Nellim Winter 2014 Credit Markku Inkila (46)

Muotka and Nellim - The Great Aurora Adventure

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An Aurora Borealis Adventure Tour In Finnish Lapland

Price from £2,870pp

HOLIDAY TYPE: Small Group VISITING: Finland BROCHURE CODE: 20008

            All prices include: 
            flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities and cold weather clothing; 
            all as listed.
          

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01670 785012

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Our Opinion

Speech mark

When people ask me how to decide between Muotka and Nellim I find it very hard to give them an answer as they are both such wonderful destinations. Now I no longer need to worry as this trip combines both to create an exceptional seven-night holiday. If you are torn between the two then look no further than this Great Aurora Adventure.

Speech mark

Graham Hughes

Overview

This trip combines two of our best-loved destinations in one epic Aurora hunting week. Starting in the stunning Wilderness Hotel Muotka before heading to remote Nellim, exceptional winter activities fill your holiday in areas with outstanding Northern Lights records.

What's included?

ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE

Flights: return flights between London and Ivalo (via Helsinki). Routings are subject to change
Transfers: return airport transfers are included as well as a transfer from Muotka to Nellim.
Accommodation: 4 nights in twin/double rooms at Muotka and 3 nights in twin/double rooms at Nellim (accommodation upgrades are available subject to availability and supplements, see accommodation tab for details)
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
The following activities and equipment are included: snowshoeing, Aurora workshop, Aurora Camp, snowmobile to a reindeer farm, Aurora snowshoe hike, cross-country skiing, ice fishing trip by snowmobile sleigh, wilderness snowmobile safari, Aurora camp, husky safari (the order of the activities listed is for guidance only, your agenda will be provided on arrival)
Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Aurora alert until approximately 1 am

Wilderness Hotel Muotka and Wilderness Hotel Nellim, are two of our most popular Northern Lights destinations. Each hotel offers guests something special, and many people have found it hard to choose between the two destinations. This holiday means that you do not have to make that choice as both locations are combined in one unforgettable week.

When it comes to activities and Aurora hunting, both hotels are at the top of their game. Both sit in remote areas, far from light pollution, both offer guides with extensive local knowledge and Aurora expertise and both offer innovative Aurora accommodation options.

Your holiday will start at Muotka, where you will enjoy the total seclusion of the hotel and the peace and quiet which accompanies this location. Surrounded by forests and fells, the hotel is the ideal base for activities.

Here you will explore the landscape on snowshoes and cross-country skis (the region is renowned for its ski trails). Guests will also encounter reindeer following a snowmobile safari to a local reindeer farm and you will get to try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen lake.

Your evenings at Muotka are filled with Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Expert guides will lead the hunt as you travel to a specifically chosen Aurora Camp and explore the forests on foot during a guided snowshoe hunt.

After four nights at Muotka, it is time to head to Nellim. The landscape around Nellim just begs to be explored, this is real wilderness! You will head out on snowmobiles for an adventure before the all-important husky safari where you will take control of your own team of dogs.

At Nellim, you will also enjoy a visit to an Aurora Camp, travelling by snowmobile-pulled sleigh.

This holiday is already special, but if you fancy adding further finishing touches then you can do so by taking advantage of some of the exceptional overnight experiences which are available.

You can spend your time at Muotka in an Aurora Kota - enjoying the benefits of your own cabin-style accommodation with a glass tepee roof above your bed, ideal for watching the Aurora from the comfort of your duvet! You can also enjoy the wonder of the Aurora Bubbles at Nellim. These incredible stand-alone rooms have transparent domes above the beds and enable you to keep an eye on the skies throughout the night. Details of all these unforgettable options can be found in the 'Accommodation' and 'Personalise' sections of the holiday page.

The activities outlined will all be included in your holiday, however, the order listed is for guidance only, and your agenda will be confirmed on arrival.

If you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24th and the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).

White outline Interreg Nord

© Markku Inkila

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Key facts

Duration:	7 nights
Pace:	Active

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Dates & Prices

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.

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.

Christmas and New Year: if you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24^th or the 31^st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).

Prices
Terms

Prices

Departure day: Saturday

Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity to secure the best possible fares and flight times.

