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Wilderness Hotel Muotka – Arctic Family Adventure

  • Details

Details

Wilderness Hotel Muotka is a charming and secluded forest retreat located in the pristine wilderness of Finnish Lapland. Offering an authentic experience for families seeking a blend of cosy comforts and winter adventure. You'll explore the Arctic by dogsled and snowmobile and also have the chance to learn about the indigenous Sami culture. Of course, no family trip to the Arctic would be complete without a hunt for the majestic Northern Lights.
Muotka is a hidden gem. Despite its location high in the Arctic, a warm welcome awaits your family. The hotel also embraces the spirit of eco-tourism, emphasizing sustainable practices and a deep respect for the natural environment.
Lapland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests and pristine rivers. The Wilderness Hotel Muotka's remote location allows visitors to embrace this Northern wilderness while staying in cosy and traditional accommodation. Options range from the well-appointed standard rooms to luxurious cabins and glass roofed kota to enhance your prospects of seeing the Northern Lights. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts if you would like to consider an upgraded room type.
Your itinerary here has been chosen to showcase the Arctic at its best and indulge your sense of adventure. Snowshoeing is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape. You will take a more high octane approach on your snowmobile safari and also learn about the indigenous Sami lifestyle and their co-dependence on the reindeer, one of the most famous inhabitants of the region. Many people's favourite experience in this region is dogsledding and you will get to take your own team of willing canine athletes - there is nothing quite like the silence of making your way along a trail with the sounds of paws on snow the only thing you can hear! Lastly, we include an Aurora Camp to maximise the potential to see one of Nature's most spectacular phenomenon.
Please note if you are travelling over Christmas (celebrated on 24th December throughout Scandinavia) or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the respective dates.

Itinerary

You will arrive at Ivalo Airport, which serves as the starting point for your adventure. Your transfer to Muotka will be waiting for you. This transfer is likely to be a scheduled group shuttle that might make stops at nearby hotels. If you prefer a private taxi transfer, you can inquire about upgrading the transfer (additional cost may apply).

After checking in, you will have dinner in the hotel restaurant – your first chance to sample the flavours of Lapland. After receiving your cold weather clothing, why not take a walk outside and keep your eyes on the skies. An Aurora display on your first night, would be the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Note about Activity Order: The order of activities mentioned in the itinerary is subject to change. The final agenda for your trip will be confirmed upon your arrival at the hotel.

Included Meals:  Dinner

[IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland To Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Check In
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

After a hearty breakfast, you will be able to immerse yourself in the snow-covered forests that surround Muotka. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful walk through the picturesque landscapes, equipped with snowshoes and poles for ease of movement. The guide’s stories and insights about Finnish nature and animals will add further depth to your experience. This activity takes approximately two hours and will be followed by lunch at the hotel.

You will have some time to yourself in the afternoon, and you can arrange to hire snowshoes whenever you wish if you want to explore the extensive trails around the hotel, but equally you may wish to spend some downtime enjoying the hotel’s sauna.

After dinner this evening, you will be collected and comfortably seated in a sledge that is pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. This way you can search the skies on the way to your destination – one of Muotka’s well equipped Aurora Camps. The camp will have been chosen for its clear view of the sky and minimal light pollution. As you keep watch your guide will serve warm drinks and give you information on the Northern Lights. This activity is two and a half hours in duration.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

Today will surely be a memorable one as you experience a husky safari across the fells. The dogs here love nothing more than to pull a sled and their enthusiasm is a joy to witness. You will travel two people per sled with a team of four to six dogs – it is recommended that adults only drive the sleds, although the guides may allow older teenagers to do so. Younger children will ride in the sled driven by an adult in their party or with the guide. Once the dogs’ initial excited barking has abated, they will pull you enthusiastically across the snow and the experience becomes an altogether tranquil one. The peacefulness of the activity will allow you to really appreciate the awe-inspiring wilderness that provides the backdrop to the experience.

The distance travelled will be determined by the conditions on the trail but you will be driving for around one hour with the dogs. This activity last around two hours and you will take lunch back at the hotel.

This afternoon is left free for you to set your own agenda. You may want to book an additional activity (payable locally) or alternatively, you can take advantage of one of the saunas or enjoy a good book and some downtime.

