I’ve always loved traveling, but nothing quite prepares you for stepping into the Arctic. Finland, with its endless forests, frozen lakes, and skies alive with color, had always been on my bucket list. But if I’m being honest, there was one place that truly called to me: Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi.

I’d seen photos before I went and those dreamy glass igloos glowing under the Northern Lights but arriving there in person was like walking into a fairytale. And not the polished, Disney kind of fairytale. More like the kind that smells like smoke from a wood-burning fireplace, feels like the sting of icy air on your cheeks, and leaves you with memories that stay tucked in your heart forever.

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Arrival: Where Snow Meets Silence

Flying into Rovaniemi already feels surreal. You land in what is officially Santa Claus’s hometown. Yes, there’s literally an airport sign that welcomes you to the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus.” The child in me was already giddy.

The drive from the airport to Apukka resort is short, only about 11 minutes. By the time I pulled up to the resort, it felt like stepping into another world: a hushed, white wonderland tucked along the edge of a frozen lake.

While checking in at Apukka Resort, the staff handed me sledges to pull my luggage through the snow to my cabin. And let me tell you, nothing snaps you into the spirit of Lapland quite like dragging your suitcase on a sled. I laughed the whole way, feeling ridiculous and delighted. My gloves slipped on the rope, my suitcase kept sliding sideways, but somehow that little detail set the tone for the whole trip: playful, magical, slightly out of the ordinary.

Settling In: Sleeping Under the Sky

My cabin at Apukka resort was called an Aurora Cabin, and it honestly felt like stepping into a snow globe designed for dreamers. From the outside, it looked small and cozy, almost like a modern igloo. Inside, it was warm, inviting, and thebest of all, the entire roof over the bed was made of heated glass.

The heated part is important. It means no frost blocks your view, no matter how cold it gets outside. You can literally lie in bed and stare straight up into the Arctic sky. When I first lay down, I caught myself whispering: “Imagine if the lights come tonight.”

There are different types of accommodations at Apukka resort. The two-story Komsio Suites with their nest-like upstairs bed, the larger Kammi Suites with fireplaces and kitchens, and even lakeside villas for families or groups. But honestly? Even the simplest Aurora Cabin felt like luxury to me. I wasn’t here for chandeliers or marble bathrooms. I was here for the sky.

First Taste of Lapland

Apukka resort has 3 restaurants, and my first meal was at Restaurant Aitta, a cozy log building with high beams, glowing lanterns, and the steady warmth of a stone fireplace. Breakfast here felt like a hug: steaming porridge topped with berries, smoked salmon and fresh bread.

Days of Adventure: Playing in the Arctic

The beauty of Apukka resort is that you never have to ask, “What should we do today?” Every season offers its own kind of adventure.

For me, winter was in full swing. The ground crunched under every step, the air was sharp, and the world seemed wrapped in a soft silence. What to do in Rovaniemi:

• Husky sledding:  The dogs howl with excitement before you start, and then the moment the sled moves, silence falls, just the sound of paws on snow feels unreal. Steering through the forest, cheeks frozen, heart bursting, I remember thinking: “I never want this to end.”
• Reindeer sleigh ride: Probably the most joyful thing I’ve ever done. Slower, gentler, more like stepping into a postcard. My Sami guide told stories by the fire afterward, pouring us hot berry juice from a black kettle. I learned that reindeer always stay close to their herd, they’re not wild in the same sense as other animals. There was something grounding about this experience, like being let into a secret of the Arctic.
• Snowmobiles: Okay, this one scared me a little at first. Driving a machine across frozen lakes and forest trails isn’t exactly my usual activity. But once I relaxed, the thrill took over. The speed, the cold, the feeling of flying across a white horizon, it was exhilarating.

Exploring the Area Around Apukka Resort

Staying at Apukka Resort puts you right in the heart of Finnish Lapland, surrounded by some of the most magical landscapes in the world. From here, it’s easy to hop out and explore iconic spots like Santa Claus Village, the fascinating Arktikum Science Museum, or the charming Ranua Wildlife Park.

Lapland itself feels like another world. Crisp, clean air, endless snowy forests in winter, and incredible wildlife around every corner. At Apukka, you don’t have to go far to experience the Arctic up close. You can try dog sledding, zip across the snow on a snowmobile, enjoy a quiet afternoon ice fishing, or meet reindeer on a safari through the forest.

If you want a taste of city life, Rovaniemi city centre is just a short drive away. You’ll find cozy cafés, restaurants, shops, and even museums and galleries that give a glimpse into the history and culture of Finnish Lapland. There’s a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and culture waiting for you just outside the resort.

Tips for Planning your Trip to Rovaniemi

Of course, magical as it all is, a trip like this also comes with some practical bits worth knowing:

Tips: Book restaurants and excursions in advance. Layer up!! Proper winter gear is a must. And download an aurora forecast app, but don’t obsess. Sometimes, magic just happens when you least expect it.

Location: Apukka is just 10–15 minutes from Rovaniemi center and Santa Claus Village, so you can easily combine wilderness with city or family fun.

When to go: Winter (December–March) is peak snow and aurora season. Autumn offers golden forests and auroras too, while summer brings midnight sun and lake adventures.

Cost: It’s not cheap. Activities and meals add up quickly. But honestly? Worth every penny for the experience.

If you are looking for ideas for activities in Rovaniemi, do not hesitate to read this blog post