Harriniva and Jeris – Northern Lights Quest
- Details
Details
Harriniva Wilderness Hotel is situated 230km above the Arctic Circle and at 67 degrees north, it is ideally located within The Aurora Zone. Our Northern Lights Quest includes various excellent daytime activities to ensure you see the best of Lapland, with huskies and snowmobiles on the agenda.
Most importantly though, for the avid Aurora Hunter, there are evening activities which will give you the best opportunities to achieve your goal of seeing the Northern Lights. Depending on how active you want to be on your holiday you can also add in additional Aurora Snowshoeing activity too. See our 'Personalise' section for more information.
This holiday includes an introduction to the science behind the Northern Lights to understand more about how and why this incredible natural phenomenon appears. You will also head to a campfire site to seek the Aurora away from any artificial light pollution.
As well as maximising the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, this itinerary includes a mix of daytime activities so you can experience the best of Lapland. Try your hand at mushing in an exciting dog sledding safari, whizz across the fells in a thrilling snowmobile excursion and take some time to relax in the spa.
Image credits: Antti Pietikäinen
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
Upon arrival in Lapland, you will be transferred to your accommodation at either Hotel Harriniva or Hotel Jeris. You will check in to your rooms before dinner in the hotel restaurant. You’ll be provided with the information for your Aurora app and we also recommend taking a wander in the area surrounding the hotel just in case the Lights appear to welcome you.
Included Meals: Dinner
A husky safari truly encapsulates the spirit of Arctic adventure and today you will head into the wilderness with your eager team of dogs on a 15km safari through this stunning winter wonderland. The enthusiasm the dogs share for the trail is infectious and this is sure to be a real highlight. This activity lasts around two to three hours in total.
Our guides are all local experts and have a real passion for the Lights and their region – they make ideal Aurora hunting companions. The guides are always keen to share their knowledge and experiences and so this evening you will receive an Aurora workshop which will last around 1 hour. The aim of the workshop is to give you the background information you will need before your inaugural Northern Lights adventure.
Together with your guide, you will head out into the wilderness in a carriage which will be pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. The type of carriage will depend on the availability and the weather on the day. You will head out to a campfire site where the guide will light a fire and everyone can enjoy a warm drink and snack around the fire. Everyone will keep their eyes skywards to hopefully enjoy a Northern Lights display too!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we have left free for you to relax at the hotel. Alternatively, additional activities can be booked (please see the ‘personalise‘ tab for more details) or you just hire some winter equipment (payable locally) like snowshoes or cross-country skis to try out some of the local’s favourite past times at your own pace.
This evening it is time for a bit of pampering which will vary depending on where you are staying. At Harriniva you will take the short walk to the hot tub area where you can sit and soak in the warm water (remember your hat!) and look out on the frozen river below which has been the site for numerous lucky Northern Lights viewers before you!
If you are staying at Hotel Jeris then we have included entry to the Arctic Sauna World this evening. Built in 2019 this spa setting is home to four different element saunas to relax and unwind. There is also an option for an ice dip (for the very brave!) the sauna world looks out to the frozen lake Jerisjärvi where the Northern Lights are commonly seen by guests in the hotel and locals alike.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is all about speed! After breakfast you will head out on a thrilling snowmobile safari, allowing you to explore much further into your winter wonderland surroundings. Full instruction and tuition will be provided before you head into the wilderness, crossing frozen lakes and winding through forest trails. The safari will cover approximately 30km.
A final dinner in the hotel restaurant and last opportunity for any additional Aurora hunting activities or why not upgrade your final night to the Arctic Firefox lodge (see our ‘Personalise‘ tab), to end your stay in real style!
Today you will transfer to the airport to catch your return flights home after a truly memorable adventure in Lapland.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Flights from London Heathrow to Kittila (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Return airport transfers
- 4 nights double/ twin hotel room at either Hotel Harriniva or Hotel Jeris
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners (option to upgrade to full board available)
- Husky Safari
- Secrets of the Northern Lights and Aurora Snow Shuttle
- Northern Lights hot tub or Arctic Sauna World Visit (depending on accommodation choice)
- Snowmobile safari
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Tea and coffee at the hotel
- Daily hotel sauna
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructor
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
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Ideally located in the north-west corner of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle and in the very heart of the Aurora Zone, Harriniva Adventure Resort serves as a perfect base for your adventure holiday.
Welcoming guests for lover 50 years now, the hotel has developed a growing reputation for its warm ambience and the large range of enjoyable activities on offer.
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a range of facilities that have been designed to make your stay here as enjoyable as possible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the main building for guest use, in our experience, we have found it works best in the main reception and dining area
- The hotel restaurant has a lively, buzzing atmosphere as people excitedly discuss the adventures they have taken part in that day. The meals are served in a buffet style with two or three choices for each course. The food here is hearty and wholesome
- The hotel also has a pub serving a range of beers, wines and spirits – this is the perfect place to unwind and relax with your fellow guests in the evening
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- In the main reception area of the hotel, you will find a small gift shop selling a range of postcards, soft toys and handcrafted products. There is also a selection of snacks that can be purchased
- A sauna is available for guest use with separate facilities for men and women. This is free of charge and is heated every evening for around three hours
- The hotel also has an Aurora Wellness Centre (situated a short walk away on the riverbank), where you can enjoy a range of therapies such as facials or massages. A real treat after a day of soaking up the pristine wilderness! During peak periods, we would strongly recommend booking therapies in advance through reception (all payable locally and we recommend booking in advance if possible)
- Snowshoes and cross country skis are available to hire for a small charge and there are marked trails surrounding the hotel for those with some experience. For those interested in downhill skiing, reception will be able to arrange a taxi to the nearby ski resort of Olos (payable locally)
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| Jeris Lakeside Resort occupies an enviable location which is 20 kilometres from the nearest village and is located directly on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi. It is this remote position that makes the hotel an enchanting forest retreat. This hotel always receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides and exciting activity options from guests who have stayed here. The hotel consists of a central building and 32 winter cottages in the adjacent forest. Hotel facilities
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Personalise This Tour
This Aurora hunting session will see your guide lead you on foot as you use snowshoes and headlamps to navigate your way to an ideal Aurora viewpoint. Warm drinks will be served as you watch the skies for a potential Northern Lights display.
Total duration: approximately 2-3 hours
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
