Customer Review

Most enjoyable: Definitely the trip to the reindeer farm & the sleigh ride. We had a very frisky reindeer who thought it was a race! The husky safari was also excellent. Least enjoyable: All were very enjoyable, especially the Lappish dinner on the final night which was a lovely way to round off the holiday. The only thing that was not enjoyable was having four cloudy nights so no lights!! On the day we left, it suddenly was sunny & clear.............what a shame! Obviously, we shall just have to keep trying! We realise you have no control over this!! We had a fabulous time &, had the lights appeared, it would have been the icing on the cake.

A fanstastic holiday package. It provides a good set of activities within the four full days spent in Harriniva - snowmobile safari, snowshoeing, husky safari and the reindeer farm and off course the northern Light quest (and the Aurora alert). Equipment, all meals and transfer from airport to hotel (and hotel to airport) all included with a dedicated guide and tour rep; perfect receipe for an enjoyable, exciting and stressfree holiday.  Sue Adams, March 2015

Always wanted to try (husky sledding) and it was well organised and great fun. Knowledgeable and helpful guides who wanted us to get the most from the experience. Don't undersell the cozy but comfortable Lodge as it's small size enhances the personal experience. The Lodge staff seemed genuinely interested in maximising our chances of seeing the Lights and enhancing the experience when we saw them.

Hey all, Ok already told a couple of mates who were after info about the place! It was all very enjoyable we both thought! For myself the dogs where the best day and for Teresa the Northern Lights were the best thing. I have seen them many times before....but seeing them here was the best I'd seen! Thank you.  There wasn't one least enjoyable activity!!  We knew it would be hit or miss with the Northern Lights, but they came out in force for us....which was great. The staff are great and very helpful and hospitable, already planning our next trip.

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday as we had not done anything like this before. Karen and Graham who met us at the airport and looked after us through the holiday were excellent and the local guide Kaio, (not sure of the spelling) was lovely too. The hotel was lovely, room was comfortable and the food was excellent. Most enjoyed the dog sledding, something my husband has wanted to do for a long time & snowshoeing, something we had not done before and the reindeer sleigh. Everybody looked after us, from booking, through to the transfers, the hotel and local guides. I would use your company again. Even the lights came out for us after five days of cloud.... Awesome.

Spending seven nights in Torassieppi Reindeer Cabins was delightful. The staff were very helpful and welcoming to the guest. When I checked into my cabin the gentleman helped me with my luggage to my cabin. The cabins were spacious, clean, and warm. There was a huge closet with hangers and shelves to put clothes and other items in there. The entrance way had an area for your snow boots to keep the floor dry, and a coat rack with hangers to hang snowsuit, coats, etc.… The floors were heated for warmth under your feet. There was an electric teakettle in the room to make hot tea or instant coffee, with sugar and creamers. There was also a big table that could seat four, while looking at the views of Torassieppi. Our guide, Jarno was very knowledgeable in telling us about the photography, Arctic weather, Aurora forecast, wildlife, and any other questions the group had. If I were ever to be stranded, I would want Jarno to be with me with his wisdom on survival skills. Since we had a small group Jarno took us to a local store to go shopping for special knives, since one of our group members collects them. The lady at the store was very welcoming and even stayed open late for us. By the end of our trip Jarno was talking and joking with us as if we had known him for years. The food was satisfying and appetizing. In the morning and lunch there was a buffet table. For dinner it was a sit down three to four course gourmet meal. We had a wide variety of meats, which included fish, beef, and reindeer. I personally enjoyed the local cuisine. The clothes that were provided for cold weather were clean, warm, and in good condition. If any one had any problems we could just go in and exchange it for another size. I was content not having to pack all my ski clothing and to use the clothing provided. I would recommend using the clothing provided during the husky and reindeer trips because your clothes will get a little dirty. Another suggestion would be to pack plenty of toe and hand warmers not just for you, but also for the camera.

Staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. They clearly enjoy their work, which enhances the trip for the guests.Most enjoyable : All (activities) equally enjoyable in their own way, but I particularly enjoy the isolation and wilderness of the location. The fact that we didn't really have to travel in order to find somewhere to watch the Aurora was one of the main reasons for choosing this trip. There were no activities that I didn't enjoy.

Nothing was too much trouble. All your staff and those at Nellim were great. Special thanks to Graham in the office without whom we would never have made it to Finland. Quincy is an amazing ambassador for your company. Most enjoyable has to be the Northern Lights as this was the main reason for our trip, and each evening everything was so well organised. But every activity we did was amazing. Everything was fabulous, thank you.

What a magic experience. Even though the Aurora Lights did not appear the package was an excellent offering. I would have stayed an additional day, time allowing, to experience the snowmobile ride. The husky dog sled ride was top notch. To be in charge of a team of six huskies was an experience not forgotten easily.

