VISITING: Finland BROCHURE CODE: 2507
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities and cold weather clothing; all as listed.
This 4-night holiday is for those who wish to enjoy the stunning Finnish landscape at a leisurely pace. You’ll take part in laid-back, dedicated Northern Lights hunts in the evenings and have free days to enjoy your spa hotel or additional activities. This is a relaxing break to Luosto with exceptional Aurora opportunities.

What's included?

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

  • Flights: direct return flights between London Gatwick and Rovaniemi. Routes are subject to change
  • Transfers: return airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 4 nights' accommodation in a superior twin room at Luosto Hotel Tunturi. Log cabin and suite upgrades are available (supplements apply)
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
  • The following activities and equipment are included in the price: guided Aurora trail walk, kota dinner, snowmobile search for the Aurora (you can choose to drive a snowmobile or ride in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh for this activity) (order subject to change)
  • Cold weather clothing is provided for the duration of your stay
  • Services of our expert local guides 
  • Aurora alert service on your smartphone or tablet 

We have designed our Northern Lights at Leisure trip for those people who wish to enjoy the wonderful Arctic environment and increase their chances of seeing the Northern Lights but, at a relaxed and gentle pace. Whilst snowmobiling and husky sledding can be hugely popular activities we appreciate that they are not for everyone. This holiday is, therefore, ideal if you wish to enjoy a more leisurely pace during your Aurora hunting ventures.

You will be staying in the wonderful Luosto Hotel Tunturi which, with its swimming pool, spa facilities and superior rooms, makes for a delightful base for your Arctic retreat. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in the hotel’s cosy log cabins located just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel itself where you can make use of all of the hotel's wonderful facilities. All of these wonderful accommodation options are centrally situated in the small ski resort of Luosto, meaning you can explore the village with ease.

Throughout each day, you have been given free time to tailor your stay and have complete flexibility. You may want to relax in the pool, perhaps book some treatments (charges apply locally depending on the choice of accommodation) or take a walk outside to soak up your idyllic winter surroundings.

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For those looking to be a little more active, there are a wealth of activities which can be arranged in Luosto and you can choose exactly how active you wish to be. You can enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride, visit an amethyst mine or try some of the more exhilarating activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding. The cross-country ski trails, snowshoe tracks and downhill ski slopes are also popular options.

You will enjoy a range of Northern Lights activities including a Northern Lights snowmobile safari, during which you can choose whether to spend the time driving or relaxing in a sleigh, an evening on the Aurora Trail and a dinner in a wilderness kota with excellent views of the night sky.

We have been sending guests to Luosto for many years now and it is a location that is sure to charm guests with its fell scenery, laid-back activities and friendly local people. We love this trip for its relaxed pace which makes it ideal for guests who wish to tailor their holiday whilst enjoying some dedicated Aurora activities.

Image credits: Snowgames, Miikka Niemi/Flatlight Films/Visit Finland, Visit finland and Tea Karvinen, Miika Hämäläinen, Lappikuva & Jani Kärppä, Aleksi Mehtonen, Visit Finland & Visit Rovaniemi, Photographer: Juho Kuva 
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Key facts

Duration: 4 nights
Pace: Relaxed
Suitable for: Ages 10+. See terms for further information.
Make An Enquiry

Thank you for your interest in this Aurora Zone experience.

We have found that this holiday is better tailored exactly to your requirements, so please email our Travel Experts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us on 01670 785 012 to discuss the various options available to you.

Our Travel Experts have been to all the destinations we feature and love to share their experiences and insight. We want to match you with your perfect trip, so if you have any questions please get in touch; we will be happy to talk through the destinations and itineraries with you.

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Show full agenda

  • Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed before being transferred to your accommodation at Luosto.

    The drive will take you through the wilderness and forested fells of Lapland before you come upon the village of Luosto. The village retains a huge amount of traditional Lappish charm, which has made it a hugely popular option for our guests over the years.

    When you have reached the hotel you will have the chance to settle into your rooms before a brief introduction to your holiday from your guide, who will also supply you with your cold weather clothing and Aurora alerts. Dinner in the hotel restaurant will follow, in preparation for your first activity of the trip.

    This evening you will meet up with your guide who will give you a short presentation on the Northern Lights and the science, myths and legends behind them. You will then be taken on the Northern Lights trail which is located behind the Tunturi Hotel (just a short walk from the cabins). The route circumnavigates the frozen lake behind the hotel and with very little light pollution to the North, it is one of the most convenient Northern Lights viewing spots in the village. Several members of our staff caught their first ever Aurora display here! The total duration of this activity is approximately 3 hours.

    You will also have access to Luosto’s Aurora Alert Realtime Northern Lights alarm system, free of charge. This system needs to be activated on your smartphone or tablet and requires data-connection or WiFi, please ask reception for details on how to activate it. Using a local sensor from the Luosto area, the alarm system will send you a voice signal if the Auroras are visible in the sky and will inform you how strong the Northern Lights are. Remember to keep your sound on and allow all notifications from the system in order for it to work. Guests can also opt for a paid SMS service.

    If the Northern Lights decide to grace you with their presence then there are surely few better spectacles to witness.

    Included Meals:  Dinner

  • This holiday is all about relaxation and choice. This leisurely itinerary has been designed to provide you with free time to tailor your stay but we've included evening excursions to help maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora.

    For the next few days, you can simply take advantage of the village’s facilities, which include a few small souvenir shops, some lovely walking trails and also the excellent Amethyst Spa and swimming pool at the Tunturi Hotel (supplements may apply depending on the choice of accommodation).

