Embark on a Northern Lights holiday in Northern Lapland, a region located above the Arctic Circle that boasts one of the highest occurrences of the Aurora Borealis. You’ll be located and accomodated in Ivalo, port to the widest wilderness areas of the Western Europe.
What to Expect
During your stay, engage in activities such as northern lights hunting, ice fishing, husky safari, winter trekking, reindeer farm visit etc. Savour meals prepared using traditional open fire cooking methods. Experience the quietness of the wilderness lake with woolly sock walk, tent and smoke sauna experiences, and winter trekking through the pristine Arctic wilderness. Enrich your knowledge of local history and customs by visiting the Sami Museum, which showcases the indigenous people’s way of life, and a reindeer farm where you’ll get to feed the furry animals and learn about the importance of them in Lapland’s culture and economy.
Accommodation
You'll be staying at Xwander Suites, located in the center of Ivalo Village. Middle of Northern Lapland and the widest wilderness areas of European Union. Apartments are air conditioned and highly equipped. You have access to all of Xwander rental equipment that are complimentary for you to use during your stay.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ivalo
Day 1: Aurora Camp with Open Fire Dinner
Spend the arrival evening in our cozy Aurora Camp with an open fire. We have cozy blankets for you and if we are lucky we see the Northern Lights. While spending the evening watching to the sky, our professional guide will prepare an open fire dinner for you.
Day 2: Ice Fishing & Open Fire Cooking
Join our guides on this comprehensive winter fishing trip to Rahajärvi, Ivalo. On this trip, you get to experience traditional Lappish winter fishing methods, such as:
- Drilling holes to the ice (“kairaaminen”)
- Ice fishing (“pilkkiminen”)
After fishing, we cook and eat our catch: the fish is as fresh as it gets! We make fire and try out different styles of cooking fish on an open fire. All necessary items for cooking and eating are provided by Xwander.
Day 3: Husky Safari
On the third day you will experience a two hours husky safari. Here you can drive yourself a husky sledge and enjoy the ride. After the safari, you will hear information about the huskies while drinking a warm drink.
Day 4: Woolly Sock Hike with Ice Swimming, Tent Sauna & Open Fire Dinner
On fourth day we will go to Rahajärvi and experience woolly sock hike. After a small hike you have a opportunity to go ice swimming from a nice and warm tent sauna. End of the day your guide will prepare and cook a tasty dinner in open fire.
Day 5: Day in the Tundra - Winter Trek, Toboggan & Smoke Sauna
This day is full day experience in Inari’s most popular National Park areas. At start of the day we meet at our shop in Ivalo, where we hop on a car and drive to Saariselkä where we have a trek in beautiful winter forest, we choose the equipment (snowshoes or backcountry skis) per the days conditions. After the trek we have a lunch on top of one of the highest fjell’s of the area, Kaunispää. From Kaunispää we have great views for the surrounding wilderness areas and the National Park.
What is the best way to descend from top of the fell? Of course with toboggan! We have the longest tobogganing trail in Finland, 2000 meters of pure joy and terror! When we’re done with hills and speed we head to the Kiilopää Smoke Sauna with optional very refreshing Ice Swimming on a icy pond!
Day 6: Day in Inari - Siida Museum, Open Fire Lunch & Reindeer Farm Visit
As the indigenous people of Lapland, the cultural heritage of the Sámi is immeasurably valuable. Today, you can explore it in the middle of beautiful Inari with a guide.
You’ll get to have lots of fresh air while learning various survival skills with the help of a guide or by exploring the local terrain yourself. If the ice on the nearby lake is strong enough, we may also try ice fishing! We’ll have our mouth-watering, Lapland style lunch outdoors in a wilderness hut.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a reindeer farm to get acquainted with these iconic animals of Lapland. The animals are very tame and they will allow you to pet and feed them. Take a picture with a reindeer to capture the uniqueness of your Lapland holiday!
We’ll return to Ivalo in the afternoon. You will have free time tonight to relax and take it easy!
Day 7: Departure from Ivalo
FAQ
What do I need to bring?
- Clothing & gear suitable for all weathers
- Good walking shoes
- A small backpack for daily outings
- Personal medication
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
- Cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before the event
- Cancellation fee of 30% if booking is cancelled 45 days or less before the event
Book With Confidence
- Local family owned business
- Personalized service
- Flexible itineraries
- Small group sizes
Price Includes
- Transfers from Ivalo Airport or bus station
- Accommodation in a comfortable and spacious double apartment
- All the aforementioned activities, meals and transfers to and from activities
- Winter gear such as overalls, boots and mittens
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from destination
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Gear & clothing needed for activities