We enjoyed this holiday so much that we want to go back again. We were extremely lucky and saw the Northern Lights five nights out of seven. Two nights were absolutely brilliant and we have lots of photos to show for it. The day trips were excellent, giving one an insight into how the Finnish people live and get around. I enjoyed the dog sledding, the snowmobile and the reindeer excursions. I thought the chalets were excellent, they had everything one needed. The food in the restaurant was good, and if you didn't want what was offered they would provide an alternative. Our guide was excellent - a little serious to begin with until we saw our first Northern Lights and then he relaxed. He was very good, ensuring that everyone was able to get some good photographs. We look forward to the next trip!

The Aurora Camps, partly because we saw the Aurora so much. The camps were, however, very enjoyable experiences in their own right, as they involved heading out at night in a variety of ways (including snowshoeing and snowmobiling) and then sitting around a campfire in the wilderness. The husky sledding was also great fun. It's hard to think of anything (improvements). It was a really excellent holiday.  We were extremely lucky to be in Finland during a period of intense Aurora activity, so that made the holiday extra-special. Nonetheless, the hotel is excellent and all the activities are great fun in themselves, meaning that the enjoyment of the holiday isn't solely dependent on whether you see the Northern Lights. All the guides and staff were very knowledgeable and helpful, so we were very well looked after.

We have had the most marvellous few days at Muotka, it's remote and idyllic. The staff are superb hosts and always friendly and helpful. Food great, rooms and facilites excellent, I don't think there is much that could improve this place. The trips and activities were well organised and brilliant fun, we particularly enjoyed the dog sledding on Sunday. The guides were knowledgable and alway punctual and we appreciated the time and effort put into talks given at Muotka and at the reindeer and husky farms. Just to add icing to the cake we were treated to two nights of glorious Northern Lights, it was truely magical.  Our only problem was a 7+ hours flight delay at Heathrow with Finnair, a missed connection and an overnighter in Helsinki. Aurora Zone were quickly on the case and had started our compensation claim with Finnair by the following day, informing us by letter personally delivered by Quincy the tour rep. We felt we were in really good hands. Kevin and Lesley

We were impressed with the professionalism of the activity guides. In particular, we would single out Tuomas. He was very knowledgeable & also patient. We enjoyed both the snowmobiling & husky sledging. They were both completely new & different experiences for us & gave that all important adrenalin rush!

We have had the best holiday we have ever had! This was a truely remarkable experience and we loved every single thing about it! I loved the snow mobiling as I got to go really fast across the frozen lakes! My husband loved the huskies as he is a big dog lover. 100% perfect.  I really can't sing the praises of the whole experience and all the people highly enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We saw the Lights every night! I would say that there is a little more to the local area for walks to the village and the rapids in the other direction - I was nervous we would not have much to do on our free days but I think there was lots to keep us occupied so I think you can say this to other holiday makers. The staff and guides etc at Harriniva were truly excellent. We are missing everyone and everything!

Just thought we'd drop you a quick email now we're back and have been able to fully digest the wonderful trip we had to Finland. Everything about the process was great - it was fantastic to secure a cabin and also get two extra nights arranged at the start of the trip, which gave us extra time to relax and explore the area around the hotel. The week's activities were great fun, especially the husky sledding, which we both absolutely loved! So much so that we were keen to repeat the experience and the local team was very helpful in swopping our schedule about so we could fit another trip in out on the ice with the dogs. Add to this several spectacular bits of luck. Firstly with the delightful cabin we stayed in, virtually brand new and a picture-prefect gingerbread-house look set alongside the woodland. The private sauna inside was just right for warming up after cold days or easing tired muscles. Secondly the timing of our stay, coincidentally, with the solar eclipse and when that day dawned clear and bright we knew we'd have a great view - as it turned out whilst stood in a paddock full of reindeer milling around us. The hotel had also thoughtfully obtained some pieces of welding glass so that everyone could have a safe view of the shadow progressing over the sun. And thirdly, the beautiful Aurora we witnessed virtually every night, including three amazing displays that will live long in our memories. Add to this a friendly, comfortable hotel with lovely staff and guides, great company, and delicious food there really isn't much that could ever improve on the trip we had. Friends and family have been awed by the stories we have been telling them and pictures we have shared - so much so that we've directed several to your website. It was such a special trip, thank you again. Magnus & Helen Hird – Nellim AITW 14 March 15

Favourite activity: The snowmobiles, which my husband really enjoyed. I thoroughly enjoyed the husky safari. The dogs seemed to be part of the natural world and in harmony with the forest. And of course the 3 nights of excellent Auroras - we were so lucky.

Overall holiday rating: Excellent; I enjoyed all of the activities. Having never experienced any of them before, everything I did was good. The guides on every one of the activities made the experience extra special, lots of local knowledge.

