Lapland’s landscapes and experiences are straight out of a winter storybook. Picture yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Arctic forests, blanketed in sparkling white snow. In Santa Claus Village, magic is real—meet Santa himself any day of the year, and watch as playful elves scurry about, spreading joy and wonder. Chase the Northern Lights as they paint the night sky with their mesmerizing colors, dancing above the pristine wilderness.
For adventure lovers, Lapland offers endless thrills: glide through the snow on a family snowmobile safari, race through the wintry landscape on a husky sled, or enjoy the calm charm of a reindeer sleigh ride. You can even step onto a frozen lake and, with the help of a local Finn, learn how to drill a hole through the thick ice and master the art of ice fishing.
Lapland welcomes you to a dreamlike world, where the stunning beauty of nature leaves you speechless. With this in mind, we highlight the best family-friendly hotels for your stay:
1. Octola Lodge
- Type: Private luxury lodge
- Features: Set within a private wilderness, Octola offers an luxurious experience with private chefs, saunas, and all-inclusive wilderness activities like reindeer sleigh rides and snowshoeing. This lodge is highly exclusive, designed for those seeking privacy and personalized services.
- Best for: Families wanting a secluded, high-end stay with all-inclusive access to nature and cultural experiences. While other resorts offer many Arctic activities, Octola includes private and exclusive versions of these experiences. This allows guests to experience husky rides, Northern Lights tours, and reindeer sleigh rides away from the usual crowds.
- Atmosphere: Exclusive, intimate, and eco-luxury-focused.
2. Apukka Resort
- Type: Family-friendly adventure resort
- Features: Known for glass-roofed aurora cabins, Apukka combines rustic charm with modern comforts. The resort offers extensive activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and husky safaris, making it ideal for families.
- Best for: Families looking for a balance of comfort and immersive activities; it has affordable options compared to ultra-luxury resorts.
- Atmosphere: Cozy, friendly, and activity-packed, with a focus on both comfort and adventure.
3. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
- Type: Ice hotel and glass igloos
- Features: Rebuilt each year from snow and ice, Arctic SnowHotel offers a unique Arctic stay in ice suites along with glass igloos for Northern Lights viewing. It provides ice-carving workshops and access to the famous ice restaurant.
- Best for: Families looking for a short, unique experience; suitable for older kids as the ice rooms can be very cold.
- Atmosphere: Novel, artistic, and enchanting, but more of a short-stay option due to its icy nature.
4. Santa Claus Holiday Village
- Type: Christmas-themed resort
- Features: Located at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, this resort caters to families with young children. Activities include meeting Santa, reindeer rides, and visiting Santa’s official post office. The village has cottage-style accommodations with private saunas.
- Best for: Families with young children who want a magical, Santa-focused holiday experience.
- Atmosphere: Festive, family-friendly, and immersive, especially popular during the holiday season.
5. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
- Type: Boutique luxury hotel with treehouse suites
- Features: Set in the forest, each treehouse suite features panoramic windows for Northern Lights viewing. It combines luxury with nature and offers access to family-friendly excursions like Northern Lights hunting and Santa Claus Village visits.
- Best for: Families wanting a luxurious, stylish stay with easy access to outdoor and holiday activities.
- Atmosphere: Modern, stylish, and tranquil, with a focus on blending luxury and nature.
6. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
- Type: Iconic igloo and log cabin resort in Saariselkä
- Features: Known for its iconic glass igloos and log cabins, Kakslauttanen offers unique activities such as reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and Santa Claus visits. The resort provides on-site dining and activities tailored for families.
- Best for: Families looking for unique, cozy accommodations with easy access to winter activities and iconic igloo stays.
- Atmosphere: Dreamy, authentic, and slightly rustic, giving guests a true taste of Arctic life with a cozy, magical setting.
Where to Stay in Lapland: Family Picks -In summary:
- For exclusive privacy and luxury: Octola Lodge.
- For adventure and comfort on a budget: Apukka Resort.
- For a unique, short icy experience: Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos.
- For Christmas magic with young kids: Santa Claus Holiday Village.
- For luxury treehouse-style stays and nature views: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
- For iconic igloos and Arctic charm: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
Octola Lodge is the most luxurious option, ideal for those seeking an ultra-premium experience with private access to Lapland’s natural beauty and top-notch service. Santa Claus Holiday Village, Apukka Resort, and Arctic SnowHotel are family-friendly and comfortable, but they are not as focused on high-end, exclusive luxury. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is stylish and unique, but it’s not as secluded or personalized, and it has a more boutique-hotel feel. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort also provides luxurious igloos and log cabins, but it lacks the fully private, customized experience Octola offers.
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