Hotel Review: Apukka Resort, Lapland

If you’re planning a trip to the magical winter wonderland of Lapland, Finland, then Apukka Resort is the perfect place for you.

Located in Rovaniemi, also known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, this resort offers amazing glass igloo accommodations, thrilling Arctic activities, and the chance to experience the famous Northern Lights right outside your window.

During our Lapland trip, we spent 2 nights at the Apukka Resort and it was truly a dream come true. Here’s a detailed review of our stay.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. Please note that we were invited to stay at Apukka Resort, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.*

Basic Information

Arriving at Apukka Resort

The resort is located only 10-15 minutes away from Rovaniemi airport so it’s very convenient to get to. If you’re planning to arrive with your rental car, there are plenty of parking spaces available.

You can also take advantage of the Apukka Shuttle Bus service, which runs between Rovaniemi City Center, Santa Claus Village, and Apukka Resort.

This is a great option if you want to explore the city or visit Santa Claus Village during your stay, or if you’re staying elsewhere but still want to participate in the Arctic activities at Apukka Resort.

As soon as we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the staff at the reception desk. They gave us a quick tour of the resort and explained all the available activities and amenities.

Room Types

Apukka Resort offers a variety of unique and cozy accommodations, including many types of signature aurora cabins and glass igloos.

One of the advantages of staying at Apukka Resort is that all room types have a clear view of the sky, which is perfect for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The area is generally free from light pollution, making it a prime spot for aurora hunting.

Kammi Glass Igloo Suites

We stayed in the Kammi Glass Igloo Suite during our stay and it was absolutely amazing.

The igloo had two floors, with a cozy living area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom on the lower level. The kitchenette was equipped with all the essential utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals.

My favorite features of the lower levels were the electric fireplace and the heated floors in the bathroom. Nothing beats coming back to a warm and cozy igloo after a day of Arctic adventures!

On the upper level, there was a comfortable double bed and a glass ceiling that allowed us to admire the beautiful night sky from the comfort of our own bed.

Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side during our stay, so we did not get to see the Northern Lights from our igloo. But I can imagine how breathtaking it would be on a clear night.

Winter Activities

At Apukka Resort, you can experience a wide range of unforgettable winter activities such as husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and even a traditional Finnish sauna experience. There are so many types of experiences that it’s impossible to get bored!

The best part is that these activities can be booked by anyone, regardless of where you’re staying. So even if you’re not a guest at Apukka Resort, you can still participate in these amazing Arctic adventures which I could only recommend.

We had the chance to participate in three activities during our stay, so I will briefly share our experiences here.

Apukka Husky Adventure

This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Lapland! The husky adventure takes you on a thrilling ride through the snowy forests, with the adorable and energetic huskies pulling your sled.

It was such a unique and fun experience, and the dogs were so friendly and cute. They are always so excited to go on a run and it’s truly heartwarming to see how much they enjoy doing what they were bred for.

The sleds can fit two people comfortably, and you can take turns driving and riding. Just make sure to bundle up because it can get quite chilly during the ride!

If you don’t have your own winter gear, don’t worry as the resort provides all necessary clothing and equipment for these activities.

After the ride, you can pet and take photos with the huskies, and you can even meet the baby huskies if you’re lucky!

Apukka Reindeer Journey

The reindeer safari was a more tranquil experience compared to the husky adventure. The reindeer go in a much slower space, allowing you to take in the beautiful snowy landscapes and snap some amazing photos.

Similar to the husky adventure, the sleds can fit two people but here you don’t need to do any driving. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful ride.

As reindeer are semi-wild animals, you can’t touch or feed them during the journey. But you will have a chance to snap some photos with them during the break and after the ride.

In the middle of the experience, we had a break in a traditional Lappish hut where we enjoyed some hot drinks and snacks while learning about the Sami culture. This was hands down one of my favorite parts of the trip as we got to learn so much about the animals!

Snowmobile Safari

This was our last activity at Apukka Resort and it was definitely a thrilling one. We got to ride through the snowy landscapes on powerful snowmobiles, led by our knowledgeable guide.

Apukka is located on the shores of a frozen lake so we got to ride across the lake, which was such an amazing experience.

The snowmobiles can fit two people as well, and you can take turns driving. It does require some skill and strength to maneuver the vehicle but it’s definitely worth it. Just make sure to listen to your guide’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable ride!

As I mentioned before, Apukka provides all necessary winter gear, including warm suits, boots, and helmets which you will definitely need for this adventure.

Dining

Apukka Resort has two dining options on-site: Restaurant Kota and Restaurant Aitta.

Restaurant Kota is a traditional Lappish hut where you can enjoy delicious meals by the open fire. They offer a set dinner menu with options for dietary restrictions, and it’s a great way to experience authentic Finnish cuisine.

Restaurant Aitta is the main restaurant at the resort, offering a buffet-style breakfast in the morning, and a la carte options for lunch and dinner.

The breakfast buffet had a good variety of options, including both hot and cold dishes. You can fuel up for your day of activities with hearty Finnish dishes or opt for a lighter breakfast with fruits and pastries.

For dinner, we tried the traditional sauteed reindeer and the Arctic char, both of which were delicious. The portions were generous and the flavors were spot on.

We also had the chocolate cake with orange and rosemary ice cream as per our server’s recommendation, and it was a delightful combination of flavors.

You can also upgrade to a half-board meal plan when booking your stay, and Restaurant Aitta also offers room service for an additional fee.

Final Thoughts

Our experience at Apukka Resort was truly unforgettable. From the cozy glass igloo to the amazing winter activities and delicious dining options, everything exceeded our expectations.

I would highly recommend a visit to Apukka for anyone looking for a unique and magical winter getaway. The beauty of Lapland combined with the warm hospitality of the resort staff make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking adventure and relaxation in nature.

So pack your warmest clothes and get ready for an unforgettable Arctic adventure!

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