Arctic Duo: Northern Lights Village Saariselkä and Wilderness Hotel Nangu Getaway
- Details
Details
The excitement begins with a thrilling 10km husky safari through snow-laden forests, guided by enthusiastic huskies eager to race through the winter wonderland. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with Lapland's cultural heritage on a 1.5-hour reindeer safari, experiencing firsthand the traditional mode of winter transport. For relaxation, indulge in a serene 1-hour session in the igloo sauna and hot tub, perfect for unwinding under after an exhilarating day. Furthermore, you'll enjoy an evening searching for the Northern Lights by snowshoes.
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
A warm welcome to Saariselkä Northern Lights Village awaits. Your driver will greet you at Ivalo Airport and transfer you to Saariselkä on a shared shuttle bus. Dinner in the hotel restaurant is included this evening. Expect a selection of local flavours from Lapland and the Barents Sea regions, as well as international options.
After dinner, it’s time to settle into your glass-roofed Aurora Cabin, where you can marvel at the night sky from the comfort of a warm and cosy bed. With the right conditions and a sprinkle of luck, the Northern Lights will be dancing above Saariselka tonight.
Included Meals: Dinner
After a hearty breakfast buffet, prepare for a morning of thrilling adventure. Riding a husky sled across Lapland’s snowy fells is a must-do experience.
The husky safari begins right outside the resort, and you will receive a full safety briefing and instructions on how to navigate the sled. The eager dogs will dash ahead, whisking you through pristine snow across the fells and surrounding forests of the Northern Lights Village. Each sled accommodates two people; one mushing and one enjoying the scenic landscapes from a seat in the sleigh. Mid-way through, there will be the opportunity for you to swap drivers and at the end of the safari, you will have the chance to get up close to the huskies, listen to fascinating tales and gain a true insight into life in the Arctic. The safari will last approximately 1hr in total.
Lunch will be served back in the restaurant ahead of this afternoon’s reindeer experience, where you’ll visit the reindeer enclosure and meet with a knowledgeable reindeer handler who will share insights into these animals and the Sámi culture. You’ll then take a peaceful reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest, lasting approximately 1 hour.
Settle into the sleigh, give the reindeer a nod and off you go. Witness firsthand how the Laplanders traversed these northern landscapes before the advent of snowmobiles. Travelling by reindeer sleigh through the winter woodland is a rare and unforgettable experience.
Following dinner in the restaurant, it’s time to strap on snowshoes and search for the Aurora. Your guide will take you on a tranquil expedition through the forest with the only sound being the crunch of snow beneath your snowshoes. The snow-covered trees and peace and quiet of the wilderness will no doubt make you feel connected with nature and the Arctic landscape.
There will be a stop along the way where your guide will kindle a fire and serve snacks and hot drinks. Hopefully, the Northern Lights will perform a spectacular display – a breathtaking dance and a once in a lifetime encounter.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
To conclude your time in Saariselka, this morning you’ll enjoy a favourite Finnish pastime and experience the ultimate way to relax, with private use of the inviting igloo sauna and hot tub. This stunning setting boasts impressive views out of the large sky window. You will be given a 1 hour time slot to enjoy.
Following lunch, a private transfer will take you from Saariselkä Northern Lights Village to Wilderness Hotel Nangu. The drive is approximately 1 hour and, depending on your drop-off time, you may have space in your agenda to add an extra evening activity tonight. Please see our Personalise Tour tab for full details. Speak to one of our knowledgeable Travel Experts who will be happy to assist you in your decision.
Tonight, you will enjoy dinner in Nangu’s beautiful restaurant, complete with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the snow-covered trees and a roaring fire to cosy up to. Sitting atop a hill on the shore of the expansive frozen Lake Inari, Nangu’s location is stunning.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following a plentiful breakfast in the exclusive surroundings of Wilderness Hotel Nangu, another day of Arctic fun lies ahead as you head out into the Finnish wilderness on a snowmobile safari. Following a thorough safety briefing and instruction, you will enjoy a 2-hour safari through the surrounding area.
As you glide through the landscape, marvel at the beautiful forests, powdery snowbanks, and snow-laden trees, leaving the hustle of everyday life far behind.
Please note, you will travel two per snowmobile with the option to swap drivers however, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. If you wish to drive solo, please speak with our Travel Experts as a supplement will be incurred.
Lunch will be served back at the hotel and you will have a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings before heading out after dinner to a nearby Aurora Camp, in search of the Northern Lights. You will be taken by snowmobile-pulled sleigh to one of the camps that are found along Lake Inari. Your guide will prepare a campfire and warm drinks will be served as you look to the skies in search of the Aurora. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours this evening.
