Actually, I wasn’t certain what to anticipate in Lapland, however the expertise we had at Apukka Resort was every little thing I had hoped for. It is the place we bought engaged, in any case! In the event you’re gearing up to your first Lapland journey, belief me, Apukka’s an incredible place to remain, even when the lights determine to remain hidden for us.
We kicked off our Lapland journey by staying just a few days proper at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, hoping to catch a glimpse of these Northern Lights (spoiler: it is nonetheless on the bucket checklist!).
Then, we made our means over to Apukka Resort, nonetheless crossing our fingers for some celestial magic (did not occur, however hey, there’s all the time subsequent time!).
4 nights of cozying up in our candy suite and diving into all types of adventures – husky excursions, ice fishing, sauna, you identify it! Here is the entire overview of the way it was!
Attending to Apukka Glass Igloo Resort
Apukka Resort enjoys a chief location only a 10-minute drive from the iconic Santa Claus Village and a mere quarter-hour from the town heart of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes of snow-covered forests and pristine lakes, the resort provides a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.
We flew into the small Rovaniemi Airport from Helsinki. We initially took a taxi to Santa Claus Village, which is actually a 5-minute drive and value us an arm and a leg. I extremely suggest taking the bus from the airport as an alternative of a taxi, it’s so less expensive!
We then pre-booked a switch from Santa Claus Workplace on to Apukka Resort.
In the event you’re touring on to Apukka Resort from Rovaniemi Airport, you may hop on the Shuttle Bus, obtainable from September to early April. This service provides a handy route from Rovaniemi Metropolis or Santa Claus Village on to the resort.
Alternatively, you may as well hire a automotive or pre-book an airport switch straight with the resort.
Apukka Resort Lodging Choices
Nestled amidst the wilderness simply exterior of the city of Rovaniemi throughout the jaw-dropping fantastic thing about the Lappish panorama, Apukka Resort provides a various array of glass igloos in addition to Aurora and Lakeview Suites.
You can find all room types and check availability here.
With unparalleled views of the Arctic sky, you may get the final word Northern Lights expertise. Every lodging kind at Apukka is cozy and thoughtfully designed so you may absolutely immerse your self within the magic of Lapland. The Aurora Cabin is Apukka’s normal.
Aurora Cabins
The unique and iconic glass igloos! The Aurora Cabins are compact (24sqm) and supply essentially the most reasonably priced glass igloo expertise at Apukka. Watch the Northern Lights and magic of Lapland from the consolation of your mattress as you gaze upon the Arctic sky by means of the heated home windows making certain uninterrupted view.
Good for {couples} or mates, the glass-roofed Aurora Cabins function a pull-out couch, non-public lavatory, local weather management, electrical fire, and complimentary facilities.
I can’t suggest staying at Apukka Resort sufficient to your winter wonderland expertise in Lapland. Being conveniently near Rovaniemi, the airport and Santa Clause Village, it does get fashionable and we booked nearly a yr prematurely to not miss out! Check availability and best rates.
The Aurora Cabins additionally are available Queen and King sizes. The distinction for the Aurora Cabin Queens is, that they’re located close to Lake Olkkajärvi and are lovingly adorned with additional consideration to element.
The Aurora Cabin King has a barely bigger ground plan, that includes a comfortable dwelling space and a darkish inside, complemented by a spacious king-size mattress for added area and is nice for a small household.
Lastly, there’s the Aurora Cabin Household, which provides extra spacious lodging. These Household igloos function a further nook, accommodating as much as six visitors as an alternative of 4. Plus these cabins have a picturesque lake view.
Suites & Villas at Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi additionally provides a number of suites, such because the Komsio Glass Suite, excellent for a pair’s intimate getaway. The decrease stage features a lavatory with a bathe, whereas the second stage supplies a panoramic 360° view of the sky.
The Kammi Glass Igloo Suite is barely bigger with more room and a totally geared up kitchenette, excellent for {couples} or small households.
We stayed in a Kammi Glass Igloo Suite and liked it (extra on that beneath)!
Lastly, there are two varieties of villas, they don’t have glass roofs however large home windows overlooking the lake and Lappish landscapes as an alternative.
Villa Apukka is ideal for greater household journeys or group getaways, that includes three massive bedrooms, two loos, a comfortable lounge space, a well-equipped kitchen, and a eating room. The Apukka Lakeview Suite includes a spacious kitchen, two bedrooms, and glass partitions overlooking Lake Olkka.
Staying Within the Lappish Kammi Glass Igloo Suite (We Stayed Right here!)
We checked into one of many Kammi Suites for 4 nights in January, which was about EUR650/evening, reflecting its premium high quality relatively than being budget-friendly. The usual Aurora Cabins begin at about EUR390/evening as compared.
