Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – Autumn Lights Tailor Made
- Details
Details
Saariselkä, surrounded by stunning wilderness, has a fantastic Northern Lights record. At the Northern Lights Village, you’ll spend every night in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin where you can see nature’s greatest show from the comfort of your bed. Autumn in Finland also brings vibrant colours and a range of activities for you to choose from.
Important Information
Itinerary
What's included?
- Transfers: return group airport transfers
- Accommodation: a minimum of three nights in a glass-roofed Aurora cabin
- Meals: Full board
- Aurora alert service which you can set to alert you throughout the night or end at a specific time
- 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
Excluded
- Flights are not included – please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these
Accommodation
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Located in North East Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselka. Tucked away from the town and separated from it by dense forest, the location is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights but is still within walking distance (around 1000m) of the town’s amenities. The ski slopes can be accessed via a shuttle (small charge applies) or a pleasant walk of around 40-50 minutes.
The Northern Lights Village offers accommodation in Aurora Cabins which are half-roofed with glass. The twin or double beds are situated beneath the panoramic roof and provide the chance to view the Northern Lights from your bed! It’s not often that folk prefer a sleepless night but here it’s not considered to be a huge inconvenience as it provides the chance to potentially witness Mother Nature’s greatest light show!
There are 80 cabins in total, all of which are within a 5-10 minutes walk of the Village’s central facilities which include the restaurant where you’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner.
Facilities
- The Village restaurant is an atmospheric place, inspired by traditional wooden kotas (Finnish teepees). Breakfast is a buffet of continental options and some hot dishes. Evening meals are a buffet with starters of soups and salad, a choice of local meat or fish will follow (the reindeer and white fish in this region are delicious!). Typically a cake will be served for pudding, keeping you well-fuelled for your nocturnal Aurora hunting adventures. Dietary requirements are all well-catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking (you will also need to make staff aware of your requirements locally because of the buffet service. The local staff are very happy to assist with guiding you to the suitable meals on offer). There’s also a large bar and lounge area with additional comfy seating nearby in reception for you to relax in after your meal.
- The Northern Lights Village has an onsite reindeer paddock and all activities start in the village so there is no need for time-wasting transfers. Basically, because we want to make your holiday as uncomplicated as possible, life is made very easy here.
- Saariselka is around a 20-25 minute walk from the Northern Lights Village (40-50 minutes to the ski slopes) which means that all of the amenities, shops, cafes and local restaurants are within easy reach.
- During most activities, an expert guide will take pictures which can be purchased in the days following your activity (this is an additional charge payable locally) on your return to the village.
- For all of your provided winter clothing, simply go to the onsite Safari House where overalls, gloves, boots, skis and snowshoes are stored for easy access.
- Guests can pay extra to use the hot tub, sauna and ice pool.
Aurora Cabin
The Aurora Cabins have a half-glass roof which is laser heated to keep it clear of ice, and they all face the Northern sky.
Each cabin has a double (separate duvets) or twin beds and some have an additional sofa bed, suitable for an additional adult or two small children. There is a shower room (with underfloor heating) and a toilet, as well as a luggage storage area, Tea and coffee-making facilities, free WiFi, a hairdryer and a minibar (payable locally) are also included.
Importantly for duvet-based Aurora hunting, a timer switch can be used to heat the glass roof should your view be obscured by snowfall. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to heat and melt the snow so there’s no need to go and sweep the roof in your pyjamas!
A few housekeeping notes we always like guests to be aware of – cabins are not cleaned between arrival and departure unless requested from reception. Additionally, towels can be exchanged at reception if required. The hot water is plentiful, but not unlimited (10-15 minutes per half hour), so please bear this in mind.
Personalise This Tour
Find your fortune with a trip to Tankavaara, which is said to have the only international museum in the world displaying the past and present of gold panning and prospecting.
You will be provided with the relevant equipment and given an introduction to gold panning by an experienced guide. You will then be taken to a nearby site in order to try your hand at this unusual activity. If you are lucky enough to find any gold, you can keep it and take it home with you. Either way, you will return from this activity richer, in both knowledge and experience. Lunch is included.
