Wilderness Hotel Muotka – Searching for the Northern Lights
- Details
Details
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.
Itinerary
Arrive at Ivalo Airport and be transferred (approx. 45 min) to Wilderness Hotel Muotka*. On arrival, you’ll check in, receive your programme schedule and, depending on arrival time, get fitted with your cold-weather clothing.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel’s cosy main lodge, then take a moment to look up – on clear nights, guests are often welcomed to Lapland by the Aurora.
* Transfers are based on a scheduled group shuttle that sometimes stops at a few nearby hotels. If you would prefer to upgrade to private taxi transfers please ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Set off on a guided snowshoe walk, exploring pristine Arctic terrain – deep snow, silent forests, and maybe even signs of local wildlife. The day includes a break for lunch in the wilderness. The activity lasts approximately 4 hours including breaks.
As evening falls, you’ll head out to a remote Aurora Camp. Riding in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh through the snow, you’ll arrive at a secluded spot far from artificial light. With hot drinks around the fire and a dark sky overhead, this is one of the best places to search for the Northern Lights. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.
After breakfast, meet your eager team of sled dogs for a husky safari through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. Each sled carries two people – you’ll swap halfway so both of you can experience mushing. The silence of the Arctic wilderness and the steady rhythm of paws on snow make this a truly unforgettable ride (safari lasts approximately 1 hour)
Following dinner, join your guide for an aurora hunt by car. This flexible evening outing allows you to chase clear skies: your guide will monitor forecasts and drive to the best possible viewpoint for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Warm drinks and snacks complete the journey. You will be out for approximately 3 hours tonight.
Today’s highlight is a full-scale snowmobile safari. After a safety briefing, you’ll ride across Lapland’s sweeping winter fells, frozen lakes and forest paths – a thrilling way to experience the wild scale of the Arctic landscape. The activity lasts around 4 hours including a stop for lunch en route.
Travelling two per snowmobile, you’ll get to enjoy fast-paced exploration, scenic stops, and a sense of freedom that only a snowmobile ride can deliver. Please note that you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
In the morning, you will set off on a guided cross-country skiing trip, following gentle trails through peaceful winter surroundings. No previous experience is needed and full instruction is provided. This activity will last for approximately 2 hours.
As night falls, you head out again – this time on snowshoes. Guided through silent forest paths, you’ll walk guided by headlamp, waiting in hope for the Northern Lights to appear and paint the sky with their dancing colours. Warm drinks and snacks will be served in the wilderness and you will be out for around 2.5 hours.
Today is yours. Relax by the fire, enjoy a sauna, book another activity, or simply soak in the Arctic calm. If the sky clears, this could also be a good night for independent Aurora watching and there are perfect viewpoints very close to the hotel.
Set off on a scenic snowmobile journey to a reindeer farm. Your guide will lead you through tranquil winter landscapes, two people per machine, to meet local herders and their reindeer. You’ll have the chance to feed the animals, learn about Sámi traditions, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Arctic wilderness. A hearty lunch will be served before the return ride to Muotka. The activity will last for approximately 4 hours, including lunch.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Muotka and begin your transfer back to Ivalo Airport. As you leave the forest-clad fells behind, you’ll carry with you memories to last a lifetime.
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 flights from London to Ivalo (flight routes are subject to change)
- Transfers: Return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a twin/double hotel room (upgrade options available on request)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cross-country skiing
- Aurora Camp visit
- Snowmobile safari
- Snowshoe hike
- Aurora hunt by car
- Snowmobile safari to reindeer farm
- Aurora snowshoe
- Husky safari
- 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
 (1) (1).jpg)
.jpg)
 (1).jpg)
|
|||||||
|
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
|
 (1) (1).jpg)
.jpg)
 (1).jpg)
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.
Personalise This Tour
You can hire cross-country skis or snowshoes for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
|---|
Tour Map
What our customers say
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
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
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