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	Adult Price Between Price is per person
Sat 25 Nov 2023 to Sat 30 Dec 2023 Enquire	Adults £ 3,095 To £ 3,465	Enquire
Sat 06 Jan 2024 to Sat 27 Jan 2024 Enquire	Adults £ 2,870 To £ 3,215	Enquire
Sat 03 Feb 2024 to Sat 24 Feb 2024 Enquire	Adults £ 2,985 To £ 3,340	Enquire
Sat 02 Mar 2024 to Sat 16 Mar 2024 Enquire	Adults £ 2,890 To £ 3,240	Enquire

Terms

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

This holiday requires a minimum of 2 people to run, however, on some dates we require a minimum of 8 people for our flight allocation. Maximum 24 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

Payment and Cancellation Terms

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:

Prior to 25.09 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
26.09 up until departure date – 100%

For all other travel dates that do not include 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:

- More than 63 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

- 63 to 45 days prior to departure - 40%

- 44 to 31 days prior to departure - 60%

- 30 to 16 days prior to departure - 80%

- 15 or less days - 100%

Agenda

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Accommodation

Included in price

Wilderness Hotel Muotka

Nights: 1-4

Muotkan Maja Wilderness Hotel resides around 40km from the main town of Ivalo, tucked away in the corner of North-East Finland. Recently renovated and restored it is owned and run by the same couple as the popular Nellim Wilderness Hotel, Mari and Jouko Lappalainen. They run the hotel with the same hard-working ethos and it exudes the same warmth and charm for its much-welcomed guests.

The hotel boasts some wonderful scenery, tucked away in the forested fells with roaming reindeer frequently seen amongst the trees.

Hotel facilities

The focal point of the main building is the restaurant which is where you will have the majority of your meals. Food will be served buffet style with a variety of continental and cooked food for breakfast and the choice of two or three options for each course at dinner. The menu has been designed with a focus on both traditional and international cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
There is a bar which is usually open until 1 am and serves a variety of spirits, wines and beers and a lounge area with comfortable armchairs to relax in during your free time
There is a sauna in the main building which is heated daily for guest use
Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building (at the bar and in the restaurant)
In the main building, you will also find two fireplaces, games and books, which makes it a perfect place to relax
The standard rooms do not have tea and coffee making facilities but tea and coffee are available free of charge and available in the restaurant area
Hairdryers are available, if they are not in the room then they can be requested at the main hotel reception

Room types

All rooms are en-suite with a shower room, wardrobe, hairdryer and nightstand and can be made up as either a double or twin and offer lovely Scandinavian décor and charm.

©Jouko Lappalainen, Markku Inkila

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Wilderness Hotel Nellim

Nights: 5-7

Wilderness Hotel Nellim is owned by our good friends Jouko and Mari Lappalainen. Nellim was their first hotel (they now also own the delights of Nangu, Muotka and Wilderness Hotel Inari) and is now renowned as an Aurora destination. It will always hold a special place in our hearts for being the first place many of us saw the Northern Lights. The hotel has been upgraded over the years and now has a wide range of accommodation options including rooms, suites, log cabins and unforgettable Aurora Cabins and Bubbles (see the ‘Personalise’ section for details) which are all within a short walk of the main reception and restaurant building.

A tiny village, Nellim is a remote spot close to the shores of Lake Inari and surrounded by incredible wilderness, providing perfectly dark skies, ideal for Aurora viewing.

Hotel facilities

The restaurant/reception building is the focal point at Nellim. With locally-made furnishings, the atmosphere is charming. Hearty buffets of local and international favourites are served three times a day. There is usually a soup and salad selection, two choices of main meal and a pudding for evening meals
Guests can relax next to the roaring fire and enjoy a drink from the bar in the restaurant
A sauna is available for guests to use and can be reserved at reception in hourly slots (for a small fee)
There is a fully-stocked gift shop which offers a range of local produce and souvenirs for you to take home
Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the main building for guests outside meal times (for a small fee)
Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available to hire from the onsite activity centre
The small lake behind the hotel is an excellent spot for some independent Aurora stakeouts – you can light the fire in the small wooden kota (traditional shelter) and watch the sky with a warm drink

Room types

Hotel rooms

The 54 double or twin rooms are decorated in keeping with local surroundings and culture. All have an en-suite shower room and hairdryer. Some of these rooms are located in the main building and others are situated in separate annexe buildings, a short walk from the main building. There are also two hotel rooms with private sauna which can be booked, subject to a supplement and availability.

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Other options

Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Arctic Lake Villa

Just 50 metres from the main building, these lakeside villas offer the best views over Lake Inari combined with maximising your Northern Lights viewing potential. With two bedrooms – one a double and the other a twin – the villas are ideal for families or small parties travelling together.

