Northern Lights Village Saariselka – A Window to the Northern Lights over Christmas or New Year
- Details
Details
In the heart of Saariselkä, Northern Lights Village places you in one of Finland's most renowned Aurora-viewing regions. Located around 250km north of the Arctic Circle, this remote wilderness setting offers dark skies, snow-covered forests and exceptional conditions for witnessing the Northern Lights.
During your five-night stay, you will sleep in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin, allowing you to admire the Arctic night sky from the comfort and warmth of your bed. After long days enjoying the crisp Arctic air, you may even drift off beneath the stars, but there is no need to worry as your in-cabin Aurora alert system will notify you should the Northern Lights appear overhead.
Your holiday begins with an informative Aurora workshop, where you will discover the secrets behind photographing the Northern Lights and learn the best camera settings for capturing this unforgettable phenomenon. Throughout your stay, you will head out on two dedicated Aurora experiences, including an evening at an Aurora Camp and a guided snowshoe adventure beneath the Arctic sky.
During the daytime, you will enjoy some of Lapland's most iconic winter activities. Experience the excitement of snowmobiling combined with the traditional Finnish pastime of ice fishing, before embarking on an unforgettable 10km husky safari through the snowy wilderness with your eager team of dogs. To make your festive escape even more special, your holiday also includes either a Christmas or New Year celebration, complete with an upgraded festive dinner.
This itinerary also offers an insight into the traditions and culture of the indigenous Sámi people, many of whom have lived in this challenging Arctic environment for generations as reindeer herders. A visit to the reindeer paddock and a peaceful sleigh ride through the snow provides a memorable glimpse into this unique way of life.
Combining dedicated Aurora hunting, glass-roofed accommodation, thrilling Arctic adventures and authentic local culture, this five-night break is designed to maximise your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights while experiencing the magic of Finnish Lapland at one of the most enchanting times of year.
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
Upon arrival at Ivalo Airport, you will transfer through the snow-covered landscapes of Finnish Lapland to Northern Lights Village Saariselkä, where your unique glass-roofed Aurora Cabin awaits.
After settling into your accommodation, enjoy dinner at the hotel before spending your first evening beneath the Arctic skies. Thanks to the remote location and minimal light pollution, this region offers excellent opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights and, if conditions are favourable, you may even witness them on your very first night in Lapland.
Included Meals: Dinner
Following breakfast, the morning is yours to spend at leisure. Why not explore your surroundings, consider a relaxing traditional sauna, or perhaps try a cross-country skiing lesson. Check the ‘Personalise Tour’ section for more options.
This afternoon you will join an Aurora photography workshop hosted by a knowledgeable local guide. Photographing the Northern Lights can be difficult without the correct techniques, so this session is designed to help you understand the best camera settings and methods for capturing the Aurora successfully. With expert advice and practical tips, you will be ready should the Northern Lights appear during your stay. Please note that guests should bring their own camera equipment, ideally an SLR camera and tripod.
Tonight also brings a special festive celebration. Depending on your departure date, you will either enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas buffet, as Christmas is celebrated in Finland on 24th December, or welcome in the New Year with an upgraded celebratory dinner and evening festivities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will set out with your local guide to experience two of Lapland’s most popular winter traditions during an exciting four-hour excursion. Your adventure begins by snowmobile as you travel through snow-covered forests and across breathtaking Arctic scenery towards a frozen wilderness lake.
Upon arrival, you will experience the traditional Finnish pastime of ice fishing. Your guide will show you how to drill through the thick ice, prepare your fishing line and try your luck catching local fish such as perch or whitefish. Whilst ice fishing may appear peaceful and relaxing, the excitement quickly builds if you feel a catch on the line. During the excursion, your guide will light a campfire where you can warm up and enjoy lunch in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, perhaps even tasting freshly caught fish from the lake itself.
Full driving instructions will be provided before departure, and guests will travel two people per snowmobile. Please note that drivers must be aged 18 or over and hold a full valid driving licence.
