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From £4517 per family of 3*
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4 Night Festive Adventure in the Forest, Saariselkä

Highlights

  • Experience one of nature's great wonders in total comfort and luxury
  • Combine tranquillity, pure air and beautiful nature for a truly special Arctic experience
  • A magical visit to see Father Christmas himself!
  • Meet the Huskies and go on a Husky safari
From £4517 per family of 3*
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Room #
Adults
15+
- +
Children
3-14
- +
Infants
0-2 (please read FAQs)
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4 Nights

Trip Dates
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Trip Dates

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Guests

Room #
Adults
15+
- +
Children
3-14
- +
Infants
0-2 (please read FAQs)
- +
Add room
Done

What you'll do

Overview

Nestled in the midst of the snow covered forest in tranquil Lappish nature, this is a winter escape in a exclusive boutique resort like no other. Step outside into the deep powdery snow and meet the reindeer and huskies, try snowshoeing and meet Santa Claus himself in his magical forest cottage.

Your festive family adventure begins the moment you touch down in Ivalo airport, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your beautiful accommodation. Nestled in the snow-covered pine forest, there is a large log cabin housing a lovely restaurant, bar and lounge area, with cosy log burners, decorated Christmas trees and amazing winter views over the pine forest and the river.

You can relax completely in your forest retreat, enjoy a drink a the bar and delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients. The children are also well catered for, creating a magical experience for all the family. By day you will embark on exciting outdoor activities like meeting the huskies and cantering off on a snow safari by sled, or getting to know the reindeer herders at their farm o learn and feed about these majestic creatures. Of course you will also have time to visit Santa Claus himself in his magical forest cottage.

During the long dark evenings you will be in one of the best locations to catch sight of the Northern Lights.

*Based on a family of 3  travelling from 1st – 15th December

A full example itinerary is detailed below, activity timings can differ slightly, your own personal schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Additional activities available:

Ice Fishing Trip with Snowmobile Sleigh including lunch*

Arrival Day

On arrival at Ivalo airport you will be met and taken directly to your accommodation for your magical Christmas break. Drive through the ethereal pine forest, and arrive at your very own cabin, nestled within the still, white forest.

Take some time to settle in, unpack or explore, then you can enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

You will be staying in a beautiful cabin, with panoramic views of the  snow covered  Christmas wonderland and the inky black polar night sky. With any luck, you’ll be able to witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights on your very first night in Lapland.

 

Meals: Dinner

Reindeer Farm Visit & Meet Santa

Today , after breakfast you will be transferred by car to a local reindeer farm, where you will meet the Sami  reindeer herders and learn about the importance of reindeer in Lapland. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the Sámi culture and the daily lives of these magnificent animals. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of feeding the curious reindeer, who might even eat right out of your hand. You will also learn how to lasso a reindeer and have a short ride in a sleigh pulled by the reindeer.

Later on it is time for the festive magic to begin as you embark on the journey to find Santa Claus himself! You will ride in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile through the forest on a quest to discover Santa’s hidden cabin.  When you reach his cottage, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Santa himself, who will invite your family for an intimate conversation and present a small symbolic gift for the children.

Satisfyingly wearied from a day in the open, you’ll head for another warming dinner, in the elegant restaurant with cosy log burners, and spend the evening at your leisure, waiting for the spectacular Aurora Borealis to burn across the clear night sky.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Husky Safari

After breakfast today you will set out to a local husky kennel, where you will embark on an exciting husky safari, swishing through the silent, snow-covered forest on your own private sleigh.

Meet these beautiful, energetic dogs that will take you exploring through the glistening  wilderness, on a safari of a lifetime!  The dog sled is shared by two people who can take turns driving the sled whilst the other can  sit back and enjoy the ride. Small children will sit in the sleigh snuggled under warm blankets. Jump on a sled and enjoy the thrill of the snow and speed!

