Lapland, that cold and distant territory that extends in the northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. If we think of it, surely the first thing that comes to mind is ice, cold, Lapps, igloos, reindeer and penguins. However, Lapland is much more than that. For example, in this region near the North Pole, the northern lights streak across the sky, the sun does not set for months, and one of the most famous characters in the entire world has his residence: Santa Claus.
And since Santa Claus lives there, a whole series of leisure infrastructures have been created to amuse all the visitors who come there every year. SantaPark Arctic World, on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is an indoor amusement park voted "the world's top Christmas destination", where visitors can attend the School of Elves, visit Santa's Office, explore an Ice Gallery and even cross the Arctic Circle underground, among other Christmas attractions.
To keep everyone comfortable, the park has the recently opened Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, a complex of 32 prefabricated cabins with legs on stilts inspired by the surrounding landscape and the mysticism that surrounds this bearded gentleman who brings us gifts every year in Christmas and that is the charming hotel this week.
“The inspiration for the accommodation concept, located on a steep natural slope, came from Nordic nature and culture, as well as the magical world of SantaPark,” say its creators at Studio Puisto.
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The tiled huts resemble a herd of pineapple cows, a traditional Finnish toy made with a pineapple body and wooden legs. As if peacefully grazing on a steep hillside, the arrangement of these cabals allows for a direct view of the Northern Lights.
Like a Finnish Piaule, the landscape hotel's 32 cabins float gently above the ground on pillars to minimize their environmental impact below. Green roofs help mitigate water runoff and replace the footprint of the building on the vegetation above. Its shingle exteriors are made from sustainable Finnish wood, while inside, light finishes create a bright arctic experience. Inspired by the comfort of a nest, the Nordic interior is adorned with furs and plush sheets in neutral grays and whites, mirroring the snow-covered ground outside.
The cabins vary in layout. Some have a small kitchen, while others only have a sleeping area and a bathroom. Conveniently, some cabin assemblies can be combined to form a family suite, rearranged to provide additional living space or beds. In some, a wood-paneled entryway hides a small bed, perfect for small guests.
So that visitors can enjoy an immersive experience in nature and the spectacle offered by the northern lights, the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows on the north wall and care has been taken to ensure that outdoor light pollution is minimal. “There are just enough lights for safe accessibility. Deliberately chosen trees have been lit to serve as landmarks. During the afternoons and evenings, the buildings shine on the ground like lanterns, casting interesting shadows inviting one to enter the warm interior” they explain.
