The Hotel Kakslauttanen and Igloo Village in Finland is home to unique thermal glass igloos that offer some of the best views of the Northern Lights. (Courtesy of Hotel Kakslauttanen and Igloo Village)
Every serious traveler's bucket list includes viewing the Northern Lights(or aurora borealis), one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. And many will no doubt be traveling to the Nordic countries this winter for prime viewing of the stunning display, especially since Northern Light travel expertspredict this winter will be another good year for 'Aurora hunters' to visit the area, according to CondeNast Traveller.
While many companies offer Northern Lights viewing tours, the Hotel Kakslauttanen and Igloo Village, located high up above the Arctic Circle inSaariselka, Finland may just be the most comfortable -- and luxurious -- way to experience the light show. Nestled inUrho Kekkonen National Park, the resort gives guests the one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay at a thermal glass igloo and observe the northern lights from their beds.
Kakslauttanenhas 20 glass igloos, eachfitted with thermal glass walls and ceilingsthat insulate the interior to keep it warm and cozy at night, according to Inhabitat. The special glass is also made with a frost preventative, maintaining crystal clear panoramic views even when temperatures outside drop to -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Built to fit two people, each glass igloo also features luxury beds and a toilet. The hotel also provides guests with a hot sauna, the official website states.
Aside from glass igloos, the hotel also features log cabins, turf chambers and more traditional snow igloos, where temperatures are maintained at 21-27 degrees Fahrenheit (a warm down sleeping bag and wool socks are provided).
Guests can also opt to stay in the "glasskota," a glass building in the shape of a traditional Lapp teepee. Thekotais built with the same thermal glass as the glass igloos, and also offers anunobscuredview of the sky.
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Kakslauttanen does not guarantee a view of the Northern Lights, but their location provides one of the best opportunities for observing them as there is no light pollution and very few trees obscuring the sky. They also keep constant watch over the weather conditions and ring a signaling bell for visitors to look to the sky when the phenomenon is visible.
If the Northern Lights are a bust, the hotel offers other amenities and activities to keep guests happy. An ice gallery features ice sculptures from artists around the world, and the hotel houses the "world's largest smoke sauna," a special type of sauna without a chimney.
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