Wilderness Hotel Inari, perched on the shores of Lake Inari in Finnish Lapland, consistently earns top marks from guests. It ranks #1 of 3 hotels in Inari on TripAdvisor, with hundreds of reviews highlighting its aurora-viewing glass igloos and wilderness cabins. This article synthesises guest reviews, operator details, and practical travel data to help you decide if it’s the right base for your Arctic stay.
Last checked: 2026-07-19
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Hotel name: Wilderness Hotel Inari · Location: Inari, Lapland, Finland · Guest rating: 9.4/10 from 410 reviews (Expedia) · Unique features: Aurora viewing, glass igloos, wilderness cabins, tailor-made packages
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-19.
Sources reviewed: official property listing on Booking.com, TripAdvisor reviews, travel blog reviews (Road Is Calling, Two Paper Boats), tourism board guide (Visit Finland), booking aggregator (momondo).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Wilderness Hotel Inari at a glance
- Glass-roofed igloos, cabins, and hotel rooms (Two Paper Boats)
- On the shores of Lake Inari, north of the Arctic Circle (Two Paper Boats)
- Check‑in from 15:00, check‑out until 11:00 (Booking.com)
- Breakfast included; half‑board packages available (Booking.com)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Wilderness Hotel Inari (also listed as Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos) |
| Location | Shore of Lake Inari, Inari, Finnish Lapland, Finland |
| TripAdvisor ranking | #1 of 3 hotels in Inari (Very Good rating, ~756 reviews) |
| Unique features | Glass igloos for aurora viewing, wilderness cabins, tailor‑made packages |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 15:00 / 11:00 |
| Breakfast | Included in room rates |
| On‑site restaurant | Open for dinner (approx. €70–80 for two) |
| Activities | Husky safaris, snowmobile tours, aurora excursions (from ~€100–150 pp) |
What makes Wilderness Hotel Inari unique?
Aurora viewing from glass igloos
The property’s glass‑roofed igloos are designed for northern‑lights viewing from the comfort of your bed. Two Paper Boats describes the setting as “north of the Arctic Circle, on the banks of Lake Inari”. Guests on TripAdvisor regularly mention the lake views and the chance to see the aurora right from their room. The igloos are separate units, but the hotel also offers traditional cabins and standard hotel rooms, giving a range of comfort levels and budgets.
Tailor‑made packages with Aurora Zone
Wilderness Hotel Inari partners with operators to offer packaged experiences that bundle accommodation, meals, and guided activities. Reviews note that many packages include a guided aurora hunt, snowshoeing, and Sami cultural experiences. This makes the hotel a practical choice for first‑time Arctic visitors who want everything arranged in advance.
Wilderness cabins and modern Scandinavian design
Beyond the igloos, the hotel’s cabins and rooms follow a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic with warm wood tones. Road Is Calling, who stayed in a cabin, reported that the room was “cosy and well‑equipped” and praised the location’s quiet. The mix of accommodation types allows groups and families to choose spaces that suit them.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Room types | Standard hotel rooms, cabins (with private sauna available), glass igloos |
| Restaurant | On‑site; breakfast included, dinner for two ~€70–80 |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 15:00 / 11:00 |
| Wi‑Fi | Available and reliable in common areas (per travel blogs) |
| Activities on offer | Husky safari, snowmobile, aurora hunt, snowshoeing, Sami culture visit |
| Family suitability | Spacious cabins; no dedicated children’s club but activities can be adapted |
“North of the Arctic Circle, Wilderness Hotel Inari sits on the banks of Lake Inari, one of the largest lakes in Finland.”
The bottom line: “North of the Arctic Circle, Wilderness Hotel Inari sits on the banks of Lake Inari, one of the largest lakes in Finland.”— Two Paper Boats travel blog
Pros and cons of Wilderness Hotel Inari
Pros
- Excellent lakeside location with direct access to wilderness
- High guest satisfaction – #1 on TripAdvisor in Inari
- Unique glass‑igloo accommodation for aurora viewing
- Breakfast included in room rate
- Guided packages simplify planning for first‑time visitors
Cons
- Premium pricing – winter rooms around €200/night for two
- On‑site activities cost extra (€100–150 pp per activity)
- Dinner for two adds ~€70–80 to nightly spend
- Some guest reviews mention variable room quality
- Not all room types offer glass roofs – igloos book out quickly
How far is Wilderness Hotel Inari from the airport?
The nearest airport is Ivalo Airport (IVL), located about 40 km away. The hotel offers airport transfers, and the drive takes roughly 40 minutes. Road Is Calling notes that a taxi or pre‑booked shuttle is the most common option; rental cars are also available at the airport. For travellers arriving via Helsinki, connecting flights to Ivalo are frequent during winter.
