Price from £935pp
VISITING: Finland BROCHURE CODE: 2230
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, meals and guided activities; all as listed.
Escape the winter crowds during this 3-night autumn break to breathtaking Finnish Lapland. Jeris is a wilderness region away from light pollution and with an excellent Aurora track record. During autumn, you may see the Northern Lights reflect off the unfrozen Lake Jerisjärvi.

What's included?

  • Transfers: return transfers from Kittilä Airport
  • Accommodation: 2 nights hotel room accommodation, 1 night in an Aurora Hut
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: Reindeer and husky farm visit, Aurora campfire, hike in the National Park, Arctic Sauna World and Aurora glamping (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
  • 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners

Jeris enjoys an idyllic setting close to the borders of Pallas Ylläs National Park in the northwest corner of Finnish Lapland. Autumn here is a time of change. The landscapes transform into vibrant colour, wildlife becomes more active as it prepares for the long winter, and the nights draw longer following 24 hours of daylight during the summer. This combination makes for the perfect Aurora hunting escape, as not only can you potentially witness captivating displays, but you can also enjoy ‘Ruska’, which is a local word used to describe the changing colours of the leaves which takes place for around two to three weeks each year (timing varies, depending on the weather).

A Northern Lights display in autumn can rival those of winter, particularly given the location of the accommodation at the edge of Lake Jerisjärvi. . You can potentially get two displays for the price of one here, as the dancing lights flicker off the unfrozen lake. Jeris is at the heart of the Aurora Zone and the lack of light pollution due to the surrounding wilderness makes for prime Aurora viewing conditions.

The dramatic changes of the Finnish ‘Ruska’ season are reflected in the forest and the growth of seasonal produce. You will get the chance to enjoy the amazing colours up close as you head out on a leisurely hike through the rich autumn terrain, with huskies at the helm.

You’ll spend your last night under the stars in an Aurora Hut, surrounded by nature. With pleasant, cosy décor and floor to ceiling windows on one wall, you’ll feel immersed in the wilderness during your glamping experience. With the right conditions, you may witness a Northern Lights display from the comfort of your bed.

This autumn holiday to Jeris offers a peaceful escape, away from the winter crowds. It is specifically designed for seeking out the Aurora but we have also made sure to include a fantastic daytime activity which will introduce you to the cultural aspect of Lapland and the vibrant changes of the autumn season.


©Antti Pietikäinen
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Key facts

Duration: 3 nights
Pace: Balanced
Suitable for: Ages 16+. See our terms for further information.
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Price Comparison Guarantee

Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing the Northern Lights. We’ve been running Aurora hunting holidays longer than any company in the UK and with no lead in prices, no hidden costs and more included, we’re confident our tours will come out on top.Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Price guarantee
Dates
Sun 27 Aug 2023
to Sun 24 Sep 2023
Adults £ 935 To £ 1,047

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate

Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.

Minimum and maximum age

If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.

Unless otherwise stated in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Aurora Zone holiday is typically 12 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com.

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

Booking Activities Locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ 

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Brexit information for British Passport holders

Information for British Passport Holders

It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday.  Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit.  You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.

Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions

  • After arriving into Kittilä Airport you will be transferred to Jeris in north-west Finland. Your accommodation lies on the edge of Lake Jerisjärvi. and offers a breathtaking outlook towards the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, which is the third largest national park in the country.

    This is a charming retreat during the Finnish ‘Ruska’ and has a particularly rustic restaurant with a cosy log fire from which to enjoy your evening meal.

    Jeris is ideal for Aurora hunting and tonight you could step outside your accommodation and search the skies for your first glimpse of the Northern Lights.

    Included Meals:  Dinner
  • Today is your chance to get up close and personal with some much-loved animals of the Arctic.

    Close to where you are staying lies one of the oldest reindeer farms in Finland where you will visit this morning. During this guided tour, you will learn all about the reindeer herders’ way of life, as well as enjoying a tour of the farm and its museum. You’ll also get to meet and feed the reindeer.

    Next, is your chance to meet an eager team of huskies ahead of the snow season and learn about the life on a husky farm during a short tour. A picnic lunch will follow.

