Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä – Magic of the Northern Lights
- Details
Details
The Wilderness Hotel Saariselka is an elegant and refined retreat on the edge of the Arctic Wilderness, just a short distance from the village of Saariselka and its famous ski slopes. The hotel offers two accommodation types, Arctic Sky Suites and Arctic Sky Villas with the suites offering large panoramic windows, a fireplace, and private saunas. The villas are standalone log cabins made in traditional Finnish style, with space for up to four guests. They feature a sauna, bathtub and on the terrace, a private outdoor jacuzzi for soaking in warm waters under the stars.
During your stay you will explore the local landscape with our carefully chosen winter activities. Whether speeding across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, trekking on snowshoes to an abandoned gold mine or urging on your team of huskies on a dogsled, each experience allows you to connect with the raw beauty of your surroundings.
As night falls, the true magic begins. You will head out on guided Northern Lights hunts, venturing to prime viewing spots in one of Europe's last and largest dark sky areas. With both an Aurora Camp and a nighttime snowmobile expedition on your itinerary, the chances of witnessing the splendour of a Northern Lights display are high.
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
Welcome to the Arctic! You will be met at the airport and guided you to your transfer to Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä. This takes approximately 35-40 minutes. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can check in before enjoying dinner. Depending on your arrival time, your cold weather clothing will be provided either upon check in or the following morning before your first activity.
Included Meals: Dinner
Today brings your first taste of Arctic adventure, as you are set for an exhilarating snowmobile safari. After your expert guide walks you through the basics of handling your machine, you will set off along forest trails and rising fells. You will travel two people to each machine and there will be a break for a hot drink and so the driver and passenger can swap over.
Please note, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to drive a snowmobile.
This afternoon brings a change of pace with a gentle and scenic snowshoe expedition to the Prospector’s Gold Mine. After your guide familiarises you with your equipment, you will set off moving at an easy pace through the forest. The route offers wide views of the surrounding fells and a real sense of peace, and you will enjoy the atmospheric gold mine and learn more about Lapland’s very own gold rush.
This evening you will visit an Aurora camp. As the campfire crackles in the cold air and hot drinks are served, you can settle in for a night of watching the skies. Away from the demands of the modern world, you have time to relax, look up, and enjoy the stillness around you. With luck and clear skies, the Aurora will be visible with ribbons of colour arcing above your head.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will meet your experienced guide for an introduction to the sport of dogsledding. After learning how to handle the sled and work with your team you will be ready for the off. Your huskies’ excitement is infectious, and as soon as the preparations are complete, the atmosphere shifts from one of anticipation to pure canine energy!
Once you set off, the world becomes quiet and serene again. The dogs settle into a steady rhythm, carrying you through snow-covered forests and across open stretches of meadow and even frozen lakes. Two guests share each sled, taking turns between driving and relaxing as a passenger.
Your final activity is an outstanding way to bring your itinerary to an end. Searching for the Northern Lights by snowmobile is both fun and atmospheric as the landscape takes on an ethereal quality as darkness falls. The machines provide you with the mobility to hopefully evade any localised cloud cover and your guide will lead you to the best possible location for a potential sighting of the Northern Lights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast it is sadly time to say goodbye to the Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä. Your transfer to Ivalo airport awaits as you begin your journey home.
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 group scheduled airport transfers
- Accommodation: Three nights in an Arctic Sky Suite at Saariselkä Wilderness Hotel (upgrades available on request, subject to availability and supplement)
- Meals: Full Board
- Husky Safari
- Snowshoeing to Prospector Gold Mine
- Snowmobile Safari
- 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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Opening December 2025, this brand-new resort is the latest addition to the Wilderness Hotel family (who also have hotels in Nellim, Nangu, Muotka, Inari and Juutua.) Set amidst the untouched landscapes of Finnish Lapland, Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä offers an unforgettable escape for those seeking both adventure and comfort. Its prime location within the Arctic Circle provides excellent opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights, with minimal light pollution and vast open skies enhancing the experience. The hotel’s blend of rustic charm and modern amenities will ensure a seamless balance between authenticity and luxury.
The on-site restaurant showcases locally sourced ingredients, presenting a menu that celebrates Nordic flavours with an elegant touch. Mornings begin with a generous buffet breakfast, providing plenty of options to prepare you for the day ahead. At lunchtime, a varied buffet ensures a satisfying break between activities. Evening meals will start with a selection of appetisers before a thoughtfully prepared main course served to your table. The restaurant’s well-stocked bar provides an excellent range of beverages, allowing guests to unwind with their favourite tipple in hand.
Hotel facilities
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On-site Restaurant and bar
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Traditional Finnish sauna
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Outdoor hot tub (availability may vary)
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Snowshoe and Cross Country Skis available to rent
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Free Wi-Fi in common areas (may be limited in remote accommodations)
Arctic Sky Suite
The Arctic Sky Suites offer an exclusive and intimate way to experience the magic of the far north. Designed with comfort and nature in mind, this modern suite features a panoramic glass ceiling, allowing guests to gaze up at the Arctic sky from the warmth of their bed. Thoughtfully furnished with Scandinavian-inspired decor, the suite blends stylish simplicity with practical luxury. A private sauna adds an extra touch of indulgence, providing the perfect way to unwind after a day of Arctic exploration. Each suite features a television, fireplace, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer.
Arctic Sky Villa
The Arctic Sky Villas are spacious and sophisticated. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass-ceilinged lounge invite the ever-changing northern skies into the living space, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered wilderness and, with a little luck, the Northern Lights. The villa’s stylish Nordic design balances warmth and elegance, with contemporary furnishings and natural materials. A private sauna and outdoor jacuzzi provides the perfect way to unwind, while the generous living and dining areas make this an excellent choice for families or small groups looking to share an unforgettable experience. Each villa features a television, fireplace, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. These villas measure an additional 10m2 in comparison to the Arctic Sky Suites.
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
