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Wilderness Hotel Muotka – Fellside Auroras

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Details

Escape to the heart of Finnish Lapland on this short break, based at the beautiful Wilderness Hotel Muotka. Set deep within the Arctic wilderness, this 3-night escape combines unforgettable winter activities with two expertly guided Aurora hunts, offering all the core experiences.
During your stay, you'll experience some of Lapland's most iconic activities. You'll glide through forests on a thrilling husky safari, travel by snowmobile to meet reindeer and learn about Sámi traditions, and explore the snowy landscape on a peaceful snowshoe walk beneath the night sky. Each evening brings the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights, whether from a remote Aurora Camp or on foot in the pristine wilderness surrounding the hotel.
Wilderness Hotel Muotka provides a wonderfully cosy base for your adventure. Its secluded location, far from artificial light, offers excellent conditions for Aurora viewing right outside the door. After each day's experiences, you can return to warm hospitality, hearty Nordic cuisine and the calm of your wilderness surroundings.
This carefully paced itinerary is ideal for those seeking a shorter Lapland escape without missing out on the must-do experiences - a magical introduction to Arctic life and one you'll remember long after you return home.

Important Information

Itinerary
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.

Please note: If you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24th or the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).

Itinerary

Welcome to Lapland! On arrival at Ivalo Airport, you’ll meet your transfer driver and be taken to Muotka, in the heart of the forests and fells of Northeast Lapland (approximately 45 minutes).

Once at the hotel, you’ll check in and receive your final programme schedule before enjoying dinner in the cosy main lodge. Depending on your arrival time, your cold-weather clothing will be issued either today or the following morning.

Transfers operate as part of a scheduled group shuttle, which may include stops at a few nearby hotels.

If you would prefer a more direct and personalised experience, private taxi transfers are available – please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.

Included Meals: Dinner

[IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland To Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Check In
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

This morning, you’ll experience one of Lapland’s most iconic adventures – a husky safari. After a full introduction and safety briefing, you’ll meet your eager team of dogs and set off on the trails for an exhilarating experience. Two guests share each sled, swapping halfway so both can enjoy the thrill of mushing. The serenity of the surroundings and the excitement of the dogs make this an unforgettable Arctic adventure. You’ll drive the sled for approximately 1 hour in total.

In the evening, you’ll head out for your first dedicated Northern Lights activity – a visit to an Aurora Camp. Travelling by snowmobile-pulled sleigh, you’ll journey into the wilderness to a remote, light-free location. Gather around the campfire with hot drinks and keep watch on the sky in hope of seeing the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

Today combines culture, wildlife and adventure. After a snowmobile briefing, you’ll drive through scenic winter landscapes on your way to a local reindeer farm. Here, you’ll meet these gentle animals, learn about Sámi traditions and life in the Arctic, and have the chance to feed the reindeer by hand. Lunch will be served during the excursion, rounding off a truly authentic Lapland experience. You will travel two people per snowmobile and will have the chance to swap drivers at the reindeer farm. You must hold a full valid driving licence to drive a snowmobile and be 18 years or over. The activity will last for approximately 4 hours, including lunch and rest breaks.

After dinner, you’ll set out once more in search of the Northern Lights – this time on snowshoes. Walking quietly through the moonlit forest, your guide will lead you to a peaceful viewpoint where you can warm up by a campfire with hot drinks and wait for the Aurora to hopefully appear. It’s a magical and atmospheric way to end your Arctic adventure and you will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

Today is departure day and you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your return flights. 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.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Wilderness Hotel Muotka To [IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Check Out
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

What's included?

  • Book with confidence – Our flight inclusive packages are fully financially ATOL-protected and backed by a trusted UK operator.
  • Flights: Direct return from London to Ivalo (flight routes are subject to change)
  • Transfers: Return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard twin/double hotel room (upgrades can be arranged subject to availability and supplements)
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Husky safari
  • Aurora camp
  • Reindeer day by snowmobile
  • Aurora snowshoeing
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • 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

Wilderness Hotel Muotka
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Wilderness Hotel Muotka is tucked away in the stunning forested fells to the south of Saariselka in Northeast Finland. Owned by our friends Jouko and Mari Lappalainen, it exudes the same charm and style as the rest of the Wilderness Hotels group but maintains its own character.

The hotel is ideally situated for Aurora viewing as it is far from light pollution and surrounded by wilderness.

The range of accommodation options available offers something for everyone.

Alongside a selection of self-contained cabins there are a selection of buildings which house the rooms and facilities main. The main building contains the reception, restaurant and a selection of bedrooms, the other bedrooms are all contained in a series of smaller buildings a short walk away.  

