Question 1

Where exactly is Aura Arctic Chalets?

Accepted Answer

Aura is in Saariselkä, in Inari, Finnish Lapland, above the Arctic Circle. The villas sit beneath the Kaunispää fell at the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, around 20 minutes by road from Ivalo Airport.

Question 2

How do we get there?

Accepted Answer

The nearest airport is Ivalo, reached by direct flights from Helsinki in about 1.5 hours. Aura arranges a private transfer for the short drive to Saariselkä.

Question 3

Is the villa private, or are there other guests?

Accepted Answer

Every stay is entirely private. You reserve the whole villa, with no shared spaces, no other guests and no front desk. Larger parties may take both villas and the full estate.

Question 4

How many guests can stay?

Accepted Answer

Grand Hideaway accommodates up to 6 guests. Grand Panoramic & SPA accommodates 8 to 10. Reserved together as Exclusive Use, the estate hosts 14 to 16.

Question 5

Does Aura have glass igloos?

Accepted Answer

Aura is not a glass igloo resort. It is a collection of private villas with floor to ceiling panoramic windows. You watch the northern lights from your own living room or bed, in complete warmth and privacy, with the villa entirely yours.

Question 6

When can I see the northern lights at Aura?

Accepted Answer

The aurora season in Saariselkä runs from late August to mid April. The village lies directly beneath the auroral belt, and the clearest displays usually appear between 9pm and 2am on dark, clear nights. Sightings depend on weather and solar activity, so they are never guaranteed, though the location is among the finest in Europe for them.

Question 7

Can you see the aurora from inside the villa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panoramic windows face the night sky, so you may watch from the comfort of your living room or bed, or step out to the private outdoor jacuzzi when the lights appear.

Question 8

What is included in a stay?

Accepted Answer

Every stay includes private transfers from Ivalo Airport, breakfast delivered to the villa each morning, a private sauna and outdoor jacuzzi, and your hosts, Riikka and Timo, who arrange the details of your visit. Activities are organised on request.

Question 9

What about meals beyond breakfast?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast is delivered each morning. Further meals can be prepared privately in the villa, or Aura will recommend and reserve a table at one of the nearby restaurants.

Question 10

What activities can you arrange?

Accepted Answer

Aura arranges husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, guided aurora excursions, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and skiing at Kaunispää, both cross country and downhill, each shaped around your pace.

Question 11

Is Aura suitable for a honeymoon or a couple?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Grand Hideaway is the most intimate of the villas, with the aurora above your bed, a private sauna and jacuzzi, breakfast delivered, and complete seclusion.

Question 12

Can we reserve the estate for a company retreat or a Christmas celebration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The full estate accommodates up to 14 to 16 guests and suits company retreats, team gatherings and year end celebrations. The entire property is yours, with activities and dining arranged from arrival to departure.

Question 13

Is Aura suitable for families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The villas offer generous space, calm surroundings and activities for every age, from husky rides to reindeer and sledding.

Question 14

What does a stay cost?

Accepted Answer

Indicative winter rates begin at €2,400 per night for Grand Hideaway, €3,200 for Grand Panoramic & SPA, and €5,600 for the full estate. Share your dates for a precise quotation.

Question 15

How do we reserve?

Accepted Answer

Share your preferred dates through the website and Riikka and Timo will confirm availability and provide a quotation. Aura is also listed on Booking.com.

Your Own Private Villa Under the Northern Lights

Two villas, or the whole estate, yours alone

Grand Hideaway

Grand Panoramic & SPA

Exclusive Use

Everything taken care of

Panoramic windows under the aurora

Private sauna & outdoor jacuzzi

Private transfers from Ivalo

Activities arranged for you

Breakfast delivered each morning

A villa all to yourselves

Adventure right outside the door.

The villa, the sky, the silence

Request your dates

Good to know.

A Guide to Lapland