
Overview
What's included?
ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES 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
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights double/ twin hotel room at either Hotel Harriniva or Hotel Jeris
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- 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 situated within The Aurora Zone. Our Northern Lights Quest includes a variety of excellent daytime activities to ensure you see the best of Lapland, with huskies and snowmobiles both 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 very 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).
©Antti Pietikainen, Neil Walton & Levi Northern Lights Village
Dates & Prices
Thank you for your interest in this Aurora Zone experience.
We have found that this holiday is better tailored exactly to your requirements, so please email our Travel Experts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us on 01670 785 012 to discuss the various options available to you.
Our Travel Experts have been to all the destinations we feature and love to share their experiences and insight. We want to match you with your perfect trip, so if you have any questions please get in touch; we will be happy to talk through the destinations and itineraries with you.
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Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival
Upon arrival at Kittilä Airport, you will be met and transferred approximately 1 hour to Harriniva to begin your week-long winter break.
Here you will check into your cosy hotel room and then enjoy dinner in the restaurant. Make sure you keep an eye on the sky as you are now firmly in Northern Lights territory.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Husky Safari and Aurora Workshop
Following breakfast, you will have some free time to explore the surroundings ahead of your husky adventure this afternoon.
After lunch, you will have a guided tour of Harriniva’s famed dog sled centre before receiving driving and safety instructions on how to handle the sled. The dogs may be excitable while the brakes are on but when they take you into the wilderness, they will quieten down and settle into their pace, leaving you to enjoy the breathtaking winter scenes as they pass. You will travel for approximately 15km and ride two per sled with the option to swap drivers halfway. This activity will last for around two and a half hours
Afterwards, you will meet with your local guide to find out more about the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights. This workshop will also introduce you to the science behind the phenomenon. Your expert guide will answer questions and try and give you a better understanding of this remarkable phenomenon and the science behind it. This activity will last around 1 hour.
Dinner will be served in the restaurant this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Snowmobile Safari and Reindeer Aurora Experience
Following breakfast and lunch in the restaurant, you will head out on a snowmobiling safari to explore more of the Lappish wilderness. You will receive a full safety briefing and instructions on how to drive the snowmobile before following your guide along the trails and out into the wilds for approximately 30km. You will ride two per machine with the option to swap drivers but please note, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. The activity will last for around two hours.
Enjoy dinner in the restaurant ahead of tonight’s search for the Northern Lights. In true Lappish style, you will ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, travelling silently into the night. You will journey through the frozen forest, looking up at the sky for the Auroras that may appear above. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a hot drink by the fire. You will be out for approximately one and a half to two hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Snowshoe and Arctic Elements Sauna World and Free Evening
Following a transfer into the spectacular Pallas National Park, you will strap on snowshoes and hike in this wonderful region. You will be treated to some lovely views along the way before having lunch in Jeris. A visit to the Pallas Nature Centre is also included (depending on opening times).
A rewarding finish to the activity comes with a visit to the Arctic Elements Sauna World. Here you will find four saunas, each inspired by the four elements; earth, fire, water and air and named after Finnish gods and goddesses. The facilities include a traditional smoke sauna and plenty of areas for relaxation. For the very brave (and healthy) you can also take a dip in the ice pool.
In total, this activity will last for around five to six hours.
Following dinner, you have a free evening to enjoy your last night in Harriniva as you please. As always, keep your eye on the sky for the Northern Lights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Transfer to Levi and Aurora Hunting in Wilderness
Following breakfast, you will transfer to Levi, approximately an hour away. Upon arrival, you will check into your unforgettable Aurora Cabin.
Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel restaurant ahead of tonight’s search for the Northern Lights. You will travel in a minibus or coach, using its mobility to your advantage to drive to a prime lookout location. Along the way, you will stop and take photos at some scenic locations before travelling along the shore of Lake Äkäslompolo.
Once you reach an optimal Northern Lights viewpoint, you will enjoy warm drinks and snacks as you wait in anticipation for a show. This activity lasts for approximately 3 hours.
