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Muotka - Fellside Auroras
Overview
This 3-night trip allows you to experience the real highlights of the remote and spectacular Muotka, Finland. The quest for the Northern Lights leads your evenings and your days offer exceptional activities, as well as time to enjoy peaceful Lapland.
What's included?
ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Flights: return flights from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights' accommodation in twin/double hotel rooms
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- The following activities and equipment are included: Aurora workshop, Aurora hunt in a minibus, husky safari, Aurora camp and reindeer day via snowmobile (the order of activities is subject to change)
- 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
Muotka is simply delightful. This small and remote hotel is surrounded by the forests of North East Lapland. The region is a veritable feast for anyone looking to enjoy a comprehensive experience of Lapland whilst looking for a retreat from the everyday and a more relaxed pace of life.
You will enjoy true 'bucket list' activities such as an unforgettable dog sled safari in the wilds of the Arctic and an exciting snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm.
Your evenings are dedicated to the hunt for the Aurora Borealis and these excursions typically use engines to do all of the hard work, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. During one evening you will hunt for the Northern Lights using the mobility of a minibus. Your expert local guides will use their incredible local knowledge and the latest weather forecasts to aid your search. Another Aurora evening uses a snowmobile-pulled sleigh as your method of transport as you will be heading out to one of the Aurora camps.
We can also arrange for you to upgrade to the epitome of Aurora accommodation for either part or all of your holiday and book you into one of Muotka's wonderful Aurora Kotas. Details of all of these special upgrades can be found in the 'Accommodation' and 'Personalise' sections of the holiday page.
Please note: If you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24th or the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).
©Jouko Lappalainen, Matt Robinson & Markku Inkila
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Key facts
| Duration: | 3 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
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.
Christmas and New Year: if you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24th or the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
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 2023/24 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 02 Dec 2023
to Sat 30 Dec 2023 |
Adults £ 2,025 To £ 2,375 | |
|
Sat 06 Jan 2024
to Sat 27 Jan 2024 |
Adults £ 1,795 To £ 2,015 | |
|
Sat 03 Feb 2024
to Sat 24 Feb 2024 |
Adults £ 1,795 To £ 2,290 | |
|
Sat 02 Mar 2024
to Sat 16 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 1,795 To £ 2,115 |
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, 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
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Arrival and Welcome
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred* to Muotkan Maja Wilderness Hotel. The hotel has a beautifully remote feel and provides the ideal base for a Lappish adventure.
On your first evening, you will be provided with your cold weather clothing and Aurora alert.
* Transfers are based on a scheduled group shuttle that sometimes stops at a few nearby hotels. If you would prefer to upgrade to private taxi transfers please ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Husky Safari, Northern Lights Workshop and Aurora Camp
Today, you will be trying out one of the most memorable activities in Lapland, as you participate in an exciting husky safari.
Guiding a team of huskies is almost always one of our guests' favourite activities and is a truly unique experience. Travelling in this traditional fashion gives people a wonderful connection with the Arctic environment. Once the dogs have calmed their initial excitement, it is a remarkably peaceful activity as the dogs pull you through this winter wonderland (approximately for one hour).
Before setting off, you will be given full instruction and will travel two people per sled with the opportunity to swap drivers during the activity so you can both experience the thrill of being the musher, and the joy of taking in the scenery as a passenger. This activity will last around two hours.
Today your guide will also introduce you to the Northern Lights and some of the myths and legends that this phenomenon has inspired over the centuries. Your guide's knowledge of the area and the Northern Lights is exceptional.
After dinner, you will head out on a hunt for the Northern Lights. You will travel via sled pulled by your guide's snowmobile to one of the Aurora Camps, which offer excellent views of the vast night sky. If the solar conditions are favourable, and there is no cloud cover, then you will hopefully see the Northern Lights dancing overhead. You will be out for around two and a half hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Snowmobile to the Reindeer Farm and Northern Lights Hunt by Minibus
This morning, you will travel two people per snowmobile and journey on an exciting tour of the wilderness and to a local reindeer farm. After a full safety briefing and instructions on how to drive and handle the snowmobile, you will head out for a snowmobile safari to the farm where you will meet the reindeer herders and learn all about the importance of reindeer in Lapland. The whole tour will last approximately four to five hours and a soup lunch is included. You will have the chance to swap seats and each take a turn at driving (the driver must be 18 years old and hold a full driving licence).