There are no guided Aurora activities planned tonight, however, the skies above Muotka have produced inspiring displays of the Northern Lights and you don’t necessarily have to go very far to witness a wonderful show. With any luck, the sky will be filled with a dazzling array of colours.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

Snowmobiles have become essential machines in this corner of the world, keeping remote communities connected and also providing reindeer herders with an easier means of tracking down their dispersed herd. However, for visitors to this area, they are also a thrilling way to see as much of the winter landscape as possible.

After full instruction and a safety briefing, you will head out into the vast wilderness travelling two people per machine. Your destination for the morning is a reindeer farm around 20km away so there will be the chance to swap drivers (providing you both have full driving licences and are over 18) allowing you both to take control of the snowmobile and travel as a passenger, enjoying the scenery. Any children under 14 will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile.

Upon arrival at the reindeer farm, you will be able to chat with the herder and ask them any questions you may have. Reindeer herding has been an inherent part of life in Lapland for many hundreds of years and today you will learn a little about the fascinating history of herding and its importance to the local culture. This activity lasts for around four to five hours and includes a soup lunch, as well as a short reindeer sleigh ride.

You have your final evening at Muotka to spend as you wish, again you can book another activity locally or you can consider upgrading your accommodation for your last night to one of Muotka’s famous glass roofed kotas to hunt the Lights in style. Please see the Accommodation page for further details.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Stay
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

Today you will bid farewell to Muotka as you are transferred to the airport for your flights home. If you are departing on an early flight, you will be provided with a breakfast box.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Wilderness Hotel Muotka To [IVL] Ivalo Airport, Finland
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Check Out
Address : Saariselka, Inari, Finland

What's included?

  • Return from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
  • Return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
  • 4 nights’ accommodation in twin/double hotel rooms. (Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.)
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Aurora Camp
  • Snowmobile safari to reindeer farm
  • Snowshoeing
  • Husky safari
  • 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

Our Expert Opinion

Amy Hope

Muotka is one of those places where you really feel you have stepped out of the modern world for a few blissful days. That said, this fast-paced itinerary includes all of the essential Arctic experiences, designed specifically for a family to enjoy together. Together with the environmentally sustainable practices employed by your hosts, minimising your impact on the pristine environment you are visiting, it is a winning combination for a family trip to the Arctic.

Accommodation

Wilderness Hotel Muotka
     
 

Wilderness Hotel Muotka resides around 40km from the main town of Ivalo, tucked away in the corner of North-East Finland. Recently renovated and restored it is owned and run by the same couple as the popular Nellim Wilderness Hotel, Mari and Jouko Lappalainen. They run the hotel with the same hard-working ethos and it exudes the same warmth and charm for its much-welcomed guests.

The hotel boasts some wonderful scenery, tucked away in the forested-fells with roaming reindeer frequently seen amongst the trees. It consists of two main accommodation buildings, one with the majority of the bedrooms and another with hosts additional bedrooms, the main restaurant and the reception area.

Hotel facilities

  • The focal point of the main building is the restaurant which is where you will have the majority of your meals. Food will be served buffet style with a variety of continental and cooked food for breakfast and the choice of two or three options for each course at dinner. The menu has been designed with a focus on both traditional and international cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
  • There is a bar which is usually open until 1 am and serves a variety of spirits, wines and beers and a lounge area with comfortable armchairs to relax in during your free time
  • There is a sauna in the main building which is heated daily for guest use
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building (at the bar and in the restaurant)
  • In the main building, you will also find two fireplaces, games and books, which makes it a perfect place to relax
  • The rooms do not have tea and coffee making facilities but tea and coffee are available free of charge and available in the restaurant area
  • Hairdryers are available from the main hotel reception
Accommodation Upgrade to Superior Sauna Room
No of Days: 1
Upgrade to log cabin
No of Days: 1
Accommodation Upgrade to Aurora Cabin
No of Days: 1

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.

If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 15.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:

– Prior to 25.09 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

– 26.09 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 43 days prior to departure – 60%

– 42 to 16 days prior to departure – 85%

– 15 or less days – 100% 

Key Facts

Holiday Type All
Max Group Size NA
Brochure Code 1987
Price from
£1,915 pp
5 days

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Wilderness Hotel Muotka – Arctic Family Adventure

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