Northern Lights Weekend

Out of all the world’s natural phenomena, the Aurora Borealis is arguably one of the most beautiful and mysterious. Also known as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis is a breathtaking show of ethereal lights dancing across the night sky, caused by electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth’s atmosphere. When this happens, colours such as vivid yellows, greens, reds, violets, and blues appear in the sky. The exact colors seen in each display vary as they are affected by various factors such as how much gas is in the atmosphere. Meaning each light display is unique in its own way and never the same twice. Whatever the variation, you can guarantee that any display of the Aurora will be a memory that you will cherish forever.
This tour combines the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights with some of the other exciting activities that Lapland has to offer, including visiting a reindeer farm, exploring the landscape by husky sled, and snowmobile excursions.

Northern Lights Weekend: Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
You will arrive at Kittilä airport, and transfer to the Hotel Harriniva where you can check into your cosy and comfortable room. Once you have settled in, you will be provided with your warm winter clothing. You can then meet the others in your tour and tuck into a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant. Retire to your room and get a great night of sleep so that you are ready for your first full day of this Northern Lights weekend!


'Day 2: Northern Lights Snowmobile & Reindeer Tour
After a hearty breakfast, your magical Northern Lights vacation begins in the beautiful wilderness of Finland. You will get the chance to visit a local reindeer herder and learn from him all about life in the far north with reindeer. Be inspired by the beautiful animals and learn traditional herding techniques such as throwing a lasso. After a short reindeer safari, enjoy a leisurely lunch in a traditional Finnish Kota. Afterward, your guide will tell you fascinating details and information about the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights). In the evening, you will drive by snowmobile (two people per snowmobile) into the snow-covered wilderness and hopefully, you will get your first glance of the breathtaking Northern Lights. Enjoy a hot drink under the stars as you sit back in wonder.
After an enjoyable breakfast, you will be taken to a local reindeer farm where you will be able to find out everything there is to know about these majestic creatures from a traditional reindeer herder. You will even learn how to throw a successful lasso! Then set off on short but incredibly sweet reindeer ride through the snowy wilderness.
Lunch will be served in a traditional Kota around an open fire, and in the afternoon, you will join others back in the Kota to cook delicious, filling pancakes. Then meet your host who will give you information about the hotel and activities during your tour, as well as giving you a short talk about the Northern Lights.
After a tasty dinner served in the main hotel restaurant, you will head out for your first incredible evening activity - a night-time snowmobile safari! During your trip through the magical Lappish forests, you will search for a glimpse of the stunning natural phenomenon the Aurora Borealis - aka Northern Lights. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but your tour guides will take you to the locations where you have the best chance possible of seeing them. Hot drinks will also be provided while you sit and enjoy the silence and mystery of the far north while waiting for the Aurora to dance.

Day 3: Husky Safari & Snowshoe Hike
After breakfast, a new experience awaits you: a visit to the husky farm with more than 400 beautiful huskies! After you have learned all about these fascinating animals, you will receive an introduction and get to try your hand at mushing your very own dog sled. Over a 15 km safari, you will experience Lapland's most beautiful side. You will glide through icy forests and alongside frozen rivers with only the sound of paws on the snow to penetrate the silence. Enjoy a delicious lunch and chat about the breathtaking ride. You will then have the rest of the afternoon at your disposal. You can go on a relaxed hike and enjoy the stunning surrounding landscape, relax at the hotel or enquire about the other additional activities available. After dinner, it's time for the next exciting highlight of your Northern Lights holiday: a nocturnal snowshoe hike with a view of the beautiful Northern Lights. You will spend the night in the hotel again. Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to swap the snowshoe hike and night will at the hotel for an unforgettable overnight stay in an ice Igloo instead.

Day 4: Departure
After a final delicious breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kittilä airport for your onward journey. Along with your luggage, you will take many wonderful memories with you to cherish for a lifetime.

Optional upgrades

Option 1: Overnight at the Igloo (no surcharge)
If you're looking for an extra adventure, you can swap the snowshoe hike and last night at the hotel for a ride to the Torassieppi Winter Village. There you stay your own ice igloo for the night! The transfer, hot drinks, cosy sleeping bag, and a delicious breakfast are all included.

Option 2: Northern Lights Special Overnight in a Wilderness Hut ( €70 / per person)
Northern lights are best enjoyed away from any light pollution. The last night you spend with this option will be in a cosy cabin in the wilderness. Dinner will be prepared right there for you and you can enjoy an uninterrupted view with a breathtaking backdrop. Snowshoes and a wooden sauna add the final touches to a perfect evening. For this unique night, check-out from your hotel room is required on day 3 (on Saturday).

Accommodation
During your Husky and snowmobile adventure weekend, you will stay at Hotel Harriniva or Jeris unless you decide to purchase one of the additional upgrades. The hotel is located in the middle of picturesque Muonio and is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is a perfect starting point for your time in Lapland. At the Hotel Harriniva, you can stay in the popular double rooms or in your own log cabin in Jeris (at an extra charge). All facilities have running water, electricity and private bathrooms. The price refers to the accommodation of a double room with an occupancy of at least two persons.

Requirements:
This programme is suitable for those over 12 years of age. Please note that children under 18 can not drive a snowmobile and young children cannot drive their own husky sled but will instead ride with one of the guides. To drive a snowmobile, you will need to hold a valid driving license. The price includes the insurance for the snowmobile with a deductible of €800 per snowmobile. With an additional charge of €20 per person / stay the deductible can be minimised to €400 per snowmobile. Please enquire with our staff if you have any questions.
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