All staff at the lodge were excellent; they were very friendly and worked tirelessly to ensure we had an enjoyable holiday. Snowmobile safari to reindeer farm (was our favourite activity); a long and enjoyable day through a winter wonderland and chance to see reindeers. It was made perfect with a clear sunny day.

Overall holiday rating: excellent. Most enjoyable (activity) : husky sledding, as it's something I’ve always dreamed of doing. Least enjoyable: cross-country skiing, as I'm just not good at skiing. Improvements: everything was perfect. Additional comments: best holiday ever!

Really found the staff at the hotel delightful. They were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, hard working and seemed to be able to turn their hands to anything that needed done in the lodge. I'd go back like a shot for a longer time. Loved all activities, best was probably husky sledding which was much more fun than expected and none of us fell off!

What a great trip! Both the British and the local guides could not have been more friendly, genuine and patient and they were great fun as well. We shall remember the good natured banter for a long time. Tales of reindeer parliaments, exploding sausages, girls ice hockey teams and unrequited love were particular highlights. Next Valentine's Day I shall carve a wooden flower for my beloved and see if I have more luck! The accommodation and food were excellent and the trips were exhilarating, well-organised and safe. I never expected to see an indignant husky but that's the expression we got every time we used the brake - they seemed to want to run for ever. The clouds lifted and the Northern Lights kicked off in glorious fashion on our first night and the following two as well, finishing with an impressive display right over the hotel! At the end we left with new friends and vivid memories and hope to return soon. 

The husky safari was by far the most enjoyable thing! We had a brilliant sunny day, and setting off across the deserted landscape with not a cloud in the sky was just the most amazing experience. The dogs themselves were so friendly as well and just wanted to run!  I wouldn't say it was un-enjoyable, but I found the cross-country skiing hard work! It might just be because I had only slept four hours that night because of the flight delay, and had not long done two hours of snowshoeing, but if I had to choose, it would be the skiing. In all honesty, I don't think there are any improvements to make. We had the seven hour delay at Heathrow, and you guys were onto Finnair and updating us with information more than the airline was! You also started enquiring about compensation before we'd even got home! So although there were problems which were out of your control, the way you guys handled them all was just amazing. Couldn't have asked for more.

Everything about the holiday was what we hoped for and more - I would recommend it 100%. The most enjoyable part was the dog sledging without a doubt, it was a fantastic experience!!!! The least enjoyable activity for me was the cross-country skiing, only because I was hopeless at it and when I fell down I couldn’t get up again; that was due to previous riding accident injuries, however we did have lots of fun trying!!!!! There is nothing at all I would have changed about this holiday, it was perfect.

I have quite a number of food intolerances and the lodge catered for me really well, with varied and tasty dishes. Husky sledding - I love dogs and it was such a unique way to see Lapland, lots of fun steering the sled too! Loved it!

The trip was extremely well organised and successful for us in every way. We would comment that the group size (10) was perfect and think that 12 would be a maximum number to get the full benefit of all the activities, bearing in mind the amount of time needed to prepare for those activities.

I really enjoyed 'mushing' my own team of dogs on the husky safari - but the absolute highlight was getting to see the Northern Lights twice during the trip.

For myself the whole holiday was enjoyable. Obviously seeing the lights was an added bonus and seeing them three nights out of four was more of a bonus. The trip to the forest on the snowmobiles was for me, magical, especially when all the headlights went out and you could see the sky, the stars and 'hear' the silence. I honestly do not think that there was a time when I did not enjoy myself. The whole holiday was amazing and even sitting here now typing this, I am thinking about what I was doing this time last week! The rep, Katrina was so friendly and helpful and should be praised. The person who put the icing on the cake, was the guide, Alan who was absolutely amazing. By the end of the trip, you felt as though he was part of your friendship circle and he made every activity accessible for all and helped me realise a lot of things.

Without exception, all the staff were friendly, helpful and courteous. Our activity guides (Jorno and Terhi) were super - caring and supportive - and the restaurant staff couldn't do enough for us and were very informative. Having seen the other locations, I'm really pleased we chose this holiday; so quiet and intimate. The Arctic clothing really worked well - I didn't need my handwarmers. The Aurora alarms were worth their weight in gold. After the night-time reindeer safari with a cloudy sky, we were about to return to our cabin, when we were alerted to the beginning of a stupendous display.

We had an amazing holiday spending many hours of darkness out on the ice and were very lucky to see the Aurora 5 nights out of 7 with two spectacular corona displays. Scotty was an exceptional guide taking us on some great snowshoe hikes and exceptional Aurora hunt.

Dog sledding - I love dogs and this was a magical way to cross the countryside! Also the Sámi visit - Maria is very knowledgeable and makes great reindeer soup! Loved hearing about all the superstitions that the Sámi have as well.  The staff at the Abisko Mountain Lodge are fantastic.