Rovaniemi – Autumn Auroras at Apukka
- Details
Details
It's not widely known that autumn is a brilliant time to go Aurora hunting but luckily for you, the Apukka resort is well clued-up. This autumn adventure has been specifically designed to show you the best of this season, from exploring its fascinating changing landscapes by daylight to searching for the Northern Lights as darkness falls.
Though Apukka sits just 15 minutes from the airport and close to the city of Rovaniemi, its wilderness surroundings make it an ideal Arctic escape.
This itinerary features many opportunities to get close to nature here. During guided walks into the forest, you can become immediately engulfed as you stroll among the tall trees. When you enter the forest in the daylight, you'll see how the season of change has started to touch the plant life here, preparing them for the freeze that's on its way. At night, the silence of the forest provides an almost ethereal experience as you search the skies for the Northern Lights and hear stories about ancient Finnish myths and legends.
You'll also gain an authentic insight into Lappish culture during visits to a husky yard, and a Finn horse carriage ride. The animals are some of the most-loved in the Arctic and you'll be able to learn all about the life of the dog sledding teams, as well as getting to meet the animals.
We've included an extra Northern Lights hunt by car to maximise your chances of witnessing a display and if you want to keep the search going long into the night, you could upgrade from your cosy apartment to one of the specialist Aurora accommodations on offer.
With exceptional Northern Lights opportunities, a landscape washed with colour and the chance to get ahead of the winter crowds, this autumn trip to Apukka provides everything you need to create lifelong memories.
Please note, most activities start just a short walk away from your accommodation. You will need to cross a road, but a guide will be with you at all times to help you cross. Vehicles do pass along this main road, however, it is not a busy route.
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 Rovaniemi Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Apukka Resort, just 15 minutes away.
Once you reach the hotel, you will have time to check in and get settled before your evening meal in the restaurant. Keep an eye on the weather and Aurora forecast for tonight, as Apukka’s brilliant location means you only have to walk to the lake to catch a display.
Included Meals: Dinner
This morning, following breakfast, it’s time to get acquainted with your surroundings during a peaceful walk through the forest. Autumn is a wonderful season of change which you can see as you stroll among the impressive trees. As you travel further into the forest, the silence will only be broken as your guide points out traditional ingredients found in nature’s kitchen.
As well as enjoying the peace of the forest, you will also spend some time learning essential wilderness skills before enjoying warm drinks and snacks around a campfire. Here, your guide will tell you stories about Finland and the ancient myths and fascinating history of the country. You can ask your guide any questions you may have about life in the North. The walk normally lasts around 1 hour in total (around 30 minutes each way) at a gentle, steady pace and the whole activity should last approximately 3 hours, depending on the interests and ability of the group.
After you have enjoyed dinner in the restaurant, it’s time to head out on your first Northern Lights hunt.
You will meet with your guide who will take you in a car to a prime lookout location, determining the best route by using their knowledge of the Auroras and the weather forecast. Along the way, your guide will explain some of the myths, legends and science behind the magic of the Northern Lights. The car’s mobility allows you to cover greater distances so even if there is localised cloud cover, you have more chance of being able to outrun it. You are normally out for around 3 hours during this activity, depending on local conditions.
Along the way, the guide will tell you more about Finland and the way of life here.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, after breakfast you will meet one of the Arctic’s most-loved animals, the dog sledding huskies.
The husky yard is just a short walk away and upon arrival, you’ll meet with the local musher who will introduce you to the pack. Though these working dogs love being on the trails, they’re also extremely affectionate with visitors which you’ll soon find out.
You can spend some time with the dogs, petting them and taking them for a walk as the musher tells you all about dog sledding. If you are lucky, you might even have the chance to see the dogs in action! Weather dependent, you will go on a short ride on a cart (approximately 2 km with up to 5 people per cart). You can expect to visit the dogs for around 2 hours in total.
After dinner, you will head out into the wilderness for another chance to see the Northern Lights.
This evening, you will discover how Finn horses have been vital to life in Lapland and you will get to travel just as the ancestors of the area used to – by horse carriage under the night sky (for approximately 45 minutes and up to 5 people per carriage). These beautiful animals will guide you through the wilderness before you stop for a bonfire and a hot drink and search the sky for the Aurora. Whilst around the campfire, the guide will tell you stories of the cultural and economic significance of Finn horses and you will have the opportunity to feed the animals. This two-hour activity will give you a brilliant insight into the importance of the wonderful Finn horses in Finnish culture and with a bit of luck and the right weather conditions, the Northern Lights will make an appearance for your final evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, it is sadly time for your autumnal adventure to come to an end. We will transfer you to the airport and if you have an early flight time, we’ll box up breakfast for you to take with you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return airport transfers
- 3 nights in an Apukka Aurora Cabin
- 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- A walk in the great woods
- Aurora hunt by car
- Husky experience
- Northern Lights Finn horse carriage ride
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay if required
Excluded
- Flights are not included
Accommodation
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Close to Lapland’s capital Rovaniemi but in its own wilderness setting, the Apukka Aurora Borealis Resort is your comfortable haven in the Arctic. With Scandi-style décor, the resort offers modern and stylish glass-roofed Aurora Cabins as well as the chance to have a special night in an Ice Cabin. Hotel facilities
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Payment and Cancellation Terms for Apukka Resort:
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in our general booking terms and conditions.
– More than 84 days prior to departure – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– 84 to 43 days prior to departure – 50%
– 42 to 37 days prior to departure – 75%
– 36 or less days – 100%
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
