What exactly is a glass igloo?
A glass igloo is a small cabin with a heated glass roof designed for stargazing and, hopefully, watching the Northern Lights. Inside, you usually find a double bed, sometimes a toilet, occasionally a small bathroom. Cooking facilities are rare; meals are typically taken in the resort restaurant. The size is modest, usually between 15 and 25 square meters – enough for sleeping, but not for living comfortably over several days.
Living comfort: suitable for a week?
The honest answer is no.
Most guests book a glass igloo for one night as an experience. For longer stays, the
space is simply too limited. There is little storage for winter clothing, almost no room for children or families, and you depend entirely on the surrounding resort for food and
activities.
As a base for a full week in Lapland, glass igloos lack both comfort and practicality. They work as a highlight, not as a holiday home.
Privacy and atmosphere
Marketing photos suggest total seclusion, but in reality igloos are often built close together. Curtains usually cover only the lower part of the windows, which means privacy is limited. Pathway lights or glow from nearby buildings can interfere with the darkness needed to see the Northern Lights clearly. Many reviews mention that the atmosphere feels less private than expected.
Northern Lights – not guaranteed
The main dream is, of course, to watch the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed. The reality: the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. Even in the best months, clouds can
block the view or solar activity may be too weak. A glass roof does not increase your chances. In fact, reflections on the glass can sometimes make the aurora harder to see or
photograph.
The best way to watch them is still the classic one: outside, under an open and dark sky.
Prices and reality
Prices rarely start below 300 euros per night. In peak season, it is common to pay 500–800 euros, sometimes even more. For this price, you get a small room with a spectacular glass roof – but not much else. Many guests describe the experience as magical, while others consider it overpriced for what is essentially one night in a tiny cabin.
Energy, hype and respect for nature
Glass igloos are part of a global trend. They are heavily heated so that guests can lie in T-shirts while outside it is –30 °C. What is sold as a “nature experience” often turns into
an energy-heavy attraction. Resorts build rows of igloos side by side, which further
reduces privacy and increases light pollution.
This raises a critical question: where is the appreciation for the cold, the silence and the untouched nature of Lapland? For some visitors it feels less about experiencing the
wilderness and more about ticking a trend off the list.
Hype or real highlight?
A glass igloo is a hype product. It creates photos and memories that many travellers will never forget. For one night it can be magical, especially for couples looking for a special occasion. But for a week-long winter holiday, most people find it too cramped, too expensive and not as authentic as they had hoped.
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