Golden Crown Levin Iglut

Once in a Lifetime Experience

I spent my last Christmas chasing the northern lights. Well, planning this trip was pretty tough. I really wanted to stay in one of these beautiful glass igloo hotels and after much hard work, I managed to booked the Golden Crown Levin Iglut in Levi. So WHY tough and hard work? I began my glass igloo sourcing 6 months prior to my trip. After doing some research, I managed to find 4 glass igloo hotels. Out of which two are in Rovaniemi, one is in Ivalo and Golden Crown Levin Iglut is in Kittila. I didn't want to travel far out to Ivalo yet worried that I will not be able to catch the northern lights if I stay Rovaniemi so I chose this amazing hotel. The hotel was not available on my initial stay dates and I had to switch around my travel itinerary just to suit the availability. Anyways, I tried to reach out to the other 3 hotels but they were fully booked too. I really suggest if anyone want to stay in one these during the winter season, do book way in advance, perhaps 12 months.

It was a lovely stay in this igloo hotel. We booked the car transfer to travel from Levi Village to the hotel directly with the hotel. The transfer arrived on time at Levintunturi Hotel and we got so excited when we arrived at the hotel. Initially, I booked 2 nights in a glass igloo but upon arrival, I was assigned to Northern Light House for the first night due to overbooking. I was a little unhappy at first, turn out it's quite an experience. The Northern Light House is literally a house with a living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a sauna room and an outdoor Jacuzzi. I did not managed to see one of the bedrooms as the hotel locked it. The kitchen is well-equipped with utensils and cutlery. We did some cooking for dinner with some groceries that we bought from the supermarket at Levi Village. Of course, I need to try out the Jacuzzi since I am staying in this house. Can you imagine? Hot Jacuzzi while it was snowing! Unbelievable experience!

Living Room

Kitchen

Bedroom

Bathroom

Sitting Area in front of the side door to the starry sky - We sat here the whole night to wait for northern lights to appear but sadly, nothing appeared for the whole night. However, the sky was filled with stars - starry starry night! 

Outdoor Jacuzzi

This hotel serves continental breakfast - small spread but good quality food. We had dinner at the same restaurant. During dinner, we sat upstairs and the dining experience was cozy and impressive with high pointed glass ceiling. We ordered a three-course dinner - soup, main course and dessert.  The ingredients were fresh and the food was delicious.

High pointed glass ceiling

   

After checking out from the Northern Light House, we walked around the area taking snowy photos. While waiting to check-in to our glass igloo, we went to the small hut called the Teepee and barbecue some sausages. There were some marshmallows in the hut, probably leftovers from previous.

Teepee - Small Hut

No words can describe the magical glass igloo - the photos show it all! The northern lights chase was really tiring. We heard our neighbours running around, setting up their tripod stands. I know it's the time! We joined the crowd and we started screaming with joy - the northern lights appear! I tried to take photos with my canon camera and iphone 6 but none could capture the lights. In the end, we just enjoyed the view and experience the magical moment.

The best northern lights shot with my Canon camera

I had a wonderful experience staying at Golden Levin Iglut. Honestly, we were very fortunate that we managed to catch the lights. If not, my heart will bleed cause the room rate for the igloo is really high. If you ask me whether is it worth it? Well, I will only do this once in my life. The northern lights experience is really magical especially you are staying in the glass igloo. So my advice is - JUST DO IT! At least once.

Harjatie 2, 99130 Levi, Lapland, Finland
http://leviniglut.net