Wilderness Hotel Juutua – Northern Lights Winter Week
- Details
Details
This seven-night winter itinerary is based at Wilderness Hotel Juutua, set beside the Juutua River in the heart of Inari. Designed as an all-encompassing adventure, the programme combines classic Arctic activities with cultural insight, Northern Lights experiences, and time to relax in refined surroundings.
By day, explore Lapland's wilderness by snowmobile, husky sled, snowshoes and sleigh, visit a traditional reindeer farm, try ice fishing on a frozen lake, and discover Sámi culture at the acclaimed Siida Museum. Evenings are reserved for Aurora-focused experiences, including an Aurora Camp, Aurora Snowmobiling, and an expert-led Aurora Workshop. The beauty of Inari is that you can also witness incredible displays, just a short walk from the hotel.
The week is rounded off with moments of comfort and indulgence, from an Arctic sauna and hot tub experience by the river to a memorable five-course dinner at Restaurant Aanaar, showcasing local ingredients and flavours. A balanced and unforgettable journey through Northern Finland, ideal for those seeking adventure, culture, and a true Arctic escape.
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.
Please note: If you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the 24th or the 31st of December (traditionally in Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve).
Itinerary
Arrive in Lapland and meet your driver at the airport for a transfer to Wilderness Hotel Juutua (approximately 45 minutes). On arrival, you will receive your itinerary ahead of dinner. Cold weather clothing will be provided either this evening or the following day, depending on your arrival time.
Transfers operate as part of a scheduled group shuttle, which may include stops at a few nearby hotels.
If you would prefer a more direct and personalised experience, private taxi transfers are available – please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Included Meals: Dinner
Set off on a snowmobile safari through frozen lakes and forest trails after a safety briefing and driving instruction. This 4-hour adventure includes lunch and warm drinks along the way. You will travel two people per snowmobile and have the chance to change drivers should you wish. Please note that you must be 18 years and over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
In the evening, join a 1-hour Aurora Workshop, where expert guides explain the science behind the Northern Lights and offer practical tips for night photography.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, set out for one of Lapland’s most memorable experiences: a husky safari. On arrival, your guide will introduce you to your eager team of dogs, whose excitement quickly gives way to calm focus once you set off across the snow.
Travelling in pairs, one guest will steer the sled while the other rides seated at the front, with the chance to swap roles midway through the journey. The safari lasts around 3 hours in total, including approximately 1 hour of sled driving in total, as you glide quietly through the surrounding winter landscape.
Tonight, travel by snowmobile-pulled sleigh to an Aurora Camp, where hot drinks and a campfire await as you watch the night sky far from light pollution; hopefully the Northern Lights will make an appearance tonight. You will be out for approximately 3 hours this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will visit a reindeer farm, meeting the animals and learning about Sámi traditions and reindeer herding. You’ll have the opportunity to feed the reindeer and gain insight into their importance in Arctic life. The activity will last for approximately 2 hours, including transfers.
You will then have some free time to relax and unwind or explore the village.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will travel by snowmobile sleigh to a frozen lake for an ice fishing experience. Learn traditional techniques, try your luck on the ice, and enjoy lunch outdoors during this activity, which lasts approximately 4 hours in total.
Later, unwind with an Arctic sauna and hot tub experience beside the Juutua River, combining warmth, relaxation, and tranquil winter views. You will be allocated a 1.5 hour slot during your stay.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the award-winning Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Centre, offering an in-depth look at Sámi culture, Arctic history, and the eight seasons of Lapland. Inari is the centre of Sami culture in Finland, and the Museum is just a short walk from the hotel. The activity will last for approximately 3 hours in total.
In the evening, head out on an Aurora snowmobile safari, riding through open landscapes to carefully chosen viewpoints with the best chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Again, you will travel 2 people per snowmobile with a chance to swap drivers along the way (drivers must be 18+ and hold a full driving licence). You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the surrounding wilderness on a guided snowshoeing adventure, learning about local wildlife and Arctic nature along the way. This 4-hour activity includes a wilderness lunch.
In the evening, enjoy a 5-course dinner at the hotel’s Restaurant Aanaar, where seasonal Lapland ingredients are paired with views of the Juutua River.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Ivalo Airport for your onward journey. Depart with lasting memories of Arctic landscapes, Sámi culture, 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 from London to Ivalo (flight routes are subject to change)
- Transfers: Return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: 7 nights in an Arctic twin/double hotel room
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Snowmobile safari
- Aurora workshop
- Husky safari
- Aurora camp
- Reindeer farm visit
- Ice fishing by snowmobile sleigh
- Arctic sauna and hot tub experience
- Visit to Sami Siida Museum
- Aurora snowmobile safari
- Snowshoe safari
- Upgraded 5 course meal at Restaurant Aanaar on one night
- 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
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Accommodation
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Wilderness Hotel Juutua is situated right in the heart of Inari village in Northeast Finland, on the banks of the river which shares its name. Guests can enjoy walks through the village, enjoy the small selection of shops, the Sami Siida Museum and importantly gain access to some incredible Aurora viewing territory within moments of stepping outside the hotel.
Inari is at the heart of the indigenous Sami culture in Finland. These links are not lost in this recently refurbished hotel, with the interior drawing on the local heritage and combining it with the chic, Scandinavian design that the Wilderness Hotels are now so well known for.
The hotel consists of two buildings. The main building houses the reception, lounge and bar area, as well as the famous Restaurant Aanaar. The Wilderness Rooms are located on the top floor.
A short walk from the hotel you will find the second building which houses the Arctic Premium Rooms and Juutua Suites.
Double Wilderness Room
These rooms are in the main building of the hotel and as this is the original hotel building, they are slightly smaller than some of the other rooms. Recently renovated though, they are very tastefully decorated and offer a cosy base with very easy access to the restaurant of course (no need for winter clothing as you simply walk downstairs).
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a wet-room shower (includes toiletries), they offer a flat screen TV, hairdryer and a kettle. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. All of the Wilderness Rooms in the main building are double rooms and cannot be turned into twins.
Juutua Suite
These upgraded rooms are a very short walk from the main hotel building. Every suite has either a terrace or balcony (depending on which floor they are on) ideal for Northern Lights viewing in the middle of the night! They each have their own private sauna too which is perfect for relaxing after a day of winter adventures. The rooms also have their own tea and coffee-making facilities fridge and hairdryers.
Arctic Premium Room
These rooms are situated just a short walk from the main hotel and restaurant. They can be either double or twin and provide a relaxing and cosy retreat. Some of the Arctic rooms offer the space for an extra bed (on request).
They each have an en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi.
There is also an Arctic Family Room available which offers a double bed and a separate bedroom with twin beds, as well as a sofa bed, meaning that there is space for up to 5 people.
Tour Map
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