This afternoon will be free to relax before dinner. You may wish to take advantage of one of the hotel's saunas. There may also be additional activities which can be arranged locally and snowshoes can be hired should you wish to explore independently.
After dinner, it’s time for your last activity, a Northern Lights hunt by minibus. The guides will drive you to a potential vantage point, utilising their local knowledge, weather and solar forecasts. You will be out for around three hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Departure
Today is departure day and you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your return flights. If you are on an early flight, a packed breakfast will be provided. If you depart on a later flight, you will have breakfast in the restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Nights: 1-3
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
Other options
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Superior Sauna Rooms
Supplements from: £81pp
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
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Log Cabins
Supplements from: £268pp
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
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 only 20 magnificent Aurora Cabins. These stunning, part-cabin, part-glass tepee buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.
Guests get the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a glass tepee. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings, are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel, next to the annexe. They combine the space and atmosphere of a cosy cabin with a glass roof above the bed. Each cabin faces north so ideal for guests to gaze upon the night sky every night of their holiday, from the comfort of their duvet. The cabins are all 25m² with a double bed and en-suite bathroom, making them an excellent base (most of them have a private sauna).
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.
Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote.
©Anthony Oberlin and Minttu Mantynen
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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 only 20 magnificent Aurora Cabins. These stunning, part-cabin, part-glass tepee buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.
Guests get the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a glass tepee. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings, are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel, next to the annexe. They combine the space and atmosphere of a cosy cabin with a glass roof above the bed. Each cabin faces north so ideal for guests to gaze upon the night sky every night of their holiday, from the comfort of their duvet. The cabins are all 25m² with a double bed and en-suite bathroom, making them an excellent base (most of them have a private sauna).
Read morePlease 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.
Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote.
©Anthony Oberlin and Minttu Mantynen
Other options
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
From the moment we came across the company they have been excellent especially their knowledge to suit our requirements. All the administration was very helpful.
12 March 2020
by Sarah Street
It is hard to pick a favoruite activity as they were different but we really enjoyed them all - snowmobile, huskie safari, aurora camp, aurora hunting. An excellent holiday with fantastic staff at the company and hotel. In resort the helpfulness, friendliness and knowledge of staff was extremely good.
The service Aurora Zone provide is excellent. It’s very good personal service.
12 March 2020
by Tamara Abood
The most enjoyable activity was probably the snow mobiles and visit to the reindeer farm. Covered a lot of ground. Beautiful scenery and interesting talk. Felt like a very full day.
We had the experience of a lifttime and want to go again
27 February 2020
by Michele Hommel
Unbelievable holiday for all 4 of us, we want to go again. It was all so well organised and the hotel and guides were amazing.
Our trip exceeded all expectations it was a fabulous adventure
20 February 2020
by Rose & Bernadette Feeley
Hotel staff very helpful and friendly especially Nina and Ella our room upgrade was a fabulous surprise, overall accommodation full of character & charm like a Christmas card with all the snow. Husky dog sledging was very enjoyable seeing the dogs at work and meeting the adorable puppies afterwards.
One of the best short holiday that I have been on!
13 February 2020
by Charles & Helen Bond
"A Christmas present from my husband to stay at the Muotka Wilderness Hotel for two days over the Valentine Weekend. It could not have been a more magical experience - absolutely loved it and one of the best short holidays that I have been on! From the moment we arrived at Ivalo airport we were treated wonderfully by the hotel's staff and nothing was too much trouble. Our log cabin with its glass…
Read more
roof allowed us to take in the beautiful scenery of northern Lapland with all of its many pine trees nestled in the snow, dark sparkly skies, whilst of course, we hunted for the Northern Lights.
