What It’s Like to Stay in a Luxury Glass Igloo: Levin Iglut in Levi, Finland
Review of Golden Crown Levin Iglut Glass Igloos in Finnish Lapland
Picture this: you’re sprawled out on a comfy bed tilted up at the sky, gazing through a glass dome at the Arctic sky, while the Northern Lights start swirling and make their grand entrance. Pure magic, right?
Perched on a fell (a big hill) with panoramic views of Finnish Lapland’s snowy wilderness, the glass igloos at Golden Crown Levin Iglut feel both futuristic and cozy, and across the board luxurious. Whether you’re there for romance, with your family or friends, or for a solo adventure, staying in a glass igloo at Levin Iglut is an experience you won’t forget.
I stayed at Levin Iglut for two nights in February 2022, and it snowed. Both Nights. So no Aurora in bed for me. Though, if you have to miss out on the Northern Lights, watching fluffy snowflakes fall in absolute silence isn’t a bad consolation prize (and luckily Mother Nature did make it up to me a few days later with a 4AM Aurora show at Northern Lights Ranch). But, even without any Northern Lights magic, staying in a glass igloo in Finland is one of those bucket-list moments; I highly recommend it. Levin Iglut is, without a doubt, one of the best glass igloo hotels in Lapland.
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Table of Contents
Location and Getting There
Levin Iglut sits about 10 kilometers from Levi, a ski resort town 170 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. It’s conveniently close to town but also far enough to feel like you’ve wandered into your own winter wonderland.
From Kittilä Airport: It’s an easy 15-20 minute drive (17 km) from the airport. Hop on Route 79, and you’ll see signs for Levin Iglut.
From Levi: If you’re coming from town and don’t have a car, Levin Iglut offers transfers to and from Levi for about €18 each way. Just arrange this with the hotel beforehand.
Inside the Glass Igloos
Levin Iglut is a relatively small hotel, with 27 glass igloos. Sleeping in a glass igloo in winter might sound like a chilly proposition, but Levin Iglut’s glass igloos are all about that warm, cozy vibe. Heated floors and insulated glass that doesn’t fog up (or get buried in snow) keep things toasty inside, even when the temperature outside will turn you into a popsicle. The decor is modern, cozy, and stylish.
Each glass igloo has a motorized bed—one of the best features—so you can tilt the mattress to get the perfect angle for sky-watching. I spent a solid chunk of my time lying back and watching snowflakes drift down. No Northern Lights, but still a bit of magic. There’s also a kitchenette with all the basics (fridge, microwave, tea kettle, and coffeemaker) and your own private bathroom, so you’re all set in the comfort department.
And if you’re in the mood to splurge, the glass igloo suites come with private outdoor hot tubs (I did not have a suite when I was there, unfortunately, but was quite jealous of whoever was staying in them). For the rest of us mere mortals, you can rent the sauna and hot tub at the Northern Lights House for a few hours.
Best Time to Visit
September to April is prime aurora season. But, of course, nature doesn’t do guarantees, as I learned firsthand.
Winter, especially December to March, is when Levin Iglut really shines. The landscape transforms into a snowy paradise, and nearby Levi is alive with winter sports. If skiing, snowshoeing, or just curling up by the fire after a day in the cold is your jam, this is your time.
For a quieter, slightly warmer experience (emphasis on slightly), September to November brings fall colors, less snow, and a bit more daylight. And yes, the Northern Lights are still in play, so you’re not missing out on the magic.
Sauna and Hot Tub
No Finnish Lapland glass igloo adventure is complete without a sauna and/or a hot tub. If you’ve booked a glass igloo suite, you’ve got a private hot tub right on your deck. If not, you can still book a slot at the Northern Lights House for some sauna and hot tub time. Soaking in a hot tub, surrounded by snow, under the Arctic sky—whether the Northern Lights show up or not—feels downright otherworldly.
Dining at Levin Iglut
If the igloos are the star of the show, the food is the surprise supporting act that steals a few scenes. The breakfast buffet alone is reason enough to roll out of your comfy bed. Smoked salmon, cold meats, cheeses, pastries, eggs—it’s a Nordic feast that will have you reconsidering any plans to skip breakfast.