    As many of our guests want to try dog sledding, reindeer safaris, ice fishing, snowmobiling and more during their holiday we can arrange these for you in advance. All of the available options can be found in the 'personalise' section of the holiday page. To guarantee availability, activities should be confirmed with us prior to paying the balance of your holiday, nine weeks before departure. Activities can become fully booked during peak periods and we would hate for you to be disappointed.

    This evening will be your only free evening of the trip, so why not take advantage by booking an optional Northern Lights activity, such as a snowshoeing walk through the Finnish wilderness. Your guide will take you out into the wintery landscape in search of the lights on a trek lasting approximately two and a half hours, including a stop for a hot drink and plenty of time to gaze at the night’s sky above.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

  • Today is once again free for you to do as you wish. Don’t forget to check the ‘Personalise’ section of the holiday page if you would like details of optional activities.

    In the early evening, you will head out for another Northern Lights excursion which is a wonderfully special treat. Your guide will lead you through the village on a short walk to a traditional wooden kota building where you will be greeted with a welcome drink. The kota is approximately a 20 – 25-minute walk away and this is taken at a gentle pace. If you do not wish to walk there then the hotel can help you in arranging a taxi (bookable and payable locally) which will reunite you with the rest of the group for the evening.

    Dinner will be a wonderful meal of traditional Finnish dishes all served around the fire. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the vast Arctic sky throughout your time here; the Northern Lights are seen frequently from this prime viewpoint. You will be out for approximately 3 hours in total this evening.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

  • Your final day is once again free for you to tailor your time, being as active or relaxed as you wish.

    Tonight you will have dinner at the nearby Hotel Aurora so that you can sample the fantastic menu of this boutique hotel. The Hotel Aurora is only a short walk away from the Tunturi and we recommend having an early meal tonight, as your evening’s activity will start at 6 pm (or 7 pm if you are travelling in March).

    Following dinner, you will spend your last evening of the trip gliding through quiet forests and over snow-covered fells on a snowmobile safari. In keeping with the relaxed nature of this itinerary, you can decide whether you would prefer to relax in a cosy sleigh as you speed beneath the lights, or take control yourselves and drive, two people per snowmobile, into the darkness. Please note that you must be over the age of 18 and hold a valid UK driving license in order to drive a snowmobile.

    Your guide will take you to an Aurora look-out which is positioned ideally for spotting the Lights. Hopefully, they will make an appearance, shimmering and dancing above you as you enjoy a hot drink and a bun around a campfire, and also on your drive back to Luosto. The activity will last for around three hours in total.

    If you would like to spend your final night in one of the delightful Arctic View Rooms at the Hotel Aurora then we can arrange this for you this evening. Please see the ‘Personalise’ section for details.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

  • Today your relaxing retreat will draw to a close as you bid farewell to Luosto and return to the airport for your flights home.

    If you wish to extend your time in Finland then we can arrange for you to enjoy a city break in Helsinki on the way home if you wish to see some of the other bright lights on offer in Finland.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Included in price

Luosto Hotel Tunturi

Nights: 1-4

Luosto is a charming ski village in Finnish Lapland with a picturesque backdrop of forested fells, making it the ideal winter retreat. With its handful of shops and cafés, the village manages to maintain a traditional Northern Finnish feel and the guests have easy access to local facilities.

The Luosto Tunturi Spa Hotel is one of only two hotels in the village and continues to be one of our most sought-after accommodation options. This is predominantly due to the varied range of facilities offered here.

Hotel facilities

  • The restaurants at the hotel serve an array of local and international dishes. The main Tunturi restaurant, used for the majority of our trips, serves buffet-style meals. The meals often include choices of one or two dishes and local specialities for evening meals. There is also the Bistro restaurant, which is smaller and serves à la carte meals. Finally, the Kelo Log Restaurant, just a short walk down the road, is a vast log cabin restaurant and is used in some of our programmes one evening. 

  • A highlight of the facilities at the Tunturi is the pool as well as the spa facilities, which are a wonderful place to unwind in after a long day outside.

  • The pool has massage and waterfall points and there is also a hot tub for guest use

  • The sauna wing at the hotel offers both Turkish and Finnish saunas, which are heated daily

  • The Amethyst Spa offers guests a range of massage and beauty treatments which you can book in advance or upon arrival (subject to availability and payable locally)

  • The hotel also has a small gym with a limited mix of cardio and weight machines.

  • There are seven neighbouring downhill ski slopes and ski hire is available locally. The hotel will also help you arrange ski passes. Cross-country skis and snowshoes can also be hired locally for you to explore the variety of trails surrounding the hotel.

  • There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel for guest use

Standard double rooms

The standard rooms are located in the hotel's main building. All rooms have twin beds, an en-suite toilet and shower room with heated floor. Other facilities include a hairdryer, a drying cupboard, a mini-bar and television. In addition, there are tea and coffee facilities in each room.

There is also a sofa in each room that can be converted to sleep one extra adult.

Superior twin rooms

These rooms have all of the same amenities as the standard double/twin bedrooms, however, they are in the new wing of the main hotel and have been recently renovated. All rooms have an en-suite toilet and shower room and other facilities, including a hairdryer, a drying cupboard, a minibar and television. In addition, there are tea and coffee facilities in each room. 

There is also a sofa in each room that can be converted to accommodate one extra adult. 

Upgrade supplements may apply - please speak to our Travel Experts for more information and a quote.

 Image credits: Matt Robinson

Other options

Luosto Tunturi Suites

Supplements from: £48pp

For those who wish to upgrade their accommodation and enjoy a little more space during their stay then we highly recommend taking advantage of one of the suites at the hotel. They offer additional facilities and space to relax, all with convenient access to the hotel facilities.

