10 Most unusual & memorable places for your family to stay while exploring Finland
My family and I are big fans of Finland. We love the Finnish culture and sense of design. We love that Finns are so connected to nature and actively work to preserve what they have. And we love that we can do things in Finland that we don’t do at home – forage in the forest for our food, mush a team of sled dogs, and gaze at the Northern Lights, just to name a few examples.
And then there’s this… there are a lot of really unique places to stay in Finland that further enhance the Finnish experience (and I can guarantee that they all come with a Finnish sauna!). Some of them take a little work to unearth, but fortunately, I’ve done that work for you!
Here are my top 10 picks for unique stays for families visiting Finland.
1. Hawkhill
Uusimaa near Nuuksio National Park
Run by the third generation of this Finnish family, Hawkhill is a lakeside cottage retreat on the edge of Nuuksio National Park, just 45 minutes from Helsinki. Spend any time in Finland, and you’ll discover that Finns embrace lake life and either own a cottage or regularly vacation with someone who does, so spending time on a lake is a Finnish thing to do.
Hawkhill is the perfect place to stay for two or three nights. We were warmly greeted by owner Annu and shown to our cabin, Villa Eino. The cabin was hand-carved by her father and named after her grandfather. The four-bed, two-room cabin was impeccably kept and equipped. As is the case with all the cottages, it had its own shower room and large sauna. Annu had left footbaths for us with packs of fresh Finnish herbs. Outside the cabin, we had our own private dock and rowboat to use on the quiet, placid lake. We even took Annu’s advice and jumped into the frigid water (we visited in autumn) and then did a mad dash to the sauna! In the winter, Annu cuts holes in the ice for ice swimming… another very Finnish thing to do.
The property has five other cottages plus a traditional house, ranging in size (four to eight guests) that all require a two-night reservation.
But that’s ok because you’ll find there’s plenty to do here and in the national park: canoeing, fat tire biking, hiking, horseback riding, and forest yoga. We actually went on a foraging hike with Annu where we gathered wild blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and mushrooms (lots of poisonous ones, too, so go with an expert) that we later used in a traditional Finnish cookout that Annu organized.
Honestly, I can’t imagine our trip to Finland without a stay at Hawkhill. Rate starts at about $319/night, depending on the exchange rate.
KidTripster Tip: In addition to vacationers, Hawkhill also hosts large groups, so make sure to reserve your cottage well in advance.
KidTripster Tip: Make sure to consult with Annu about Hawkhill’s location in relationship to other attractions in the national park. Sometimes, it’s actually shorter to hike to a destination rather than drive.
2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Ivalo
Situated inside the Arctic Circle, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is truly one of the most unique spots my family has ever vacationed. While it’s possible to visit Finnish Lapland year-round, I believe the magic of this place should be experienced in the winter. And believe me, it will feel like winter. When we visited in December, the temperature was a frigid -5°F! Bundle up so that you can partake in some unusual activities like ice fishing, reindeer sleigh rides, and dog sledding where you actually get to be the musher.
But it’s the unique accommodations that have put Kakslauttanen on the map. Here, your family can book a 4-person, glass-doomed igloo, giving you unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, if they decide to show themselves during your visit. (Northern Lights season runs late August through April.) But take it from me, the better option is the Kelo-Glass igloo – a cozy, log chalet complete with a small kitchen, bunk beds, fireplace, sauna, and a glass-domed bedroom.
KidTripster Tip: The resort is actual two properties: East and West Villages. You’ll want to stay in West Village with the more updated Kelo-Glass igloos and newer dining facilities. Plan to book a year in advance.
During the Christmas holiday, there are special events planned, including an appearance from Santa and one of his reindeer. It was on Christmas Eve that my family and I were gifted with our only sighting of the Northern Lights. Pretty magical.
For the money, if I had to do it over, I wouldn’t go during the holidays. During high season (mid-November through mid-March), the Kelo-glass igloo costs $805/night for two adults, plus an additional $258/child, plus an additional fee for half board at $40/night/adult and $23/night/child. At Christmastime, it’s $1347/night for two adults (with a mandatory 3-night stay), plus meals.
Read my full review of Kakslauttanen, including advice for dealing with the frigid temperatures, by clicking here.
3. Tentsile Experience at Eco Camp Nuuksio
Espoo near Nuuksio National Park
I have always wanted to try a Tentsile tree tent, and Eco Camp near Nuuksio National Park seemed like the perfect spot! What is a Tentsile? It’s a tent that’s suspended like a hammock between three trees and can sleep three people.