Facilities

The villas have a kitchenette with tea and coffee-making facilities and a small fridge
There is one bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and private sauna
There is a spacious living area decorated in a modern style and offering views over the lake

Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quotation

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Aurora Bubble

Located at one of our most popular destinations, Nellim, these innovative Aurora Bubbles are a special addition to your holiday. Topped with a Perspex dome, you’ll have the brilliant opportunity to keep a constant watch over the stunning nature outside including, if conditions are favourable, the Northern Lights.

The bubbles are all situated away from light pollution and are north facing. This puts you in an optimum Northern Lights viewing position and so, as night falls, the Auroras could appear right above your bed.

You can also opt to keep your hotel room for the evening.

Facilities:

DOUBLE: Sleeps 2 persons with bed ideally situated under the dome roof so that you can Aurora hunt as you’re tucked up in your duvet.
The bubbles comprise of a small entrance porch (storage is limited), a compact toilet and the main double bed under the wonderful dome.
There is no shower but you can keep your hotel room for the evening or you can use a shower in the nearby main building, should you need to use it.

Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Superior Sauna Rooms

Supplements from: £167pp

The Superior Sauna rooms are located a short distance from the main hotel building. These rooms are designed to offer rustic luxury and are ideal for small families and groups or those that simply wish for more space to relax in during their stay at Muotka. The rooms are approximately 33m² and each separate building has four superior sauna rooms inside. Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.

Facilities

All rooms will contain their own private sauna, sofa and an electric kettle to make your stay as comfortable as possible
Each has a queen-size bed within and space for 1-2 extra beds
All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk away

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Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Log Cabins

Supplements from: £296pp

Situated not far from the main hotel, the log cabins at Muotka are a wonderful upgrade option for those looking for a little more space during their stay or if you are travelling as a small group or family.

Each log cabin is approximately 50m² and is fully equipped to make your stay cosy and comfortable. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.

Log cabin facilities

All cabins have their own log burner and private sauna - ideal for warming up after a day in the snow!
Each has a double bed and space for 1-2 extra beds
All cabins have a small kitchenette and a kettle
The log cabins are equipped with large north-facing windows so you can easily keep watch for a potential Aurora display
All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk away

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Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Arctic Suites

Supplements from: £74pp

Many guests like to upgrade to one of the six Arctic Suites at Nellim, all of which are situated in one of the annexe buildings across from the reception and restaurant. The suites offer guests additional room and their own space in which to relax after a day or night of activities.

Each suite varies in size and facilities. Suites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis according to the accommodation which best suits your party.

Please note that the suites require an upgrade supplement and minimum numbers may apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.

Please note these images display a range of the different types of suite.

Suite facilities

The one and two-bedroom suites are all equipped with living area, bathroom (with shower and hairdryer), kitchenette and/or electric kettle and TV
Some of the suites offer a sauna but this cannot be guaranteed, only requested
We recommend taking supplies of your favourite tea and coffee so you can enjoy warm drinks in your suite

Image credits: Markku Inkila

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Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Cabins

Supplements from: £193pp

Nellim offers a variety of cabins which offer varying facilities and which are mainly within easy walking distance of the hotel. Cabins are allocated on a first come, first served basis, according to the accommodation which most suits your party and availability. Specific facilities cannot be guaranteed.

Price is based on two adults sharing a log cabin. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.

Cabin facilities

The standard cosy cabins are studio in style and offer a double bed, pull-out sofa bed, a small kitchenette (with coffee maker and kettle – so you may wish to bring your favourite tea/coffee), a shower room (with hair dryer), an en-suite toilet, a fireplace and a private sauna
Three larger log cabins situated close to the hotel are available on request, however, these require a minimum of 4 people and sleep up to 8. The lakeside log cabin is located 300-400m from the hotel

Please note these images display a range of the different types of cabins.

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Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Log Suites

Supplements from: £126pp

Located between 30-70 metres from the main building these log suites are designed to be the highest standard of accommodation Nellim offer. The suites are approximately 33m² and there are four suites in each of the separate log buildings.

Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.

Suite facilities

All suites have their own private sauna, electric kettle and mini-fridge to make your stay as comfortable as possible
The suites have a double bed downstairs as part of the open plan layout and a mezzanine level above which sleeps up to three more people
All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk from the suites
These suites are perfect for those wishing to have more space to relax in during their downtime from activities

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Special Nights

A night in an Aurora Cabin

From: £108pp

As ever, Muotka leads the way in Aurora viewing innovation and we are therefore proud to offer our guests the chance to spend the night in one of the magnificent Aurora Cabin whilst staying at either Muotka or Nellim. These stunning, part-cabin, part-glass tepee buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.