Guests can choose from either a one bedroom Tunturi Suite or two bedroom Amethyst Suite. There are only 12 Tunturi Suites and 3 Amethyst Suites available so we recommend booking early.

Please contact one of our travel experts for a quote based on your requirements. 

Facilities

  • All suites have a sitting room area with TV, a kitchenette, en suite shower room with private sauna, hairdryer, drying cupboard and balcony.

  • Guests have access to the main hotel facilities including the swimming pool and restaurant without having to venture outdoors.

  • You can purchase tea and coffee supplies, or any other favourite hot drinks, at the small supermarket in the village so you can make the most of your kitchenette. Alternatively you may choose to bring your own from home.

All suites are subject to availability.

Luosto Log Cabins

Supplements from: £40pp

Luosto is a charming ski village in Finnish Lapland with a picturesque backdrop of forested fells and frozen lakes, making it the ideal winter retreat. With its handful of shops and cáfes, the village manages to maintain a traditional Finnish feel and the guests have easy access to local facilities.

The Luosto Log Cabins are owned by the Luosto Tunturi Hotel, which is one of only two hotels in Luosto.

The log cabins are just a short walk from the main hotel building, so you are within easy reach of the Tunturi Hotel's facilities.

The cabins

The log cabins are perfect for a private retreat and ideal for a couple. They comprise essentially of one main room with a kitchenette, dining area and a television. A cosy wood-burning stove provides a warming centrepiece. The beds are arranged in a unique bunk format with the lower bunk formed of two end-to-end double beds and the upper bunk housing two single beds. Each cabin is en-suite and has a private sauna.

Hotel facilities

  • In the main building, you will find the two hotel restaurants
  • The Tunturi restaurant (used for the majority of our packages), serves a wide range of local and international dishes in buffet style 
  • The hotel also has the Bistro restaurant, which is a smaller restaurant
  • The Kelo Log Cabin restaurant is an additional restaurant, situated a short walk away from the hotel and is usually used on one night of the itineraries
  • A popular feature of the Luosto Tunturi is the pool and spa area, which offers an ideal retreat after a day's activities. In addition to the pool (with its massage and waterfall points), there is also a hot tub and a sauna wing where both Turkish and Finnish saunas are heated daily. All of this is available to log cabin guests for a small supplement
  • In the Amethyst Spa area you can book a range of massage and beauty treatments in advance or on arrival (book and pay locally)
  • The hotel has a small number of neighbouring ski slopes. The hotel will also help you arrange ski passes. Snowshoes and cross-country skis can be hired locally for you to explore the surrounding trails
  • Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel

Special Nights

Spend the night in an Arctic View Room

From: £235pp

Why not start or end your holiday in real style with a night in a stunning Glass Arctic View Room! These rooms are situated close to the Hotel Aurora, a short walk from the Tunturi Hotel and the cabins.

These luxurious rooms offer great views of the northern skies. The panoramic windows and partially glassed roofs mean that they are ideal for keeping your eye out for a potential Aurora display.

Hotel Aurora's ten rooms will bring guests closer to the Finnish Winter's polar nights in total comfort – with high-quality features, fully-equipped bathrooms and great views.

Our standard price is based on guests spending their first or final night in the Arctic View Rooms. You will, therefore, be asked to check out of your previous hotel room or cabin on the morning before your stay.

As most guests will be enjoying an evening activity, you will return to the Arctic View on your return.

If you would prefer to keep your hotel room or spend a different night in these unique rooms (or indeed if they are fully booked for your final night) supplements will apply.

Please contact one of our travel experts for a quote for your chosen departure date.

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.

Personalise this tour

Our pick

Tour of the fells by snowmobile (100km)(from 09 Jan '19)

From £177pp

This is the ultimate snowmobile trip for those looking to cover as much of the wilderness as possible. You will be fully instructed on how to work the vehicles before driving to the majestic Pyhä Fell.

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The epic scenery will meet you along the way: serene forests and icy marshes, as well as frozen waterways and rolling snowy spaces. At Pyhä, lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before the journey back. After this 100km adventure, you will certainly be in need of an invigorating sauna trip to end the day! You will be out for around six hours in total.

Guides, instruction and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Wednesday and Saturday at 9.00 am from 06 January 2020 onwards

Duration: 6-7 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 15yrs

Other options

Activities

Fat biking

From: £70pp

Use your daylight hours wisely and discover more of the snowy landscape during a fat biking guided tour. The wide tyres of the bike have been specifically designed for the winter conditions, helping you travel over snow, frozen lakes and through forested tracks. It’s an increasingly popular pastime that allows you to cover greater distances than snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

After receiving your helmet, bike and safety instructions, you’ll set off with your guide to explore the pristine wilderness. The tour also includes a break along the way to enjoy hot berry juice around an open fire.

Duration: 2 hours

Minimum age: 12yrs

Please note, this activity must be booked at the latest 22 hours before the starting time.

Husky Adventure (full day) (from 6 Jan '20)

From: £265pp

This incredible day-long safari driving your own husky team on a safari covering 20 to 30km. You will stop off part-way for a picnic lunch in the wilderness before making a return to Luosto. By this point, you will have mastered the art of dog sledding!

Read more about this activity

Guides, instruction, and equipment included.

Available: Sunday at 10 am from 06 January 2020 onwards

Duration: 5 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 15yrs

 Image Credit: Lappikuva & Jani Kärppä

 

 

Exciting rides with snowmobiles and huskies

From: £185pp

Spend four hours getting acquainted with two of the most popular activities in Lapland; dog sledding and snowmobiling.

