Customer Review

Unsure whether the autumn would be a good time to see (hopefully!) the Northern Lights - aren't they usually found in Arctic winter skies? Well, I needn't have worried. The glorious colours of autumn in Northern Finland, within the Arctic Circle, has to be one of the best options. Fantastic colours in the trees and skies, all starkly reflected in the smooth surface of the lake at the remote Hotel Korpikartano, bright blue skies during the day and inky-black clouds seeming to hang heavily in the darkening sky. This is a wonderful location to really feel and understand the people who live and work here, and of course, it is an amazing place to stay, even for just four nights. Brilliant photo-opportunities of course, from the jetty leading out into the lake that looks unreal with reflected clouds, to the orange glow of sunset, and the amazing Northern Lights that surprise you with their shifting green shapes.  This is a fantastic trip, a beautiful place to experience, plus the extra opportunities to see reindeer and husky dogs. Even though it is not freezing at this time of year, it is very cold standing outside until midnight with your camera, so you do need the warm gear. I only have a digital camera and although it is a good one, it is clear that your photographs will be much better with the one you can change to finer settings. But, I saw the Northern Lights and although the photographs are not brilliant, the experience was! Definitely recommended.

My husband and I decided to go on another trip with The Aurora Zone (this was our third!). My mum had never experienced a cold holiday and was keen for a Northern Lights trip, so we suggested a short break in Muotka, and came along! Muotka has grown a lot since our last trip in 2015, but has not in any way lost any of the charm that made us fall in love with it the first time! It is homely, warm and welcoming. Everything is extremely well organised, and the staff and guides could not be happier to help. The meals provided were of a great quality, and there was always something yummy on offer! There was a great little bar area there with a nice selection of drinks available...I would suggest trying the pear cider! The gear provided is sure to keep you nice and warm, and is very comfortable! The activities were fantastic as always, with thorough briefings given by the guides beforehand. We stayed for three nights, and were actually lucky enough on each of the nights to see the Northern Lights! It really made the short break that little bit more special. I would definitely recommend booking with The Aurora Zone. Although we have only gone to Finland, I have no doubt that any one of their holidays will be fantastic, and of a great quality!

Obviously seeing the Aurora was the best activity as it was the reason for our holiday, however, our best daytime activity would have to be the dog sledding - a big tick off anyone's bucket list.

Fantastic place to stay with great activities and excellent guides.

This was one of the best holidays we have had - completely new experience, both relaxing and exciting.

We enjoyed all of the activities. The people we met at the accommodation and during the activities added to making out stay special

A thoroughly magical trip that delivered everything we could have wished for. The activities on their own were excellent but add in loads of aurora time and we were truly spoilt. The hotel was great, with amazingly lovely staff and fantastic food. Your info, prior is absolutely brilliant, as is your choice of location. We have raved about the trip during and since and recommended you to everyone. Thank you!

We loved the snowmobiling as it was the first time and needed to compare it to jet-skiing. Husky sledding as we love the dogs anyway. Photographing the Northern Lights as it was a hopeful primary aim of the holiday, and they performed for over an hour for us!

Husky sledding - just such a novel, exhilarating experience on a beautiful day.

HUSKY SLEDDING - Just a wonderful experience with the dogs going through the beautiful landscape in the cold, crisp air. We had a really wonderful holiday and were lucky enough to see the lights on 3 of the 4 nights (the 4th night I was seeing stars and blue lights anyway).Staff at the hotel were very pleasant and informative and the accommodation was warm and comfortable. Also the organisation and information prior to the trip was excellent.

The husky ride was a magical trip through the woods. The dogs are obviously well looked after and it was great to steer the sleigh ourselves. An amazing place. Cabins very warm and cosy and amazing that we could see the lights from inside as well as out.

All activities fantastic - guides first class - attentive, engaged (even at the end of the season!). Great job by all the staff at Northern Lights Village

The whole holiday experience has been fantastic, from booking with your very helpful team, to the flights, hotel, transfers and everyone we met along the way. Couldn't fault a thing. Seeing the Northern Lights was certainly the most spectacular, but I'd have to say dog sledding was my favourite activity. What a wonderful experience! The dogs were great, and the lady who looked after us was so personable and friendly. I just wish I could have spent all day with the dogs - feeding them, getting them ready etc. Some comments I read on Trip Advisor said that the food was limited and not to their tastes, but I just want to say that I thought it was excellent! Buffet style is perfect for this sort of holiday and I couldn't fault any of the food. I tried everything on offer too! Hats off to the chefs. Also, the log cabin was amazing - boiling hot, but that was just what we needed! We had a little sneaky peek in the Aurora Cabins too and would definitely recommend the log cabin over those. The log cabins have huge windows overlooking the lake so you get just as good of a view if you have all the lights off. We actually rearranged our furniture as the sofa had the back to the window and was pointing at the TV when we arrived. We promptly turned it around to look out the big window. Who watches TV on these trips?! Crazy! Absolutely loved every second of this holiday and I'm gutted to be home. I couldn't recommend it enough. Thank you!

