Expert Astronomer Led Escorted Tour – Dark Skies and Northern Lights
- Details
Details
During this fully-escorted tour, you will immerse yourself in the unrivalled landscapes of northern Finland during this 5-night trip, staying at two unique wilderness hotels. Located deep in dark-sky territory, this guided tour begins with three nights at Wilderness Hotel Juutua, which is located in the small village of Inari. The area has been of huge significance for the indigenous Sámi people for centuries. With its abundance of tradition and local culture, this destination provides a restorative escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
For your final two nights of the tour, you will stay in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin at Wilderness Hotel Muotka, nestled amongst the trees and with fantastic views of the night sky. Both properties are much loved for their endearing hospitality, Nordic décor and brilliant guides.
This region of northern Finland boasts a Northern Lights track record that approaches or surpasses other popular Arctic destinations, and it is a fantastic place to enjoy evenings stargazing with minimal light pollution and beautifully dark skies.
Your Escorted Tour Guides
Dan Monk
Dan Monk is the Director of the Gillian Dickinson Astro-Imaging Academy at Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. He has always been fascinated by the night sky and constellations. One Christmas, he received a telescope and would gaze into the sky from his back garden at every opportunity. Growing up in Sunderland, Dan's visibility of the night sky was limited by light-pollution from the city, but his passion continued to develop and through his teen years, he invested in more advanced telescopes.
Visiting Kielder Observatory was a significant moment for Dan as he relished in the undisturbed dark skies of western Northumberland. After volunteering at the observatory, Dan became a full-time member of the team and began his dream role.
Most recently, Dan has developed a keen interest in astrophotography and a hunger to capture an image of the perfect night sky. Dan was recently interviewed by Dan Walker on Channel 5 news to discuss the recent Northern Lights sightings in the UK. Dedicated to his field, he insisted he would have to do a pre-record as he didn't want to miss any further sightings that evening.
We are delighted to have Dan's passion and expertise for what promise to be truly memorable escorted tours through Northern Finland.
Matt Robinson
Matt Robinson will be our other tour guide for our escorted tours. Matt, also worked at the Kielder Observatory with Dan as well as hailing from the hotbed of astronomy talent that is Sunderland.
Matt's first experience in astronomy was in 1997, when his uncle showed him Comet Hale Bopp through some binoculars and since then he hasn't looked back.
After a wonderful 18 months at Kielder Observatory, Matt was given opportunities to work in astronomy in other parts of the world. These opportunities have allowed him to live in the Arctic Circle in Finland and Norway under the spectacular Aurora Borealis. Matt has also spent time in the Maldives where he worked as an astronomer in an Instagram famous hotel, and even to Chile where he covered an unforgettable total solar eclipse.
Matt is now based in Gothenburg, Sweden as our astronomy expert and tour guide.
Dan Pye
Dan Pye is Director of Astronomy and Science Communication at Kielder Observatory.
When he left school, he moved on to study TV and Film production and then Theatrical Studies at University, but Astronomy and Star Gazing was always embedded as a strong hobby. During his 20s he spent some time in retail, and broadcasting then moved on to opening a Cafe in Durham, which centred around scientific themes.
He visited the Observatory around 10 times before volunteering, and after a few months became part of the full time team, and what a journey it has become. Dan's primary specialities are Observational Astronomy, Astrophotography, and Meteorites. When he's not star gazing, he likes to make sure the kit is functioning correctly, producing video content, making improvements, or testing the boundaries of technology to bring more exhibits to the Observatory.
We're thrilled to have Dan on board for this astronomy tour, using his expertise in astronomy and astronomy photography to guide you though your dream trip.
About Kielder Observatory
Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none, under some of the darkest skies in the world where you'll find "infinite inspiration" and wonders you could never have imagined!
Kielder Observatory is a public outreach astronomical facility located in Kielder Forest, in some of the darkest skies in Europe and the third largest protected Dark Sky reserve in the world.
Located in Northumberland, England. It is situated just half a mile from the Scottish border on Black Fell near James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace. The site was chosen as one of the locations in the UK which has the least amount of intrusive light pollution.
