Apukka resort vs Arctic Snow hotel in Rovaniemi
Visit Finland DMCAre you visiting Finland's Lapland is confused if you should stay in Apukka resort or Arctic snow hotel for an igloo stay in Rovaniemi, then you have landed on the correct page. We have created a comparison between two resorts which will help families, couple and other travelers to choose.
Apukka Resort vs Arctic SnowHotel — rooms & features (in-depth, simple)
Apukka Resort is a larger wilderness resort with several accommodation types (glass igloos, lakeview suites, a big villa) + lots of on-site saunas and activities — great for families and travellers who want variety.
Arctic SnowHotel — located by Lake Lehtojärvi, ~25–30 minutes from Rovaniemi (more remote than Apukka). Transfers are available but expect a slightly longer ride.
Rooms & accommodation types — what you actually sleep in
Apukka Resort
- Glass igloos / Aurora Cabins — panoramic heated glass roofs for aurora-viewing from bed; standard Aurora Cabin ≈ 24 m², sleeps up to 4 (couples + sofa bed). Heated glass ensures clear views even in snow.
- Komsio & Kammi Suites — larger, more design-led igloo suites (more space, loft beds or extra seating).
- Lakeview Suites & Villa Apukka — real suites with glass walls facing the lake (42 m² suites that sleep families), and Villa Apukka for big groups (up to ~14 people) — a proper home-style option. Good if you travel with family or a group.
All heated, en-suite bathrooms for igloos/suites, family options available. Apukka positions itself as comfortable and family-friendly with both “romantic igloo” and “practical suite” choices.
Arctic SnowHotel
- Snow & Ice Hotel rooms — sculpted from snow and ice each winter; room temperatures are kept around 0°C to −5°C. Guests sleep on insulated mattresses and use high-quality thermal sleeping bags provided by the hotel (you’re shown how to dress/sleep safely). Not recommended for very small children. This is the pure “ice-hotel” overnight experience.
- 360° Glass Igloos — separate from the snow hotel: glass igloos with 360° roofs and built-in Northern Lights alarm systems so you don’t miss auroras. These are heated and closer to a luxury experience oriented at aurora-viewing.
Choose snow rooms for the icy-art experience (unique and chilly but provided with thermal gear) or glass igloos for warmth + full-sky views.
Features & facilities
Apukka Resort
- Restaurants: Aitta (main), Kota (open-fire style dinners) and Lobby Bar Riihi — local Lappish cuisine and dinner experiences.
- Sauna world: multiple saunas (wood-heated, electric, lakeside sauna with ice swimming, sauna carriage you can place next to your igloo). Big emphasis on Finnish sauna culture.
- Activities launching from site: Northern Lights safaris, husky & reindeer rides, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowtrain to aurora camp — Apukka runs many tours directly. Great “one-stop” activity hub.
Arctic SnowHotel
- Snow & Ice art features: Snow Hotel rooms, Ice Restaurant, Ice Bar, Ice Chapel and large snow sculptures — this is an art/experience site as much as a hotel. Visiting the snow hotel (tour + dinner) is a popular daytime/evening activity.
- Glass igloos + aurora alarms: The igloos have 360° glass and built-in aurora alarms to notify you when activity starts.
- Warm facilities: showers, warm lobby and saunas nearby — snow hotel stays include warming and breakfast routines to re-heat after the chilly night.
Comparison in Tabular form
Apukka Resort vs Arctic SnowHotel — Rooms & Features
Scrollable comparison table to help readers pick between a comfortable wilderness resort (Apukka) and the iconic snow/ice experience (Arctic SnowHotel).
| Feature / Room Type | Apukka Resort | Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos |
|---|---|---|
| Location / Distance from Rovaniemi |
~15–20 minutes from Rovaniemi centre; ~12 km from the airport — easy transfers, close to Santa Claus Village. Good balance of seclusion & convenience.
|
~25–30 minutes drive from Rovaniemi; slightly more remote with longer transfers. More secluded lakeside setting.
|
| Accommodation Types |
Glass Igloos (Aurora Cabins), Komsio & Kammi Suites, Wagons, Lakeview Suites, Holiday Homes (Villa Apukka). Wide variety for couples, families & groups.
|
SnowHotel carved rooms (ice & snow), 360° Glass Igloos (Twin & Family), Superior rooms & suites. Mix of novelty (snow rooms) and warm igloo options.
|
| Room Sizes |
Aurora Cabins approx 24–29 m²; Lakeview suites from ~40 m² up to large holiday homes (40–75 m²). Family-friendly space options.
