Wilderness Hotel Kieppi – Under Arctic Skies
- Details
Details
The newly renovated Wilderness Hotel Kieppi is the perfect base for an unforgettable Arctic getaway. Ideally situated in Saariselka, Europe's northernmost ski resort and the gateway to the Urho Kekkonen National Park, Kieppi is the latest addition to the family owned and run Wilderness Hotels. Your holiday here is the best hands - your hosts are among the pioneers of Northern Lights hunting in Finnish Lapland and hugely experienced in offering the full array of exciting winter activities.
You will experience the real Arctic across your packed itinerary. Glide through snowy forests and across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, before being introduced to Sami culture and meeting a herd of reindeer. Feel the raw power of your team of eager huskies as they lead you out into the pristine wilderness. Snowshoeing offers a change of pace and the chance to connect with nature, as you wander across the snow-blanketed landscape.
When night falls, the hunt for the Northern Lights begins. Settle into a cozy Aurora camp to savour warm drinks by the fire under a star-filled sky, watching for the telltale signs of the Aurora on the horizon. You will also venture out on an Aurora hunt by snowmobile, not only hunting the Lights but also appreciating how the landscape changes at night as your headlight picks your way along the forest trails.
Image credits: Wilderness Hotels
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
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred* to Kieppi Wilderness Hotel.
On your first evening, you will be provided with your cold weather clothing.
Transfers are based on a scheduled group shuttle that sometimes stops at a few nearby hotels. If you would prefer to upgrade to private taxi transfers please ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Included Meals: Dinner
This morning, you will enjoy one of Lapland’s most iconic winter experiences: a husky safari. Steering a team of enthusiastic sled dogs is frequently a highlight for guests, is an exhilarating and authentic way to explore the Arctic landscape. Once their initial excitement settles, the journey becomes surprisingly tranquil as the huskies pull you across snowy trails and past frost-covered forests. The sled ride lasts around an hour, providing plenty of time to take in the magical surroundings.
Before departure, your expert guide will give full instructions. You will ride two per sled, with the chance to switch roles along the way so both of you can try your hand at driving and also relax as a passenger admiring the scenery. In total, the experience lasts about two hours.
This evening, you will set off once more – this time in search of the Northern Lights. Travelling by sled towed by your guide’s snowmobile, head to one of the Aurora Camps, chosen for its spectacular open views of the northern sky. With clear weather and favourable solar activity, you may be treated to the breathtaking sight of the aurora dancing overhead. The outing lasts roughly two and a half hours, offering an unforgettable night beneath the stars.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you will set off two per snowmobile for an exhilarating journey through the wilderness to a local reindeer farm. After a comprehensive safety briefing and instructions on handling your snowmobile, you will embark on your safari across snowy trails. At the farm there are knowledgeable reindeer herders who will inform you about the cultural and economic significance of these most famous of Lapland’s creatures. The experience lasts around four hours, including lunch at the reindeer farm, and allows time to switch seats so both travellers can enjoy a turn at driving (drivers must be 18 years old and hold a full licence).
The afternoon is yours to unwind before dinner. You might choose to relax in the hotel’s sauna or perhaps arrange additional optional activities. Snowshoes are also available for hire should you wish to explore the surroundings at your own pace and numerous trails into the National Park start nearby. This evening, you can decide to add another Aurora hunting activity or to try your luck around the hotel and its grounds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will don your snowshoes for a leisurely exploration of the surrounding forests, in the company of your guide who will share their insight into the flora and fauna of northern Finland. You will feel the satisfying “crunch” of snow under your feet as you move through what we guarantee will be the quietest and most serene countryside you have ever experienced.
In the evening, it is time to head out on your final adventure – a Northern Lights hunt by snowmobile. Aurora snowmobiling combines the excitement of riding through the Arctic night with the wonder of searching for the Northern Lights.
As you traverse frozen lakes, fells and forests you will stop at selected viewpoints where the sky looms wide over your heads. These breaks give you time to enjoy warm drinks, listen to stories about the Northern Lights, and watch the horizon for any sign of movement. This experience blends atmospheric adventure with unique opportunities to see the Lights overhead.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is departure day and you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your return flights. If you are on an early flight, a packed breakfast will be provided. If you depart on a later flight, you will have breakfast in the restaurant.
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: Direct return flights from London to Ivalo (flight routes are subject to change)
- Transfers: Return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights’ in twin/double hotel rooms
- Meals: Full board meal
- Husky safari
- Reindeer day via snowmobile
- Gentle snowshoeing
- Aurora Camp
- Aurora snowmobiling
- 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
Accommodation
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Hotel facilities
- The hotel has a cozy corner bar and restaurant where all your meals will be served
- The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients, focussing on local producers and combines traditional flavours with modern flair
- Free Wifi throughout the building
- A sauna is available for guest use
- Hairdryers are available in rooms
Wilderness Room
Each Wilderness Room has either double or twin beds and a bathroom complete with toiletries and a hairdryer. The rooms are tastefully decorated with a décor inspired by Arctic nature, evoking the spirit of Lapland.
Some rooms have the option to add an extra bed to accommodate a child.
Kieppi Suite
Each Kieppi Suite has a bathroom with shower, double bed and a convertible sofa bed which can sleep two people. These large suites are decorated to reflect the hotel’s natural Lappish theme.
Tour Map
Additional Info
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
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
