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Searching For The Northern Lights in Saariselkä

Highlights

  • Gaze in awe at nature's most incredible light show in complete comfort
  • Stay in a beautiful, heated, glass-roofed igloo with Northern Lights alert
  • Includes thrilling activities like snowmobile adventure, husky safari & snowshoeing
From £3174 per couple in a twin room
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What you'll do

Overview

Get lost on a one-of-a-kind, 3-night getaway to a stunning corner of the winter wonderland that is Lapland, and experience an absolutely unforgettable journey to spot that wonder of the world: the northern lights.

You’ll be picked up from Ivalo airport, and driven straight to your incredible accommodation for the three days, our Aurora Cabins; a 29 square meter cabin that has enough room for spending an evening together under the glass roof which provides a view of the star-filled sky and the Northern Lights.

Authentic, warming breakfast, lunch and dinners will be provided in a cosy local restaurant, Kota, where you can sit at the window and drink in the picturesque views over the reindeer paddock at every meal.

During your Lapland adventure, you have the opportunity to enjoy some unforgettable experiences in awe-inspiring landscapes, including snowmobile safaris, blissful relaxation at Saariselkä Spa and ice fishing on frozen lakes, deep in the Finnish wilderness. All activities are expertly organised, so that you can simply enjoy the expeditions and relax as we take care of any details.

At the Northern Lights Village, where your Aurora Cabin is situated, we specialise in hunting and photographing the Northern Lights. On all Aurora Expeditions you are guided by a professional photographer, who will help you take the best possible photos of this incredible natural phenomenon.

Of course, searching for the northern lights is about being in the right place at the right time. Fortunately, you’ll be in exactly the right place, at the right time of year, accompanied by the very best northern lights hunters in the world, maximising your chances of ticking off the ultimate bucket list moment.

A full example itinerary is detailed below, activity timings can differ slightly, your own personal schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Welcome to Aurora Country

Your Northern Lights adventure begins when we pick you up directly from Ivalo Airport and transfer you into the Lappish wilderness, through pristine pine forest and snowy fells until we reach the Northern Lights Village.

Here, you’ll be shown to your private cabin. This cosy little space will provide you with your base for the experience, and offers beautifully cosy warmth against the Arctic weather outside.

And of course, the glass roof means that you’ll have unobstructed views of the spectacular night sky and the jaw-dropping Northern Lights, all from the comfort of your bed.

After a hearty dinner, it’s time for your first expedition to spot the Northern Lights. Led by locals who are experts in spotting the natural phenomenon, you’ll venture into the wilderness on snowshoes, settle by a crackling campfire, and wait for the show to begin.

This evening also includes a photography workshop, so that you can get the most spectacular pictures possible of this green and red ribbons of light that illuminate the dark night sky. You can also head out for an Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes.

Activity timings may differ slightly, your confirmed schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and prepare yourself for a day of activities that will allow you to truly get in touch with nature and experience true wilderness.

Start your adventure by heading out into the wilderness by snowmobile, before enjoying an authentic ice fishing experience. A practice used by the natives for centuries, this is a chance for you to get a glimpse at local life in Lapland.

NOTE: 1st September – 13 November  this activity will be a guided electric fat bike safari in the wonderful lappish countryside.

You’ll have free access to the site’s sleds, snowshoes, skis and other equipment for the entire experience, so that you’re free to explore the trails and paths that snake through this untouched, pristine part of the world and discover dramatic fells, hidden clearings and frozen lakes.

Satisfyingly wearied and chilled from a day in the open, you’ll head for another warming, hearty dinner, warm your bones by an open fire, and spend the evening at your leisure, waiting for the spectacular Borealis to burn across the clear night sky.

In the evening, head out on a heated sleigh to the darkest corners of Lapland for your best chance of catching a glimpse of the northern lights.

Activity timings may differ slightly, your confirmed schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Husky Safari and Aurora Camp

Start your adventure by heading out into the wilderness by on a husky safari, getting up close and personal with these beautiful and energetic dogs on an experience that shows you how the natives have travelled through this wilderness for centuries, this is a chance for you to get a glimpse at local life in Lapland.

