Jeris – Taste of Lapland
- Details
Details
December in Finnish Lapland showcases a mix of vast white tundra, frozen lakes and snowcapped forest, illuminated by the blue hue of the Polar Night, the perfect backdrop for a festive getaway ahead of Christmas.
This short break is designed to maximise the number of amazing experiences you can have in just four nights.
Based in a winter cottage at Jeris on the shores of a frozen lake, each cottage is equipped with a log fire and private sauna for a cosy retreat following a day of activities. You will have the opportunity to experience the renowned Arctic Sauna World, where you can enjoy five different types of saunas, wellness showers and relaxation areas overlooking Lake Jerisjärvi.
Meet the animals of the Arctic during a visit to a traditional reindeer farm, including a peaceful reindeer pulled sledge ride, and a thrilling husky safari, where you will get to know your eager team of dogs.
Try an exhilarating snowmobiling safari, traveling two per vehicle through the vast wilderness at speed, and an evening snowshoe walk through the serene forest, stopping to enjoy hot drinks around the campfire.
Keep your eyes peeled for an Aurora display during your stay. As Jeris sits in prime Northern Lights viewing territory, you can simply step outside each night and be on the search for the dancing lights.
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Image Credits: Antti Pietikainen.
Itinerary
When you touch down at Kittilä Airport, high up above the Arctic, you will be transferred to your cosy accommodation at Hotel Jeris. Here you will enjoy an evening meal before getting to bed for some rest ahead of the start of your adventures tomorrow morning.
Included Meals: Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, it’s time to meet the huskies for a thrilling dog-sledding experience. You’ll hear the dogs barking with enthusiasm, itching to get onto the trail. Your expert guide will take you to meet the dogs and your respective team and will give you a full safety briefing.
Although the dogs will be barking as loud as they can, once you’re on the trail, they’ll fall into a silent state of pure focus (and intense happiness!), effortlessly pulling you along as they follow the snow-covered tracks through the frozen landscape. You’ll travel two per sled and will cover around 6km in total.
Following lunch, which will be served back at the hotel, you will have the chance to enjoy a traditional Finnish pastime in the Arctic Elements Sauna World. The spa offers saunas based on each of the elements as well as wellness showers, relaxation areas and even an ice hole swimming area, for those feeling brave!
Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today includes a visit to a traditional reindeer farm after breakfast, where you’ll be shown some essential reindeer herding skills. You will also enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride, gently ambling through the pristine winter landscape.
Following your reindeer visit, lunch will be served in an ice restaurant (weather permitting). If this is not a possibility then you will eat around a campfire in a traditional wooden kota (tipi), or at the hotel’s restaurant.
Back at Jeris, there will be some free time for you to enjoy your surroundings. Any additional activities can be arranged locally.
This evening a special dinner will be served in the hotel’s restaurant so you can get a taste of the Finnish festive season.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will head out into the wilderness on snowmobiles, travelling two per vehicle. Please note you must be over 18 and hold a full driving licence in order to drive a snowmobile. These machines allow you to cover much more ground so you can get out and about and see the size of this vast landscape. In total, you will cover around 20km before returning to Jeris for a warming lunch.
Returning to your cottage, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to spend as you wish.
After dinner in the restaurant, it’s time to strap on your snowshoes and head out in search of the Northern Lights. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the way through the wilderness as you look to the heavens in search of a display. The dark skies and minimal light pollution create the perfect setting for starry skies and potential Aurora displays. Midway, you’ll stop for hot drinks around a campfire, before heading back through the forest back to your cottage.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It is time for your festive break to come to an end. Today you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- return flights from London Heathrow to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
- Return airport transfers
- 4 nights in a Winter Cottage Type A at Hotel Jeris
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Husky safari
- Arctic Sauna World
- Reindeer visit and reindeer sleigh ride
- Snowmobile safari (Please note that you must hold a valid UK driving licence in order to drive a snowmobile)
- Aurora snowshoeing
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Accommodation
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Hotel Jeris occupies an enviable location which is 20 kilometres from the nearest village and is located directly on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi. It is this remote position that makes the hotel an enchanting forest retreat. The hotel is owned and run by the Pietikäinen family, who also manage the neighbouring sister hotels of Harriniva, Kittila and Torassieppi. Their hotels are some of our most popular accommodation options in Finland, having received high praise for their knowledgeable guides and exciting activity options. The hotel consists of a central building and 32 winter cottages in the adjacent forest. Hotel facilities
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Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
