Summer Paradise: Choosing Between Lakeside and Forest Accommodations in Lapland

Choosing between a lakeside cabin and forest accommodation in Lapland during the summer season depends on your preferences for scenery, activities, and the experience you seek. Lakeside cabins offer stunning water views with refreshing swimming opportunities, fishing, and boating under the midnight sun, while forest accommodations immerse you in the peaceful woodland environment with direct access to hiking trails, berry picking, and wildlife spotting. At Wildmaker Lapland, we offer both options near Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, where you can enjoy the pristine summer nature of Finnish Lapland away from tourist crowds, making either choice perfect for an authentic wilderness experience during the magical summer months.

What’s the difference between lakeside and forest accommodations in Lapland during summer?

The primary difference between lakeside and forest accommodations in Lapland lies in their unique summer surroundings and the experiences they offer. Lakeside cabins provide panoramic water views, often with windows facing beautiful lakes like Jerisjärvi, combined with lush green fell landscapes such as Särkitunturi and Pallastunturi. They offer a sense of openness and ever-changing scenery as the lake glistens under the never-setting summer sun.

Forest accommodations, by contrast, immerse you in the intimate embrace of Finnish woodland in full summer bloom. Nestled among pine, spruce, and birch trees dressed in vibrant green foliage, these cabins offer a cosy sanctuary surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the boreal forest. The dense tree coverage provides natural cooling during warm summer days and protection from occasional summer showers.

Both settings showcase Lapland’s spectacular summer transformation. Lakeside properties feature crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and water activities, while forest cabins are surrounded by undergrowth bursting with berries and wildflowers creating a fairytale atmosphere. During summer, lakeside locations capitalise on midnight sun reflections across the water, creating a spectacular play of golden light that can be enjoyed around the clock, while forest accommodations offer dappled sunlight through the canopy and bountiful berry-picking opportunities.

At our Muotkavaara location, we offer both types of accommodation for your summer holiday. Our cabins like Kaltio and Keko (both 58m²) feature windows with views towards both the green fells and Jerisjärvi lake, combining elements of both experiences. Meanwhile, cabins positioned slightly deeper in the woodland provide that complete forest immersion some summer travellers seek.

Which Lapland accommodation offers better midnight sun viewing in summer?

Both lakeside and forest accommodations offer excellent midnight sun viewing opportunities during the summer months, but with different advantages. Lakeside cabins typically provide more expansive views of the sky, with the golden sunlight reflecting beautifully off the water, essentially doubling the visual impact. The open horizon over the lake allows you to see the sun circling the sky without setting, creating a magical atmosphere that defines Lapland’s summer.

Forest accommodations offer a different but equally enchanting summer experience. The trees create natural frames for the midnight sun, adding depth and perspective to your viewing. Many guests find the way the golden light filters through the trees particularly photogenic. Forest settings provide cool, shaded retreats during the daytime while still offering glimpses of the never-ending summer daylight.

What truly sets Wildmaker Lapland apart for summer experiences is our remote location near Muotkavaara. Being situated away from population centres means we enjoy exceptionally pristine nature with minimal disruption. This remote setting significantly enhances your summer experience, allowing you to enjoy peaceful swimming, hiking, and outdoor dining under the midnight sun.

Our location between the villages of Äkäslompolo, Levi, and Muonio, next to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, puts you in prime position for summer adventures. The national park’s protected status helps preserve the natural environment, creating ideal conditions for experiencing the Finnish summer wilderness regardless of whether you choose lakeside or forest accommodation.

How do summer activities differ between lakeside and forest stays in Lapland?

Summer activities vary significantly between lakeside and forest accommodations, with each offering unique opportunities throughout the season. During the summer months, lakeside cabins provide direct access to refreshing lakes perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding under the midnight sun. The lake becomes a natural playground for water activities and relaxation on warm summer days.

Forest accommodations in summer offer shaded hiking trails, abundant berry-picking opportunities, and protection from the occasional summer shower. The forest setting with its rich undergrowth creates a magical environment for photography and experiencing the diverse flora and fauna of Lapland’s summer woodland.

In summer, lakeside accommodations truly shine with swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. The midnight sun reflects beautifully off the water, creating spectacular light conditions 24 hours a day. Lakeside properties often feature small beaches or docks for easy water access, perfect for late-night swims in the golden sunlight.

