KILPISJARVI, FINLAND — What’s the coolest hotel you’ve ever stayed at? However cool it may be, we bet it hardly comes close to what Finland has just come up with.
Deep in the Arctic Circle, six kilometres east of Kilpisjärvi, Aurora Wilderness Camp is a new glamping cabin that’s just been launched by Off the Map Travel. At first glance, it resembles nothing more than a glorified tent…until you look down and notice its skis.
Yup, this hotel is perched on skis to allow guests to chase the Northern Lights. The cabin is one of three rooms that can be moved to an optimal viewing spot, and features a clear roof, a wide bed, table, dry toilet, gas heater with thermostat and a even a gas stove. It spans 2.5 metres wide, 4.5 metres long, two metres tall and can comfortably sleep two people – tiny but definitely cozy!
Aurora Wilderness Camp
Guests also have exclusive use of the cabin’s snowshoes and kicksleds so that they can explore the local area during their stay. And according to Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel and an Arctic travel expert, they’ll definitely want to get out and explore.
“The wilderness surrounding Kilpisjärvi is known for its remote and uninterrupted Arctic tundra. Away from any manmade light pollution, it is here that the wilderness camp is placed for the winter, giving guests the best possible opportunity to experience the Northern Lights and simply enjoy the silence of the Arctic plains,” he said.
The experience starts at 6 p.m. when an experienced guide transports guests by snowmobile to their room. They’ll be taught how to make a campfire and grill local sausages before settling in for the incredible light show. Local snacks and hot drinks are provided, with a warm breakfast also included in the overnight experience.
Aurora Wilderness Camp
Every itinerary can be customized to suit guests’ preferences. As an example, a three-night itinerary costs from £1599 per person based on two adults sharing on a full board basis. This includes private transfers to and from the airport in Tromso, accommodation for two nights in a log chalet and one night in the new Aurora Wilderness Camp, and all meals. Other activities are available upon request. Flights are not included.
The three cabins are available to book through Off the Map Travel until mid-April 2018. After the end of the season, Aurora Wilderness Camp will reopen in January 2019.
For more information go to offthemap.travel/aurora-wilderness-camp.