What makes this such a great experience is that Eco Camp provides nearly everything you’ll need. So if you’re an international traveler, you don’t need to worry about sleeping bags, towels, head lamps, drinking water or campfire wood. It’s all provided! You have access to indoor bathrooms, showers, and a sauna (must reserve) just a short walk away. Plus you get breakfast at nearby Restaurant Haltia and tickets to the Haltia, the Finnish Nature Centre. I recommend adding the dinner basket for about $22. Cost: 2 campers about $198/night; 3 campers about $264/night, depending on the exchange rate.
You have a private beach at Eco Camp, though Nuuksio Long Lake can be pretty nippy for a swim. Instead you can rent a canoe or fat tire bike at Haltia or simply go hiking.
KidTripster Tip: I’d only recommend a stay here during the summer. Autumn temperatures overnight can get pretty cold.
4. Hotel Katajanooka
Helsinki
This boutique hotel’s mantra – Escape the Ordinary – is a cheeky reference to its grim past. Hotel Katajanokka was formerly the Helsinki County Prison, nicknamed “Nokka.” The oldest part of the building dates back to 1837. After the last prisoners were transferred in 2002, the historic building underwent a major renovation. Sections of the building are original – the open central corridor, red brick outer walls, and the high perimeter wall – and protected by the Finnish National Board of Antiquities. As you can imagine, these prison walls can tell some stories, including the time that prisoners dug a tunnel from the men’s cell block on the 3rd floor – not to the outside – but instead to the women’s cell No. 13 on the same floor.
The rooms have been reconstructed from the original cell blocks with a meter-thick, brick wall between you and your nearest “cellmate” for maximum peace and quiet. Comfortably furnished, the Superior Family Room has a king-sized bed and fold-out sofa to accommodate two children. Rooms are decorated with framed, original padlocks and keys plus historic photos.
The hotel gym is open to guests daily; the sauna is free for guest use on weekend mornings. During the summer, spend some time in the prison yard (aka the courtyard terrace) with drinks and live music. Rate starts at $153/night, depending on the exchange rate.
For three other designer hotels that I recommend for families visiting Helsinki, click here.
5. Hotelli Kalevala
Kuhmo
Located about 6-1/2 hours north of Helsinki near the Russian border, you’ll find Hotel Kalevala. In addition to lodge-like accommodations, the hotel offers a bear watching program during the summer that’s truly unique. You’re transported from the hotel to one of its bear camps where you spend the night in a secure blind. From inside the structure, you’re able to observe and photograph bears in the wild – depending on what the night brings, of course. Sometimes, it brings a wolverine or wolf, too. You have a pillow and sleeping bag, but I doubt that you’ll get much sleep. Rate for the 2-night bear experience starts at about $329/person, depending on the exchange rate.
Other summer activities include fishing, fat tire biking, and frisbee golf. There’s a peat sauna, spa, and hot tubs, as well.
6. Tikankolo Wilderness Hut
Nuuksio National Park
Could you do rustic? Then I’ve got the place for you. Spend a night in Tikankolo, a wilderness hut inside Nuuksio National Park. This two-room hut was built in the 1950s and used by lumberjacks logging the area. There’s no electricity or running water, but it does have a propane stove for cooking and a wood stove for heat. It can accommodate six people in two sets of bunk beds (double on the bottom, single on top). And of course – in true Finnish style – it has a large sauna house. The biggest downside? The outhouse, but I will say, that it’s clean.
What the hut lacks in amenities is makes up for in setting. Located on the shore of Lake Saarilampi, you’ll likely be the only family on its shores. Bring some headlamps and a deck of cards, and settle in for a night of solitude. Cost: about $93/night, depending on the exchange rate.
KidTripster Tip: The camping site is stocked with campfire wood, but you’ll want to bring matches and a knife to prep the kindling. Also, there’s no refrigerator, so don’t bring anything that needs to be kept cold unless you have a cooler. Bring drinking water. You can use water from the clean lake for dish washing.
KidTripster Tip: To unlock the cabin, you’ll get a code to a combination box. Make sure you write this code down before you leave, as you many not have cell service to retrieve the code on your phone.
KidTripster Tip: The hut is not supplied with sleeping bags. We rented them from the same place that rents the hut, Natura Viva.
KidTripster Tip: The nearest parking area is about a half mile away, so park and hike in. There is another hut that you can rent in the park called Oravankolo, but it’s about 2-1/2 miles from the nearest parking area.
7. Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi
While you can stay at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle throughout the year, most visitors come to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from August to April. But of course, there’s no guarantees with Mother Nature. She may decide not to turn on the lights during your visit. The first time that my family visited Lapland, we only saw them once for about 20 minutes; the second time, the lights were visible for longer, but they weren’t as bright.
