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Nellim - Wilderness Weekend
Overview
This 3-night break features a Northern Lights-focused itinerary in Nellim, Finland and is perfect for those Aurora hunters who are short on time but still want to maximise their chances. Expert guides will take you on dedicated hunts and help provide you with the best possible Northern Lights sighting opportunities.
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 subject to change.
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights' accommodation in twin/double hotel rooms. Upgrades can be arranged, subject to availability and supplements
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Aurora Camp and Aurora hunt by car or minibus (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 1am
When enjoying a weekend Aurora hunting mini-break, it is always essential to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Based at Nellim, one of our most popular destinations, this wonderful wilderness weekend includes two dedicated Aurora hunts which will really improve your chances of seeing the lights if conditions are favourable.
In the company of expert guides, you will be led out away from all light pollution and into prime Northern Lights viewing locations that only the locals know about.
Your first activity is a visit to one of the area’s famed Aurora Camps which you will reach travelling in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh. Each camp has a spectacular location with views of the Northern skies and your guide will choose the best option for the conditions. With warm drinks and great company to pass the time, your stake-out will hopefully be rewarded with a display.
Your second activity will use the mobility provided by either a minibus or a car to try and outrun any localised cloud cover. Your destination will be determined by the forecasts but in this region, if conditions are right, you are unlikely to have to venture too far in order to catch a display. Please note that the order of activities is subject to change and that your Aurora hunting activities may be switched around.
Your days have been left free for you to tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences. You can choose from a number of activities that we have on offer, detailed in the ‘Personalise’ tab on the holiday page. There are some incredible options, including snowmobile safaris, dog sled trips and snowshoeing experiences.
During this short break, you will spend three nights at Nellim Wilderness Hotel, which is one of our best-selling destinations. It offers a wide range of accommodation options including rooms, suites and cabins.
Nellim is also home to the original Aurora Bubbles we highly recommend upgrading a night of your stay to one of these glass-domed rooms.
The activities outlined will all be included in your holiday, however, the order of activities listed here is for guidance only, and your final timetable 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).
©Markku Inkila and Anthony Oberlin
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Key facts
| Duration: | 3 nights |
| Pace: | Relaxed |
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 24th or the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).
Prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 02 Dec 2023
to Tue 12 Dec 2023 |
Adults £ 1,645 To £ 1,842 | |
|
Sat 16 Dec 2023
to Tue 09 Jan 2024 |
Adults £ 1,745 To £ 2,234 | |
|
Sat 13 Jan 2024
to Tue 30 Jan 2024 |
Adults £ 1,445 To £ 1,730 | |
|
Sat 03 Feb 2024
to Tue 05 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 1,625 To £ 2,111 | |
|
Sat 09 Mar 2024
to Tue 02 Apr 2024 |
Adults £ 1,645 To £ 1,954 |
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.
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.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Booking Activities Locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
Information for British Passport Holders
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday. Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit. You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.
Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions
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, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%
- 14 or less days - 100%
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival, Transfers and Welcome
After you touch down at Ivalo Airport, you will be transferred* to Nellim Wilderness Hotel.
On arrival, you will check in to your accommodation and head for a hearty dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Later in the evening you will be issued with your cold weather clothing and have a welcome meeting with one of the local guides. Once you have it, we recommend testing your cold weather clothing by taking a walk down on to the small frozen lake behind the hotel. It is a great Aurora viewing spot (at least 5 members of our office staff have seen the Northern Lights from this point) and gives you chance to check all of your equipment fits correctly and is comfortable for the next few days.
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final itinerary will be provided on arrival.
*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
Free Day and Aurora Camp
After breakfast, your day is free for you to tailor your time. The wide range of options that we have can all be found, in the ‘Personalise’ tab on the holiday page.
You may wish to spend time simply exploring the landscape and wilderness in your own time, or you can book an activity and have a guided tour of the surrounding fells. Why not spend the day combining a snowmobile safari and a reindeer experience, as you take a fast-paced ride to the reindeer farm? Once you arrive, you can meet and feed the reindeer and enjoy lunch by an open fire. Or, explore on foot during a guided snowshoe trip, walking over thick blankets of snow into parts of the wilderness that would be unreachable with normal footwear.
