Magical Pond: A tranquil getaway under the Arctic skies

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Magical Pond

Located in the heart of Finland’s Lapland, Magical Pond’s igloo village offers guests a unique escape into nature. Here, visitors can experience year-round magic, surrounded by mesmerising Northern Lights in the winter and magical ‘nightless nights’ in the summer.

Magical Pond is a unique and atmospheric igloo village, built on owner Johanna Marin’s childhood stomping grounds, where her family has owned land since 1885. Today, Johanna runs Magical Pond with her husband, Pauli, and together the couple has fulfilled their ambition of creating a true sanctuary of calm for visitors.

“The idea for the igloo village came about one magical evening when the sky was lit up by the Northern Lights. Suddenly, I remembered having witnessed the Aurora Borealis and staring up at the sky many times as a child, and I had a strong urge to give others the same experience in an exclusive setting,” says Johanna Marin.

Magical Pond’s igloos are located in Finland, just eight kilometres from the famous Ruka ski resort. The igloos are surrounded by nature, making the village the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Each of the cosy and modern igloos has a large bed and a small kitchenette, along with a private bathroom. “Each igloo faces the forest and the natural pond, which allows our guests to have complete privacy during their stay,” says Pauli Marin. In Magical Pond’s sauna, guests can further unwind, and in the atmospheric Lounge bar, they can enjoy drinks and cocktails.

Magical Pond: A tranquil getaway under the Arctic skies

During the summer months, visitors can explore the nearby pond with SUP boards or rowing boats.

Admiring the beauty of nature

From the igloos, thanks to their unusual shape, guests can admire the beauty of the surrounding nature all year round, from the Arctic midnight sun to the ‘ruska’ – when the trees’ foliage turns into various shades of red and yellow in the autumn. Guests can also forage for mushrooms and berries right from the doorstep of their igloos. With a bit of luck, visitors might spot some of the local wildlife too – reindeer, foxes, birds, or even an elk are among the wild inhabitants that might pass by.

During the winter months, the region turns into a true winter wonderland. On top of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, there are numerous other snow activities, like snowshoeing, that will allow guests to explore their surroundings.

During the summer months, guests can take to the water with SUP boards, or borrow Magical Pond’s rowing boat to explore the nearby pond. In addition, Ruka has just opened over 1,000 kilometres of cross-country cycling trails, many of which are right at Magical Pond’s doorstep, and fat-bikes are available for hire.

Just a short walk away from Magical Pond is Lammintupa Winter Village, where visitors can go on husky and reindeer safaris, among other activities.

Local flavours and adventure

Using mainly local ingredients, the seasonal menu of Magical Pond’s Hut Restaurant Kataja provides guests with a tasty opportunity to explore authentic local flavours.

Moreover, the restaurant’s large windows reflect the design aesthetics of the igloos, allowing diners to admire the surrounding nature while delving into local flavours. The restaurant can also be booked for private events.

Just a short walk away from Magical Pond is Lammintupa Winter Village, which is run by Johanna’s sister. In Lammintupa, visitors can go on husky and reindeer safaris – and for those looking for more of an adrenaline rush, there are ice karting and snowmobile rides. Lammintupa also has a café and restaurant on site, which serve local foods and flavours.

Magical Pond: A tranquil getaway under the Arctic skies

A ‘hammock’ in the middle of the forest

On a clear night, visitors can enjoy nature’s very own light show, as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky. Conversely, in the summer, guests get to experience the magic of the ‘midnight sun’, when the sun doesn’t set below the horizon.

For Johanna and Pauli, respecting nature and sustainability are very important, and that shines through in the way they run Magical Pond. For example, all the electricity used at Magical Pond comes from renewable energy sources, and they strive to minimise waste. “We want to pay special attention to preserving local culture and promoting local service providers, as well as ensuring we provide sustainable and ethical products and services to our guests,” Pauli explains.

Overall, the owners of Magical Pond have a clear vision: they want to give visitors a place to recharge and feel the invigorating silence of nature. “Coming here is the equivalent of pressing the ‘pause’ button. It’s an opportunity for guests to invest in their own wellbeing, and leave their everyday stresses and worries behind,” says Johanna and concludes:

“I often say that the igloos are like the guests’ very own hammock in the middle of the forest: they are a place where visitors can relax and take in the beauty of nature from the comfort of their little igloo cocoon.”