Here’s how this resort is set up for families. There are two adjoining igloos, inspired by traditional Lappish huts. In the first igloo, you have a double bed in the glass-topped portion and a twin bed in the alcove (without a glass ceiling) plus a bathroom. That igloo connects to a second igloo where there’s bedding for another two people plus a bathroom and sauna. Breakfast is included as is an Aurora alarm. Basically, if the Northern Lights appear while you’re sleeping, you can be alerted so that you don’t miss a sighting. The rate starts at about $600/night during low season but jumps to about $1000/night during the holidays. Unlike some other igloo properties, there’s no minimum night stay.
Many families opt to split up their stay with a night in the igloos and then additional nights at Hotel Santa Claus in downtown Rovaniemi. Owned by the same company – Santa’s Hotels, there are several room categories that will accommodate families, but I really like the deluxe rooms and suites with private saunas. The room rate includes a buffet breakfast and starts around $221/night during low season and goes up during peak season.
KidTripster Tip: Rovaniemi has some excellent restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. I recommend both Roka Kitchen and Wine Bar (Koskikatu 8) and Arctic Restaurant (Valtakatu 18).
KidTripster Tip: If you’re visiting other areas in Lapland, check out Santa’s Hotels’ other properties, including more igloos.
8. Arctic Fox Igloos
Ranua
According to Finnish legend, the Northern Lights appear when an arctic fox swipes its tail across a hill, sending sparks up into the sky. Arctic Fox Igloos offer unobstructed views across Lake Ranuanjärvi, far from city light pollution. If you’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, their reflection on the water can make for some outstanding photos.
These igloos are located in Ranua about an hour south of Rovaniemi. The family igloos are equipped with a double bed that has two pull-out trundle beds to accommodate a total of four people. The igloo has a small kitchenette, bathroom, and sauna. The rate starts at about $165/2 people/night and about $55/additional bed/night but goes up to about $555/2 people/night and about $108/additional bed/night during high season. You can add on half or full board (meals), as well.
You may want to combine an overnight stay in the igloos with an extended vacation at Holiday Village Gulo Gulo, home to 30 apartments and activities. Rates for a family of four start at about $248/night during low season; about $369/night during high season, depending on the exchange rate. Resort activities here include alpaca farm visits, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, husky safaris, ice fishing, Lappish crafts, sleigh rides by horse or reindeer, snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, and a trip to Santa’s secret cabin.
The resort sits right next to Ranua Wildlife Park, home to 50 species of Arctic animals including the arctic fox. But the star here? The polar bear.
KidTripster Tip: Rent a MP3 player at the ticket office to listen to the audio tour while you tour the museum.
The igloos, apartments, and wildlife park are open year-round. Tours and activities run throughout the year, as well.
9. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Rovaniemi
Yes, this is one of those dreamy, once-in-a-lifetime resort stays. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos offers several ways to experience a Finnish winter. You can choose to stay in the Snowhotel where rooms are formed from packed snow. You bundle up inside a specialized sleeping bag that’s provided. Or stay considerably warmer in family-sized, glass-topped igloo (up to 4 people) where you can peer at the Northern Lights, if they choose to make an appearance. Make sure to have a drink in the Ice Bar (no need for chilled glasses here!) and dine in the Ice Restaurant (snowsuits are provided). And of course, it wouldn’t be Finland without a sauna – in this case, a snow sauna – plus outdoor hot tubs.
KidTripster Tip: You can elect to get an Aurora alert while you’re sleeping if the Northern Lights appear. A staff member stays up all night so you don’t have to!
Other activities include snowshoeing, snow sculpting, ice fishing, snowmobile safaris, and a special program that allows your family to visit an actual Lapland resident in their home and learn to make traditional Finnish flatbread.
Looking for even more glass igloo hotels from which to watch the Northern Lights in Finland? Check out this list from our friends at Trekaroo.
10. Reindeer Igluhut
Nuuksio Reindeer Park
Not all of Finland’s reindeer live with Santa in Lapland. Some hang out at the Nuuksio Reindeer Park. Especially appealing to young families, spend the night in an igluhut where you can fling open the windows and feed the reindeer by hand; buckets of lichen are provided. Each igluhut sleeps two people, so a family of four would have to rent both huts on the property. These hobbit-like homes are absolutely adorable on the inside with a double bed (linens provided), ecotoilet, small sink, mini fridge, and electric kettle. Rate is about $325/night, depending on the exchange rate.
Additionally, you can order an evening snack basket and breakfast basket. You also can book dinner at the nearby White Reindeer Teepee Restaurant. End your day with a soak in the private outdoor hot tub or good sweat in the wood-heated sauna.
This writer received some complimentary stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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