Serenely nestled on the shore of Lake Syväjärvi, Ukkohalla Resort is a wonderful base from which to explore the vast wilderness of Arctic Lakeland – renowned as the snowiest region in Finland. The resort village offers a wide range of accommodation catering to all manner of different tastes, as well as a sauna complex with indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, a bowling alley, and a superb choice of outdoor activities all year round.
Eat
Ukkohalla’s restaurant, Hallan Karhu, serves up a varied buffet as well as an à la carte menu featuring traditional Finnish dishes, such as sautéed reindeer and grilled salmon, alongside burgers and steaks. For dessert, the leipäjuusto (also known as Finnish squeaky cheese) with cloudberry jam and cinnamon cream is a delight. There’s also a small cafe overlooking the lake where you can enjoy sweet and savoury baked treats and drinks, accompanied by gorgeous views.
Sleep
Accommodation at Ukkohalla Resort comes in several different forms, from alpine-style log cabins and lakeside apartments to ski chalets and luxury villas. The pick of the bunch, however, has to be the Sky Cabin Glass Suites, which are located at the top of the Ukkohalla ski hill. You’ll feel totally immersed in nature while staying at these stylish, glass-walled cabins, from which you can marvel at the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun, depending on the time of year. They all have their own bathroom, a kitchen area and a comfortable, motorised twin bed. Hiking trails and ski slopes start right outside, and you can also arrange to be driven to and from the main resort village by mini bus.
Do
Ukkohalla Resort is a paradise for outdoor adventures all throughout the year. In winter, you can go husky sledding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the snow-blanketed forests, or visit a local reindeer farm to learn about the region’s reindeer herding heritage. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and wild swimming, while the resort’s bowling alley, sauna complex (featuring nine different types of sauna) and gym can be used no matter the weather conditions outside. There’s also a strong possibility of being able to see the Northern Lights any time from late August to early April.
