Winter Lapland Family Bucket List Experience

Highlights

  • Family-friendly Arctic adventures designed for all ages, at an unhurried pace
  • Connect with the culture of Lapland through its iconic reindeer
  • Quiet evenings beneath vast northern skies, watching for the Aurora together
  • Sit back and enjoy a husky safari through snowy forests
From £770 pp*
Trip Dates
Please select
Trip Dates
Please select
Guests
Please select
Room #
Adults
12+ ages
- +
Children
2 - 11
- +
Infants
0-1
- +
Guests
Please select
Check Price

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
12+ ages
- +
Children
2 - 11
- +
Infants
0-1
- +

What you'll do

Overview

This three-night winter break is for families who want the essence of Lapland without overloading the days or the children. It begins with a quiet arrival into snow-covered wilderness, where the world feels instantly simpler and time stretches just enough to let everyone settle into the rhythm of the North.

Read More

This three-night winter break is for families who want the essence of Lapland without overloading the days or the children. It begins with a quiet arrival into snow-covered wilderness, where the world feels instantly simpler and time stretches just enough to let everyone settle into the rhythm of the North.

Across your stay, you step into the Arctic together. You share the thrill of husky sledding, meet reindeer in their snowy home, and explore frozen landscapes in ways that feel adventurous yet reassuringly well paced. Each experience is designed with families in mind — engaging, safe, and never hurried.

Evenings slow things further. You head out into the darkened forest, breath rising in the cold air, eyes scanning the sky. The Northern Lights may appear, or they may keep their distance — and that uncertainty becomes part of the magic, reminding everyone that nature sets the rules here.

Back at your resort, warmth and ease take over. Full board dining means no decisions at the end of long outdoor days, while included winter clothing keeps everyone comfortable from first step to last. Children unwind, adults relax, and the shared experience deepens.

This shorter Lapland escape is proof that you don’t need a long stay to create lasting memories. It’s focused, balanced, and thoughtfully designed — a family adventure that delivers wonder without overwhelm.

Note: This package starts on 27th December and does not include a Santa experience. For December breaks that include Santa experiences, please follow this link: Extended Bucket List Christmas in Lapland

*Per person cost based on a family of 4 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 Safari

The most sought-after experience in Lapland is to ride with the huskies, and it’s easy to see why. After a short introduction to the route and safety instructions, you set off into the forest for a 1.5-hour adventure. Imagine yourself gliding through snowy trees, surrounded by silence and crisp winter air, as your eager huskies run with boundless energy.

In this package, the sled is driven by professional handlers, leaving you free to sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of the wilderness. Each family enjoys their own sledge, making the ride even more personal and comfortable. The combination of speed, scenery, and the enthusiasm of the dogs creates a truly unforgettable Arctic memory.

Reindeer Experience with Sleigh Ride

Step into the world of Lapland’s most traditional animals. You’ll meet a reindeer herder and learn about the Sámi culture and centuries-old practices of reindeer husbandry. Try your hand at throwing the suopunki, a traditional lasso, before climbing into a sleigh for a short, gentle ride through the forest. The rhythmic pace of the reindeer and the snowy silence create a timeless atmosphere. This is more than just an activity – it’s a glimpse into Lapland’s heritage.

Snowmobiling Adventure

It’s time to start your engines and head out on snowmobiles!

Following a safety briefing and driving instructions, you’ll set off across frozen lakes and through pine forests draped in snow. The ride is thrilling yet peaceful, as you speed over open landscapes and wind through narrow forest tracks, soaking up the beauty of the Arctic wilderness. This is the perfect balance of adventure and exploration, offering a completely different perspective of Lapland.

 

Guided Evening Walk to Aurora Camp

When the day releases its hold and Lapland exhales into night, you step quietly into a different rhythm.

This gentle evening walk leads you away from artificial light and into snowy forest landscapes where darkness feels expansive rather than empty. Your guide sets an unhurried pace, allowing time for the senses to adjust — the crunch of snow underfoot, the soft glow of headlamps, the vastness of the Arctic sky overhead.

At a secluded campfire spot, you pause. Warm drinks are shared, flames flicker, and the forest settles around you. On clear nights, stars scatter across the sky in sharp clarity. And sometimes — never promised, never forced — the Northern Lights appear, drifting and dancing above the treetops in slow, luminous waves.

This experience isn’t about chasing the aurora or covering distance. It’s about stillness, space, and presence — about feeling Lapland at night, whether the sky glows green or remains quietly dark.

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:

Northern Lights Workshop
An indoor workshop introducing the science behind the Northern Lights, alongside local stories and myths. Practical tips for spotting and photographing the aurora are also shared.

The session is relaxed and interactive, with time for questions and discussion.

Duration: 1 hour
Inclusions: Professional guide, workshop materials, warm drink, transfers

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

Upgrade to Traditional Lappish Kota Dinner (2 hrs)
Spend the evening in a traditional Lappish kota, a modern version of the classic wooden hut, where dinner is served around an open fire. Part of the meal is prepared over the flames, creating a warm and intimate setting focused on shared experience rather than performance.

During the dinner, hosts introduce elements of local culture through storytelling and music, offering insight into life and traditions in Lapland. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, designed as a comfortable evening experience rather than a formal event.

Duration: 2 hours (+ transfers)

Inclusions: Traditional kota dinner, open-fire meal preparation, local storytelling and music, 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 (1hr)
  • Reindeer Farm Visit & Sleigh Ride (approx. 1.5 hours)
  • Aurora Evening Walk
  • Snowmobiling Adventure (10-15km)

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

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.

View Experiences
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.

If you are looking at December dates in particular, then we have our Bucket List Christmas in Lapland that includes meeting Santa
https://www.notintheguidebooks.com/finland/lapland/muonio/bucket-list-christmas-in-lapland/

Does this package include a Santa Experience or can we add this on?

This package does not include a Santa Experience, as Santa visits are only available during December. If you're looking for a festive experience, we recommend our Extended Bucket List Christmas in Lapland package – view details https://www.notintheguidebooks.com/finland/lapland/muonio/bucket-list-christmas-in-lapland/

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, many activities are family-friendly, and children are welcome. Special snow fun areas with mini skidoos and games are designed for younger guests. Some safaris, such as snowmobiling, have age restrictions — drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid licence, while younger children will ride in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile.

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.

Join our community

Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.

Sign up for inspiriation for your itinerary, new experiences and special offers.