Wilderness Hotel Inari

As one of Finnish Lapland’s newest hotels, this latest offering from long-time Wexas favourites Nellim offers the perfect combination of traditional cosiness, cutting-edge innovation and wilderness adventure. Perched on the shores of beautiful Lake Inari, its collection of log cabins and glass-roofed aurora domes provide the perfect base for a full range of winter activities.

Back to the accommodation, and it’s the sheer range of it which is one of Inari’s biggest draws. The aforementioned Aurora Cabins are obvious favourites, not least for their sweeping glass domes, which offer up front-row views of the Northern Lights; the glass is even heated to keep it clear even on the coldest nights. But, for the full experience, it’s well worth combing your stay with a couple of nights in one of Inari’s log cabins, where roaring fires, exposed timber and comfy armchairs are the ideal accompaniment to gorgeous views across the lake. They even come with an en-suite sauna. Alternatively, the Wilderness Rooms offers the same rustic charm but with a superb price point.

However, a stay here is about more than where you lay your head. The surrounding wilderness serves up all manner of seasonal adventures, with winter offering everything from Northern Lights hunts to snowmobiling, husky safaris, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a glimpse of Lapland culture, the nearby reindeer farm is a great place to start, with sleigh rides accompanied by private Sami-hosted dinners. If you visit in summer, expect a full range of fair-weather fun including hikes, bike rides and lakeside fishing trips.

And, as you’d expect, there’s a plenty to satisfy the tastebuds, too, with Inari’s excellent restaurant serving up Lappish delicacies to wonderful views across the lake and forests. Menus, like the activities, follow the seasons, so expect the likes of freshly caught salmon in summer and hearty stews in winter. Breakfasts and lunches are served buffet style, offering all the fuel you’ll need to your adventures in the wilds.