The staff at the hotel and the activity guides were all very friendly and helpful, they added a lot to the enjoyment of the holiday.

Just a few words to say how much we enjoyed our time in Utsjoki. Everything was great and we were lucky enough to see the Aurora on 2 nights. The accommodation was first class and they met Irene’s dietary requirements well. The clothing provided was superb for the conditions and when we went to the husky safari the guide there commented on its high quality. The activities were very professionally run and were greatly enjoyed. We found the 6-hour husky safari a bit strenuous but thoroughly enjoyed it. An extra day would have been nice as we would have gone up to the Arctic Ocean. The transport arrangements from and to Ivalo airport were well organized the taxi waiting for us on arrival and being on time for the return journey. All the staff at the Holiday Village Valle and on the activities were superb and very helpful. All in all a great experience and one we would recommend to anyone. We would have no hesitation in recommending your Company to anyone wishing to go and see the Aurora. Again thank you for a great experience.

Watching the Auroras from the frozen lake below the hotel and being able to go backwards and forward between the lake and a blazing log fire burning in the hotel's Kota. I also tremendously enjoyed the morning we spent with the lovely Sami herder and his reindeer. On that day it was extremely cold but the sun was shining, the sky was bright blue, the forest pristine and listening to the herder's stories was enough to put a glow in our hearts. The staff at the hotel and the local people were all very friendly and helpful.

Fantastic. Right from booking the trip we were always kept informed, felt comfortable and prepared for the adventure we were about to undertake. The use of the website to supply documents works as a great hub to keep everything in one place. Flights and transfers were good and upon arrival, Ben showed us around, explained how things worked and answered any questions we had. The guides are a real credit to the company, they all had their own quirks, stories and are clearly knowledgeable in all things outdoors. There is not a lot more to say really, other than thank you and rest assured we will be speaking very highly of the experience we had and recommending you to everyone (a few have already asked me about booking up for next year). We will be back to have another adventure with you guys soon! Thanks again.

We loved both the huskies and the snowmobiling at night through the forest especially as we had a great Northern Light showing that night too. All the staff at the hotel were excellent especially Nora who’s enthusiasm and knowledge was exceptional.

A fabulous place, the whole experience was so good. From being collected at the airport, to the arrangements of the activities everything went smoothly. The guides were excellent and made the holiday. They were knowledgable, helpful, enthusiastic. They just wanted to show off the resort and their skills, a real credit to the hotel.

The log cabin and Aurora cabin were both fabulous. The cold weather suits, boots, helmets etc. were all of high standard and kept us warm. The setting of the lodge and activities, away from civilisation, in beautiful scenery was magical. All the guides and lodge staff were lovely and eager to help with any queries, putting on equipment and extremely cheerful and friendly. There was a great, “family,” atmosphere, even though we were only there for four nights.

We had a great time in Nellim. Everyone was very friendly, courteous and helpful. We are very happy and please with all the activities provided and the friendliness of the staff. We were lucky we got to see some northern lights but even if we didn’t we had a great time and we’re able to try our hands on the different activities you guys put together. This will be one of our memorable trips.

Overall very good indeed. All good and difficult to choose but Snow Shoe walk very interesting and informative. Excellent trip - shame about the Northern Lights! Just a little taster one night but very little of a display - will have to return!

Thank you to Graham Hughes for guidance and recommendations everything was just as he had explained the best holiday I have ever had.

Such a great holiday, relaxed but organised. The staff at Muotka were excellent.

Fantastic holiday, full of new experiences, very friendly staff and fantastic hotel. the sear features for holidays make it easy to select the activities you want to do

We're really struggling to pick out one activity that we enjoyed most as we thoroughly enjoyed most of them.

We thoroughly enjoyed the other activities we took part in, husky safari, snowmobiles and aurora workshop. All our guides were so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Plus we treated to a full aurora display as we snowmobiled on our last night. The hotel staff, guides and Greta were all extremely friendly and helpful. They really make the holiday even more special, if that's possible!

The Muotka hotel is amazing, the people that are working are very nice. Special mention to Matt, the aurora zone representative: he is very nice and the organization of the activities, groups, info, and kindness made the Muotkan experience quite pleasant. The local guides Yanni, Tia and Matt are also amazing people, kind, funny.

Food at Abisko Mountain Lodge was an amazing surprise. Anticipated 'comfort food', did not expect Fine Dining - just brilliant