Romantic Saariselkä — One Winter Day for Two
A slow-paced, intimate day in Saariselkä in March: cozy check-in, a gentle nature walk, a spa for two, a golden-hour viewpoint, a candlelit resort dinner and a guided Northern Lights outing — all paced for romance and quiet moments together.
Highlights
- Couples spa treatment and slow moments by the fire
- Golden-hour viewpoint at Kaunispää
- Candlelit dinner at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
- Guided Northern Lights chase
- Gentle Kiilopää fell walk through winter silence
Itinerary
Day 1
A tranquil winter day tailored for romance: arrive via Ivalo, settle into your hotel, savor a slow lunch, enjoy a couples spa, take a hushed walk in the fell landscape, watch the golden hour at Kaunispää, then an intimate dinner followed by an expert-led Northern Lights experience.
Arrival — transfer Ivalo Airport → Saariselkä
Private or shuttle transfer from Ivalo Airport to Saariselkä. Use this short drive to begin unwinding together — swap photos, share a warm drink and watch the snowy landscape roll by.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have luggage with ski gear, request a vehicle with roof space or ask the driver in advance — saves awkward packing at the last minute.
- Bring a thermos or buy a takeaway coffee at the airport to sip together en route; the views into Lapland set a romantic tone.
- Check daylight on your travel day — in March there is daylight most of the day but still long, crisp evenings; keep a light jacket handy for stepping out at stops.
Check in and settle: Lapland Hotel Saariselkä
Unpack, warm up and take 30–45 minutes to refresh together. Ask reception about turn-down options (extra candles / a late log on the fire) for a more intimate evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a room with a view toward the fell or an upper floor for better chances of catching an aurora from your window.
- Ask reception about quiet-room locations if you want an especially peaceful stay — couples often prefer a corner room away from lifts.
- If you plan an Aurora alarm, ask concierge if they can notify you when conditions look promising so you don't miss a moment.
Leisurely lunch — hotel restaurant
A relaxed two-course lunch at the hotel restaurant: warm soups, local salmon or reindeer dishes and cozy indoor seating for intimate conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table by the window for a quieter corner and a view of the snowy village while you dine.
- Try local tastes (reindeer, Arctic berries) and share plates so you both can sample more flavors.
- Order a hot berry cordial or warm glögi to prolong that cozy, close conversation after the meal.
Special moment: Couples spa treatment (spa for two)
A private or shared spa treatment — aromatherapy massage and time in a hot tub or sauna reserved for two. Slow, quiet pampering to relax before an active afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the couples treatment in advance and request simultaneous start times so you experience the full relaxation together.
- Bring a small gift (like a travel-size balm) to exchange after the treatment — a sweet, intimate ritual.
- Shelve phones; many couples find that surrendering devices for the hour enhances connection — ask staff about a quiet relaxation room afterwards.
Gentle outdoor: Kiilopää fell walk (snowshoe / short cross-country)
A tranquil, scenic walk toward Kiilopää to feel the hush of Lapland together. Choose a short marked trail or join a guided short snowshoe if you prefer company and interpretation.
Tips from local experts:
- Layer warmly — take removable mittens and scarves so you can quietly hold hands without numbness.
- Bring a thermos or stop at the Kiilopää centre for a small hot drink; sharing a steaming cup outdoors is an intimate instant.
- If you want photos, ask your guide (or use a timer) for a few posed shots on a quiet snowy ridge at eye-level — the light in March flatters close-up portraits.
Short rest & warm-up back at the hotel
A 25–30 minute break to warm up, change into dry clothes, sip tea and prepare for the golden-hour outing. Use this time for a quiet moment by the fireplace.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a pot of tea or a small treat from reception and enjoy it together in the lounge rather than in your room for a public-but-cozy feel.
- Refresh camera batteries and set the Aurora alarm if you plan a later outing.
- Slip into warmest outer layers now — golden-hour photos and evening aurora hunts are more comfortable when you start out snug.
Golden hour: Kaunispää viewpoint (romantic sunset)
Short drive or walk to the Kaunispää fell top for sweeping views. During March the light softens beautifully — a perfect spot for quiet toasts and an intimate sunset photo together.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to choose a sheltered spot and settle; use a compact blanket to sit on the snow and share body heat.
- Bring a small sparkling drink (or purchase at the hotel) to toast as the sun dips — glass photos framed by the fell are unforgettable.
- If you want privacy, walk a little off the main viewpoint where the landscape opens and fewer visitors gather; the silence is part of the romance.
Candlelit dinner at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (special evening meal)
Transfer to Kakslauttanen for a romantic dinner — many couples choose the resort for its intimate dining atmosphere and possibility to combine dinner with glass-igloo viewing later.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a window table or request one with a quieter corner when you reserve; a private table makes the night feel curated.
- Share a tasting-style starter and a main to sample local Arctic ingredients without feeling too full before aurora watching.
- Ask the restaurant to time dessert to the end of dinner so you can step outside for a short aurora check before transferring to your guided outing.
Special moment: Guided Northern Lights chase (evening experience)
A local guide drives you to dark vantage points away from village lights. Guides read the sky and pick places with clearer horizons — ideal for an intimate aurora moment under the Arctic dome.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in insulated layers (use a chemical hand warmer in your gloves) and bring a thermos; standing still to watch the sky is warmer if you plan for it.
- Ask your guide for photography tips — many guides will help set a camera on a tripod for a joint long-exposure shot of both of you beneath the lights.
- Tell the guide you want private time when a display appears; good guides will give you quiet minutes together for unhurried memories and photos.
Return & slow nightcap
Return to your hotel or glass igloo and enjoy a quiet nightcap — a shared hot drink by the window or a moment together tucked under warm covers while reviewing the day's photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a small notebook or voice memo to note where your favourite photos were taken — a lovely memory to revisit on future trips.
- If you saw the aurora, ask reception about printing a small photo or sending a recommended viewing spot for selfies tomorrow morning.
- If you're staying in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen, open the window slightly (if safe) for fresh night air — it feels especially intimate beneath the stars.
