Times Travel – Northern Lights Short Break in Finland
- Details
Details
Spend a short break in Finland searching for the Northern Lights at leisure. In the heart of the small village of Inari, you will find Wilderness Hotel Juutua; a stunning hotel that combines the authentic charm of Lapland with modern comfort and innovation. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind, while enjoying authentic Finnish experiences.
Situated on the banks of the Juutua River, it's restaurant has fantastic views of the frozen river and snow-covered boulders beyond. The kitchen creates gorgeous dishes unique to Lapland produced with local, organic, seasonal ingredients. In addition, you'll get to enjoy their renowned tasting menu during one of your evenings here.
This trip includes a selection of activities that allow you to experience Finnish Lapland at a leisurely pace. You will take part in an Aurora Workshop designed to give you an insight into the science behind the Lights. Furthermore, your guide will advise how to capture the best photos, should you be lucky enough to witness a display. You'll visit a nearby Aurora Camp on Lake Inari, searching the skies while relaxing by a crackling campfire. We've also included a walk along the beautiful riverbank. Your local guide will lead you through the snow-covered forests, and offer a chance to meet a traditional herder and their reindeer.
The hotels riverside sauna offers a quintessential Finnish experience, making it a must during your stay at Juutua. Therefore, we've included a private session for you to sit back and unwind after a day in the snow. Immerse yourself in the serenity of a Finnish sauna, and stroll outside onto the terrace, where you'll discover a private hot tub overlooking the captivating Juutua river.
You'll also have some free time to add extra activities, such as ice fishing and snowmobiling, should you wish. Alternatively, you can simply savour your surroundings, enjoying the tranquillity of the hotel's setting on this short break in Finland.
Important Information
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 Ivalo airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Wilderness Hotel Juutua, which is approximately 45 minutes’ drive away. After checking in, you’ll have time to settle into your room before enjoying a delicious meal in the hotel’s restaurant. Remember to keep a lookout tonight, who knows when the enchanting Aurora might make an appearance.
Included meals: Dinner
[IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland To Wilderness Hotel Juutua
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Check In
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland
After a hearty breakfast, wrap up in your cold weather clothing before heading out into the stunning wintry wilderness.
Your guide will lead you on a fascinating trail to the striking Jäniskoski rapids; the largest of ten rapids along the Juutua river. You will learn about the river and how it is an integral part of Inari Sámi Culture. Your guide will reveal interesting facts about the local people and their way of life and you will enjoy grilled sausages and warm drinks by the campfire while listening to the gentle sounds of the running water. The walk is approximately one kilometre each-way and is suitable for all abilities.
Later this afternoon, you’ll take part in an Aurora Workshop. During this one-hour talk, your expert guide will tell you the science and myths behind the Northern Lights, as well as offering advice and guidance on the best camera settings for photographing the Aurora. Hopefully the lights will make an appearance for you tonight!
This evening’s dinner will be a special five-course affair. Taking inspiration from the surrounding fauna and flora, restaurant Aanar welcomes you to sample their locally sourced seasonal menu. Expect dishes such as reindeer smoked with pine and lingonberry meringues; each dish is artistically plated and expertly paired with elegant wines (drinks package is optional and incurs an additional cost.) Your stay includes one five-course dinner and your other evenings will be based on their standard menu.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland
Today’s activity will give you an insight into the daily lives of Lapland’s traditional reindeer herders and their animals. You will travel by car to a nearby reindeer farm, where you will get to meet the reindeer and learn about these peaceful animals and their connection to the local community. The activity will last for approximately two hours, including transfers.
This evening, you will head out in search of the Northern Lights, travelling by snowmobile-pulled sleigh to a nearby Aurora Camp on the frozen Lake Inari. Your expert guide will set up a campfire for you to enjoy warm drinks around while you search the skies above for the lights. With any luck, the stars will be shining brightly tonight, and you’ll witness a beautiful Auroral display. You will be out for approximately three hours tonight.
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland
Today, you will have plenty of free time to add on extra activities or relax in the hotel’s surroundings.
If adventure is on your wish-list, we recommend booking a thrilling husky safari or snowmobile excursion; there’s no better way to take in the incredible Lappish scenery! A Northern Lights display is not guaranteed but there are ways to increase your chances … we have Aurora snowshoeing, Aurora snowmobiling and an Aurora hunt by car to choose from. Each activity is led by an informed guide, keen to provide you with an insight into this natural phenomenon and escort you to the best viewpoints according to their personal knowledge and the live Aurora forecast.
Today we have included a private session for you in the hotel’s sauna and hot tub, lasting one and a half hours. The small building is located right on the riverbank, with views out to the forest and snow-covered wilderness beyond. The sauna comes with a dressing room, bathroom and showers and it also has a terrace with outdoor hot tub for you to enjoy. This is the perfect Finnish pastime to completely unwind and savour your surroundings.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Stay
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Ivalo Airport for your return flight. We hope you have enjoyed your time at Juutua and wish you a very pleasant journey home.
Included meals: Breakfast
Wilderness Hotel Juutua To [IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Check Out
Address : Inari, Lapland Regional State, Finland
What's included?
- Flights: Direct Return flights from London Gatwick to Ivalo with British Airways
- Transfers: Return group airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights’ accommodation in an Arctic Room at Wilderness Hotel Juutua. Upgrade options available, subject to availability and supplement.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners (1 Dinner will be a 5-course meal)
- Winter walk to Jäniskoski Rapids
- Aurora Workshop
- Reindeer Farm Visit
- Aurora Camp
- Private Sauna and Hot Tub Session
- Cold weather clothing is provided for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from the UK based operations team and in destination support from local partners
Accommodation
Wilderness Hotel Juutua
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The 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 wilderness rooms upstairs (all of the wilderness rooms are doubles and cannot be made into twin rooms). A short walk from the hotel, you will find the Arctic Rooms and Juutua Suites located on the shore of the frozen Juutua River – you can upgrade to these double and twin rooms, subject to availability and a supplement.
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.
Double Wilderness Room
These rooms are in the main building of the hotel and as this is the original hotel building, they are slightly smaller than some of the other rooms. Recently renovated though, they are very tastefully decorated and offer a cosy base with very easy access to the restaurant of course (no need for winter clothing as you simply walk downstairs).
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a wet-room shower (includes toiletries), they offer a flat screen TV, hairdryer and a kettle. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. All of the Wilderness Rooms in the main building are double rooms and cannot be turned into twins.
Juutua Suite
These upgraded rooms are a very short walk from the main hotel building. Every suite has either a terrace or balcony (depending on which floor they are on) ideal for Northern Lights viewing in the middle of the night! They each have their own private sauna too which is perfect for relaxing after a day of winter adventures. The rooms also have their own tea and coffee-making facilities fridge and hairdryers.
Arctic Premium Room
These rooms are situated just a short walk from the main hotel and restaurant. They can be either double or twin and provide a relaxing and cosy retreat. Each room has its own external entrance and some of them offer the space for an extra bed (on request).
They each have an en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi.
There is also an Arctic Family Room available which offers a double bed and a separate bedroom with twin beds, as well as a sofa bed, meaning that there is space for up to 5 people.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions, click here
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 13.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
– Prior to 10.09 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– 11.09 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 33 days prior to departure – 60%
– 31 or less days – 100%?
Key Facts
Holiday Type
Package Holiday
Max Group Size
NA
Brochure Code
1309
Price from
5 days
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