The main hotel was so warm, inviting and homely and the buffet food was absolutely scrumptious and always so enjoyed at breakfast and after full days of activities with snowmobiles, huskies, cross country skiing and a trip to the reindeer park. Never a dull moment, the Aurora organisers managed to pack in so much into two days, and yet we felt calm and very relaxed away from the world. Would highly recommend anyone wanting special adventures in a very special place. Thank you!
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We had the most amazing time
06 February 2020
by Norman & Mary Newlands
All of the activities were superb and yes - we got to see the most wonderful Aurora display on our first night!
Muotka - Fellside Auroras
30 January 2020
by Joanne and Mark Fitzgerald
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, I would very much recommend aurora zone , the holiday was well organised and a magical experience
Husky safari was the best
09 January 2020
by Richard and Christine Taylor
The husky safari was the best, it's a short trip from the hotel, the team at the husky park are lovely and it was just the most amazing experience.
Muotka - Fellside Auroras
26 December 2019
by The Soanes Family
We loved the evening snowshoes - our guide was from Finland which made it extra special and it was so peaceful. We also loved the huskies and thought the husky place was very well run and humane. The same of the reindeer. The snowmobile experience was excellent too although all the guides were good we particularly enjoyed meeting Lappish and Finnish people.
Muotka - Fellside Auroras
28 February 2019
by Amanda Brown and Janet Smith
All very good indeed. No complaints about any of the planning or holiday accommodation or activities. We loved the snowmobiling but seeing the auroras was the most exciting. We loved everything really.
Muotka - Fellside Auroras
21 February 2019
by Robin Maud & Danielle Cruickshanks
All great. Both husky rides and snowmobiles were good. As were the aurora hunting and the dip in the ice river was great!
Both myself and my wife really enjoyed all the activities on our honeymoon
14 February 2019
by Matthew Woolcock & Rachel Hoare
The snowmobile safari to the fells was the most fun as the other participants were very friendly and the guide Simon was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable and really made the trip a memorable experience.
We have told ALL of our friends!!
03 January 2019
by Kevin Konak & Zita Zutic Konak
We’ve just come back from one of the most wonderful holidays in Finland where we got to see the Northern Lights. All the activities were equally as enjoyable! Aurora hunts were excellent - we managed to see the lights twice! Snowmobile ride through the woods was lovely and Husky Safari was so much fun!! It would be very difficult to pick one. Beautiful setting, amazing hotel & lodges,…
Read more
exceptionally lovely and professional staff, incredible activities, super easy flights/transfers to the hotel - 10/10! We have told ALL of our friends!!
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Muotka - Fellside Auroras
03 January 2019
by Chok Keng Heng & Sze Keong Yong
Aurora Hunting. It was absolutely amazing to have the opportunity to view such natural phenomenon in our life time
I would highly recommend this holiday
03 January 2019
by Alison Pegg
As we were only on a short trip for 3 nights we didn’t build up our hopes to see the Aurora but we were lucky to see a fabulous display on our second night at the Muotka Aurora camp - fantastic location and fantastic guides. The other activities were also amazing so it would have been a great holiday even without the Aurora.
We had a brilliant time
03 January 2019
by The Rushe Family
We had a brilliant time and the activity guides were excellent even helping our daughter with props so she could take great photos of the Aurora because we did not have a tripod.
All the activities were excellent
30 March 2018
by Denise Herron & Martin Stocks
Fantastic place to stay with great activities and excellent guides.
I would definitely recommend booking with The Aurora Zone
30 March 2018
by Louise & Grayham Churchouse and Kim Drury
My husband and I decided to go on another trip with The Aurora Zone (this was our third!). My mum had never experienced a cold holiday and was keen for a Northern Lights trip, so we suggested a short break in Muotka, and came along! Muotka has grown a lot since our last trip in 2015, but has not in any way lost any of the charm that made us fall in love with it the first time! It is homely, warm…
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and welcoming. Everything is extremely well organised, and the staff and guides could not be happier to help. The meals provided were of a great quality, and there was always something yummy on offer! There was a great little bar area there with a nice selection of drinks available...I would suggest trying the pear cider! The gear provided is sure to keep you nice and warm, and is very comfortable! The activities were fantastic as always, with thorough briefings given by the guides beforehand. We stayed for three nights, and were actually lucky enough on each of the nights to see the Northern Lights! It really made the short break that little bit more special. I would definitely recommend booking with The Aurora Zone. Although we have only gone to Finland, I have no doubt that any one of their holidays will be fantastic, and of a great quality!
