Make An Enquiry
Price from £1,875pp
VISITING: Finland BROCHURE CODE: 2018
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation and meals; all as listed.
Go on a fast-paced husky safari through the Finnish wilderness, visit a traditional reindeer farm and search for the Northern Lights during an evening snowshoe tour in this epic festive short break. Your cosy winter cabin in Jeris awaits, an exemplary base for your Aurora quest.

What's included?

  • Flights: return flights from London Heathrow to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
  • Transfers:return airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 4 nights in a Winter Cottage Type A at Hotel Jeris
  • Meals:4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • The following activities are included in the holiday:husky safari, Arctic Sauna World, reindeer visit and reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobile safari and Aurora snowshoeing (order of activities is subject to change). Please note that you must hold a valid UK driving licence in order to drive a snowmobile
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities

December in Finnish Lapland showcases a mix of vast white tundra, frozen lakes and snowcapped forest, illuminated by the blue hue of the Polar Night, the perfect backdrop for a festive getaway ahead of Christmas.

This short break is designed to maximise the number of amazing experiences you can have in just four nights.

Based in a winter cottage at Jeris on the shores of a frozen lake, each cottage is equipped with a log fire and private sauna for a cosy retreat following a day of activities. You will have the opportunity to experience the renowned Arctic Sauna World, where you can enjoy five different types of saunas, wellness showers and relaxation areas overlooking Lake Jerisjärvi.

Meet the animals of the Arctic during a visit to a traditional reindeer farm, including a peaceful reindeer pulled sledge ride, and a thrilling husky safari, where you will get to know your eager team of dogs. 

Try an exhilarating snowmobiling safari, traveling two per vehicle through the vast wilderness at speed, and an evening snowshoe walk through the serene forest, stopping to enjoy hot drinks around the campfire.

Keep your eyes peeled for an Aurora display during your stay. As Jeris sits in prime Northern Lights viewing territory, you can simply step outside each night and be on the search for the dancing lights.


©Antti Pietikainen

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 03 Dec 2023
to Thu 07 Dec 2023
Adults £ 1,875 To £ 2,100
Sun 10 Dec 2023
to Thu 14 Dec 2023
Adults £ 1,875 To £ 2,100
Sun 17 Dec 2023
to Thu 21 Dec 2023
Adults £ 2,125 To £ 2,235

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.

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.

Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit

The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.

Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit

The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.

Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit

The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.

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

  • When you touch down at Kittilä Airport, high up above the Arctic, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking winter landscape. You will meet your driver who will transfer you to Hotel Jeris. Here you will enjoy an evening meal before settling in for the night.

    Included Meals:  Dinner
  • After breakfast at the hotel this morning, it’s time to meet the huskies for a thrilling dog-sledding experience. You’ll hear the dogs barking with enthusiasm, itching to get onto the trail. Your expert guide will take you to meet the dogs and your respective team and will give you a full safety briefing.

     Although the dogs will be barking as loud as they can, once you’re on the trail, they’ll fall into a silent state of pure focus (and intense happiness!), effortlessly pulling you along as they follow the snow-covered tracks through the frozen landscape. You’ll travel two per sled and will cover around 6km in total.

    Following lunch, which will be served back at the hotel, you will have the chance to enjoy a traditional Finnish pastime in the Arctic Elements Sauna World. The spa offers saunas based on each of the elements as well as wellness showers, relaxation areas and even an ice hole swimming area, for those feeling brave!

    Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Today includes a visit to a traditional reindeer farm after breakfast, where you’ll be shown some essential reindeer herding skills. You will also enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride, gently ambling through the pristine winter landscape. 

    Following your reindeer visit, lunch will be served in an ice restaurant (weather permitting). If this is not a possibility then you will eat around a campfire in a traditional wooden kota (tipi), or at the hotel’s restaurant.

    Back at Jeris, there will be some free time for you to enjoy your surroundings. Any additional activities can be arranged locally.

    This evening a special dinner will be served in the hotel’s restaurant so you can get a taste of the Finnish festive season.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Following breakfast, you will head out into the wilderness on snowmobiles, travelling two per vehicle. Please note you must be over 18 and hold a full driving licence in order to drive a snowmobile. These machines allow you to cover much more ground so you can get out and about and see the size of this vast landscape. In total, you will cover around 20km before returning to Jeris for a warming lunch.

    Returning to your cottage, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to spend as you wish.

    After dinner in the restaurant, it’s time to strap on your snowshoes and head out in search of the Northern Lights. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the way through the wilderness as you look to the heavens in search of a display. The dark skies and minimal light pollution create the perfect setting for starry skies and potential Aurora displays. Midway, you’ll stop for hot drinks around a campfire, before heading back through the forest back to your cottage.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • It is time for your festive break to come to an end. Today you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flights home.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Included in price

Hotel Jeris and Winter Cottage Type A

Nights: 1-4

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 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 is 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 are available for guests to purchase (including postcards and local handicrafts and snacks) in the reception area

Winter Cottages

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.


Other options

Jeris Winter Cottage Type B

Supplements from: £106pp

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: £185pp

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.

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

From: £209pp

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 this tour


Our pick

Arctic Firefox Lodge

From £209pp

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



Others who viewed this holiday also viewed

  • Specialist

    Aurora knowledge and experience

    Unique holidays, in the very best destinations

    Expert guides – exceptional local knowledge

    Advice and guidance every step of the way

  • Comprehensive

    We include more in our holidays than any other Aurora operator

    Price Comparison guarantee

    No ‘from’ prices, everything you see is included in the price

    No hidden extras

  • Independent

    Proudly Independent

    The original and still the only dedicated UK Northern Lights tour operator

    Personal, hands-on service

    Fair and sustainable work ethos

  • Trusted

    ATOL and ABTA Financial protection available

    Over 20 years’ experience

    Our customers rate us 4.9/5 stars

    Award-Winning: Best Travel Company to Northern Europe 2023