Your lunches will be served in the hotel restaurant (unless you book activities which include a meal)
After dinner, it is time for your inaugural Aurora activity– travelling in a sleigh that will be pulled by your guide’s snowmobile. You will sit back and relax as you glide over the snow, beneath hopefully clear skies. Nellim has several Aurora Camps in prime Northern Lights viewpoints, so you will be taken to the most suitable location for the conditions.
Overall, you will be out for around 2.5 hours. Warm drinks will be served as you admire the view and, with any luck, the Northern Lights will dance and shimmer across the sky.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Free Day and Northern Lights Hunt by Car or Minibus
Once more your day is completely free so you can choose to pass your time however you wish. Choose from the many options that we have detailed in the ‘Personalise’ tab and you can find yourself snowmobiling on Lake Inari, ice fishing, cross-country skiing or meeting and feeding reindeer.
Depending on which activities you book, both lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Your final evening will be filled with a motorised Aurora hunt as you use the mobility provided by a car or minibus to hunt the Aurora with your guide. The route will be selected based on the Aurora activity levels and the weather forecasts. When you arrive at your destination, you can enjoy warm drinks as you watch the sky for the first signs of a display. The activity will last for around 3 hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Departure
Today your short break comes to an end and you must say farewell to Nellim and take your transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. If you are on an early flight this morning, you will be provided with coffee and a packed breakfast to enjoy on your journey to the airport or while you are waiting for your flight. If you are on a later flight, you can enjoy your breakfast in the restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Wilderness Hotel Nellim
Nights: 1-3
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.
Other options
Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Arctic Lake Villa
Supplements from: £254pp
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
Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Arctic Suites
Supplements from: £226pp
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
Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Cabins
Supplements from: £226pp
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
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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.
Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Log Suites
Supplements from: £144pp
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
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All suites have their own private sauna, electric kettle and mini-fridge to make your stay as comfortable as possible
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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
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All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk from the suites
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These suites are perfect for those wishing to have more space to relax in during their downtime from activities
Special Nights
A night in an Aurora Kota
From: £132pp
The team at Nellim are world experts when it comes to Northern Lights viewing, and frequently devise creative new ways to appreciate this natural phenomenon. The Aurora Kotas at Nellim and Muotka are well in keeping with such a tradition: combining a cabin structure with glass tepee elements, they provide a large glass roof above the sleeping area, allowing visitors to lose themselves in the magic of night-time Northern Lights displays.
Each Kota contains a double bed and is a bit larger than an Aurora Bubble, with room for a third person on a sofa bed. The 18m² space has simple and inviting décor, as well as pleasant lighting which illuminates the area without disrupting aurora-watching experiences. Linking to their natural setting, the majority of the Kotas do not have a shower- even so, each includes a toilet and a small sink. At Nellim, there are also two Aurora Cabins that have a shower and are slightly larger at 29 m².
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 ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Aurora Bubble
From: £88pp
What a concept this is! These bubbles represent the absolute pinnacle of the increasingly sophisticated search for the Northern Lights.
Essentially, the Aurora Bubble brings the Arctic wilderness and the night sky into the comfort of your own bedroom. Each bubble has a heated bedroom with a large north-facing dome window, allowing you to gaze at the firmament from the comfort of your own bed!! This is Aurora hunting in style.
The bubbles are situated in an area of minimal light pollution and all have a small compact toilet.
Of course, we can neither guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear nor can we ensure cloud-free skies because Aurora hunting will always carry an element of luck. What we do know is that the Aurora Bubbles represent a genuinely unique and memorable experience.
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 ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
©Markku Inkila
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
A night in an Aurora Kota
From £132pp
The team at Nellim are world experts when it comes to Northern Lights viewing, and frequently devise creative new ways to appreciate this natural phenomenon. The Aurora Kotas at Nellim and Muotka are well in keeping with such a tradition: combining a cabin structure with glass tepee elements, they provide a large glass roof above the sleeping area, allowing visitors to lose themselves in the magic of night-time Northern Lights displays.