Once you reach a prime Northern Lights viewpoint, you will enjoy warm drinks and snacks as you wait in anticipation for a show.
Please note: There will be no campfire or kota but you can hop on the bus if you feel cold.
For the more active guests, you can upgrade to a Northern Lights snowmobile safari instead. Please talk to our Aurora Travel Experts at the time of booking.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
Free Day and Northern Lights Snowshoeing
Today is free for you to enjoy however you please. You could add on another Arctic activity to fill your time, see our ‘personalise’ tab for more information.
All meals will be served in the hotel’s restaurant as usual ahead of tonight’s search for the Northern Lights. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and follow your guide into the quiet forest, where the only sound will be the soft snow beneath your feet. Enjoy a gentle walk into the Arctic night and make your way to a cosy hut where you can warm by the fire with hot drinks and snacks. You will be out for approximately two hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Free Day
Today has been left completely free for you to enjoy at your own pace. See our ‘Personalise’ tab for a range of activities.
As usual, all meals will be served in the hotel restaurant. You could add another Northern Lights activity tonight, or simply enjoy your Aurora accommodation and search from the comfort of your bed.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
Departure
Today it is sadly time for your winter adventure to come to an end. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. If you have an early departure time, we’ll box up breakfast for you to take with you.
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
Levi Northern Lights Village
Nights: 5-7
Located in the far north of Finland, 16km away from the centre of Levi and close to the ski resort (approx. 14km), the Northern Lights Village sits tucked away in its own piece of wilderness.
With 40 Aurora Cabins, you’ll have the brilliant opportunity to view the Northern Lights right from your bed. Each cabin comes equipped with a half-glass roof with the twin or double beds situated underneath. This is one of the few places in the world where you’ll prefer a sleepless night!
All cabins are in walking distance of the restaurant which serves local, Lappish delicacies.
Facilities
The village restaurant takes inspiration from the traditional wooden Finnish tipis with Lappish décor.
Using flavours from Lapland and the Barents Sea regions, the restaurant serves local food and special delicacies. Breakfast is a buffet of continental options and some hot dishes. Evening meals are a buffet with starters of soups and salad, and then a choice of local meat or fish will follow. Dietary requirements are all well-catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking.
All activities start from The Northern Lights Village (except the husky safaris and art gallery) to make your holiday as easy as possible.
Aurora Cabins
Each Aurora Cabin comes equipped with a half-glass roof which all face north, for optimal Northern Lights viewing. What’s more, the windows are laser heated to ensure the snow melts and you have a constant view of the Arctic. The designs are based on a traditional wooden kota (tepee) in Finland.
Inside, you’ll find twin beds which can be made into a double and there is also a sofa bed (suitable for an additional adult). There is a shower room, toilet and luggage storage area (please note that hot water is limited). You also have tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, minibar and unlimited WiFi.
Cabins are not cleaned between arrival and departure unless requested from reception. Additionally, towels can be exchanged at reception if required.
Image Credits: Neil Walton & Levi Northern Lights Village
Other options
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
Levi Northern Lights Village - Aurora Suites
Brand new for winter 2023 and exclusive to Levi Northern Lights Village are the Aurora Suites. There are 10 in total and still a convenient walking distance to the restaurant and activity meeting point.
The suites are around 44m2 and are spacious enough to sleep up to 5 guests. They also include their own sauna. The suites are equipped with air conditioning and heating, a hairdryer, a minibar (charges apply locally), safe and tea and coffee-making facilities.
The glass roofs still have their trademark laser-heated glass to ensure a clear view into the night sky to allow you the ultimate luxury of enjoying a Northern Lights display, snuggled up in bed.
Please contact our Travel Experts for an upgrade quotation.
Jeris and Torassieppi Aurora Huts
The unique Aurora Huts at Jeris and Torassieppi 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. The Aurora huts at Torassieppi are located close to the lakeshore, whereas the huts at Jeris are located in the woods. The exact location of your dome will be confirmed upon check-in at your hotel.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Aurora Snow Train
Step inside the cosy Snow Train carriage for an Aurora hunt into the wilderness.
Pulled along by your expert guide on a snowmobile, the Snow Train has been cunningly designed with an all-Perspex exterior to give you constant views of the night sky. As you journey further into the darkness, keep your eye out for a potential display.
Read moreYou’ll also stop in a prime location to enjoy hot drinks and continue your search. Your location will be chosen based on the local weather and Aurora forecast for the evening, giving you the best possible chance of ticking the Northern Lights off your bucket list.
Duration: 2 hours
Available: Friday
Other options
Activities

Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh
Take a seat in a heated sleigh and enjoy this relaxing way to search for the Northern Lights. Your guide will tow the sleigh away from any light pollution and all the way to the top of a fell for a brilliant viewpoint.
You can keep warm by the fire with snacks and hot drinks while your guide will tell you stories of the Northern Lights. Prepare your camera with the help of your guide and wait for a light show to hopefully appear.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
©Visit Levi

Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoeing allows you to walk over the soft snow with ease and is a brilliant way to connect to the nature around you. During a peaceful hike, you will follow your guide through the wintery forest and to a nearby fell. Here, you will enjoy a hot drink and your guide will tell you more about the flora and fauna in the area. If luck is on your side, you may even see some of the wildlife wandering by.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total

Cross-County Ski School
Cross-country skiing is a traditional and hugely popular activity in Lapland. You don’t need any previous skiing experience as your expert guide will teach you the basics. Then you will all head along the forest trail to see more of the winter landscape as you glide across the snow.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total

Husky Safari (10km)
For those who want a little more than a taster of husky sledding, this 10km track is a longer expedition so you can really settle into your role as a musher.
You will usually travel two per sled (one driving and one as a passenger in the sled)
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total (10km or around 1hr sled ride) including short transfers and briefing.

Husky Safari (5km)
Husky sledding is one of the most popular Arctic activities and when you try your hand as a musher, you’ll soon see why.
When you first meet your team of sled dogs, chances are they will be excitable and barking, eager to get going. Rest assured, as soon as they take to the trail, they will quieten down so you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
You will usually travel two per sled (one driving and one as a passenger in the sled)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour in total (5km or around 30-minute sled ride) including short transfers and briefing.
©Visit Levi

Reindeer Day
Reindeers are synonymous with Lapland and during this activity, you’ll gain a wonderful insight into their importance when you meet a reindeer breeder.
You will learn all about reindeer herding and the Sámi culture before jumping into the sleigh and letting these wonderful animals take you on a ride (approximately 1 hour) through the wintery landscape.
There will also be time to feed the reindeer and take photos with them. Drinks and lunch are included.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total including lunch; sleigh ride lasts approx. one hour.
©Visit Inari

Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
Combine two popular Arctic activities during this snowmobiling and ice fishing experience. You will follow your guide on snowmobiles, travelling over fells and through snowy forests until you reach a frozen lake in the wilderness.
Here, your guide will help you drill a hole through the thick ice. Then you’ll bait the hook and see who is lucky enough to get the catch of the day.
You will also build a fire and enjoy a light lunch – if you’re lucky enough to catch any fish then this will be served at lunch.
Please note, you will travel two per snowmobile with the option to swap drivers however, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. Children aged 13 and under will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children who are 13-14 years old and 140cm tall can choose to travel pillion on their parent’s snowmobile but will be charged as an adult.
Duration: approximately 4 hours in total including lunch
©Visit Levi

Snowmobile Safari (4 Hours)
For the ultimate snowmobiling experience, this longer safari takes you further into the wilderness to really appreciate the scale of the snowy environment.
On this journey, you will travel through wintery forests, powdery snowdrifts and admire the breathtaking scenery all around you. Your guide will stop in various places so that you can capture these amazing sights on camera and you will also enjoy hot drinks and a light lunch.
Please note, you will travel two per snowmobile with the option to swap drivers however, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. Children aged 13 and under will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children who are 13-14 years old and 140cm tall can choose to travel pillion on their parent’s snowmobile but will be charged as an adult.
Duration: approximately 4 hours in total including lunch
©Paul Palmer - Laplandfoto.com & Visit Levi

Snowmobile Safari (2 Hours)
Snowmobiling is a must-do Arctic activity. It is a vital form of transport in these remote locations but offers you an adventurous way to explore the stunning Lappish landscapes.
Along the way, you will stop at scenic locations to take photographs and admire the views and you can warm up with a hot drink and snacks.
Please note, you will travel two per snowmobile with the option to swap drivers however, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. Children aged 13 and under will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children who are 13-14 years old and 140cm tall can choose to travel pillion on their parent’s snowmobile but will be charged as an adult.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total
©Kimmo Salminen & Visit Levi

Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile
Travel into the Arctic night as you follow your guide up the snowy fell and to a brilliant location for Northern Lights searching.
Once at the top of the fell, you will warm by the fire and enjoy snacks and hot drinks. Keep an eye on the sky at all times, as the Auroras could start to dance at any moment.
Please note, you will travel two per snowmobile with the option to swap drivers however, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. Children aged 13 and under will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children who are 13-14 years old and 140cm tall can choose to travel pillion on their parent’s snowmobile but will be charged as an adult.
Duration: 3 hours
©Per Lundstrom & Visit Levi

