Aurora Village Ivalo

During my first trip to Lapland, one destination was at the top of my bucket list: Aurora Village Ivalo. After seeing countless breathtaking photos on social media, I knew I had to experience this magical place myself. I made the booking almost 8 months in advance and finally it was time for this little dream to come true.

After spending a few days in the Kittilä area, we hit the road for a 3-hour drive north. We planned for multiple stops in the area around Ivalo and the first one was Aurora Village for a two night stay in a unique glass igloo, surrounded by the snowy landscapes and peacefulness of nature.

Arrival

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the friendly staff. Although we were a bit early, our igloo was already prepared. We were very happy with the ability to check in early especially since we had an activity planned afterwards. We were welcomed with two small bottles of alcohol-free champagne inside the iglo! 

The Glass Igloo

The igloo itself is compact yet cleverly designed. It features a comfortable bed, minimal storage, and a spacious bathroom. Our igloo was facing the forest which made sure we felt completely surrounded by nature. There are some hiking and ski tracks around the igloos so you might see some people wandering around from lying on your bed. If you feel like you need more privacy you can always close the curtains however most of the time it’s just you looking at nature and not the other way around!
In the bathroom you will find all toiletries from Rituals which add a nice luxury detail to your stay. The glass roofs are laser heated meaning even when it’s freezing and snowing outside you will still have uninterrupted views. Stepping out of our igloo we were greeted by the reindeer that live at Aurora Village. You are able to feed them for just €5,- per person which is a short but fun activity that adds a special touch to your stay.

Dining

The restaurant at Aurora Village perfectly complements its magical setting, with a  fireplace at the center and a warm, inviting ambiance. Stays include half-board, with breakfast and dinner provided. During the day you can have sit down near te fireplace and warm up with their hot chocolate specialties.

One downside is the dining shifts: you either eat at 5 PM or 8 PM, and if you don’t specify, you’re automatically placed in one of the slots. This can be inconvenient if you’ve just arrived or have activities planned. However, with a little planning, this isn’t a dealbreaker. For example if you have an Aurora Activity planned they mostly start between 8 PM and 9 PM especially in the deep winter (December - January - February) then it’s perfect to have your dinner at 5 PM, have a coffee and change in your warm clothes before the activity starts. If you have an easy night or a day full with activities and want to enjoy the sauna before dinner then it might be better to book the shift at 8 PM.

Breakfast was simple but sufficient, with fresh bread, eggs, and fruit. For specialty coffees like cappuccinos, you’ll need to pay extra. Given the price of the stay, I had expected a bit more variety and luxury here.

Activities: Huskies, Saunas, and Pure Magic

What makes Aurora Village truly stand out is the wide range of activities you can book directly through the hotel. We opted for a 4-hour husky tour, and it was a dream come true! The tour included a mid-ride stop in a cozy tent, where we warmed up with lunch and had time to pet the huskies. This break made the experience more comfortable, especially compared to other providers that offer continuous rides without a warm-up stop.

We also tried both sauna experiences:

1. Barrel Sauna with Ice Plunge: A must-try! The view from the sauna is incredible, and the exhilarating jump into the ice-cold snow afterward is unforgettable. You can choose to heat up the barrel yourself which is a fun experience and also saves you some money. You will get some extra time given the fact the sauna needs to be heated. If you are lucky there have been guests before you and the sauna might still be quite warm.

2. Panorama Sauna with Jacuzzi: While luxurious, we found this experience a bit pricey (€50 per person for 1.5 hours). The views are outstanding and it is actually an amazing experience sitting in a jacuzzi while it’s far below 0 degrees outside. One hiccup: the sauna door locks automatically and you need a keycard to enter. If you walk to the jacuzzi and you forget your keycard you might find yourself locked outside. This happened to us, but fortunately, we were able to call reception for help. There is a switch to prevent the door from locking itself so make sure to check.

Aurora Village also borders a beautiful forest with marked trails, perfect for exploring. The hotel provides snowshoes and cross-country skis, so you can immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings. If you’re lucky, you might even spot reindeer during your walk.

Conclusion: A Magical Stop in the North

Aurora Village Ivalo offers an amazing luxury experience. From sleeping under the stars in a glass igloo to feeding reindeer and enjoying well-organized activities, this is a dream destination for anyone exploring Lapland. During our stay the weather was not great for seeing the Northern Lights. It was mid January and it was snowy outside so we weren’t able to admire the breathtaking views as you sometimes see on pictures but still we enjoyed every minute of our igloo. Be mindful that you never know when the sun will shine or when the Northern Lights will appear so book your stay for the experience and not let yourself be disappointed if the weather is not as amazing as you might see online.

While there are minor areas for improvement, such as the dinner schedule and the cost of additional facilities, I would recommend this place in a heartbeat. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure magic. I can’t wait to return! ❄️✨

Pro Tip: Plan your dining times and activities in advance! I would strongly advise to book your activities ahead of your stay to avoid disappointments. With your activities being booked already it might be smart to reach out to the hotel and let them know your dining time preferences. The chance to encounter reindeer in their natural habitat is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Book your stay here.