|
SnowHotel rooms 9–15 m² (standard); Snow suites ~28 m²; Glass igloos: Twin ~20 m², Family ~33 m². Snow rooms are compact; igloos offer more sky view space.
|
| Sleeping Conditions |
Heated interiors with panoramic glass roofs; private bathrooms; comfortable beds and heated floors in many units. Warm, hotel-style comfort with aurora views.
|
SnowHotel rooms are intentionally cold (~0 to −5 °C) with thermal sleeping bags provided. Glass igloos are heated and comfortable. Choose snow rooms for novelty or igloos for warmth + views.
|
| Bathrooms / Private vs Shared |
Most igloos & suites include private shower & WC. Holiday homes have full facilities. Private bathrooms common at Apukka.
|
Glass igloos have private bathrooms. SnowHotel cold rooms often use nearby warm facilities or shared lockers/showers depending on booking type. Snow stays may involve shared warm rooms for changing.
|
| Unique Features |
On-site private saunas (including lakeside options), wood/electric fireplaces, Aurora Wagons, villa for groups, activity hub with direct departures. Strong focus on saunas & family activities.
|
Ice Restaurant, Ice Bar, Ice Chapel, snow sculptures and art installations; Aurora alarm in igloos; theatrical snow architecture. Highly Instagrammable snow & ice art features.
|
| Capacity / Guest Experience |
Can host larger numbers (flexible inventory) — ideal for longer stays and groups. Resort atmosphere with many guest services. Comfort & variety over novelty.
|
SnowHotel sleeps fewer guests (more boutique/novelty focus). Best for bucket-list one-night stays or small groups seeking the ice-hotel experience. Novelty & artistry over large capacity.
|
| Best For |
Families, couples wanting warm comfort + aurora views, groups and travellers who want easy access to activities and saunas. |
Travellers seeking a one-off ice/snow experience, photographers, and those who value dramatic ice architecture and unique dining on ice. |
| Drawbacks / Trade-offs |
Resort style may feel less "theatrical" for travellers wanting a true ice-hotel art experience; premium suites can be costly. |
Snow rooms are cold (not suitable for everyone), remote location, limited comfort for long multi-night stays unless you choose heated igloos. |
Arctic snow hotel Vs Apukka resort for couple
Stay & Comfort
- Arctic SnowHotel: Unique ice and snow rooms for one night adventure, but not very comfortable for long stays. Glass igloos are warmer but still more about experience than comfort.
- Apukka Resort: Heated glass igloos and cosy cabins with private bathrooms, designed for longer, comfortable romantic stays. So in the race of comfort Apukka hotels wins the race compared to Arctic snow hotel.
Romance Factor
- Arctic SnowHotel: Magical “wow” factor – dinner in an Ice Restaurant, drinks at the Ice Bar, sleeping on ice beds. Feels adventurous and one-of-a-kind.
- Apukka Resort: Cosy, private, and relaxing. Perfect for couples wanting warmth, cuddles, and peaceful nights under the Northern Lights.
- So both Arctic snow and Apukka resort seems to offer same level of romantic aroma
Activities & Fun
- Arctic SnowHotel: Focus is mainly on the snow/ice experience and Northern Lights viewing. Activities are fewer.
- Apukka Resort: Husky safaris, reindeer rides, snowmobiling, saunas, hot tubs – more variety for couples to enjoy together.
So, Apukka resort seems to offer more activities inside the premises if compared to Arctic snow hotel.
Apukka resort vs Arctic snow hotel with Children
Room factor
- Apukka Resort: Offers a variety of accommodations, including glass igloos, Aurora cabins, and traditional log cabins. The resort provides a cozy, family-friendly environment with spacious areas for children to play and explore.
- Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos: Features rooms made entirely of snow and ice, providing a unique and magical experience. The snow hotel is rebuilt annually, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience each year.
- Apukka resort wins over arctic snow hotel when it is about Family rooms and comfort with Kids.
Activities for Families
- Apukka Resort: Offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as husky and reindeer sleigh rides, mini snowmobiles for children, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice sculpting, and meeting Santa Claus and his friends. The “Apukka Snow and Fun” tour combines several of these activities into one package.
- Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos: Features activities like ice fishing, ice sculpting, snowshoeing, visiting Santa Claus Village, snow sauna, and outdoor jacuzzi experiences. While offering unique experiences, the snow hotel may be less suitable for younger children due to the cold temperatures inside the ice rooms.
Apukka resort again wins when it comes about family activities to do with family especially kids over Arctic snow hotel.
