The Best of Lapland in Saariselkä

Highlights

  • Gaze in awe at nature's most incredible light show in complete comfort
  • Venture into Europe's greatest wilderness and truly get in touch with nature
  • Head out on a fun reindeer ride through the forest to meet Santa
  • Pack your time with incredible outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling
From £6012 for a family of four*
Trip Dates
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Room #
Adults
15+
- +
Children
4 - 14
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Infants
0 - 3
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5 Nights

Trip Dates
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Guests

Room #
Adults
15+
- +
Children
4 - 14
- +
Infants
0 - 3
- +

What you'll do

Overview

See the very best of Lapland in the magical, snowy wonderland that is Saariselkä, and immerse yourself in local culture on husky rides, reindeer experiences, northern lights excursions and more, all the while staying in your very own glass-roofed cabin - perfect for catching a glimpse of the northern lights.

You and your family will be picked up from Ivalo airport, and driven straight to your incredible accommodation for the five days, our Aurora Cabins; a 29 square meter elegant and cosy cabin has enough room for spending an evening together under the glass roof providing an amazing view of the star-filled sky and the Northern Lights.

Authentic, warming breakfast, lunch and dinners will be provided in a cosy local restaurant, Kota, where you can sit at the window and drink in the picturesque views over the reindeer paddock.

During your stay, you have the opportunity to enjoy some unforgettable Lapland adventure experiences in awe-inspiring landscapes, including snowmobile safaris, blissful relaxation in the sauna and hot tub session and reindeer rides to meet Santa, deep in the Finnish wilderness. All activities are expertly organised, so that you can simply enjoy the expeditions and relax as we take care of the details.

At the resort, where your Aurora Cabin is situated, we specialise in hunting and photographing the Northern Lights. On all Aurora Expeditions you are guided by a professional photographer, who will help you take the best possible photos of this incredible natural phenomenon.

Of course, searching for the northern lights is about being in the right place at the right time. Fortunately, you and your family will be in exactly the right place, at the right time of year, accompanied by the very best northern lights hunters in the world, maximising your chances of ticking off the ultimate bucket list moment.

*Based on a family of 4 (2 Adults and 2 Children) travelling in April.

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

Welcome to Aurora Country

Your Northern Lights adventure begins when we pick you up directly from Ivalo Airport and transfer you into the Lappish wilderness, through pristine snow encrusted pine forest and snowy fells until we reach the resort.

Here, you’ll be shown to your private cabin. This stylish, elegant space will provide you with your base for the experience, and offers beautifully cosy warmth against the Arctic weather outside, and of course, the glass roof means that you’ll have unobstructed views of the spectacular night sky and the jaw-dropping Northern Lights, all from the comfort of your bed.

Relax and settle in, take a walk around with the crisp snow underfoot, take a toboggan and have some fun in the snow before your first dinner in Lapland, then relax in your cosy igloo.

In the evening, head out into the wilderness and witness the majestic Northern Lights on a snowshoe expedition, and receive a masterclass on how to capture them perfectly on your camera.

These are skills best learnt on the first night, so that you can carry them through your entire trip, ready to use when the lights are at their most spectacular.

Activity timings may differ slightly, your confirmed schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Reindeer and Cross Country Skiing

Today you’ll throw yourself headlong into Lappish culture, starting with a reindeer ride, wrapped up in warm furs, as you glide through the quiet, snowy forest.

Then in the afternoon you’ll be able to get about as the locals have for millennia, as you enjoy a cross country skiing lesson and adventure in the stunning winter wonderland.

After dinner, you’ll head out on another expedition, this time on a snowmobile, to see if you can catch another glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights.

Activity timings may differ slightly, your confirmed schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Searching for Santa and Huskies

After a hearty breakfast, set out on a husky ride, 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 Lapland wilderness, on a safari you are sure never to forget.

In the afternoon, it is time for a magical experience for the children (large and small ) as you go in search of Santa in his own enchanted forest.

Activity timings may differ slightly, your confirmed schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Ice Fishing and Aurora Camp

Another chance to experience some classic Lappish culture today, as you snowmobile to a frozen lake in the wilderness to try your hand at ice fishing.

Learn how to drill through the ice, and wait for a bite in the same way that the natives have been doing for generations.

