Hotel Korpikartano

Just got back from an amazing 7 day stay. The staff are welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable and go all out to make your stay as good as they can. The free use of the skis, snow shoes and sledges make for a very good experience allowing you to go and do your own thing when not taking part in one of the many activities on offer. The activities are fantastic and these ranged from snow fun (learning the skis, snowshoes etc), snow shoeing and snow mobile in the dark, ice fishing and finally culminating in the Husky sled we would advise to do as much as you can you won’t regret it. The food is locally sourced and was very good. Various options at breakfast, normally soup at lunch and a 3 course meal in the evening. The meal is a set menu but mention to the staff any allergies, don’t likes etc and they will go out of their way to accommodate you. We had a studio room which was warm and cosy, due to the under floor heating. It had a small kitchen area including a kettle. We did take some extra coffees but there was no need to, there is free coffee and tea 24/7. The bathroom included shampoo and conditioner and a hair dryer. The lake is a minutes walk away and is perfect for watching the Aurora. We took a couple of kick sledges and went out onto the lake approx 200- 300 metres away from the hotel and lights etc. The sledges make it easier than walking and also provides a seat with no need to sit on the ice while you wait. We were lucky and and had 2 nights where the weather broke and we could see the lights. A tip is not to just keep looking in one direction, we were looking north and they appeared behind us at first before dancing around right above us. You do get some winter clothing to use, overalls, mittens boots etc. which are very good. We wore some of our own winter clothing underneath and these along with hand warmers kept us warm while we were either sat watching the lights or participating in the activities. The nearest town, shops etc are approx 35km away so you are literally in the middle of nowhere. If you go to the Sami museum you do get chance to do a bit of shopping. We would certainly recommend this hotel and hopefully in the future we will go back

I really enjoyed my stay at the hotel. The location on the shores of the lake is magical. My studio room, which had a kitchenette and bathroom, was spotless. The underfloor heating kept the temperature nice and cosy (and was wonderful for drying out damp clothes). The staff was helpful and knowledgeable. The food was delicious and made from local produce. The option to book a sauna for private hour-long sessions was a bonus. All the equipment we used for our activities - ice fishing, husky safari, snowshoeing etc. - was in tiptop condition, and the guides were great too. I would also highly recommend taking a trip out to visit the reindeer herders. Seeing so many of these animals up close in their natural environment and learning about Sami traditions was incredible. We went to see the northern lights, but they proved elusive! However, this is just another reason to go back.

This place is stunningly beautiful. It is very remote indeed. About 75 minutes from Ivalo Airport. The hotel is basic - more like a hostel - but the staff are brilliant - they know what they are doing and they are very helpful and friendly. Food doesn’t operate on a menu system - you have what is there, but it is plentiful and well cooked. Good quality cold weather gear is supplied - and you are likely to need it! We went out on the frozen lake on Snowmobiles last night and it was -26 by the time we finished. Unless you’re used to it, that is seriously cold. But we did get a good display of Northern Lights, so no complaints!

What a wonderful experience. The hotel was excellent, cosy and warm. The photos don’t do the rooms justice. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I am gluten free and they catered for it very well. Food is a set meal every day and you get what you’re given. Picky eaters might struggle but the food was delicious, home cooked, fresh and lovely. Lots of equipment available to use whenever you wanted to. The excursions that were included in our package were good fun. Lots of thought had been put in to giving people a great experience. The aurora put a show on for us!

My partner and i would recommend hotel korpikartano 100 percent, the location is so peaceful, the staff are so helpful, the food is delicious and wholesome , the activities etc etc etc just a wonderful place ..and the northern lights omg.

The biggest compliment I can give which should not be understated is that the staff here made everything so easy and relaxed for us. Interaction started and ended with transfers to and from Ivalo airport in a nice warm mini van then we were given our comfy and very warm clothing for the excursions and shown to our immaculate bedroom. Excursions were great and we saw some fantastic northern lights that I will never forget and also drove snow mobiles, sno showing and ice fishing. Mika and henna were great guides and the food was really good (limited choice but good quality) for someone like me who rarely experiences proper snow in the uk it was brilliant. I never felt too cold, unsafe or rushed.