Nellim

Not your usual accommodation, Nellim

All our accommodations are run by local families and businesses, so you know you’re supporting the local community when you travel with us. Wherever you stay you’ll have great views of the northern lights and be able to enjoy a wide range of fun activities. Here are just a few premium accommodation types we offer:

• Arctic suite & nature cabin – The rustic wooden furnishings offer a cosy, intimate retreat. This arctic suite is perfect for small families seeking an authentic arctic experience. The nature cabins are smaller with a similarly cosy feel, with views over the arctic lake.
  
  
• Log suite cabin – our largest accommodation housing up to 5, log suits are a cosy, traditional suites with their own private sauna to boot. The plush bedding will keep you warm and cosy while you look over the breathtaking arctic landscape.
  
  
• Wilderness rooms & arctic sky villa – These smaller, cosier accommodations are ideal for couples and friends looking for an arctic adventure. The wilderness rooms have a traditional log cabin feel while the sky villa offers panoramic views over the inky black sky.
  

What the guidebooks don’t tell you

We like to be transparent about our holidays, so with that in mind, here is some information you’d need to consider when booking your getaway!

When to travel:
The winter season in Nellim typically runs from late November to mid-April. Snow usually arrives in early November, with sufficient coverage for winter activities by late November. Festive family holidays with Santa visits are available throughout December. The entire winter period is ideal for family adventures, regardless of age. Nellim offers excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities, with peak visibility from January to March due to clearer skies and longer nights. Winter activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are available throughout the season. For a unique experience, consider visiting during the polar night in December and January when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon.

How long should I stay?
A stay of 3 to 5 nights in Nellim is recommended to fully experience its Arctic wonders, though obviously it’s subjective and a lot of people stay for longer! This duration allows time for various winter activities, Northern Lights viewing, and relaxation. Longer stays of up to a week provide opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness, try different activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and increase your chances of seeing the aurora. Consider including a night in an Aurora Bubble or Kota for a truly memorable experience.

How to get there:
Reaching Nellim involves flying to Ivalo Airport, the nearest airport about 40 km away. Regular flights operate from the UK to Ivalo via Helsinki with Finnair throughout the winter. Some direct charter flights may be available during peak season. From Ivalo Airport, pre-arranged transfers to Nellim take about 50 minutes by road. The journey offers scenic views of the Lapland wilderness, setting the stage for your Arctic adventure.

Activities beyond the ordinary

There is so much you can do in Nellim. You could spend every second there doing something new and exciting (though we recommend a bit of relaxing!). Here are some of our favourite Nellim activities:

• Husky & snowmobile safari – One of the most exhilarating activities you can do in Saariselka. Glide across the snow on one of our amazing snowmobiles or husky-drawn sleds.
  
• Snowshoeing – Slip on your snowshoes and trek through the thick snowy terrain. A fun and unique way of getting around.
  
• Guided Northern Lights experience – you’ll be accompanied by some of the best Northern Lights hunters in the region, so your chances of seeing them will go up exponentially.