Later this evening, after dinner in the restaurant, you will head out on a dedicated Northern Lights excursion. Travelling in the comfort of a heated bus, this three-hour experience takes you to the shores of the spectacular Lake Inari, one of the best locations in the region for Aurora viewing. At the lakeside Aurora Camp, you can gather around the campfire with a warm drink and snack whilst taking in the peaceful Arctic surroundings. If the Northern Lights appear overhead, you may wish to sit on a traditional reindeer hide and admire the colours dancing across the Arctic sky.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today brings one of Lapland’s most unforgettable experiences, your thrilling husky safari through the Arctic wilderness. Before setting off, you will meet the eager huskies and quickly discover just how excited they are to run. Their energy and enthusiasm are infectious as they wait impatiently for the adventure to begin, but the moment the sleds set off, the noise fades and is replaced only by the sound of paws racing across the snow.
Following a full safety briefing and driving instruction from your experienced guide, you will travel two guests per sled as you journey through the beautiful winter landscapes surrounding Saariselkä. The approximately 10km safari takes you across varied terrain, from snow-covered forest trails to more open fell landscapes, offering a fantastic way to experience the Arctic wilderness. The excursion lasts around two hours in total, including the briefing and time spent with the dogs.
After returning from your safari, lunch will be served at the restaurant, and the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the resort.
This evening, your final Northern Lights experience awaits. Equipped with snowshoes, you will head out into the snowy wilderness with your guide in search of clear dark skies and the best possible Aurora viewing conditions. At a scenic viewpoint, you can pause to enjoy a warm drink whilst taking in the silence of the Arctic night. With a little luck and favourable conditions, the Northern Lights may once again make an unforgettable appearance overhead. The excursion lasts approximately two hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will spend time discovering one of Lapland’s most important traditions as you meet a local reindeer herder and learn more about life in the far north. Reindeer have long been central to survival in the Arctic and remain deeply connected to the culture and heritage of the indigenous Sámi people, who have lived in this region for centuries.
Your experience begins at the reindeer paddock at Northern Lights Village, where you can meet and feed the reindeer while hearing stories about reindeer herding and daily life above the Arctic Circle. Afterwards, you will climb aboard a traditional reindeer-pulled sleigh for a gentle journey through the snow-covered forest. Lasting approximately one hour, the ride offers a wonderfully peaceful way to experience the winter wilderness and provides a glimpse into how people once travelled across these remote Arctic landscapes. During the excursion, you will also enjoy lunch served in a traditional Lappish teepee, with the full experience lasting around three hours.
As your Lapland adventure draws to a close, enjoy a final dinner at the resort before one last evening beneath the Arctic skies. With favourable conditions, you may be rewarded with a magical display of the Northern Lights to conclude an unforgettable trip.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After your final morning in Lapland, it will be time to bid farewell to Northern Lights Village Saariselkä and the Arctic wilderness. You will transfer back to Ivalo Airport for your return flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of snowy landscapes, Arctic adventures and hopefully the magic of the Northern Lights.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Book with confidence – Our flight inclusive packages are fully financially ATOL-protected and guaranteed by a trusted and fully regulated UK operator
- Flights: Direct return flights from London to Ivalo (flight routes are subject to change)
- Transfers: Return group airport transfers
- Accommodation: 5 nights in an Aurora Cabin
- Meals: Full board including an upgraded Festive Meal
- Reindeer day
- Aurora workshop
- Snowmobile and ice fishing tour
- Aurora camp by the lake
- 10km husky safari
- Northern Lights snowshoeing
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Aurora alert service which you can set to alert you throughout the night or end at a specific time
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
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Located in far Northeast Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselka. Tucked away from the town, the location is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights but is still within walking distance (around 1000m) of the town’s amenities. The ski slopes can be accessed via a shuttle (small charge applies) or a pleasant walk of around 40-50 minutes.
The Northern Lights Village offers accommodation in Aurora Cabins which are half-roofed with glass. The twin or double beds are situated beneath the panoramic roof and provide the chance to view the Northern Lights from your bed!
There are 80 cabins in total, all of which are within a 5-10 minutes walk of the Village’s central facilities which include the restaurant.
Facilities
- The Village restaurant is an atmospheric place, inspired by traditional wooden kotas (Finnish teepees). Breakfast is a buffet of continental options and some hot dishes. Evening meals are a buffet with starters of soups and salad, a choice of local meat or fish will follow (the reindeer and white fish in this region are delicious!). Typically, a cake will be served for pudding, keeping you well-fuelled for your nocturnal Aurora hunting adventures. Dietary requirements are all well-catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking (you will also need to make staff aware of your requirements locally because of the buffet service). There’s also a large bar and lounge area.
- The Northern Lights Village has an onsite reindeer paddock and all activities start in the village so there is no need for transfers.
- Saariselka is around a 20-25 minute walk from the Northern Lights Village (40-50 minutes to the ski slopes) which means that all of the amenities, shops, cafes and local restaurants are within easy reach.
- Guests can pay extra to use the hot tub, sauna and ice pool.
Aurora Cabin
The Aurora Cabins have a half-glass roof which is laser heated to keep it clear of ice, and they all face the Northern sky.
Each cabin has a double (separate duvets) or twin beds and some have an additional sofa bed, suitable for an additional adult or two small children. There is a shower room (with underfloor heating) and a toilet, as well as a luggage storage area, Tea and coffee-making facilities, free WiFi, a hairdryer and a minibar (payable locally) are also included.
Importantly for duvet-based Aurora hunting, a timer switch can be used to heat the glass roof should your view be obscured by snowfall. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to heat and melt the snow so there’s no need to go and sweep the roof in your pyjamas!
A few housekeeping notes we always like guests to be aware of – cabins are not cleaned between arrival and departure unless requested from reception. Additionally, towels can be exchanged at reception if required. The hot water is plentiful, but not unlimited (10-15 minutes per half hour), so please bear this in mind.
Polar Sky Suites
There are 16 Polar Sky Suites situated at the top of Kaunispää Hill with expansive views of frozen lakes and forests stretching to the horizon.
Each suite has a half-glass roof, allowing you to look up into the sky in search of the Northern Lights and out across the snow-covered fells. The suites are located on the southern slopes of the Kaunispää Hill, close to Saariselkä’s ski slopes and above the tree line. The suites have an open-plan design, consisting of twin beds (made into a double), a kitchenette area, dining table, TV, and a sofa that converts into a sleeping space for up to two extra people. There is a separate bathroom with a toilet, shower and sauna.
When staying in the Polar Sky Suites, complimentary shuttles between the suites and Northern Lights Village Saariselkä are included. The regular shuttle service will take you to the Northern Lights Village for all of your meals, as well as your activity starting points; the journey time is approximately 5 minutes one-way and operates hourly.
Please note that 8 of the suites will be newly built for Winter 2025-26 and therefore their inclusions and layout may differ from the description above and the images displayed.
Personalise This Tour
The beauty of snowshoeing is that it provides the chance for wildlife encounters, as the local flora and fauna will not be scared off by the noise of engines or the sound of sleds. So, for nature lovers, this is an ideal choice as your local guide will provide information on the wildlife and its natural environment. You may have the chance to witness Siberian Jay, willow grouse or a herd of roaming reindeer. You will stop for a hot drink along the way.
Group size: 1-16 (approximately)
Duration: 2 hours (approximately); a warm drink is included
We know that for some people the thought of snowmobiling may be a little daunting so this short 2-hour (approximate) safari provides the ideal introduction.
Full instruction will be provided along with a safety briefing from your expert guide and then you’ll set off in convoy, following the well-marked trails and travelling two people per machine.
Snowmobiles offer the chance to explore further afield and offer the passenger (you can swap drivers) the chance to fully enjoy the sights of Lapland.
Duration: 2 hours
Saariselkä is renowned as a cross-country skiing destination and this ever-popular sport attracts Finns to the region each year.
Your instructor will show you the ropes and, once you have mastered the basics, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the local trails. This is a great activity to try near the start of your holiday as equipment can be hired locally if you would like to hit the trails independently later on in your stay.
Group size: 1-16 (approximately)
Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Adult price is based on 2 persons travelling
Child prices are based on sharing with 2 adults
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Payment and Cancellation Terms
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 20.12-07.01 and 05.02-20.02, 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 the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– between the balance due date and 98 days before departure – 60%
– 97 to 64 days before departure – 80%
– 63 days or less before departure – 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 the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– between the balance due date and 63 days before departure – 60%
– 62 to 36 days before departure – 80%
– 35 days or less before departure – 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
