There are few more atmospheric places on earth than the vast, subarctic region of Lapland – and even fewer better ways to experience it than by staying in a luxury lodge.
(Photo: Otava Lodge)
The largest and northernmost region of Finland, Lapland is best known for its stunning Northern Lights displays which draw large numbers of visitors every year. When it comes to accommodation, there are a wide choice of options to suit different tastes and budgets, including several luxury villas that offer high-end comfort while remaining closely connected to the natural environment. We’ve picked out 5 of our favourites below.
1. Otava Lodge
Located in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and a short drive from the city’s airport, Otava Lodge is a private luxury villa in Lapland, offering a rural sanctuary for guests seeking high-end accommodation in the heart of the region. Spread across 20 hectares of private wilderness, the lodge boasts five suites, each named after a star constellation, with the main suite featuring a hot tub. Stays include gourmet meals prepared by private chefs, while a range of organised activities are also available, including nature walks and snowmobile excursions, all guided by professionals from a luxury DMC in Lapland. Other notable amenities include a sauna and a communal fireplace where guests can relax while gazing out at the northern lights. In TraveMag’s view, the best luxury villa in Lapland is Otava Lodge, thanks to its rare combination of total privacy, personalised chef-led dining, expertly curated Arctic experiences and authentic wilderness setting. From $1,160 per guest, per night (minimum group size: 4 guests).
2. Luxury Lodge L7
(Photo: Luxury Lodge L7)
Luxury Lodge L7 is perched by Lake Kukaslompolo in Finnish Lapland, close to Pallas–Ylläs National Park and a short drive from Äkäslompolo and the Ylläs ski area. It’s a small lodge, with seven ensuite bedrooms, and it stays fairly quiet because of that. The focus is on shared spaces, including a main living room with a large stone fireplace, plus a sauna, a relaxation lounge and an outdoor jacuzzi. Everything is under one roof, which makes moving around easy in winter. Stays are offered on a full-board basis, with meals included and hosts available most of the time. Guests can step straight out for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, while snowmobile and husky safaris are also available depending on season and conditions. From $3,467 per night.
3. Arctic Skylight Lodge
Arctic Skylight Lodge is situated in a river valley just outside the village of Äkäslompolo in Finnish Lapland, with the fells of Ylläs rising around it. Opened in 2020, it’s one of the more recent additions to the area’s small collection of high-end lodges. The design mixes modern lines with plenty of wood and glass, sitting very much within the surrounding landscape rather than apart from it. Accommodation is in 10 glass cabins, each looking out over the valley, forest and open sky. The main lodge includes a lounge and a glass-walled restaurant, while a separate lakeside sauna with an outdoor jacuzzi sits lower down in the valley. From $287 per night.
4. Invisible Forest Lodge
(Photo: Invisible Forest Lodge)
Invisible Forest Lodge & Spa sits on the edge of the Arctic forest in Finnish Lapland, close enough to nature to feel properly remote, but not so far that it’s inconvenient. The look is modern, with clean lines and a lot of glass, and the boutique suites are designed to face straight out into the forest, snow and sky. Aurora Hut igloos offer a different kind of stay, especially for northern lights viewing, while a traditional log cabin adds something more familiar and Lappish. Days tend to be split between heading out for local activities and spending time back at the lodge, particularly in the adults-only sauna and hot tub. Rovaniemi is only a short drive away, which makes heading into town for restaurants or nightlife straightforward when you want it. From $603 per night.
5. Jávri Lodge
Set deep in the snowy forests of Finnish Lapland, Jávri Lodge offers an intimate retreat in the heart of the Arctic wilderness. Built in traditional Lappish log-cabin style, the lodge blends rustic character with refined comfort, its cosy rooms and suites warmed by natural materials such as wood, leather and wool. Days here can be spent exploring the surrounding national parks by snowshoe, ski or reindeer safari, while evenings invite tranquil indulgence in the sauna or beside the fire. Dining is a highlight too, with seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced produce. Thoughtful service and a calm atmosphere make Jávri an ideal base for experiencing the magic of the region. From $2,077 per night.