Dinners at Restaurant Utsu are equally impressive. Think local Lappish dishes like reindeer and arctic char, all crafted into three or four-course meals that make you forget you’re in the Arctic wilderness. And if you want to up the coziness factor, you can book a private dinner in a kota, a traditional Sami hut. Alternatively, when the kota is not booked, you can purchase sausages from reception to cook over the central fire. Cozy fire crackling, the smell of grilled sausages—it’s about as hygge as it gets.
Is Levin Iglut Worth It?
Real talk—as one of the best glass igloo hotels in Lapland, Levin Iglut is a splurge. But if you can swing it, it’s one you won’t regret. Where else can you wake up in a glass igloo, surrounded by snow, with the potential of catching the Northern Lights from your bed? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for those rare moments of Arctic luxury, I thought it was worth every penny. Between the food, the hot tubs, and the remote, peaceful atmosphere, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re trying to keep an eye on your budget, visiting in the off-season might help. But you’ll still get the magic of Lapland, no matter when you go. This is one of those places you’ll be talking about long after your bags are unpacked.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Bucket-list experience: Sleeping in a luxurious glass igloo with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights is unforgettable.
- Gorgeous views: Whether it’s the landscape or snow falling outside your dome, the scenery is stunning.
- Heated comfort: Even when it’s freezing outside, you’re warm and toasty inside your igloo.
- Delicious food: The breakfast buffet and dinners at Utsu are top-notch.
- Incredible staff: The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and, fortunately for non-Finnish speakers like me, all spoke English.
Cons (there aren’t many!):
- Pricey: It’s not a cheap option, but for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s worth it.
- Light pollution: The nearby ski hill can cause some light pollution, depending on which way your igloo faces.
Levin Iglut vs. Northern Lights Ranch: Which One’s Better?
I was lucky enough to stay at both, and as I’ve also said on my Northern Lights Ranch review, I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. They’re both spectacular in their own ways, with a few unique perks. Instead of picking sides, here’s a breakdown to help you decide which one fits your getaway vibe. (You can find my full review of Northern Lights Ranch HERE).
- Igloo vs. Cabin Vibes: Levin Iglut gives you that classic glass igloo experience—like you’re living in a futuristic snow globe. Northern Lights Ranch has floor-to-ceiling windows and glass ceilings in their cabins, so you’re still getting prime aurora views, just with a cozy, cabin-in-the-woods feel.
- Size Matters… Kinda: Levin Iglut’s igloos feel a bit roomier because of their dome shape, but both places are comfy enough to stretch out and relax.
- Foodie Heaven: Both places offer incredible meals featuring local, seasonal ingredients. So, food-wise, it’s a delicious tie.
- Reindeer Bonus Points: Northern Lights Ranch lets you feed reindeer every morning—a major highlight. Levin Iglut? No reindeer, so if that’s a dealbreaker, you know where to go.
- Location & Accessibility: Levin Iglut is closer to town, making it more convenient if you want to hit the ski slopes or explore Levi. Northern Lights Ranch is more secluded, but they offer a free shuttle to Levi, so you’re not completely off the grid.
- Light Pollution: Northern Lights Ranch wins here, with zero light pollution and pure aurora views. Levin Iglut, while still great for Northern Lights watching, has a bit more ambient light from the nearby ski hill.
- Views: Levin Iglut has that hilltop advantage for panoramic views, while Northern Lights Ranch offers peaceful forest scenery. It’s a hilltop vs. forest vibe.
In the end, it depends on what you’re after. Both are dream-worthy luxury hotels in Lapland, whether you’re drawn to the sleek glass igloos of Levin Iglut or the cozy, reindeer-filled charm of Northern Lights Ranch. You can’t go wrong either way.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love Levin Iglut?
Do you have a pulse? You’ll love Levin Iglut.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or just craving a cozy, luxurious Lapland retreat, this place delivers. The igloos, the food, the friendly staff—it’s all part of a truly magical experience. And even if the Aurora doesn’t make an appearance, trust me, you’ll still find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this little corner of Lapland.
And if you have any questions about staying at Levin Iglut that I didn’t answer in this post, feel free to contact me or drop a line in the comments below!