Chase the Lights, Savor the Silence: A Sophisticated Escape to Lapland, Finland

Tucked along the edge of frozen Lake Inari in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Wilderness Hotel Inari is a peaceful Arctic hideaway that offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and untouched natural beauty. Far from city lights, with clear skies and snowy silence, it’s one of the best places in the world to experience the magic of the Northern Lights, especially in March when long nights and clear weather create ideal viewing conditions.

Frozen Lake Inari

Accommodations range from glass-roofed Aurora Cabins to cozy wilderness rooms and spacious log chalets—each offering warmth, style, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Days can be filled with dogsledding, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, snowshoeing, or simply exploring the winter wilderness. Come evening, you can join a guided aurora hunt or just watch the sky come alive right from your bed.

Aurora Cabins at Wilderness Hotel Inari

The on-site Restaurant Ukko rounds out the experience with panoramic views and beautifully prepared Lappish cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients. After a day outdoors, a hearty meal and a glass of wine by the fire is the perfect way to end the night.

Chasing auroras on a sled

This trip is ideal for couples celebrating something special (like we did for our 25th anniversary), solo travelers craving space and silence, nature lovers who want a real Arctic experience, and families looking for meaningful adventures off the beaten path. Whether you're after romance, reconnection, or simply something different—you’ll find it here, under the northern sky.

Snowmobile fun on Lake Inari

Best time to visit

• Northern Lights season: Late November through early April. March is often considered the sweet spot—cold enough for snow but with clearer skies, longer daylight hours, and strong solar activity.

• For Midnight Sun and summer wilderness: Visit June–August when the sun doesn’t set and you can hike, fish, and explore the lake under endless daylight.

• For the classic winter wonderland feel and auroras: December–March is your window.

How to get there

• Fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL)—It’s the closest airport to Inari, about 45 minutes by car.

• Most international travelers connect via Helsinki (HEL), which has daily short flights to Ivalo.

• Hotel transfers can be arranged directly through Wilderness Hotel Inari—super convenient, especially in winter.

What to pack

Layering is key! Even if you’ve done cold before, Arctic Lapland is next-level. Most excursions include gear rentals, but bring:

Essentials:

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• Fleece or wool mid-layers

• Down or insulated jacket

• Windproof/waterproof outer shell

• Warm hat, scarf, and insulated gloves

• Wool socks (bring extras!)

• Snow boots with traction (hotel also provides boots for activities)

• Moisturizer and lip balm (very dry air!)

• Headlamp (sunrise comes late in winter)

• Camera or phone tripod for aurora photos

Optional but helpful:

• Swimsuit (some cabins or saunas have access)

• Eye mask (in March–April the sun rises early)

• Reusable water bottle (tap water is crystal-clear and drinkable!)

Tips to make the most of your stay

• Book early, especially for March and for the glass-roof Aurora Cabins—they sell out fast!

• Sign up for aurora alerts at check-in so you don’t miss the lights.

• Don’t worry if you don’t see the aurora every night—the daytime adventures alone make the trip worth it.

• Layer up, even for short excursions—you'll be surprised how quickly the cold sets in.

• Join a guided activity at least once—the guides are fantastic, and it increases your chances of seeing wildlife, learning about Sámi culture, or catching the aurora from just the right spot.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lapland page.