Lapland Bucket List: Arctic Aurora Experience

Highlights

  • Aurora-focused nights guided by forecasts, not fixed expectations
  • Husky sledding and snowmobiling designed for older children and adults
  • A deeper, more active Arctic experience without the crowds
  • Connect with the culture of Lapland through its iconic reindeer
From £1184 pp*
Trip Dates
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Guests
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Room #
Adults
17+ ages
- +
Children
12-16
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3 Nights

Trip Dates
Instant Book Request Availability

Don't have your preferred dates? Enquire now

Please select

Don't have your preferred dates? Enquire now

Guests

Room #
Adults
17+ ages
- +
Children
12-16
- +

What you'll do

Overview

This is Lapland for those who want their winter experience a little sharper, a little quieter, and deeply immersive. Designed for couples and families with older children, this three-night Arctic escape balances daytime adventure with nights spent chasing the most elusive light in the northern sky.

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This is Lapland for those who want their winter experience a little sharper, a little quieter, and deeply immersive. Designed for couples and families with older children, this three-night Arctic escape balances daytime adventure with nights spent chasing the most elusive light in the northern sky.

Your days are active and purposeful. You drive your own husky sled through silent forests, feel the hum of a snowmobile beneath you as landscapes stretch wide and untouched, and meet reindeer in a setting rooted in real northern life rather than performance. These are experiences that reward curiosity, confidence, and a sense of shared challenge.

As darkness settles, the focus turns skyward. You travel far from artificial light, following weather patterns and forecasts rather than fixed routes. Sometimes the Aurora appears suddenly, sometimes slowly, sometimes not at all — and that uncertainty is part of the draw. It’s a reminder that this is nature on its own terms, not a staged spectacle.

Evenings return you to warmth and comfort. Full board dining removes friction from the days, while included winter clothing ensures you can fully engage with the Arctic environment without distraction. Conversations deepen, phones stay pocketed, and the rhythm of the North takes over.

Short in length but rich in contrast, this three-night adventure is ideal for those who want intensity without excess — an Arctic journey that feels earned, authentic, and quietly unforgettable.

*Per person cost based on arriving on in April

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

Arrival in Lapland

Your Arctic adventure begins with a transfer from Kittilä Airport to your resort. On arrival, you check in and get settled into your cosy accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you will be fitted with your thermal winter clothing either this evening or the following morning, ensuring you stay snug and warm throughout your stay. The first evening is all about relaxing, enjoying your surroundings, and soaking in the excitement of being in Lapland. Dinner is served in the restaurant, where you can sample hearty Nordic dishes and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Husky Adventure

Your journey begins at the husky farm, where eager dogs greet you, ready to run. After a short introduction and time to learn how to handle the sled, you set off in pairs, taking turns as driver and passenger. Over the course of approximately two hours, you travel 10–12 km through snow-laden forests and across frozen swamps, the sled gliding smoothly as the dogs find their rhythm.

The pace allows time to feel the landscape as much as the movement — wind on your face, breath clouding in the cold air, and the quiet pull of the team carrying you deeper into Lapland’s winter wilderness.

This is not simply about the ride. It’s about sharing time with the dogs, trusting the trail, and experiencing the Arctic in a way that feels both powerful and deeply connected.

Local Reindeer Experience with Sleigh Ride

This is Lapland at its most timeless — quiet, grounded, and shaped by the steady rhythm of reindeer life.

Your experience begins at a traditional reindeer farm, where the pace immediately softens. You explore a historic farmhouse and small museum, learning about everyday life in the North and the traditions that have guided reindeer herding through the seasons. Stories shared by your guide bring context to the landscape around you, and you’re invited to try throwing a suopunki, the traditional Lappish lasso used by herders for generations.

After meeting the reindeer up close, you step into a sleigh and set off into the forest. Over the course of around two and a half hours, the journey unfolds at the reindeer’s natural pace. The 3 km route moves gently through snowy woodland — sometimes starting with an eager trot, then settling into a calm, unhurried rhythm that reflects how people have travelled across Lapland’s winter landscape for centuries.

This is not about speed or spectacle. It’s about understanding place, tradition, and a way of life that still moves in harmony with the Arctic winter.

Aurora Excursion by Car

As darkness settles over Lapland, you leave the village lights behind and let the night take over.

This evening excursion is shaped by nature rather than a fixed route. Guided by the latest weather and aurora forecasts, your expert guide drives deep into the surrounding wilderness, seeking the clearest skies and the best possible viewing conditions. Over the course of around three hours, the journey unfolds slowly — stopping where the sky feels widest and the silence most complete.

Wrapped in winter stillness, you step out beneath the dark Arctic sky. A warm drink in hand, you wait, watch, and listen. Sometimes the stars arrive first, sharp and countless. And sometimes — never on cue, never guaranteed — the Northern Lights begin to move, drifting gently above the snowy landscape in soft green waves.

This is not a chase, but a patient encounter with the night — a quiet, flexible way to experience Lapland after dark, guided by knowledge, trust, and the sky itself.

