The Ultimate Arctic Adventure in Finnish Lapland
Sleep under the glow of the aurora in glass-roofed cabins, ride snowmobiles and husky sleds, and relax in the sauna – Finnish-style
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
2 nights in a woodland cabin and 2 nights in a glass-roofed aurora cabinMeals
All breakfasts, lunches and dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All the snowshoeing equipment you'll needSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Navigate snow-laden wilderness trails via husky sleds and electric snowmobiles, gliding by frozen lakes and stopping for campfire snacks
Glimpse the northern lights among Arctic forest and from glass-roofed aurora cabins, learning how to photograph them as you go
Plunge into Lake Pyhäjärvi through a hole in the ice before warming up in a rustic, wood-heated Finnish sauna
Key Information
Day 1
Night hike under the northern lights
Northern Lights Watching
Head into the Finnish wilderness and settle into a cosy cabin nestled in the woods, where your guide will lay out the plan for the next few days. After a welcome dinner at the cabin with your fellow adventurers, you'll have a briefing on the aurora and the science behind them, learning about the unique atmospheric conditions that create this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Your guide will help you set your phones/cameras ready to capture them should they make an appearance. They will also give you tips on how to look out for the lights and how to set up an alarm to ensure that you don't miss out on any opportunities to witness them. All set and wrapped up, head out into the crisp night air to try and catch a glimpse of the magnificent aurora borealis. Your guides will bring tripods along, teaching you how to successfully photograph the northern lights.
Day 2
Snowmobiling safari through a winter wonderland
Snowmobiling
Today, you'll explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lapland on silent electric snowmobiles (these can comfortably accommodate two riders so you'll pair up and take it in turns to drive; remember to bring your driving licence!). Glide by the glossy expanse of a frozen lake before entering enchanting snowy forests, heading towards the Kopara Reindeer Park. There, you'll get to meet reindeers up close, gaining insights into the history and cultural traditions surrounding these gentle Arctic creatures. After lunch, hop back onto your vehicle for a scenic return to the cabins where you can warm up and enjoy the sauna before dinner. If the aurora show again tonight, you'll be able to head out for more northern lights watching.
Day 3
Snowshoes, saunas and icy dips
Snowshoeing
Sauna
Clip on snowshoes and hike out into the Pyhä-Luosto National Park – a snowy wilderness of frozen valleys, ravines and tunturis, the remnants of two-billion-year-old mountains. Eyes peeled for animal tracks in the fresh snow as you go, before reaching a crackling campfire around lunchtime where you can take a break, and warm up by the flames with a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, check into your next accommodation – stunning glass-roofed aurora cabins. Later, you'll embrace the Finnish sauna experience: feel the chill as you plunge into icy lake waters, before heating up in a traditional wood-heated sauna. If the northern lights are visible this evening, you'll be able to look straight up from your aurora cabin to see them dancing across the sky. You can also gather outside with your fellow travellers to share the awe of this natural light show.
Day 4
Husky sledding across shimmering fells
Dog Sledding
Take the morning to enjoy the cabins before setting off on an unforgettable husky safari. Mushing a team of huskies over the white, shimmering fells is an essential experience in Lapland. The husky safari starts just a short drive away from your aurora cabins and takes you on a fast-paced trip over the untouched snow of the fells and surrounding forests. Relax in the afternoon or choose an optional activity (reindeer safari, hiking or ice climbing - at additional cost). Finish up the day enjoying a farewell dinner with new friends, sharing stories of your winter adventure in Finland. Keep your eyes on the sky and fingers crossed for one last glimpse of the ethereal northern lights.
