Choosing where to stay in Finnish Lapland is one of the most exciting – and most important – decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. Unlike many destinations where accommodation is simply a place to sleep, in Lapland your choice of where to stay can completely shape the experience you have. Sleep in a glass igloo and wake up to the aurora dancing above you. Choose a lakeside resort and step straight into the wilderness. Book a luxury manor in a tiny Lappish village and feel like you’ve discovered Finland’s best-kept secret.
Finnish Lapland spans an enormous area, covering multiple distinct regions – each with its own character, landscape and accommodation style. From the well-known gateway city of Rovaniemi to off-the-beaten-path gems like Posio, Utsjoki and Kemijärvi, the range of places to stay is as varied as the landscape itself. Whether you’re travelling as a family chasing the magic of a white Christmas, a couple seeking a bucket-list aurora experience, or a solo adventurer craving Finnish wilderness and solitude, there is an accommodation style in Lapland that was made for you. Read my full guide on the best places to go in Lapland here.
As a Finnish Lapland travel specialist who has personally stayed across multiple regions in winter and autumn, I have slept in glass igloos by frozen lakes, luxury manor houses beside ski resorts, forest igloo retreats and everything in between. In this guide I’ll walk you through the main accommodation types available in Finnish Lapland, share my honest first-hand reviews and recommendations, and link to in-depth articles across the site to help you find exactly the right place for your trip.
One important piece of advice before you dive in – book early. The most sought-after accommodation in Lapland – particularly glass igloos, aurora cabins and properties in peak Christmas and Northern Lights seasons – sells out months in advance. Don’t leave it too late.
Before you plan your accommodation, grab this first. Long-haul travellers make predictable planning mistakes – and where to stay is one of the biggest. Download my free guide: “10 Mistakes Long-Haul Travellers Make Planning Their Lapland Holiday” and save yourself the headache. Download the free guide.
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Types of accommodation in Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland offers an exceptional variety of places to stay, catering to every budget, travel style and bucket-list priority. Here’s an overview of what you’ll find:
Glass igloos and Aurora cabins
Glass igloos are arguably the most iconic accommodation type in Finnish Lapland – and for good reason. Designed with thermally insulated, panoramic glass roofs or walls, they allow you to lie in bed and watch the northern lights without setting foot outside in the cold. Each igloo is unique – some are compact and intimate, others are spacious enough for families. Prices typically range from €250 to €600+ per night depending on the property, season and inclusions.
Not all glass igloos are created equal, however. The size, layout, privacy and surrounding environment vary considerably. My guide below walks through exactly what to look for before you book.
Luxury resorts and holiday villages
For travellers who want a full-service experience with on-site dining, activities and guided tours, Lapland’s luxury resorts and holiday villages deliver. These properties often sit within or adjacent to major attractions – think Santa Claus Village or Appuka Resort in Rovaniemi, Northern Lights Village (in various locations), or ski resorts like Saariselka, Levi or Ruka – and take much of the logistical pressure off your shoulders. They are particularly popular with families and those on tighter itineraries.
Log cabins and forest cottages
Self-contained log cabins are the most traditionally Finnish way to experience Lapland. Nestled in the forest, often beside a frozen lake, these properties almost always include a private sauna – a non-negotiable in Finnish culture – and many have kitchenettes or full kitchens, making them excellent value for longer stays or family groups. They range from modest budget options to architect-designed luxury retreats.
Manor houses and boutique properties
A smaller but very memorable category, Lapland’s boutique manor-style properties offer something entirely different – the feeling of being a house guest rather than a hotel visitor. These intimate properties typically have outstanding hosts who know the local area deeply and offer personalised experiences you simply won’t find in a large resort.
Budget and mid-range hotels
For travellers who want a central, convenient base without the igloo price tag, Lapland’s towns and villages have a solid range of standard hotels and guesthouses. Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä and Ruka all have well-reviewed options across multiple price points.
House sitting in Lapland
For the budget-conscious adventurer, house sitting is one of the most overlooked ways to experience Finnish Lapland – potentially for free. It’s a niche option, but one worth knowing about.
Where to stay by region
One of the most important things to understand about Finnish Lapland is that it is enormous – and the region you choose to base yourself in will dramatically shape your experience. Below I’ve broken down accommodation by the key regions covered on this site.
Rovaniemi – The Gateway City
My recommendation – If you have the time and capacity, don’t spend your entire trip in Rovaniemi. It’s a wonderful base for a night or two, but the real wilderness of Lapland often lies further afield. Combine Rovaniemi with at least one other region to complete your Lapland experience.
Reviews:
- Hotelli Aakenus – the best budget hotel in the city centre
- No Frills Video: A budget accommodation option and city walk (Lapland Lowdown)
- Kotatieva Resort cabin – Rovaniemi wilderness accommodation
- City centre Rovaniemi Airbnb
- Santa Claus Holiday Village review – cabin stay in the Arctic Circle
- My honest review of our stay at the Arctic Snow Hotel
Recommendation:
- Scandi House Rovaniemi recommendation – riverfront home near Santa Claus Village – exclusive discount inside
Ranua – Home to the Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park
Reviews:
Ruka and Kuusamo region
Review:
- House of Northern Senses, Ruka – full review & reader discount
Posio – the hidden gem
Review:
- Livo Arctic, Posio – full review & reader discount
Kemijärvi – off the beaten track
Review:
- Jauri Resort, Kemijärvi – full review & discount
Levi – Finland’s top Ski Resort town
Review:
Recommended: Scandi Houses – Levi
Saariselkä – Northern Lapland’s Winter Hub
Review:
Utsjoki – The True Arctic North
Recommendation:
- Aurora Holidays, Utsjoki – full review & exclusive gift or discount
How to choose the right Lapland region for your trip
With so many regions and accommodation styles to consider, one of the most common questions I receive is: which part of Lapland should I stay in? The honest answer is that it depends entirely on your priorities – but I’ve written a detailed guide to help you work through the decision.
When to book Lapland accommodation
Lapland’s most popular accommodation – glass igloos in particular – sells out fast. For December and January (Christmas/New Year), I recommend booking twelve months in advance – that said, many people are booking eighteen months in advance these days. Shoulder season bookings (September-October and February-March) have more flexibility, but the best properties still fill early.
Planning your Lapland trip on a budget
Lapland has a reputation for being expensive – and while the iconic glass igloo experiences carry a premium, there are absolutely ways to manage costs without compromising the magic.
Discounts and reader-exclusive offers
Several Lapland properties featured on this site offer exclusive discounts to my readers. Visit the Finnish Lapland Resource Hub (link below) for a full list of current discount codes and partner offers – including House of Northern Senses, Livo Arctic, Aurora Holidays, Jauri Resort, Scandi Houses and more.
Don’t leave your accommodation planning to chance. Download my free guide: “10 Mistakes Long-Haul Travellers Make Planning Their Lapland Holiday” – and make sure where to stay isn’t one of them. Send me the free guide.
This page is part of the Finnish Lapland Resource Hub – your complete planning library for a long-haul trip to Finnish Lapland from Australia and beyond.
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Page last updated: June 2026 – Written by Erin Parker, Finnish Lapland travel specialist and founder of Finnish Lapland From Australia for long-haul travellers. All accommodation reviews reflect personal first-hand experience and connections in winter and autumn seasons only.
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
