well as on many common booking platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator
Apukka Resort Food & Drink
Apukka Resort has a range of on-site dining options, led by Aitta Restaurant for modern Lapland cuisine, a traditional Kota restaurant for special open-fire dining experiences, and a relaxed lobby bar, with most meals falling in the €30–€60 range.
Can’t forget the breakfast buffet, typically included with your stay. Keep an eye out for the chocolate fountain!
How to Book a Glass Igloo in Rovaniemi – and how to save $$$
There is no denying that glass igloos are NOT the cheapest accommodation option, with some settings you back thousands of dollars for a single clear roof night. It doesn’t help that Lapland isn’t known as a budget destination either…
BUT that does not mean you won’t find a good deal. In fact, it’s easier than ever to make your glass igloo dream a reality without the extortionate price tag. Let me explain with a few key money saving tips, booking guides and personal experience thrown in the mix…
Apukka Resort Holiday Packages
Another way to save money, time and stress for your glass igloo stay is booking a holiday package with options for added activities, inclusive meals and transfers.
Lucky for you, Apukka Resort have a constant rotation of package deals available on their website.
Off-Season at Apukka Resort
I get it, everyone wants to have the iconic snow-covered Lapland experience – after all, it’s commonly bucket-listed for a reason.
However, it comes at a price. Not only do glass igloos in Rovaniemi rates skyrocket, particularly around the Christmas season, but your chances of actually seeing the aurora drop due to cloudy snow skies.
Ultimately, you need to decide what your actual goal is for your Lapland trip.
If your goal is for those iconic snowy scenes, stick to the winter months.
If your main goal is to see the northern lights and stay in a glass igloo, I highly encourage to consider off-season.
We were there for the very end of Autumn with the first snow of the winter season, where a night in the Kammi Glass Igloo would set you back a couple of hundred a night instead of the €11,616.20 package over Christmas!!!
Best Place to Book Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort is available to book everywhere from their own website to the top booking platforms.
It is worth shopping around for the best deal, taking into consideration: your loyalty programs, holiday packages, seasonal sales, personal preference…
Budget vs Luxury Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi
This may come as a surprise but staying in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi is not the best option if your goal is to see the northern lights. While it is absolutely a worthwhile experience, I recommend splitting up your accommodation styles throughout your time in Lapland.
During our week in Lapland, we stayed in 3 very different accommodations at various price points and specialties.
Rovamiemi, Finland
Sinettä, Finland
Rovaniemi, FInland
Budget City Apartment: Lapland Arctic Apartments is modern apartment in the heart of Rovaniemi. Boasting its own balcony, washer and dry, plus a kitchen. We stayed here for around 60 Euro a night!
Classic Glass Igloo and famous Ice Hotel: Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos is the famous Ice Hotel that also happens to have some of the most affordable classic glass igloo experiences in Lapland. PLUS one of the best buffet breakfasts I’ve ever had!
The Ultimate Lapland Glass Igloo: Apukka Resort is the ultimate luxury glass igloo in Rovaniemi with an impressive collection of unique accommodation AND experiences that are all run by Apukka.
Alternate Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi and beyond
Rovaniemi, FInland
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, Finland
What to know before your Glass Igloo Stay
AKA these are some quick notes on the things I wish I knew before staying in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi:
- I hate to say it, a glass igloo is not the best way to see the Northern Lights. It’s a bonus, not a guarantee
- Yes, most igloos are fully heated. Our Kammi Igloo even had heated bathroom floors.
- Privacy varies. In most cases, if you can see out, people can see in. Luckily, Apukkas’ design offers a little more privacy, but it does limit your viewing potential.
- Rovaniemi is not the strongest aurora viewing location in Lapland since it has quite a bit of light pollution. While they are often visable for stronger displays you are best to book those additional tours into the wilderness.
- One night is usually enough for the experience; however, if your goal is to see the northern lights from your glass igloo you will need more.
- The magic is the unique experience, not just the view.
Highlights of Apukka Resort from someone who actually stayed there
Unique Glass Igloo Accommodation
As if these aren’t the funkiest glass igloos you have ever seen!
If you are a sucker for unique stays like me, Apukka Resort is our ultimate playground. I just wish I could have stayed longer to explore each and every room here because they each have their own quirks, charm and experience. Not to mention how that expereince would vary between seasons!
Magical Lake Sunrises and Sunsets
The lake was one of the biggest surprises of our stay at Apukka Resort and one of the most underrated features imo. I couldn’t believe that we had it to ourselves for some of the most insane, vibrant and still sunrises and sunsets I have ever witnessed.
During the winter months, it completely freezes over, offering even more unique experiences to add on to your stay, like Arctic ice plunges and ice fishing.