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The activity starts with snowmobile driving instruction before you set off (travelling two people per machine) to a husky farm (around 12km away). When you get to the farm you will be given a full safety briefing and a demonstration on how to control a team of dogs and the sled. You will then enjoy an exciting 10km safari travelling two people per sled. 

On the way, you will stop for hot drinks around a campfire. You will then return to Luosto. 

Guides, instruction and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Monday and Friday at 9 am

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)

 Image Credit: Aleksi Mehtonen

Snowmobile safari to the Amethyst Mine

From: £110pp

Take a gentle snowmobile journey to the summit of Lampivaara Fell, home to the only Amethyst mine left in Europe, and a spot with outstanding views of the surroundings.

Read more about this activity

Following a presentation on the gemstones, you will head down the steps into the mine and have the opportunity to dig for your own amethysts (this is a covered surface mine and so you do not venture underground). On the safari, everyone will ride two people to one snowmobile, covering around 10km. The total activity duration is around two hours. 

Guides, instruction and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Tuesday and Friday at 1.30 pm

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)

Cross-country skiing trip

From: £61pp

A traditional Nordic activity, cross-country skiing is a fast-paced way to get acquainted with the snowy environment. Seasoned instructors will school you in the basics before you explore the 3 to 5km trails by Luosto (total activity time is around two hours).

Read more about this activity

It will be possible to re-hire the equipment to head off on your own explorations later in your holiday – given that the sport is incredibly addictive, we won’t be surprised if you do!

Guides, instruction, and equipment included.

Available: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10.30 am

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)

Image Credit: Lappikuva & Jani Kärppä

 

 

Snowmobile safari to the wilderness

From: £88pp

Choose to journey into the depths of Luosto’s natural environment during a guided snowmobile safari. You will be given full instructions on how to operate the vehicles before driving past icy lakes and snow-laden forests. There will be a stop along the way for hot drinks to keep you fuelled up.

Read more about this activity

This activity is based on two sharing a snowmobile (both must have a full driving licence if wishing to drive). It is possible to upgrade to single snowmobiles subject to availability and at a supplement – ask our travel experts for more information.

Availability: daily at 4.30 pm

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)

Image Credit Aleksi Mehtonen

Ice fishing experience by snowmobile

From: £118pp

Ice fishing is immensely popular in Lapland and well worth trying for yourself. After receiving full instructions on how to drive the snowmobile, you will ride two people per machine to a specially-selected fishing spot.

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Here, your guide will show you how to drill through the ice and set up your line. Enjoy a snack and a hot drink around a campfire and take in the wilderness while waiting for a fish to bite.

Guides, instruction, and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 1.30 pm

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Image Credit: Lappikuva & Jani Kärppä

 

 

A snowshoe hike in a national park

From: £62pp

A tranquil way to enjoy the Lapland countryside, this snowshoe hike will take you into age-old forests of spruce close to Luosto. There will be a snack break on the way and your guide will show you signs of wildlife and point out some of the highlights of the landscape during this three hour (approx) activity.

Read more about this activity

Guides, instruction, and equipment included.

Available: Monday, Thursday and Sunday at 1.00 pm

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 12yrs

 Image Credits: Aleksi Mehtonen

Search for the Northern Lights by snowshoe

From: £67pp

Aurora hunters will not want to miss this activity, which involves a guided snowshoe trek to the perfect Northern Lights spotting point. Relax with a hot drink as you wait for the night-time show to begin. You will be out for around two and a half hours. 

Read more about this activity

Guides, instruction, and equipment included.

Available: Monday to Saturday at 7.30 pm

Duration: 2.5 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 12yrs

An afternoon with the huskies (20km)

From: £193pp

Those looking for a longer husky safari will especially enjoy this option. On being transferred to a local husky farm, you’ll greet the loyal pack which will pull you around, as well as receive full instructions on sled control.

Read more about this activity

After this, you will head right out onto the 20km trail, which will take you through over some exceptional terrain filled with wonderful scenery. You will travel two people per sled, with the chance to swap over during the journey. There will be an en-route break for snacks and a hot drink. The activity lasts around three hours in total.

Guides, instruction and equipment included.

Available: Monday to Saturday at 2 pm

Duration: 3.5 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 12yrs

 Image Credit: Lappikuva & Jani Kärppä

Aurora Borealis safari by snowmobile

From: £124pp

Lose yourselves in the Arctic night, driving snowmobiles through quiet forests and frozen expanses. While full instructions will be given, it is ideal to choose this safari if you have had experience of snowmobiles earlier in your holiday.

Read more about this activity

Your guide will take you to a well-positioned Aurora lookout, from which you can get spotting the Northern Lights. Hopefully, they will also light the sky for your return to Luosto! You will be out for around three hours in total. 

Guides, instruction and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Thursday and Saturday at 6 pm Dec - Feb; 7 pm in March

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Husky safari (10km)

From: £141pp

No holiday in Lapland would be complete without a husky safari. A short transfer will take you to a local husky farm where you will meet your enthusiastic team of dogs. You will be given full instruction on how to manage the sled before you hit the trails on a 10km route, travelling two people per sled.

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There will be a break for a warm drink before you head back to Luosto. The activity lasts a total of around two hours and fifteen minutes. 

Guides, instruction, and equipment included.

