01 About Apukka Resort
TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2026. Full-service glass igloo resort 10 min from Rovaniemi Airport, on the shores of Lake Olkkajärvi. Aurora Cabin igloos with panoramic glass roof over the bed, free winter clothing, outstanding breakfast and the most complete activity program in Rovaniemi - huskies, reindeer, sauna and Northern Lights safaris all on-site.
The Aurora Cabins are the heart of the resort: orb-shaped glass-roofed igloos where the panoramic window sits directly above the bed. The design is purpose-built for sky watching - you lie in a warm, blackout-curtain-equipped cabin and look straight up through the heated glass. Komsio and Kammi glass igloo suites offer a two-story layout with 360-degree glass on the upper level, better suited to couples or small groups wanting more space and a kitchenette.
Every guest receives complimentary winter clothing - snowsuits, boots and hats - from the equipment building. This detail matters more than it sounds: arriving in Lapland without proper gear is a common mistake, and Apukka removes that problem entirely. Two restaurants serve local Lappish ingredients; the breakfast buffet is consistently one of the strongest in Rovaniemi. Restaurant Kota handles dinners with reindeer, salmon and cloudberry dishes.
Activities run from August through April: husky dog-sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, horse tours, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, Northern Lights train expeditions, lake sauna with cold plunge, snowshoeing and more. Most are bookable on-site or in advance. Non-staying guests can also book activities, making Apukka a popular day-trip destination from Rovaniemi.
Request an igloo in the forest section (not near the service road) for darker skies. The Aurora Cabin King offers the best balance of size and glass-roof position. For aurora hunting, book a separate Northern Lights excursion with another operator as a backup - the resort does not guarantee additional aurora efforts even on dedicated packages. The husky tour and lake sauna with cold plunge are the standout activities - prioritise these over reindeer rides which guests rate as poor value.
02 Photos
03 Accommodation
Aurora Cabin Original/Queen/King (couples, panoramic glass roof over bed, 24sqm+, private bathroom, electric fireplace); Aurora Cabin Family (up to 6 guests, extra sleeping nook); Komsio Glass Igloo Suite (couples, 2-story, 360 degree glass roof on upper level); Kammi Glass Igloo Suite (up to 4 guests, kitchenette, 2-story); Apukka Lakeview Suite (2 bedrooms, glass walls to Lake Olkkajärvi, no glass roof); Villa Apukka (3 bedrooms, full kitchen, groups)
All Aurora Cabins and suites include a private bathroom, electric fireplace, blackout curtains, climate control, free WiFi and tea and coffee station. Every guest receives complimentary winter clothing from the equipment building: snowsuit, boots and hat - included at no extra charge.
04 Price Guide
Usually includes
- Buffet breakfast
- free WiFi
- free parking
- complimentary winter clothing (snowsuit and boots)
Prices vary strongly by date, igloo category and availability. Check current rates before publishing a fixed price. Pre-packaged activity bundles are often better value when booked separately.
Check Live Prices →05 Review Highlights
Guests love
The husky dog-sledding tour, lake sauna with cold plunge, and the breakfast buffet are consistently rated the top three highlights. Free winter clothing for all guests removes a major logistical headache. Friendly, warm staff and a genuinely immersive forest-and-lake setting.
Worth knowing
A few igloos near the service road suffer from vehicle light interference - always request a forest-side unit. Kammi and Komsio suites have steep stairs to the upper sleeping level. Hot water can run short in family igloos with 6 guests. Shuttle does not run late evening, limiting night trips into town.
Best approach
Two to three nights is the sweet spot. Book the husky tour and sauna on separate days. Always add a separate Northern Lights excursion with a local operator as a backup - the resort cannot guarantee aurora visibility on its own packages.
06 Glass Igloo Score™
Apukka Resort is the most complete glass igloo experience in Rovaniemi - and arguably in all of Finnish Lapland south of the Arctic Circle. TripAdvisor Best of the Best award two years running is not marketing: 800+ reviews and a #2 ranking reflect a resort that genuinely delivers. The free winter clothing, outstanding breakfast, and range of on-site activities mean you arrive, drop your bags, and everything is taken care of. The Aurora Cabin design - glass roof sitting directly above the bed - is exactly what the glass igloo concept should be.
Located in genuine wilderness away from Rovaniemi city lights, with good sky darkness for aurora viewing. The glass roof sits directly above the bed for unobstructed viewing. No formal aurora alarm service - guests monitor conditions themselves. A few igloos near the service road (notably #6) suffer from vehicle light interference; request a forest-side unit. Latitude 66.6 degrees N is adequate but not as far north as Saariselka resorts.
The best-located glass igloo resort in Rovaniemi: 10 min from the airport, 15 min from city center, 10 min from Santa Claus Village. Lake Olkkajärvi on the doorstep. Resort shuttle runs regularly to town (€8/adult one way). Feels genuinely remote but nothing is far away - ideal for short trips.
