Wilderness Hotel Saariselka Vs Northern lights village
Visit Finland DMCWilderness Hotel Saariselkä vs Northern Lights Village Saariselkä: A Detailed Comparison
When planning a magical getaway to Finnish Lapland, choosing the right accommodation can greatly impact your experience. Two of the most sought-after resorts in Saariselkä are Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä and Northern Lights Village Saariselkä. Each offers a unique charm, and deciding between the two depends on what kind of Arctic experience you're looking for. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison across key categories to help you make the best decision. You may also find this PDF mentioning the difference between Wilderness Hotel Saariselka and Northern Lights Village Saariselkä.
| Category | Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä (Arctic Sky Villa) |
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä (Polar Sky Suite) |
|---|---|---|
| Room Size | Approximately 48 m² | Approximately 29–33 m² |
| Aurora Viewing | Glass roof above bed area; outdoor deck for viewing; minimal light pollution | Heated glass ceiling directly above bed, designed for aurora viewing |
| Private Sauna | Yes (in-room sauna) | Yes (in-room sauna) |
| Jacuzzi / Bathtub | Indoor bathtub + private outdoor jacuzzi on deck | Indoor private bathtub, no outdoor jacuzzi |
| Interior Style | Scandinavian with wooden elements and warm tones; very spacious | Modern Nordic minimalism with compact luxury design |
| Romantic Features | Outdoor jacuzzi with star views, cozy fireplace ambiance | Glass ceiling aurora view, stylish couples' setup |
| Dining Options | On-site fine dining with a la carte and set menu options | Buffet-style meals with regional and international cuisine |
| Activity Access | Easy access to husky rides, snowmobiling, nature hikes, and snowshoeing | In-resort reindeer paddocks, aurora safaris, mini snowmobiles for kids |
| Kid-Friendly Facilities | Suitable for older kids; calm environment; nature-based activities | More kid-oriented activities; snow play area; on-site reindeer |
| Privacy | High privacy with spaced-out villas in natural surroundings | Moderate privacy; villas closer together in resort layout |
| Resort Size | Medium-sized boutique resort with intimate layout | Larger and more structured resort with multiple cabin types |
| Best For | Couples and honeymooners seeking serenity and exclusivity | Families and couples looking for an aurora-focused experience with amenities |
| Accessibility | Shuttle services and transfers available; slightly more secluded | Better resort signage, easier walkability, centralized facilities |
1. Accommodation Options
Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä features cozy Arctic rooms, Aurora Cabins, and the luxurious Arctic Sky Villas. The Arctic Sky Villa is a spacious, private suite (~48 m²) equipped with a personal sauna, a freestanding bathtub, and even an outdoor jacuzzi. It offers an intimate and high-end Lapland experience.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä, on the other hand, is famous for its Polar Sky Suites and Aurora Cabins. The Polar Sky Suite (~29–33 m²) features a heated glass roof above the bed for direct aurora viewing, a private sauna, and a more compact but modern layout ideal for couples.
2. Location & Resort Size
Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä has a boutique-style setup nestled amidst forests and snow-covered hills. It offers more privacy and a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä is slightly more commercial, with a well-organized resort layout that caters to families and groups. The resort is compact, making it easy to walk between cabins, reception, and activity centers.
3. Aurora Viewing
Both resorts are situated in low light-pollution zones, perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.
- Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä: Offers aurora viewing from the comfort of your villa or cabin with additional outdoor vantage points.
- Northern Lights Village: Excels in aurora experiences, especially with glass-roofed cabins designed specifically for this purpose.
4. Dining & Cuisine
Both resorts offer on-site restaurants with Lappish and international cuisine. Northern Lights Village tends to provide a slightly more extensive buffet selection, whereas Wilderness Hotel offers a more intimate dining experience.
5. Kid-Friendliness & Family Activities
Northern Lights Village tends to be more child-friendly with amenities such as:
- Mini snowmobiles
- Reindeer paddocks on site
- Dedicated snow play areas
- Easy access to kid-focused safaris and tours
Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä is better suited for families with older children or those looking for a more tranquil, nature-oriented stay.
6. Unique Features
- Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä:
- Outdoor jacuzzi in Arctic Sky Villas
- Emphasis on nature and quietude
- Personalised, boutique experience
- Northern Lights Village:
- Cutting-edge glass-roof technology
- Compact, activity-rich environment
- Ideal for first-timers and families
Final Thoughts
Both resorts promise unforgettable Arctic memories. Choose Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä if you prefer a more exclusive, peaceful, and romantic escape with top-tier amenities. Opt for Northern Lights Village Saariselkä if you're seeking a family-friendly, immersive aurora experience with plenty of guided activities.
Disclaimer: The comparison provided above is based on current information and is not a final verdict from finlandtour.fi. Details may change over time. We recommend verifying amenities and offerings closer to your travel dates. Ultimately, the best resort is the one that aligns with your travel style and expectations.
