Travel Website Development
Autumn Lights Over Lake Inari
Overview
As the dark nights return and before the deep snow rolls in, autumn at Lake Inari offers a breathtaking backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. During this 4-night break, you’ll take part in dedicated Aurora activities as well as daytime excursions to explore Lapland and learn more about the culture.
What's included?
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights’ accommodation in twin/double hotel rooms. Log cabin and Aurora cabin upgrades available (supplements apply)
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- The following activities and equipment are included: Northern Lights presentation, 2 visits to Aurora Camps, visit to Inari and Sámi Siida Museum, guided nature walk, Aurora hunt by minibus/car (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing is provided for the duration of your stay as required
- Aurora alert service until approximately 1 am
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Wilderness Hotel Inari in Northern Finland enjoys a stunning location on the shores of Lake Inari. It is high above the Arctic Circle and has an exceptional Northern Lights record. Autumn is a particularly special time to visit as the lake is as yet unfrozen and therefore offers the potential for you to witness the lights reflecting on the water, providing two displays in one. With scientific suggestions that there is increased solar activity around the autumnal equinox, the Northern Lights displays at this time can be equally as spectacular as those of winter.
During this 4-night autumn holiday, we include three dedicated Northern Lights activities with expert, local guides. Things kick off though with an introduction to the science of the Northern Lights and the local myths and legends associated with this natural phenomenon during an Aurora workshop. Following this, you will enjoy two visits to local Aurora camps which are in specially selected areas away from light pollution. Here you can enjoy the warmth of the fire whilst keeping an eye on the northern skies for any sign of Aurora activity. Your final hunt for the Northern Lights will be via car or minibus. This allows you to hopefully outrun any localised cloud cover using the knowledge of your local guide who will assess the weather conditions and the Aurora forecast.
Autumn in Finnish Lapland can be colourful and vibrant as the leaves turn to yellows and golds, and the locals call the peak of the autumn colours, ‘Ruska’. It is also a special time to visit as it is a time of constant change, and you may witness the first snowfalls of winter.
During the days, a guided nature hike will allow you to explore the landscapes surrounding Lake Inari. A local guide will give you an insight into the local flora and fauna, including any edible berries and if you are lucky you may spot some wildlife. If there is snow on the ground, you can swap your hiking boots for snowshoes.
The indigenous people of Lapland have adapted to the long winters north of the Arctic Circle and a visit to the Sami Siida Museum in nearby Inari village will give you an insight into their way of life.
In short, autumn is a colourful and peaceful time to travel to Lapland as you are travelling ahead of the winter crowds. The Northern Lights potential can be exceptional and there are few better locations for Aurora hunting than Wilderness Hotel Inari.
Photography by Markku Inkila and Reeta Hanninen
View Gallery
Download Holiday Overview
Download Trip Notes
/27.0303947,68.905027,4/380x315.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoibXJ6ZW4iLCJhIjoieEplY044byJ9.tLmUFQLGRW3IziiK7fl9hA)
Make An Enquiry
/27.0303947,68.905027,4/380x315.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoibXJ6ZW4iLCJhIjoieEplY044byJ9.tLmUFQLGRW3IziiK7fl9hA)
Key facts
| Duration: | 4 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
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.
Prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 26 Aug 2023
to Thu 16 Nov 2023 |
Adults £ 1,125 To £ 1,260 |
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)
Minimum 2 people and maximum 16 people (approximately).
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
Agenda
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Arrival and Welcome
Leaving everyday life behind, you will head to Finland's most northerly airport - Ivalo. On arrival, you will be transferred to Wilderness Hotel Inari where you will check in to your accommodation and shall be provided with your Aurora alert
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant this evening and you can enjoy your first evening in this prime Aurora territory. A short walk from the hotel restaurant will bring you to the water’s edge and a wonderful place from which to watch the skies.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Northern Lights Presentation and Aurora Camp
After breakfast, you will have the morning to settle into your new surroundings and enjoy some leisure time.
The hotel is set on the shores of Lake Inari and the views of the surrounding wilderness are breath-taking, particularly during the colourful autumn season. Inari village is the centre of Sami culture and it is a fascinating village with a range of small Sami handicraft shops. You can walk to the village in approximately 30-40 minutes and it is well worth a visit during your free time. Alternatively, settle in with a good book by the fire in the hotel lounge area, enjoy a stroll or visit the glass-roofed sauna. Lunch will be served in the hotel restaurant for you.