Summer in the forest brings rich berry-picking opportunities, with bilberries, lingonberries, and the prized cloudberries growing abundantly. Forest trails are perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting, with chances to see reindeer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The dense canopy provides natural shade on warmer days, and forest accommodations often feature the most diverse plant life during the short but intense growing season.

At Wildmaker Lapland, we organize special summer activities appropriate to each setting. Our guided experiences take advantage of the natural features around our cabins, whether it’s midnight sun canoeing on Jerisjärvi lake or foraging expeditions into the surrounding forests for wild herbs and berries. Our small group policy ensures these summer experiences remain intimate and authentic, regardless of which accommodation type you choose.

What should you consider when choosing your summer Lapland accommodation?

When selecting your ideal summer Lapland accommodation, several key factors should influence your decision. First, consider your group size and composition. Our cabins vary in capacity, with options like Aihki (47m²) sleeping 2-8 people with a bedroom, loft space, and pull-out couch, while Kaltio and Keko (both 58m²) accommodate 4-6 guests in two bedrooms plus a pull-out couch—perfect for summer family gatherings.

Your desired level of privacy is another important consideration. If you value complete seclusion for peaceful summer retreats, our more forest-embedded accommodations might be preferable. For those who want expansive views and direct access to swimming, our cabins with lake views towards Jerisjärvi would be more suitable for summer adventures.

Consider what amenities are essential for your summer comfort. All our cabins feature saunas—an authentic Finnish experience even in summer—but they differ in layouts and features. Kaltio and Keko include dishwashers and laundry machines, while all accommodations offer fully-equipped kitchens perfect for preparing meals with locally-foraged summer ingredients.

Accessibility needs should be factored in as well. Some of our forest accommodations require a short walk through natural terrain, which is particularly beautiful during summer when wildflowers bloom along the paths. Lakeside options often feature more direct access for those wanting to frequently enjoy water activities.

Finally, consider which summer activities are priorities for your trip. If swimming, fishing or midnight sun watching are high on your list, lakeside is preferable. If berry picking and forest hiking appeal more, a woodland setting would be ideal. Our location near Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park ensures that nature experiences are abundant during the vibrant summer season regardless of which accommodation style you choose.

Why choose Wildmaker Lapland for your authentic Finnish summer experience

Choosing Wildmaker Lapland means embracing a genuinely authentic Lapland summer experience far removed from commercial tourism. Our location in Muotkavaara, near the border of Kittilä, places you in a real Finnish village setting surrounded by pristine nature, where the endless daylight and lush landscapes allow you to connect with the true essence of Lapland’s magical summer.

Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our Good Travel Seal and Sustainable Travel Finland Certificate, ensuring your summer holiday leaves a positive impact on the local environment and communities. We believe in responsible tourism that preserves the natural beauty of Lapland’s short but intense summer season for future generations.

The intimate scale of our operations sets us apart. We organize all summer activities in small groups, allowing for personalized attention and deeper immersion in each experience. For those seeking complete privacy, our private tours offer exclusive summer adventures tailored to your preferences, from midnight sun hikes to traditional Finnish summer celebrations.

Ons log cabins provide comfortable, authentic accommodation with essential Finnish features like private saunas—perfect for relaxing after a day of summer activities. Whether you choose a lakeside cabin with views of Jerisjärvi lake for midnight sun watching or a forest-surrounded dwelling for berry picking adventures, each offers a connection to Lapland’s vibrant summer environment that large resorts simply cannot match.

Our strategic location provides easy access to three different village centres—Äkäslompolo (32km), Levi (46km), and Muonio (21km)—while keeping you comfortably away from their tourist hustle. This balance gives you the best of both worlds: peaceful natural surroundings with convenient access to summer services and festivals when needed.

When staying with us at Wildmaker Lapland, you’ll experience the real magic of Finnish Lapland summer through our thoughtfully crafted holidays. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or midnight sun experiences, our lakeside and forest accommodations provide the perfect base for your authentic summer Lapland experience. We invite you to discover the never-ending daylight, blooming nature, refreshing swimming waters, and genuine hospitality that make our corner of Lapland so special during the magnificent summer months.