Wilderness Hotel Muotka – Festive Family Adventure
- Details
Details
Spend four magical nights deep in the fells of Northern Lapland, where peaceful forests, soft snowfall and wide-open skies create the perfect backdrop for a family winter escape. This 4 night break is filled with iconic Arctic experiences - from husky sledding and reindeer encounters to meeting Santa himself - all while staying at the welcoming Wilderness Hotel Muotka.
Just 45 minutes from Ivalo Airport, Muotka sits tucked away in a tranquil wilderness setting, surrounded by pristine nature and far from artificial light. It's an ideal base for both daytime adventures and evening Northern Lights sightings. With traditional log buildings, cosy fires and thoughtful hospitality, the hotel blends comfort with an authentically Finnish atmosphere.
Across your days here, you'll enjoy a handpicked selection of Lapland's must-do winter activities. Dash through snowy forests on a husky sled, learn about Sámi culture as you meet and feed reindeer, and explore the untouched landscapes by snowmobile. For families, the highlight is often the magical journey to Santa's secret hideaway - a heartwarming experience which is sure to live long in the memory.
Your evenings hold just as much enchantment. One night, you'll travel by sleigh to a remote Aurora Camp, where a warm fire and star-filled sky create the perfect setting for watching the Northern Lights shimmer overhead.
Although this trip is easy to fit into a busy December family schedule, it captures everything that makes Lapland unforgettable: the silence of winter wilderness, the joy of meeting its iconic animals, the thrill of Arctic adventures, and the sparkle of true festive magic.
We know you'll return home with memories that last a lifetime - and perhaps already dreaming of coming back.
Important Information
Please note: 30 Dec 2026 is 5 nights duration.
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
Welcome to Lapland! Upon landing, you will be greeted at the airport by your transfer driver holding a Wilderness Hotel Muotka sign. From here, enjoy a scenic 45-minute transfer through peaceful snow-covered forests.
Once you arrive at the hotel, you’ll receive your full activity schedule before dinner. Depending on your arrival time, your Arctic clothing will be fitted either today or the following morning, so you’re fully prepared for the adventures ahead.
Included Meals: Dinner
Your first full day in Lapland begins with one of its most iconic experiences – dog sledding. After a thorough introduction to handling the sled, you’ll meet your enthusiastic husky team and head out across frozen lakes and quiet forests. Travelling two per sled, you’ll switch roles halfway so both of you get to enjoy the exhilarating experience of mushing through the winter wilderness. Children will typically travel in the guide’s sled. (Sled-driving time approx. one hour.)
In the evening, you will journey by snowmobile-pulled sleigh to a remote Aurora Camp. Far from artificial light, this peaceful spot offers some of the best views of the night sky. Enjoy warm drinks around the fire while you wait for the Northern Lights to hopefully appear. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning brings a gentle and heart-warming encounter with Lapland’s most iconic animals. At a local reindeer camp, your guide will introduce you to these calm and curious creatures, sharing stories of Sámi culture and the important role reindeer play in northern life. You’ll even have the chance to feed them – they may wander right up and take food from your hand. The activity will last for approximately 2 hours in total.
Later, prepare for a magical visit to Father Christmas’s secret location. After a snowmobile-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy forest, you’ll meet Father Christmas himself for a warm and personal conversation. The little ones will receive a small gift. Families are encouraged to bring letters to Father Christmas and hand them discreetly to reception the day before – a touch that makes the meeting even more special. You will spend approximately 20 minutes meeting Father Christmas.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you’ll experience the thrill of exploring the Arctic by snowmobile. Your guide will begin with full safety instructions and a driving lesson to ensure everyone feels confident. Once comfortable, you’ll set off across frozen landscapes, travelling through forests and open fells as you enjoy the excitement and beauty of Lapland in winter.
Children under 15 will ride safely in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile, allowing the whole family to join the adventure. Please note that you must be 18 years and over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. The safari will last for approximately 2 hours, including tuition and rest breaks.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Wilderness Hotel Muotka. You will be transferred back to Ivalo Airport for your onward journey. We hope your days in Lapland have been full of magic, adventure and unforgettable memories.
