Overview:
Enjoy an active getaway in the wilderness of Finnish Lapland, right on the shores of Lake Inari. On your last night you will sleep in an Aurora Bubble, giving you the chance to see the Northern Lights dance across the night sky, right above your bed. You will spend 4 nights in the wilderness participating in Aurora Borealis snowshoeing under the dark arctic sky and husky sledding. Nellim is the perfect location for scouting for the Northern Lights with a winter wonderland backdrop and accommodation in an Aurora Bubble and a rustic and cosy Finnish cabin.
Price is from £ 1,895 per person based on availability and two people sharing a Wilderness room and an Aurora Bubble with half board (breakfast and dinner daily)
Prices are higher over the Festive Season (15 Dec - 06 Jan) and High Season (01 Feb - 07 Mar).
Departure Dates:
| SEASON |
DEPARTURE
|
01 Dec - 02 Apr
|
Daily |
| 22 Dec - 05 Jan - please enquire |
|
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Finnish Lapland
Upon arrival to Ivalo Airport you will be transferred to Nellim Wilderness Hotel and check-in to your Lusma or Nuora cabin: These cabins are located close to the main building, but still in its own peace. Inside each of the cabins, there is a spacious living space with sofa and one bed, television, fireplace and kitchenette. There is also a separate sleeping alcove with a double bed, private bathroom and private sauna. This is perfect for couples or small families looking for the ultimate cozy and comfortable accommodation with its own privacy. Dinner at the wilderness hotel.
Day 2: Husky Safari Excursion
After a hearty buffet breakfast, you will have time to enjoy the morning beofre you set out with your guide on a 3 hour Husky Sledding Excursion in the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland. The husky sledding is an absolute ‘must do’ when visiting Nellim. The dog’s excitement for the trails is infectious and as the animals fall silent on the trail you will realize that this is the only true way to see Lapland. All our husky safaris include full instruction and are based on two people sharing a sled unless otherwise stated. You will be taught how to handle the sled and then you will start the husky safari. The huskies will pull your sled through the beautiful winter scenery. You will pass through frozen Lake Inari. Driving duration is aprox. 1,5 - 2hrs. Overnight and dinner at the wilderness hotel.
Day 3: Aurora Borealis Snowshoeing
Breakfast buffet in the main building and enjoy your day exploring more of Nellim. We will be happy to help pre-book any optional tours and excursions for today. (Please see full list below) In the evening you will venture out into the wilderness for your guided Aurora Borealis Snowshoe Excursion. Snowshoeing in the woods at night has its own excitement. You will wander through the woods and surroundings of Nellim, until finally reaching the camp spot. At the camp you will enjoy some warm drinks and gaze at the sky for a possible Northern Lights show. Guide and warm drinks are included in the tour. Overnight and dinner at the wilderness hotel.
Day 4: Aurora Bubble Overnight Stay
Breakfast buffet and enjoy your day exploring the winter wonderland of Nellim. We will be happy to assist in pre-booking any optional tours and excursions for today. (Please see full list below). In the a fternoon you will check-in to your Aurora Bubble. Tonight you may not get much sleep, as you will be scouting through the glass dome above your bed for the Northern Lights. The world famous Aurora Bubbles are the most unique and beautiful accommodation you have ever slept in. The Aurora Bubble is on everyones bucket list, as there is nothing like this anywhere in Lapland. Sleeping under billions of stars and a cold arctic wind with -30C blowing outside, you will be comfy and warm in your own bed, looking at the starry night sky and with a bit of luck, you will also get to see the Northern Lights dancing on the sky. There is an eco-toilet in the Aurora Bubble, and limited space for luggage. Dinner at the wilderness hotel.
Day 5: Farewell Finland
Breakfast buffet and check-out in time for your return flight back to Ivalo Airport in time for your return flight back to the UK.
Package Includes:
- Return flights from London Heathrow on Finnair
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- Return airport transfers
- 3 nights' accommodation in a Wilderness room
- 1 night's accommodation in an Aurora Bubble
- Half-board (breakfast and dinner daily)
- Aurora Borealis Snowshoeing 2.5 hours with guide
- Husky Sledding Excursion 3 hours with guide
- 24-hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
Enquire now »
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.
Transportation
Railway mostly serves domestic routes and is used as an easy and quick way to get from the capital to major cities of the country. There are some international routes, like to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but time spent on the way will be quite long.
Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltic States. Eurolines will get you between Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. One way tickets will cost £ 15 - £ 20 and approximate travel time is 5 hours between the cities. Ticket reservations in advance are recommended.
Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of travelling round the city. You'll find them located close to the main hotels. Usually it's quite easy to catch a taxi on the street, however, it's much better and safer to order one by phone. Taxi costs in all of the Baltic countries and Poland are approximately the same and a ride in the centre of the city will cost you approx £ 5 - £ 7. Taxis in Finland and Russia are considerably more expensive. It is always a good idea to get your hotel to book a taxi for you and ask approximately how much the trip will cost before you get in.
We would not recommend you to take public transportation within the city, as it's usually crowded and it may cause you unnecessary anxiety about where to stop.