We all have those once-in-a-lifetime travel destinations that have been on our holiday tick list for as long as we can remember. Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience that many people are desperate to see. The stunning light show is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sights our planet has to offer but does the temperature put you off? The snow is stunning, but with it comes a frosty winter that lasts half the year. If you want to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights while staying warm and snug, there is no better place on earth than in the stylish glass igloos of Levin Iglut. View the wonders of the Arctic without getting out of bed!
Why Go There?
Many people dream of seeing the Aurora Borealis, but with temperatures in Finland plummeting as low as -50°C in the winter, you can see why people drag their feet when it comes to making the trip. If this sounds familiar, consider booking a stay at Levin Iglut, a unique igloo experience which will enable your once-in-a-lifetime trip without compromising on warmth or comfort.
With 19 superior igloos and 5 premium igloos to choose from, Levin Iglut enables visitors to view the stunning northern lights from within a modern glass igloo. Built from special glass which doesn’t fog up in the cold, you can lay back in bed and watch the dazzling show straight through your roof.
Each igloo is fitted with a small bathroom and kitchen, but the main event is the bedroom. The double bed is motorized so you can easily get it in prime position for Aurora watching. The premium igloos are perfect for couples (and particularly popular with honeymooners) whereas the superior igloo can fit up to two adults and two children under the age of 12.
When Should I Go?
When hoping to view a natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis, you need to time it right. Naturally, it is quite difficult to predict and there is no guarantee you’ll get to see it, even if you come at the perfect time of year. However, by planning your trip in advance you can give yourself the best chance of catching it.
The appearance of the Aurora Borealis is related to the solar cycle and tends to be active for about three years before and after the Solar Maximum. Research is still being done on this topic, but it is generally agreed that it the only time you can safely predict when the Northern Lights will be visible is about two hours before they appear.
While there isn’t a proven time of year where it’s more likely for the light show to occur, it is certainly harder to spot in the summer months. Not because the lights aren’t shining, but because the sky is much brighter in the summer which makes it difficult to see the Northern Lights – they show up much better against a dark, wintery background. January to March are usually the most popular months for Aurora watching – the nights are long and dark, giving you a great chance of seeing it. September and October are a good choice for people who want to see the lights but can’t face the freezing temperatures of the winter. November and December are great months to visit if you’re a party person – the arrival of the snow and change in the landscape make Lapland feel very festive, with lots of celebrations.
If you like late nights and then a long lie-in come the morning, this is the holiday activity for you! To see the Northern Lights clearly you need dark skies, and so they can potentially be spotted any time from 4:00 in the afternoon to 6:00 in the morning. However, the best time is generally between about 9:30 in the evening and 1:00 in the morning.
Tips for Aurora Watching
Staying at Levin Iglut is a great way to see the Northern Lights because every detail has been thought of to give you the best chance of seeing and enjoying the lights. One top tip is to find a dark place away from lots of light pollution – Levin Iglut has placed their igloos in a strategic position so your view will be unfettered. Also, lying down is the best way to view the lights so that you don’t strain your neck, and this is easily accomplished at Levin Iglu with the glass ceilings of the igloo and adjustable bed. Other top tips – snuggly blankets and hot drinks will round off the experience!
Another top tip is to keep up to date with current weather reports. A clear, cloudless night is what you need to see the light show, so make your plans around the weather forecast. There are even websites you can use to send you Aurora alerts, so that you know when the next one will be visible.
How Much Does it Cost?
Certain times of year boast a better chance of seeing the lights, and so price varies accordingly. High season runs from November to April, and low season covers the end of August up to October. Levin Iglut is closed from May to mid-August.
In low season, the igloos cost around $490 – $600 per night, (EUR 420 – 510) with prices rising during the high season. For more details about the price at the time of your visit, make an inquiry through the Levin Iglut website. Bear in mind that this destination is very popular and can sell out over a year in advance.
Aside from the igloo, you can also book to have meals prepared for you at the resort, with special three-course dinner menus. Other services and activities are available on-site.
How to Get There?
In Finnish Lapland, the Levin Iglut is located about 10 km away from the Levi resort – the Levi Centre is a great place for skiing and other snowy activities. A fifteen-minute drive away from Kittilä airport, flights are frequent driving peak season. You can arrange the airport pick up service directly with Levin Iglut for 70 Euros, but if you just take a normal taxi it costs roughly half the price. However, if you are traveling with small children and have a lot of baggage, the peace of mind of having transport booked might be worth it. Free parking is available at the site if you’re coming by car.