Available: Monday to Saturday at 11.30 am

Duration: 2.5 hours (approximately)

 Image Credit: Lappikuva - Jani KäRppä

Snowmobile safari to the reindeer farm

From: £141pp

Mix two of the very best Lapland activities as you snowmobile to a reindeer farm, where you can learn all about the lifestyle of the region’s traditional reindeer herders. Get close to the animals themselves before they pull you along on a sleigh ride.

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Hot drinks will be served before you return to Luosto on snowmobiles. Everyone will get full instruction on how to use the snowmobiles and will travel two to a vehicle, covering around 30km. The activity lasts for around three hours in total. 

Guides, instruction, and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30 am

Duration: 3.5 hours (approximately)

Introduction to the Northern Lights (trail and presentation)

From: £63pp

This is a great introduction to the Northern Lights and the leisurely pace is sure to suit everyone. The evening commences with a multimedia presentation, hosted by an Aurora expert at the hotel. You will have the chance to listen to real radio signals from space whilst also gaining an insight into the myths, legends and of course the science which surrounds the Northern Lights.

Read more about this activity

After your presentation, you will head out in the hope of catching a real display. With your guide leading the way you will be shown to Ahvenlampi, an ideal viewpoint just a short walk from the hotel. Hot drinks will be served around a campfire.

This activity lasts around three hours and you will meet in the reception of the Tunturi hotel.

Available: Monday and Friday at 7:30 pm

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Please note: we would advise that you do not book this activity alongside “Visit an Aurora kota by car” as both activities include the same presentation.

Dinner at the Wilderness Kota

From: £47pp

This is a great chance to experience a meal in a traditional Finnish kota (wooden tepee). Your evening begins with an easy guided walk through the forests around the village. Upon arrival at the cosy kota you will relax around an open fire and enjoy a delicious meal cooked up over the campfire. This is an excellent way in which to really sample a taste of Lapland.

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The price includes a reduction for your meal at the hotel and you will be out for around three hours in total. The meeting point for this special evening is in the Luosto Tunturi Hotel reception.

Available: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 7 pm

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Start at the Slopes (Downhill ski school)

From: £93pp

This activity is ideal for those looking to try downhill skiing or perhaps those who have taken a break from the sport and are looking to get back into it. Luosto's gentle slopes are ideal for some tuition and this group lesson lasts for around 50 minutes. The price includes your tuition, ski pass and equipment.

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After the lesson, you will have an additional hour to enjoy the slopes independently if you wish to do so.

Please note that the thermal overalls that are provided for you during your stay are not suitable for skiing and so you will need to bring your own ski wear. You will meet your instructor at the main building on the ski slopes (Knooli).

Available: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 pm

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 6yrs

'The Luosto Special' snowmobile safari

From: £117pp

This snowmobile safari offers up wonderful views of the fells which surround the village. After full instruction and a safety briefing, you will take to the trails around Luosto travelling two people per snowmobile. 

Read more about this activity

Rounding the bottom of Luosto Fell you will then head to Keski-Luosto Fell where the panoramic views of the area open out before you. The safari continues with a break for a warm drink around a campfire in a kota before you return to Luosto.

You will be out for around three hours in total and will cover around 20km during your safari. 

Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Monday to Saturday at 10 am

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 15yrs

 Image Credit: Aleksi Mehtonen

Visit to an Aurora Kota by car

From: £95pp

Leaving Luosto by car, you will head to the Aurora kota close to Sodankylä. A kota is a traditional wooden tepee and it's a very fitting venue for tonight's presentation. A local expert will offer you an insight into the science behind the Northern Lights, giving you a better understanding of this magical natural phenomenon.

Read more about this activity

Transfers and guide included.

Available: Tuesday at 5.30 pm

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)

Please note: we would advise that you do not book this activity alongside “Introduction to the Northern Lights (trail and presentation)” as both activities include the same presentation.

Reindeer safari

From: £113pp

Reindeer have always been associated with Lapland and are central to life in the region. After being swiftly transferred to the reindeer park, you will take a 30-minute sleigh safari through the forest. You will be able to enjoy a snack and hot drink while sitting around a campfire, learning about the lives of Lapland’s reindeer herders.

Read more about this activity

Guides, instruction and equipment included. The activity lasts around one hour and forty-five minutes including transfers. 

Available: Wednesday and Saturday at 11 am

Duration: 1.5 hours (approximately)

Snowmobile safari to the husky farm

From: £150pp

This experience makes for a superb introduction to two classic Lapland activities: snowmobiling and dogsledding. Having received full instructions on how to operate the snowmobiles, you will take a safari which ends at a local husky farm.

Read more about this activity

Greet the dogs and get a briefing from the friendly mushers before embarking on a 4km husky ride. Returning to the farm, you will be served a hot drink before snowmobiling back to Luosto. The total activity duration is around three hours.

Guides, instruction and equipment included. Snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Available: Wednesday and Saturday at 9:30 am

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)

Day tour to Rovaniemi (from 06 Jan '20)

From: £138pp

A transfer of around 1.5 hours will take you to the city of Rovaniemi. You will have the chance to look around the Arktikum Museum and the internationally-renowned Santa Claus Village before travelling back to Luosto. In total, you will be out for around eight hours. 

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Available: Friday at 9.30 am from 06 January 2020

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)

Credit: Visitfinland and Raija Lehtonen

 

Overnight husky safari (from 06 Jan '20)

From: £629pp

This is an authentic dog sledding adventure, set in the wilderness. Following a complete instruction briefing, you will head off on your journey, with one person per husky sled.

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Stopping at a wilderness cabin, you can look forward to an evening of fun around the campfire. Away from running water and electricity, you can abandon creature comforts for a truly unforgettable experience close to nature. Everyone will assist with gathering firewood and meal preparation before settling down in the cabin accommodation. You will travel roughly 20km per day depending on conditions.

