Let Us Help

For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists

01670 785012

Aurora Zone

About Menesjärvi

Some parts of Finnish Lapland have become quite commercial especially in December when the search for Santa is in full flow. That is very definitely not the case in Menesjärvi, a tiny reindeer herding village some 300km north of the Arctic Circle.

Menesjärvi is everything that you would imagine Lapland to be: snowy forests and frozen lakes in winter and all those burnished autumnal colours in September and October.

What’s more, hardly anybody lives here which means that light pollution is at an absolute minimum. As we all know, dark skies are absolutely key to seeing the Northern lights in their full glory and there can be few locations better than Menesjärvi in this respect.

Menesjärvi is about an hour’s drive from Ivalo Airport down increasingly rural roads. Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more remote, you arrive at the accommodation on the shore of Lake Menesjärvi (Järvi means lake in Finnish).

Getting out of your transfer vehicle you will immediately appreciate that you have arrived somewhere very special indeed. This holiday is all about exploring the snowy wilderness by day and gazing at the pitch black sky at night. Basically, if you want to do just that in a genuinely Lappish environment then Menesjärvi is the place for you.

The season of Menesjärvi

image

Autumn turns the wilderness that surrounds Menesjärvi into a riot of colour. The landscape is bathed in red, orange, yellow and all those colours you would associate with the Fall. Once darkness descends, the night sky is regularly ignited by the swirling Aurora whose majestic light is often reflected in the still, open waters of Lake Menesjärvi. Autumn is also a much warmer time of year so, if you enjoy some great hiking and warmer weather then our Autumn Wilderness Auroras could be the trip for you.

Winter brings deep, deep snow to Menesjärvi and a winter-white blanket covers the hills, lakes and frozen forests. This is a great time to explore the wilds of Lapland with dogs, snowmobiles and snowshoes and to see the local Sámi reindeer herders at work.

It is also a great time to see the Aurora. The lakes freeze providing the perfect viewing platforms for Aurora gazing. To stand on the thick ice of a Lappish lake and witness the full glory of the Aurora Borealis is one of life’s breathtaking moments.

Our four-night Northern Lights Adventure covers all those winter activities as well as exploring the local Sámi culture but with the focus always on seeing the Northern Lights. If you fancy a festive getaway in Lapland then take a look at our week-long Christmas trip at Menesjärvi or how about spending New Year somewhere very, very different indeed?

Accommodation at Menesjärvi

image

The hotel is a former schoolhouse situated on the shore of Lake Menesjärvi. What’s more, the school was built outside the village (originally with neither a road nor electricity!) so there is virtually no light pollution. Stroll down to the lake and you get wide, expansive and, most importantly, dark Arctic skies in the very centre of Northern Scandinavia’s Auroral zone.

We see a lot of Northern Finland but, it has to be said that the countryside and landscapes surrounding the hotel are some of the most attractive we have seen. There is no better way to enjoy the colours of autumn than on a gentle walk or to marvel at the pristine winter landscapes during a dog sledding or snowmobiling safari.

There’s so much to like about Menesjärvi but its people deserve a very, very special mention. The hotel is run by Anne and Timo, a couple who have truly found both their place and their vocations.

Anne runs the hotel and looks after our guests while Timo is an outdoorsman through and through. His photography and wilderness skills are invaluable here in the Arctic.

You can spot Anne by her vibrant clothing which always embraces the bright colours of the Sámi people. Timo is immediately identifiable by the fact that he almost invariably wears the kind of jumper you might get from your granny at Christmas. Mention this to him when you meet him, it always gets a laugh.


Photography by Timo Halonen

Holiday filter

Interests
Locations
Filter

Found 4 trips for you

4 days
Include
From £1,405pp
8 days
Include
From £2,195pp
5 days
Include
From £1,875pp

Accommodation filter

Filter

Found 0 Accommodations for you

Let Us Help

For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists

01670 785012

Aurora Zone

Available Locations

4 days
From £1,065pp

Get an expert opinion

The Aurora Zone was born from a desire to share Mother Nature’s greatest wonder with our clients. We’ve explored the destinations, researched the science, and fallen in love with the Scandinavian way of life. It’s our mission to pass this knowledge on to you, providing you with the very best chance of experiencing the magic for yourself on your Northern Lights holiday.

Born in Darlington in northeast England. Sam spent years travelling US and Europe by bicycle before joining the Royal Navy...
Email Call
Brought up in Northumberland, Andy developed an early love for the outdoors, travel and adventure. He then pursued his passion...
Email Call
Rachel grew up in Brighton and has always had a fondness of the sea and being near water. Having worked...
Email Call
Lauren was brought up living in Northumberland near the coast. She joined the sales team in 2017. Since joining the...
Email Call
Originally from Morecambe spent all his free time in the Lake District exploring the outdoors in as many sports as...
Email Call
Alison cherishes her native North-East of England, her family, friends and football. She earned a Master’s degree in acting from...
Email Call
Carla has spent four years living and working in Southern China, which taught her so much about different cultures and...
Email Call
Jade works within the Product and Operations Department and feels very fortunate to be able to pursue her dream job...
Email Call
Like most British people Graham was convinced that winter is not a pleasant time of year, but if working for the Aurora...
Email Call
Since studying Architecture at Newcastle University, Allan has taken every chance to explore the wonders of the world, taking him...
Email Call
Born in beautiful Surrey, Alex grew up surrounded by activities and adventure which encouraged her to pursue her passion for...
Email Call
Matt is an acclaimed astrophotographer and science communicator from Sunderland,UK. He currently lives and works in Sweden but his astronomy...
Email Call
Abbey is originally from Durham but is now a student at Northumbria University in Newcastle, studying psychology and criminology, and...
Email Call
Working within the Product and Operations Department, Jono helps to create new and exciting holidays for The Aurora Zone, as...
Email Call
Dawn was born and raised in a quiet village in Warwickshire and had not seen much of the world until...
Email Call
Amy is the Managing Director of The Aurora Zone, having worked here since she was a university placement student. She’s...
Email Call
Having grown up as a member of a very active family, Jo now lives on her husband’s family farm in...
Email Call

Aurora Zone

Aurora Specialist

Exceptional Local Knowledge & Advice Every Step of The Way

Specialist

  • Aurora knowledge and experience
  • Unique holidays, in the very best destinations
  • Expert guides – exceptional local knowledge
  • Advice and guidance every step of the way

Comprehensive

  • We include more in our holidays than any other Aurora operator
  • Price Comparison guarantee
  • No ‘from’ prices, everything you see is included in the price
  • No hidden extras

Independent

  • Proudly Independent
  • The original and still the only dedicated UK Northern Lights tour operator
  • Personal, hands-on service
  • Fair and sustainable work ethos

Trusted

  • ATOL and ABTA protection available
  • Over 20 years’ experience
  • Our customers rate us 4.9/5 stars
  • Award-Winning: Best Travel Company to Northern Europe 2023