Utsjoki – The Top of Finland
- Details
Details
Staying in cosy, comfortable accommodation run by a friendly Sámi family, guests will leave feeling like friends, knowing some of these stories and secrets of this fascinating culture. Your hotel accommodation (around 2km from Utsjoki town) has great views north across the Teno River and into Norway. You are in prime Northern Lights territory here, with frequent and spectacular displays which even still stop the locals in their tracks. Evening safaris are available during your stay - please see the Personalise tab for further details. They are not part of the Artisan holiday because Utsjoki has such great views of the Aurora when they occur that an inclusive trip may be surplus to requirements!
Around Utsjoki, dramatic peaks rise from snow-covered fells above the tree-line and the frozen river lies in front of the hotel, sealed with a layer of thick ice and snow. This winter landscape at the northern tip of Finnish Lapland is the perfect place to experience a variety of incredible winter activities, such as a snowshoe hike in the Sacred Valley and a reindeer farm visit, where you will learn about the Sámi culture, which is so predominant in this area. Youll also get to enjoy a husky safari in Norway, where you can meet the dogs before sledding off across the snow. To add to this, youll spend one night dining on a traditional dinner in a warming Sámi hut, as you listen to an enchanting Sámi yoik (song) performance.
Weve made sure to include plenty of free time so that you can savour the stunning surroundings of Arctic Finland and make the most of your time away in this remote and breath-taking part of Lapland. Extra activities, such as a tour to the Arctic Ocean, a scenic snowmobile-pulled sleigh safari, or cross-country skiing in the surrounding wilderness can be added to your trip if you would like to experience all that Utsjoki has to offer.
Today the population density of Utsjoki is 0.25 people per square kilometre. Compare this to London where it is 4,978 people per square kilometre and you have some idea of the remote beauty you may expect. Nothing, however, can prepare you for the reality of this stunning environment where snow covers the ground for six months of the year and the reindeer outnumber the people.
Itinerary
Following your flight into Ivalo, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Utsjoki, which is around two hours’ drive away, including a stop at the small town of Inari. The northern skies are visible all the way to your destination and many a transfer has witnessed a display of the Aurora – what a way to be welcomed! Depending on when your flight lands, you will either have a packed dinner during the journey or dinner in the restaurant on arrival.
Your Sámi hosts will greet you at your accommodation. You can head to your hotel bedroom (Aurora permitting) to enjoy your first peaceful night in the very north of Finland.
Included Meals: Dinner
Your hosts are Sámi reindeer herders, so it is fitting that after breakfast you should learn more about these animals which are so central to Sámi culture. You will travel by car to the nearby reindeer farm.
Over a warming drink, you will learn about the lives of the herders and the way in which the reindeer are central to the culture and traditions of this region. Lunch will be back at the holiday village restaurant. This morning’s activity will last for approximately 2 hours.
This afternoon we have left free for you to enjoy your local surroundings at your leisure before dinner in the restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will enjoy a snowshoeing tour in the fascinating Sacred Valley, which has been an important part of Sámi history for thousands of years.
You will learn about the history of the area, as well as the flora and fauna of the region and how to identify the variety of animal tracks dotted across the snow. You will then head back to the hotel where your guide will light a fire in a traditional Sami hut, and you can relax with some warm drinks. This activity will last approx. 2hrs.
Your afternoon is free to relax and unwind, or perhaps you will want to make use of the cross-country skis and snowshoes, which are free for you to use all week (depending on availability).
Dinner will be served back at the holiday village restaurant with more time to watch the skies in this remote location, hoping the Northern Lights will perform their magical dance.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be free for you to do as you wish. You might want to make use of the cross-country skis and snowshoes or add extra activities. In the evening, your guide will take you on this trip to search for the enchanting Northern Lights. Depending on the season and weather conditions, you will either walk on snowshoes to explore the surrounding nature of Holiday Village Valle, or travel by car in search of the Northern Lights.
During your tour, your guide will also tell you stories about the Northern Lights and the stars and their significance in Sami culture. You will be out this evening approx. 2-3 hrs.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of mushing with your own husky dogs’ team and enjoy the breathtaking views of rugged fells from the cold river that runs through this beautiful river valley. Here you will meet with the local musher who will show you how to handle a sled and a team of eager huskies. You will depart on a husky safari lasting around two hours, travelling two people per sled. There is nothing comparable to the thrill of travelling by dog sled. Whether you are driving or sitting in the sled, it is an exceptional experience.
Following the safari, you will enjoy some snacks and coffee around a campfire. You will have time to say goodbye to the dogs at the end of your tour and take as many pictures as you wish before you head back to Utsjoki for free time and dinner. You will be out for around 4 hours this morning, including transfers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will be touring a nearby fell area by snowmobile accompanied by your guide. On a sleigh wrapped in warm hides and blankets, you will enjoy the peacefulness of the amazing views of the Teno River valley, and the fells of Finland and Norway. Wild reindeer might be seen on the tour, and you may be able to take photos of them in their natural habitat.
During your tour, your guide will also provide you with some hot drinks and share stories about the nature and animals of the area. In addition, he will share stories about the Sami people and their lives here in Utsjoki. You will be out this approx. 3hrs.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During your morning drive to Utsjoki village, you will have the opportunity to visit the old church hut open-air museum. Sami families own these log huts, and they used to live in them during church holidays. The huts are Utsjoki most valuable cultural heritage, whose construction dates to prehistoric times. After the church huts, we will visit the village house Giisa, a local gathering spot for the locals. There is also a handicraft shop in Giisa where you can purchase products made by locals and books by Sami authors. You will be out this approx. 1.5hrs
Tonight, will be a special evening where you will be invited to attend to an authentic Sami hut, goahti, where your guide will be proudly wearing the traditional Sami costumes while cooking for you a delicious dinner with local ingredients such as local mushrooms, reindeer roast, Lappish bread cheese and more. The hut lies 300 meters upstream of the Teno River from Holiday Village, away from noise or people passing by. Around the campfire at dinner, you will hear stories about Sami culture, their traditions and you will be given a private Sami yoik performance.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you will be transferred back to Ivalo Airport for your journey home. If your flight is earlier in the morning, you will be given a packed breakfast rather than having it in the holiday village restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Return group airport transfers (transfers will stop in the town of Inari and then carry on to Utsjoki)
- 7 nights' in a standard double or twin hotel room
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Snowshoeing in the sacred valley
- Reindeer farm visit and local culture
- Husky safari
- Traditional dinner in a Sámi hut
- Snowmobile tour
- Free use of cross-country skis and snowshoes
- Aurora Search by car or snowshoe (depends on weather conditions)
- Village tour by car
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
Accommodation
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Holiday Village Valle is a unique destination for those looking for magical wilderness surroundings and genuine cultural experiences. This Sami owned accommodation is surrounded by idyllic fells and the remote nature of the accommodation allows for truly dark skies when seeking out the Northern Lights. Holiday Valle offers a homely, peaceful atmosphere in this truly tranquil region. The cultural aspects of the Sami people are particularly evident in Utsjoki and this family owned accommodation allows an insight into this century-old way of life which has survived throughout the ages in this truly remote region. Holiday Village Valle itself offers an impressive range of accommodation options and a fantastic restaurant offering a wide range of local delicacies, specialising in traditional dishes enjoyed by the Sami people. The produce is hunted and gathered creating a fresh and enticing taste of Lappish cuisine. Facilities
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Personalise This Tour
| Tour Loaction: | Utsjoki,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Utsjoki,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Utsjoki,Finland |
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Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