Available: Monday and Wednesday at 12 noon (returning midday the following day) from 06 January 2020 onwards

Duration: 24 hours (approximately)

Minimum age: 15yrs

 Image Credit: Lappikuva & Jani Kärppä

 

Special Nights

Spend the night in an Arctic View Room

From: £235pp

Why not start or end your holiday in real style with a night in a stunning Glass Arctic View Room! These rooms are situated close to the Hotel Aurora, a short walk from the Tunturi Hotel and the cabins.

These luxurious rooms offer great views of the northern skies. The panoramic windows and partially glassed roofs mean that they are ideal for keeping your eye out for a potential Aurora display.

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Hotel Aurora's ten rooms will bring guests closer to the Finnish Winter's polar nights in total comfort – with high-quality features, fully-equipped bathrooms and great views.

Our standard price is based on guests spending their first or final night in the Arctic View Rooms. You will, therefore, be asked to check out of your previous hotel room or cabin on the morning before your stay.

As most guests will be enjoying an evening activity, you will return to the Arctic View on your return.

If you would prefer to keep your hotel room or spend a different night in these unique rooms (or indeed if they are fully booked for your final night) supplements will apply.

Please contact one of our travel experts for a quote for your chosen departure date.

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.

Traveller Reviews

Luosto - The Northern Lights at Leisure 25 February 2019 by Connie & Karl Loveridge

Really impressed with the hotel - all the staff were really friendly and the food was superb. Having spoken to some guests at the other hotel we were really pleased we’d gone for the Aurora.

Luosto - The Northern Lights at Leisure 14 January 2019 by Margaret Woskett

It was a lovely break even though I didn't see the northern lights, and I am already thinking about going back next year.

We're really struggling to pick out one activity that we enjoyed most 22 March 2018 by James & Christine Downes

We're really struggling to pick out one activity that we enjoyed most as we thoroughly enjoyed most of them.

Fantastic holiday 19 March 2018 by Chris Trickey

Fantastic holiday. We were really lucky to see the Northern Lights at their dancing best, and the introductory walk was really helpful in helping us know where to view them from. Husky riding is the most amazing experience and the one you should do if no others (one rides on the back and is reasonably active, while other sits on sled). Snowmobiling also really good fun. Both take some physical…
Read more strength from the driver, but not much. The rest of the time we just chilled out, took one of the many walks in the valley ourselves and explored local restaurants. Transfers were very efficient and comfortable. Thoroughly recommended!
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Overall an excellent holiday 19 February 2018 by Paul Moran and Caroline Ede

Overall an excellent holiday. The location and activities were excellent.

Loved the small, quiet resort. 10 January 2018 by Kathryn and William Watson

Really enjoyed the 20 km husky trip, we were looking forward to this activity and it didn’t disappoint. Excellent trip, hotel staff and facilities really superb. Loved the small, quiet resort.

Everything was as advertised 25 March 2017 by Stacey Choat & Sharon Mertz

Everything was as advertised. My mom and I had a great time! Everything from seeing the Northern Lights to dog sledding to snowmobiling to reindeer sleigh. All tour guides were excellent. Greta was very nice and answered all our questions.

An absolutely amazing experience! 22 January 2017 by Elizabeth Forrester and Brian Starbuck

The hotel was well-equipped, warm and comfortable. Staff were delightful, friendly and helpful. Ella in particular - a 'Jill of all trades' flitting from receptionist to waitress to bartender to chambermaid (wouldn't have been surprised if she drove the snow plough but we weren't up early enough to see that!). I would describe the ambience as homely and relaxed. Rooms were functional - well…
Read more heated (a bit too much for us - can't believe we slept with the window open at such extreme sub-zero temperatures!). Comfortable beds and spotless bathrooms with an individual sauna. Food - quality was excellent. It exceeded our expectations (especially the reindeer sirloin). On most evenings we were tempted to lick our plates ;-). The young reindeer farmer who spoke after the reindeer safari was excellent. He spoke with such feeling about his work and his life in Lapland. The equipment provided was top-notch. It made the holiday so much easier because we didn't have the worry (or expense) of ensuring we were properly kitted out. A particular bonus was that when our overalls and gloves got wet after a sweaty day's snowshoeing, we were able to swap them for fresh, dry kit to enable us to go out aurora-hunting in the evening. Without a doubt, the most enjoyable activity was the husky safari. We didn't originally plan to do it - neither of us being 'doggy' people, and also a little bit concerned about driving the sled ourselves. However, it was an absolutely amazing experience! The dogs were so eager to get going, jumping around and barking like crazy. When they were finally set free they went like the wind. My initial surge of terror was soon replaced by a feeling of awe, dashing through the snowy forest by this age-old method of transport. Magical! We had such a fabulous time and are already planning a further trip with the company next year. By the way, we would like to give a special mention to our rep Greta who was so helpful and went out of her way to make sure we had a great time. Thank you!
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We had a fabulous time 23 March 2015 by Lyn Ferguson

Most enjoyable: Definitely the trip to the reindeer farm & the sleigh ride. We had a very frisky reindeer who thought it was a race! The husky safari was also excellent. Least enjoyable: All were very enjoyable, especially the Lappish dinner on the final night which was a lovely way to round off the holiday. The only thing that was not enjoyable was having four cloudy nights so no lights!! On…
Read more the day we left, it suddenly was sunny & clear.............what a shame! Obviously, we shall just have to keep trying! We realise you have no control over this!! We had a fabulous time &, had the lights appeared, it would have been the icing on the cake.
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The most magical, breathtaking experience ever! 02 January 2015 by Angela McLay