The primary function of the observatory is outreach via public events. The goal being to bring in members of the public of all ages from school children in primary school, and upward. The aim being to engage in discussions and observations of the Universe. We to do this in a way that is friendly, informative and interesting, through our amazing team of astronomers, guest speakers and volunteers.
The observatory hosts upwards of 40 of these amazing events every month, designed for members of the public. Since its opening in 2008, the observatory has played host to tens of thousands of people to observe and engage with the night sky, via talks, activities and telescope observing sessions.
Important Information
This holiday requires a minimum of 10 people to run. Maximum 26 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information. Your flights will not be booked and confirmed until we have reached the minimum number of participants. Please see our booking terms and conditions for further details regarding minimum number of participants.
If the minimum number of bookings is not reached, we may make the decision to cancel the tour. This will always be at least 9 weeks before the departure date and we will of course notify you and refund your deposit if the trip is cancelled.
Itinerary
You will be greeted at Ivalo Airport and transferred to Wilderness Hotel Juutua, which is approximately 40 minutes’ away. A warm welcome awaits your arrival; once you’re settled and checked in, dinner this evening will be served in the celebrated restaurant, Aanaar. The kitchen here offers a delightful menu of traditional Lappish dishes created using organic and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Cold weather clothing is provided to you either the day of your arrival or the day after, depending on your arrival time.
Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and the agenda below should be used as a guide only. The exact order of your agenda will be confirmed upon arrival at the hotel. Airport transfers are grouped to set arrival and departure times, all other times will require a transfer supplement.
What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return grouped airport transfers based on set flight times
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard double room at Wilderness Hotel Juutua and 2 nights in an Aurora Cabin at Wilderness Hotel Muotka. Upgrade options are available for a supplement and subject to availability
- Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners (2 Dinners will be a 3 and 5-course tasting menu). Drink allowance for dinners
- Astro presentation
- Husky safari
- Aurora Workshop
- 2 Aurora camps
- Winter walk to Jäniskoski rapids
- Aurora hunt by car
- Snowmobile Safari
- Expert tour group leader from arrival on day 1 to departure on day 5
- Cold weather clothing is provided for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Accommodation
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The refurbished Wilderness Hotel Juutua is situated right in the heart of Inari village.
Double Wilderness Room
These rooms are in the main building of the hotel and as this is the original hotel building, they are slightly smaller than some of the other rooms. Recently renovated though, they are very tastefully decorated and offer a cosy base with very easy access to the restaurant of course (no need for winter clothing as you simply walk downstairs).
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a wet-room shower (includes toiletries), they offer a flat screen TV, hairdryer and a kettle. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. All of the Wilderness Rooms in the main building are double rooms and cannot be turned into twins.
Juutua Suite
These upgraded rooms are a very short walk from the main hotel building. Every suite has either a terrace or balcony (depending on which floor they are on) ideal for Northern Lights viewing in the middle of the night! They each have their own private sauna too which is perfect for relaxing after a day of winter adventures. The rooms also have their own tea and coffee-making facilities fridge and hairdryers.
Arctic Premium Room
These rooms are situated just a short walk from the main hotel and restaurant. They can be either double or twin and provide a relaxing and cosy retreat. Each room has its own external entrance and some of them offer the space for an extra bed (on request).
They each have an en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi.
There is also an Arctic Family Room available which offers a double bed and a separate bedroom with twin beds, as well as a sofa bed, meaning that there is space for up to 5 people.
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| Wilderness Hotel Muotka resides around 40km from the main town of Ivalo, tucked away in the corner of North-East Finland. Recently renovated and restored it is owned and run by the same couple as the popular Nellim Wilderness Hotel, Mari and Jouko Lappalainen. They run the hotel with the same hard-working ethos and it exudes the same warmth and charm for its much-welcomed guests. The hotel boasts some wonderful scenery, tucked away in the forested-fells with roaming reindeer frequently seen amongst the trees. It consists of two main accommodation buildings, one with the majority of the bedrooms and another with hosts additional bedrooms, the main restaurant and the reception area. Hotel facilities
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Double Room
There are 12 double and twin rooms in the main building and 11 in the additional building just across the courtyard. All rooms are en-suite with shower room, wardrobe, hairdryer and nightstand and can be made up as either a double or twin. They have also been recently renovated and offer lovely Scandinavian décor and charm.