Day 5
Farewell to Finnish Lapland
After a last breakfast, catch the SkiBus back to the airport and return home with some incredible stories and pictures to share with your friends.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Last Skibus stop in Pyhä
No later than 20:30 on Day 1
Ends
Skibus stop in Pyhä
Any time on Day 5
Transfers
Round-trip airport transfers on the SkiBus are included (or you can upgrade to a private transfer; see Optional Extras below). From Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) board the SkiBus to its last stop in Pyhä, where your guides will meet you. The SkiBus travels between the airport and Pyhä several times a day – check the timetable. Travel time is two hours, so you'll need to catch the 18:30 bus at the latest on Day 1.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) from major airports across the UK and Europe. Should you wish to book additional nights' accommodation in Pyhä before the trip, we recommend booking Hotel Pyhätunturi as this is located close to the SkiBus stop and within walking distance of the slopes.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Finnish cuisine is characterised by its simplicity, reliance on local ingredients, and hearty flavours. Fish, (such as salmon, herring and whitefish) is a staple, prepared in various ways such as smoking and pickling. Berries and mushrooms are foraged and used in jams, desserts, and savoury dishes. Potatoes, root vegetables and rye bread are common carbohydrates, often accompanying game meats like reindeer and elk. Finnish cuisine emphasises the natural flavours of ingredients rather than elaborate spices or sauces, with simple herbs like dill and juniper berries adding depth. Overall, the food reflects a deep connection to nature, seasonal ingredients, and a respect for culinary tradition.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Woodland Lodge
You'll spend your first two nights in a rustic wooden lodge in the woods – the genuine Lapland way! Located in the heart of Pyhä, it's close to a shop, restaurants and the bus stop, yet the Pyhä-Luosto National Park trailheads are just 350m away. After a day of Arctic adventures, it is blissful to step into the cosy ambience and enjoy a roaring fire and relax in the sauna. The spacious lodge has seven bedrooms which you'll stay in on a twin-share basis (these can be set up as double rooms on request). The lodge is equipped with several drying cabinets, heating, TV, and WiFi. The kitchen facilities include a stove, fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, water boiler, tableware and utensils. A nutritious buffet breakfast will be available to keep you fuelled. With its classic cabin design, the lodge has shared bathroom facilities with four toilets and three showers available to use, as well as its own sauna and changing room. There is also a communal lounge area to relax in, with comfy sofas to sink into after a day of adventure.
Aurora Cabins
You'll spend two nights in stunning aurora cabins surrounded by the snowy Finnish forest. The cabins have a laser-heated glass roofs, unveiling the sky directly overhead and offering an extraordinary opportunity to witness the northern lights. Cabins will be twin-shared, with comfortable beds, private bathrooms and showers. There is an on site restaurant for meals and free WiFi in the communal area.
Upgrades
Due to the limited number of aurora cabins, it is not possible to request a private room upgrade for this trip. Your host can arrange a single room at a nearby hotel if you would like to join the trip and have your own room – however, you'll be missing out on the aurora cabins as one of the trip highlights in this instance.
This trip has been rated as Easy
This trip is suitable for anyone with basic fitness levels. None of the activities are hugely demanding, and you'll never be exerting yourself for more than a couple of hours at a time. The trip is a busy one though, with plenty to pack in, so you'll be regularly on the go – although, there is some downtime so that you can enjoy the aurora cabins as well. To get the most out of the trip you should enjoy being out in the cold during the winter and come prepared with adequate warm clothing – see the kit list for guidance.
What will I need to carry?
You'll only need to carry a small day rucksack (containing personal items, snacks and water) during the activities. Your main luggage can be left at your accommodation.
Winter in northern Finland is very cold, so be prepared for a truly arctic experience! In January and February temperatures range from -18°C to -8°C. In March and April it warms up a bit, ranging from -13°C to 3°C, with snowy days around half the time. Days are very short, but that just increases your chances of seeing the northern lights!
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided night hike in search of the northern lights, with photography tips
- Electric snowmobile ride
- Visit to Kopara Reindeer Park
- Guided snowshoe hike in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park
- Traditional Finnish ice-dip and sauna experience
- 2hr husky sledding experience
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a cosy, warm Lappish cabin
- 2 nights in a glass-roofed Aurora cabin
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 4 buffet breakfasts
- 3 tasty lunches
- 4 hearty Finnish dinners
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Rovaniemi Airport via the SkiBus on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Rovaniemi Airport via the SkiBus on Day 5
- All transfers throughout the trip
Equipment
- All the equipment you'll need for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and husky sledding
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All the snowshoeing equipment you'll need
- A thermal suit to wear whilst husky mushing and snowmobiling
What's available to hire?
