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Inari and Saariselkä – An Exclusive Bucket List Northern Lights Holiday

  • Details

Details

Marvel at the magic of the Northern Lights on this seven-night spectacular winter holiday in Finnish Lapland. You'll have plenty of opportunities to see this incredible natural phenomenon, with dedicated Aurora hunts and the chance to sleep in your very own glass-roofed Aurora Cabin.

Combine two of the most desirable destinations in Finnish Lapland on this incredible seven-night tour. You'll visit the stylish Wilderness Hotel Inari set on the vast Frozen Lake Inari and also the popular resort village of Saariselka, gateway to the Urho Kekkonen National Park.

Experience the best of Finnish Lapland with activities such as dog sledding over unspoiled frozen landscapes, visiting a reindeer farm, and snowmobiling through the Arctic wilderness.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Arctic wonderland with a blanket of crisp, white snow stretching far beyond the horizon and the mystical Northern Lights dancing above.

Aurora Zone are THE Northern Lights holiday experts, so you can be sure that you're in good hands. We have designed this tour specifically to maximise your Aurora viewing opportunities, so you can make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

Your transfers will be ready and waiting to take you to the Wilderness Hotel Inari, just 40 minutes away from the airport.

True to its name, this hotel is the epitome of a winter wilderness escape. You’ll be high above the Arctic Circle, in prime Northern Lights viewing territory and overlooking the impressive frozen Lake Inari – your playground for the first four nights.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive cold weather clothing to use for the duration of your stay at the hotel.

You’ll spend your first evening having dinner in the restaurant which features glorious views, roaring log fires and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake giving you a clear view of the pitch-black night sky, so you’ll never miss an Aurora display.

[IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland To Wilderness Hotel Inari
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Check In
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland

Following breakfast, it’s time to head out into the winter wilderness and explore your surroundings.

Snowmobiling is a thrilling and common form of transport here and allows you to glide over the glistening snow to reach some incredible vantage points. During this two-hour activity, you’ll receive a full safety briefing and lesson before heading out over the frozen lake. You must be over 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.

This afternoon will be left free to relax or book additional activities (or pop into the glass roofed hotel sauna overlooking the lake!) at reception. Late afternoon you will meet your guide for an introduction to the Northern Lights workshop to find out more about some of the fascinating science behind an Auroral display. Following dinner, you can practise what you’ve learned. A guide will lead you to one of the dedicated Aurora camps set up here to get you to the best local lookout points. They’ll provide you with warm drinks and expert knowledge to allow you to learn more about the science behind Mother Nature’s light show as well as gathering tips on the best ways to capture the Northern Lights on camera. All you need to do is keep your eye on that dark night sky.

Wilderness Hotel Inari - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland

The village of Inari is the capital of the Sámi culture in Finnish Lapland, so this morning, you will visit the Sámi Siida Museum and learn more about the indigenous culture of the region. The museum was completely renovated in 2020-21 and is now home to several permanent exhibits about the Aurora Borealis and historic life in this region of Finland for the Sámi people. Along with some other temporary exhibits which we have always found to be extremely interesting.

Tonight, your guide will lead you on a snowshoe hike that will take you through the untouched landscape to campfire site while you scan the dark skies above. Your new footwear will help you walk on top of thick coverings of snow with ease, so you can take in the wintery scenes around you and if conditions are favourable, the Northern Lights above you

Wilderness Hotel Inari - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland

We have left today free after an action packed first few days. Additional activities can either be booked in advance with our travel experts or locally at reception (subject to availability). Equipment hire, including snowshoes and cross country skis are also possible to arrange if you would like to explore the vast frozen Lake Inari at your own pace.  The guided activities are always great fun but there is a lot to be said in experiencing the total peace and tranquillity just a few moments’ walk from the hotel. All your meals are included today in the hotel restaurant.

Wilderness Hotel Inari - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland

After breakfast, the second part of your holiday begins. Following a very scenic one-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the famous Northern Lights Village for a truly stylish way to end your time in the Arctic.

You’ll spend your remaining three nights in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin so that every night, you’ll have unobstructed views of the sky from the comfort of your bed. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your cold weather clothing. 

This afternoon, you will take part in a one hour Aurora Photography Workshop with an expert instructor who is extremely experienced in capturing the ultimate souvenir from your Northern Lights Holiday – a picture of the Aurora dancing overhead. The guide will assist you in utilising all the little-understood settings and features of your camera which are necessary in getting a great Northern Lights Photo. Please note that you will need to bring your own equipment (camera, ideally SLR, and a tripod).
You’ll then return to your cabin for the night and with any luck, you’ll see the Northern Lights whilst tucked up in your duvet.

Wilderness Hotel Inari To Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Inari - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

Though the Auroras won’t shine during the daytime, the wonders of the Arctic most certainly will.

After breakfast, you’ll tick off another must-do winter activity and see even more of your wilderness surroundings during a 10 kilometre husky safari (approximately one hour). Working with your team of dogs, you’ll get an insight into life as a musher during this much-loved Arctic activity. You will travel two people per sled and the activity lasts for approximately two and a half hours in total including briefing.

Following dinner, you’ll settle into a heated sleigh pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile through the snowy landscape to the top of a nearby fell. Far away from residential areas and artificial light pollution to give yourself peak Aurora viewing opportunity. Your guide will light a fire and serve hot juice and the group will relax around the fire whilst keeping an eye skywards to hopefully enjoy a majestic display of the Northern Lights. You will be out for around three hours in total this evening.

Northern Lights Village Saariselkä - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

There are few experiences as intrinsically linked as reindeer and Lapland. This morning you will go to the reindeer paddock in Northern Lights village for a short sleigh ride. You will get the chance to experience how Laplanders used to get around before snowmobiles came along. An invigorating ride through the snowy forest which normally takes around 25 minutes before you get the chance to ask the herders any questions you may have about these iconic animals and the vital role they played to the previous generations who settled in Northern Lapland.

After you have met the reindeer, the day is yours to spend how you please. You can relax in the village, or we have a range of optional activities you can book to include even more in your adventure.

Northern Lights Village Saariselkä - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

After breakfast, it is, unfortunately, time for your Arctic Aurora adventure to come to an end.

If your flight time is early, we’ll box up breakfast for you before heading out on the 30-minute group transfer back to Ivalo Airport.

Northern Lights Village Saariselkä To [IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä - Check Out
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

What's included?

  • Return flights from London to Ivalo
  • Return group shuttle airport transfers and transfer from Inari to Saariselkä
  • Accommodation as listed (with 4 nights at the Wilderness Hotel Inari and 3 nights at the Northern Lights Village Saariselkä)
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners including 2 x 5 course dinners
  • Snowmobile safari
  • Aurora camp
  • Visit to Sámi Siida Museum
  • Aurora snowshoeing
  • Aurora photography workshop
  • Husky sledding
  • Aurora Hunt by heated sleigh
  • Short reindeer sleigh ride
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • 24/7 assistance from the UK based operations team and in destination support from local partners

Accommodation

Wilderness Hotel Inari
     
 

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.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
     
 

Located in North East Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselkä. 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. There’s also a large lobby near 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.
  • Saariselkä 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, cafés and local restaurants are within easy reach.
  • For all Northern Lights activities, an expert guide will provide you with photographic tuition. The guides sometimes take pictures throughout the activities which can be purchased on your return to the village, if they take any. 
  • 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. This can be used during public time or booked for private use.

Tour Map

Additional Info

Price is based on 2 persons travelling

Tour terms, click here  

Booking conditions click here

Payment and Cancellation Terms:

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 15.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:

– Prior to 25.09 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

– 26.09 up until departure date – 100%

For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply: 

– 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% 

Key Facts

Duration 7 or more nights
Pace Balanced
Holiday Type Package Holiday
Max Group Size NA
Cities / Destinations Finland, Inari, Saariselka
Brochure Code 20220
Price from
£3,635 pp
8 days

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Inari and Saariselkä – An Exclusive Bucket List Northern Lights Holiday

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