
Overview
What's included?
ALL OF THE EXPERIENCES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Duration: 4 nights
- Flights: flights from London Heathrow to Kittila (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights double/ twin hotel room at either Hotel Harriniva or Hotel Jeris
- 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners (option to upgrade to full board available)
- Activities: husky safari, secrets of the Northern Lights and Aurora Snowtrain, Northern Lights hot tub or Arctic Sauna World Visit (depending on accommodation choice), Snowmobile safari (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Tea and Coffee at the hotel
- Daily hotel sauna
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
- Aurora Alert until 1am
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Harriniva Wilderness Hotel is situated 230km above the Arctic Circle and at 67 degrees north, it is ideally located within The Aurora Zone. Our Northern Lights Quest includes various excellent daytime activities to ensure you see the best of Lapland, with huskies and snowmobiles on the agenda.
Most importantly though, for the avid Aurora Hunter, there are evening activities which will give you the best opportunities to achieve your goal of seeing the Northern Lights. Depending on how active you want to be on your holiday you can also add in additional Aurora Snowshoeing activity too. See our 'Personalise' section for more information.
The guides at Harriniva are also in close mobile contact with other local Aurora hunters so in effect, they have the region covered. If the Lights start dancing, your guide will be one of the first to know!
This holiday includes an introduction to the science behind the Northern Lights to understand more about how and why this incredible natural phenomenon appears. You will also head out on an Aurora Hunt by Snowtrain to go and seek the Aurora away from any artificial light pollution. We also provide all guests with access to an Aurora app which can be added to your smartphone as an additional aid (this operates until approximately 1am).
©Harriniva Hotels & Safaris, Antti Pietikäinen
Dates & Prices
Price Comparison Guarantee

Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
Next season’s dates and prices
Our dates and prices for 2024/25 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. We will advise you of your flight details when they are confirmed. This will normally be around nine months prior to departure.
Departure dates between | ||
---|---|---|
Sun 07 Jan 2024
to Sun 28 Jan 2024 |
Adults £ 1,500 To £ 1,625 | |
Sun 04 Feb 2024
to Sun 25 Feb 2024 |
Adults £ 1,540 To £ 1,725 | |
Sun 03 Mar 2024
to Sun 17 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 1,450 To £ 1,625 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum numbers required for this holiday to run vary from 2 to 10 people (depending on the departure date). Maximum 30 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
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
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Introduction
Upon arrival in Lapland, you will be transferred to your accommodation at either Hotel Harriniva or Hotel Jeris. You will check in to your rooms before dinner in the hotel restaurant. You’ll be provided with the information for your Aurora app and we also recommend taking a wander in the area surrounding the hotel just in case the Lights appear to welcome you.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Husky safari, Aurora workshop and Northern Lights Snowtrain search
A husky safari truly encapsulates the spirit of Arctic adventure and today you will head into the wilderness with your eager team of dogs on a 15km safari through this stunning winter wonderland. The enthusiasm the dogs share for the trail is infectious and this is sure to be a real highlight.
Our guides are all local experts and have a real passion for the Lights and their region - they make ideal Aurora hunting companions. The guides are always keen to share their knowledge and experiences and so this evening you will receive a short Aurora workshop. The aim of the workshop is to give you the background information you will need before your inaugural Northern Lights adventure.
Together with your guide, you will head out into the wilderness in a specially-made sleigh pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. You will head out of one of several Aurora viewpoints (there is that expert local knowledge again!) where the guide will light a campfire and everyone can enjoy a warm drink and snack around the fire. Everyone will keep their eyes skywards to hopefully enjoy a Northern Lights display too!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 3
Free day and Aurora Hot tub or Arctic Sauna World
Today we have left free for you to relax at the hotel. Alternatively, additional activities can be booked (please see the 'personalise' tab for more details) or you just hire some winter equipment (payable locally) like snowshoes or cross-country skis to try out some of the local’s favourite past times at your own pace.
This evening it is time for a bit of pampering which will vary depending on where you are staying. At Harriniva you will take the short walk to the hot tub area where you can sit and soak in the warm water (remember your hat!) and look out on the frozen river below which has been the site for numerous lucky Northern Lights viewers before you!
If you are staying at Hotel Jeris then we have included entry to the Arctic Sauna World this evening. Built in 2019 this spa setting is home to four different element saunas to relax and unwind. There is also an option for an ice dip (for the very brave!) the sauna world looks out to the frozen lake Jerisjärvi where the Northern Lights are commonly seen by guests in the hotel and locals alike.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 4
Snowmobile Safari
Today is all about speed! After breakfast you will head out on a thrilling snowmobile safari, allowing you to explore much further into your winter wonderland surroundings. Full instruction and tuition will be provided before you head into the wilderness, crossing frozen lakes and winding through forest trails. The safari will cover approximately 30km.
A final dinner in the hotel restaurant and last opportunity for any additional Aurora hunting activities or why not upgrade your final night to an Aurora Dome or the Arctic Firefox lodge (see our 'Personalise' tab), to end your stay in real style!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 5
Transfers, Flights and Farewells
Today you will transfer to the airport to catch your return flights home after a truly memorable adventure in Lapland.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Harriniva Wilderness Hotel
Nights: 1-4
Ideally located in the north-west corner of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle and in the very heart of the Aurora Zone, Harriniva Wilderness Hotel serves as a perfect base for your adventure holiday.
Owned and run by the Pietikäinen family, the hotel has developed a growing reputation for its warm ambience and a large range of enjoyable activities on offer.
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a range of facilities that have been designed to make your stay here as enjoyable as possible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the main building for guest use, in our experience, we have found it works best in the main reception and dining area
- The hotel restaurant has a lively, buzzing atmosphere as people excitedly discuss the adventures they have taken part in that day. The meals are served in a buffet style with two or three choices for each course. The food here is hearty and wholesome
- The hotel also has a pub serving a range of beers, wines and spirits - this is the perfect place to unwind and relax with your fellow guests in the evening
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- In the main reception area of the hotel, you will find a small gift shop selling a range of postcards, soft toys and handcrafted products. There is also a selection of snacks that can be purchased
- A sauna is available for guest use with separate facilities for men and women. This is free of charge and is heated every evening for around three hours
- The hotel also has an Aurora Wellness Centre (situated a short walk away on the riverbank), where you can enjoy a range of therapies such as facials or massages. A real treat after a day of soaking up the pristine wilderness! During peak periods, we would strongly recommend booking therapies in advance through reception (all payable locally and we recommend booking in advance if possible)
- Snowshoes and cross country skis are available to hire for a small charge and there are marked trails surrounding the hotel for those with some experience. For those interested in downhill skiing, reception will be able to arrange a taxi to the nearby ski resort of Olos (payable locally)
Room types
Wilderness plus rooms
Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, these bedrooms were refurbished in 2018. The rooms include double/twin beds and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. All rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area.
Double/twin rooms
Harriniva has 64 guest bedrooms which consist of twin or double rooms. Triple rooms are also available on request. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer.
Wilderness Suite
Spacious wilderness style room, decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, these rooms were refurbished in 2018. Located on the ground floor, close to reception these rooms include double/twin beds and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. All rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area.
Safari House
For those travelling on our longer husky or snowmobile experiences, your nights at the hotel will be spent in shared accommodation in one of Harriniva's Safari Houses. Each has sleeping facilities, a shower room, toilet and a sauna. Some safari houses are on site, whereas others are located 3km from the hotel. If you are staying off-site, you will be transferred to and from the hotel for meals.
Image credits Emmi Kähkönen - Harriniva Hotels & Safaris
Other options
Hotel Jeris
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.
Harriniva Riverside Cabins
Set in a picturesque, riverside location and ranging from 39m² to 47m², Harriniva’s Riverside Cabins are ideal for larger groups, or those wanting a little more space and privacy during their trip. Each cabin sleeps five people in total, with a main bedroom for two people, a lower ceilinged loft area (accessible by a steep ladder) sleeping a further two people and a pull out sofa bed in the lounge. Fully-equipped with kitchen facilities, including a stove, dishwasher and fridge, and with a cosy living room, you can relax and enjoy your own space in complete comfort. Each cabin even has its own private sauna, perfect for keeping warm after a long day out in the cold.
Credit: Antti Pietikainen
Jeris Winter Cottage Type A
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.
Special Nights

