Friday: Flights, arrival and transfers

Today you will arrive at Kittila Airport and be transferred to Harriniva for a welcome dinner. You'll need to get a good night's sleep as your adventure will start first thing tomorrow.

Saturday: Overnight husky safari

Harriniva is renowned for its sled dog centre and after a hearty breakfast that is where you will be heading. You will be given full instruction on how to handle your team and use the equipment effectively before meeting your huskies for the first time. The sleds will be loaded and the dogs’ excitement will build to a climax as you take hold of your sled and release the anchor. As soon as the dogs hit the trail they fall silent, focusing on the task in hand. The silence of the wilderness is
probably one of the most magical things you will take away from the next two days.

You will drive around 20-25km per day depending on conditions and make your way through snowy forests and across frozen lakes to a wilderness cabin. You will look after your own team of dogs and get really stuck in to life in the wilds. The cabins can be basic with dormitory sleeping areas and no running water or electricity but they are comfortable and cosy.

Once the fire is burning, dinner is cooking and the sauna is heated, a night in a cabin is a truly memorable experience. The cabins are well away from all light pollution and provide an ideal situation from which to view the night sky and should the Aurora Borealis be visible there is no where better to relax and enjoy the show.

Sunday: Husky safari to Harriniva and Aurora snowmobile safari

You may be woken by the sound of hungry wolves outside the cabin but fear not, it’s just the dogs telling you it is time to get back on the trail. These animals live to pull the sleds so after you have all had breakfast you join forces once again for the return journey to Harriniva arriving back at the hotel during the afternoon. There will be time to relax, have a hot shower and dinner before the adventure continues tonight during your snowmobile safari.

You will be given full instruction and a safety briefing before hitting the trail on your snowmobiles. You will travel around 20km throughout the journey and climb to the top of a nearby fell where the view of the night sky, and hopefully the Aurora, is uninterrupted.

Monday: Depart or extend your stay

Today you will be transferred back to Kittila for your flight home. Alternatively you can extend your stay at Harriniva and try some additional activities or spend the night at Lainio Snow Village.

Harriniva Wilderness Hotel

Situated in the heart of Lapland near the remote town of Muonio, Harriniva encapsulates the very best of Finnish Lapland. This family run hotel has 64 Scandinavian style en suite bedrooms. Most of the rooms accommodate two or three people but there are some larger bedrooms suitable for families (subject to availability).

The hotel has three cosy dining rooms (including one with a log fire) and a pub ideal for a relaxing drink after your activities. Naturally, this being Finland, there are two large saunas and a family sauna within the main building. For a bit of pampering, the Aurora Wellness Centre offers therapies such as massages and a variety of facials. On the riverbank there are two jacuzzis, two steam baths and an ice hole - for the very brave!

Safari Houses and Cabins

On our longer overnight husky and snowmobile safaris you spend some nights in shared safari houses or cabins with full access to all the hotel’s facilities. Each safari house or cabin has its own shower, toilet and sauna and provides the perfect place to bond with your fellow adventurers before your safari. All of your meals will be served in the main building.

Wilderness Cabins

Any holiday that incorporates an overnight safari will include at least one night in a wilderness cabin.

Some of the cabins can be basic (no electricity or running water) but they are all comfortable and cosy, especially once the fire is burning and dinner is cooking. Sleeping arrangements are in dormitory style areas. Despite their far-flung locations, there is always a sauna available - after all, this is Finland!

The cabins are generally so remote that there is little or no light pollution creating the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

Lainio Snow Village

Lainio Snow Village is built and run by our good friend Rami Kurtakko and is approximately 200km North of the Arctic Circle. In the Snow Village, you can spend a night in the SnowHotel, have a dinner in the IceBar or enjoy the igloo disco with drinks served in ice glasses. Or you can just marvel at the magnificent sculpture art all around the area.

Snow Village is located in the Western part of Finnish Lapland, in close proximity of Ylläs and Levi ski-resorts and easily reachable from the international airport of Kittilä.

An overnight in one of the cold bedrooms or suites is an unforgettable experience.