Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – Glass Roof Family Adventure
- Details
Details
Immerse your family in the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland with a magical four night retreat to the Northern Lights Village Saariselkä. This itinerary perfectly balances thrilling Arctic adventures with the opportunity for family time and to also add your own choice of activities if you wish. All of this, while staying in a spectacular Aurora Cabin, featuring a heated glass roof designed for watching the stars and hopefully the shimmer of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your duvet. To make your family retreat entirely stress-free, full-board dining is included throughout your stay, offering a delicious mix of authentic Lappish specialties and familiar family favourites that ensure everyone is well-fed after a day in the snow. Your itinerary delivers classic Arctic activities thoughtfully tailored for all generations. You will feel the rush of a traditional dog-sled ride during a husky safari and enjoy the gentle, fairy-tale charm of a reindeer sleigh journey through the snow-covered woods. The whole family can explore the breathtaking landscape together on a scenic two-hour snowmobile safari, while younger adventurers aged six and over can safely experience the thrill of driving on a dedicated mini-snowmobiling track. The true beauty of this trip is the addition of a completely customisable free day to set your own pace. You can keep your schedule clear to build snowmen, play board games, and sip hot chocolate or choose to add another adventure. It is your holiday - so choose the memories you would like to take home! If you want to make the nights just as memorable, you can choose to enhance your evenings by adding a dedicated trek to our wilderness Aurora Camps, where you can gather around a crackling campfire to watch the Arctic sky light up. Because these late-night northern lights hunts last about three hours, they are best suited for older children, but our Travel Experts are always on hand to help you plan age-appropriate fun, including arranging a private and unforgettable meeting with Father Christmas himself if you wish. Image credits: Northern Lights VillagesImportant 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
Touch down at Ivalo Airport, where your driver will welcome you for a scenic journey through snow-draped forests to the Northern Lights Village Saariselkä. Following check-in, unpack and relax in your enchanting Arctic base for the next four nights. The resort’s signature Aurora Cabins balance deep comfort with pristine wilderness, boasting a heated glass roof that lets you track the night sky and search for the dancing northern lights directly from your bed. Children can settle comfortably onto their own dedicated pull-out sofa beds positioned right underneath the glass canopy. As evening falls, gather at the welcoming on-site restaurant for a hearty buffet dinner, featuring a broad selection of dishes designed to satisfy every generation. (Please note that airport arrivals are coordinated via shared group transfers timed to align with incoming flights).
Included Meals: Dinner
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a thrilling two-hour snowmobile expedition across Saariselkä’s rolling hills and frost-covered woodlands. Drivers aged 18 and over with a valid driving licence can take control of the snowmobile, while children enjoy the winter views from the safety of a cozy sleigh towed by the guide. A scenic mid-safari pause provides an opportunity to warm up with hot beverages in the wilderness. After returning to the village for lunch, transition to a gentler pace with a 25-minute reindeer sleigh journey, offering a peaceful window into historic Sámi traditions and the silent beauty of the snowy backcountry. Conclude your day with a warm buffet dinner back at the resort to recount the highlights of the day. (For families traveling with very young children, our team suggests splitting any optional evening Aurora hunts across different nights – one adult tonight and the other on Day 3 or 4 – as the late-night camps can feel long for little ones).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Greet the morning with breakfast before setting off on an exhilarating husky safari through the pristine, snow-covered landscape. Adults will learn to steer and command their own team of enthusiastic sled dogs, while children sit snugly inside the passenger basket. This 10km trail takes roughly one hour and includes a comprehensive briefing, leaving plenty of time at the end for the whole family to photograph and interact with the friendly huskies. Later in the afternoon, younger adventurers can take the wheel during a 30-minute mini-snowmobiling session, which provides a safe, controlled environment for kids to pilot their own small snowmobiles around a dedicated track. (Please note: mini-snowmobiling requires a minimum age of 6 years and a height of at least 100cm, though it can be exchanged for alternative options if you have younger children). Enjoy a final group dinner together and keep an eye on the sky – with a bit of luck, a brilliant display of the Northern Lights will cross the sky to cap off a memorable day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a blank canvas for you to complete your family’s perfect winter escape – you can decide to be as chilled or as active as you wish.
Whether you want to add a magical private visit to meet Father Christmas, try your hand at ice fishing, go snowshoeing, or book an evening Aurora camp – our Personalise Tour page contains the details of the activities you can consider adding to your itinerary, and our Sales Experts are also on hand to discuss the best options for you.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a final breakfast at the resort restaurant before checking out and taking in a last view of Lapland’s spectacular winter wilderness. Your extended holiday at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä draws to a close today, but the memories will last a lifetime. A shared shuttle service will arrive to transport your family back to Ivalo Airport in good time to catch your scheduled return flight home.
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: Return flights from London to Ivalo (flight routes subject to change.)