    Later this evening, you’ll enjoy dinner in the restaurant before embarking on your first dedicated Northern Lights Hunt. Your activity will begin with an informative Northern Lights workshop which will give you an insight into the science behind this natural phenomenon. You will then make for the camp, which is ideally located away from any artificial light, on the edge of the lake. Your local guide will make a fire and you can simply sit beneath the starry night sky savouring the silence and await a potential show. The lakeside location of the camp is a particular highlight. It may be possible to witness two Aurora displays for the price of one as the lights reflect off the dark waters.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • A particular highlight of the Finnish ‘Ruska’ is the constant change. The dark nights grow steadily longer and the summer colours transform into autumn shades. A rewarding way to explore the colourful wilderness is hiking and the stunning Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is the perfect opportunity to get closer to nature and really appreciate the beautiful surroundings. The hike will take approximately three hours and you will enjoy picnic snacks along the way.

    Following the hike, you will return to the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy at your leisure.

    During the evening, you will enjoy dinner at the restaurant before heading out for your final Aurora experience at Arctic Sauna World. Saunas are a fantastic way in which to unwind whilst also enjoying the tranquil nature of the autumn season and are central to Finnish culture - a must for anyone visiting Lapland.

    For those daring enough, you can take a post-sauna dip in the lake, or just enjoy the views from the glass fronted Arctic Sauna World which sits on the shore of lake Jerisjärvi. Hopefully, the Northern Lights will finish your holiday in spectacular fashion.

    You will spend your last night under the stars in an Aurora Hut and surrounded by nature. With pleasant, cosy décor and floor to ceiling windows on one wall, you’ll feel immersed in the wilderness during your glamping experience. With the right conditions, you may be able to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Following breakfast, admire the breath-taking surroundings and take any last-minute photographs before being transferred to Kittilä Airport. You will hopefully be leaving Jeris with some unforgettable memories.

    If you would like to break your journey in Helsinki on the way home then please let us know as we can arrange a tailored city break for you. See ‘Personalise’ section of the holiday page for details.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Included in price

Hotel Jeris

Nights: 1-2

Hotel Jeris occupies an enviable location which is 20 kilometres from the nearest village and is located directly on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi. It is this remote position that makes the hotel an enchanting forest retreat.

The hotel is owned and run by the Pietikäinen family, who also manage the neighbouring sister hotels of Harriniva, Kittila and Torassieppi.

Their hotels are some of our most popular accommodation options in Finland, having received high praise for their knowledgeable guides and exciting activity options.

The hotel consists of a central building and 32 winter cottages in the adjacent forest.

Hotel facilities

  • Your meals will be served in the hotel restaurant, which offers a rustic menu of traditional and local Finnish dishes. Meals are served buffet-style with one or two options for each course. Guests can enjoy local delicacies, such as salmon and reindeer. The hearty food here is ideal for setting you up for your adventures in the snow.
  • There is a small lounge area where guests can relax in the evening and take advantage of the hotel's free Wi-Fi.
  • Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant/bar area.
  • A significant feature of Hotel Jeris is the wonderful Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa. Renovated for winter 2019/20, the spa is the first of its kind in Finland, with strong eco-credentials, thanks to its use of entirely renewable electricity and geothermal heating generated from the Jerisjärvi lake. There are four saunas here each inspired by an element; earth, fire, water and air and each named after Finnish gods and goddesses. Included are a traditional smoke sauna and plenty of areas for relaxation. Spa area entry is included in the majority of our trips (see what's included for details), but if not you can book entry via the reception for a daily fee. For the Aurora enthusiasts, there is also an upgrade option to the special Northern Lights sauna which offers panoramic views of the night sky. If conditions are favourable, this could be one of the most relaxing ways to see this fantastic light display. For the brave (and healthy) you can complete your sauna experience with a dip in the ice pool - a Finnish tradition.
  • A small selection of souvenirs is available for guests to purchase (including postcards and local handicrafts and snacks) in the reception area.

Double/twin rooms

In the main hotel building at Jeris, there are 27 comfortable traditional bedrooms. All guest bedrooms have an en-suite shower room, a drying cupboard and television. A limited amount of hairdryers are available from reception.

Jeris Aurora Huts

Nights: 3

These incredible structures at Jeris offer a rather different overnight experience for guests. These huts have pleasant, cosy décor, with floor to ceiling windows on one wall, allowing you to gaze at the night sky in search of the Northern Lights. 

Each hut has a double bed, a composting toilet and a small sink with running water. Shower and sauna facilities are just a short walk away (around 100-150 metres).


