Winter Holiday in Northern Finland

Whether you arrive by coach or by plane, we will greet you in Ivalo. Let the holiday begin!

You will stay in a comfortable apartment located in the center of Ivalo. 

After checking in, you will attend a welcome meeting with our local guide who will provide information about the upcoming activities. 

Your first morning in Lapland will begin with an exciting two-hour husky safari! We’ll pick you up at your front door and take you to the starting point. You will then ride your own dog sled through the wintry landscape across forests and lakes. This experience is one of the absolute highlights of the entire holiday. After the husky safari, you’ll warm up with a hot mug of traditional pan coffee in an atmospheric hut.

After an exciting start to the morning, we’ll continue to the rugged Kaunispää. On clear days, you can enjoy incredible views of up to 40 kilometers across Northern Finland and beyond, all the way up to Russia! While feasting our eyes on this view, we’ll have lunch at the on-site restaurant, after which you can enjoy the adrenaline-fuelled experience that is Northern Europe’s longest toboggan run. At 1,200 meters long, the Saariselkä sledding hill is a thrill for speed junkies of all ages!

No visit to Saariselkä is complete without ascending to the top of Kiilopää mountain where we can rest our eyes on the far horizon. Kiilopää is one of the highest fells in Urho Kekkonen National Park (546m), and no visitor in Lapland will ever get enough of this place.

What could be a more perfect end to a perfect day than a soothing smoke sauna followed by a dip in an icy lake. After your smoke sauna experience, you’ll definitely be hungry, and it’s time to move on to the atmospheric Laanila Kievari to enjoy a 3-course menu. After the day’s activities, we’ll get to have a relaxing time together and enjoy the local culinary delights made from freshly prepared arctic ingredients.

Bellies full, we’ll take you back to your apartment in the evening. You will certainly sleep well tonight!

Experience a day filled with Finnish culture and natural beauty on this excursion to Inari. Begin your adventure at the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre, Siida, where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history and traditions of the indigenous Sámi people. Learn about their way of life, from reindeer husbandry to traditional handicrafts, and browse the impressive collection of exhibits that showcase the unique culture of this remote region.

After your museum visit, it's time for a well-deserved lunch break, with a special treat in store. Enjoy a delicious open-fire lunch in the great outdoors, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Savor the flavors of locally sourced ingredients, cooked to perfection over an open flame.

After lunch, take a stroll through the beautiful scenery of Inari and enjoy the serenity of the peaceful surroundings. Take in the fresh air and soak up the natural beauty of this pristine region before heading back to your accommodations, filled with lasting memories of your unique and immersive Finnish adventure.

Then you head outdoors to a nearby reindeer farm, where you'll have the opportunity to meet these gentle creatures up close and personal. Learn about their role in Sámi culture and livelihood and witness a traditional reindeer herding demonstration.

Goodbyes are always hard! To make things a bit easier, we have arranged transportation to the airport or bus station for you. Of course, you may also choose to arrive in your own car.  If your flight or bus is later in the day, you can spend some time using Xwander's complimentary rental equipment, such as fat bikes or Nordic walking gear, to explore the Ivalo River area.

If you want to extend your Lapland holiday by visiting Rovaniemi, Kirkenes or elsewhere, we will be happy to help you with planning, and can recommend places that we have already identified as good destinations.

We hope you have enjoyed your vacation with us, and look forward to welcoming you back again in the future!

• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 24 hours or less before the event.

• Clothing & gear suitable for all weathers
• A small backpack for daily outings
• Good walking shoes
• Personal medication

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not stroller accessible
• Infants must not sit on laps
• Infant seats unavailable
• Not recommended for people with back problems
• Not recommended for people with heart conditions
• Minimum age of the passengers is 8 years.
• Animals or pets are allowed.
• Public transportation is nearby.