Northern Lights Short Break (Adult Only)

Spend three nights in a wonderful whirlwind of activities by the shores of Lake Inari this winter. A short trip should never mean compromising on activities, therefore this tour have includes all your favourite experiences. Head out on a husky safari, meet the local reindeer, try snowmobiling and strap on your snowshoes for a wilderness walk. You will, of course, search for the Northern Lights by night, on foot and during a trip to an Aurora Camp.

You will venture 250km north of the Arctic Circle to the southern shores of Lake Inari in Northern Finland, and experience a short-but-sweet, Northern Lights hunting holiday.

Wilderness Hotel Nangu is an adult-only, boutique hotel tucked away in a secluded spot close to the shores of Lake Inari in North East Finnish Lapland. This is the ideal place for those wanting to escape to a real haven of peace and quiet which just oozes rustic style, charm and comfort. Think handmade wooden furniture, sheepskins, stunning log architecture, comfy chairs and roaring fires; all with a view over snow-laden trees and a vast frozen lake beyond.

The central log-built restaurant and reception building is a spectacular spot in which to dine and unwind and the elegant wooden buildings which contain the bedrooms are around 20-50 metres away.

The hotel was transformed in 2017 by our longstanding friends and partners Jouko and Mari and they have really put their heart and soul into making Wilderness Hotel Nangu the grown-up retreat that it is.

In prime Aurora territory and just a minute’s walk from the shores of Lake Inari, this is really an incredible place in which to hunt the Northern Lights.

There are only 24 bedrooms here and so there is also a real exclusivity about this place and we would really recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome 
Once you land at Ivalo Airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will be waiting to escort you to the shores of Lake Inari. The journey will take around thirty minutes, as you venture further North and deeper into the remote wilderness of Finnish Lapland. After arriving, you will have some time to settle into your cosy hotel room before dinner in the hotel’s fabulous log-built restaurant. You will also receive your cold weather clothing and your Aurora alert tonight, so you will be all set to head out this evening and down on to the lake should you wish to begin your Aurora efforts.

Day 2: Dog Sledding, Reindeer Day & Evening Aurora Camp
Today, the trip will truly commence as you begin your first full day at Nangu, which has been jam-packed with two winter activities, including an evening Aurora hunt.

After filling up on breakfast, you will take a transfer from the hotel to Nellim, which is a small village that lies approximately thirty minutes away. Once you arrive, the group will be split into two, as one half will head to the husky farm while the others start with a reindeer experience. Both groups will enjoy lunch together at Nellim Wilderness Hotel once they have finished their first activity before their second activity commences.

After arriving at the husky farm, you will meet an expert musher (and your guide for the day) who will give you a brief tour of the farm. The first thing that you will notice is the loud, impatient barking of the huskies that are raring to take you on your sleigh-ride. They must wait a little longer as you are given a thorough safety briefing and lesson on how to guide your own husky team before you set off.

Once your guide is comfortable that you are ready, you will head out, huskies first, on an unforgettable journey. With two sharing a sled, you can appreciate the sudden silence as the dogs are so focused on running. This is an unforgettable way to enjoy the snow-laden trees and the stunning, crisp white surroundings. Half-way through the drive, you will have the chance to pause and swap with your driving partner, so that both of you can try taking control.

Then, you will leave the husky farm via a snowmobile-pulled sleigh, taking a small diversion to the Russian border and to Nellim’s charming church.  The church is a beautiful log building that sits amongst the snow and is well worth a spot of exploration before continuing onto the reindeer farm.

Your experience at the reindeer farm will be led by a traditional Sámi reindeer herder, as you are shown around and are told about the herder’s life, customs and culture here in Northern Finland. Feel free to ask any questions about this fascinating way of life, as the Sámi community is always forthcoming in sharing their beliefs with guests.

It is then time to meet the reindeer, as you are told a bit about the animals before being shown how to feed them.

Overall, this activity will last for around seven hours, so you will be more than ready for a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight!

Your busy day will end with a relaxing Aurora hunt, as you head to a dedicated Aurora camp in the hope of spotting the Northern Lights this evening. Beginning with a peaceful snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride, you will kick back and enjoy a cosy journey beneath the stars. You will travel further and further away from any light pollution from the hotel until you come to an Aurora camp spot where you can huddle up around a warming open fire.

Hopefully, while you enjoy a hot drink and some interesting facts and stories told by your guide, the Northern Lights will dance and swirl above you, lighting up the night and putting on an awe-inspiring display. After around 2.5 hours, you will return to the hotel.

Day 3: Snowshoe Walk, Snowmobile lesson & Aurora Snow Shoe Visit
After breakfast today, you will explore this wild and wonderful spot on foot, using snowshoes to ease your travels.

Snowshoes will be provided by the hotel, and your guide will show you how to securely strap these over your winter boots before you set off. It is amazing how much further you can travel in snowshoes, as you can cover areas of extremely thick snow that you would otherwise find yourself knee-deep in.

With your guide leading the way, you will take to the snowshoeing trails and venture to even more remote areas of wilderness. Along the way, your guide will explain features of the landscape and any wildlife that you might see. It is also common to spot animal prints embedded into the snow, which your guide can give you some insight into.

Weather permitting, you will break for lunch while the comforting sound of a crackling open fire acts as the only background noise in the peaceful surroundings. This activity will last for around four hours including lunch.

In the afternoon you will get to try one of the most popular forms of transport in Lapland as you board snowmobiles for an introductory safari. You will be given a safety briefing and full instructions before heading out on a short safari in the hotel’s surroundings with your guide. The activity will last for around two hours in total.

After a relaxed late afternoon and final dinner at the hotel, you will head out on a snowshoe Aurora hunt for the final night of your trip. With your guide leading the way, you venture onto the lake and head to a prime Aurora viewpoint. Here, a fire will be lit, and you will gather with your guide to wait and watch for a potential Aurora display. This is a wonderful way to spend an evening in the wilderness and if the Northern Lights dance above your head, it will be unforgettable.

Day 4: Departure 
Today, it is time to depart ready for your flight home. After breakfast, your transfer will take you to Ivalo Airport, as you bid farewell to a fantastic few days.

Departure Dates & Costs per person 
Thu 31 Jan 2019 £ 1,495
Thu 14 Feb 2019  £ 1,920
Thu 28 Feb 2019  £1,495
Thu 14 Mar 2019  £ 1,495
Thu 28 Mar 2019 £ 1,545
Thu 11 Apr 2019 £ 1,545