Aurora Snowmobile Tour

Night changes the landscape — familiar trails soften, sound fades, and the Arctic opens itself in wider, darker strokes.

This evening snowmobile tour carries you deep into Lapland’s winter night, travelling 15–25 km through snowy forests and open terrain chosen for their distance from artificial light. Over the course of around three hours, you ride steadily beneath the stars, the beam of your headlight cutting through the darkness as the wilderness stretches quietly around you.

Adults drive solo or share a snowmobile, taking turns at the controls, while children travel safely in a sleigh pulled by the guide. Along the way, the group pauses in open areas where the sky feels vast and uninterrupted. A warm drink is shared as you look upward — sometimes to a sky filled with stars, and sometimes, if conditions allow, to the slow, shimmering movement of the Northern Lights drifting overhead.

This is not a hurried pursuit. It’s a balance of motion and stillness — the thrill of riding through the Arctic night, paired with moments of calm where the sky becomes the main event.

Departure from Lapland

After breakfast, there’s time to enjoy the wintry surroundings one last time. Lunch is included before your transfer back to Kittilä Airport. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the magic of Lapland – the huskies, the reindeer, the thrill of snowmobiling, and, of course, the Northern Lights if you’ve been lucky enough to see them!

Optional Activities

These optional activities can be added at checkout:

Aurora Reindeer Experience (1 hr)
Glide through snowy Arctic landscapes in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, guided by a local herder. Wrapped in warm blankets, you travel at a gentle pace as the sound of the sleigh moving over snow sets a calm, unhurried rhythm.

The route passes through open areas with wide skies, creating opportunities to observe the stars and, when conditions allow, the Northern Lights. Even on cloudy nights, the focus remains on the quiet atmosphere of the Arctic wilderness and the traditional mode of travel.

Availability: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Duration: 1 hour (+ transfers)
Inclusions: Professional guide and herder, reindeer sleigh ride, blankets, transfers

Aurora Campfire Experience
Travel by snowmobile-pulled sled into the forest and spend the evening gathered around an open fire. Time is dedicated to enjoying the quiet surroundings and watching the Arctic sky.

On clear nights, stars are visible and Northern Lights may appear. A warm drink is served by the fire.

Duration: 2 hours (+ transfers)
Inclusions: Professional guide, snowmobile-pulled sled transport, warm drink, transfers
Suitability: Minimum age 7 years

Arctic Sauna World Experience (2hrs)
Arctic Sauna World is located by the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi and offers a traditional Finnish sauna experience in a natural setting. The visit includes access to several themed saunas, each inspired by nature.

Between sauna sessions, guests may step outside and enter the ice-cold lake. A panoramic lounge area is available for relaxing and enjoying views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

This experience follows the Finnish approach to wellbeing, combining heat, cold, and time spent outdoors.

Duration: 2 hours (plus transfers)
Inclusions: Access to Arctic Sauna World facilities, themed saunas, lake access, transfers

What's included

Included

  • Transportation to and from Kittilä Airport
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in chosen room type
  • Full board dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Winter thermal clothing and snow boots for all adults and children from 3 years
  • Use of snowshoes, toboggans, cross-country skis, and kick sleds during your stay
  • Aurora alarms / alerts (via reception or automated systems)
  • Access to children’s snow play areas around the resort
  • Husky Safari (2-3hrs)
  • Local Reindeer Experience wth 3km Sleigh Ride
  • Aurora Excursion by Car
  • Aurora Snowmobile Tour (15–25 km)

Accommodation

Arctic Glass Suite Standard room Standard room with one night in Arctic Glass Suite Wilderness room with loft Wilderness room with loft with one night in Arctic Glass Suite

Arctic Glass Suite

The Arctic Glass Suites sit by the river, just a short stroll from the main building. Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, they open directly to the vast Arctic sky, offering uninterrupted views of stars and, with luck, the Northern Lights. After a day of adventures, you can unwind in your own private sauna and watch the frozen wilderness from the warmth of your room.

Suite features:

- 30m² of space
- Living area with dining table
- Private sauma for relaxation
- Ensuite bathroom with shower
- Double bed for two guests
- Sofa bed for up to two additional guests

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Sauna Panorama Window En suite bathroom

Standard room

Standard Rooms offer a simple, comfortable base for your Arctic adventures. Located in the main hotel building, they provide everything you need for a cosy stay after a day in the wilderness. Warm, wood-accented interiors reflect the natural surroundings, creating a welcoming place to rest.

