Star Arctic Hotel
lapland, finland · ★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Star Arctic Hotel is the intimate, elegant counterpoint to Saariselkä's larger Kakslauttanen igloo village — only 38 suites perched on top of Kaunispää fell, every one of them with floor-to-ceiling glass and a private fell-view balcony. Where Kakslauttanen scatters small igloos across the forest, Star Arctic concentrates the experience in a single architecturally striking building, with three restaurants, a proper spa, and an outdoor jacuzzi that looks out across rolling fells to a horizon almost untouched by light. For honeymooners who want glass-walled aurora viewing, but in a real hotel rather than a freestanding pod, this is the obvious choice in the Saariselkä area. The fell-top setting is the star — sunrise paints the surrounding fells pink, the elevation makes for huge open horizons in every direction, and the high ceiling height of the suites gives the rooms an airy, design-led feel that you do not get in a small igloo. Ski lifts run from below the hotel into Saariselkä's quiet ski area; husky kennels and reindeer farms cluster nearby; Urho Kekkonen National Park starts at the back door.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Star Arctic across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Premium Aurora Suite with private balcony and outdoor hot tub — a glass-fronted top-floor suite with a king bed facing the fell view, a soaking tub inside, and a private balcony with a hot tub for aurora watching outside.
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 $850/nt) | $5,950 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $4,760 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $857 |
| Total estimated | $14,867 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival via Ivalo
Fly into Ivalo (IVL), 30-minute transfer to Saariselkä, and settle into your Premium Aurora Suite. Dinner at one of the hotel's three restaurants and a first aurora watch from the balcony hot tub.
Saariselkä skiing
Ski-in / ski-out morning on the quiet, well-groomed slopes below the hotel, lunch at the fell-top cafe, and afternoon spa session.
Husky safari
Half-day husky sled experience with a partner kennel near Saariselkä, lunch in a kota, and an evening aurora photography session on the fell-top.
Reindeer farm and Sami stories
Visit a working reindeer farm, sleigh ride, and a traditional Sami-flavoured dinner in a kota tepee. Long sauna and balcony aurora watch back at the hotel.
Snowmobile expedition
Full-day guided snowmobile expedition into Urho Kekkonen National Park, ice-fishing stop on a frozen lake, and a fireside lunch in a wilderness cabin.
Snowshoe and ice swim
Snowshoe through old-growth forest, optional ice-swimming session at a partner sauna, and a tasting-menu dinner at the hotel.
Final fell breakfast
Sunrise from the balcony, a last fell-top walk, breakfast at the hotel, and a short transfer back to Ivalo for your flight home.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Aurora viewing depends entirely on clear skies — the fell-top position is excellent, but cloud cannot be planned around, so book a longer stay for safety.
Winter temperatures on Kaunispää fell are exposed and frequently between -15°C and -25°C with significant wind chill — bring or rent serious gear.
Star Arctic is a premium-priced boutique and Premium Aurora Suites with hot tubs sell out 6-12 months ahead in peak winter.
December days are extremely short (sun up around 11am, down around 1pm) — plan most outdoor activities tightly within daylight.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Star Arctic Hotel Hello Star Arctic reservations, We are planning our honeymoon and would like to book 7 nights from [DATE] to [DATE], preferably in a Premium Aurora Suite with private balcony and hot tub. Please confirm availability, share the best rate, and advise on transfers from Ivalo airport. We are particularly interested in arranging a husky safari, snowmobile expedition into Urho Kekkonen National Park, reindeer farm visit, and a tasting-menu dinner 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 Premium Aurora Suites with private balcony and hot tub are designed for couples, with glass walls facing the fells for aurora viewing from the bed.
Will we see the northern lights?
Saariselkä and Kaunispää fell sit in the high-aurora zone with minimal light pollution, but aurora is weather-dependent — book 4-6 nights for a strong chance.
What is the best month for aurora?
Late September through March, with February and March typically the most reliable months for clear, dark skies.
What is the best time to visit?
January through March for snow and aurora, December for the deep midwinter atmosphere, and August/September for the autumn ruska colour change on the fells.
What should we book in advance?
A Premium Aurora Suite with private hot tub, husky and reindeer experiences, snowmobile day, and a tasting-menu dinner in the hotel restaurant.
How do we get there?
Fly to Ivalo (IVL) via Helsinki, take a 30-minute transfer to Saariselkä, and the hotel can arrange the journey directly.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