After dinner this evening, you will be introduced to the science behind the Northern Lights as well as some of the local legends associated with the Aurora Borealis. You will then head to one of the specially created Aurora Camps with your expert guide.
The camps’ locations have been carefully selected to provide unobstructed views of the night sky with very little light pollution. Here you can keep your eyes on the sky for any potential sightings and enjoy the warmth of the campfire. The lights in autumn are particularly captivating when reflected off the water of Lake Inari. So, if you are lucky, you might get two Aurora displays for the price of one. You will be out for around 2 hours and 30 minutes in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Sámi Siida Museum and Aurora Camp
Today you will be transferred into the village of Inari itself, around five minutes from the hotel. The village is the capital of Sámi culture in Finnish Lapland and so today you will gain a greater understanding of the local culture.
One of Inari’s most famous locations is the excellent Siida Museum which explores Sámi life through the ever-changing seasons here in the Arctic and looks at the history of this incredible culture. The museum shows a wonderful short film of some spectacular Northern Lights images. There is also a small gift shop which sells a range of traditional handicrafts made by local people. These make fantastic souvenirs of your time in Lapland. Lunch will be served at the hotel either before or after your visit to Inari.
On arrival back at the hotel, you will have dinner before heading out to another Aurora Camp in search of the Northern Lights. Again, your expert guide will accompany you and will select the most appropriate camp for the conditions.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Nature Walk and Aurora Hunt
Following breakfast, today you'll be exploring the vibrant, autumn wilderness during a guided nature hike. The colours are fabulous at this time of year and hopefully you will encounter some of the local wildlife which will be preparing for the onset of winter. Your guide will highlight any of the edible berries that are in season as they always make a nice accompaniment to your evening meal.
If you are traveling in October or November, you may arrive in time to witness the first snowfall of an Arctic winter. In this case you will swap your hiking boots for snowshoes and enjoy the fresh, pristine snow before the winter crowds descend. You will be out for around 3 hours in total.
After dinner at the hotel, you will again go out in search of the Northern Lights, this time travelling by car or minibus, using the vehicle’s mobility to hopefully outrun any localised cloud cover. Your guide will assess the weather forecasts and local Aurora activity to ensure that the best possible route is selected. You will be out hunting for around 3 hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Departure
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Wilderness Hotel Inari. You can choose to extend your stay however, and we can also arrange for you to enjoy the bright lights of Helsinki on the way home. See the 'Personalise' section for further details or contact one of our travel experts.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Wilderness Hotel Inari (Autumn)
Nights: 1-4
Situated on Lake Inari’s shores, Wilderness Hotel Inari is one of the most spectacular destinations we feature. Offering excellent levels of comfort and some serious ‘wow factor’, it is the latest addition to the Wilderness Hotels owned by our good friends Jouko and Mari Lappalianen.
Importantly it is also slap, bang in the middle of the world’s best Aurora hunting territory and the hotel has implemented some innovative Northern Lights features to help maximise your viewing potential.
Wilderness Hotel Inari is ideally located around 40 minutes’ drive from Ivalo Airport and just five minutes from Inari Village, which is the centre of Sámi culture in Finland.
There is a variety of accommodation on offer here, including cabins, Aurora cabins and hotel rooms, all of which are separate to (but within very easy reach of), the central restaurant building.
The hotel provides modern accommodation with décor which combines both comfort and charm. A huge amount of thought has gone into creating this very special place to stay.
Hotel Facilities
- The focal point of the hotel is the main reception, bar, lounge and restaurant building. There will be gasps of delight from the moment you walk in and are confronted with exceptional views out towards the lake.
- All meals are served in the restaurant and the quality of the food has been excellent in our experience.
- Breakfast offers a continental selection of meats, breads, cheese, fish and pastries as well as hot options including bacon and eggs. There are fresh fruit and yoghurts to compliment
- A.t lunch and evening meals, an array of fresh salads and a soup is followed by a choice of two main dishes prepared by the chefs. Options will typically include some local flavours as well as international dishes. In the evening these are accompanied by a pudding. Tea, coffee and water are included in your stay and any additional drinks can be added to your bill.