The rooms sleep up to four people, with twin beds plus either a single or bunk beds, making them a great option for families. Each has an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Traditionally decorated En suite bathroom Hairdryer
Standard room with one night in Arctic Glass Suite
Standard room with one night in Arctic Glass Suite
Standard room with one night in Arctic Glass Suite

Standard room with one night in Arctic Glass Suite

Stay two nights in a Standard room with the first or last night in an Arctic Glass Suite

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Access to Sauna Panorama Window En suite bathroom

Wilderness room with loft

A traditional wilderness-style room arranged over two levels. The sleeping loft features a double or twin bed, while the ground floor includes a seating area and a sofa bed, allowing accommodation for 2 adults or 2 adults with 2 children. Rooms are located on the ground floor near reception and include an en-suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer, and eco-friendly Finnish toiletries. Designed for guests spending their days outdoors, with comfort for evenings and rest.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 En suite bathroom Hairdryer Tea and coffee set
Wilderness room with loft with one night in Arctic Glass Suite
Wilderness room with loft with one night in Arctic Glass Suite
Wilderness room with loft with one night in Arctic Glass Suite

Wilderness room with loft with one night in Arctic Glass Suite

Stay three nights in a Wilderness room with Loft with the first or last night in an Arctic Glass Suite

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Panorama Window En suite bathroom Access to Sauna
Your local host

Jouni

For Jouni, the wilderness is more than just a destination – it’s a way of life. As the third-generation owner of his family’s company of Harriniva Hotels & Safaris, he has dedicated his life to guiding people into the heart of nature. With decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the wild, Jouni helps travellers discover not only the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic outdoors but also the best within themselves.

Jouni is a third-generation wilderness expert and proud owner, a family company with over 50 years of history in Arctic travel. Having grown up in the heart of Muonio, he has spent nearly his entire life surrounded by its pioneering spirit and the northern wilderness he calls home. With decades of pers

For Jouni, the wilderness is more than just a destination – it’s a way of life. As the third-generation owner of his family’s company of Harriniva Hotels & Safaris, he has dedicated his life to guiding people into the heart of nature. With decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the wild, Jouni helps travellers discover not only the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic outdoors but also the best within themselves.

Jouni is a third-generation wilderness expert and proud owner, a family company with over 50 years of history in Arctic travel. Having grown up in the heart of Muonio, he has spent nearly his entire life surrounded by its pioneering spirit and the northern wilderness he calls home. With decades of personal experience and a deep-rooted passion for the wild, Jouni has helped shape Lapland’s tourism industry and set the quality standards that others now follow.

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Jouni image

What our hosts are developing to achieve sustainable travel?

Our hosts are committed to ensuring that Lapland’s pristine wilderness and cultural traditions are protected for generations to come. To achieve this, they are: Developing certified sustainable resorts – all their destinations now hold the Sustainable Travel Finland label, alongside Green Key and Good Travel Seal certifications, which require continuous improvements in environmental and social responsibility. Reducing environmental impact – energy and water use are carefully managed, waste is minimised, and recycling is prioritised throughout the resorts. Respecting local culture and heritage – by working closely with the Sámi community, promoting traditional skills, and protecting “everyman’s rights” of access to nature. Supporting local economy – ingredients are sourced locally where possible, traditional wild foods are celebrated, and activities are designed to benefit the surrounding communities. Innovating for the future – Harriniva invests in ongoing projects that focus on renewable energy, sustainable building practices, and low-impact activity design, ensuring tourism remains in balance with nature.

Location

The resort is located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, on the banks of the Muonio River at the Swedish border. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, it offers an authentic Arctic base with direct access to huskies, reindeer, and snowmobile trails. Family-run for decades, the resort combines traditional Lapland hospitality with unforgettable wilderness experiences.

Its riverside setting provides both tranquillity and dramatic scenery, and with almost no light pollution, the dark skies are perfect for northern lights viewing. The transfer from Kittilä Airport takes around one hour, making the resort easily accessible while still feeling wonderfully remote.

FAQs

When can I go?

Trips run all through the winter season from 27th December to mid April. Please note this experience doesn't run before 27th December.

What food is served during the stay?

Meals are served buffet-style in the resort’s main restaurant, with a focus on hearty Lappish and Scandinavian dishes designed to keep you warm and satisfied after a day outdoors. Expect comforting options such as soups, stews, roasted meats, fresh fish, and seasonal vegetables, alongside international favourites that suit all tastes.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request, and children are well catered for with simpler dishes. Complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks for children are available during meal times

What should I pack?

You’ll be provided with warm winter clothing for the duration of your stay, including boots, thermal overalls, gloves, and a hat. We recommend bringing thermal base layers, woollen socks, a fleece or jumper, and good quality gloves or mittens to wear underneath the outer clothing. Sunglasses can be useful on bright snowy days, and don’t forget swimwear if your accommodation includes a sauna or jacuzzi.

Can children take part in the activities?

Yes, but this experience is aimed at adults or families with older children, minimum ages of 12 years

Will I see the Northern Lights?

The resort lies far above the Arctic Circle, one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. While sightings can never be guaranteed, clear nights away from artificial light offer excellent chances. Many accommodations offer aurora alerts, so you won’t miss them if they appear.

What’s the weather like?

Lapland winters are cold, crisp, and snowy, with temperatures often between –5°C and –25°C. The snow usually arrives in November and lasts until April. December is especially magical with short daylight hours, twilight skies, and excellent chances of snow. Thanks to the dry air, the cold feels more comfortable than you might expect.

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