Guests get the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a glass tepee. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.

These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings, are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel, next to the annexe. They combine the space and atmosphere of a cosy cabin with a glass roof above the bed. Each cabin faces north so ideal for guests to gaze upon the night sky every night of their holiday, from the comfort of their duvet. The cabins are all 25 sq. meters with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom, making them an excellent base.

Please note an additional supplement will apply on our Christmas and New Year departures.

Please note: Prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply.

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Personalise

Personalise this tour

Our pick

Helsinki city break

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image credit: VisitFinland

Other options

Special Nights

Special Nights

A night in an Aurora Cabin

From: £108pp

Reviews

Traveller Reviews

Everything went really smoothly 22 December 2019 by Elizabeth Feld & Family

We really enjoyed the trip and all the activities, and everything went really smoothly. We absolutely loved snowmobiling, and always enjoy cross country skiing.

Overall two very happy customers with many fond memories!! Thank you to the team 17 March 2019 by Christina Pedersen & Christopher Stacey

We cannot recommend this trip highly enough. We had such a wonderful week. Both Muotka and Nellim were lovely places to stay, we were really pleased to experience two destinations and would definitely recommend staying in both locations. All of the activities were amazing experiences, even with no previous experience we enjoyed everything. All of the guides were extremely professional and we were…
Read more well looked after, with a warm, welcoming and friendly manner which made all the difference. We were lucky enough to see an amazing display of the Aurora, but even without that the whole holiday would have been fantastic. Already planning our return trip!
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See all (6)

Muotka & Nellim - The Great Aurora Adventure 03 February 2019 by George & Lynette Green

Everything worked very smoothly and the staff at both Muotka and Nellim were very helpful and friendly. Dog sledding. A completely new experience for me. Added bonus of petting the St Bernard and the Husky puppies after the ride.

The Muotka hotel is amazing 21 March 2018 by Daniel Fainzilber & Marianne Elisabeth Froidevaux

The Muotka hotel is amazing, the people that are working are very nice. Special mention to Matt, the aurora zone representative: he is very nice and the organization of the activities, groups, info, and kindness made the Muotkan experience quite pleasant. The local guides Yanni, Tia and Matt are also amazing people, kind, funny.

Was a really good trip 12 March 2018 by Stephen Cherry & Elaine Stanford

Everything worked well and went to plan. Everything met or exceeded our expectations, so was a really good trip. Even the northern lights put on a great display while there.

I enjoyed every part of my stay. 28 February 2018 by Jessica Feeney

I enjoyed every part of my stay. The scenery was magical and everything ran smoothly.

Great time overall.... 27 February 2018 by Jeff Tee and David Kelly

Snowmobile safari and husky safari were the highlights. Saw Northern Lights brilliantly at both centres. Muotka, an amazing place and hotel. Very efficient and well run, yet was incredibly welcoming and cosy. It had an intimate and friendly feel to it. Hotel staff could not have been more helpful or friendly. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for them. There seemed to be a generally fun and…
Read more relaxed atmosphere to the whole place.
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It was an excellent holiday 19 January 2018 by Jonathan and Gillian Pickering

In Muotka the management of the food was excellent - it never ran out, and there was always someone checking that there was enough of what was needed and people liked it. Similarly the guides at Muotka, all of whom that we met were Finnish, were excellent, engaging, interesting and interested, and able to give a Finnish insight into the culture and history, as well as being good guides. Matt…
Read more Robinson, the rep at Muotka, was brilliant, particularly his knowledge and explanations of the Aurora (to see which was principally why we had gone). He also made sure we were being properly looked after and enjoying ourselves; and took some excellent photographs. We particularly enjoyed the husky safari, provided at Nellim. Driving silently through the snowfields of Lake Inari and the surrounding woodlands was magical. It was an excellent holiday which we really enjoyed. That was helped by the three displays of Northern Lights and by the unusually heavy snowfall which had happened the night before and morning of our arrival which made everything look amazing.
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The most amazing experience with wonderful 'forever' memories 19 December 2017 by Sharon and Mark Horken

Without doubt, the most enjoyable experience was the husky safari. Arriving to the hullabaloo of 40 huskies harnessed and ready to run, further supported in the singing by their canine friends who were in their kennels with viewing permissions only, can only be described as a truly wonderful experience! And then ... the dogs take off as quick as they can, and we are driving/being pulled by a team…
Read more of dogs whose job is to run; they love it and they want to go faster and certainly don't want to stop! As they become quiet, all we can hear is their paws and the sled across the snowy surface, and the breeze. We are husky sledding across a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle - the most amazing experience with wonderful 'forever' memories. :)
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A Honeymoon we wont forget! 18 December 2017 by Rachel Walker and Samuel Kenworthy

What an amazing experience, we booked this trip for our honeymoon and it will be an experience we won’t forget in a hurry. Staff were well informed, friendly and attentive to your needs adding to the overall experience. Keep doing what you are doing because it works.

Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Finland 18 March 2017 by Tera and James Gardner

Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Finland. I would struggle to pick a favourite activity as everything was well run and fun, the guides all friendly and professional. Never felt cold, despite the -21 degrees; the kit provided really does its job. A bonus was seeing a good display of the lights on the one night we stayed in a Kota at Muotka, magic. It was good to try the two different places,…
Read more quite a different feel from the atmospheric forest at Muotka to the vast frozen lake at Nellim.The advice and help given by you all at Aurora Zone was superb and we wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend this holiday.
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Perfect trip 18 March 2017 by Sam Kness & Amelia Cook

The perfect trip :) Snowmobiling and the huskies were the favourites because it gives you a chance to see the beautiful back country.

Just AMAZING 18 February 2017 by Caroline Gibbins & Matthew Bamborough

I have told EVERYONE here in PERTH Australia what an EXCELLENT time we had and how WONDERFUL you guys were - and they are all going to see the Norther Lights (one day). We were lucky enough to see the lights 4 times over 3 nights one of which was a night sleigh ride to the plateau over Muotko with a breathtaking display. Will never forget that. Enjoyed the huskies (of course) and the reindeer -…
Read more JUST EVERYTHING. Don't change anything. Just fabulous - Thank you!
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Brilliant fun! 21 January 2017 by Catherine and Robert Keys

Favourite activity: Dog sledding - just amazing to hear their excitement at the start, and then the silence once you get underway. Brilliant fun! :-)

Out of this world 05 March 2016 by Andy & Liz Peck

From the moment we booked to the moment we left Nellim to go home, everything ran like clockwork. Most enjoyable?: HUSKY driving of course!!!!!! But NOTHING can beat the magnificent Northern Lights display we witnessed on Thursday 10th March. Out of this world.

Very impressive 05 March 2016 by Christopher and Elizabeth Rons

All went without a hitch and we had a splendid night watching the Aurora at Nellim. The trip including a trip to the Russian border was welcomed. Your admin team were always so kind and helpful; nothing was too much trouble answering some small queries of mine. Again, very impressive.

An amazing, fun experience 05 March 2016 by Susan & Stephen Sharp

An amazing, fun experience from start to finish but the pinnacle has to be the Aurora Borealis which danced and danced, and danced.

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Fantastic holiday, well organised and will definitely recommend 02 February 2016 by David and Lisa Brown

Excellent venues and activities. Reps and guides were all excellent and very helpful especially Sara at Muotka and Ben at Nellim. (Most enjoyable activity): Husky safari due to the interaction with the dogs following the ride. I did not expect to be able to interact with the dogs quite as much as they are working dogs but once the harnesses were odd they were very playful. All activities were…
Read more enjoyable and worthwhile. Fantastic holiday, well organised and will definitely recommend.
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The Aurora made a splendid appearance 09 January 2016 by Karen Blisard and Russell Kleinman

The staff were wonderful, especially Robin, Niina and Minga at Muotka. Barry on the sales team went out of his way to get us booked before Christmas. The husky safari was wonderful. As a dog trainer, it was so fun to see the dogs doing what they were bred to do. And the Aurora made a splendid appearance, which was fantastic.

We saw the Aurora Lights for five nights 12 December 2015 by Gillian Howe

We were delighted that we saw the Aurora Lights for five nights in total, exceptionally well on three. The organisation and administration of the holiday were great. Muotka was smaller, more intimate, less sophisticated but somehow more attractive, and easy to enjoy between activities going for walks etc. Most enjoyable : Seeing the Aurora Lights (the bit that you can't guarantee!!),…
Read more Snowshoeing in the National Park at Muotka. Snowmobiling on the lake at Nellim. Husky dogs in a snow blizzard!
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