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. 2hrs, husky farm presentation after the safari, lunch in the main building restaurant also included. Overnight in your cabin. 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 in your cabin. 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.
Optional excursions:
SNOWSHOEING TREK 4 HOURS
Snowshoeing trek to Nellim’s beautiful forests.
On this trek, we will head to Nellim forests and hills. The forest is a beautiful winter wonderland, and the silence is like nowhere else. During the trek the guide will tell you interesting facts and information about Finnish nature and animals. Eventually you will reach your camp place, where you will have some lunch and warm drinks by the open fire. This trip is perfect for photographers and nature lovers, as snowshoeing is really an eco- activity!
What’s included: Guided snowshoeing trip, lunch and drinks on open fire.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: £115 pp
GENTLE SNOWSHOEING EXCURSION 2 HOURS
Relaxing snowshoeing in snowy Nellim forests with relaxing atmosphere.
If you prefer a nice gentle walk in a beautiful snowy surrounding, this is the tour for you. We will equip ourselves with snowshoes (and poles if preferred) and head for a nice little walk in the surroundings of the hotel. Our guide will tell you interesting facts about the Finnish nature.
What’s included: Guided snowshoeing trip.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: £75 pp
ICE FISHING & SNOWMOBILING
Snowmobiling with ice fishing, does it get any better?
This day is dedicated to snowmobiling and ice fishing. We will start our day with snowmobiling lessons and after this, we head towards one of the hundred lakes here in Nellim. We will try to find the best spot for fishing, camp there and test our luck. We will have lunch by the open fire (if lucky, it will be fresh fish!) and enjoy warm drinks while we catch the greatest fish. If you wish to spend the day like locals, this is the way to do it!
What’s included: Snowmobiling lessons, guided snowmobiling tour, lunch by open fire, warm drinks, ice fishing instructions and gear.
Duration: 6 hours
Price: £240 pp, single driving supplement £120 pp
SNOWMOBILING 4 HOURS
Snowmobiling in winter scenery, here we go!
Snowmobiling in Nellim is big fun. There is unlimited wilderness, lots of tracks and beautiful sceneries all around. On this snowmobiling tour we will be spending our time on snowmobiles (2person/snowmobile). after a snowmobiling lesson and safety instructions. During the day we will also have lunch by the open fire and warm drinks to keep us warm. Could a winter day be spent any better way than this?
What’s included: Snowmobiling lessons, guided snowmobiling tour, lunch by open fire, warm drinks.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: £210 pp, single driving supplement £120 pp
SNOWMOBILING 2 HOURS
Have you ever tried snowmobiling? We highly recommend you do!
This tour is perfect for those who have never tried snowmobiling before. First you will get familiar with the snowmobile, have full safety instructions and driving lessons. After everyone feels comfortable, we will head out for a small journey into the Nellim surroundings. Driving 2 persons/snowmobile
What’s included: Snowmobiling lesson, guided tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120 pp, single driving supplement £60 pp
REINDEER DAY
Spend the day out with local culture and history, see and feed reindeers!
A guided snowmobile tour that will give you an insight on Sámi culture and way of life in the north. The reindeer herder welcomes you and you will be invited to the reindeer enclosure. The guide will tell you more about the Sámi culture and the life of being a reindeer herder. You will feed the reindeer, which curiously tend to come up and eat out of your hands.
After the amazing experience you will have lunch by an open fire. Comfortably seated on reindeer hides around the fire you will be served reindeer soup and warm drinks, that have been heated on the fire. During the day you will have the chance to ice fish, and we will also make a stop at the Nellim church and Russian Border.
What’s included: Outdoor lunch by open fire during the day. Full day program. We will drive with snowmobiles during the day.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Price: £210 pp single driving supplement £120 pp
REINDEER FARM VISIT
Visit the local reindeer farm and see the adorable reindeers!
On this visit you will be transferred by car, or sledge pulled by snowmobile, to a local reindeer farm. There you will meet the herder, see some of his reindeer, and have even possibility to feed them. You will also visit the Nellim church.
What’s included: Guided visit to the reindeer farm, transfers.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: £90 pp
PRIVATE AURORA SLEDGE SAFARI
Looking for something really special? Try Aurora sledge ride to Lake Inari!
Aurora sledge is a heated sledge with an open roof view. This is specially designed for enjoying the aurora from the warmth of the sledge, going around Lake Inari fto the best viewing points. If you are looking for something special on your holiday, this might be it! There is also the possibility to make a longer tour with dinner by the open fire.
What’s included: Aurora Sledge ride on frozen Lake Inari, warm drinks.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Price: Aurora Sledge safari £215 pp, Aurora Sledge safari with dinner by open fire £265 pp
(min 2 persons) Single supplement £120 pp
AURORA HUNT BY CAR
Aurora Car trip heading to the famous Paatsjoki bridge!
On our Aurora Hunt by Car, you will be travelling to our famous Paatsjoki Bridge. As the River Paatsjoki never freezes it gives the most amazing reflections from the open water when the aurora borealis appear. This bridge is also very popular among many aurora photographers. We will spend anevening on the bridge, having some warm drinks to keep us warm. Depending on weather conditions, there might be slight changes to the route we take with our car, but on this tour we do our very best to catch some lights!
What’s included: Car trip to Paatsjoki bridge, warm drinks.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Price: £130 pp
AURORA SNOWSHOEING
Hunting Northern Lights on a snowmobile? I’m in!
