Harriniva – Summit Snowmobile
- Details
Details
You need to be over 18 years old and in good physical condition to undertake this snowmobile safari into the remote wilderness. A full driving licence is required and you must have previous experience of snowmobiling for this holiday.
You will follow your knowledgeable local guide on breathtaking trails to Kilpisjärvi a mystical and remote region steeped in Sámi tradition and folklore. Admire the incredible views of frozen lakes and snow-covered mountain peaks along the way through the wildest corner of Finnish Lapland.
Before February, the weather is too hostile to travel from Muonio to Kilpisjärvi. But we are ready to take you there as soon as the time is right and the weather improves to reveal one of Finland's best-kept secrets. The locals agree that this is one of the most beautiful places in all the country.
When snowmobiling came to this area in the 1960s it transformed the lives of the local people; communities could keep in contact in the dark winter months and it made the tough existence of the Sámi reindeer herders easier. For guests here today, snowmobiling is about Arctic adventure that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and the scale of the wilderness.
You will travel to the place where the borders of Finland, Sweden and Norway meet, as well as driving to the summit of Halti, Finland's highest mountain.
At the end of your holiday, we can arrange for you to spend the final night of your stay in an Aurora Hut for an unforgettable night.
Important Information
Itinerary
From the airport, you will be transferred to your shared accommodation for the first night of your holiday. This will vary depending on availability but could be at any of the Pietikäinen family’s three hotels or a safari house located near the Harriniva Wilderness Hotel (max distance of around 5km). If you are staying in one of the hotels then you will enjoy your evening meal in the hotel restaurant; if you are staying in one of the safari houses the hotel will provide a minibus to take you to dinner. You will be provided will full information regarding your accommodation for the first and final nights of your stay upon arrival.
For an extra special start or end to your holiday, it is possible to upgrade to an Aurora Hut. Please see the personalise section for more details.
Included Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, you will meet with your snowmobile guide for a briefing and introduction on what the days ahead will bring. You will be kitted out with your cold weather gear (warm overalls, boots, socks, hat, mittens, gloves and helmet) and be given instruction in correct snowmobile handling and safety etiquette which your guide will show you how to put into practise.
Then, it is time to turn the key and start your engines. Your previous experience of snowmobiling and good physical fitness are called upon straight away. Covering around 110km of winter terrain, you journey through forests and across frozen lakes against the stunning backdrop of Lapland.
There is a picnic lunch stop before continuing the drive to Palojärvi close to the Norwegian border which is your base for the night.
Following dinner, you will enjoy a well-deserved night’s sleep in a shared log cabin or simple apartment.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following a satisfying breakfast, you enter the treeless mountain area of North West Finland. The weather here can change rapidly with bright sunshine one minute and a snow blizzard the next so it is imperative that you follow the guide’s instruction as they know the trail better than anyone.
Today’s route covers around 140km and ends at the small village of Kilpisjärvi where you will spend the night in cabins. You should take the opportunity to walk down to the lake here for a view to remember.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The driving distance today is a little shorter (around 120km) but the challenges are tougher! This morning your snowmobile ascent of the highest mountain in Finland, Halti, offers spectacular views of the Norwegian mountains. In the afternoon, you will ride out to the famous point where the countries of Finland, Norway and Sweden meet.
On returning to your accommodation in Kilpisjärvi you can use the sauna to soothe any tired muscles and unwind, in true Scandinavian style.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By now you will be feeling confident driving your snowmobile when you head back to Palojärvi. Clock up another 140km or so today using skills you’ve learnt so far. If the snow conditions allow, you will learn new skills from your guide on how best to handle your snowmobile in deep, powdery snow. You have a picnic lunch en route today with dinner served in your overnight accommodation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, the last part of your snowmobile safari follows part of the Victoria Trail between Finland and Sweden. This 140km run back to Muonio is an absolute thrill. Back at the safari houses, you can enjoy a well-deserved sauna and a farewell dinner of Lappish delicacies to reward your achievement of completing this challenging snowmobile safari.
If you would like to spend the final night of your trip somewhere pretty unique then we can arrange for you to sleep in an Aurora Hut. Please see the ‘personalise’ section of the holiday page for details.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you adventure draws to a close and you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flights home.
If you would like to stop off in Helsinki on your way home then we can arrange for you to enjoy some time in the city on your way home. See the ‘personalise’ section for details or simply speak to one of our travel experts.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What's included?
- Return airport transfers to meet scheduled flights
- 2 nights shared safari houses (for 3 - 4 people sharing), 2 nights Palojärvi, 2 nights Kilpisjärvi cabin
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- 5-day snowmobile safari driving your own snowmobile (you must have a valid driving licence and some previous snowmobiling experience)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during activities
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 Wilderness Hotel serves as a perfect base for your adventure holiday. Owned and run by the Pietikäinen family, the hotel has developed a growing reputation for its warm ambience and a large range of enjoyable activities on offer. Hotel facilitiesThe hotel has a range of facilities that have been designed to make your stay here as enjoyable as possible.
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Raattama may not have five-star accommodation facilities, but it is in a five-star location. Raattama is a village of reindeer herders and is a stunning area of Finland.
Accommodation in this remote village is limited and so depending on availability you will stay in either simple apartments or cabin accommodation on the village outskirts. The bedrooms are typically all shared, as are the bathroom facilities.
Tour Map
Key Facts
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