Aurora Cabins are warm, well-designed and cozy: electric fireplace, blackout curtains, climate control, private bathroom, tea and coffee. Free snowsuits and boots for all guests is a standout feature. Kammi and Komsio suites have steep stairs to the upper sleeping level - worth knowing before booking. Hot water limited in larger family igloos.
Two restaurants, both well-regarded. Restaurant Aitta handles all-day dining with local Finnish ingredients and strong vegetarian options. Restaurant Kota is the atmospheric dinner choice. Breakfast buffet included in all room rates and consistently praised as one of the best in Rovaniemi. Dinner buffet at €55 is reasonable for the quality; a la carte roughly equivalent.
One of the best family igloo resorts in Finland. Family Aurora Cabins sleep up to 6. On-site activities cover all ages: huskies, reindeer, horse tours, snowshoeing, ice fishing. Free sleds and outdoor play area. Shuttle stops at Santa Claus Village. Staff are noted for being warm and accommodating with children.
The Komsio Glass Igloo Suite with 360 degree glass roof on the upper sleeping level is one of the most romantic igloo rooms in Rovaniemi. Romantic Getaway packages available. Lakeside sauna with hot tub and cold plunge is a highlight for couples. Tripadvisor rates it 8.7 for two-person stays. The forest setting and lake views add genuine atmosphere.
Most igloos are well-spaced through the forest and genuinely quiet. A few units near the service road have vehicle light and noise exposure - ask for a forest-side cabin when booking. The 5-7 minute walk from the main lodge to the furthest cabins means little foot traffic passes your door at night.
Base room prices during season are high, and activities add up fast (a couple spending 3 nights with activities can easily reach €3,000-4,500 total). That said, the quality - free winter clothing, excellent breakfast, comprehensive activity choice, strong staff - justifies the price better than most Rovaniemi competitors. Reindeer rides flagged by multiple guests as poor value; husky and sauna experiences are worth it.
07 Good to Know
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: by 11:00
Open Season
August to April (glass igloos). Summer activities available year-round
Getting There
10 km from Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), approx. 10 min by car
Transfer: Resort shuttle (2026): €8/adult, €4/child (4-14), €20/family one way. Uber and taxis available, typically 7 min wait
Practical Info
All guests receive complimentary winter clothing: snowsuit, boots and hat. No TV in rooms - WiFi is strong. Kammi and Komsio suites have steep stairs to the upper sleeping level. Hot water capacity limited in family igloos (20 min continuous). Request an igloo away from the service road for best aurora darkness. Shuttle bus does not run late evening - plan accordingly for night activities in town.
08 Location
Apukka Resort is located on the shore of Lake Olkkajärvi in Apukka, Finland, approximately 15 km from the city centre. Address: Tutkijantie 28 96900.
The location strikes an ideal balance: forested lakeside wilderness for dark skies and aurora viewing, yet just 10 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport and 10 minutes from Santa Claus Village. The daily resort shuttle connects to the city centre and Santa Claus Village throughout the day.
09 Nearby Attractions
10 FAQ
Can you see the Northern Lights from Apukka Resort?
Yes - the Aurora Cabins and glass igloo suites are designed with panoramic glass roofs for sky viewing. The resort sits away from Rovaniemi city lights on a forested lake shore, giving good natural darkness. However, northern lights are never guaranteed: they depend on solar activity and cloud cover. Always book a separate Northern Lights excursion with a local operator as a backup plan, especially if aurora viewing is your main goal.
What is the difference between Aurora Cabins and Glass Igloo Suites?
Aurora Cabins are the original orb-shaped igloos where the glass roof sits directly above the bed - ideal for aurora watching. They come in Original, Queen, King and Family sizes. Glass Igloo Suites (Komsio and Kammi) are two-story structures with the bedroom on the upper level under a 360-degree glass roof, plus a sitting area and optional kitchenette downstairs. Suites offer more space and privacy; Aurora Cabins offer a more direct, classic igloo feel.
How do I get from Rovaniemi to Apukka Resort?
The resort runs a daily orange shuttle bus (September to April) connecting Apukka, Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi city centre. Adults pay EUR 8 one way, children aged 4-14 pay EUR 4, and families pay EUR 20. Note that the shuttle does not run late in the evening, so night trips into town require a taxi or Uber (typically a 7-minute wait). Renting a car gives maximum flexibility.
Is breakfast included at Apukka Resort?
Yes, a breakfast buffet is included with all accommodation types. It is one of the most consistently praised features of the resort across hundreds of reviews, with guests highlighting fresh local ingredients and strong vegetarian and vegan options.
Which activities at Apukka are worth booking?
The husky dog-sledding tour and the lake sauna with cold plunge are the two standout activities based on guest reviews. The Northern Lights Snow Train expedition is a good experience as a group activity. Reindeer rides are rated poor value by multiple guests - consider skipping them.
Is Apukka Resort good for families?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly glass igloo resorts in Rovaniemi. Aurora Cabin Family igloos sleep up to 6. On-site activities suit all ages: huskies, reindeer, horse tours, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sledding. The shuttle connects to Santa Claus Village (10 minutes away). Staff are noted for being warm and accommodating with children. Children under 4 ride the shuttle free.