Arctic Firefox Lodge
For an exclusive experience, guests can choose to upgrade to the exceptional Arctic Firefox Lodge at Jeris for a night during their stay. This lakeside retreat offers panoramic views across Lake Jerisjarvi. You can spend your evening unwinding in your very own private sauna, before heading upstairs to your cosy bed, where unobstructed views of the night sky and the Arctic wilderness await. You can snuggle up in bed and gaze at the sky above you and if the Northern Lights appear above you, it really will top off this magical night. Your stay in this very special accommodation includes entry to Arctic Sauna World, bathrobes and slippers.
Prices vary depending on dates and availability. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.
©Harriniva Hotels and Safaris
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Northern Lights Snowshoeing
There can be no more peaceful way of searching for the Aurora than on snowshoes. You will be out and about for around two to three hours in total and warm drinks, guides, instruction and equipment are included.
Activity level: Medium
Available: Wednesday and Saturday at 9.15pm
Duration: 2-3 hours (approximately)
Other options
Activities

Local Culture
Reindeer herding is intrinsic in Lappish culture. During this activity, you will gain an authentic insight into this tradition at one of the oldest reindeer farms in Finland.
You will learn all about the fascinating history of the family who used to live here and visit the museum on-site.
Read more about this activityYou will also meet the animals as they pull you in a traditional sleigh through the forest.
Lunch is served in a traditional Lappish Kota around an open fire. You will also see the impressive Winter Village Snow Hotel which is situated next to the farm.
Duration: 3-3.5 hours (approximately) including lunch
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Suitable for: Aged 4 years and over.
Available: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:40am
Special Nights

Arctic Firefox Lodge
For an exclusive experience, guests can choose to upgrade to the exceptional Arctic Firefox Lodge at Jeris for a night during their stay. This lakeside retreat offers panoramic views across Lake Jerisjarvi. You can spend your evening unwinding in your very own private sauna, before heading upstairs to your cosy bed, where unobstructed views of the night sky and the Arctic wilderness await. You can snuggle up in bed and gaze at the sky above you and if the Northern Lights appear above you, it really will top off this magical night. Your stay in this very special accommodation includes entry to Arctic Sauna World, bathrobes and slippers.
Prices vary depending on dates and availability. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.