I went to Lapland, Finland, to spend a night in an igloo.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
I visited Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, and stayed in an igloo for $150 a night.
It was much cheaper than other similar accommodations I found in the area.
The outside temperature was below freezing, but I slept extremely well and had a blast.
I've always dreamed of staying in an igloo. The novelty experience just seems perfectly nostalgic to me — the sort of thing you conjure up in childhood but forget to tick off your list as an adult.
When I booked a trip to Lapland in December, I knew I wanted to make it happen.
Unfortunately, most igloo stays are out of my budget, especially in December, when prices tend to go up due to higher demand. Everything I saw was either close to $800 a night or booked out months in advance.
I almost resigned myself to failure until I stumbled across Lucky Ranch, a family-owned lodge just outside Pyhä-Luosto National Park on the shores of the serene Lake Pyhäjärvi.
Stays in its elaborately carved igloos were available for just $150 a night — and they included breakfast. I couldn't believe my luck.
I arrived early and familiarized myself with the property.
There were four igloos to choose from.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
I arrived a little early at "base camp" (a toasty wooden cabin with washroom facilities and a restaurant), where reception staff immediately offered me a hot drink.
A kind employee then offered to take me on a guided tour to get the lay of the land.
Stepping out the back door, I was giddy at the sight of four igloos surrounded by pine trees and strung-up fairy lights. The backdrop of the frozen lake made the novelty accommodation even more impressive.
As the first igloo guest to arrive for the day, I had the pick of the bunch.
The igloos are really just made of snow.
I'm used to a little more security as a solo traveler, but I felt pretty comfortable at Lucky Ranch.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
The igloos were a remarkable feat of architecture, a true winter wonderland.
A staff member told me that the lodge savvily creates them by inflating a huge balloon and dumping tons of snow on top. Once the walls are intact, a local artist begins carving unique decorations in each room.
The whole building process takes about a day, and the igloo I stayed in was built only a week before my trip.
It was beautiful inside.
My igloo featured a carving of a horse.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
Once I selected my igloo, I got settled in.
There were no doors — I entered my lodging by pulling aside a heavy cloth curtain. Inside, a double bed topped with reindeer pelts sat underneath an ice carving of a horse head, illuminated by delicately hung lights.
Getting ready for bed took a little extra prep work.
I wore multiple layers and slept in a sleeping bag.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
Back inside the base camp, I lined my stomach with a hearty Margherita pizza and charged my phone to prepare for my night in the igloo.
Then, I started layering up.
The staff emphasized the risk of frostbite, saying it was vital that I dress appropriately and remain in the sleeping bag overnight. However, the base camp would remain open for anyone who got too cold or needed a complimentary hot drink.
I went with a full-body merino base layer, thermal waterproof trousers, woolen sweaters, and woolly socks. It was hardly my trendiest look, but it was definitely comfortable.
I tested its warmth with regular dashes outside onto the frozen lake, gazing up at the stars and trying to see the northern lights.
It was chilly, but I was surprisingly comfortable.
I liked sleeping in the cold.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
By 9:30 p.m., it was bedtime. Staff members handed out pillows and sleeping bags with liners, provided a short safety briefing, and offered us hot water bottles.
Once I was tucked in, all my nerves drifted away. Although it was -12 degrees Celsius, or about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, outside, the temperature gauge inside the igloo hovered closer to 3 C.
The cold had a calming effect, and I was surprised at how comfortable I felt.
Scandinavian parents famously let their babies nap outside in prams in freezing temperatures to improve their sleep quality. Over 10 hours of blissful sleep later, bundled in my multiple layers, I could see why.
I woke up feeling refreshed and rested.
The nearby activities were worth getting up for.
I got to hike and see huskies.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
Since the igloo was relatively affordable, I had the dispensable budget to treat myself to an optional add-on activity.
After a complimentary breakfast of toast, eggs, and salad, I stored my bags at reception and waited to be picked up for a $60 tour of a husky farm.
I met the dogs and watched training demonstrations while drinking hot berry juice to warm up. Then, I set off on a quick self-guided hike up the Soutaja Fell.
I can't image any of the pricier options being better than my igloo stay.
I can't wait to book a longer igloo stay.
Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
Lucky Ranch's location was a dream for adventurous tourists like me. The rural setting was a far cry from the urban bustle of Rovaniemi — where much of Lapland's winter tourism takes place.
I found the experience priceless, which is ironic considering it was one of the most budget-friendly options.
Between the beautiful property and the great night's sleep, I can't wait to come back. Next time, I'd definitely book a longer stay.