- Padded insulated jacket
- Winter boots (see optional extras)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main suitcase or backpack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
CLOTHES
- Down jacket
- Ski jacket (waterproof jacket with light insulation)
- Ski trousers (waterproof trousers with light insulation)
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermal tops and bottoms (wool/merino is best, avoid cotton)
- Warm hat and/or balaclava
- Buff or neckscarf
- Thick thermal gloves/mittens
- Underwear and warm socks (wool is best)
- Warm, waterproof boots (of similar type to 'Sorel Caribou' snow boots)
- Swimsuit (seriously)
- Towel (for the sauna)
- Sleepwear
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports
- Travel insurance documents
- Driving license (for snowmobiling)
- Ear plugs
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Padded Insulated Jacket Hire
Payable Before Departure
Padded Insulated Jacket Hire
…
Winter Boots Hire
Payable Before Departure
Winter Boots Hire
…
Extra night's accommodation at your host's lodge in Pyhä: Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Extra night's accommodation at your host's lodge in Pyhä: Single Room
… Per Night
Extra night's accommodation at your host's lodge in Pyhä: Twin Room
Payable Before Departure
Extra night's accommodation at your host's lodge in Pyhä: Twin Room
… Per Night
Private Airport Transfer (min. 3 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer (min. 3 people)
… Per Person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 72kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Snowshoeing is a type of hiking that uses a special type of footwear – a snowshoe – to spread your weight over a larger area, allowing you to move easily across powdery snow-covered terrain. While today's snowshoes look modern, snowshoeing has actually played a vital role in Arctic life for centuries, with traders and trappers using wooden versions to move freely through the wilderness.
Snowshoeing is incredibly easy, comfortable and safe. You simply clip your snowshoe to the outside of your hiking boot and off you go. You'll be in the hands of local, experienced, and trained guides who know the area intimately and will guide you safely throughout the hike.
The optimal time to witness the spectacle of the northern lights in Lapland is from September to April. This timeframe has extended periods of darkness and clearer skies, essential for observing the ethereal aurora borealis. It's important to acknowledge that seeing the northern lights is not a guaranteed occurrence; even within peak season, patience may be required as you wait for moments of clear skies. The shorter days of January and February heighten the likelihood of encountering the aurora. Moving into March and April, days gradually lengthen, and favourable conditions for aurora sightings continue. There is also a peak in auroral activity around the equinox of March 20th, making this period particularly good for aurora viewing.
Please ensure you bring along your valid driver's licence in order to operate the electric snowmobiles during the trip. Drivers must be a minimum of 18 years and have a full driving license that is valid in Europe. Finnish law prohibits driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating drug. Participants are held liable for any damages caused to snowmobiles, which must be paid on site.
If you do not have a license, you can still enjoy this activity as a passenger.
You can leave your luggage at the wilderness cabins or aurora cabins while you are out adventuring.
The husky operations included on this itinerary are certified by Tukes, the supervisory authority that promotes the safety and reliability of services. The kennels are conveniently located near the cabins and welcome visitors by appointment. Here, you can witness firsthand the care and dedication that the husky mushers have for their dogs. The team of mushers here are passionate about their huskies, treating them like family. Regular grooming, veterinary check-ups, and a balanced diet ensure the huskies' well-being.
Whilst huskies thoroughly enjoy running, their carers maintain a strict schedule for the huskies, balancing exercise and rest. During the summer months, when temperatures are too high (over +5°C), they cannot run. Instead, they are free to roam in the kennel in order for them to get their exercise and be in touch with the other dogs. Late summer and early autumn, when temperatures begin to cool, it's time for training ahead of the winter season. As the huskies get older and are unable to run, they remain in the kennel as retirees and enjoy their golden years after a career of hard work.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely cold and consistently below freezing (0C/32F) during the times of year when this trip operates. Temperatures at night will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep warm as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at warmer temperatures. In severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Wednesday 8th January 2025
to Sunday 12th January 2025
Fully Booked
