A classified radar station in Finnish Lapland is now one of the world’s most private wilderness lodges

Octola III will welcome just six guests to a private wilderness retreat built on a former classified radar station, 500 metres above the Finnish fells – accessible only by private waiting list

Octola III, a six-guest invitation-only wilderness retreat built on the historic foundations of a former classified radar station in Finnish Lapland, will welcome its first guests in December 2026.

Situated within a protected Sámi wilderness area in Finnish Lapland, the lodge commands panoramic views across the fells of Finland, Norway and Sweden, 500 metres above sea level. A private transfer from Enontekijö Arctic Airport takes around 20 minutes while the wider estate spans tens of hectares with over five kilometres of private roads.

Designed by Finnish firm UKI Architects under the direction of Lappish architect Hannu Voutilainen, the lodge reflects the traditions and spirit of the North. Accommodation is available in three configurations: a one-suite option at 48sqm, a two-suite arrangement at 181.5sqm, and a full lodge buyout at 230sqm. No more than six guests are accommodated at any one time.

Wellness at Octola III draws on the Nordic traditions of heat and cold: a wood-burning sauna sits at the edge of a custom-engineered ice-swimming pond. A separate Games Den spanning 220sqm offers billiards, professional darts and suopunki – the traditional Sámi lasso technique practised on a dedicated indoor track.

The lodge’s elevated position provides exceptional conditions for aurora borealis viewing and stargazing. Research-grade air quality monitoring technology measures atmospheric conditions year-round, with real-time data available to guests; the Lapland region is cited by the World Health Organization as among the world’s cleanest environments.

Located 45 minutes from Kautokeino – the cultural centre of the Sámi people – guests can explore traditional silver workshops, historical sites and migratory reindeer herds alongside local herders. The immersive access to Finland’s most ancient living traditions is central to the Octola experience.

For larger groups, a combined buyout of Octola III and its sister property Aurora Radar Station – a former Cold War-era classified site within the same estate – provides a total of 1,000sqm across five apartments, ten bedrooms and eight bathrooms, with dedicated dining, sauna, lounge and outdoor hot tub.

“With Octola III, we are taking our established concept of ultra-private, quiet luxury to the literal top of the fells,” said Janne Honkanen, Founder of Octola. “Guests do not just observe the Arctic – they are entirely enveloped by it.”

Access is by private waiting list only.

octola.com