Hotel of the Month, Finland
Star Arctic: an oasis in Finland’s far north The Danish word hygge has become part of everyday language, but the Finns got there first with ‘kotoisa’, meaning ‘feeling cosy and at home’. The Star Arctic Hotel in Finnish Lapland promises just that and much more. By Philip Denvir
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Photos: Star Arctic Hotel
Located in the village of Saariselkä, Lapland, some 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Star Arctic Hotel offers something for all visitors, whether it be getting back to nature, winter sports or simply a wellbeing experience. Hotel Director Juha Muotka has been at the hotel for some years now, and says that he is practically married to the area. “We offer an amazing, unique location with top-quality services and, of course, personality. This gives our visitors a comprehensive experience of our passion for the healthy, safe and sus84 |
Issue 152
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March 2023
tainable Lappish lifestyle. We call this ‘Passion For Lapland’,” explains Juha. Lapland and Saariselkä Saariselkä is a wilderness preservation area and one of the oldest mountain ranges in Finland. Finland’s second-largest national park, Urho Kekkonen National Park, extends right up to the centre of Saariselkä, so visitors can enjoy real Lappish nature and feel the embrace of true peace and quiet. In this wild beauty, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities year-round;
from hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the warmer months, to skiing, snowmobiling and even ice-fishing in the winter. For those looking for more sedate activities, guided nature walks including wild mushroom, berry and herb-picking are among the many activities on offer. The area is also home to numerous northern species and visitors may be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle, moose or even bears. Marvel at the northern lights Seeing the aurora borealis shimmering in the night sky is an essential part of a trip to Lapland, and Saariselkä is the perfect place to spot it – and even to learn the secrets of photographing it. The Star Arctic Hotel offers a range of opportunities to marvel at this miracle of nature. One must-visit at the Star Arctic