Wilderness Hotel Inari – Active Aurora Short Break
- Details
Details
This three-night escape to Wilderness Hotel Inari places you right on the shores of one of Finland's largest and most beautiful lakes - a breathtaking setting with wide, open skies perfect for Northern Lights viewing. Despite the shorter duration, the itinerary is wonderfully full, featuring dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer encounters, and two dedicated Aurora hunts with expert guides. The moment you step into the hotel's panoramic lakeside restaurant, the "wow factor" becomes clear. Wilderness Hotel Inari manages to combine comfort, atmosphere, and access to the wilderness seamlessly. With its prime Aurora Zone location, it's an ideal base for those wanting a concentrated burst of Arctic adventure without compromising on unforgettable experiences. Over your stay you'll meet local reindeer herders, explore frozen trails by snowmobile, and enjoy one of Lapland's most iconic activities - dog sledding. In the evenings, you'll maximise your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights with two very different excursions: first to one of the hotel's dedicated Aurora Camps, and later on a guided snowshoe hike into the quiet night-time wilderness. Even when you're not on an organised activity, the lake right outside the hotel is one of the best Northern Lights viewpoints, making it easy to step out after dinner and watch the sky. This holiday is ideal for travellers short on time but unwilling to miss out on the magic of Lapland. Please note: Activities are all included, but the order may vary. Travellers visiting over Christmas or New Year will enjoy special festive dinners and celebrations on 24th and 31st December.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, where your driver will be waiting for your group transfer to Wilderness Hotel Inari (private transfers available on request). After check-in, you’ll receive your winter clothing, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the days ahead.
Dinner is served in the hotel’s lakeside restaurant – and afterwards, we recommend heading straight to the shore to check the sky. The lake is one of the region’s prime Aurora viewpoints and a beautiful spot for your first night in Lapland.
*Transfers are by scheduled group shuttle which may call at nearby hotels. Private taxi upgrades are available on request.
Included Meals: Dinner
Today begins with a visit to a local reindeer farm. After a short transfer, you’ll meet the herder and gain insight into this traditional way of life before spending time with the reindeer themselves. This relaxed and authentic experience lasts around 2 hours, including transfers.
After lunch, it’s time for your snowmobile safari. Following full safety instructions, you’ll travel in pairs along frozen trails and snowy forests. Please note that you must be 18 years and over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. The activity will last for approximately 2 hours, including rest breaks.
After dinner, your first Aurora activity awaits. You’ll travel by snowmobile-pulled sleigh to one of the hotel’s Aurora Camps, handpicked for their exceptional viewing conditions. With a fire, warm drinks, and clear northern skies, this is a wonderfully atmospheric way to search for the Northern Lights. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Few experiences capture the spirit of Lapland like a husky safari. Your musher will collect you from reception and walk you down to the lake, where you’ll meet the dogs – their excitement is infectious. After a full briefing, you’ll set off two per sled, switching between driving and sitting. Yu’ll drive the sled for approximately 1 hour in total. Afterward, there’ll be some time for photos and questions.
The afternoon is free – you might stroll into Inari Village for a coffee or browse the small selection of local shops, or simply relax at the hotel.
Tonight’ s finale is an Aurora snowshoe adventure. After dinner, your guide will lead you into the peaceful Arctic night, selecting a route based on the latest forecasts to give you the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights. If conditions are favourable, you may find yourself witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Lake Inari as you transfer back to Ivalo Airport for your return flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the Arctic, its wildlife, its wilderness – and hopefully the Northern Lights.
Included Meals: Breakfast
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: 3 nights in twin/double hotel room (upgrades can be arranged subject to availability and supplements)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Reindeer farm visit
- Snowmobile safari
- Aurora camp
- Husky safari
- Aurora snowshoe
- 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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Situated on Lake Inari’s shores, Wilderness Hotel Inari is one of the most spectacular destinations we feature. Offering excellent levels of comfort and some serious ‘wow factor’, it is part of the spectacular Wilderness Hotels group, owned by our good friends Jouko and Mari Lappalianen.
Most importantly, the hotel is bang in the middle of some of the World’s best Aurora hunting territory and the hotel has implemented some innovative Northern Lights features to help maximise your viewing potential.
Wilderness Hotel Inari is ideally located around 40 minutes’ drive from Ivalo Airport and just five minutes’ drive from Inari Village (or around a 50 minute walk), which is the centre of Sámi culture in Finland.
