Cosy log cabin, glass igloo, or something more unique? There are many exceptional properties across Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway surrounded by stunning wilderness that tick the box for a winter escape. Set amid the snow-shrouded forests of Lapland and against the snow-streaked volcanoes of Iceland we’ve picked the properties that offer more than just a place to lay your head.
From Sweden’s Icehotel to Iceland’s riverside retreat, Hotel Ranga, Finland’s Wilderness Hotels to the coastal charm of Malangen Resort in Norway these are the places where the scenery is spectacular, the ambiance magical and the hospitality warm. Through location and interior design, they connect you intimately to your environment. Some places ooze creative flair and originality. Others make getting out and about on winter adventures almost effortless. One thing you can be sure of, all the hotels we recommend for a winter escape are in great locations for viewing the northern lights… should nature’s light show put on a display!
How to choose your perfect winter hideaway in the Nordics
Choosing the perfect accommodation for a fabulous winter break is often as much about matching your holiday vibe as much as where you go. Aim to select your ideal winter bolthole based on who you are travelling with and what you want to get up to while away. If you are looking for pure winter thrills or do you want to get out and explore? Family break or romantic retreat? Should food be tasty and hearty or event dining? That’s where first-hand expertise comes in. Our recommendations help you find the best fit for your winter adventure.
Nellim Wilderness Hotel, Finland
Cosseted by the snow-cloaked forests of the Finnish wilderness on the shores of Lake Inari, Nellim offers a variety of cosy accommodation in a serene and peaceful setting. The setting is serene and peaceful with trees bowing under the heavy weight of the snow. Keep it simple with a cosy Wilderness Room in the hotel, or choose a rustic log cabin with a fireplace and private sauna. You might choose to upgrade to an Aurora Cabin so you can gaze at the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.
Full board and a programme of activities included ensure excellent value for money. For instance, three nights at Nellim includes a husky safari, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and an aurora excursion. Stay one more night and add a reindeer experience to the mix.
Great for: the range of accommodation makes Nellim one of our top picks for family breaks in winter. Though with smaller cabins and premium Aurora Cabins sleeping just two, couples may be tempted by the wild beauty.
Ranua Resort, Finland
For a family-friendly trip on the wild side, Ranua is the go-to place. Two-bedroom luxury villas sleeping up to four adults and two children put you right at the entrance to Ranua Wildlife Park. With a living room, kitchen area and private sauna, the villas bring that home-from-home vibe. Plus there’s a restaurant and shop onsite, so you can pick and mix between self-catering and eating out. The big draw of staying here is the wildlife park where you can see 50 Arctic species from wolves, lynx and moose to musk ox, wolverine and polar bears. There are also plenty of winter activities available making it easy to tailor the experience to your family and friends.
You can also combine your stay with an overnight stay in a glass igloo. Located on the shores of Lake Ranuanjärvi in beautiful snow-wreathed forest, the igloos have been designed with the bedroom under a glass dome facing the northern sky for optimal aurora viewing. The glass is heated to ensure no frost or snow interferes with your northern lights appreciation.
“Watching the aurora dance and keeping your toes warm are not mutually exclusive. With panoramic windows to the north, these amazing cabins are the best way to enjoy the northern lights and the night sky – maybe with a glass of something warming in hand!” Jo, Nordic Product
Great for: families including multi-generational family groups.
Iso-Syote Hotel and Cabins, Finland
Eagle’s View Suite is an apt name for one of the flagship accommodations at this lofty hotel perched on the felltop above Syote National Park in Finnish Lapland. Floor to ceiling windows and even a glass roof allow your gaze to soar across the fells and vast skies. A tree even twists through this two-storey suite, which has a fireplace, sauna and jacuzzi. As well as the showpiece suites, comfortable hotel rooms (also with a view), Aurora View Suites and traditional Finnish log cabins complete the choice.
Three nights half-board in a hotel room comes in at an good price point with your choice of optional activities added to suit.
Great for: those wanting a room with a view or an authentic log cabin experience.
Nangu Wilderness Hotel
Sister property to Nellim and sitting on the southern shore of Lake Inari in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Nangu Wilderness Hotel is a stylish, adult-only lodge with breathtaking views and in a perfect spot for witnessing the northern lights. High quality accommodation blends with fine dining and thrilling winter activities. Choose the inclusive Lapland for Lovers package and upgrade to a Panorama Cabin with Jacuzzi or an Aurora Log Cabin to boost the romantic vibe.
Great for: couples in search of romance. Best make it a long weekend!