- Transfers: Return group airport bus transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights in an Aurora Cabin
- Meals: Full board
- 10km husky safari
- 2 hour snowmobile safari
- 25 minute reindeer sleigh ride
- 30 minute child’s mini-snowmobiling session (minimum age 6 years, 100cm+ height)
- 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
- 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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Located in far Northeast Finland, the Northern Lights Village Saariselka sits on the outskirts of the ski resort. 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
The village of Nellim is said to be the meeting place of eastern, western and northern cultures. During this trip, you’ll visit different points of interests and gain a wonderful insight into the region’s history and culture.
The journey will take you to the Paatsjoki River Bridge which spans across the flowing, unfrozen waters of the river.
Duration: around 6 hours (including transfers and lunch)
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)
You can hire snowshoes for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
You can hire cross-country skis for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
Reindeer have played an integral role in the local economy and culture for many, many centuries. An understanding of these animals and their herders is something no visitor to the region should miss.
You will meet with a reindeer herder and hear tales from the trails as you learn about reindeer husbandry. You’ll get the chance to feed the animals before enjoying a one-hour (approximately) reindeer-pulled sleigh ride.
Duration: 4 hours (sleigh ride is 1 hour)
Seeing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience and capturing it on camera gives you the opportunity to take this wonderful moment home with you, for what is arguably the best souvenir on offer!
This photography workshop will teach you everything you need to know in order to get that perfect shot, should the Aurora make an appearance during your stay.
Please note: you will need to bring your own equipment (camera, ideally SLR, and tripod)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
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
This snowmobile-pulled sleigh journey is one of the most innovative ways we have found to search for the Northern Lights. The sleigh is enclosed and heated, insulating you from the sub-zero temperatures outside. With approximately 8 passengers per sled, the guide will lead the way on his or her snowmobile, pulling the sled up to the top of a local fell and far from any light pollution.
Fells provide uninterrupted views of the night sky and provide excellent Aurora viewing should conditions be favourable.
Your guide will get a fire burning and warm your cockles with hot drinks and snacks as you wait for a first glimpse of the Northern Lights. Displays can emerge very slowly from the inky blackness of the Lappish sky or suddenly appear out of nowhere so be sure to keep your eyes fixed firmly skywards.
All of the Aurora guides from the Northern Lights Village have expert knowledge about how to capture the Aurora on camera and they’ll help you compose your shots.
Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
Snowmobiling at night is a completely different experience. The dark forests and trails are illuminated only by your headlights creating ghostly shapes and shadows in the snow ahead.
Having ascended the side of a nearby fell, your guide will stop at a prime Aurora viewpoint. A fire will be lit and warming drinks and snacks will be served. As you wait for the Aurora to hopefully dance overhead, your expert local guide will show you how to capture the lights on camera so you’re ready if they appear.
Full instruction and a safety briefing will be provided before the activity and you will travel two people per machine. For those who would like to drive their own snowmobile, a supplement is payable.
Please note: snowmobile drivers must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence.
Group size: 1-30 (approximately)
Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
Local expertise and mobility are two of the key elements required for Aurora hunting success and this activity delivers on both fronts.
In the company of an expert local guide, you will travel by minibus to the shore of Lake Inari, a vast expanse of frozen water situated to the north of Saariselkä. The size of the lake means it provides an open view of the northern skies and is known locally as being an excellent spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
In a remote spot, your guide will lead you to a wilderness shelter. A fire will be lit and warm drinks and snacks will be served to ensure that you are as warm and comfortable as possible while you wait to see if the Aurora will appear.
Why not take one of the reindeer rugs, lie back on the snow, sip your hot drink and immerse yourself in the near-perfect Arctic silence?
Group numbers: 1-24 (approximately)
Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
Our friends at the Northern Lights Village have, over the course of many years, researched the best places in the region for Aurora viewing and created Aurora Camps in their favourite spots.
Travelling by minibus you’ll head North East of Saariselkä towards the tiny village of Nellim on the shores of Lake Inari. You’ll follow a small road past the village which will eventually bring you to the Paatsjoki River.
At your Aurora Camp, a campfire will be made in a Lappish tepee and hot drinks and snacks will be served; hopefully, the Aurora will make an appearance for you tonight. If there is time, you may also visit Paatsjoki River Bridge, a place that features in many a glorious Aurora image.
Group size: 1-24 (approximately)
Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
Join some of Father Christmas’s elves on an enchanting festive adventure to seek out the big man in red.
Before setting out, a very friendly elf will meet you for some baking of gingerbread in a kota in the Northern Lights Village. These cookies are Father Christmas’s favourites and taste delicious.
You will then be taken to meet some of Father Christmas’s reindeer and will enjoy a short reindeer-sleigh ride (approximately 10 minutes).
Duration: 3 hours
| 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 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 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 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 Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Adult (15+) price is based on 2 persons sharing an aurora cabin Child (4-14) price is based on sharing with 2 adults
Please note when booking for 1 adult to share with 1 child a supplement charge will be added
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) â 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 â 60%
– 97 to 64 days before departure â 80%
– 63 days or less before departure â 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) â 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 â 60%
-62 to 36 days before departure â 80%
-35 days or less before departure â 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 everyoneâs 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