Superior Sauna Room
Muotka Wilderness Hotel has 16 Superior Sauna rooms, located a short distance from the main hotel building. These rooms are designed to offer rustic luxury and are ideal for small families and groups or those that simply wish for more space to relax in during their stay at Muotka. The rooms are approximately 33m² and each separate building has four superior sauna rooms inside. Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
Facilities
- All rooms will contain their own private sauna, sofa and an electric kettle to make your stay as comfortable as possible
- Each has a queen-size bed within and space for 1-2 extra beds
- All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk away
- Hairdryers are available from the main hotel reception
Twin Room
All rooms are en-suite with a shower room, wardrobe, hairdryer and nightstand and can be made up as either a double or twin and offer lovely Scandinavian décor and charm.
Wilderness Premium Room
Renovated in 2022, these are the newest rooms at Muotka and are larger than the standard Wilderness rooms at 269 ft2. Perfect for couples, the rooms feature a double bed, tea and coffee making equipment and are fully ensuite, with the bathroom having a shower and a hair dryer. Premium rooms are situated in a separate building (with its own sauna) adjacent to the reception and restaurant.
Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
Panorama Log Cabin
Situated not far from the main hotel, the log cabins at Muotka are a wonderful upgrade option for those looking for a little more space during their stay or if you are travelling for a special occasion – these are particularly popular with honeymoon guests!
Each log cabin is approximately 50m² and is fully equipped to make your stay cosy and comfortable. The attention to detail with these cabins are remarkable and ensure a memorable holiday.
All cabins have their own log burner and private sauna – ideal for warming up after a day in the snow!
Each cabin has a small kitchenette and large windows looking out onto the snowy landscape beyond. All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk away.
Riverside Log Cabin
The most spectacular accommodation available at Muotka, these modern log cabins are well situated with views over a river. Well appointed, with a fireplace in the spacious living room, together with a private sauna and kitchenette (and fridge), the cabins have sleeping space for 5 people. There is a double bedroom downstairs and three single beds in the loft. The cabins also contain hair dryers and tea and coffee making facilities. Please note that these cabins require a minimum of 4 people to be booked
Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
Riverside Suite
In keeping with your surroundings, the Riverside suite is beautifully constructed from local ‘kelo’ wood and combines traditional aesthetics with modern comforts. The suite contains a bathroom with shower and private sauna, a fireplace and tea and coffee making facilities. With a double bed and sofa bed, the suite can accommodate 4 people in comfort. The suite overlooks a small stream running through the grounds of the hotel.
Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
Log Cabin
Situated not far from the main hotel, the log cabins at Muotka are a wonderful upgrade option for those looking for a little more space during their stay or if you are travelling as a small group or family.
Each log cabin is approximately 50m² and is fully equipped to make your stay cosy and comfortable. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Facilities
- All cabins have their own log burner and private sauna – ideal for warming up after a day in the snow!
- Each has a double bed and space for 1-2 extra beds
- All cabins have a small kitchenette and a kettle
- The log cabins are equipped with large north-facing windows so you can easily keep watch for a potential Aurora display
- All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk away
- Hairdryers are available from the main hotel reception
Aurora Cabin
As ever, Muotka leads the way in Aurora viewing innovation and we are therefore proud to offer our guests the chance to spend the night in one of only 20 magnificent Aurora Cabins. These stunning, part-cabin, part-glass tepee buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.
Guests get the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a glass tepee. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings, are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel, next to the annexe. They combine the space and atmosphere of a cosy cabin with a glass roof above the bed. Each cabin faces north so ideal for guests to gaze upon the night sky every night of their holiday, from the comfort of their duvet. The cabins are all 25m² with double bed and en-suite bathroom, making them an excellent base (most of them have a private sauna).
Tour Map
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Payment and Cancellation Terms:
If the minimum number of bookings is not reached, we may make the decision to cancel the tour. This will always be at least 9 weeks before the departure date and we will of course notify you and refund your deposit if the trip is cancelled.
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
