Every since I can remember I’ve wanted to witness the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis if you prefer). I’m a big fan of sky, it always amazes me: sunrises, sunsets, clouds, stars… so dancing coloured light up above is definitely on my must-see list.
And I’d quite like to cram in a lot of other experiences whilst I’m there which is why I haven’t gone yet. I’m saving up so I can have the husky ride and the igloo stay all at the same time!
So I’ve had my eye on the following holiday destination in Finland for several years now! And because it would make a great honeymoon or even a unique wedding destination I’ve decided to share it with you.
Awesome accommodation
There are a few ice chapels dotted about Scandinavia but I’ve picked Hotel Kakslauttanen because of the awesome choice of sleeping arrangement!
There are forty log cabins, each equipped with your very own sauna:
Five of which are a little more luxurious including a hot tub:
And a honeymoon chamber with a star studded bathroom, the North Pole Star being right above the tub!
Or, for the more adventurous, there are real snow igloos to sleep in!
And then there’s my favourite: glass igloos! The glass roofs would let you lay as newlyweds gazing at the stars and the dancing colours in the sky. How romantic?!
If you can’t choose between these options then don’t! Spend a night or two in each!
Amazing activities
This place is great for a honeymoon destination (or holiday) because there are so many activities to enjoy.
You can go on a safari with your choice of transport: huskies, reindeers, atop a snowmobile or even aboard the world’s only tourist icebreaker boat!
You could go ice fishing, ice swimming or carve ice:
Or for the sporty types there’s cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice karting and trekking in snow shoes:
If you wanted to go further afield there are lots of excursions on offer too. There’s so much to choose from you will definitely have a unique and memorable honeymoon!
Wine & dine
There are also four different restaurants to choose from and, again, I would recommend trying them all during your stay!
Truly white wedding
And if you wanted to get married in this magical destination?
Then there’s this beautiful ice chapel. I’m always amazed by ice carving (on that note check out these photos of the amazing Harbin Ice Festival. Off subject but wow!) I don’t think you could get a much more unique ceremony venue than one made completely from snow and ice!
It would only really work for a smaller guest list though and the ice chapel isn’t there all year round due to the sun and the melting effects it has! So it’s worth checking when would be best to book your truly white wedding. Hotel Kakslauttanen not only provide the wedding package and rental of the chapel of your choice but they can also provide all those extra details such as flowers, a photographer and cake. You can even get a reindeer sleigh ride to your wedding! Bit different to the usual horse and carriage!
All awesome images above courtesy of Hotel Kakslauttanen
Under the summer sun
I should mention it isn’t just a winter destination. For a summer or autumn wedding there is also a wooden chapel or you could choose to get married by a crystal clear stream, on mysterious island Ukonkivi or under the midnight sun atop Kaunispää mountain! The area is lovely for hiking and biking in the summer too. But I would just prefer to go in the winter when there’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
And it is just ‘a chance’ too as seeing the Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that can never be guaranteed as many factors need to be taken into account such as magnetic activity, position of the sun and cloudiness of the sky. But this place is beautiful as it is and the fact that there is no definite chance you’ll see them will just make it all the more magical if you’re lucky enough to!
Awesome image courtesy of Nothing
Debs
P.S. Those with children please be aware that Santa lives here year round. You can go and visit his house and be served hot drinks and ginger biscuits. In the winter you (or more so your children) can tell Santa what they would like for Christmas and enjoy a spot of sledging. And in summer they can pan for treasure with The Gold Elves : )
Vendor Details:
Hotel Kakslauttanen website
Email Hotel Kakslauttanen
Phone: +35816 667100
Debs