- The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with local art and woodwork creating a great atmosphere. The fantastic north facing panoramic windows running the length of the room offer views out onto Lake Inari. We certainly expect a few evening meals to be abandoned as the Aurora becomes visible during dinner (the chefs get used to it)!
- The bar area is fully stocked so you can enjoy a drink with your meal or relax in the lounge area by the roaring fire.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the main hotel building and rooms (it is less strong in the Aurora cabins and the log cabins but 3G reception should work on your phone).
- The crowning 'Northern Lights glory' here is the glass-roofed sauna which is housed by the lake in a modified Aurora Cabin. Guests can book the sauna at the reception in hour-long slots for private use (free of charge) and so if you strike lucky, you can witness the Northern Lights from inside, which is a very special experience.
Room Type
HOTEL BEDROOMS
The bedrooms are located in two separate buildings around 50 metres from the main building.
Each room has been decorated in a traditional Arctic style with inspiration taken from the local environment. They are around 30m² and have either a queen-sized bed or twin beds. Coffee and tea making facilities are provided in your room as well as either a comfortable sofa or two armchairs. If you can’t face being detached from the “real world”, the rooms also come with free Wi-Fi. Every bedroom is en-suite and comes complete with hairdryer and toiletries.
These rooms are designed for two people to share but a third person can be accommodated on a camp bed or pull-out sofa (supplements apply).
Image credits: Inari Wilderness Hotel, Matt Robinson
Other options
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Aurora Cabins
Supplements from: £88pp
With the potential of seeing the Northern Lights above, you won’t want to take your eyes off the Arctic sky. Luckily, with the Wilderness Hotel Inari’s Aurora Cabins, you won’t have to. These amazing structures are all equipped with an expansive heated glass roof to give you unobstructed views of the northern skies at all times. Whether you want to lie back in your bed or on the sofa, you can go on the hunt for the Aurora right from the comfort of your accommodation.
These cosy cabins come with twin beds (which can be pushed together), a sofa or armchairs in the small living area and an ensuite shower room (toiletries and hairdryer are provided). You will also have coffee and tea making facilities. Some of the cabins will also accommodate an extra person on a sofa bed. The cabins are 34m² in size. The Wi-Fi signal isn’t as strong in the cabins so you may need to use the main restaurant, or use the time to switch off!
The cabins are between 20 and 50 metres from the main building.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Credit: Wilderness Hotel Inari, Matt Robinson
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Aurora Cabins in Autumn
Supplements from: £95pp
With the potential of seeing the Northern Lights above, you won’t want to take your eyes off the Arctic sky. Luckily, with the Wilderness Hotel Inari’s Aurora Cabins, you won’t have to. These amazing structures are all equipped with an expansive heated glass roof to give you unobstructed views of the northern skies at all times. Whether you want to lie back in your bed or on the sofa, you can go on the hunt for the Aurora right from the comfort of your accommodation.
These cosy cabins come with twin beds (which can be pushed together), a sofa or armchairs in the small living area and an ensuite shower room (toiletries and hairdryer are provided). You will also have coffee and tea making facilities. Some of the cabins will also accommodate an extra person on a sofa bed. The cabins are 34m² in size. The Wi-Fi signal isn’t as strong in the cabins so you may need to use the main restaurant, or use the time to switch off!
The cabins are between 20 and 50 metres from the main building.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Credit: Wilderness Hotel Inari
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Log Cabins (Autumn)
Supplements from: £187pp
These cosy cabins are built in the traditional way, with walls constructed from huge logs and plenty of space inside. The ground floor covers 70m² and the loft area offers an additional 20m².
On the ground floor, you’ll find a spacious dining/living room, comfy seating, and a wood-burning stove which can be turned to face where you are sitting. There is also the main bedroom with a queen-sized bed. There is also a kitchenette and dining area, although all your meals are provided in the restaurant. The cabins also provide free Wi-Fi although the signal is not strong in all of them. It can, however, be used in the lounge area of the main building if needed.
The bathroom and toilet (hairdryer and toiletries are provided) are also on the ground floor and the cabin comes with the luxury of a private sauna.
The loft area upstairs can accommodate three more single beds and, thanks to the pull-out sofa in the living area, the capacity of these cabins ranges from two to six people (although we would recommend a maximum of 4 adults). They are ideal for couples looking for a very romantic hideaway or for small groups of friends or family.