The Husky experience will take approximately 3hrs with around 1 hour driving time, which will give you the afternoon at your leisure. Why not rent Snowshoes or Cross Country Ski’s to explore the trails and paths that snake through this untouched, pristine part of the world and discover dramatic fells, hidden clearings and frozen lakes, or have fun in the snow, tobogganing or in a friendly snowball fight!

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Snowmobile Safari & Aurora camp

Today your morning activity is perfect for those who have never tried snowmobiling before. First you will get familiar with the snowmobile, have full safety instructions and a driving lesson. After everyone feels comfortable, we will head out for a small journey into the nearby surroundings through the beautiful Lappish countryside. Children will be sitting in a sleigh pulled behind the guides snowmobile.

Back to the resort for a generous and well deserved Lunch, enjoy a relaxing break – maybe try a finnish sauna ( bookable locally) and take a break before the afternoons Aurora experience!

This activity takes you to the amazing forest surroundings. You will be comfortably seated in a sledge that is pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. This way you can enjoy the northern sky all the way to the camp site. At the camp there is a hut with an roaring open fire to warm you up on a cold night of Aurora hunting. At the camp pancakes will be prepared on the open fire, and there will be warm drinks to keep you warm. The camp has a minimum amount of light pollution, so it is perfect for viewing the Northern Lights that will hopefully show up in the sky.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Farewell

Today is your final morning in Lapland. Wake up at a leisurely time  (check-out isn’t until 11 AM), and enjoy a final breakfast by the log fire as you reflect on the wonderful adventure you’ve had with us.

We’ll transfer you back to the airport, and look forward to maybe seeing you again!

 

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Shared Transfers to and from Ivalo airport
  • Full board meals at the onsite restaurant (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Guide for all organised activities
  • Snowsuits, gloves and boots for the duration of your stay
  • Family Husky Safari
  • Meet the Reindeer visit
  • Meet Santa Experience
  • Snowmobile Safari
  • Aurora camp

Accommodation

Aurora Cabin Riverside Cabin Wilderness Room Wilderness Premium Room Superior Sauna Room Panorama Log Cabin Wilderness Room (with 1 night in Aurora Cabin) Wilderness Premium Room (with 1 night in Aurora Cabin) Superior Sauna Room (with 1 night in Aurora Cabin)

Aurora Cabin

Aurora Cabin is an extraordinary way to experience a trip to Lapland. Admire the star-filled sky or witness the awesome spectacle of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The laser-heated glass-roof opens up into the northern sky, directly above the bed.

The cabins are equipped with twin beds or double bed, and there is also a possibility for an extra bed. Each Aurora Cabin has a private bathroom with shower and has either its own sauna or its own interior fireplace."

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Glass roof En suite bathroom Hairdryer

Riverside Cabin

Riverside Log Cabins are our most spectacular accommodation. In these log cabins, modern construction and traditional log material are skilfully combined and the result is a unique whole. The Riverside Log Cabin has comfortable living room area for relaxation, own fireplace and accommodation for up to five people. A direct view of the Arctic Fell River and a private sauna crown the whole.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 5 Sauna Fireplace Kitchenette

Wilderness Room

Each Wilderness Room has a bathroom with supplies, wardrobe, and hairdryer. The rooms are available with either a double bed or twin beds. Tastefully decorated with décor inspired by the surrounding arctic nature who evoke the refined spirit of Lapland.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 3 En suite bathroom Hairdryer Tea and coffee set

Wilderness Premium Room

Wilderness Premium Rooms offer a modern touch to your stay. Situated in a separate building just a short distance from the reception and restaurant, these rooms with double beds provide a modern and comfortable retreat.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 3 En suite bathroom Hairdryer Tea and coffee set

Superior Sauna Room

Each Superior Sauna Room has a bathroom with private sauna, a double bed and a convertible sofa.

With a view over tranquil nature, the rooms are decorated with wilderness style who brings a final touch to the Lappish atmosphere.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Sauna En suite bathroom Hairdryer

Panorama Log Cabin

With a panoramic view over pristine wilderness, these Cabins offer a magical way to experience Lapland. The Panorama Log Cabins are equipped with double bed, bathroom, private sauna, kitchenette, and fireplace. With the big panorama windows combined with a bit of luck, you may even see the Northern Lights from the warmth of your Panorama Log Cabin.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Panorama Window Sauna Fireplace

Wilderness Room (with 1 night in Aurora Cabin)

Stay three nights in a Wilderness room with the first or last night in an Aurora Cabin

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 3 Glass roof En suite bathroom Hairdryer

Wilderness Premium Room (with 1 night in Aurora Cabin)

Stay three nights in a Wilderness Premium room with the first or last night in an Aurora Cabin

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 3 Glass roof En suite bathroom Hairdryer

Superior Sauna Room (with 1 night in Aurora Cabin)

Stay three nights in a Superior Sauna room with the first or last night in an Aurora Cabin

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Glass roof Sauna En suite bathroom
Your local host

Maaret and Team

Our hotels are in nature´s most beautiful places: by lakes and rivers, away from light pollution and busy city life.

We value nature, good service and quality in everything we do. We want our guests to feel special during their stay with us. We serve our guests every step of the way, helping with airport transfers and offering high-quality accommodation, tasty meals and a great variety of activities both in summer and winter. Come and feel the magic of the wilderness with us!

Our hotels are in nature´s most beautiful places: by lakes and rivers, away from light pollution and busy city life.

We value nature, good service and quality in everything we do. We want our guests to feel special during their stay with us. We serve our guests every step of the way, helping with airport transfers and offering high-quality accommodation, tasty meals and a great variety of activities both in summer and winter. Come and feel the magic of the wilderness with us!

Maaret and Team image

Location

You will fly into Ivalo airport which is well connected by Finnair.

The transfer time from Ivalo Airport is approximately 35-45 minute drive. Your destination is around 15min drive into the Forest from Saariselka town centre.

Far north of the Arctic Circle, the area you’ll be staying in is a vast expanse of pristine pine forest that is home to bears, golden eagles, wolverines, and thousands of reindeer. The magical landscapes of the forest and tranquil nature will ensure your holiday is one to remember. The boutique accommodation is on the banks of the river, creating a magical atmosphere with gushing water and deep snow covered forest.

The on site restaurant serves delicious meals made with fresh local produce, and there is a bar and cosy lounge with Christmas trees, festive decorations and cosy log burners.

There is even a Finnish Sauna right on the river bank, with a deck to allow you to to take an ice cold dip in the river – another bucket list experience you can add to this wonderful trip!

This is your perfect wilderness retreat with high-quality service, meals and accommodation.

FAQs

When can I go?

Family Xmas trip which include meeting Santa run from 21st November until 6th January.

I have an infant, can they participate in the activities?

Minimum age for children on the activities is 3 years old. Unfortunately 2 years old or younger cannot take part. Our host can arrange to split the group for activities to assist with childcare, so everyone gets the opportunity to experience each activity.

What ages do the child prices apply to?

Child pricing applies to ages 3-14 years. Ages of 15+ will be classed as an adult.

Is thermal clothing provided for guests?

Thermal overalls, boots and gloves are included in all our packages. Unfortunately the resort does not offer winter clothing options for infants.

When will I do all of my activities?

Upon check in at your resort you will be given your full schedule of exciting activities.

Will I be woken up when the Aurora Borealis are visible?

You can hire a Aurora alarm for the duration of your stay, at a small charge

Are there any additional facilities available on-site at the resort?

Yes, they offer a public Sauna, with separate times for men and women (pay locally). The Resort has an on-site restaurant, bar and reception

Is there Internet available at the Resort?

Yes! WiFi is a complimentary service of the resort. The Wi-Fi works in lobby and restaurant area.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 11:00

The resort can storage your luggage in the reception while you’re waiting for check-in or while you’re waiting for transportation after check-out.

When are the meals served?

Breakfast Buffet 8:00-10:00*
Lunch Buffet 12:00-14:00*
Dinner Buffet 18:00-20:00*

Buffet times may vary during the seasons and between the destinations. The reception will inform you the specific times upon arrival.

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