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: 4 nights in a superior sauna room
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Father Christmas visit
- Husky safari
- Snowmobile safari
- Meet the reindeer
- Aurora Camp
- 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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Wilderness Hotel Muotka is tucked away in the stunning forested fells to the south of Saariselka in Northeast Finland. Owned by our friends Jouko and Mari Lappalainen, it exudes the same charm and style as the rest of the Wilderness Hotels group but maintains its own character. The hotel is ideally situated for Aurora viewing as it is far from light pollution and surrounded by wilderness. The range of accommodation options available offers something for everyone. Alongside a selection of self-contained cabins there are a selection of buildings which house the rooms and facilities main. The main building contains the reception, restaurant and a selection of bedrooms, the other bedrooms are all contained in a series of smaller buildings a short walk away. Hotel facilities
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Wilderness Room
These double or twin bedrooms sleep a maximum of 2 people and are split across the two main buildings at Muotka. All rooms are en-suite with shower and hair dryer. The décor offers Scandinavian charm, and these rooms are a warm and comfortable base after a day of adventure. They are approximately 20m² in size.
Riverside Room
The Riverside Room at Muotka is a real favourite with guests. As the name suggests it is right next the stream which gently flows through the grounds and the setting is incredibly peaceful. The room has its own entrance and is log built, giving it a unique interior. There is a shower room with private sauna, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Featuring a double bed it is a wonderful rustic retreat for couples.
Premium Wilderness Room
These double rooms are more spacious (approx. 25m2) and feature stylish, modern décor. They are ideal for couples and have the added bonus of tea and coffee making facilities. They are situated in their own building (which offers its own sauna for guests to enjoy), just a short distance from the main restaurant.
Superior Sauna Room
Muotka Wilderness Hotel has 16 Superior Sauna rooms, located a short distance from the main hotel building. These rooms offer modern Scandinavian interiors and plenty of space. They are ideal for small families as they have a double bed and a convertible sofa bed (so they sleep a max of 3 – 4 people). The rooms are approximately 33m² and each separate building has four superior sauna rooms inside.
As the name suggests, each room has its own private sauna which provides a wonderful way to relax after a day of activities. They also offer tea and coffee facilities.
Riverside Suites
In keeping with your surroundings, the Riverside suite is beautifully constructed from local “kelo” wood and combines traditional aesthetics with modern comforts. The suite contains a bathroom with shower and private sauna, a fireplace and tea and coffee making facilities. With a double bed and sofa bed, the suite can accommodate 4 people in comfort. The suite overlooks a small stream running through the grounds of the hotel.
Panorama Log Cabin
Situated not far from the main hotel, these traditional log-built cabins are a wonderful upgrade option and provide a self-contained base with incredible views, making them very popular for couples. They are just a short distance from the main building.
Each log cabin is approximately 42m² and has a double bed (log built!) and space for extra beds (sleeping a maximum of 4 guests).
The real gem is the shower room with private sauna which coupled with the log burning stove offers the ideal way to warm up after a day in the wilds.
The cabins also offer a small kitchenette (meals are all served in the main restaurant), fridge, seating area, tea and coffee facilities and hairdryer.
Riverside Log Cabin
The most exclusive accommodation available at Muotka, these stunning rustic log-built cabins are perfectly situated with views over the stream, a short walk from the main building. Beautifully appointed, with a fireplace in the living room, a shower room with private sauna, and kitchenette (and fridge), the cabins have sleeping space for 5 people and are around 72 m². There is a double bedroom downstairs and three single beds in the loft (accessed by very steep steps). There is also a second toilet in the loft. The cabins also contain a hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Please note that these cabins require a minimum number of 4 guests in order to be booked.
Aurora Cabin
Guests have the chance to spend the night in one of their 20 magnificent Aurora Cabins, just a short walk from the main building. These stunning partially glass-roofed buildings, offer guests an exceptional overnight Aurora hunting experience.
You can enjoy the space and feel of a cabin during the day and the Aurora viewing benefits of a glass igloo at night, as you sleep under a heated glass roof. This means that you are provided with the most wonderful views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.
The cabins are all approx. 30m² with double bed (there is space for additional beds so these can sleep a maximum of 4 people, but we recommend no more than 3 adults) and en-suite shower room. There are tea and coffee facilities provided.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Child price (4-14) is based on 2 children sharing with 2 adults
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 13.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
– Prior to 10.09 – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– 11.09 up until departure date – 100%
– 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 33 days prior to departure – 60%
– 31 or less days – 100%
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