The cabins are between 15m and 100m from the main building.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credits: Matt Robinson
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Arctic Chalets (Autumn)
Supplements from: £110pp
These semi-detached, designer chalets, are a new addition to Inari’s range of impressive accommodation options. They are designed to offer couples an air of Arctic luxury in their own holiday hideaway.
The modern interiors are sleek and beautifully designed. Each features a bedroom with an en-suite shower, private sauna room and king size bed. The separate living area is well equipped with a warming log fire, ideal following a day of adventures and the stunning landscape is framed by full-height windows, offering views towards the lake. Each also offers a sofa bed which can sleep an additional two people, but we recommend keeping these chalets for just the two of you.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
Image credits: Wilderness Hotel Inari
Wilderness Hotel Juutua
The newly refurbished Wilderness Hotel Juutua is situated right in the heart of Inari village.
This village has huge cultural significance to the Finnish Sámi population both historically and today, which is reflected in the ownership of this hotel. The hotel became part of the Wilderness Hotel family in October 2022 and whilst they have put their own signature Scandi-chic design style on the hotel they have designed the interior to be sympathetic to its Sámi heritage.
The main building houses the reception, lounge and bar area and the locally renowned Restaurant Aanaar on the ground floor with the standard double/twin wilderness rooms upstairs. A short walk from the hotel, you will find the Riverside Suites located on the shore of the frozen Juutua River.
Restaurant Aanaar is a highly regarded fine dining restaurant which is popular with visitors and locals alike in the Inari region. The menu here reflects local dishes unique to Lapland and uses as many fresh, local ingredients as possible which are all sourced through a network of small, independent local suppliers.
Room Types
Wilderness Room
These rooms are in the main building of the hotel. They were renovated during Autumn 2022 ready to welcome guests for the winter season. The rooms are tastefully decorated in a cosy, Scandinavian style which incorporates the surrounding arctic nature.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a wet-room shower, equipped with a hairdryer and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Please note: the images used are an artist's impression which have been developed with the hotel owners to reflect the intended room style once renovations are complete. Interiors may differ slightly and we will update the website once the renovations are complete.
Special Nights
A night in an Aurora Cabin
From: £88pp
Spend an unforgettable evening in a winter cabin with direct views of the northern skies. Each cabin is designed with a large glass roof above the sleeping area allowing visitors to potentially witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of their bed.
Your evening is made extra special with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine provided in each cabin and you also have an electric kettle with tea and coffee making facilities.
The cabins are ensuite with a shower and toiletries and there is space for an extra bed.
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 keep your accommodation in addition to the cabin, supplements will apply. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts.
Min: 1 person
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
A night in an Aurora Cabin
From £88pp
Spend an unforgettable evening in a winter cabin with direct views of the northern skies. Each cabin is designed with a large glass roof above the sleeping area allowing visitors to potentially witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of their bed.
Your evening is made extra special with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine provided in each cabin and you also have an electric kettle with tea and coffee making facilities.
The cabins are ensuite with a shower and toiletries and there is space for an extra bed.
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 keep your accommodation in addition to the cabin, supplements will apply. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts.
Min: 1 person
Other options
Trip Extensions
Helsinki city break
With our destinations being so remote, the majority of flights to Finnish Lapland are operated by Finnair and therefore involve connecting through Helsinki Airport. Many of our guests choose to extend this stop and spend some time in the Finnish capital, either at the start or end of their holiday.
We can arrange a wide variety of city centre hotel accommodation for guests to choose from and some options closer to the airport should you prefer. We know that everyone tends to be looking for something different so please contact our Travel Experts for their opinion on the hotels which may best suit you and your party.
Read more about this activityLocated on the peninsula of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki enjoys a charming coastal location and has much to offer its guests. This thriving city has a rich culture and arts scene with many museums and galleries to enjoy alongside the exciting gastronomy.
Despite its cool urbanism and reputation for cutting-edge design, Helsinki also retains its charm and visitors will enjoy this city's very friendly atmosphere.