Well what can only be described as the most magical breathtaking beautiful experience ever! Possibly the most beautiful place I've been. We were here for five days, the hotel was stunning, the food was delicious, the staff very welcoming and friendly. Our two reps Karen and Graham were fantastic, always there if you needed them. Huge choice of activities and the husky sleigh was easily my…
Read more favourite. Snowboarding, snowmobile sleigh Aurora hunt... everything was spectacular! I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone as it's a trip of a lifetime... and the biggest bonus was we saw the Northern Lights on the 3rd night.... breathtaking! Thank you Karen and Graham... I'll see you next year :)
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I saw the Northern Lights 06 November 2014 by Daniela Pountney

I wanted to say a great big thank you for the trip I had hoped for AND I saw the Northern Lights! Everything worked really well. Hotel and food were much better than I had expected; Graham and Karen could not have been more helpful and the information you provided was extremely useful.The cold weather gear invaluable. All in all, superb, and I will definitely recommend your company.

The holiday of a lifetime 11 March 2014 by Duncan Mclauchlan

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say we had an absolutely amazing time in Finland. The reps over there (Karen and Graham) were amazingly helpful and very nice. We loved all the activities (particularly ice fishing!), plus the food was great. Sadly we didn't see the Northern Lights (silly clouds!), but there is always next year! Thanks again - it truly was the holiday of a lifetime.

A wonderful holiday 20 January 2014 by Anthony Lane

We have just come back from our holiday. The holiday was wonderful, starting at the airport all the connections were fantastic. The hotel was nice and clean. The activities we went on were well worth the money as the Finns really welcomed you there. The weather was cold, down to - 26 on a few days, but the clothing supplied was great. To top off the holiday we actually saw the Northern…
Read more Lights!!! Aurora zone organised everything so we had no worries at all. Recommend this holiday.  
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Our Lapland Adventure 30 December 2013 by Russell Moss

I took my wife to Luosto for her 40th birthday (total surprise). This was the most amazing holiday we have ever been on. Karen and Graham, the holiday reps, were amazing and could not of been more helpful. The hotel was the best hotel we have ever stayed in. All the staff were helpful and friendly. The food was amazing and delicious. Our room was beautiful. It had a balcony with amazing views of…
Read more the scenery. All there is in Luosto is the Tunturi hotel, a couple of gift shops, a small supermarket and the most amazing cafe we have ever been too (perfect amount of facilities). In the morning, you must go there for hot cinnamon doughnuts and coffee. AMAZING! Every night we did the short walk to the frozen lake in hope of seeing the elusive Northern Lights. We only went for four nights so we knew that we would be extremely lucky if we saw them. On the 3rd night, they came and they were stunning. We pre-booked with Aurora Zone snowmobiles and a husky ride. Both were events to remember, awesome! The cold weather gear supplied by Aurora Zone were brilliant and kept us toasty. Yohannis, our Snow Mobile Guide was fantastic. We would go back in a heart beat again. Just got to save up again. Aurora Zone, you were amazing!
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We had a great time 29 April 2013 by Olga De Haan

We had a great time. The fact that Luosto is small so everything is in easy walking distance was great. The people were friendly and helpful, in a laid-back but efficient way, the food was great, the activities were good fun and we saw the Northern Lights to top it all off - couldn't have asked for better. In addition the local reps went out of their way to enable us to make our stay our own and…
Read more work around the schedule.
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A holiday of a lifetime 09 April 2013 by Margaret Roberts

This was for us a holiday of a lifetime, like no other holiday experienced. From first to last it was so well organised with no hitches. The hotel was warm and comfortable and the special clothing provided was ideal. We will never forget the trip to Kuusiranta, fishing on the frozen lake and then enjoying a wonderful meal around the camp fire. The guides were very knowledgeable, kind and friendly…
Read more - always looking out for our safety and well-being. The high point of our trip of course has to be the sightings of the Aurora Borealis. How can one ever forget standing on the frozen lake and viewing the beautiful spectacle of the Northern Lights. A truly memorable holiday. Thank you.
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Just to let you know that we had a great time in Luosto 25 March 2013 by Godfrey Welchman

We had a great time in Luosto. The hotel is superb, your team on the ground are very professional and friendly, as are the guides. We were lucky enough to get a brief display of Northern Lights on our first evening, followed by a faint one the next night. But I'm so glad that I booked the extra nights, because we saw a spectacular hour and a half display, including an active dancing curtain, on…
Read more our very last night.
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Excellent trip 09 March 2013 by Royston Jennings

Excellent trip. We both enjoyed ourselves and the services that you provided.

Snowmobiling and huskies 19 February 2013 by Rosalind Godward

Fantastic trips on the Snowmobiles and the Husky sleds. Sadly no photos of the Aurora but they remain in the memory.

