Many people associate Finnish Lapland with pure, powdery snow, dark nights, and the magical northern lights. And honestly? They’re absolutely right. The snow is deep and soft, the air is fresh, and there’s something really special about just stopping and listening to the silence. In March, I travelled up north with my lovely colleague Daina to visit the Wilderness Hotels, and it turned into one of those trips that stays with you long after you’ve come home!
We visited Nellim, Muotka, Nangu, Inari, and Juutua Wilderness Hotels, each one a little different in character, setting, and style. It was such a great opportunity to get a real feel for the hotels and the areas around them. We even got a sneak peek at some exciting new accommodations that are opening for the upcoming winter season – so watch this space! Each hotel has its own character, setting and style, but what connects them all is the genuine Lappish hospitality, attention to detail, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Our first stop was Wilderness Hotel Nellim, a place with real heart and history. The main building used to be a village school, and it still has that traditional, lived-in charm. Set between forest and lake near the Russian border, it feels peaceful and a bit nostalgic. And as if to welcome us properly, the northern lights appeared that very first night, dancing in green and violet across the sky. Absolutely magical!
From Nellim, we headed to Wilderness Hotel Muotka, located on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park. It’s a popular pit stop place among local cross-country skiers, and it’s easy to see why. The setting is beautifully overlooking a snowy forest and a river, and the food was incredible (even the staff admit it’s something to brag about!). Muotka also has a more adventurous side with an old smoke sauna that’s now electrically heated, and for the brave, a chance to dip in the icy river afterwards. That evening, we joined an aurora camp activity, sitting by the fire, listening to stories, and watching the sky full of stars.
One of our daytime visits was to Wilderness Hotel Nangu overlooking the frozen Lake Inari. This “adults-only” hotel is all about northern luxury with panoramic windows, warm colours and materials, and design that’s both stylish and inviting. It’s a peaceful hotel and perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape in the wilderness.
Our next visit was to Wilderness Hotel Inari, also beautifully located by the lake. It’s a little closer to the village itself, but still feels secluded and wild. The highlight here is the aurora cabin sauna. A sauna with a glass roof so you can relax in the heat while keeping an eye out for the northern lights. It’s one of the most unique saunas I’ve ever come across! Wilderness Hotel Inari was also featured in BBC’s Beyond the Lobby series earlier this year and beautifully showcased the accommodation!
Our final night was spent at Wilderness Hotel Juutua, the newest of the group, and it shows, in the best way. It’s stylish and modern but still manages to feel warm and cosy. Set along the Juutua River, it’s also home to Restaurant Aanaar, which has won awards for its creative take on local, seasonal ingredients and Sámi traditions. We wrapped up the day with a visit to the Koski sauna and outdoor jacuzzi, watching the river flow past through the snowy landscape. It was such a lovely way to end the trip. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, another incredible northern lights show lit up the sky! How lucky!
The next morning, Lapland had one more gift for us. As we drove from Juutua to Ivalo Airport, the sky slowly lit up with the most beautiful sunrise with soft pinks, warm yellows, and the frozen landscape glowing all around us. The road winds along Lake Inari, and the drive was quiet, peaceful, and so incredibly beautiful. Definitely one of those moments where you just want time to slow down a bit.
By Laura Baylis
Baltic Travel Company (all rights reserved)