There is a stunning array of accommodation on offer here, including log cabins, Arctic chalets, Aurora cabins and wilderness hotel rooms, all of which are separate to (but within very easy reach of), the central restaurant building.
The hotel provides modern accommodation with décor which combines both comfort and charm. A huge amount of thought has gone into creating this very special place to stay.
Hotel Facilities
- The focal point of the hotel is the main reception, bar, lounge and restaurant building. There will be gasps of delight from the moment you walk in and are confronted with exceptional views out over the lake.
- All meals are served in the restaurant and the quality of the food has been excellent in our experience.
- Breakfast offers a continental selection of meats, breads, cheese, fish and pastries as well as hot options including bacon and eggs. Fresh fruit and yoghurts are also available.
- Lunch and evening meals consist of an array of fresh salads and a soup is followed by a choice of two main dishes prepared by the chefs. Options will typically include some local flavours as well as international dishes. In the evening these are accompanied by a pudding. Tea, coffee and water are included in your stay and any additional drinks can be added to your bill.
- The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with local art and woodwork creating a great atmosphere. The fantastic north facing panoramic windows running the length of the room offer views out onto Lake Inari. We certainly expect a few evening meals to be abandoned as the Aurora becomes visible during dinner (the chefs get used to it!)
- The bar is fully stocked so you can enjoy a drink with your meal or relax in the lounge area by the roaring fire.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the main hotel building and rooms (it is less strong in the Aurora cabins and the log cabins but 3G reception should work on your phone).
Wilderness Room
The bedrooms are located in two separate buildings around 50 metres from the main building.
Each room has been decorated in a traditional Arctic style with inspiration taken from the local environment. They are around 30m² and have either a queen-sized bed or twin beds. Coffee and tea making facilities are provided in your room as well as either a comfortable sofa or two armchairs. If you can’t face being detached from the “real world”, the rooms also come with free Wi-Fi. Every bedroom is en-suite and comes complete with hairdryer and toiletries.
These rooms are designed for two people to share but a third person can be accommodated on a camp bed or pull-out sofa (supplements apply).
Aurora Cabin
With the potential of seeing the Northern Lights above, you won’t want to take your eyes off the Arctic sky. Luckily, with Wilderness Hotel Inari’s Aurora Cabins, you won’t have to. These amazing structures are all equipped with an expansive heated glass roof to give you unobstructed views of the northern skies at all times.
These cosy cabins come with twin beds (which are typically pushed together), a sofa or armchairs in the small living area and an ensuite shower room (toiletries and hairdryer are provided). You will also have coffee and tea making facilities. Some of the cabins will also accommodate an extra person on a sofa bed. The cabins are 34m² in size. The Wi-Fi signal isn’t as strong in the cabins so you may need to use the main restaurant or use the time to switch off!
The cabins are between 20 and 50 metres from the main building.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Log Cabin
These cosy cabins are built in the traditional way, with walls constructed from huge logs. The ground floor covers 70m² and the loft area offers an additional 20m².
On the ground floor, you’ll find a spacious dining/living room, comfy seating, and a wood burning stove which can be turned to face where you are sitting. There is also a kitchenette and dining area, although all your meals are provided in the restaurant. The main bedroom with a queen-sized bed can also be found on the ground floor. The cabins also provide free Wi-Fi although the signal is not strong in all of them. It can, however, be used in the lounge area of the main building if needed.
The bathroom and toilet (hairdryer and toiletries are provided) are also on the ground floor and the cabin comes with the luxury of a private sauna.
The loft area upstairs can accommodate three more single beds and, thanks to the pull-out sofa in the living area, the capacity of these cabins ranges from two to six people (although we would recommend a maximum of 4 adults). They are ideal for couples looking for a very romantic hideaway or for small groups of friends or family.
The cabins are between 15m and 100m from the main building.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Arctic Chalet
These semi-detached, designer Arctic Chalets, are a fantastic addition to Inari’s range of accommodation options. They are designed to offer couples or families an air of Arctic luxury in their own holiday hideaway.
The modern interiors are sleek and beautifully designed. Each features a bedroom with an en-suite shower, private sauna room and king-size bed. The separate living area is well equipped with a cosy sofa, an electric fire and small kitchenette – they are very cosy and perfect to relax in following a day of adventures.
The lounge sofa can also convert into a (very comfy!) bed which can sleep an additional two people, the chalets are a much more spacious option than the standard hotel rooms and just a short walk from the main restaurant building.
Please note that this accommodation option requires an upgrade supplement. Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
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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
