Ranua – Northern Lights Short Break
- Details
Details
With its excellent Aurora potential, nearby Wildlife Park and wilderness surroundings, Ranua is an exceptional base for your Northern Lights holiday. During this three-night stay, your days are left free to fill with authentic winter activities and wildlife experiences while your nights are dedicated to the Aurora.
Nestled in Finnish Lapland, just below the Arctic Circle, sits the peaceful village of Ranua. Its excellent Northern Lights track record and surrounding wilderness make a winter adventure to remember.
From snowmobiling and dog sledding to reindeer experiences and cross-country skiing, your days have been left free for you to choose the snow-based activities to suit you. Ranua is also renowned for its Wildlife Park, home to over 50 different species including wolves, lynx and polar bear. Your stay includes unlimited access to the park for you to observe all the wildlife that call this piece of Lapland home.
Due to its brilliant Aurora potential, we have included two dedicated activities to increase your chances of ticking the spellbinding show off your bucket list. Each activity takes you further out into the wilderness and darker skies. One night will see you drive across the winter landscape on a snowmobiling adventure while the next will take place in a cosy horse-drawn sleigh, for a peaceful way to search the skies.
Your base in the apartments of Gulo Gulo Holiday Village puts you within easy access to all activities, the wildlife park and in stylish and modern accommodation. You will only be a short walk away from the restaurant where you can fill up on breakfast before a day exploring the winter wilderness and enjoy dinner ahead of your hunt for the Northern Lights. From December through to 10th January, we will not be offering a full board upgrade to include lunch, but guests can arrange and pay for this locally. In our experience, the restaurant can become busy during the festive lunchtimes, with outside visitors to the park, and we have found that most families prefer to make their own lunch arrangements in their wonderfully equipped apartment kitchens. One free taxi ride to the local supermarket is included in your stay, and reception can arrange this for you either at check-in or the following day, so you can easily stock up on supplies.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to Ranua where you will check into your apartment accommodation.
Once you have settled in, you can enjoy a welcome dinner in the restaurant. You will also receive your cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay.
If you are on a later flight, a cold platter of food will be waiting for you in your apartment.
Included Meals: Dinner
Following breakfast, the day has been left free for you to explore the winter surroundings however you like. See our Extras section.s for a range of activities.
After dinner and as darkness falls, it’s time to search the skies for the Northern Lights as you drive a snowmobile out into the wilderness. This effective and fun form of transport lets you cover a much greater distance to reach a prime Aurora location.
Before taking to the trails, you will receive a full safety briefing and lesson on how to drive the snowmobile. Then you will follow your guide along the dark forest trails and away from any artificial light where you will keep an eye on the sky for the Northern Lights. On the way, you’ll have breaks and enjoy a hot drink.
Please note: the driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. You will travel two people per snowmobile with the option to swap drivers. The tour lasts approximately three hours in total. Single driver supplement applies.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you have a free day to enjoy the pristine environment however you like. See our Extras section to choose an activity to fill your time.
Following tonight’s dinner, you will head out once again into the Arctic night but this time, on a peaceful horse-drawn sleigh ride (6-8 people per sleigh). You will travel through the tranquil snowy forest, all the while keeping an eye on the sky for a potential display. If conditions are favourable, you could see the colourful Auroras dance above. You will be out for around two hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast you will bid farewell to Ranua as you’re transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
If you are on a later flight, you can store your luggage and enjoy a few more hours in Lapland.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Direct return flights from London to Rovaniemi or indirect flights via Helsinki depending on departure date (flight supplements may apply). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further details. Flight routes are subject to change
- Return airport transfers
- Return airport transfers between Rovaniemi and Ranua
- Half board meals
- Searching for the Aurora Borealis by snowmobile
- Northern Lights search with Finnhorse
- Unlimited access to Ranua Wildlife Park
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors for any activities
Accommodation
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Located around 4km from the small town of Ranua, the Gulo Gulo Holiday Village takes its name from the Latin word for Wolverine, one of Finland’s rare native animals and is an ideal family base. The wildlife theme continues throughout due to the accommodation’s proximity to the Ranua Wildlife Park which guests have unlimited access to throughout their stay. The holiday village offers families modern comfortable apartments which are very well equipped. Hotel facilities
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Personalise This Tour
One of the most memorable and enchanting ways in which to explore the Arctic is on a husky safari, they provide an unforgettable experience.
The huskies epitomise enthusiasm when you meet them and are always eager for the trail. Full instruction and safety briefing is always provided prior to setting off on the snowy trails, travelling two people per sled. After the tour, you can meet the dogs and take pictures as well as ask any questions you may have.
Duration: 1 hours
Following driving instructions from your guide, you will set out to snowmobile towards Laivala, a small and traditional reindeer farm, which is approximately 15km away. Here you will be welcomed by the herder and taken to see their reindeer, before enjoying a short reindeer sled ride (15 minutes).
Back at the farm you will enjoy a hot snack and learn more about the life of the reindeer herders and their long history in this region. The activity will end with a snowmobile trip back to the hotel.
Please note: the driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.
You will travel two people per snowmobile. Single driver supplement applies.
Duration: approximately 3 Hours in total
Enjoy a short journey via reindeer-pulled sled, travelling the way people have done here for centuries! The ride will take you from the hotel out into the surrounding wilderness.
Duration: approximately 40 minutes
One of the best ways to enjoy the wonderful forest neighbouring the wildlife park is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and head into the deep snow to explore. Your guide will offer lots of interesting information on the way on the local flora and fauna.
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Following breakfast, your minibus will take you directly to Rovaniemi which is around an hour away. Your first stop will be the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle where you can immerse yourself in the festive cheer!
Duration: 7 hours
| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Ranua,Finland |
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Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