In the city itself, Senate Square is the main feature, showcasing neoclassical architecture and offering easy access to the surrounding shops. Helsinki offers striking architecture, with wide streets and bold facades. For those looking for more of an insight into the city's past, we would suggest visiting the Ateneum Art Museum which houses over 20,000 pieces of art or the Helsinki Design Museum which showcases the history of design in the country from traditional folklore to postmodernism.
A 15-minute ferry ride from the main city is the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress which was constructed in 1748. As well as being a unique monument, it is also a lovely day trip, as the island has numerous shops and parks to explore.
Helsinki's food scene has seen a recent evolution, with a growth in street food which showcases the city's multicultural population. Helsinki is famed also for its specialist dishes of seafood so there is much to sample!
Finland is famed for its coffee consumption so you can be sure of a thriving café culture here. Be sure to include an obligatory stop for a coffee and a cinnamon roll during your explorations!
Whether you add your city break to the start or the end of your holiday, spending a night or two in Helsinki is not something that you will regret.
Please contact our Travel Experts for a full quotation. All city breaks are subject to flight availability.
Image credit: Visit Helsinki & Jussi Hellston
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
I will never forget seeing the Northern Lights
28 October 2022
by Julie Schiller
I will never forget seeing the Northern Lights 4/5 nights we were there! Dream come true ticked off the bucket list! The service, our room, and the food were all brilliant. Our favourite activity was Northern Light hunting. Anne, our guide, was totally awesome in every aspect. Nothing was too much trouble for the Northern Lights Travel Experts. We had a dream holiday and I wouldn't…
Read more
change a single part of it!
Read less
So Many Brilliant Aspects
28 October 2022
by Liz and Angus Mcphee
There are so many aspects of this holiday that were memorable including the northern lights, the visit to the museum, the walking, the food, the hotel staff, and the people we met. The food, our room, and the service were all brilliant. Seeing the Northern Lights, visiting the Sámi Siida Museum, and walking were our favourite activities. Anna (guide), Jerome, and Joyce (restaurant) went…
Read more
above and beyond to make this holiday so special. The Northern Lights Travel Experts were very helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive. All our pre-holiday documentation was supplied to us on time and the whole booking process was easy to navigate. I can't think of single way this holiday could be have been any better - it was fantastic!
Read less
Thank you for holding my hand through this process of getting there!
20 November 2019
by Chilla Bulbeck & Sandra Bowdler
Back in sunny Perth and reflecting that the Inari Wilderness Lodge experience was a really special time for us. The comfortable Lodge became our huge living and dining room with friendly staff. Our aurora cabin allowed us to see the Northern Lights the one night they were flashing, and the guides were really informative and supportive. Otter footprints beside the river running into Lake…
Read more
Inari; the delicate pearlescent lights and shades of the skies during the day; the wide white expanse of frozen Lake Inari framed by dark brooding pines; the aurora glimmering and shyly moving across the starry night. The trip wasn't perfect but then can a trip ever be? The guides were terrific. We saw a significant Aurora one night (only I was too groggy with sleep to really appreciate it). I fell in love with the wide white silence of the area, the amazing changes of light in the skies - not just at night during the aurora but also during the day. In conclusion a very memorable experience for both of us. Thank you for holding my hand through this process of getting there!
Read less
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Autumn Lights over Lake Inari
02 November 2019
by Graham & Joan Howard
Seeing the northern lights. We only saw them 1 night out of the 4 we were there, but that night was near nigh perfect, and pretty spectacular. Having said that, the forest walk on snowshoes was a great experience, and ran it fairly close.
The staff at the hotel were excellent and extremely cheery.
28 October 2019
by Anne Pinot de Moira & Family
Even though we loved the aurora safaris, the weather was so good that the snowshoeing was our favourte activity.
All excellent
28 October 2019
by Nicholas & Elizabeth Brown
An excellent holiday, well planned and booked. Staff extremely helpful and friendly. Guides excellent.
The pre-holiday and during-holiday preparation and performance was better than excellent
25 October 2019
by Ira Greenberg
Although the food choices were minimal, the taste and accompaniments were excellent. And the service was even better. If I had been feeling better, I would have involved myself in more activities. The rep and local guide was beyond excellent. The accommodation exceeded my expectations, as my purpose was to see the lights. And with the huge glass windows facing north, my purpose was fulfilled. I…
Read more
saw the lights 2 of my 4 nights from my room. And when my guide took us out on the one night that I was well enough to involve myself, the magic of the lights was amazing. Also, I must acknowledge the excellent work done by the pre-holiday staff. The were so accurate in the preparation of my trip that everything went according to their plan.