No Aurora, but a fantastic experience 03 February 2013 by Nicholas Veck

Unfortunately, Luosto was totally cloud-covered for most of our stay. It was clear on the first night though, and my camera picked up a faint Aurora (using a 20 second exposure), even though we could see nothing with the naked eye. Nevertheless, we had a terrific time - all the activities: snowmobiling, husky sledding, snowshoe walking, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, amethyst mining... …
Read more they were all excellent first-time experiences. Hosts Peter and Lorna were really friendly and helpful - even if Peter did try to trick me into ice-bathing!! All the food was super - especially the reindeer and the smoke-cooked salmon on the last night. Now looking forward to trying again next year....
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Fantastic holiday in Finnish Lapland 03 February 2013 by Paul Rowse

My wife and I have just had a fantastic holiday in Finnish Lapland in the resort of Luosto. You are in the wilderness surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Hotel Amethyst Spa is extremely comfortable and our hosts Peter and Lorna couldn't be more helpful and welcoming. You have the chance to relax and take in the surroundings or take part in a range of activities which are with guides to…
Read more instruct and inform you of the history of the area. We want to go back and would recommend this trip to anyone. Thank you. Paul & Helen Rowse.
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The most wonderful time 20 January 2013 by Jacqueline Campbell

Well, we didn't get to see the Northern Lights (too cloudy) but we had the most wonderful time. Hotel was warm and friendly, food tasty and plentiful - no complaints. The support from Peter and Lorna was first class. But what really made the holiday was the breathtaking beauty and peace of Luosto and surrounding area and the fantastic activities. Snowmobiling to the amethyst mine was great -…
Read more fascinating, beautiful and fun. And, yes, we found our amethysts (or they found us, according to the talk we had). Night time walk to the lake to find the lights was great - our guide was fantastic and taught us so much. And the biggest highlights? Driving our husky team and the husky farm (fabulous) and the wonderful evening at Kuusiranta - ice fishing, sauna and traditional Lappish meal, served with incredible hospitality and warmth. Truly magical memories to cherish. And the lights? Well - we'll just have to go back again, won't we?
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Our last evening at Kuurisanti was magical 12 January 2013 by Brenda Preece

The trip to the Husky Farm was the best. The 4km ride through the Forest was a white knuckle ride with my daughter at the helm! The Amethyst Mine was also very good. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our last evening at Kuurisanti was magical.

We saw the Northern Lights four times 05 April 2012 by Karen Gartside

We travelled to Luosto the week of the 10th March and we were very lucky seeing the Northern Lights four times and wow what an experience, what a great way to spend a special Birthday. Everything on our trip was perfect, the hotel was good, and the food was excellent. We enjoyed the husky ride, one of the highlights, such fun. The local Reps were excellent. Overall 10/10.  

Wonderful holiday in a magical place 01 March 2012 by Kathryn Bostock

A wonderful holiday in a magical place. I loved how it was unspoilt by tourism though it did cater for tourists.

Really enjoyed this holiday 01 March 2012 by Julia Head

We really enjoyed this holiday - the Northern Lights didn't appear but that made no difference to our enjoyment, it would just have been a bonus!

Overall, this was a great holiday which exceeded expectations 06 February 2012 by Marianne Hough

Overall, this was a great holiday which exceeded expectations. Was expecting a fairly basic hotel with basic food yet it was of a very good standard. The 10 Euro buffet lunch was excellent value and the breakfasts were superb with an enormous range including DIY waffles and porridge as well as the usual hot and cold choices. Dinner in the hotel's log restaurant which was about 300 metres away was…
Read more delightful and of an excellent standard.
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A truly exciting exciting experience all round 03 February 2012 by Paul Smith

My partner and I have just returned from a five day break in Luosto. The main purpose of the trip was to celebrate his 60th Birthday. We both knew of course, the Aurora are a natural phenomenon, so went out with my best policy "hope for the best, but expect the worst". On arrival at the hotel Tunturi, after a very smooth and efficient days travel from Manchester and transfer from the airport, we…
Read more were handed our "Aurora alert" by the receptionist. The hotel was very clean and quite modern, food on the first evening was taken in the log cabin up the road, on following evenings in the hotel restaurant. Tasty and plenty to choose from, always a meat dish and a fish dish for mains. Breakfast was excellent, buffet style with hot and cold, including porridge, pancakes and pastries. The "Aurora alert" worked! On day two, just as we were starting off on a snowshoe trek the alert went off, yet it was only 8pm, surely this was too early? No it wasn't, the lights appear when they want to, not when you want them to. And so we had an absolutely fantastic display of the lights at their best, for over an hour, while stood in a clearing high above Luosto. Words will never describe that experience. The alert went off again at 1:30am, but we chose to stay in the warm. and just take in what we had experienced just a few hours before. Everything about the break was great, from the use of the cold weather gear, to the excursions, of which there are plenty; snow mobiling, husky rides, reindeer rides snow shoes etc. The spa at the hotel was very good, pool jaccuzi and sauna. Hotel staff very friendly. Activities Abroad/Aurora Zone reps very friendly and good company. Overall, a truly exciting experience all round, and the lights being the icing on the cake for my partner's birthday!
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Everything about our short holiday was amazing 31 January 2012 by Jeffrey Ainsworth

Everything about our short holiday was amazing. My wife requested assistance from Finnair and they had everything timed to perfection with professional and friendly staff throughout. The hotel staff and facilities were excellent. The food was very good with a nice range of menus over the 4 days and they even arranged something for our breakfast when we had an early start (7am!) which was left in…
Read more our room. Your local reps Peter and Lorna were both charming and helpful. We saw the Aurora on 2 nights out of 4 - what a wonderful display. As far as organised activities were concerned I really enjoyed the snowmobile ride to the reindeer farm; very exhilarating!
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We could not have asked for a better service 20 December 2009 by Katie Curnin

Snowmobile ride to the mine was my favourite activity. The scenery was great and the ride back down was thrilling. Richard really enjoyed the Huskies and would have loved to spend more time with them. Hotel was great, very clean and warm despite lots of people tramping in and out all day covered in snow. All of the activity provider staff were wonderful. They were extremely friendly, well…
Read more organised and knowledgeable. We could not have asked for a better service.
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