Metsähirvas – Santa Claus Village and Northern Lights
- Details
Details
Located twenty-five minutes from Rovaniemi Airport, Hotelli Metsähirvas offers travellers a perfect blend of history, charm, and modern comfort. Nestled in the serene Lapland wilderness on the banks of the Kemi River, this enchanting hotel will captivate you with its rich heritage and locally-inspired interiors. On this exclusive getaway, immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of Lapland, where breathtaking natural landscapes provide a stunning backdrop to your adventure. Whether you're exploring the snowy trails, witnessing the magical Northern Lights, or simply relaxing in the hotel's cosy ambiance, Hotelli Metsähirvas promises an unforgettable experience.
You'll have the chance to hunt the elusive Northern Lights on a dedicated chase by minibus. The excursion includes a stop around a roaring fire, refreshments and a wealth of picture-perfect moments. During your stay, you will also enjoy a visit to the infamous Santa Claus Village. Here, you can even cross the Arctic Circle line! From quaint souvenir shops to the renowned post office, and from elf academies to meeting Father Christmas himself, there's always an abundance of festive cheer at the Santa Claus Village.
This trip's itinerary has been carefully curated to offer guests a balanced agenda with plenty of freedom and opportunity to include activities that appeal to your personal interests. Whether you want to relax and take it easy, or whether you desire to fulfil your Arctic bucket list and experience everything there is to see and do, this tour can be tailored to you. We can design your itinerary to include an Icebreaker experience in Kemi, snowmobiling in the wintery fells, or a husky safari through the snow-covered forests. We can also connect you further north, travelling to Levi, Kilpisjärvi and also Tromso in Norway via the Arctic Bus Route for a truly unforgettable experience.
Important Information
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.
Accommodation
Upgrades to larger family suites and holiday homes are available subject to availability and supplements, see accommodation tab for details.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Rovaniemi Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Hotel Metsähirvas. You will have time to check in and get settled into your inviting room before a delicious dinner in Restaurant Saihu. This evening is yours to spend as you please. If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights, check out our Personalise Tour tab for a more information about an Aurora Snowmobiling adventure!
Included meals: Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on today’s adventures. The agenda is blank for you to cherry pick an activity or two from our Personalise Tour tab. Speak to our dedicated Travel Experts who will be happy to make suggestions based on your preferences. Options include a snowmobiling safari across frozen rivers and pristine forest, or a husky safari along snow-covered trails. A soup lunch will be served around your chosen activities.
This evening, you will hunt for the Northern Lights via car or minibus, driving to the best spots determined by the weather conditions for the night. Searching for the lights by road means you can cover greater distances and hopefully outrun any potential cloud cover. You will also stop at a scenic bridge stretching across a rushing river, which flows undeterred by the -30°C temperatures and surrounding snow. With a bit of luck, you might experience the mesmerising Northern Lights dancing above the ever-flowing river while savouring sausages and warm berry juice by a cosy fire.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the Santa Claus Village, approximately twenty-five minutes’ drive from your hotel. We provide the transfers and you can enjoy your time here as you wish, during this unaccompanied day.
Experience the magic of Christmas every day at the official hometown of Father Christmas where there’s something for everyone, regardless of age. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit by sending a postcard to your friends from the Arctic Post Office; every piece of mail is stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark. Step into Mrs. Claus’ warm and welcoming Christmas Cottage and let her regale you with captivating holiday tales.
No visit to Santa Claus Village would be complete without a personal encounter with Santa himself. Meet the jolly man in red in his charming office or inviting house; entrance is free of charge. For those with an appetite, the village boasts a delightful array of cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering a wide variety of cuisines and dining styles to suit every taste. There are also several shops with all sorts of Christmas-themed souvenirs and decorations for you to buy.
Furthermore, the Arctic Circle runs right through Santa Claus Village; in the heart of the village, the Arctic Circle line is prominently marked in the central square, offering a truly unique and exciting experience, perfect for photo opportunities…and there’s a live web camera too. Here, you can cross the magical Arctic Circle in a variety of fun ways – whether you choose to hop, step, jump, or even perform a cartwheel!
Depending on how long you spend at Santa Claus Village, you will either have your included soup lunch at the hotel, or you can dine at one of the restaurants in Santa Claus Village (payable locally).
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As your Finnish adventure draws to a close, we trust you’ve cherished every moment discovering the wonders of this captivating destination and immersing yourself in Arctic living. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, your transfer will take you to Rovaniemi Airport for your homeward-bound flight. Should you wish to extend your stay and travel further north, we can arrange accommodation at several locations along the Arctic Bus Route, from Levi Northern Lights Village to Kilpisjärvi and even further north into Norway, staying in the city of Tromso. Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Included meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Transfers: Return transfers to Rovaniemi Airport
- Accommodation: 3 nights’ accommodation in a standard en-suite double room within Hotel Metsähirvas
- Meals: Full Board
- Northern Lights Hunt by Car or Minibus
- A visit to Santa Claus Village
- Cold weather clothing is provided for the duration of your stay including down jackets, trousers, and winter boots
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Excluded
- Flights are not included – please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these
Accommodation
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- Restaurant Saihu and Lounge Bar: Enjoy a wide variety of local and international dishes including deer from the local hunting club, berries foraged by the staff and homemade spruce tree syrup
- Sauna and Spa: Experience the authentic Finnish sauna, a must-try during your stay. The spa area may also offer additional wellness treatments.
- Lounge and Common Areas: Relax in the cosy lounge areas, where you can socialise with other guests or simply enjoy some quiet time.
- Laundry Services: Laundry facilities or services are available to help you keep your clothing clean during your stay.
- 24-Hour Reception: A round-the-clock reception desk ensures you receive support and assistance at any time.
Standard Double Room
The en-suite standard rooms here all come with a queen size bed (two single duvets on top), kettle, fridge, flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. They are tastefully decorated in muted greens and browns, reflecting the wilderness outside.
The Standard+ rooms offer space for an extra bed so can accommodate 3 people.
Suites
The Suites are around 30 square metres in size and offer a king size bed and can accommodate an additional 2 people on extra beds (potentially 3 children if two are happy sharing a sofa bed). They have a kitchenette and dining area as well as a kettle, fridge, flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
Logger’s Holiday Home Apartments
These large apartments are around 80 metres walk from the main hotel facilities. They are 100 metres square in size and have three bedrooms (typically 2 doubles and 1 twin for up to 6 people). They can also sleep an extra two people on a sofa bed in the sitting room if needed.
They offer a kitchen, dining area, living area, private sauna and two bathrooms. The have their own terrace, flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Personalise This Tour
| Tour Loaction: | Rovaniemi,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Rovaniemi,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Rovaniemi,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Rovaniemi,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
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
