Authentic experience at Cahkal Hotel
Kilpisjärvi's Hotel Cahkal is an undiscovered gem that captures the essence of Lapland's unspoiled wildness and laid-back elegance. You are welcomed with a warm and welcoming atmosphere as soon as you enter, complete with a comfortable indoor fireplace where you can relax and have a good cup of coffee.
The hotel
The hotel truly invites you to be in connection with nature. They provide a variety of activities. Visitors can select from a variety of tours, or the hotel is pleased to help with custom programs. You can choose from hiking trips, reindeer tours, and snowmobile tours to the three country cairns and much more. Additionally, the hotel offers comprehensive information on the best hiking routes in the area, and for those snowy excursions, you can even rent snowshoes (though not all tracks call for them).
We were treated with a studio room, which had a luxurious bed, a modern shower, and a lovely terrace with a view of Salmivaara. The room itself was nothing short of fantastic. Despite not being the highest mountain in the region, Salmivaara is a worthwhile walk because of its breathtaking views and one-hour climb time. Following our ascent, we unwinded on the terrace while sipping coffee and admiring the beautiful panorama from our previous location.
The room's features are beautiful. Slippers and bathrobes are available, which is quite practical for sauna trips. Furthermore, the coffee itself and the coffee cups are also excellent. They make their own wilderness mix coffee the old-fashioned manner using a coffee press, and you can taste it in your room.
Facilities
It's truly an absolute delight to eat at Hotel Cahkal. Breakfast, lunch, and a fine-dining dinner with a daily rotating menu of outstanding quality are all available to guests. The hotel's sauna, which provides a breathtaking view of Saana Fell, is one of the main features. Although the sauna is open during gender-specific hours, private reservations are accepted for a more private experience. Additionally, the sauna building has an open fireplace, making it a comfortable area to read a book during your own downtime.
The lake Cahkal is just behind the hotel and has magnificent views to legendary Saana Fell and there is the Cahkal creek streaming down the backyard of the hotel. In the summer time this is a great place to refresh during your sauna sessions or whenever you need to cool down from your hikes.
The staff at Hotel Cahkal are friendly, professional, and excellent English speakers. They are always eager to share insights about the local area, activities, and insider tips to help you make the most of your stay. With its blend of modern touches and the authentic vibe of Lapland, the hotel is truly an oasis of calm and relaxation.
Overall, Hotel Cahkal delivers an exceptional Lapland experience—one that seamlessly combines natural beauty with luxurious comfort, making it the perfect retreat for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable stay in the Arctic wilderness.