Raekallio Art Gallery Visit
Visit Reijo Raekallio’s home gallery to see his wonderfully designed building as well as a varied exhibition.
Raekallio has spent 50 years painting the everyday life of the people, reindeer and nature of this wonderful region and his art brings the beauty of the surroundings to life with atmospheric colours.
You will be transferred to and from the gallery approximately 2km away.
Duration: approximately 1 to 2 hours in total (depending on the group)
Little Extras

Cross-Country Skis and Snowshoe Rentals
You can hire cross-country skis or snowshoes for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
Snowshoes: £29 per person
Cross-country skis: £33 per person

Sauna Cabin & Hot Tub
Unwind Finnish style with a sauna session. Choose from a public ticket or private slot for up to 10, 15 or 20 people.
Duration: approximately 1 hour in total
©Matt Robinson
Trip Extensions

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 about this activityLocated 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: VisitFinland
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
We loved the snowmobiling as it was the first time and needed to compare it to jet-skiing. Husky sledding as we love the dogs anyway. Photographing the Northern Lights as it was a hopeful primary aim of the holiday, and they performed for over an hour for us!
HUSKY SLEDDING - Just a wonderful experience with the dogs going through the beautiful landscape in the cold, crisp air. We had a really wonderful holiday and were lucky enough to see the lights on 3 of the 4 nights (the 4th night I was seeing stars and blue lights anyway).Staff at the hotel were very pleasant and informative and the accommodation was warm and comfortable. Also the organisation…
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and information prior to the trip was excellent.
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We thoroughly enjoyed the other activities we took part in, husky safari, snowmobiles and aurora workshop. All our guides were so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Plus we treated to a full aurora display as we snowmobiled on our last night. The hotel staff, guides and Greta were all extremely friendly and helpful. They really make the holiday even more special, if that's possible!
I was very impressed with the efficiency of staff. All transfers were well planned. Every activity was well thought out and on time. The food in Harrinava was just lovely. I was VERY impressed, always a hearty meal. At no time was I hungry or felt the need to snack. I think what impressed me the most was the sheer enthusiasm of the guides. It was stunningly obvious that they all really…
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enjoyed the activity they were leading on and that enthusiasm was infectious. Especially the guide who took us snow shoe walking: she was even hugging the trees which made me smile!!!!!
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A very slick well organised holiday in Harriva. Busy schedule but we packed everything in and had a fantastic experience. Thanks
The Husky safari was great fun meeting the dogs and seeing how keen they were to run and how much noise they make while waiting compared to the silence when they run; also a nice way to take in the surroundings at a more relaxed pace than the snowmobiles and the driver gets to see everything too as the dogs do most of the steering. Really well organised with lots of fun activities to occupy your…
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day but still leaving plenty of time for you to relax and not feel you're run ragged trying to keep up. The cold weather kit provided is really good, particularly the snow boots, so comfy and warm we want a set. The hotel staff and guides are all really friendly and happy to answer any questions and always had the info we wanted (or could get it quickly). Even though we weren't lucky enough to see the Aurora we still had a great holiday with lots of new experiences and memories and will definitely look at doing a repeat in the future.
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We had the most amazing time at Harriniva. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and the place is just beautiful. We had one of the cabins which were right on the (frozen) river. The view is beautiful and it is lovely to have your own space and sauna. The cabins are about 200m from the main buildings so it is a bit of a hassle to get all dressed up in your warm clothing to just to walk up to get…
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breakfast but it is worth it to have the space and it is much quicker to get outside to see the lights if they decide to come out. We found the range and amount of food provided to be great and there were a lot of options so you won’t go hungry. All the outer warm gear they provide is very warm but make sure you bring enough thermals as you are in them every day. The equipment room can be busy and there is only one person there so make sure you leave enough time to get your gear on the first day. The activities are all amazing and everything is very well run. We had the best guide for the week (Mathieu) who really made the experience. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about everything we did and had a great sense of humour. Our favourite activity was the snowmobiling which is great fun and on this tour, you get to do it twice. We were very lucky to have the Northern Lights come out on our last night while we were on the snowmobiles and thankfully Matthew knew what to look for as I would never have noticed them. The husky safari was also a highlight. The dogs are all very well cared for and seem to really love what they do. We had a great group of people on our trip as well and really enjoyed getting to know everyone and sharing the experience. I absolutely loved the week and am already looking at how to get back there as the place is just magical. Aurora Zone staff were amazing and made everything very easy. Their contact at the Lodge, Katrina was very friendly and welcoming. Amy on their sales team was great and very helpful with the booking and made the process very easy. I fully recommend this particular tour and The Aurora Zone.
