Harriniva – Best of the Northern Lights
- Details
Details
This trip offers the ultimate Northern Lights experience. Set in Harriniva, amongst the beautiful fells of Western Lapland and surrounded by the wild, rugged landscape, this is an ideal location for a week of winter activities and Northern Lights hunting.
The nights of this trip are dedicated to optimising your chances of seeing the Lights. Most activities that are included take place in the evening, to ensure that you can combine some spectacular experiences with the magic of escaping the light pollution and chasing the Aurora into the night. You will speed over the fells on a snowmobile and reindeer sleigh ride through the forests, all in search of the Northern Lights. Also included in your holiday package is a guided snowshoe tour and an evening visit to the Ice Bar. You will certainly not be bored with the huge variety of Aurora hunting throughout your stay!
Routes and distances for your chases will depend on the weather and Aurora activity on the day, heightening your chances of spotting the enchanting Aurora Borealis.
The days have been left free for you to tailor your trip to suit your wishes and your budget. Staying in your cosy accommodation in Harriniva, you can use this time to unwind, utilising your free daily access to the hotel sauna, trying a traditional Finnish pastime while basking in relaxation.
Or you can choose from the wide range of optional activities that are offered on this trip (see details under the 'Personalise' tab).
This seven-night holiday promises many one-of-a-kind experiences in a stunning location and the best possible chance of viewing the phenomenal Northern Lights.
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
You will arrive at Kittilä Airport and be taken on a one hour transfer to your accommodation for the week at Harriniva Wilderness Hotel.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted at reception and given your Northern Lights alarm and your cold-weather clothing. You are free to decide how to spend the rest of your day.
Dinner will be served in the main hotel and you can spend the evening settling into your cosy accommodation.
Included Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, the day is completely free. You might want to book an optional safari or activity (details for these can be found under the ‘Personalise’ tab for this trip). Lunch will be served in the hotel restaurant.
After dinner, it is time to head out and hunt for the lights by snowmobile on an Aurora Adventure. You will drive two per snowmobile (assuming both are over 18 years old and have a valid driving licence). Should there be clouds then the snowmobiles will give you the best possible chance to get to a place where you may be able to see the Northern Lights, should they appear.
Warm drinks are included and you will be out and about for around two to three hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have breakfast and lunch in the hotel and in the afternoon, you will have your ‘Secrets of the Northern Lights’ workshop, where guides will explain the science behind the fascinating phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis whilst you enjoy a hot drink.
You will have a free evening to enjoy as you please. We recommend keeping an eye on the Aurora forecast or why not upgrade your night to the Arctic Firefox lodge (see our ‘Personalise’ tab).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you will eat breakfast and lunch as usual in the hotel, then you will be left to your own devices once again, allowing you to tailor your day to suit your wishes and preferences.
Dinner will be served as usual and your next hunt for the Northern Lights will begin – this time, via reindeer sleigh. You will visit a local reindeer farm, where you will begin your quiet and peaceful sleigh ride through the enchanting forest, gradually arriving further and further away from the light pollution and enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
On your return, you will enjoy hot drinks as you gaze at the stars and potentially continue to appreciate the mystical Aurora. In total, this activity will last around one and a half to two hours including transfers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will embark on an Arctic adventure as you join a husky safari. An experience that perfectly captures the essence of this remarkable region. You will venture into the wilderness, accompanied by your enthusiastic team of dogs, for an exciting 15km husky safari through the breathtaking winter wonderland that surrounds you. As usual, lunch will be served in the hotel’s restaurant.
After dinner, you will head to the Ice Bar to enjoy a cocktail or two! This impressive structure is expertly hand-crafted each winter, built with art and experience in mind. The bar showcases local talent and is a great spot to enjoy a ‘chilled’ vibe. Don’t forget to check the night sky for a glimpse of the Northern Lights tonight!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and lunch, you will enjoy another free day, so you can decide how you would like to spend it. If you enjoyed the husky safari, you could spend your morning on an even longer, 25km safari, with one person per sled, rather than two. Or, you could have another try at snowmobiling and book the snowmobile panorama safari, which takes you through the collection of fells around Harriniva.
Following dinner, you will put on your snowshoes tonight for your Northern Lights hunt and head out on a peaceful walk through thick blankets of snow and beneath the dark, star-lit sky. Your walk will end with a hot drink and, with any luck, the lights will put on a show, dancing and swirling above you. You will be out and about for around two to three hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, this is your final day to choose from a number of spectacular activities. You may decide to try the national obsession of ice fishing, a relaxing and rewarding activity – particularly if you make a catch. Or, you could learn more about the indigenous Sámi community on a Sámi Culture day, visit a local museum and have another chance to experience a reindeer sleigh ride.
After a special farewell dinner with special Finnish specialities, you will head out on an exciting Northern Lights hunt for your last night. Tonight’s adventure is via Harriniva’s Snow Shuttle – a snowmobile-pulled carriage (the type of carriage used tonight will depend on the availability and weather forecast.) You’ll be taken to a campfire site which is located in a prime location to enjoy hot drinks and snacks by an open fire whilst hopefully enjoying a Northern Lights display. This activity will last around two hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you will bid your holiday farewell as you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Direct return flights from London Gatwick are available for a supplement on certain dates. Flight routes are subject to change
- Return airport transfers
- 7 nights in double/twin hotel rooms
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Northern Light snowmobiling
- Secret of the Northern Lights workshop
- Aurora Snow Shuttle
- Aurora snowshoeing
- Reindeer Aurora experience
- Husky safari
- Ice Bar
- Daily hotel sauna
- Snowshoe and cross-country ski equipment hire (subject to availability)
- Warm winter clothing for the duration of the trip
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 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)
Personalise This Tour
Total duration: approximately 2 hours
Availability Harriniva: Tuesday at 10am and Saturday at 2pm
Availability Jeris: Wednesday at 10am
Total duration: approximately 2 hours in total
Availability Harriniva: Monday at 10am and Thursday and Sunday at 2pm
Availability Jeris: Tuesday and Friday at 10am
Total duration: approximately 2 – 2.5 hours
Availability: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 1.30pm and Sunday at 10am
Tour Map
Additional Info
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
