Watching free-flowing waves of vivid greens, pinks, purples and yellows dance around a star-spangled sky, it’s easy to see why the Aurora Borealis is crowned as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. The phenomenon is exclusive to the Northern Hemisphere, with Scandinavia coveted as one of the best places on the planet to experience the marvel.
While watching the Aurora Borealis is magical in any setting, sleeping under the stars in a luxury, custom-made glass igloo is guaranteed to take your experience to the next level. Want to know more? Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about watching the Northern Lights from glass igloos, an unforgettable experience that’s offered with many of Scandi Travel’s tours of Lapland.
Why you should experience the Northern lights from a glass igloo
Glass igloos elevate your experience by combining the luxuries of a hotel with the sheer magic of sleeping under the Northern Lights and the Arctic sky. There’s nothing quite like gazing up at the Aurora Borealis from your plush bed, with a wood fire crackling in the background and a steaming hot sauna at your fingertips.
Beyond front row seats to the Northern Lights, staying in a glass igloo in Lapland unlocks all kinds of unique Scandinavian experiences. When travelling to the Muotka igloos, for instance, you’ll board a traditional husky sled and get a real feel for the jaw dropping landscape. If that’s not enough, you can even embark on reindeer safaris, snowmobile adventures and authentic Saami cultural experiences.
The best location to watch the Northern Lights from glass igloos
High latitude and very little light pollution make Finland one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights. As Finland’s northernmost region, Lapland is one of the most rewarding destinations in Scandinavia. Best of all, it’s dotted with incredible destinations for viewing Aurora Borealis.
Generally, the further north you go the better your chances. With this in mind, Scandi Travel has handpicked some incredible destinations combining fantastic Northern Lights viewing opportunities with premium accommodation.
Surrounded by snow-dusted Arctic forest, the enchanting village of Saariselkä sits 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and is a fantastic base for Aurora Borealis tours. The remote Muotka wilderness lodge promises an utterly unique experience, with beautiful cabins featuring panoramic windows for viewing the Northern Lights. Hotel Kakslauttanen puts you on the fringe of Urho Kekkonen National Park, an untouched wilderness that showcases the distinct natural beauty of Finland.
You’ll love experiencing Aurora Borealis from luxury Finland Northern Lights igloos, designed to immerse you in the spectacular light show. There’s even a spellbinding Snow Chapel, making Hotel Kakslauttanen a dream come true for destination weddings. Inari, a tiny village tucked away in Finland’s most sparsely populated municipality, is also a wonderful place to experience Aurora Borealis, as well as the unique culture of Lapland.
The best time of year to watch the Northern Lights from glass igloos
Winter offers the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights, with long dark nights and very little ambient light from the sun. The best time to visit is from December to February, though brilliant sightings of the Northern Lights are also reported from late August to April. In Finnish Lapland, the Northern Lights are visible on around 200 nights a year, meaning your chances are excellent if you travel in the right season.
Is it cold inside a glass igloo?
All igloos are constructed with a special thermal glass to ensure the inside temperature is always at a comfortable level. So, even if the outside temperature drops to below minus-thirty degrees, you’ll still be toasty warm inside your glass igloo.
The glass dome never develops condensation or frost which means your views of Aurora Borealis and the sparkling night sky are always pristine. You’ll also fall asleep in style with high thread count linen, cosy duvets and plush pillows.
What to wear when watching the Northern Lights in a glass igloo
Inside your cosy, thermally insulated glass igloo, you’re free to wear whatever you like. You’ll enjoy complete privacy from your neighbours which means you can get cosy with pyjamas and Ugg boots, or wear nothing at all. Don’t forget your swimming costume, as many igloos featured on Scandi Travel tours treat you to private saunas and the chance to enjoy an invigorating dip in an ice hole. Of course, on any winter tour you’ll be spending a good amount of time outdoors so be sure to pack warm layers and thermals, as well as windproof and waterproof shells.
Things to bring when watching the Northern Lights in a glass igloo
The Northern Lights are so mesmerising that you don’t need anything to enhance the experience. That said, Aurora Borealis can often dance around in the sky for hours, meaning it can be nice to have a bottle of wine and a block of dark chocolate on hand in your private glass igloo.
How many nights you need to give yourself a shot of seeing the Northern Lights
Like most natural phenomena, the Northern Lights don’t adhere to a strict schedule which means it’s best to give yourself at least two to three nights to experience the magic. Scandi Travel makes it easy to maximise your chances, with most tours including several opportunities to view Aurora Borealis.
On the Lapland Wilderness 4 Day Tour to Saariselka with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo, for example, you’ll embark on a three-hour after dark minibus tour from your hotel in Saariselkä to chase Aurora Borealis, then get a second chance when staying in a glass igloo at the Muotka Wilderness lodge.
Book your Northern Lights Glass Igloo in Finland
Watching Aurora Borealis dance in the sky is one of the most memorable and unique experiences on offer in the Northern Hemisphere. That’s why most tours offered by Scandi Travel include at least one unforgettable Northern lights experience, if not more.
For the ultimate experience, book a Scandi Travel Lapland tour featuring an overnight stay in a glass igloo. Sleeping under a canopy of twinkling stars and hypnotic Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is guaranteed to crystallise as a highlight of your trip to Scandinavia.
