Winter week in Sami land

Northern lights search by snowmobile

Prices: from £1544 per person
Period from January to April 2011
7 day (6 nights) guided holiday on full board basis

This winter holiday week in Nellim in Finland’s Lapland is ideal for adventurous couples, families, individuals or groups of friends looking for an active holiday in real Lappish surroundings. See the Northern lights, meet the cute huskies, hop on a sled pulled by a reindeer, enjoy an exciting snowmobile drive, try out snowshoe walking, tobogganing, or just relax.

Wilderness Hotel Nellim is beautifully located next to Lake Inari, one of the deepest lakes in Scandinavia and only 6 miles from the Russian border. Area offers visitors the opportunity to experience the fascinating culture and life of the local Sámi people while enjoying exciting winter activities.  Hotel is located only 45 minutes’ drive from Ivalo Airport. Nellim offers accommodation is in cosy hotel rooms and in fully equipped holiday apartments.

Example itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Lapland

On arrival at Ivalo, the northernmost airport in Finland, you will be transferred to the Wilderness Hotel Nellim. The journey takes about 45 minutes. After settling into your hotel, dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 – Snowmobile safari to reindeer farm on Lake Inari

We will ride through the Arctic landscape around Lake Inari to a reindeer farm, where we learn about the reindeer and the life of a herdsman. We’ll take a short reindeer sled ride through the forest. Lunch will be served by an open fire during the safari. Duration of the safari is between 5 to 6 hours. Return to Nellim late in the afternoon with evening sauna and dinner.

Day 3 – Cross-country skiing and snowshoes

Today will be dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoe walking. Skiing tracks start near the hotel, and you will learn the basics of cross-country skiing with your guide. Lunch at the hotel restaurant. After lunch we will go for a short snow-shoe tour close to the hotel followed by a sauna and dinner.

Day 4 – Northern lights and local culture

Day 4 is free for your own activities, whether skiing or learning about the local Sámi culture. You can spend the day exploring local traditions. You can book a three-hour special programme of traditional activities – learn about local crafts, listen to old songs and enjoy seasonal dishes prepared from Lake Inari fish, reindeer and cloudberries.

The wooden Nellim Orthodox Church is also worth a visit. The Russian border is only a few miles away, and on the Paatsjoki Bridge you can see the towers guarding both sides of the border. After dinner it’s time to seek out the Northern lights. We’ll take a snowmobile tour to Aurora Borealis camp on Lake Inari. Duration of the evening visit is about 3 hours.

Day 5 – Driving snowmobiles

This 20-mile snowmobile safari begins with an introduction to the safari and safety information, after which you will drive through snowy forests to enjoy a picnic lunch on campfire and try your luck in ice-fishing. Duration of the safari is approximately 3 hours. Afternoon is free for your own activities with dinner and sauna at the hotel later in the evening.

Day 6 – Husky safari

After breakfast it’s time to meet the huskies. First you will be taught how to handle a sled, after which you will start the half-day husky safari in teams of 2 people and a dog.  A picnic lunch is served by the campfire. Day’s driving distance is just over 10 miles (17km).  Return to hotel with farewell dinner with Lappish specialities.

Day 7 – Leaving Lapland

After breakfast, it is time to say good-bye to Nellim. You will be transferred to Ivalo airport to take your return flight home back to the UK.

Prices

From London Heathrow: £1544 /adult (two sharing), £1164 /child (4-12 years when sharing a room with two adults)
From Manchester: £1554 /adult (two sharing), £1174 /child (4-12 years when sharing a room with two adults)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Ivalo airport
• Transfers from/to Ivalo airport
• Accommodation in twin rooms in Wilderness Hotel Nellim
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on daily basis
• Programme as described (when using snowmobiles, 2 persons share one snowmobile)
• Thermal clothing

Please ask for a price for

• Single supplement
• Shorter duration
• Package without flights

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included in your holiday cost. It is strongly recommended that insurance be taken out to protect you and your group against any unforeseen insurable events.