Apukka Resort
lapland, finland · ★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Apukka Resort sits on the wooded shore of Lake Olkkajärvi about 15 minutes outside Rovaniemi — close enough to fly into a major airport in the morning and be in your aurora cabin by lunchtime, far enough that the lakeshore is genuinely dark and quiet at night. The honeymoon draw is the Aurora Cabin: a freestanding wooden cabin with a king bed positioned directly under a large skylight roof, so you can lie in bed and watch the northern lights without going outside. The resort has its own working husky kennel, reindeer paddock, and a fleet of snowmobiles, which means most activities can run from the property itself rather than dragging you to partner sites half an hour away. It is family-friendly in name (Rovaniemi is Santa Claus's official hometown) but priced at adult, premium levels, and the Aurora Cabins are arranged around the forest in such a way that couples rarely see each other. The lakeshore setting in summer transforms into a midnight-sun honeymoon entirely different from the snow version — kayaks, paddleboards, and sauna-and-swim culture.
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
87/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
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At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Aurora Cabin — a private wooden cabin with a king bed under a large glass skylight, lakeshore-facing windows, ensuite, and a small terrace, designed specifically for in-bed aurora viewing.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $750/nt) | $5,250 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $4,200 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $756 |
| Total estimated | $13,506 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival in Rovaniemi
Fly into Rovaniemi (RVN), 15-minute transfer to Apukka, and settle into your Aurora Cabin. Sauna circuit, dinner at the main lodge, and a first aurora watch from bed.
Husky and reindeer onsite
Morning at the on-site husky kennel learning to mush, afternoon at the reindeer paddock for a sleigh ride, all without leaving the property.
Snowmobile and ice fishing
Guided snowmobile day onto frozen lakes, ice-fishing session with a hot lunch over open fire, and an evening aurora chase by minivan.
Santa and Arctic Circle
Day trip to Santa Claus Village and Santa Park to cross the Arctic Circle line, return for a long sauna and lakeside hot tub session.
Ice floating and saunas
Try the resort's signature ice-floating experience in dry suits on the frozen lake, follow with a sauna ritual and a quiet dinner in the lodge.
Snowshoe and aurora photography
Snowshoe walk through pine forest, lakeshore picnic in a kota, and an evening aurora photography workshop with a local guide.
Final lake breakfast
Long breakfast, last lakeside walk, and a 15-minute transfer back to Rovaniemi airport for your flight home.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Apukka is family-friendly and shared with Santa-season tour groups in December — for a more adult atmosphere, book January through March.
Aurora viewing depends on clear skies; even excellent skylight cabins cannot beat heavy cloud, so plan a longer stay for the best chance.
Winter temperatures around Rovaniemi commonly sit between -10°C and -25°C and the resort is exposed lakeshore, so dress for serious cold.
December days are very short with sun up around 11am and down by 1-2pm — plan all outdoor activities tightly within daylight.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Apukka Resort Hello Apukka reservations, We are planning our honeymoon and would like to book 7 nights from [DATE] to [DATE], preferably in an Aurora Cabin. Please confirm availability, share the best rate, and advise on transfers from Rovaniemi airport. We are particularly interested in the on-site husky and reindeer experiences, an ice-floating session, snowmobile expedition, and an aurora photography evening during our stay. Thank you, [NAMES] [EMAIL] / [PHONE]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this hotel good for honeymooners?
Yes — the Aurora Cabins with skylight beds are made for couples, even if the broader resort hosts families during peak Christmas weeks.
Will we see the northern lights?
Apukka sits in the auroral zone with limited light pollution on the lakeshore, but the aurora is weather-dependent — book at least 4-5 nights for a fair chance.
What is the best month for aurora?
September through March, with February and March typically combining clearer-than-average skies and long dark nights.
What is the best time to visit?
January through March for snow and aurora, June for midnight-sun lakeshore stays, and December if you want the full Santa-Lapland atmosphere.
What should we book in advance?
An Aurora Cabin specifically, husky and reindeer experiences (which run from the resort itself), and any ice-floating or snowmobile slots.
How do we get there?
Fly to Rovaniemi (RVN) and take a 15-minute transfer that the resort can arrange directly.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