NOTE: 1st September – 13 November  this activity will be a guided electric fat bike safari in the wonderful lappish countryside.

In the evening, jump back out into the wild for an aurora camp by the lake, where a beautiful warm tent, along with a roaring fire, have been set up as you watch the aurora borealis.

Departure Day

Wake up on your final morning here, hopefully blown away by the natural spectacle you witnessed last night.

Feeling rejuvenated and refreshed by the pure air, the time spent in nature and the extreme comfort you’ve enjoyed, head for a final breakfast.

Your stay sadly comes to an end at this point, and we’ll transfer you straight back to Ivalo airport.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation in glass-roof Aurora Cabin
  • Full board meals at the onsite restaurant (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Thermal clothing and the necessary winter equipment
  • Aurora Photography Workshop (1h)
  • Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes (2,5h)
  • Husky Safari (10km)
  • Aurora Camp by the Lake (3h)
  • Snowmobile & Ice Fishing (4h)
  • Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh (3h)
  • Guide for all organized activities
  • Complimentary use of cross-country skis, snowshoes & toboggans
  • Transportation to and from the Ivalo Airport
Your local host

Markku

Born and raised in Finland, for the last twenty -five years Markku has been offering authentic, immersive experiences in the region of Lapland. Markku gained experience working with his sister, as operations manager for her tour company. So, finding, and planning amazing authentic trips and experiences is what he has been doing all his working life.

Born and raised in Finland, for the last twenty -five years Markku has been offering authentic, immersive experiences in the region of Lapland. Markku gained experience working with his sister, as operations manager for her tour company. So, finding, and planning amazing authentic trips and experiences is what he has been doing all his working life.

Markku image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

This tour runs from Saariselkä, at a resort village in northern Finland, deep in the heart of Lapland.

250km north of the Arctic Circle, the area you’ll be staying in is a vast expanse of pristine pine forest that is home to bears, golden eagles, wolverines, and thousands of reindeer.

You’ll be staying in the beautiful Northern Lights Village.

All the activities in the Northern Lights Village begin in the yard outside and the restaurant Kota is only a stone’s throw away. The services at the center of Saariselkä, such as the store, the spa, and restaurants are only a 350-meter walk away while on the other side, the cabins are lined by uninhabited fells and forests.

What our travellers are saying...

We stayed for four days and three nights and had booked the "Searching for the Northern Lights" package, which I highly recommend. Everything was just perfect. The activities included in the package are really a must-do to be able to discover fabulous landscapes and hear the stories from the very friendly guides. The cabins are very comfy. The window looking at the North gives a great view on the sky while keeping the room very private (com

Florence

I stayed from 31 Jan - 3 Feb, 3 nights and took the 'Searching for the Northern Lights' 3 nights package and had travelled solo. Came with no expectations of seeing the lights and I was blown away to see them on my first night (from my cabin 29) and 2nd night (aurora hunt on heated sleigh). Seeing lights are not guaranteed but if you come with no expectations, it is always a bonus to be pleasantly surprised. I did snowmobiling, ice fishing, rei

Jacinda

We had an amazing time at this place. We had "Searching for the Northern Lights" package so breakfast and dinner included also 4 different activities. We enjoyed all the excursions and guides were excellent. We were also fortunate to see "The Lights" on 2 occasions, so that is ticked off the bucket list.

Lynette

FAQs

When can I book?

Trips run in the winter season from around November to late April.

Is thermal clothing provided for guests?

Thermal clothing is provided to guests staying at the host resort throughout their stay. Participants staying in other resorts, are offered thermal clothing for the duration of the experience. Other equipment, such as skis and snowshoes are to be returned after the end of every activity.

How many people can share a cabin?

Our prices are based on 2 adults sharing a cabin. Cabins can accommodate up to 4 people each. When the occupancy is higher than 2, you will be charged per additional adult or child and the additional people will sleep on a sofa bed. Prices are on request.

Can my family of 5 share a cabin?

It will be tight! They can fit a double bed + sofa bed + one roll out extra bed, but it's up to you.

What are the ages for children?

Children under the age of 4 accommodate, eat and participate in activities free of charge.

Starting from the age of 15 they're charged adults prices.

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