Spend time with the local Huskies
I hate to admit it, I have unfortunately fallen into tourist traps in the past that were unethical (cough, cough, Nara Deer Park). However, it has made me extra vigilant to do my research and open up those honest conversations directly with locals/tourism providers.
The experience became popular for the husky rides in deep snow. Afterall, that is where they thrive. BUT we found out that the Autumn season is when they train and rehabilitate the dogs ahead of peak season. Helping build the confidence and strength for these working dogs by these wheeled buggy rides into the colourful forests.
BONUS: this Apukka Husky tour included cuddles with puppies and retired dogs.
Private Traditional Finnish Floating Sauna and Arctic Cold Plunge
Saunas have been a major part of Finnish culture and identity for thousands of years in a similar way that Japan has Unique onsens and ryokan stays.
Saunas are a relaxing haven for cleansing the body/mind and when paired with an invigorating (although I would use a different word for it…) cold plunge into the arctic waters, it becomes the ultimate wellness experience.
And Apukka has one of the most impressive floating sauna set ups for you to experience.
Aurora Hunting
What you have all been waiting for…
Aurora Hunting is one of the top draws for Apukka Resort. With aurora alert app notifications, a live cam to track the conditions and so many tours to choose from it isn’t hard to see why it is a favourite Northern Lights Hub.
Although it is possible to see at Apukka Resort itself, the further away from any light pollution you can get, the better chance you will have of seeing the sky truly dance!
BONUS: Live Cam and Firepit marshmallow roasting
Yes, as mentioned above Apukka Resort has a live cam you can tune into anytime.
Sure it was a great tool to see if it was worth getting out of bed to see the skies but my personal highlight was watching people come and go to wave to friends and family back home (of course, we had our time to shine too).
At certain times of the day, they will set up marshmallow roasting at the fire right by where the cam is set up.
Apukka Resort FAQ
How, When and Where Can You See the Northern Lights at Apukka Resort.
With variation of likelihood and strength across seasons, in general, they say the best time to view the lights is between 9 PM and 2 AM. Some days and seasons they don’t show up at all.
You can freely roam the resort to find the best viewing spot as the lights can show up in various directions. Not to mention, booking a specific Northern Lights Apukka Tours for more specialised experiences.
Can you access Santa Claus Village from Apukka Resort?
Yes Santa Claus Village is open all year round.
HOWEVER, I must admit that it is nowhere near as magical without all the snow and a lot is still closed until Winter. It felt a little tacky and was the least favourite part of my Lapland in Autumn trip.
Is Apukka Resort Sustainable?
Sustainability is a core part of Apukka operations, with a focus on energy-efficient buildings, minimising environmental impact, respecting local wildlife, and working closely with local suppliers and communities.
According to the resort, experiences are designed to be nature-led rather than intrusive, aiming to preserve Lapland’s fragile environment while still offering a luxury stay. Read more here.
How Many Nights do you need to stay at Apukka Resort?
It comes down to your goals, budget and season. The average is between 1-3 nights.
I found 2 nights as a sweet spot in Autumn to give us a good chance to see the lights and test a few experiences. However, there is a 4-night minimum across the Christmas Season.
Is it possible to stay in a Glass Igloo on a Budget?
Yes but not on the same kind of ‘budget travel’ that somewhere like Thailand or even Japan could be done.
And if you want to do Lapland on a budget, you are at least looking for the right season as it makes the difference between paying hundreds of dollars compared to THOUSANDS for accommodation alone.
Is Apukka Worth the Price?
If you are chasing the once-in-a-lifetime glass igloo experience, Apukka is well worth the price as it is so much more than the room itself, rather a whole unique Lapland experience.
Is It Worth staying at a Glass Igloo in Rovaniemi? My brutally honest Apukka Resort Review.
Considering Rovaniemi is the hub of Lapland, it is the perfect spot to tick off your glass igloo goals, especially for first-timers.
With Apukka Resort going above and beyond with easy transport access, extended exclusive experiences and next-level unique accommodation designs. I might go as far to say it is in the top 3 unique hotels I have ever stayed.
Sure, Autumn may not have been my first pick to break my glass igloo cherry, but I am grateful that it was my first experience of Lapland. It felt like the ideal test run (both for me and my bank account)
So after all of that, to put it simply:
- It IS worth staying in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi but it is not the only way or destination to best experience Lapland.
- Apukka Resort is so much more than a stay. You are immersed in an extraordinary experience that connects you to some of the best parts of Finnish culture and the northern lights.
Finishing off with one final big thank you to Apukka Resort for giving me the opportunity to put their luxury glass igloos to the test to report back to you in extensive detail. I am already plotting my return to see what it is like in the snow!
As always, if you have any more questions or have your own glass igloo experiences to share, please do not hesitate to email me at wanderingdonut@gmail.com or slide into my @wanderingdonut DMs. I promise I don’t bite.