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Minimum 2 people
Fat bikes offer a great way to explore the surrounding landscape, whilst still being able to appreciate the peace and quiet of the autumn season as you search for the Aurora. The fat bikes have extra-wide tyres, which provide greater grip and the electric battery will help to keep you going across the terrain.
Your expert guide will lead the hunt, and you will make a stop along the way for warm drinks and snacks, as you search the skies for the Northern Lights. Cold weather clothing is included.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hours
Minimum 2 people
Urho Kekkonen National Park showcases the autumn terrain in its entirety. There are open wilderness areas bathed in vibrant colours, crystal clear rivers, and forests littered with autumn shades. The trails are excellent for both experienced hikers and beginners and a hike is a fantastic way in which to explore and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
During the hike, you will stop for some snacks and drinks. Approximately 2 hours will be spent walking and the tracks are suitable for hikers of all levels.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Minimum 2 people
Huskies are synonymous with the Arctic and this activity is particularly popular here at the Aurora Zone. Very rarely will you witness such excitement amongst dogs as when you first enter the vicinity to prepare for a sleigh ride. Their eagerness is infectious and displayed with some pretty happy (and loud) howls and barks.
You will experience a taste of the mushers lifestyle with a 20 to 30-minute husky pulled sleigh ride on a wheeled sled (driven by your giude). A full safety briefing will be provided along with instructions before you set off with up to 4 people per sled on this thrilling trip.
Please note that the sled ride is dependent upon the weather. On warmer days (generally above 7C), the huskies are unable to run and a sleigh ride is not possible. Instead, you will visit the husky farm and learning about the life of a dog musher.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Minimum 2 people
Join an expert local guide on a hunt for the Aurora Borealis during the mild autumn months. If conditions are favourable then this trip offers a stunning opportunity to gaze as the Northern Lights dance overhead.
You will travel via minibus into the surrounding wilderness close to Lake Rahajärvi. Your local guide will build a fire, where you can enjoy some hot drinks and snacks. The sense of peace and tranquillity when sitting below the starry night sky is an experience in itself, but the feeling of anticipation that the Aurora may appear at any moment adds an extra element of excitement to the camp.
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Minimum 2 people
The Sámi Siida Museum comes highly recommended and offers an engaging insight into the Sámi culture, through impressive exhibitions and colourful displays. The Sámi people have adapted to, and thrived in the harsh Arctic landscapes and have an unrivalled understanding of the nature of Lapland. Perhaps this is why they have approximately 180 words for snow. A visit to the museum is a must for those wanting to delve deeper into this nomadic lifestyle. Lunch is included during this activity.
Please note that the museum is closed on Sundays.
Duration: approximately 6 hours
Minimum 2 people
The small village of Nellim, is at the heart of Sámi land and has three distinctive cultures, Inari Sámi, Skolt Sámi and Finn. This tour will give you an insight into these cultures, particularly that of the Skolt Sámi, which is showcased at the impressive log-built church of Nellim.
You will also explore the stunning Paatsjoki River. The river is flanked by pine trees which are dotted with shades of autumn making for an impressive and picturesque setting, particularly as they reflect off the waters edge.
Lunch at either the Nellim Wilderness Hotel or by an outdoor campfire is included.
Duration: approximately 6 hours
Minimum 2 people
Paatsjoki Bridge is a prime location for Aurora hunting. The surrounding wilderness ensures that there is minimal light pollution and the flowing waters of the river can create captivating reflections if the Aurora appears in the dark sky. It is a stunning scene, providing ample photo opportunities.
You will travel to Paatsjoki Bridge via bus with an experienced, local Aurora guide. The bridge is located approximately an hour from the village. After arriving you will sit around an open fire with your guide, waiting in anticipation for a potential sighting.
Hot drinks and snacks will be provided.
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Minimum 2 people
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
– Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 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 – 60%
– 42 to 16 days prior to departure – 85%
– 15 or less days – 100%
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 section 11 of our booking terms and conditions.
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
