Utsjoki – Northern Lights at the Top of Finland
- Details
Details
Utsjoki is the only Finnish municipality where the indigenous Sámi people still represent the majority of the human population yet even they are outnumbered by reindeer. That's the nature of this last stop before you reach Norway. It is dominated by nature not human activity and remains steeped in tradition and mysticism.
Utsjoki isn't your archetypal Lapland. This far north, you won't find snowy forests or gentle lakes. The terrain here is much harsher than it is further south but there is a wild beauty to the gently rolling fells which surround the town of Utsjoki. What's more, in Sámi culture, three of those fells still have "ailigas" or "sacred place" status.
Situated a couple of kilometres from Utsjoki and sheltered from the town's very little artificial light the Holiday Village Valle Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore and hunt for the Aurora. There's some thought gone into the positioning of the accommodation with all the hotel rooms and the cabins enjoying a northerly aspect. The views by day are of the Teno River and that's Norway on the opposite bank.
At night, the dark Arctic sky can offer up spectacular displays of the Northern Lights and it is entirely possible to enjoy them from the warmth of your room.
Your holiday in Utsjoki is not all about hunting for the Northern Lights and there will be plenty to occupy you during the daylight hours. Included in the itinerary is an introduction to some of Finland's most popular winter activities.
Snowshoeing, in particular, is a popular pastime for the locals and incredibly enjoyable once you get the hang of it and are enjoying the snowy trails.
Given the strong Sámi traditions in Utsjoki, spending time with the reindeer is an absolute must do during your time in this small community. You will visit a local farm, meet the reindeer gain an insight into the remarkable tradition of reindeer herding and how it has helped the Sámi to live in such harsh winter conditions. This will be followed by a short safari where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while the reindeer do the leg work.
The winter months bring long dark nights and the Aurora Borealis is a regular visitor in these parts. Utsjoki's location north of the Arctic Circle makes it a prime spot for Northern Lights hunting and we have included three Aurora hunts in the programme.
Experiencing this natural phenomenon as it dances above the winter fells is, without any doubt, one of life's greatest moments.
Itinerary
Following your flight into Ivalo, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Utsjoki, approximately a two-hour drive away. The northern skies are visible all the way to your destination and many a transfer has witnessed a display of the Aurora – what a way to be welcomed! Depending on when your flight lands, you will either have a packed dinner during the journey or dinner in the restaurant on arrival.
You can head to your cabin or hotel bedroom (Aurora permitting) to enjoy your first peaceful night in the very north of Finland.
*Arrivals which do not meet the group transfer times will be subject to a private transfer supplement.
Included Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, you will be issued with your cold weather clothing which will be yours for the duration of your stay. Once everyone is properly kitted out the introduction to the Arctic starts with lessons in snowshoeing.
Take a short trip with your guide and learn about the flora and fauna of the region and how to identify the variety of animal tracks dotted across the snow. You will also be shown how to light a fire – an essential skill in these parts. The activity will last approximately 2 hours.
Back in Utsjoki, you may wish to hone your new-found skills by making use of the free snowshoes or cross-country skiing equipment available to guests. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the afternoon enjoying the tranquillity and natural beauty of the area.
Dinner will be served in the on-site restaurant after which you will have the opportunity to seek out the Aurora during a Northern Lights hunt. The guides here are all local experts and know all the best spots from which to view the Aurora. The method of searching for the lights will be decided locally by our team. This may be a short snowshoe hike, hunt by minibus or snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride. They can also provide advice on how to photograph them too. With their expertise, this introductory search will hopefully be successful, affording you your first sighting of the Aurora Borealis. You will be out for approximately 2-3 hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Appropriately, your hosts in Utsjoki are Sámi reindeer herders and it is just a short walk to their reindeer corrals. Here you can help feed the animals before enjoying a short reindeer-pulled sleigh ride.
Pausing en-route for a warm drink, your guide will tell you about the lives of the herders and the way in which reindeer are pivotal to the culture, traditions and economy of this region. This activity will last for approximately 2 hours.
You’ll be back at your accommodation in time for lunch at the on-site restaurant and the afternoon is free to enjoy the surroundings. If you are eager to experience more of Utsjoki, why not try one of the additional activities available in the Extras section.
After dinner, you’ll meet with your guide who will discuss the current weather and solar conditions before heading out on a second Northern Lights hunt in the local area.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will have a free day to enjoy Utsjoki as you please. There are plenty of optional daytime and evening activities which you can see in our Extras section. The options include a tour by car to the shore of the Arctic Ocean or an excursion into the northern wilderness. You might also want to walk into town or visit the Giisá village hall and make the most of its handicraft store and café.
After dinner, the Aurora hunting continues apace by one of the methods already detailed. Fingers crossed they will come out and reward you with your efforts and bid farewell before you travel home in the morning.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you will be transferred back to Ivalo Airport for your journey home. If your flight is early in the morning, you will be given a packed breakfast rather than eating in the Holiday Village restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Return group airport transfers
- 4 nights in a standard double or twin hotel room
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Snowshoeing
- Three Northern Lights hunts
- Reindeer safari and local culture activity
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- 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
Accommodation
|
|||||||
Holiday Village Valle is a unique destination for those looking for magical wilderness surroundings and genuine cultural experiences. This Sami owned accommodation is surrounded by idyllic fells and the remote nature of the accommodation allows for truly dark skies when seeking out the Northern Lights. Holiday Valle offers a homely, peaceful atmosphere in this truly tranquil region. The cultural aspects of the Sami people are particularly evident in Utsjoki and this family owned accommodation allows an insight into this century-old way of life which has survived throughout the ages in this truly remote region. Holiday Village Valle itself offers an impressive range of accommodation options and a fantastic restaurant offering a wide range of local delicacies, specialising in traditional dishes enjoyed by the Sami people. The produce is hunted and gathered creating a fresh and enticing taste of Lappish cuisine. Facilities
|
Personalise This Tour
Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists