Kilpisjarvi under the Northern Lights
- Details
Details
A winter adventure in Kilpisjärvi awaits, taking you to the heart of Finnish Lapland. This enchanting village nestled in the northern corner of Finland offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling experiences. Your remote getaway provides the chance to take part in a range of Nordic bucket list activities. Enjoy a unique snowmobile tour through the snow-covered landscapes of Kilpisjärvi, stopping at the border cairn of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This is an experience you cannot do anywhere else in the world.
During your stay, you'll also have the opportunity to engage in the rich Sami culture and experience reindeer herding. Finally, we couldn't take you to the border of these three countries and without hunting the majestic Northern Lights. After a short snowmobile ride you can admire the night sky in complete silence. The minimal light pollution and remote location will maximise your chances.
Find comfort in the warmth of Santa's Hotel Rakka, offering a range of accommodation options to cater to different preferences. Superior rooms provide spacious and comfortable living, while Deluxe rooms add a touch of luxury with private saunas. Alternatively, the Junior Suites, with their high ceilings and private saunas, offer a retreat with an unobstructed view of the Saana landscapes. The height of luxury and indulgence is found in the Suites on the 2nd floor, featuring private saunas, a terrace, and an outdoor jacuzzi all to yourself with panoramic windows framing an amazing view of pristine, white surroundings. Kilpisjärvi truly is the ideal destination for a short, yet memorable winter getaway. Your extraordinary journey will conclude on Day 4, leaving you with cherished memories of a magical Lapland adventure.
Important Information
Presale Prices
Please note: Dates and prices are subject to availability at the respective hotels and may change. Reach out to our Travel Experts today for the full terms and a tailored quote – and start imagining your next adventure!
Itinerary
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 will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kittila airport, you will be transferred to the remote village of Kilpisjarvi, this transfer will take approximately 3 hours, but truly is worth it to experience Finland in its rawest, most remote form, an environment which warmly welcomes the Northern Lights. Enjoy dinner and rest up before your snowmobile adventures tomorrow!
Your first day of adventure is all about the snowmobile! With two thrilling activities including Finland’s ever popular mode of transport, the day begins at 11am you will embark on an exhilarating snowmobile adventure in Kilpisjärvi, experience an unforgettable adventure that should be on anyone’s bucket list! Visit Finland, Sweden, and Norway in less than one minute on one of Lapland’s most unique safaris, perfect for beginners and first-timers to try snowmobiling. The trail runs across the frozen Lake Kilpisjärvi and through a picturesque snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma, where the yellow border cairn of three Nordic countries stands—the most peaceful border in the world. The safari includes guiding, thermal outfits, photos by the guide, a hot drink, and pastry. The adventure covers 30 km and lasts approximately 3 hours.
After a relaxing afternoon and dinner, it’s time to attempt your first glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, Kilpisjärvi is a must-visit destination. Statistically, the Kilpisjärvi area boasts more clear night skies and sightings of the northern lights than any other place in Finland. After a short snowmobile ride, you can admire the night sky in complete silence with minimal light pollution on a tundra lake surrounded by snowy fells. The package includes guiding, thermal outfits, photos by the guide, a hot drink, and pastry, a blissful evening to say the least.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
On day 3 of your Kilpisjarvi trip, you will have a free itinerary up until your Sami experience at 4pm, giving you plenty of time to explore as you wish. Head to our personalise section to find out more, on what activity you could add to your agenda.
Please note we do not recommend choosing the snowshoeing activity as at this point in the itinerary you would not make it back to the resort in time for this afternoons Sami experience.
This afternoon Embark on an enriching visit to a local reindeer farm in the Kilpisjärvi region, where you will meet a Sámi herder whose family has been herding reindeer for centuries, you will celebrate the rich tapestry of Sami culture, beginning the adventure with feeding the reindeer outdoors, followed by a cosy gathering in the barn by the fireplace. Here, you will enjoy hot drinks while learning about ancient traditions, including the yearly cycle of reindeer herding, customs, and clothing. The experience includes guiding, transportation, an overcoat, hot drinks, pastries, and local delicacies.
After a morning at your own pace and an afternoon filled with culture and tradition, enjoy one last dinner before heading home tomorrow.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a short, yet memorable getaway, it’s time to depart. You will be transferred to the airport where we wish you a pleasant journey home.
Please note: you can extend your stay by one night and consider adding another aurora activity such as chasing the Northern Lights by minibus if you want one glimpse of the dancing sky! Please speak to one of our Travel experts for a detailed quote.
Meals included: Breakfast
What's included?
- Flights: Return Finnair flights from London to Kittila
- Transfers: Return private transfers from Kittila Airport to Hotel Rakka
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a superior double room at Hotel Rakka
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Snowmobile Tour of Kilpisjarvi
- Northern Lights Tour Under the Magical Night Sky
- Sami Culture and Reindeer Herding
- Cold weather clothing during activities
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
Hotel Rakka in Kilpisjärvi offers a unique escape to the pristine fells of Finnish Lapland. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, this wood-built design hotel and fully equipped apartments provide a cosy retreat in the wilderness. Enjoy a stay in chic accommodation fitted with modern amenities and jaw dropping views of snowcapped mountains. Rakka also offers cottage -style accommodation along with hotel services to avoid a laborious self-catering experience. The village of Kilpisjärvi, located at the intersection of three countries, boasts one of the most snow-guaranteed environments in Finland, with snow usually setting from November to May. Additionally, visitors experience the midnight sun from May to August and witness the brilliant autumn colours in September and October. Kilpisjärvi is renowned as one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern lights, thanks to its mountainous location providing plenty of clear nights for a magical display. Your location is also very convenient with the hotel being close to the airport with multiple transfer options.
Personalise This Tour
Tour Map
Additional Info
Presale Prices
Secure your dream holiday today with a deposit. By reserving your place now, you lock in access to exclusive pre-sale prices on our most in-demand trips, gaining peace of mind that your spot is secured. With provisional departure dates, prices, and itineraries to be finalised, you’ll have the flexibility to make a final decision once everything is confirmed—at no risk! When the itineraries are finalised, you’ll have first refusal to book onto the tour at pre-sale prices. You will have 14 days to make your decision. To complete your booking, simply pay the remaining deposit amount and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. If you choose not to proceed, we’ll return your deposit.
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions, click here
Snow coverage in early December
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