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Tucked away in the quiet forests of Finnish Lapland, Syöte Igloos offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the Lappish wilderness, a cosy glass-roofed igloo and the chance of spotting the Northern Lights.
In this review, we’re sharing everything you need to know about staying at Syöte Igloos, including what we loved, things to know before you book and whether it’s worth adding to your Lapland itinerary.
Where is Syöte Igloo Located?
Syöte Igloo can be found on top of the Pikku-Syöte fell in the south of Finnish Lapland, surrounded by forests and wilderness. It's unique location provides a tranquil setting, perfect for a peaceful off-grid retreat away from the busy towns and cities.
The closest international airports are Oulu Airport and Rovaniemi, both roughly a 2 hour drive away. You can easily reach Syöte by car (we did), which is the most flexible option, or by bus services that operate between Oulu and the Syöte region.
Although Syöte Igloos is remote, it's just a short walk from Hotel Pikku-Syöte, which has a restaurant and amenities, and 10 minutes to the closest shop.
What’s the Igloo Like Inside?
Syöte Igloo is one of our favourite igloo stays in Lapland because the inside is cosy, inviting and feels like home straight away.
Inside, you’ll find a double bed positioned perfectly underneath panormaic glass windows, allowing you to lie back and watch the stars, or, if you're lucky, the Northern Lights.
There's a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, and a compact kitchenette with essentials like a kettle, fridge and hob. Despite the Arctic conditions outside, the igloos stay warm and cosy thanks to the efficient heating.
There are thoughtful touches like soft ambient lighting and locally inspired design elements that add to the overall experience. It’s a small, but beautifully designed space that feels both cosy and luxurious.
Things to Do Nearby
While Syöte Igloo offers an off-grid retreat, the surrounding region is perfect for activities that allow you to explore the arctic wilderness.
As i mentioned before, Syote Igloo is right by Hotel Pikku-Syöte, which is a ski resort and has easy access to the slopes of Iso-Syöte and Pikku-Syöte. Therefore, you can do snowshowing, skiing and snowboarding right from the doorstep.
Nearby, there are Husky Safari's in the winter, and canoe safari's in the summer, with a local provider. If your visit falls in the summer, you can do hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and there are indoor activities at Pikku-Syöte.
We visited in November, right at the start of winter, so there was only a little bit of snow and the ski slopes hadn’t opened yet. Unfortunately, that meant we missed out on most of the winter activities.
Chloe Butcher
However, we did head out on a couple of hikes through the surrounding forests, which were absolutely beautiful, and we stumbled across some traditional Lappish huts (open shelters where you can light a fire).
It’s also an incredible place to hunt for Northern Lights because of the remote location and minimal light pollution. On clear nights with the right conditions, you can often spot them right from your bed. For an even better view, you can head to nearby open areas or hilltops, where the skies feel even bigger and darker.
Rory Watson
Our Experience at Syöte Igloos
Getting to Syöte Igloos was simple and easy, we arrived by car and used a lockbox to access the key, which made check-in hassle-free. As soon as we stepped inside, we were blown away.
The igloo felt instantly cosy and inviting, with soft lighting, warm wooden touches, and the incredible glass roof stretching out above the bed. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of travel.
Although we didn’t get lucky with the Northern Lights during our stay, lying in bed and watching the stars overhead still felt magical. On our second morning, we woke up to one of the first snowfalls of the season, which turned the landscape into a peaceful winter wonderland.
Things to Know Before You Book
- Best time to visit: If you're hoping for proper snow and access to winter activities like skiing, December to March is the best time to visit.
- Bring Groceries: There’s a restaurant at the nearby hotel, but it's not always open. There is a small shop nearby, but it doesn't sell much. We'd recommend picking up groceries beforehand.
- Is a Car Necessary?: We’d highly recommend having a car. While transfers can be arranged from the airport, having your own car makes it much easier to reach the igloo as it is remote.
- WiFi and phone reception?: There is WiFi and phone reception at the Igloo. If you are travelling abroad, we highly recommend having an eSIM, this is what we always use when travelling!
Is It Worth Staying at Syöte Igloos?
If you’re looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path escape surrounded by nature, Syöte Igloos is absolutely worth considering. We’d recommend it to couples, solo travellers, or anyone who wants a quiet and cosy base to relax, stargaze and experience Lapland without the crowds.
Chloe Butcher
However, it is quite remote so you'll need a car to reach it, and if you're after a stay with plenty of facilities or a packed itinerary, it might feel a bit quiet.
Overall, we think Syöte Igloos offers great value for money if you’re after a unique, memorable stay in Lappish nature.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Finland travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
