Wilderness Hotel Muotka – A Christmas Family Escape
- Details
Details
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.
This trip can easily be tailored to add on an extra night, as well as additional activities, such as Aurora Camps and searching for the Northern Lights by snowshoe, snowmobile or car.
Please note: If you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24th or the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Ivalo airport, your transfer vehicle will be waiting at the airport to take you to the Muotka Wilderness Hotel, located approximately 35 minutes away. Transfers operate as part of a scheduled group shuttle, which may include stops at a few nearby hotels.
If you would prefer a more direct and personalised experience, private taxi transfers are available – please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel this evening. Afterwards, we highly recommend stepping outside and looking up – Lapland’s night sky often puts on a stunning show, with the Northern Lights frequently making an unforgettable appearance to welcome guests.
Included Meals: Dinner
Today promises to be truly unforgettable as you embark on a thrilling husky safari through the fells. The huskies are bursting with energy and enthusiasm and watching them in action is an absolute delight. You’ll travel two people per sled, pulled by a team of four to six enthusiastic dogs. Adults are typically the ones to drive the sleds, though older teenagers may be allowed at the discretion of the guides. Younger children will ride safely in a sled driven by an adult from their group or by a guide.
As the initial chorus of excited barking fades, the sled glides into the snowy landscape and a wonderful tranquillity settles in. This peaceful silence, paired with the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic wilderness, makes the experience truly special.
The length of the trail may vary depending on conditions, but you can expect to be driving the sled for approximately one hour, with the overall activity lasting around two hours. After your adventure, you’ll return to the hotel to enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
This afternoon climb aboard a sleigh pulled by snowmobile and journey deep into the snowy forest, where a truly special encounter awaits. Nestled in a hidden clearing, you’ll find Santa’s enchanting woodland home. Here, you’ll enjoy a private meeting with Father Christmas himself. He will have a special gift for all and take time to hear your children’s Christmas wishes. This is an unforgettable experience, filled with wonder and joy for both children and adults alike. Your private meeting with Father Christmas will last for around 10-15 minutes and we recommend that families bring along letters that your children have written to Santa, so that he can read the letters in advance and add some small personal touches to the experience. Letters can be handed in to the team at reception on your arrival day.
After a fun-filled day, a warming dinner awaits you in the hotel restaurant – perfect for recharging and reflecting on the day’s adventures.
This evening, you can choose to unwind and enjoy a cozy night together as a family, or, for those still craving excitement, you have the option to join one of the thrilling Aurora excursions in search of the magical Northern Lights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins with an introduction to snowmobiling, where you’ll be given a full safety briefing and instructions on how to drive your snowmobile. Once everyone is ready, you’ll set off into the snowy wilderness on an exhilarating ride through Lapland’s breathtaking landscapes. You will have the chance to swap seats and each take a turn at driving; children will sit in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile (the snowmobile driver must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence). On your return lunch will be taken in the hotel.
This afternoon you’ll step into the world of traditional reindeer herding with a guided visit to a working reindeer farm. You’ll gain a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage and daily practices of reindeer herders. Discover the vital role reindeer play in sustaining rural economies, especially in northern regions. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to feed these gentle animals, learn how they’re cared for throughout the seasons, and hear stories passed down through generations.
Tonight, a hearty dinner awaits and as night falls, you can settle in for a warm, relaxing evening with your family – or, if you’re feeling adventurous, set out on an exhilarating Aurora excursion to chase the elusive beauty of the Northern Lights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today marks the end of your magical Lapland adventure. You’ll be transferred back to the airport in time for your return flights.
If you’re on an early departure, a packed breakfast will be provided to take with you. For those with later flights, you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast in the restaurant before saying farewell to the snowy wilderness.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return flights from London to Ivalo (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
- Return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- 3 nights’ accommodation in a superior sauna room
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Father Christmas visit
- Husky safari
- Snowmobile safari
- Meet the reindeer
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Aurora Alert
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
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| Wilderness Hotel Muotka is tucked away in the stunning forested fells to the south of Saariselka in Northeast Finland. Owned by our friends Jouko and Mari Lappalainen, it exudes the same charm and style as the rest of the Wilderness Hotels group but maintains its own character. The hotel is ideally situated for Aurora viewing as it is far from light pollution and surrounded by wilderness. The range of accommodation options available offers something for everyone. Alongside a selection of self-contained cabins there are a selection of buildings which house the rooms and facilities main. The main building contains the reception, restaurant and a selection of bedrooms, the other bedrooms are all contained in a series of smaller buildings a short walk away. Hotel facilities
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Wilderness Room
These double or twin bedrooms sleep a maximum of 2 people and are split across the two main buildings at Muotka. All rooms are en-suite with shower and hair dryer. The décor offers Scandinavian charm, and these rooms are a warm and comfortable base after a day of adventure. They are approximately 20m² in size.
Premium Wilderness Room
These double rooms are more spacious (approx. 25m2) and feature stylish, modern décor. They are ideal for couples and have the added bonus of tea and coffee making facilities. They are situated in their own building (which offers its own sauna for guests to enjoy), just a short distance from the main restaurant.
Superior Sauna Room
Muotka Wilderness Hotel has 16 Superior Sauna rooms, located a short distance from the main hotel building. These rooms offer modern Scandinavian interiors and plenty of space. They are ideal for small families as they have a double bed and a convertible sofa bed (so they sleep a max of 3 – 4 people). The rooms are approximately 33m² and each separate building has four superior sauna rooms inside.
As the name suggests, each room has its own private sauna which provides a wonderful way to relax after a day of activities. They also offer tea and coffee facilities.
The Riverside Room
The Riverside Room at Muotka is a real favourite with guests. As the name suggests it is right next the stream which gently flows through the grounds and the setting is incredibly peaceful. The room has its own entrance and is log built, giving it a unique interior. There is a shower room with private sauna, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Featuring a double bed it is a wonderful rustic retreat for couples.
Panorama Log Cabin
Situated not far from the main hotel, these traditional log-built cabins are a wonderful upgrade option and provide a self-contained base with incredible views, making them very popular for couples. They are just a short distance from the main building.
Each log cabin is approximately 42m² and has a double bed (log built!) and space for extra beds (sleeping a maximum of 4 guests).
The real gem is the shower room with private sauna which coupled with the log burning stove offers the ideal way to warm up after a day in the wilds.
The cabins also offer a small kitchenette (meals are all served in the main restaurant), fridge, seating area, tea and coffee facilities and hairdryer.
Riverside Log Cabin
The most exclusive accommodation available at Muotka, these stunning rustic log-built cabins are perfectly situated with views over the stream, a short walk from the main building. Beautifully appointed, with a fireplace in the living room, a shower room with private sauna, and kitchenette (and fridge), the cabins have sleeping space for 5 people and are around 72 m². There is a double bedroom downstairs and three single beds in the loft (accessed by very steep steps). There is also a second toilet in the loft. The cabins also contain a hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Please note that these cabins require a minimum number of 4 guests in order to be booked.
Aurora Cabin
Guests have the chance to spend the night in one of their 20 magnificent Aurora Cabins, just a short walk from the main building. These stunning partially glass-roofed buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.
You can enjoy the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a heated glass roof. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.
The cabins are all approx. 30m² with double bed (there is space for additional beds so these can sleep a maximum of 4 people, but we recommend no more than 3 adults) and en-suite shower room. There are tea and coffee facilities provided.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Child price (4-14) is based on sharing Superior Sauna Room with 2 adults
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%
– 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%
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
