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Winter Wonderland

Unique accommodation at Wilderness Hotel Muotka, Saariselkä and Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi
Panorama Log Cabin Muotka, Finland © Wilderness Hotel Muotka

Lapland boasts a wintery paradise of snow covered forests, with many clear days and the chance to hunt for the fabled Northern Lights at night. Travelling from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi (or v.v) between 2 delightful hotels is an experience on its own and will also give you a true glimpse of life in Finnish Lapland. Spend six nights in unique accommodation, with three nights in a Panorama Log Cabin and three nights in a Kammi Glass Igloo Suite - each designed to offer you a different view of Arctic nature and the polar night skies. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Ivalo Arrival - Saariselkä and Muotka Wilderness Hotel

Arrival at Ivalo Airport and transfer to Muotka Wilderness Hotel, a paradise tucked away in the taiga forest in a magical and tranquil landscape of Saariselkä. Simply enjoy your breath-taking surroundings, or add some of the great optional winter activities offered, which include snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding and more. This is also a great place to search for the fabled Northern Lights at night, and you can do this with a visit to the resort's Aurora Camp or with evening snowmobiling.  Dinner at the hotel. Three nights here in a spacious cabin with a large panorama window and sauna.

Days 2 - 3 Muotka: Days at Leisure

Enjoy the peace and quiet in this remarkable place. Perhaps enjoy more of the great optional excursions such as a day of Inari Culture, a reindeer excursion, or snowmobiling. Dinners and overnights in Panorama Log Cabin.

Day 4 Saariselkä – Rovaniemi: Apukka

Today board the local coach which will take you to Rovaniemi, where you will be picked up and transferred to Apukka Resort, located about 15 minutes from Rovaniemi city centre in a peaceful area between two lakes, and the perfect spot, away from the city's lights, to look out for the fabled Northern Lights. Check in to your Kammi Glass Igloo Suite, where you will stay for two nights. These charming cabins are inspired by a traditional Sámi cradle, re-creating the feeling of a safe, warm nest. Each has a mezzanine level bedroom area with a glass roof so you will feel as if you are sleeping under the starry sky, with a full 360-view to the Arctic nature, straight from your bed! On the downstairs level there is a small sitting area and a private bathroom with shower and toilet (please note access to the bedroom area is via a narrow set of stairs). The remainder of the day is at leisure - explore your surroundings, with Mother Nature at her Arctic best. Buffet dinner at the hotel tonight at Restaurant Aitta. The restaurant serves Nordic cuisine with a modern twist and uses locally produced ingredients. At the heart of the restaurant is a huge stone fireplace, and high windows in the dining area give amazing views to the lake.

Days 5 - 6 Apukka: Days at Leisure

Perhaps join one of the optional activities offered, such as reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris, or board the Snow Train - sit cosily inside a heated carriage pulled by your guide's snowmobile, and head out into the wilderness to enjoy the surrounding nature in a comfortable way. Maybe try the hotel's sauna, or ask Reception about purchasing tickets on the shuttle bus, which runs regularly from the resort into the town centre and also to Santa Claus Village. Dinner and overnights in a Kammi Suite.

Day 7 Rovaniemi Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Rovaniemi Airport and end of arrangements.


2023-2024 departures: daily 01 December - 31 March (except 22 December - 06 January)

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated