Winter In Luosto

A Unique Experience In Arctic Lapland

A Unique Experience In Arctic Lapland

Photos By: Santa's Hotel Aurora

Snowmobile Through The Lapland Fells

Snowmobile Through The Lapland Fells

Photo By: Santa's Hotel Aurora

Snowshoe Through The Spruce Forests Of Luosto

Snowshoe Through The Spruce Forests Of Luosto

Photo By: Santa's Hotel Aurora

Arctic Sky Bursting With Northern Lights

Arctic Sky Bursting With Northern Lights

Photo By: Santa's Hotel Aurora

Mush Your Own Team Of Dogs

Mush Your Own Team Of Dogs

Photo By: Santa's Hotel Aurora

Winter In Luosto

Luosto is nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Phyä-Luosto National Park, just 90 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport. This idyllic unspoilt resort is Finnish Lapland in a nutshell. Enjoy amazing views, clear Arctic skies and a snowclad landscape that extends beyond the horizon as you head to the hills by snowshoe, snowmobile or snowcat, whereas frozen forests are criss-crossed by a maze of husky trails, reindeer roads and cross-country ski tracks. There is even an Amethyst mine to explore and seven ski-slopes nearby. Our recommended properties include a resort hotel, complete with pool. An intimate, family run property and what has to be the best equipped glass igloos in Lapland.

DAY 1: To Finnish Lapland

Depending on your choice of airline and airport, there is the opportunity to fly direct to Rovaniemi. On arrival, leave behind the commercial heartland of Finnish Lapland and head to Luosto by airport shuttle bus, just 90 minutes away. Luosto is an idyllic village located in the heart of the Phyä-Luosto National Park. Check-in to your chosen hotel, familiarise yourself with your surroundings.  Enjoy an early dinner before the first foray into the Arctic surroundings and an exciting hunt for the Northern Lights. We have included a Search for the Northern Lights by Snowshoe excursion. This easy to master art allows you to head with your guide into the unspoilt country-side to find the best spot from where, if conditions are right, you can view the Northern Lights. It is a delightful introduction to the region, best suited for adults and children over 12, so if this does not suit your agenda, we can look at alternative options for you. Supplements may apply.

DAYS 2-5 Choose your activity
Luosto provides so many opportunities for excursions. We have picked our favourites and listed them on the opposite page, which then enables you to choose the activities that tick your bucket list. Select from snowmobile safaris, reindeer encounters and thrilling husky rides. Take the ‘snow train’ to the Amethyst mine for incredible views and the chance to unearth your lucky stone or enjoy the simple arctic past-times of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In the evenings you can just enjoy dinner and relax or head out in search of the Northern Lights. There is always the option of the nearby ski-slopes too with seven runs  and a sledging hill. Don’t forget the option of upgrading to an Arctic View Glass Igloo for a night.

DAY 5 UK
Enjoy an early breakfast, check-out with your suitcase of memories, before taking the airport shuttle bus back to Rovaniemi in time for your return flight home.

Santa's Hotel Aurora

This small intimate hotel prides itself on its personal service and cosy atmosphere. Located an easy 10 minute walk from the village centre, it offers a quiet respite after a day packed with excursions and activities. The 25 rooms all have their own sauna, TV, tea and coffee facilities and aurora alarm. Many have their own fireplace and seating area. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with the chef preparing a 3-course table d’hote menu each evening, as well a choice of a la carte dishes. The hotel lobby and bar offers the opportunity to enjoy an aperitif.  The relaxed atmosphere soon makes this feel like a home from home.

Arctic View Glass Igloos
Arctic View Glass Igloos

Santa’s Hotel Aurora has dedicated an area of their grounds to what has to be, in our opinion, some of the most luxurious glass igloos in Finland. The Arctic View Glass Igloos have panoramic glass windows for walls and ceiling, allowing a 360 degree view of the Arctic skies and surrounding nature. The Arctic View Glass Igloos are fully heated and decorated in typical Scandi-style, using throws and rugs to create an inviting ambience. Each Arctic Glass Igloo has its own en suite bathroom, shower and WC, a luggage storage area, flat screen TV, comfortable double beds and modesty curtains. Breakfast and dinner are taken at the Santa’s Hotel Aurora restaurant. Choose to upgrade for one night or even your whole stay, as unlike many other glass igloos these are designed for more than just a one night novelty sleep. 

Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi
Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi

The Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi is one of the biggest hotels that we offer in Finnish Lapland, with over 170 rooms and eighty 1,2 and 3 bedroomed apartments. Perfectly situated in the heart of the village, the hotel is a popular focal point. It is a popular choice for those wanting to utilise the indoor pool, spa, gym, lively bar, nightclub and busy restaurant, as well as being able to choose from a wide range of accommodation, including log cabins accommodating 4-6 people. All rooms are en suite, with flat screen TV’s, tea/coffee making facilities, with most having a balcony or terrace. This property is ideal for couples and families looking for a property where there is always something happening.

Luosto Ice-Fishing by Snowmobile

Driving in pairs, you will follow the snowmobile tracks into the Arctic wilderness. As you head through the snowy forests and drive up into the hills, the landscape opens up in front of you. A suitable spot is found, where the guide will help you drill a hole in the ice and settle down to perhaps capture an Arctic char. Enjoy hot drinks and a delicious bun over a campfire as you wait for the fish to take the bait. Return to Luosto by snowmobile, perhaps with one that didn’t get away!

Tour Available: Mon, Thu, Sat 

Duration: 3 hours

£118 pp
Luosto Northern Lights Trail Experience and Introduction to the Northern Lights

Enjoy a multi-media show explaining the science, myths and legends behind the Northern Lights, before going out in pursuit of them. Your expert guide will have checked local conditions and lead you to a prime Northern Lights viewing area, with little light pollution. With camera’s poised (stands available) and hot drinks boiling over the campfire, you will hopefully be hopefully be rewarded with a dazzling overhead display.Thermal overalls are provided if required.

Tour Available: Mon  

Duration: 3 hours 

£60 pp
Luosto Snowmobile Safari to the Amethyst Mines

This scenic snowmobile safari takes you to the Amethyst Mine. After full instruction, drive in pairs to the mine entrance, where you are invited into one of the warm wooden houses, used to house the workers in former times. Enjoy a hot drink as you learn about these striking stones, formed 2000 million years ago, deep in the mountain-side. You will head down into the mine and dig for your own lucky stone, before returning to Luosto by snowmobile. 

Tour Available: Tue, Fri 

Duration: 2 hours 

£105 pp
Luosto Dine at a Wilderness Cottage

Take an easy guided walk into the forest where a traditional wooden ‘Kota’ lies nestled amongst the trees. Enjoy a delicious traditional Lappish dinner served by an open fire. Thermal overalls are available, if required. 

Tour Available: Wed 

Duration: 3 hours 

£74 pp
Luosto Snowmobile Special

After full snowmobile instruction, you and your fellow snowmobilers and guide will drive around the edge of the Luosto Fell to Keski-Luosto Fell. At Keski-Luosto you are rewarded by a panoramic view of the surround fells. The safari continues on to Orresokka, where you take a break for coffee and a bun served by a campfire. Return to Luosto by snowmobile. This safari best suits adults and children over 15.

Tour Available: Mon, Tue, Fri  

Duration: 3 hours 

£112 pp