On Aurora Snowmobiling, you will be operating snowmobiles (2person/snowmobile) and head to Nellim surroundings. You will be heading for the open spots, trying to find the possible Aurora Borealis. Driving distance depends on the weather conditions, if the sky looks promising we will stop and amaze this beautiful show.
What’s included: Snowmobiling lesson, full instructions, guided snowmobile tour and warm drinks
Duration: 2,5 hours
Price: £120 pp, single supplement £60 pp
AURORA CAMP
Sledge ride to Lake Inari with Aurora Watching!
Aurora Camp takes you to the amazing Lake Inari. You will be comfortably seated in a sledge, that is pulled by the guide snowmobile. This way you can enjoy the northern sky all the way to the camp place. At the camp there is a hut with open fire to warm up on cold nights Aurora Hunting. Guide will also serve warm drinks to keep you heated and cozy. Lake Inari has no light pollution so it is perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis phenomenal.
What’s included: Sledge ride to Aurora Camp place, warm drinks, guiding.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Price: £115 pp
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Try out this traditional finnish winter sport in beautiful Nellim scenery!
Cross-country skiing is traditional finnish winter sport. We will get to know the skiis, how to cope with them and learn some useful techniques. This skiing tryout is all about learning something new and once you get the hang of it, it will be the most nicest sport you have ever done. Don’t be afraid to fall over, as the soft snow will land you safely. There are few ready made tracks in Nellim surroundings, so there is possibility to go out on your own after this tutorial tour.
What’s included: Cross-country skiing instructions and small guided trek.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: £60 PP
Visas
For your holidays to Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Ukraine, you will not need a visa if you have a valid passport from any EU country, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan (there are more, so check with us to make sure). Please note that your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of your return.
However, if you plan to travel to Russia, you will need a visa, which we can help organise for you.
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.
Insurance
Travel insurance is required and also advisable. If you do not have a valid policy, please check our Insurance link on the bottom of our homepage or http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/insurance. We can offer quotes for all nationalities.
Our recommended partner is FS Ball who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Language
You will be able to communicate quite well with the locals, as most people in the service industry are quite adept at speaking English. If English doesn't work, then try Russian (if you can), or German. The further you go from the major cities, the less English you will hear. However, do not let the language barrier keep you from exploring the beauty of the country side. We can always arrange English speaking guides to accompany you wherever you wish to go.
The Estonian language is similar to Finnish and is unrelated to Latvian, Lithuanian or Russian. Latvian and Lithuanian are two of the oldest languages, with roots traceable to Sanskrit. This makes them quite challenging to learn, but attempting a few words will put a smile on the local faces. Russians use the Cyrillic alphabet, so reading street signs and tube maps will be a challenge in St Petersburg .
Currency
You can get local currency from ATMs at the airport where you land or in the major cities. Be aware that your bank will charge you a service fee and exchange rate fee for the transaction, but this is likely to be less than exchanging money in the UK before you depart. Please note that in Russia exchange bureau's and banks will not except Scottish bank notes.
We suggest choosing the right credit card for spending abroad. Most credit cards will have an additional cost (about 3%) to the bank exchange rates. You can avoid it by obtaining a specialist overseas card that does not add this % and will give you good exchange rates that are better than money exchange bureau rates.
Credit cards charge you interest rates, but some debit cards (bank account cards) could have fees that could add up to £ 1.50 every time you spend.
We recommend checking with your bank what fees/interest rates will be applied to your card when using it abroad in order to make an educated decision on what card to use.
Most restaurants and shops will take credit/debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, however, many places will not accept AMEX.
Traveller's cheques are difficult to cash, so we recommend not to use them.
Airport or ferry terminals in most cases will have the worst money exchange rates, so if you must get it from the airport, pre-order money for pick-up to get a better rate.
The local currencies are (alphabetic order):
Denmark - Danish Kroner
Estonia - Euro
Finland - Euro
Greenland - Danish Kroner
Iceland - Icelandic Kroner
Latvia - Euro
Lithuania - Euro
Norway - Norwegian Kroner
Poland - Polish Zloty
Russia - Russian Ruble
Sweden - Swedish Kroner
Ukraine - Hryvnia
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.
Mobile Phones
There are several mobile operators in each Baltic country, the Nordics ( Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland incl. Iceland and Greenland as well as Poland, Ukraine and Russia. If you have an international connection, there shouldn't be any problems with your incoming and outgoing calls.
In case your phone doesn't work, please check in the local mobilephone shops and you can buy Calling cards etc. or ask in your hotel, they should be able to advise you too.
Internet Access
Internet access is available at Internet Cafés, which mostly are located in the central part of the city. Most hotels have internet access.
Postal Services
Stamps are available in the post offices and in most newspaper kiosks. Approximate price for a stamp to European Union countries will vary but between appx. £ 0.30 to £ 0.70. You'll see post boxes on the streets or you can ask hotel representative to send your post card, they'll gladly help you.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency telephone number for the police, ambulance services or fire department in Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine and Poland - 112.
Greenland uses 911 and for mobile phones only 112.
Restaurants
Dining opportunities are plenty, from ethnic to exotic. We would suggest you to try some national dishes and get a real taste of the region. Note that most traditional dishes contain meat and are fairly heavy, but very tasty.
Reservations in advance are recommended for up-market restaurants, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Tipping - many of the up-market establishments will let you know how good their service is by including it on the bill. Rounding up the bill is usually sufficient, unless you feel your server deserves an extra bit of recognition.