Each Kota contains a double bed and is a bit larger than an Aurora Bubble, with room for a third person on a sofa bed. The 18m² space has simple and inviting décor, as well as pleasant lighting which illuminates the area without disrupting aurora-watching experiences. Linking to their natural setting, the majority of the Kotas do not have a shower- even so, each includes a toilet and a small sink. At Nellim, there are also two Aurora Cabins that have a shower and are slightly larger at 29 m².
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 ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Other options
Activities
Reindeer day by snowmobile
From: £194pp
This activity lets you experience the thrill of snowmobiling in this wild and remote landscape and also provides an insight into the traditions of Sámi culture, during a visit to a reindeer farm.
After full instruction and a safety briefing, you will travel two people per snowmobile along the local trails, to reach the reindeer herder and their animals. You may also stop along the way to visit the delightful log-built church at Nellim.
Read more about this activityAt the farm, you will have the chance to feed the animals and learn about their importance to the Sámi people of Lapland and the region as a whole.
Lunch will be cooked over an open fire and warm drinks will be provided before you head back to the hotel.
Please note that you must be 18 years old or over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Reindeer Visit
From: £115pp
Today you will gain an insight into the traditions of Sámi culture, the lives of a herder and the importance of the reindeer to a rural economy such as Nellim. During your visit, you can ask your local guide questions you have about the way of life of a herder this far north of the Arctic Circle. You will also have the chance to feed the reindeer.
Duration: approximately 2 hours
©Kevin Owen (client)
Explore snowmobiling
From: £181pp
For those who are more confident with the idea of snowmobiling and want to spend longer out on the trails, this is an exceptional activity.
After a full safety briefing and instructions on how to drive and handle the snowmobile, you will head out on your adventure, travelling two people per machine (you may want to upgrade and drive your own snowmobile - please contact our Aurora Travel Experts for a quote). You will have the chance to swap drivers during the activity should you wish.
Read more about this activityThe route typically takes you along stunning forest trails, before you head towards the vast expanse of Lake Inari, which is ideal for enjoying some thrilling snowmobiling.
Your guide will make a stop for lunch, where they will cook a warming and hearty meal over an open fire, typically in a traditional kota (wooden tepee) on the edge of the lake. You will then head back to the hotel.
Please note: you must be 18 years old or over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Gentle snowshoeing
From: £66pp
For those who want to enjoy a gentle and peaceful walk in stunning snow-covered surroundings, look no further than snowshoeing.
Snowshoes and poles will be provided, and your guide will then lead you on a two-hour walk through the forests which surround the hotel. It takes mere minutes for you to be deep in the heart of untouched wilderness, enjoying the silence of this remote location.
Throughout, your guide will provide information regarding local flora and fauna as you use the snowshoes to explore.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Aurora snowshoeing
From: £106pp
Snowshoeing at night is a wonderful experience, regardless of whether the Northern Lights appear overhead.
The silence of the forests at night is just breathtaking and the landscape takes on a totally different feel at night. Your guide will lead you along the trails to one of the camp spots, where you can enjoy some hot drinks. If conditions are favourable your efforts will hopefully be rewarded with a spectacular display.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hours
Aurora Snowmobile Safari
From: £141pp
Snowmobiles offer a level of mobility that means that, should there be any localised cloud cover, your guide may be able to lead you to clearer skies.
After full instruction and a safety briefing, you will travel in pairs on the snowmobiles, with one travelling as a passenger and the other in control of the machine (you will get the chance to swap). You may choose to upgrade and drive your own snowmobile - please ask our Aurora Travel Experts for a quote.
Read more about this activityTravelling by snowmobile at night is a thrilling experience as the headlights illuminate the forests and the snow reflects the light to create a very special atmosphere. Your guide will break at prime viewpoints, and if the Aurora appears, you will stop to admire the show, so driving distances can vary.
Please note: You must be 18 years old or over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hours
Ice fishing trip by snowmobile sleigh
From: £159pp
This activity is ideal for those who want a day in the wild, trying one of the most favoured local pastimes.
Travelling in a sleigh pulled by your guide’s snowmobile, you will head to a prime fishing spot on one of the lakes around Nellim. You will be provided with the tools you will need, drill your holes and then wait patiently for a fish to nibble on the line.
Lunch will be cooked on an open fire out in the wilderness, and if you’re lucky enough to land a catch, fresh fish may even be on the menu.