Read less
Superb Trip!
18 October 2019
by Martin & Judith Brailli
Had a superb trip, extremely lucky to havereally strong aurora activity every night.
The guides were excellent
18 October 2019
by Linda & Dermot Liggett
All the Finnish people were friendly and helpful. The guides were excellent - really knew their stuff. Wonderful relaxing break. But I should mention that we did have dry, mostly sunny weather which definitely helped us to see the aurora three nights in a row.
This was a wonderful holiday and amazing location.
14 October 2019
by Vickie & Donald Jensen
The lodge and cabin were both amazing and very comfortable, and the food provided was all of such a high quality that exceeded our expectations by far. We enjoyed everything about this holiday, and would definitely do it again. We liked the hike and the aurora camp, even though we never saw the lights. We enjoyed getting out to see the area and the nature surrounding the lodge.
Even without an aurora display it was a wonderful short holiday.
16 September 2019
by Antony Carr
It was a surprise to find that our 'small group' was just 3 people. Fortunately we got on well together. Hotel staff were very good, particularly in arranging lunches just for us. It was disappointing that we did not get a good Aurora display, but local activity guide, Joki (?), really tried hard to find some for us. He was an interesting character, with a wonderful knowledge of the area. I must…
Read more
mention the food: our lunches and evening meals were all beautifully presented, generous helpings and excellent quality. Even without an aurora display it was a wonderful short holiday. Thank you.
Read less
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Autumn Lights over Lake Inari
06 September 2019
by Chris & Melanie Kirkpatrick
Friendly, helpful reception staff; knowledgeable local guide who did his best to find the Aurora, but they just didn't happen!
Autumn Lights over Lake Inari - Excellent
11 November 2018
by Paul and Carolyn Brooks
From our initial enquiry to getting on our flight home the service we got could not have been better. Both the staff at Stannington and the staff at the hotel were friendly and accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble for the hotel staff and you were always greeted with a smile. The bonus was that on our last night the clouds disappeared, and we got to see “The Northern Lights”. We…
Read more
will be returning.
Read less
What a wonderful trip!
06 November 2018
by Kathryn and Nigel Potter
I had never thought of going to Finnish Lapland before and it wouldn’t have been on any bucket list so I feel incredibly lucky that I won the AuroraZone/Wanderlust competition. We went to Inari Wilderness Hotel for five wonderful days. What a fantastic place. The people, the hotel, the food and activities all surpassed our expectations. Unfortunately, the Aurora was a bit…
Read more
elusive as cloudy but we did have one good sighting. Still, that just means we have to go back! Lake Inari is stunning and with the late autumn light led to some beautiful pictures. We visited the husky farm and had a ride on a sled on wheels as not enough snow but this was great fun and very noisy! The dogs are all happy and keen and the puppies adorable. We have found a five-day sled adventure so will definitely be returning for that! It seems that whatever time of year you go there is something special about Inari. We shall be back!
Read less
Really exceptional hospitality
13 October 2018
by Joanna and David Dyson
The hotel staff were fantastic and we had to ask if they had confused us with being British royalty as we were treated to so well! It was a special occasion trip and they really made it with exceptional hospitality and special touches. Minka the Hotel Manager was absolutely incredible and went above and beyond to make our trip magical.
Everything was lovely
10 October 2018
by Martina Segnale and Riccardo Frosini
The accommodation was perfect! So cosy and spacious. Would have stayed forever both in the Aurora cabin and the standard room. Really amazing location. Everything was lovely, the staff of the hotel has been super sweet! The manager also got me a birthday present!
Everything was amazing.
03 October 2018
by Emma McIntosh
I enjoyed the nature hike - It was great being outside and eating lunch off the fire. The Aurora camps were great as well! I loved being outdoors. A great warm and welcoming team at the hotel. All staff went out of their way to make you feel at home. On the last day, I was leaving super early so no Breakfast, but Nora made me a packed lunch to take with me which was excellent. The sauna was…
Read more
lovely. Eetu was my main guide for the trip and was excellent.
Read less
Gallery
Photos (12)
