Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – Family Winter Getaway
- Details
Details
A family winter getaway to Northern Lights Village Saariselkä not only promises adventure but also togetherness and unforgettable memories in the heart of Finnish Lapland. This fantastic destination blends thrilling activities with cosy accommodation to create the perfect escape. Located in the snowy wilderness, Saariselkä is, without a doubt, an ideal spot to connect with nature and each other. So, put your screens and devices away and instead prepare to experience firsthand the best Lapland has to offer.
Your stay in an Aurora Cabin ensures a unique experience under the Arctic sky, where you can admire the stars and, hopefully, the Northern Lights. The cabins provide modern comforts yet still keep you close to nature. Full-board dining makes mealtimes easier since there's something for everyone. Discover local Lappish cuisine or, if you prefer, stick to family favourites made from fresh ingredients. Each meal becomes an opportunity to enjoy quality time together. The dedicated staff ensure your comfort while also assisting with any requests, making this family winter getaway as stress-free as possible.
The itinerary includes activities designed for all ages, ranging from the thrill of a husky safari to the charm of a reindeer sleigh ride. Children can enjoy a mini-snowmobiling session, which adds a sense of adventure tailored just for them. A two-hour snowmobile safari takes the entire family through breathtaking landscapes, allowing you to create moments to treasure. Between activities, relax in the serene surroundings or, alternatively, warm up with games and hot chocolates by a crackling fire.
You may wish to add a dedicated Northern Lights hunt to your agenda. The Aurora Camps on offer are a fantastic chance to spot the infamous lights. As you gather around a campfire, share a special moment together. However, it's important to consider that the Aurora activities start later in the evening, typically lasting for around three hours. Therefore, they may not be suitable for very young travellersplease speak to our Travel Experts for further advice. You can also speak to them about including a magical visit to meet Father Christmas.
This family winter getaway combines the best of Lapland's adventures with precious quality time together. But if three nights aren't enough, speak to our Travel Experts, who will gladly provide you with a tailored quote to extend your stay.
Important Information
- Complimentary Private Sauna & Hot Tub – valid on holidays to Northern Lights Village Saariselka
- Valid on bookings made between 01 – 14 February 2025
- Travel Dates: For travel 02 February – 15 April 2025
Itinerary
Upon landing at Ivalo Airport, a driver will greet you and transfer your family to Northern Lights Village Saariselkä. After checking in, settle into your home for the next three nights. The Aurora Cabins are designed for comfort and warmth. Your children will love the glass roof which offers a unique opportunity to stargaze from the comfort of your bed, while they will be accommodated on their own, pull-out sofa beds. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the resort’s cosy restaurant. Food is served buffet-style so there’s sure to be plenty to choose from for everyone.
*Please note that the transfers included are shared and grouped to align with similar flight arrival times.
Included meals: Dinner
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, preparing you for a two-hour snowmobile safari through the snowy forests and over the hills of Saariselkä. This thrilling experience allows the whole family to explore the breathtaking winter landscapes together. Children will travel in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh driven by the guide and younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. There will be a break along the way for hot drinks. Full driving instructions will be provided – you must have a full driving licence and be over the age of 18 to drive the snowmobile. After lunch, delight in a 25-minute reindeer sleigh ride, immersing yourselves in traditional Sámi culture and enjoying the serene beauty of the surroundings. Return to the village for a warm dinner, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
If you wish, speak to one of our Travel Experts upon booking about the Aurora hunting excursions on offer. If you have young children, we recommend one adult enjoying an activity this evening, and one on day 3. The Aurora camps can be quite late and long for little ones.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, embark on a thrilling husky safari, where you can drive your own sled through the pristine wilderness, guided by enthusiastic huskies. This activity is sure to be a highlight for both adults and children. You will receive a full briefing and instructions of how to navigate the sled before setting off. Afterwards, there is usually time for the whole family to cuddle the lovable dogs; a fantastic photo opportunity! The sleds are for 2 people, with 1 adult driving and a child sitting in the sled. The safari will last for approximately 30 minutes, covering 5km.
In the afternoon, children can enjoy a 30-minute mini snowmobiling session, providing a safe and exciting experience tailored just for them. They’ll love driving their very own snowmobile around the track.
End the day with a final dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening. With a little luck, the Northern Lights will put on a fabulous display to end your getaway with a spectacular show.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort before checking out. Sadly, your family winter getaway at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä has come to an end. A shared shuttle will transport you back to Ivalo Airport for your return flight.
Included meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Ivalo (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes subject to change
- Transfers: Return group airport bus transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights in an Aurora Cabin
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- 5km husky safari
- 2 hour snowmobile safari
- 25 minute reindeer sleigh ride
- 30 minute child’s mini-snowmobiling session
- 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
Our Expert Opinion
“After seeing us in control on the snowmobile safari, the kids couldn’t wait to be in the driver’s seat! Our son is very adventurous, so this was the perfect activity for him. Our daughter on the other hand, is animal mad so spending time with the huskies was a dream come true for her. We got some amazing photos and I know the whole family will remember this trip for a long time.”
Accommodation
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Located in North East Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselka. Tucked away from the town and separated from it by dense forest, 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! It’s not often that folk prefer a sleepless night but here it’s not considered to be a huge inconvenience as it provides the chance to potentially witness Mother Nature’s greatest light show!
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 where you’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner.
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. The local staff are very happy to assist with guiding you to the suitable meals on offer). There’s also a large bar and lounge area with additional comfy seating nearby in reception for you to relax in after your meal.
- The Northern Lights Village has an onsite reindeer paddock and all activities start in the village so there is no need for time-wasting transfers. Basically, because we want to make your holiday as uncomplicated as possible, life is made very easy here.
- 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.
- During most activities, an expert guide will take pictures which can be purchased in the days following your activity (this is an additional charge payable locally) on your return to the village.
- For all of your provided winter clothing, simply go to the onsite Safari House where overalls, gloves, boots, skis and snowshoes are stored for easy access.
- Guests can pay extra to use the hot tub, sauna and ice pool.
Personalise This Tour
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
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)
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
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.
– 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 43 days prior to departure – 60%
– 42 to 16 days prior to departure – 85%
– 15 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
