This break in Finnish Lapland is packed full of winter thrills, with included husky safaris, snowmobile drives and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. There's also the chance to meet reindeer and learn all about their importance in the region's Sami culture, while a guided aurora snowshoe walk takes you through snowy landscapes to a cosy campfire far from city lights. You'll stay throughout at Hotel Harriniva, where cosy, pine-clad rooms and hearty home cooking make a wonderful base for all those thrilling winter pursuits.
Winter in Harriniva
To book call us on:
At a glance…
An action-packed winter break at Harriniva Hotel in the heart of Finnish Lapland
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» 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: £1,655 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
-
Day 1 » Fly to Kittilä
Your adventure begins by flying to Kittilä in Finnish Lapland, either directly or via Helsinki. On arrival, a shuttle bus transfer will bring you from the airport to Harriniva, a pine-clad wilderness lodge where hearty home-cooked food and an equally hearty Finnish welcome set the scene for days of Arctic exploration. You'll have some time to settle into your room before enjoying dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Depending on your arrival time, you'll collect your outdoor thermal clothing – otherwise, this can be done the following morning.
Before calling it a night, have a look outside to see if you can catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights. At such northerly latitudes as these, the Northern Lights are a regular sight from September to early April, but a little luck is needed in terms of clear skies and solar activity. If the conditions are favourable, you may well be fortunate enough to experience this celestial phenomenon illuminating the night sky.
Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio
Meals: Dinner
-
Day 2 » Husky sledding & snowmobile safari
After breakfast, you'll head out on a thrilling husky sled ride, zipping along snowy trails as you immerse yourself in the beauty and silence of the Arctic wilderness. You'll then say your goodbyes to these energetic, lovable creatures and return to the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll venture out into the snow-blanketed landscapes of Finnish Lapland once more, this time travelling at considerably greater speed as you try your hand at snowmobiling (so long as you have a valid driver's license). One person will drive the snowmobile while the other sits behind, and there will be a chance to switch roles along the way. It's a truly exhilarating way to glide through snowy forests and across frozen lakes. Later on, dinner is served back at the lodge.
Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 3 » Reindeer experience & aurora walk
This morning, you'll visit a local reindeer farm where you'll learn all about the tradition of reindeer husbandry and the importance of these animals in the region's Sami culture. You'll also be shown how to throw a lasso before embarking on a short but enchanting sleigh ride through the forest before returning to the lodge for lunch.
Your afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Enjoy your surrounds or you may wish to book a hot tub and sauna experience (supplement applies) before a final dinner.
Then, later in the evening, you'll take a gentle guided walk through a snowy landscape and far from city lights. Sit around a cosy campfire and enjoy warm drinks and cookies while keeping an eye out for the aurora - with luck, the Northern Lights will dance across the sky.
Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 » Departure
Transfer to Kittilä airport after breakfast for your flight home, either directly or via Helsinki.
Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Your final itinerary together with timings and days of excursions will be given to you on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
An action-packed winter break at Harriniva Hotel in the heart of Finnish Lapland
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» 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: £1,655 pp incl. flights
Related articles
When to visit Scandinavia: a seasonal guide
With such a variety of landscapes and activities, it's hard to define the best time to visit Scandinavia. The answer, really, is that there isn't one. Endless summer days bathed in the midnight sun give way to months of snow-bound fun, when, for many, Scandinavia really comes into its own.
How to make Santa holidays work for the whole family
Taking your children to meet Santa on a wintry adventure in Lapland is for many a picturesque dream. But these trips offer plenty for older children and adults as well, such as winter sports and luxury lodges. Best Served specialist Steff Sargeant checks out the options.