Is Inari, Finland worth visiting?
Inari is a premier destination in Finnish Lapland for those seeking aurora borealis, Sami culture, and winter activities. Visit Finland lists five key experiences: northern‑lights viewing, husky safaris, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and visiting the Siida Sami Museum. Wilderness Hotel Inari positions itself as a base for all of these – most packages include a guided activity each day.
Top experiences in Inari
- Northern lights: Peak season September–March. The hotel’s lakeside location offers dark skies with minimal light pollution.
- Husky safari: Half‑day tours run from the hotel or local kennels, typically costing €150–€200 per person.
- Sami culture: The Siida Museum in Inari village provides exhibits on Sami history and reindeer herding.
- Winter activities: Snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, and snowmobile tours depart directly from the property.
“Around €200 per night for two with breakfast and aurora lights just above our heads sounded very good to me.”
— Road Is Calling travel blog
Sample itinerary: A winter weekend in Inari
Day 1: Arrive at Ivalo Airport, transfer to hotel (40 min). Settle into your cabin or igloo. Evening: guided aurora hunt with hotel photographer.
Day 2: Morning husky safari across frozen Lake Inari. Afternoon visit to Siida Museum. Dinner at hotel restaurant (€70–80 for two).
Day 3: Snowmobile tour to a Sami reindeer farm. Late checkout at 11:00, transfer back to Ivalo Airport.
This itinerary uses the hotel’s package options – many guests book a “Winter Adventure” package that bundles two activities, full board, and transfers. According to Road Is Calling, such packages can offer better value than booking each component separately.
What’s the average price for a night in Inari?
According to the booking aggregator momondo, the average hotel rate in Inari starts from about $92 per night. Wilderness Hotel Inari commands a premium due to its lakeside setting and unique igloo rooms. A typical winter room for two with breakfast runs around €200 per night. Dinner for two adds roughly €70–80, and a single activity costs €100–150 per person. The bottom line: a two‑night stay with one activity and dinner each evening totals roughly €650–€750 per couple.
Alternatives to Wilderness Hotel Inari in Lapland
If the premium pricing gives you pause, a few nearby options offer comparable wilderness experiences:
- Hotel Inari (formerly Hotel Kultahovi): Located in Inari village, closer to restaurants and the Sami museum. Rates from ~$100/night, but no glass igloos.
- Juutua Hotel: Mid‑range option in Inari with modern rooms and a popular restaurant. Good for travellers who want village access.
- Saariselkä resorts: About 90 km away, Saariselkä has a wider range of accommodation and activities, including multiple glass‑igloo properties. More choice but less remote.
For travellers who prioritise aurora viewing from bed and a lakeside wilderness feel, Wilderness Hotel Inari remains the top‑rated choice in the area.
Our pick: Is Wilderness Hotel Inari worth it?
For first‑time Arctic visitors and aurora chasers who want a convenient, well‑rated base, we recommend Wilderness Hotel Inari. The lakeside location, glass igloos, and inclusive breakfast add genuine value, and the #1 TripAdvisor ranking reflects consistent guest satisfaction. However, budget travellers or those who plan to spend little time at the hotel may find better value in Inari village hotels.
Best for: First‑time Arctic visitors, aurora chasers, couples seeking comfort, families wanting convenience.
For travelers weighing their choices, other Inari hotel options provides a useful comparison of other Inari hotel options.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wilderness Hotel Inari have glass igloos?
Yes. The property offers glass‑roofed igloos specifically designed for northern‑lights viewing, alongside traditional cabins and hotel rooms.
What is the best time to visit for northern lights?
Winter months from September to March offer the highest probability of aurora activity, with frequent clear nights in January and February.
Is the hotel family‑friendly?
Reviews mention spacious cabins and activities suitable for families, although no dedicated children’s club is highlighted. Many packages can be tailored to include family‑friendly activities.
Can you book meals at the hotel?
Yes. The on‑site restaurant receives excellent reviews for food quality; breakfast is included in most packages. Dinner for two typically costs €70–80.
How do I get from Ivalo Airport to the hotel?
The hotel offers airport transfers; the drive is approximately 40 minutes. Taxis and rental cars are also available at Ivalo Airport.
What activities are included in a stay?
Many packages include guided aurora hunts, snowshoeing, husky safaris, and Sami cultural experiences. Activities are priced separately unless part of a package.
Is there free Wi‑Fi?
Travel blogs note that Wi‑Fi is available and reliable in common areas; guest reviews generally confirm adequate connectivity.
Sources cited
- TripAdvisor – Wilderness Hotel Inari reviews
- Booking.com – Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos
- Road Is Calling – Wilderness Hotel Inari review
- Two Paper Boats – Wilderness Hotel Inari review
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