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Snowmobile Safari
From: £115pp
After a full safety briefing and instructions on how to drive and handle the snowmobile, you will head out on an exciting safari, travelling two people per machine (you may choose to upgrade and drive your own snowmobile - please ask our Aurora Travel Experts for a quote).
Travelling along the well-marked trails, you will explore the stunning wilderness which surrounds the hotel, driving over frozen lakes and through beautiful forests.
Please note that you must be 18 years old or over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Husky safari
From: £198pp
A husky safari is effectively a 'must-do' activity during your stay in the Arctic.
You will meet your guide at the hotel and will be given full instruction on how to handle the sled and a safety briefing. You will then travel a short distance in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh, to the nearby husky kennels.
You will hear the dogs a long way before you will see them as they will be so excited for the trail. You will be allocated a team between two, with one person driving and the other in the sled (you will have the chance to swap during the activity).
The anchor will be released and then you will set off on your safari. Travelling along trails and then out onto the expanse of Lake Inari on a dog sled is an experience like no other!
Depending on the conditions, you will be out for around 1.5 hours with the dogs. Back at the kennels, you will have the chance to spend some time with your teams and take pictures.
Duration: approximately 2-3 hours in total
Cross-country skiing (2 hours)
From: £67pp
Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular Scandinavian activities and this is your chance to learn the basic skills. You will be taught the basics before exploring the trails which surround the hotel. This peaceful activity lets you appreciate the silence and beauty of this area, beware, however, it can be very addictive!
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Snowshoe hike
From: £97pp
Spend around four hours out in the wilds with your guide, using snowshoes to help you explore the stunning forests around Nellim and walk over the deep snow with ease.
Your guide will lead the way and will point out local flora and fauna as you go, providing information about the local environment and stopping at the most scenic spots.
You will break for lunch around an open fire and you’ll have the chance to really soak in the silence of this wild place.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
©Markku Inkila
Little Extras
Cross-country ski & snowshoe hire
From: £19pp
In between your activities, you may like to do some independent exploration and hire cross-country skis or snowshoes (skis are best hired following a cross-country lesson). There are numerous short trails leading directly from the hotel and maps are available from reception. Always make sure you have a fully charged phone with you and the hotel’s number if exploring on your own.
Price: £19 per person per day
©Markku Inkila
Special Nights
Aurora Bubble
From: £88pp
What a concept this is! These bubbles represent the absolute pinnacle of the increasingly sophisticated search for the Northern Lights.
Essentially, the Aurora Bubble brings the Arctic wilderness and the night sky into the comfort of your own bedroom. Each bubble has a heated bedroom with a large north-facing dome window, allowing you to gaze at the firmament from the comfort of your own bed!! This is Aurora hunting in style.
Read more about this activityThe bubbles are situated in an area of minimal light pollution and all have a small compact toilet.
Of course, we can neither guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear nor can we ensure cloud-free skies because Aurora hunting will always carry an element of luck. What we do know is that the Aurora Bubbles represent a genuinely unique and memorable experience.
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 ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
©Markku Inkila
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
We saw the northern lights!!!
20 February 2020
by Dorothy Spiller & family
As I was travelling with my 89 year old mother, the assistance that she received was fabulous. She was able to participate in the activities we had booked (Aurora car and camp and reindeer farm visit) as the guides helped her along the way. We saw the northern lights!!! We stood outside by Inari lake for about 2 hours but the thermal suits, hand warmers and "Just give it another 5 minutes"…
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attitude meant that we had a good display.
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All were excellent
13 February 2020
by Anouk & Iori Faber
The provisions for equipment was excellent. I loved all activities and the guides were excellent in every aspect. The guides and staff at Nellim were terrific. They were so genuine and loved their jobs which made all activities enjoyable.
Really impressed with the way the staff in the UK answered promptly any query I had and the very efficient way they handled the booking from start to finish.
07 March 2019
by The Sexton Family
Overall an excellent experience, with the highlight being the "aurora" on full display on our first night. As a party of 6, we really enjoyed the activities and the clothing provided was very good to combat the cold. Really impressed with the way the staff in the UK answered promptly any query I had and the very efficient way they handled the booking from start to finish. Also, the gift of wine…
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for my birthday (we went there to celebrate my 60th birthday which was earlier in the year) was a lovely personal touch and showed that the staff had listened to why we were going and a lovely gesture.