But, the Kammi Suite provides a big distinction – it spans throughout two tales, that includes a full glass roof protecting the second ground, which serves because the bed room.
On the decrease ground, there is a non-public lavatory, a comfortable dwelling space seamlessly related to the complete kitchenette and three home windows to look out into the attractive surroundings of the winter wonderland.
Not like the Aurora Cabins, that are conveniently located close to the reception space, the Kammi Suites are set farther away, making certain minimal mild air pollution for an optimum Aurora viewing expertise.
In the event you can afford it, I extremely suggest booking the Kammi Suite over the Aurora Cabins!
Upon arrival, we had been supplied with a sled to move our baggage to the suite. No concierge service right here, however it actually added to the expertise. Fortunately we had purchased good winter boots for this journey!
The Kammi Suite itself was tremendous heat and comfortable and we slept very well. Sadly, regardless of our anticipation, we had been unable to witness the Northern Lights dancing throughout the arctic sky from our suite – a disappointment, but a reminder of nature’s unpredictable methods.
Eating places at Apukka Resort
We began each morning with a hearty buffet-style breakfast at Aitta Restaurant, that includes an array of scrumptious choices. The restaurant prides itself on serving Nordic delicacies, with an emphasis on utilizing domestically sourced components every time potential, making certain each freshness and sustainability, which I really like.
They’re open for lunch in addition to dinner, which we needed to attempt after all. I can extremely suggest the sautéed reindeer from the menu.
If choose to dine within the consolation of your room, room service can also be obtainable, however bear in mind there’s a charge.
Strive the genuine flavors of the North at Kota Restaurant, the place you may take pleasure in dinner throughout the intimate setting of a standard picket teepee-style constructing.
As we entered the little constructing within the night, we had been greeted by an open fireplace at its heart with the light aroma of smoke that was heat and welcoming. The menu is small however the meals is contemporary and we could not go previous just a few drinks too.
Actions at Apukka Resort
Husky Excursions
Apukka Resort provides some unforgettable actions to select from. I extremely suggest the Aurora Husky Tour, the place you may be whisked away by a group of energetic huskies beneath the evening sky. Though the Aurora Borealis did not make an look, considerable snowfalls added an additional layer of pleasure to the journey.
On our closing day, we revisited the Husky Tour through the daytime, and the expertise was equally as cool.
Reindeer Sleigh
One other timeless expertise in Lapland is a reindeer sled experience by means of snow-covered forests and landscapes guided by these light creatures. An absolute favourite of mine! It is family-friendly too.
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
We additionally went snowmobiling and ice fishing, which is absolutely an genuine Finnish journey. We reached our fishing spot in the midst of a frozen lake on a snowmobile driving by means of the snowy forests.
As we arrived on the lake, our information confirmed us the best way to drill holes and try to outsmart the fish beneath the icy floor. We additionally had some sizzling drinks and made a fireplace proper on the frozen lake.
Secure to say we did not catch something however the expertise was simply so healthful and in contrast to something we would ever executed!
Personal Sauna Expertise
Everyone knows the Finns love sauna. At Apukka Resort, you may expertise a sauna with a singular twist, the Sauna Carriage!
One night, a fascinating cellular sauna arrived straight on the doorstep of our Kammi Suite, that includes a cosy wood-heated range inside, an undoubtedly distinctive expertise. And for these feeling adventurous, you have got the choice of rolling within the chilly snow afterward!
Different Adventures You Can Guide
Further arctic adventures may be booked, together with horse excursions, snowshoeing, and the snow practice expertise.
Packing for the Chilly of the Arctic Circle
Guarantee you have got a cushty winter getaway in Lapland by packing all of the necessities. I’m notoriously chilly and often want extra layers than others. I extremely suggest packing lengthy underwear or Merino wool base layers, a snow heat jacket and snow trousers, good winter boots, a beanie, gloves, a shawl, and, shock, a swimsuit for these distinctive sauna and chilly plunge experiences!
However don’t be concerned an excessive amount of concerning the chilly of the winter season, Apukka Resort supplies free full-body thermal suites and we took benefit of them, which saved us actually heat after we went on our arctic adventures.
Apukka Resort – Ultimate Phrases
Apukka Resort provides a once-in-a-lifetime expertise in Finland. Positioned simply exterior of Rovaniemi City Center, the lodge sits in a super vacation spot for anybody wanting an actual Finnish expertise however looking for a mixture of comfort and wilderness.
The resort’s picturesque location supplies a wonderful vantage level for witnessing the Northern Lights dancing throughout the Arctic skies (in the event you’re fortunate with the climate!).
With cozy lodging and a spread of winter actions, Apukka Resort provides a really magical keep within the coronary heart of Finnish Lapland.
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