Chase the Northern Lights and explore the wild forests and fells of Arctic Lakeland on this action-packed autumn break. This is a fantastic time of year for aurora hunting, with sufficient darkness at night and plenty of daylight for outdoor adventures, accompanied by milder temperatures than in the depths of winter. You may even be fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your accommodation, as you’ll be staying in a stylish, glass-walled cabin at the top of Ukkohalla Ski Resort hill – an area with minimal light pollution. On a guided e-bike ride and a wilderness hike, you’ll gain a deep appreciation of the region’s untamed natural beauty, while a sauna experience will introduce you to an integral part of Finnish culture.
Autumn hiking, cycling & Northern Lights in Arctic Lakeland
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Marvel at the Northern Lights while staying in a glass-walled cabin on this autumn break in Arctic Lakeland
» 4 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £1,130 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
-
Day 1 » Depart for Arctic Lakeland
Your trip begins with a flight to Helsinki, from which you’ll take an internal connecting flight to Kajaani. On arrival, a transfer will be waiting to take you to Ukkohalla Resort, an off-the-beaten-track gem in the forested hills of Arctic Lakeland. Check into your Sky Cabin Glass Suite at the top of Ukkohalla Ski Resort hill, from which you’ll have magnificent views of the surrounding area. Each cabin is equipped with motorised beds, kitchen facilities and floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing you to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your accommodation.
Later on, head down to the main resort for dinner at Restaurant Hallan Karhu, which serves a variety of local and international dishes. It’s just a four-minute drive from your cabin, and complimentary transfers will take you there and back.
Stay: Ukkohalla Resort
Meals: Dinner
-
Day 2 » E-bike ride, sauna & aurora hunting
After breakfast, set off on a guided e-bike ride – a fantastic way to explore the forests and fells of Arctic Lakeland, taking advantage of the region’s extensive network of scenic cycling trails. In the afternoon, you’ll be introduced to an integral element of Finnish culture at Sauna World, where you’ll find nine different types of sauna, including a traditional wooden sauna, a steam sauna and a smoke sauna floating on Lake Syväjärvi. You’ll also have access to indoor and outdoor hot tubs, while the Halla Day Spa offers a variety of invigorating massages and beauty treatments.
Once darkness falls, head out with your guide for stargazing and, if the conditions are right, a chance to witness the Northern Lights swirling across the night sky. With minimal light pollution, this area offers excellent viewing conditions when the aurora is active.
Stay: Ukkohalla Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 3 » Waterfall hike & wilderness lunch
Today, you’ll venture out into the wilderness once more on a guided hike, winding through ancient taiga forests en route to a beautiful waterfall. Here, your guide will prepare a delicious lunch by an open fire before you return to Ukkohalla Resort. The rest of the day is free for you to relax in your glass cabin or join optional activities, from visiting a local reindeer farm (including coffee and a snack) to foraging for wild berries in the nearby swamps and forests.
Later on, you’ll have another opportunity to spot the Northern Lights if the skies are clear. It pays to be patient, as there’s no way of knowing for certain when the Northern Lights will appear and for how long they’ll last. Every display is unique, but if you’re fortunate enough to see them, it’s a truly magical experience.
Stay: Ukkohalla Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 » Return to UK
After one final breakfast, a transfer will take you back to Kajaani in time for your flight home, via Helsinki.
Meals: Breakfast
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Marvel at the Northern Lights while staying in a glass-walled cabin on this autumn break in Arctic Lakeland
» 4 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £1,130 pp incl. flights
Related articles
Discover the islands & archipelagos of the Nordics
Scandinavia and the Nordics are home to an array of spectacular islands and archipelagos, ranging from the polar wilderness of Svalbard to the idyllic Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea. Our guide offers a taste of what to expect on each – and why you should consider visiting them.
Fly British Airways direct to the Arctic Circle this winter
With new direct routes from British Airways to the Norwegian Arctic and Finnish Lapland this winter, Europe's northernmost reaches are now more accessible than ever before.