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We liked all the other activities
05 March 2018
by Judith Pallot and Julia Fairbank
It is obvious that a lot of effort is put into taking visitors to places where there was maximum chance of seeing them. We liked all the other activities and we liked the combination of physical activities (cross country skiing) and less energetic activities, like snowmobiles. The huskies were great, as usual.
Something totally different
26 February 2018
by Keith and Judith Mitchell
The husky safari was great. Something totally different from the norm; the right balance of adrenalin required to turn fear into excitement and enjoyment. An added bonus is the beauty of the otherwise inaccessible routes you get to see.
A wonderful holiday
25 February 2018
by Michael and Dian Slay
The whole experience was fantastic with excellent guides and informative staff.
Would rebook with your company
23 February 2018
by Graham and Susan Willis
Would rebook with your company, the reps from the hotel/lodge are amazing and made the holiday, they were excellent and attentive. Great credit to the operations
Fantastic holiday with no complaints
08 February 2018
by Peter & Lynda Hollies
An excellent holiday with good food and good equipment provided. Booking and information provided was very good.
Overall an excellent trip
08 February 2018
by Susan and Robert Morris
Overall an excellent trip; we saw the Aurora every night - it was magical. The guides at Muotka were fabulous, friendly and helpful. The hotel was warm and extremely comfortable, with great staff.
Awesome - some of our friends have already booked this trip based on our recommendation!
01 February 2018
by Matthew Briggs and Joanna Charsley
Really good - all the guides were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It really felt as if everyone was there to make this a memorable trip. The Aurora Camp (with Northern Lights!) was exceptional, awesome environment for photos but the snowmobiling and Husky sledding were both great - I think an absolute must to fill the days and make it worthwhile trip even if you miss out on the Aurora.
I really hope to use you again!
31 January 2018
by James and Nina Purkiss
The whole experience from location accommodation and activities were beyond our expectation. I really hope to use you again.
A fabulous holiday in every respect
30 January 2018
by Carol Edmonds, Rachel Yates and Hannah Bodek
It was a fabulous holiday in every respect. Seeing the northern lights was amazing!
I had an amazing time on my trip
16 January 2018
by Amanda Hameon
I did this trip by myself but felt extremely welcomed by friendly staff and met another girl travelling by herself as well. Someone dared me to go into the icebath so I did. ????? I would recommend this trip to everyone! My favourite part was sledding with the huskies. ? I could have done that all day!
Well organised, great guides.
07 January 2018
by The Greenhalgh Family
The huskies and skidoos were fantastic. Well organised, great guides.
Loved the Huskies
12 March 2017
by Lorna and Bernard Walker & Janet and Christopher Jones
It was brilliant. Just loved the huskies, fun, exciting and wonderful for animal lovers, although my husband a confirmed non animal lover was quite taken too. Snow hole fishing. Fun idea and so unique to the culture, it had to be done. The holiday was well planned with free time increasing towards the end as we got more tired. The local guides were exceptional, they were very friendly and…
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extremely skilled in assessing the group and making sure everyone was comfortable with the level of activity without making slower or less fit members feel they were holding the group up. They also went out of their way to answer questions, lighten the moment and make sure everyone got maximum value from the experience.
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Best holiday experience
12 March 2017
by Angela Kelly
This has been the best holiday experience that I have ever had. I got to tick so many things off my bucket list. I was travelling solo but was never left out of any of the activities due to this, the staff made sure that I was included in everything… The husky Safari, outside with nature going over the frozen lakes, forests, and through the snow! What more could you ask for. The holiday…
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was so well planned out. All the staff were friendly and helpful, full of advice. This was from the moment I booked the trip to the driver that took us back to the airport. What a fantastic team of professional people.
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Fantastic guides
12 March 2017
by Jill & Peter Evans
The activities i.e. snow mobiles which we paid extra for as it wasn't part of our trip, snow shoe safari in a snow storm in the Pallas National Park, the husky trip, and the ice fishing were made even better (if that is possible) by the fantastic guides we had they were knowledgeable enthusiastic really helpful and fun to be with. The staff in the hotel were also really great as well.
Guides were excellent
12 March 2017
by Melodie & Ian Henry
Everything was done well and the log cabin was very good! The guides were excellent. Very helpful and kind.
Nothing like I have ever experienced before
12 March 2017
by Rebecca Smedley
I enjoyed all of the activities immensely and for different reasons. The reindeer farm was so interesting and the reindeer sledging was so pleasant. The huskies were just adorable and, even though it was a little bit daunting at first, the ride was a lot of fun even when one of the dogs decided to go number 2 on the run! The Aurora hunts were great (even the one where it was snowing and we didn't…
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see anything) because the scenery was so beautiful and nothing like I've ever experienced before.
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It was ALL excellent
19 February 2017
by Kevin and Leslie Crosbie
The guides are helpful, enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. We don't think there's anything you could improve on. The Kota and sauna were spot-on and the champagne was a nice touch. We slept really well as the bed was very comfortable.
An amazing holiday/experience - thank you!
12 February 2017
by Elizabeth Ellis
The clouds pictured were polar stratospheric clouds which I'm told are highly unusual and was a real highlight of the trip as the locals ran out and grabbed their cameras to see them.
The most magical, unforgettable holiday
18 January 2017
by Gillian Butler and Wendy Butterworth
Nothing to add except "Excellent"! All the activities I participated in were really enjoyable and well led by knowledgeable and friendly guides. If I had to choose one, it would be the Aurora Camp simply because we were treated to an amazing 'light show'! All the staff, without exception, were great - friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. The Lodge itself is fabulous too. I have just…
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returned from the most magical, unforgettable holiday.
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The guides were all wonderful
21 February 2016
by Gail & Angharad Pitty
The guides were all wonderful, but I wanted to especially mention Vesa who took us to the Sámi Museum in Inari. He entertained us on the journey with some great stories about the area and his life, and was a very informative guide around the museum itself. We really loved the dog sledding, and are looking at a husky safari for next year because it was so enjoyable. We also enjoyed the…
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snowshoeing.
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Every day was filled with the most amazing experiences ticking many of our bucket list items!!
31 January 2016
by John White
Your sales team/admin team were fantastic and extremely helpful especially Amy and Dawn. Thanks for sorting out twin beds in the Kota. Am so pleased we chose the Kota rather than the hotel - well worth the extra - thanks Amy for that advice and "nudge"!! The husky trip was the best - the reindeers would have topped this had the ride been longer. That was my wife's view! I loved the snowmobile trip…
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with Juoko, with the huskies a very close second! All were brilliant and amazing!! All of it was exceptional and enjoyed them all! We have travelled to many places but for such a short trip every day was filled with the most amazing experiences ticking many of our bucket list items!! It completely surpassed all of our expectations. We really had no idea what to expect and strangely the Northern Lights became secondary! However, we loved seeing them even though they weren't that spectacular because of the cloud cover but because of the other trips we weren't as disappointed as we thought we might have been when we first arrived.
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What a magical experience
18 March 2015
by Brian Bentley
What a magic experience. Even though the Aurora Lights did not appear the package was an excellent offering. I would have stayed an additional day, time allowing, to experience the snowmobile ride. The husky dog sled ride was top notch. To be in charge of a team of six huskies was an experience not forgotten easily.
Really found the staff at the hotel delightful
11 March 2015
by Halina Szutowicz
Really found the staff at the hotel delightful. They were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, hard working and seemed to be able to turn their hands to anything that needed done in the lodge. I'd go back like a shot for a longer time. Loved all activities, best was probably husky sledding which was much more fun than expected and none of us fell off!
Fantastic holiday
20 February 2015
by Kylie Dow
Couldn't have asked for a better trip - well-organised, lovely staff, comfortable accommodation, great activities and three sightings of the Aurora. Perfect balance of activities and time to relax.
Muotka was superb
06 November 2014
by Brian Goodall
The welcome at Muotka was superb and I can't think of anything else they could have done. We really had a fantastic time and on the last night we saw the Lights which we thought were totally wonderful - much more so than I had expected, indeed I find it hard to put into words how very special I thought they were. We really loved Finland and enjoyed the activities which were very extensive although…
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we particularly enjoyed the Husky sledge driving. Red squirrels appeared outside the window most mornings whilst I was eating my breakfast and they were absolutely enchanting and quite different to our red squirrels. We were very impressed by our guide Santo - his knowledge of the area was encyclopedic and he worked tirelessly, indeed I'm not sure when he slept. All of the staff could not do enough to help - we were really impressed - the additional outer clothing provided was great and absolutely essential. All in all it was just fabulous and I really hope to go again!
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We saw the Aurora twice
08 April 2014
by Peter Drummond
Overall an excellent holiday. We saw the Aurora twice, the second time a fantastic display.
First rate trip
31 March 2014
by Richard Butler
We just wanted to let you know how very impressed we all were with all the arrangements and clothing for our recent four days at the Muotka Wilderness Lodge. Everything went very smoothly and was well and safely organised—though heaven knows what an energetic tour must be like! We arrived around 11.30pm to find a delicious soup available and things were just as good and better than we dared hope…
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for all four days and we even saw the Aurora on our last night – at minus 27C. Our guide Mantuu was superb and always interesting and knowledgeable whilst all the background info you provided was first rate. Many thanks
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We had a really great time on our recent holiday
17 February 2014
by Irene Blake
What can I say, but we had a really great time on our recent holiday organised by your team. Our party of eight were hosted by some really enthusiastic people when we stayed in Finland. ALL the activities were enormously enjoyed by us and we learnt such a lot from our guides. On each of the three nights that we went out Aurora hunting, the guides did their very best to find a clear part of…
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sky somewhere in Finland! We travelled even to the Russian boarder for a view. On our last night the skies cleared and Noora, our fantastic guide, took us up to an area in the North which provided us with the most stunning views. I think the Aurora spirits were on our side, as it was my birthday, and what a display we saw. Noora took many photos to include us in and made these available to us afterwards and these will be treasured by us all. Please pass on our many thanks to your team and to all those involved at the Wilderness Lodge, Finland, especially Noora.
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Amazing time at Muotkan Maja in Lapland
27 March 2013
by Helen Purser
We are just back from an amazing time at Muotkan Maja in Lapland. All of the activities were brilliantly organised, our guides were enthusiastic and knowledgable. We did a lot in the time we were there, but at no point did the trip feel rushed or hurried, the pace was just right! Two of our four nights were very cloudy, limiting our chances of Aurora spotting, but on our last night the clouds…
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parted and the Northern Lights danced across the sky for us, both at the lodge and up on the fell at Kiilopaa - we stayed out on our last night until 2.30am in termperatures of -17c and it was well worth it! The accommodation was modern and comfortable, the food was tasty, plentiful and warming - just what we needed to keep us going!
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This was an excellent and memorable holiday!
24 March 2013
by Brian Knight
This was an excellent and memorable holiday! It's hard to think of anything that could have improved our experience. Our days and evenings were completely filled with new and exciting activities, the hotel was cosy, the food was delicious, and we saw the Aurora on two nights out of four. Sanna and Santtu looked after us very well, and were very flexible in arranging activities and mealtimes to…
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suit everyone. We were lucky to share the trip with a great group of like-minded guests, and it was a pleasure to chat to them around a blazing fire over a cup of hot berry juice. Particularly special was snowmobiling through the starlit forest at midnight, as it was unlike anything we'd done before! Being propelled through a sunlit forest by enthusiatic huskies was equally thrilling!
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The husky rides were just fantastic
22 March 2013
by Natalie Fearns
The husky rides were just fantastic. Even better when we got to hold the husky puppys. There wasn't anything that I didn't enjoy, or (would) change.
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