Home › An Arctic Santa Break

An Arctic Santa Break

Nellim Wilderness Lodge

Nellim Wilderness Lodge

Aurora over Nellim Wilderness Lodge

Read more...
Meet the real Father Christmas

Meet the real Father Christmas

Enjoy a snowmobile & sleigh ride to Santa's Cabin

Read more...
Wilderness Adventures

Wilderness Adventures

Family Snowmobile Adventure

Read more...
Snow Fun

Snow Fun

Learn The Skill Of Cross-Country Skiing

Read more...
Cosy Cabin Accommodation

Cosy Cabin Accommodation

Stay In A Traditional Rustic Cabin

Read more...

An Arctic Santa Break

Enchanting and charming, these properties are the definition of hidden gems. The wilderness lodges are as quiet and beautifully remote a spot as you will find anywhere in Finnish Lapland. The owners, Jouko and Mari Lappalainen, have painstakingly converted what was once local schools into an authentically crafted homes, building & adding more properties to their name over the coming years. Adding to the magical atmosphere is the chance of spotting the Northern Lights in this Aurora hot spot and discovering the secrets of Father Christmas.

 

DAY 1: Finnish Lapland

Fly from UK to Ivalo. On arrival you will meet your local guide and transfer by coach to your chosen property. At the hotel make straight for your accommodation. Collect your thermal clothing. Enjoy a welcoming buffet supper before heading straight out into the powdery pristine snow-covered playground surrounding the lodge.

 

DAYS 2 & 3 Activities

Family Husky Safari - You will be taught how to handle the sled before you head out into the wilderness, where the huskies will pull your sled through the beautiful winter scenery.  Adults drive in pairs with chances to swap, whilst children are traditionally sat in a sleigh. 
 

Meet the Reindeer - Ever wondered what it's like to be a reindeer herder? Join in for a fun and informative tour where you'll get to meet these amazing animals up close. Your friendly guide will share stories about the Sámi culture and the important role reindeer play in the North. You'll even get a chance to feed them, they might come right up and eat out of your hand! Join for this unique way to learn more about Northern Lapland culture.

Snowmobile Safari 
Perfect for beginners. After your safety demonstration & everyone feels comfortable, head out for a small journey into the nearby surroundings through the beautiful Lappish sceneries. Children are sitting in a sleigh which is behind guide's snowmobile.
 
Aurora Camp with pancakes 
Comfortably seated in a sled, pulled by a guide’s snowmobile, this trip takes you to a specifically chosen camp spot, away from light pollution where it is hoped you will see the northern lights. Warm drinks waiting are included as you sit around the open fire waiting for the sky to show its magic.
 
Meet Father Christmas 
After a short walk to Santa’s Secret Spot, children can meet Santa and enjoy a memory that will last forever. Every child receives a small gift, and to make the moment even more magical, families are encouraged to send letters for Santa to read in advance. Simply hand them to reception at least a day before so Santa can add a personal touch to your visit. 
 

DAY 4: Return to the UK

After breakfast, there is time at leisure for last minute snow games before transferring to Ivalo for your return flight to the UK. 

Trip can be extended to 4 nights. 

Temperatures can vary at this time between 0°c and -30°c. as such local conditions can mean that the itinerary, location, duration and order of excursions may change. Any decision to do this is to ensure your comfort, enjoyment and safety at the resort.

 
Nellim Wilderness Lodge
Nellim Wilderness Lodge
This former school house has been lovingly converted into an authentically crafted hotel that reflects the local culture. Located in an Aurora hot spot, this warm and cosy property captures the essence of rural life in Finnish Lapland, which is enthusiastically shared by its owners, Mari and Jouko. Although small, Nellim offers adaptable accommodation including hotel rooms, apartments, and cabins that are flexible enough to lodge couples, groups of friends and differing family sizes. Nellim is also home to the Aurora Bubble. Each individual and romantic pod has heating, private eco WC and a comfortable double bed from where you can view the star-lit sky. Located on the water's edge, the north facing pods have specially formulated curved glass ceilings, which allow you to watch nature unfold. In addition to the hotel’s restaurant there is a welcoming lounge and a bar handcrafted by Jouko himself.
Wilderness Hotel Inari
Wilderness Hotel Inari
This charming wilderness lodge is set on the shores of the beautiful Arctic lake, Lake Inari. Surrounded by stunning countryside and tranquil forests, it is in a secluded location, perfect for viewing the northern lights. It is the newest property, run by the friendly locals, Mari and Jouko, who are renowned for their traditional hospitality. The restaurant serves delicious Lappish cuisine, made from local ingredients. Accommodation provides a perfect blend of traditional style and contemporary comfort with 12 Aurora Cabins, 40 Wilderness Rooms and 8 Log Cabins.
 
Wilderness rooms are spacious and elegant, decorated in rustic style with queen-sized or twin beds, electric kettle, hairdryer and en suite WC and shower, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.
Aurora Cabins have a glass thermal roof from which to view the night skies. They have twin beds and en suite shower. Wi-Fi is available in the main building. 
Muotka Wilderness Lodge
Muotka Wildernss Lodge Log Cabin
Muotka Wilderness Lodge

Muotka is ideal for families and couples, presenting a choice of hotel rooms, riverside and aurora cabins, offering flexible accommodation in a rustic wilderness style. The restaurant and bar reflect Muotka’s commitment to using local seasonal ingredients and menus are inspired by traditional Lappish cuisine. A sauna in the main building is heated daily for guests. Traditionalists can try the wood smoke sauna (charge applies) and leap into the lake after! Enjoy kick sleds and toboggans, which are on hand for children and adults alike to try.

Moutka Wilderness Rooms: Hotel style accommodation with private WC/shower
Muotka Wilerness Rooms with Fireplace: Enjoy hotel style accommodation with its very own fireplace.
Riverside Room: The riverside building is located in the hotel yard and next to a babbling brook. Hotel style accommodation with private sauna, WC and shower.
Riverside Suite: Large double suite with fireplace and private sauna.
Muotka Superior Sauna Room: Superior sauna rooms are located in the hotel grounds. Each building contains four seperate 34m sized rooms with queen-size bed, bathroom and private sauna. 
Panorama Log Cabin: Cosy spacious rustic cabins with a double bed, own private sauna and fireplace as well as a large panorama window - ideal for aurora spotting.
Aurora Cabin: Romantic, cosy, rustic teepee-style cabins with double bed, private sauna, WC and shower and a roof with a view to the sky.