Hotel Review: Magical Pond (Lapland, Finland)

Tucked away in the eastern part of Lapland, close to the beautiful Oulanka National Park, Magical Pond is a stunning igloo village that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. With its scenic location and cozy accommodations, it’s the perfect place for a magical winter getaway.

We stayed for two nights during our recent trip to Lapland and could have easily stayed for more! In this review, we’ll share our experience at Magical Pond and why we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation.

*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 Magical Pond, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.*

Location

Magical Pond is located just minutes away from Rukatunturi, one of Finland’s most popular ski resorts. The igloo village is situated right next to a frozen lake, surrounded by the snowy forests of Lapland so it offers the best setting for a peaceful vacation.

The area is also a nature lover’s dream, with two nearby national parks – Oulanka and Riisitunturi – offering excellent opportunities for winter hikes and wildlife watching.

The closest airport to Magical Pond is in Kuusamo, about a 45-minute drive from the village. If you’re planning to take a taxi, be sure to book in advance since there are only a few available.

Alternatively, you can fly into larger hubs like Rovaniemi or Oulu; however, these options require a longer transfer. Rovaniemi is roughly a 2-hour 40-minute drive away, while Oulu is about a 3-hour journey.

Currently, there is no bus service to the village, so you’ll have to rent a car if you’re planning to arrive at any other airport than Kuusamo. On this trip, our flight landed in Oulu, so we drove more than 3 hours to reach Magical Pond which was definitely long but worth it!

Igloos

Magical Pond’s igloos are designed to reflect the natural look of northern Finland. The clean, simple design and earthy tones help the structures blend into the snowy surroundings.

The village features 20 igloos of the same size – each one measures 15m² and is built to comfortably accommodate two adults and one child under 12. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.

Each igloo is fully heated, and the bathroom even has floor heating, which was really amazing on a cold night. Keep in mind that the space is small, so it’s best to travel with smaller luggage. The highlight of the igloo is the huge bed that takes up most of the interior, making it a true treat after a day of winter adventures.

Another standout feature is the fully glass windows that allow you to watch the northern lights. We checked in late at night and, as soon as we got settled, the northern lights started dancing outside – truly the best welcome you could imagine!

Inside, you’ll also find a small fridge, coffee machine, kettle, and the necessary crockery for everyday use. The bathroom is equipped with a toilet, shower, hairdryer, and basic toiletries. Additional items such as a travel cot, pot, or microwave can be provided upon request.

Activities

Magical Pond offers plenty of activities both on-site and nearby, making it easy to experience the best of Lapland in winter. Right at the hotel, guests can enjoy free snowshoeing in the surrounding forest or rent fat bikes for an additional charge.

For relaxation, there’s a private sauna experience, or you can upgrade to a two-hour session with an outdoor jacuzzi, both including snacks.

If you’re looking for more adventure, there are several activities nearby, including husky safaris, reindeer hikes, and guided snowmobile tours. The Ruka ski resort is less than 10 minutes away, offering both downhill and cross-country skiing. Other options include ice swimming, ice karting, and cycling on the area’s fat bike trails.

Since our stay was short, we didn’t have time to try any of these activities ourselves, as we focused on enjoying the igloo and its surroundings. However, with so many options available, it’s easy to tailor your stay to be as active or as relaxing as you like.

Dining

Breakfast

Breakfast is included in your stay at Magical Pond and is served buffet-style in the main building. Although the selection is fairly simple, the ingredients are of good quality, and you can order scrambled eggs from the kitchen if you want something warm. It’s a straightforward but pleasant way to start your morning before heading out to explore the area.

Lunch/Snacks

Throughout the day and evening, you can pick from a small menu of snacks. Options include house vegetable soup, reindeer soup, salmon soup, wine with tapas, ice cream, and waffles with jam and whipped cream.

We tried both the reindeer soup and the salmon soup for lunch, and they were delicious – the salmon soup was our favorite dish of the entire stay! It came with rye bread, butter, and a small piece of chocolate on the side, which was a fun surprise.

Kataja Restaurant

For a sit-down dinner, you can book a table at Kataja restaurant. The space has a cozy feel, with a fire burning in the middle that sets a warm atmosphere.

There are two dinner seatings each night (17:00–18:30 and 19:00–20:30), and reservations are recommended since the restaurant has limited seating. They also cater to dietary needs if you mention them in advance.

Kataja Restaurant has four different three-course menus on rotation. We missed out on our first night because we arrived too late, but on the second night, we tried Menu 4.

The menu consisted of a seasonal salad with Kuusamo cheese, chicken breast with vegetable sauce and rice, and a chocolate cake for dessert. The dishes were on the simple side, but still tasted good and we absolutely loved the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant.

Final Thoughts

Our time at Magical Pond felt cozy, thanks to features like heated floors, a comfortable bed, and wide glass windows that made it easy to enjoy the snowy scenery. Catching the northern lights right after checking in was an amazing welcome, and the simple but tasty meals kept us happy throughout our stay.

These igloos are especially well-suited for couples, given the limited space. While it can accommodate a small family with a young child, the overall setup works best for two people.

If you’re arriving at any airport other than Kuusamo, just remember that the drive can be quite long. Still, the friendly atmosphere, comfortable igloos, and access to winter activities in the area make Magical Pond a great option for anyone seeking a unique Finnish getaway.