Icehotel, Sweden
Believe the hype! The Icehotel is quite simply one of the most unforgettable places you’ll ever spend the night. Not only is your bedroom a world-class art installation, but activities include everything from snowmobiling to ice sculpting, mushing your own team of huskies to ice dining. Re-built annually on the edge of the frozen river Torne in the tiny village of Jukkasjarvi, this is one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Visiting is about adventure, wilderness, the northern lights and authentic Nordic gastronomy.
Great for: bucket list experience hunters and couples, friends wanting a very cool break.
Brandon Lodge, Sweden
When the Gulf of Bothnia freezes over, the 1,300 or so islands of the Lulea archipelago become icebound and on one of them sits Brandon Lodge – an Arctic outpost with 15 sea-facing log cabins scattered amongst the trees. Each has two bedrooms, a living room and a veranda with a view of the archipelago. The main lodge has the feel of a stylish ski chalet. Walk inside and you’ll find an open fire and luxurious sofas in the lounge with a cosy snug and bar to one side. There’s also a Scandi-chic sauna with an outdoor hot tub on the ice-locked shore.
Simply travelling across the frozen sea to reach Brandon Lodge is a thrill. From the lodge you can head out on optional activities including snowmobile tours, husky safaris, northern light snowshoe walk, ice fishing, wilderness skills and local sightseeing.
Great for: couples, friend groups and older families. Add a twist by combining with at stay at Treehotel where eight magical grown-up treehouses grace the forest outside Harads, 80km from Lulea.
Hotel Husafell, Iceland
This smart contemporary hotel tucked away in the forested hinterland of Borgarfjordur in wild West Iceland combines Nordic style and superb food with those all-important dark-night skies for sizzling northern lights potential. Husafell uses 100% pure energy from spring-fed hydroelectricity and geothermal heating, while natural hot water from nearby mountains is piped into the fabulous outdoor geothermal swimming pool. Paintings by artist Pal Gudmundsson add a distinctly Icelandic touch. There’s space to relax and plenty to do from visiting nearby Hraunfossar waterfall to heading inside an ice cave on Langjokull glacier where you can also snowmobile. Walk to Húsafell Canyon Baths for a soak in a surreal hot spring paradise or head out on road trips to Snaefellsnes and the Golden Circle.
Great for: independently exploring Iceland’s south west on a winter self-drive.
Hotel Ranga, Iceland
Sitting pretty in south west Iceland’s open countryside, Ranga is a stylish rural retreat 90 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik. With Mt Hekla brooding in the distance and a salmon river flowing nearby, this is big sky country where the northern lights like to put on a show. The atmosphere here is intimate and friendly. You can expect high levels of service, fine dinning but with a laid-back ambience. The iconic natural wonders of the Golden Circle and the south coast’s waterfalls and black sand beaches are within easy reach. And it’s easy to arrange a Superjeep excursion into Thorsmork valley. Food is a highlight of a stay at Ranga, as the restaurant boasts one of the most exciting menus in the country.
Great for: self-drive explorers and gourmands in search of the aurora.
Hamn i Senja, Norway
On the west coast of Norway’s second largest island, Senja, Hamn i Senja is a coastal idyll set on the water’s edge amid hundreds of islets and islands. Perfect for a winter break, you’ll discover modern accommodation overlooking the sea. Choose from aurora rooms, studios, suites and apartments to suit, dine overlooking the harbour, relax in the hot tub with fjord views and explore through a range of activities including wildlife safaris on the water and northern lights snoeshoeing. Adrenaline seekers might like to don a floation suit and experience Arctic bathing where you’ll float effortlessly in the frigid waters feeling at one with the ocean.
Great for: couples, families or groups of friends.
Malangen Resort, Norway
An hour from Tromso and sitting on the water’s edge, the beauty of this Norwegian retreat is that all of its stylish rooms share the same incredible views of Malangsfjord. In complete contrast to the forests, fells and lakes of Sweden and Finland, the far north reaches of Norway bring the zing of the sea to a winter break. A crinkle-cut coast and jagged mountains mirrored in sheltered fjords are scattered with colour fishing huts. At Malangen, choose a sleek and stylish hotel room or opt for a trendy stilted cabin with dreamy views. Escape for the weekend in search of the aurora, enjoy a host of winter activities and relax with picture-perfect views from the hot tub and sauna.
Great for: couples and pairs looking for a sophisticated winter break
Feeling inspired?
However your perfect winter adventure shapes up, we have an accommodation option to match. Our Travel Specialists will tailor your trip making sure everything fits together seamlessly. Get in touch on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.