We’ve left today free for you enjoy as you please. Take a look at the ‘personalise’ section for a choice of optional activities you can add today.
If you’d prefer to take it easy, why not take residence in front of the roaring fire in the shared lounge area. With huge windows, inviting décor and cosy furnishings, Nangu’s lounge and restaurant is the perfect place to relax with a book.
Lunch and dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.
Unfortunately, your getaway has come to an end and your driver will take you back to the Airport for your return journey home. If you are on an early flight, a packed breakfast will be provided. If you depart on a later flight, you will have breakfast in the restaurant. Should you wish to extend your stay, please speak to our Travel Experts for more information.
What's included?
- Flights: Return flights are included from London to Ivalo (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: Shared airport transfers, private transfer from Saariselkä to Nangu
- Accommodation: 2 nights’ accommodation in an Aurora Cabin at Saariselkä and 3 nights’ accommodation in a standard wilderness room at Nangu (upgrade options available)
- Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- 1 hour igloo sauna and hot tub session
- 10km Husky Safari
- 1.5 hour Reindeer Experience
- 2 hour Snowmobile Safari
- Aurora Snowshoeing
- Aurora camp
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- 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 (you will also need to make staff aware of your requirements locally because of the buffet service. The local staff are very happy to assist with guiding you to the suitable meals on offer). There’s also a large bar and lounge area with additional comfy seating nearby in 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, cafes and local restaurants are within easy reach.
- During most activities, an expert guide will take pictures which can be purchased in the days following your activity (this is an additional charge payable locally) on your return to the village.
- 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.
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Wilderness Hotel Nangu is an adult-only (16+), boutique hotel tucked away in a secluded spot close to the shores of Lake Inari in North East Finnish Lapland. This is the ideal place for those wanting to escape to a real haven of peace and quiet which just oozes rustic style, charm and comfort. Think handmade wooden furniture, sheepskins, stunning log architecture, comfy chairs and roaring fires; all with a view over snow-laden trees and a vast frozen lake beyond.
The central log-built restaurant and reception building is a spectacular spot in which to dine and unwind and the elegant wooden buildings which contain the bedrooms are around 20-50 metres away.
The hotel was transformed in 2017 by our longstanding friends and partners Jouko and Mari and they have really put their heart and soul into making Wilderness Hotel Nangu the grown-up retreat that it is.
In prime Aurora territory and just a minute’s walk from the shores of Lake Inari, this is really an incredible place in which to hunt the Northern Lights.
This is one of Wilderness Hotel’s smaller destinations and there is a real exclusivity about this place and we would really recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Hotel Facilities
- The wonderful main log building contains the reception, dining area and lounge where a roaring log fire and tasteful décor makes for a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
- We think the food at Nangu is delicious and the setting for your meals could not be more delightful. Breakfasts and lunches are both ‘help yourself’ buffets with local and international flavours. Evening meals consist of three courses: starters and desserts are self-service buffet style and your main course will be served to you at your table (except for Christmas and New Year’s Eve). Guests are provided with two or three choices each evening
- There is a sauna situated in one of the bedroom buildings and this is available for guests to reserve during their stay. The ideal way to relax after a day of activities
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas at Nangu, but really, other than checking the Aurora forecasts, we recommend that you just switch off from the outside world
Personalise This Tour
Seeing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience and capturing it on camera gives you the opportunity to take this wonderful moment home with you, for what is arguably the best souvenir on offer!
This photography workshop will teach you everything you need to know in order to get that perfect shot, should the Aurora make an appearance during your stay.
Please note: you will need to bring your own equipment (camera, ideally SLR, and tripod)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
You can hire cross-country skis for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
During this activity, your guides will use their local knowledge and the Aurora and weather forecasts to lead you to a prime Northern Lights viewpoint.
If local conditions are good, a specific Aurora camp will be selected, and you can spend more time trying to capture the lights on camera.
If the weather is less promising close to the hotel, you will travel further in search of clear skies.
Your guide will impart some of their extensive knowledge and you will enjoy an evening out in the wilds, hopefully gazing at the Northern Lights.
Duration: approximately 3 hours
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Inari,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 15.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
– Prior to 25.09 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– 26.09 up until departure date – 100%
For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply:
– 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 43 days prior to departure – 60%
– 42 to 16 days prior to departure – 85%
– 15 or less days – 100%
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