Other options

Jeris Aurora Huts

These incredible structures at Jeris offer a rather different overnight experience for guests. These huts have pleasant, cosy décor, with floor to ceiling windows on one wall, allowing you to gaze at the night sky in search of the Northern Lights. 

Each hut has a double bed, a composting toilet and a small sink with running water. Shower and sauna facilities are just a short walk away (around 100-150 metres).

Jeris Winter Cottage Type A

Supplements from: £93pp

The Type A Winter Cottages (36 square metres) are generally located around a 10-minute walk from the main hotel building. The cottages are ideal for couples looking for a private retreat.

The cottages can vary slightly in size but all can sleep two to four people. They consist of one spacious room with a sleeping alcove for two people and a pull out sofa bed for two more. All the cottages are privately owned; consequently, the decor and style can vary. Each cottage contains a cosy wood-burning stove, a kitchenette, a television, a shower room and a private sauna. 

Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.

Please note: a limited number of hairdryers are available to borrow from reception.

Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote.

Jeris Winter Cottage Type B

Supplements from: £84pp

The Type B Winter Cottages (63 square metres) are situated around a 15-minute walk from the main hotel building and we would recommend these for groups of four or more adults.

The cottage consists of a bedroom for two people and a loft area which can sleep up to four more. The cottages can vary slightly in size but every cottage is equipped with a kitchenette, a wood-burning stove, a shower room, a toilet and a private sauna. All the cottages are privately owned; consequently, the style and decor can vary. Each cottage offers a comfortable and welcoming retreat.

Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.

Please note: A limited amount of hairdryers are available from reception.

Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote.


 

Credit Emmi KäHköNen Harriniva Hotel And Safaris

Jeris Winter Cottage Type C

Supplements from: £66pp

Perfect for groups of five to seven people, the Type C Winter Cottages (70 square metres) are the largest available. These cottages are situated around a 20-minute walk from the main hotel building.

Although the size of the cottage can vary slightly, each cottage has two bedrooms (each bedroom will sleep two people.) The loft of the cottage has a sleeping alcove, which will sleep a further three people. As they are privately owned the cottages vary in decor and style but each has the same facilities. These include a kitchenette, a wood-burning stove, a shower room, a toilet and a private sauna.

Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.

Please note: A limited amount of hairdryers are available from reception.

Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote.

Personalise this tour


Our pick

Helsinki city break

With our destinations being so remote, the majority of flights to Finnish Lapland are operated by Finnair and therefore involve connecting through Helsinki Airport. Many of our guests choose to extend this stop and spend some time in the Finnish capital, either at the start or end of their holiday.

We can arrange a wide variety of city centre hotel accommodation for guests to choose from and some options closer to the airport should you prefer. We know that everyone tends to be looking for something different so please contact our Travel Experts for their opinion on the hotels which may best suit you and your party.

Read more

Located on the peninsula of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki enjoys a charming coastal location and has much to offer its guests. This thriving city has a rich culture and arts scene with many museums and galleries to enjoy alongside the exciting gastronomy.

Despite its cool urbanism and reputation for cutting-edge design, Helsinki also retains its charm and visitors will enjoy this city's very friendly atmosphere.

In the city itself, Senate Square is the main feature, showcasing neoclassical architecture and offering easy access to the surrounding shops. Helsinki offers striking architecture, with wide streets and bold facades. For those looking for more of an insight into the city's past, we would suggest visiting the Ateneum Art Museum which houses over 20,000 pieces of art or the Helsinki Design Museum which showcases the history of design in the country from traditional folklore to postmodernism.

A 15-minute ferry ride from the main city is the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress which was constructed in 1748. As well as being a unique monument, it is also a lovely day trip, as the island has numerous shops and parks to explore.

Helsinki's food scene has seen a recent evolution, with a growth in street food which showcases the city's multicultural population. Helsinki is famed also for its specialist dishes of seafood so there is much to sample!

Finland is famed for its coffee consumption so you can be sure of a thriving café culture here. Be sure to include an obligatory stop for a coffee and a cinnamon roll during your explorations!

Whether you add your city break to the start or the end of your holiday, spending a night or two in Helsinki is not something that you will regret.

Please contact our Travel Experts for a full quotation. All city breaks are subject to flight availability. 


Image credit: Visit Helsinki & Jussi Hellston



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