Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – Glass Igloo Escape in Autumn
- Details
Details
Situated high above the Arctic Circle, amongst the forest and fells of Finnish Lapland sits Saariselkä, a location renowned for its Aurora activity. It's no surprise then, that the masterminds behind the Northern Lights Village decided to make the most of this wonderful gift from nature. This special village provides you with the brilliant opportunity to search the skies from the comfort of your bed in your Aurora Cabin.
Here at The Aurora Zone, we want to give you the best possible chance of seeing a display. So though your Northern Lights hunt can continue long into the night from your cabin, we have also included two dedicated Aurora activities to increase your chances. During both of these guided excursions, you will travel further into the wilderness and to darker skies, to search for the green ribbons of light dancing above. We have also included an Aurora photography workshop so that you can have your camera at the ready for that perfect photo, should they appear. What's more, autumn has been scientifically proven to offer dazzling displays and allows you to tick this off your bucket list and experience the Arctic in much milder temperatures!
This time of year also opens up a breathtaking landscape during the daylight hours. Autumn baths the surrounding wilderness in colourful shades of orange, red and brown and for those travelling nearer November, you may experience the first snow of the season.
Your itinerary includes a range of activities to make the most of the beautiful landscape. There is a guided hike into the Urho Kekkonen National Park with pine forests and flowing rivers where you will look for any wildlife in the area. You'll also journey through the stunning wilderness as you try dog sledding with an autumnal difference. As the deep snow is yet to arrive, you will travel on a wheeled sled with your loyal pack of dogs out in front guiding the way.
To experience the fascinating culture, we have included a day trip to Inari, the heart of the Sámi people. Here you will visit the Sámi Siida Museum which provides a brilliant insight into the indigenous Sámi people and is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs.
This holiday gives you the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Arctic during its fabulous autumnal season. With a brilliant Northern Lights track record and plenty of opportunities to explore the wilderness all before retiring to your Aurora Cabin, this trip gives you a fantastic insight into life in Lapland.
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.
Itinerary
On arrival at Ivalo Airport, you will be transferred to the Northern Lights Village where you will check into your Aurora Cabin. Get settled into your new surroundings in Finnish Lapland ahead of dinner in the restaurant tonight.
Included Meals: Dinner
Today, following breakfast, you will see the wonderful natural surroundings in all their autumnal glory during a guided hike into the Urho Kekkonen National Park.
The landscape at this time of year is simply stunning and hiking through the park is one of the best ways to see the vibrant colours. The trails will take you through the wilderness, passing by crystal-clear rivers and through forests bathed in the shades of the season.
You will spend approximately two hours hiking and the tracks are suitable for all levels.
Back at the village, it’s time to learn everything you need to know about the Northern Lights and how you can capture the elusive display on camera. During this one hour photography workshop with a local Aurora expert, you will learn all the tips and tricks of searching for the Northern Lights as well as the optimal camera settings so that you’re ready to take that perfect picture, should the lights appear.
Tonight, enjoy dinner in the restaurant and keep your Aurora alert close. Hopefully, you will get to put your new camera skills to good use.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you will get to meet some much-loved animals of Lapland – the huskies.
Then it’s time to gain a real insight into mushing during a 20-30-minute husky-pulled sleigh ride on a wheeled sled, which will be driven by your guide. A full safety briefing will be provided along with instructions before you set off, with up to 4 people in a sled, on this wonderful adventure. *
Back at the Northern Lights Village, you will have some time to relax ahead of dinner this evening. Then, as the dark skies set in, it’s time to hunt for the Aurora Borealis.
You will join a local expert guide who will transfer you via minibus to the stunning wilderness region of Lake Rahajärvi. Here, your guide will build a fire – keep warm while you enjoy hot drinks and snacks, all the while searching the sky for a potential display.
* Please note that the wheeled sled ride is subject to weather conditions. If the temperature exceeds 7 degrees, it will be too warm for the huskies to run, and you will visit a husky farm instead.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will transfer to the Sámi heartland of Inari. The Sámi are Europe’s only indigenous people and there is no better place to learn about their fascinating culture and tales of survival in the Arctic than at the Sámi Siida Museum. Here, you will have time to admire the impressive exhibitions and explore more of the village. After lunch, you will go for a short walk to see the Juutuanjoki River.
You will return to the Northern Lights Village and have dinner ahead of your Aurora hunt this evening. You will meet with your local guide who will transfer you via bus to Paatsjoki Bridge, approximately an hour away. This wilderness area is renowned for its Northern Lights potential and offers very minimal light pollution.
Upon arrival, you will sit around an open fire enjoying hot drinks and snacks with your local guide who will tell you all about the Aurora Borealis as you wait in hopes of a sighting. You will be out for approximately four hours tonight.
Alternatively, you could choose to hunt for the Aurora via an electric fatbike. The wide tyres on these bikes make them perfect for travelling on the trails and can easily tackle any early signs of winter on the ground.
Meeting with your local guide, you will cycle away from the lights of the village and into darker skies to try and spot the Northern Lights. Along the way, you will stop for warm drinks before taking to the enchanting trails again which lead you through dark forests and if conditions are favourable, under the Auroras. You will be out for approximately 2 hours and the speed and complexity of the trail will be determined based on the group’s ability. You don’t need to have prior mountain biking experience, but average physical condition is needed.
Please let your Travel Expert know at the time of booking.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, unfortunately, marks the end of your time in Saariselkä. Following breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. If you have an early flight time. We will box up breakfast for you to take with you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Transfers: return group airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights in an Aurora Cabin
- Meals: 4 breakfast, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- Guided hike in the National Park
- Aurora photography workshop
- Husky farm and wheeled sleigh ride
- Aurora Camp by the Lake
- Visit to Inari
- Aurora Camp at Paatsjoki River Bridge or Aurora search on Fatbikes
- Aurora alert service which you can set to alert you throughout the night or end at a specific time
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
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Located in North East Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselka. 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.
- Saariselka 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, cafess 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.
Personalise This Tour
Find your fortune with a trip to Tankavaara, which is said to have the only international museum in the world displaying the past and present of gold panning and prospecting.
You will be provided with the relevant equipment and given an introduction to gold panning by an experienced guide. You will then be taken to a nearby site in order to try your hand at this unusual activity. If you are lucky enough to find any gold, you can keep it and take it home with you. Either way, you will return from this activity richer, in both knowledge and experience. Lunch is included.
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Minimum 2 people
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