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There was nothing we didn't enjoy.
24 January 2019
by Matthew McNeal & Samantha Wilson
The local rep, Hannahbella, was brilliant - please pass on our thanks to her for making a great holiday even better. Hotel was comfortable and well-located. All the guides were friendly and well-informed, special thanks to Bjorn, Anthony, Astrid and Kimmo. We found everything straightforward which was important to us as this was our first package holiday and our first flying experience for over 20…
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years. Seeing the aurora and the 2 camps we did (by bus and by snowmobile sledge), so fabulous to see the lights in small groups with a welcome camp fire to warm yourself around. The husky sledging and visit to the husky farm is a very close second because it was so exhilarating. It's hard to rate them as we loved the gentle snow-shoeing as well.
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This was one of the best holidays we have had
30 March 2018
by Kay & Stephen Sandford
This was one of the best holidays we have had - completely new experience, both relaxing and exciting.
The guides were brilliant.
19 March 2018
by Dariel Pertwee, Julie Pangels & Joy Goodman
The guides were brilliant. Knowledgeable and patient. Impressed by how well they looked after us all. The hotel comfortable, basic but with everything one needs. Gear a little tired and large mittens pretty useless and cumbersome. Food excellent. I would definitely go back (as we didn't see any lights), however, there was so much to do in the time we had, that I didn't feel too disappointed.
A magical experience in the Finnish winter wonderland
11 February 2018
by The Stothart Family
We had a wonderful time, a magical experience in the Finnish winter wonderland. The activities were fun and unusual and the guides were enthusiastic about the natural world. I loved all the activities. It was such a special and different thing to do and the activities suited the age range in our family group of 4, from 26 to 60.
Winter Wonderland!
08 February 2018
by Elizabeth Ball
I loved my Aurora Zone trip to Nellim. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, reindeer visiting, ice fishing, sitting by a fire in the wilderness watching the snowfall one night and the skies ablaze with stars, a rising moon AND the Aurora dancing across the sky! The lodge was excellent. Felt very authentic. Food was excellent. The guides were full of great information, took great care of every individual in…
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the small groups. The only thing I missed was the dog sled adventure, but I just ran out of time. Good reason to come back!! They were very accommodating to everyone's particular needs and times of arrivals/departures. The location of the lodge was far away from any other lodge so you weren't running into other groups. You were very secluded!! I would highly recommend The Aurora Zone.
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The most amazing trip ever
23 January 2018
by Litong Liu
I have been to 16 countries, and this trip to Nellim has become my favourite. The hotel is beautifully decorated, the food served in the restaurant were very very delicious. We had a wide range to choose from, meat, seafood, vegetables and soup. The bed in the room was very comfortable. I had so much fun during the activities. The reindeer day was my favourite, which includes snowmobiling, visit…
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the reindeer farm, ice fishing, visit a local church, had a lunch around an open fire and tried the very delicious reindeer soup. Husky safari was a long ride so make sure to wear as much as you can. Cross-country skiing was a hard work but a very different experience to try. We were out to hunt for northern lights every night by different transport and had a hot drink around the open fire. We had grilled marshmallow on our final night.
The tour guides are so knowledgeable and helpful with everything. They set up my camera to take the most amazing aurora photos, also helped me with wearing the shoes, helmet and everything. Every penny I spent on this trip was definitely worthy and every second in Nellim was a memory maker. Thank you.
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We absolutely loved our time away in Nellim
29 December 2017
by Sophie Cooke
We loved the snowmobiling and particularly enjoyed our time just the two of us with a guide where we went ice fishing and were able to snowmobile over to the spot. We absolutely loved our time away in Nellim, it lived up to all expectations and beyond. We would recommend to anyone. Aurora Zone made it very easy for us and the location of the hotel and choice of activities was amazing.
Amazing trip
22 December 2017
by Keisha Glass
Amazing trip. Lodge was fantastic. Staff was fantastic. Finnair worked very hard. Gatwick staff as well.