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Gosh. Where to start. I think the daytime snowmobile was (the most enjoyable activity) just for the unexpected beauty of the ice trees on the tops. Not knowing that the air would change that evening and the whole resort and area became an ice forest spectacle. I also loved the cross-country skiing just for the racing heart and the exhilaration of mastering a new skill. Two guides stood out for us.…
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Becky and Jenni - the 2 girls were great fun and when Jenni took us to the Reindeer Farm and gave us the history lesson she really spoke with knowledge and passion about the Finnish people and had a great sense of humour. Katrina as our welcome host was also a joy. You have a great team there and you should be proud of all that you offer. English were a minority which is such a shame and I am not sure why - a totally fantastic holiday. Scenes like I never thought I would ever witness and cold, gosh, who knew that it could actually get that cold and yet we still go out and enjoy ourselves.
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We had a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable, interesting, amusing. We had great sightings of the Northern Lights - by walking, snowshoeing and late-night snowmobile riding – were all excellent. Also great that guide was a photography expert who could assist us with settings on our cameras as well as taking some wonderful shots which he shared. Husky sleighing – fantastic - would happily have…
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done this for longer or as an additional day. The other highlight, for all of us, were the huskies and sleigh riding with them.
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The whole trip was very well organised and we always felt the staff were making every effort to ensure we were completely satisfied. We were a family of 7, so everyone had their own special moment. Seeing the Northern Lights was everyone's dream come true...AWESOME! We embraced every activity! Our excellent holiday began with the first call to Barry Nolan. We had concerns about our Son's special…
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needs and dietary requirements. Barry took his time to go through every aspect of what may be involved with the various activities and assured us of how the staff on-site would take care of us. When we arrived at Harriniva, everything that Barry had said was reflected by the local team. Despite a late arrival, the staff took the time to reassure us that they had prepared special meals for my son and showed us where all his food could be found on the buffet. For the activities, our guide Becky was truly amazing! Her knowledge and experience was second to none, but more importantly, her patience and understanding with our son was just brilliant. She went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure he had a great time. A very special thank you to Becky!
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This was the best trip we have ever been on. We've only ever made up our own itineraries and travel arrangements in the past, but we were nervous about doing something so adventurous and yet so remote, which is the reason we opted to go via Aurora Zone. Everything was perfect. (Most enjoyable activity): Seeing the Northern Lights, because we had resigned ourselves to the fact that we probably…
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wouldn't, given the weather! Other than that, snowmobiling was great fun whizzing across the snowy landscape. It helped that the group size was very small and the guide was knowledgeable and friendly (Jenny). She even took loads of photos with her own camera and WhatsApped them to us afterwards, which really went above and beyond. The reindeer and husky safaris were also great. Absolutely WONDERFUL trip. We desperately want to go back as soon as we can. We couldn't believe how friendly and welcoming the Harriniva staff were and the lengths they went to to make our experience so special. Also, our rep Katrina was great - we had a bit of an accident on our transfer to the igloo when we realised we had left a pair of walking boots in the van. Katrina rang round at nearly midnight and made sure we got them back, which was much appreciated!
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Our trip was perfect. The small group was pleasant (and all participants quite amiable). Each day was very well organized, but never felt rushed. And the local guides were all incredibly patient - no mean feat at the end of the season! Most enjoyable: Seeing the Aurora Borealis, and driving a dog sled. Both firsts for us, and not something we can do in our country (at least not like this). And it…
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is always a pleasure and honour to visit another part of the world, and meet people from other countries.
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The whole holiday was very well organised from my initial contact with The Aurora Zone right up until we touched back down in the UK. The information provided in advance was very helpful and I always received a prompt and polite reply to e-mails and phone calls. It was great to be met at the airport and Emma provided the right amount of information and was very friendly and approachable. Favourite…
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activity: If I had to pick it would probably be the two day husky safari, but everything was really good. Least favourite: Stopping for tea and coffee on the night of the snowshoeing, because our hands got absolutely frozen! The snowshoeing itself was fun though.
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Husky sledges were totally different to anything else we had done (and we had the Northern Lights out in the wilderness). Snowshoeing - it was very hard work; Improvements: It was about right.