Cahkal Hotel – A Refined Basecamp for Arctic Adventure

Tucked away in the raw, mountainous landscapes of Kilpisjärvi, Cahkal Hotel welcomes modern explorers to the Finnish Lapland’s northwesternmost frontier, 400 km above the Arctic Circle.

Surrounded by the vast Käsivarsi Wilderness Area and perched beside the lake that bears its Sámi name, Cahkal is a sanctuary where high-end hospitality meets authentic Arctic immersion.

The hotel is ideally positioned for those seeking both seclusion and access.

Located less than 50 km from the Arctic Ocean and near the borders of Sweden and Norway, Cahkal is reachable year-round via multiple airports: Tromsø (2.5h), Kittilä (3.5h), Enontekiö (2h, seasonal), and Kiruna (3.5h). Shared and private transfers are available, and guests may also arrive by helicopter – with landing coordinated directly at the property for a truly elevated experience.

With just 23 boutique-style rooms and a setting where silence dominates the horizon, Cahkal is more than a stay – it is a basecamp for curated, nature-forward luxury.

Here, time slows, space expands, and the elements invite you to explore. Whether under the midnight sun or the aurora-lit sky, every stay is tailored to connect body and soul with the vast outdoors.

Cahkal Hotel draws its name from the Sámi word for “lake”, echoing the pristine waters behind the lodge and the indigenous heritage of its surroundings.

Located at the gateway to the 2,200-square-kilometer Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, the property is more than a hotel – it is a statement of intention. Its purpose is to offer an immersive and grounded experience of the Arctic that places nature, well-being, and meaning at the heart of every stay.

The hotel’s ethos is built upon four pillars: connection, care, curiosity, and consciousness.

Every interaction – whether with a host, a local guide, or the land itself – is meant to feel intentional and unforced. Guests are welcomed not with scripted hospitality but with presence and authenticity.

Sustainability is not a marketing line but a guiding principle that influences daily operations.

Geothermal heating, solar panels, and biodegradable maintenance solutions help protect the sensitive ecosystem. Cahkal Hotel collaborates closely with Sámi families, small businesses, and local adventure operators, weaving together a sustainable economic fabric that supports the region.

Its design avoids excess and emphasizes warmth, light, and silence.

The absence of TVs is not a lack of comfort, but an invitation – to reconnect, to notice, to breathe. Here, guests find the luxury of time, space, and simplicity.

At Cahkal Hotel, the architectural language of Nordic minimalism blends seamlessly with rugged Arctic surroundings.

The interiors reflect a philosophy of thoughtful restraint – highlighting natural textures, earthy tones, and panoramic views. Every room prioritizes comfort, warmth, and visual connection with nature, deliberately omitting TVs to deepen the sense of retreat and renewal.

Guests enjoy access to calming common areas including a lounge with fireplace, a terrace with mountain views, and a sauna area designed to face the legendary Saana Fell.

A dedicated drying cabinet in each room supports the needs of active guests returning from the outdoors.

Located on the ground floor of the main building, these rooms are pet-friendly and ideal for those seeking easy access to the outdoors.

They feature twin or double beds, a private bathroom, coffee and tea setup, bathrobes and slippers, a drying cabinet, and lake views.

Size: 19 m².

Positioned on the upper level of the main building, these rooms offer elevated perspectives over the surrounding landscapes. Guests can choose between lake or mountain views.

Each room includes twin or double beds, a private bathroom, and all the thoughtful amenities of the Cahkal Room.

Size: 19 m².

With additional space and a cozy sitting area, Superior rooms are well-suited for longer stays. Two are located upstairs, and one pet-friendly unit is on the ground floor.

Each includes a double bed, sofa bed, mountain views, and all standard in-room comforts.

Size: 25 m².

A standalone retreat near the main building, the Studio offers complete privacy and unobstructed lake views from its terrace.

It is designed for couples seeking extra seclusion, equipped with a double bed, drying cabinet, coffee and tea, and bathrobes.

Size: 19 m².

The hotel’s signature accommodation, this lakeside suite is ideal for families or small groups.

It features two double bedrooms, a living room with desk, a private sauna, and its own terrace. With views over the lake and direct access to nature, it offers the highest level of space and comfort.

Size: 40 m².

These suites serve as extensions of the forest, each one offering a unique escape where guests can rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.

Rooted in the flavors of the Far North, AIKA Kitchen & Bar is more than a dining venue – it is a culinary interpretation of the Arctic wilderness.

Each dish tells the story of a landscape shaped by extreme seasons, indigenous knowledge, and a deep respect for nature.

Menus at AIKA Kitchen are carefully curated to reflect the four directions of the Arctic region: Lapland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Guests are invited on a gastronomic journey through wild forests, coastal waters, and tundra plateaus, guided by ingredients foraged or fished in season.

Dishes are crafted using wild herbs, game, Arctic berries, freshwater fish, and locally raised meats. Many products come from Sámi partners and nearby farms. Fresh herbs are cultivated in the hotel’s own greenhouse during summer and preserved for winter use.

Seasonal menus rotate regularly and cater to active travellers – meals are hearty yet refined, nourishing both body and soul after a day outdoors.

Dining is elevated by carefully paired wines, house-made berry syrups, and a Scandinavian breakfast spread designed to energise.

Culinary Highlights:

• Four-course tasting menus themed by Arctic region
• Seasonal “catch of the day” and regional delicacies
• House-made jams, breads, desserts, and wild syrups
• Carefully selected wine pairings
• Bistro-style lunches with local and international twists
• Italian espresso brewed on a La Marzocco machine

The restaurant accommodates 30 to 40 guests and fosters a relaxed yet refined ambiance with open views of the Arctic light.

Breakfast is served between 08:00–10:00, lunch between 13:30–15:00, and dinner from 17:30–21:30. The café-bar is open daily from 09:00–22:00.

Kilpisjärvi’s remoteness gives birth to unique seasonal phenomena. At Cahkal, each season holds its own magic:

• Midwinter: Snowmobiling, husky safaris, northern lights, reindeer experiences
• Spring: Ski touring, backcountry skiing, kite skiing, snowshoeing
• Summer: Midnight sun hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking
• Autumn: Mushroom foraging, aurora chasing, fat-biking, guided hikes

All activities are led by expert guides and are available as private or small-group excursions. Tours can be pre-booked or arranged on-site.