Star Arctic: an oasis in Finland’s far north

By Philip Denvir | Photos: Star Arctic Hotel

The Danish word hygge has become part of everyday language, but the Finns got there first with ‘kotoisa’, meaning ‘feeling cosy and at home’. The Star Arctic Hotel in Finnish Lapland promises just that and much more.

Located in the village of Saariselkä, Lapland, some 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Star Arctic Hotel offers something for all visitors, whether it be getting back to nature, winter sports or simply a wellbeing experience.

Hotel Director Juha Muotka has been at the hotel for some years now, and says that he is practically married to the area. “We offer an amazing, unique location with top-quality services and, of course, personality. This gives our visitors a comprehensive experience of our passion for the healthy, safe and sustainable Lappish lifestyle. We call this ‘Passion For Lapland’,” explains Juha.

Star Arctic: an oasis in Finland’s far north

Lapland and Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a wilderness preservation area and one of the oldest mountain ranges in Finland. Finland’s second-largest national park, Urho Kekkonen National Park, extends right up to the centre of Saariselkä, so visitors can enjoy real Lappish nature and feel the embrace of true peace and quiet.

In this wild beauty, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities year-round; from hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the warmer months, to skiing, snowmobiling and even ice-fishing in the winter. For those looking for more sedate activities, guided nature walks including wild mushroom, berry and herb-picking are among the many activities on offer. The area is also home to numerous northern species and visitors may be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle, moose or even bears.

Marvel at the northern lights

Seeing the aurora borealis shimmering in the night sky is an essential part of a trip to Lapland, and Saariselkä is the perfect place to spot it – and even to learn the secrets of photographing it. The Star Arctic Hotel offers a range of opportunities to marvel at this miracle of nature. One must-visit at the Star Arctic Hotel is the unique Aurora Glass Cabin. Above the bed in the cabin is a three-panel glass design that allows guests to lie in bed and gaze up at the night sky.

“Lapland is currently a hot spot and Star Arctic’s unique location and service concept is able to meet this demand. With us, visitors get a comprehensive and high-quality experience. Plus, our package offer is expanding: we offer a northern lights travel package called Passion For Aurora,” says Juha. “A night filled with Lapland’s beautiful northern lights is nothing short of magical, and experiencing such a night in the cabin is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience,” enthuses Juha.

Star Arctic: an oasis in Finland’s far north

Up close and personal with huskies and reindeer

Hotel guests can experience an exhilarating husky sleigh-ride in the wilderness led by Siberian huskies. The husky musher guides guests through the Arctic pine forest, allowing them to admire the changing scenery from the comfort of a sleigh. “The feeling of freedom as you breathe in the fresh winter air, leaving paw prints behind on the snowy trails, is a truly wonderful experience,” says Juha.

Another unmissable activity on offer at the destination hotel is the chance to meet their friendly reindeer and learn more about the indigenous Sámi culture during a reindeer experience safari. “The tour begins at our Star Arctic Wilderness Centre, where a reindeer herder shares stories of reindeer herding and the Sámi culture in Lapland. But the highlight of the tour is a magical sleigh ride through the snowy pine forest,” says Juha. “This tour includes a lunch at the Wilderness Centre consisting of local ingredients, and the opportuniy to feed our reindeer,” he adds.

Kotoisa: a warm feeling

The Star Arctic prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere, warmly embracing all guests and catering for every need. The friendly management team and staff champion locality and sustainability, producing all the services themselves. This enables them to maintain an equisite quality in every service in the Passion For Lapland product packages, including the accommodation and restaurant, as well as transport, equipment and activities.

Juha explains: “The story of Star Arctic begain with the two families’ dream, which they brought to life in Lapland’s finest location at the top of a fell, Kaunispää in Saariselkä. Star Arctic is a family business where everyone is equal. We are also very proud of our success in being environmentally-conscious in all operations.”

Star Arctic: an oasis in Finland’s far north