Hotel facilities

  • The focal point of the main building is Restaurant Tuisku. The menus include traditional Lappish cuisine and international options and include local ingredients where possible. Meals are served buffet style with a variety of continental and cooked food for breakfast and the choice of two or three options for each course at dinner. It is always a popular spot with local cross-country skiers who call in for lunch
  • There is a bar area which serves a variety of spirits, wines and beers and a lounge area with comfortable armchairs to relax in during your free time
  • There is a sauna in the main building which is heated daily for guest use
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building (at the bar and in the restaurant)
  • In the main building, you will also find two fireplaces, games and books to enjoy
  • Some rooms do not have tea and coffee making facilities, but these are available free of charge and available in the restaurant area
  • Hairdryers are available from the main hotel reception if not featured in the rooms
  • Muotka is surrounded by a wealth of cross country ski trails, and equipment is available at the hotel

Wilderness Room

These double or twin bedrooms sleep a maximum of 2 people and are split across the two main buildings at Muotka. All rooms are en-suite with shower and hair dryer. The décor offers Scandinavian charm, and these rooms are a warm and comfortable base after a day of adventure. They are approximately 20m² in size.

Riverside Room

The Riverside Room at Muotka is a real favourite with guests. As the name suggests it is right next the stream which gently flows through the grounds and the setting is incredibly peaceful.  The room has its own entrance and is log built, giving it a unique interior. There is a shower room with private sauna, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Featuring a double bed it is a wonderful rustic retreat for couples.

Premium Wilderness Room

These double rooms are more spacious (approx. 25m2) and feature stylish, modern décor. They are ideal for couples and have the added bonus of tea and coffee making facilities. They are situated in their own building (which offers its own sauna for guests to enjoy), just a short distance from the main restaurant.

Superior Sauna Room

Muotka Wilderness Hotel has 16 Superior Sauna rooms, located a short distance from the main hotel building. These rooms offer modern Scandinavian interiors and plenty of space. They are ideal for small families as they have a double bed and a convertible sofa bed (so they sleep a max of 3 – 4 people). The rooms are approximately 33m² and each separate building has four superior sauna rooms inside.

As the name suggests, each room has its own private sauna which provides a wonderful way to relax after a day of activities. They also offer tea and coffee facilities.

Riverside Suites

In keeping with your surroundings, the Riverside suite is beautifully constructed from local “kelo” wood and combines traditional aesthetics with modern comforts. The suite contains a bathroom with shower and private sauna, a fireplace and tea and coffee making facilities. With a double bed and sofa bed, the suite can accommodate 4 people in comfort. The suite overlooks a small stream running through the grounds of the hotel.

Panorama Log Cabin

Situated not far from the main hotel, these traditional log-built cabins are a wonderful upgrade option and provide a self-contained base with incredible views, making them very popular for couples. They are just a short distance from the main building.

Each log cabin is approximately 42m² and has a double bed (log built!) and space for extra beds (sleeping a maximum of 4 guests).

The real gem is the shower room with private sauna which coupled with the log burning stove offers the ideal way to warm up after a day in the wilds.

The cabins also offer a small kitchenette (meals are all served in the main restaurant), fridge, seating area, tea and coffee facilities and hairdryer.

Riverside Log Cabin

The most exclusive accommodation available at Muotka, these stunning rustic log-built cabins are perfectly situated with views over the stream, a short walk from the main building.  Beautifully appointed, with a fireplace in the living room, a shower room with private sauna, and kitchenette (and fridge), the cabins have sleeping space for 5 people and are around 72 m². There is a double bedroom downstairs and three single beds in the loft (accessed by very steep steps). There is also a second toilet in the loft. The cabins also contain a hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Please note that these cabins require a minimum number of 4 guests in order to be booked.

Aurora Cabin

Guests have the chance to spend the night in one of their 20 magnificent Aurora Cabins, just a short walk from the main building. These stunning partially glass-roofed buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.

You can enjoy the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a heated glass roof. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.

The cabins are all approx. 30m² with double bed (there is space for additional beds so these can sleep a maximum of 4 people, but we recommend no more than 3 adults) and en-suite shower room. There are tea and coffee facilities provided.

Accommodation Upgrade to Superior Sauna Room
No of Days: 1
Upgrade to log cabin
No of Days: 1
Accommodation Upgrade to Aurora Cabin
No of Days: 1

Tour Map

What our customers say

Additional Info

Adult (15+) price is based on 2 persons sharing a twin/double wilderness room

Child (4-14) prices is based on sharing a twin/double wilderness room with 2 adults

For accommodation upgrades please speak to our of our Travel Experts.

Tour terms, click here

Booking conditions click here

Payment and Cancellation Terms:

If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 15.12-03.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
– Prior to 31.08 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– 01.09 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 35 days prior to departure – 70%
– 34 or less days – 100%

Snow coverage in early December
If you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see section 11 of our booking terms and conditions.

Key Facts

Duration 3 - 4 Nights
Pace Active
Holiday Type Package Holiday
Max Group Size NA
Cities / Destinations Finland, Ivalo, Muotka
Brochure Code 20001
Price from
£1,715pp
On Request
4 days
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