Then it’s time to head back and warm up with a private sauna session, where you can relax and recharge before you jump back out into the wild for an aurora camp by the lake, where a beautiful warm tent, along with a roaring fire, have been set up as you watch the aurora borealis.

Reindeer Express and cross country skiing lesson

Your final day includes something a little different, and a little further off the beaten track, than you might normally expect on a trip to Lapland.

Today, you’ll visit the village of Nellim, and outpost of real, authentic Sámi culture just 9km from the border with Russia. Learn everything there is to know about the Sámi people and see how they have mastered the harsh, cold winter environment.

Tonight you’ll get a final venture out on a heated sleigh to spot the northern lights for the final time, another magical experience to round off your time in Lapland.

Farewell

Your final morning, wake up at whatever leisurely time you like (check-out isn’t until 12 noon), and enjoy a final breakfast by a 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!

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation in glass-roof Aurora Cabin
  • Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Warm clothes and the necessary winter equipment
  • Searching for Santa Experience
  • Husky Safari
  • Reindeer Express(1.5 h)
  • Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh (3 hours)
  • Aurora Photography Workshop (1h)
  • Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes (2,5h)
  • Cross-country Skiing Lesson (2h)
  • Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile (3h)
  • Aurora Camp on the Border (4h)
  • Snowmobile & Ice Fishing (4h)
  • Aurora Camp by the Lake (3h)
  • Day Trip to Nellim (6h)
  • Morning Sauna and hot tub session
  • Free use of cross country skis and snowshoes
  • Free use of kids snowmobile 1 hour during stay
  • Complimentary use of Toboggans
  • Transportation to and from Ivalo Airport
  • Guide for all organized activities

Accommodation

Aurora Cabin

Aurora Cabin

Aurora Cabins are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in the warm bed. They are 29m2 with twin or double beds, an ensuite shower room and a sofa bed which can sleep 2 children or one adult comfortably. The glass roof is heated to ensure any snow melts so that you get a clear view of the night sky. There is free WiFi and an Aurora alarm.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Glass roof Electric fire Shower and toilet
Your local host

Markku

Born and raised in Finland, for the last twenty -five years Markku has been offering authentic, immersive experiences in the region of Lapland. Markku gained experience working with his sister, as operations manager for her tour company. So, finding, and planning amazing authentic trips and experiences is what he has been doing all his working life.

Born and raised in Finland, for the last twenty -five years Markku has been offering authentic, immersive experiences in the region of Lapland. Markku gained experience working with his sister, as operations manager for her tour company. So, finding, and planning amazing authentic trips and experiences is what he has been doing all his working life.

Location

Your Northern Lights adventure begins when we pick you up directly from Ivalo Airport and transfer you into the Lappish wilderness, through pristine snow encrusted pine forest and snowy fells until we reach your resort in Saariselkä.

Here, you’ll be shown to your private cabin. The stylish, elegant accommodation will be your base for the experiences, and offers beautifully cosy warmth against the Arctic weather outside. On arrival you will be fitted with your cosy outerwear (snow suit and boots) ready for your adventure!

Relax and settle in, take a walk around with the crisp snow underfoot, take a toboggan and have some fun in the snow before your first dinner in Lapland.

Activity timings may differ slightly, your confirmed schedule will be given to you upon check in.

What our travellers are saying...

Fantastic experience. We joined a tour to find Santa in Finland and it was just perfect. The guides (elves!), reindeers, the whole experience was just superb. Obviously our 3 years old daughter was all around the place, but it felt really good for us adults - it spoke to our inner child. Spoiler: we've also found Santa's cabin. Recommended!

László

We went to Lapland - it is a must! Just the most magical, unforgettable experience with brilliant memories (and fantastic photos) to last a lifetime. My children loved it and I can’t wait to return - hopefully one day with their children.

Michelle

FAQs

When can I book?

Seasonal Availability: 14th November - 21st April

Can my family of 5 share a cabin?

It will be tight! They can fit a double bed + sofa bed + one roll out extra bed, but it's up to you.

What are the ages for children?

Children under the age of 4 accommodate, eat and participate in activities free of charge.

Starting from the age of 15 they're charged adults prices.

Can I see Santa after Christmas?

Yes, the Santa experience runs through the whole winter season until mid April

Can I add more activities?

Sure, we offer a great range of day experiences in Lapland which can easily be added to existing packages - lots of customers do this.

When will I do all of my activities?

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

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