Autumn colours and northern lights
Beautiful colours of ruska at Lake Inari
Prices: from £ 974/person
Period: end of August – end of September
Ruska and northern lights
Autumn brings out the yellows, browns and reds in Lapland’s nature. These full colours, ruska, make hiking in the wilderness of northern Finland an amazing experience. Add the magic of northern lights at night, and you can have an unforgettable four- day holiday above the Arctic Circle in Nellim, Ivalo. Watch the northern lights at night, hike in the wilderness with a local guide, take a boat trip on the majestic Lake Inari, and learn about Sami culture.
Example itinerary
Autumn northern lights
Day 1
You’ll be picked up from the Ivalo airport and transferred to Nellim Wilderness Hotel, about 40 km north from the Ivalo centre. Nellim is situated on the shore of Lake Inari surrounded by wilderness area near the Tsarmi fell and various small lakes. It is a historic dwelling of Sami people, and ancient artefacts of arrows and bowls have been found in the area.
After a dinner and short briefing, it is time for the first night of viewing the northern lights. You will be guided to a warm cabin with hot drinks and snacks. If the night is clear, you will be able to enjoy the wonderful sight of northern lights while relaxing in the Lappish wilderness. Return to the hotel is about 1 am.
Day 2
Siida Museum, about one-hour scenic drive away from Nellim, introduces the local Sami culture and history. The museum has an outdoor area of seven hectares with various buildings, and the new building combining a museum and a nature centre tells how the nature and history have evolved in the area. The site of the museum was inhabited already about 6,000 – 2,000 years ago.
The Lake Inari is, according to a folk song, as deep as it is long. A boat trip takes you to Ukko, a holy sacrificial island for locals. Lake Inari is the largest lake in Lapland, and also offers excellent fishing facilities.
After returning to Nellim, it is time for a dinner, and later you will enjoy another night in the wilderness cabin under the Northern sky. Return to the hotel is about 1 am.
Day 3
Hiking offers spectacular views with autumn colours. Your guide takes you for a four-hour hike around the Lapland’s wilderness. The autumn brings out the wonderful ruska, the burst of colours making this an exotic time to visit Lapland. Enjoy the hike designed according to your fitness, and have a pick nick lunch by an open fire. After returning, relax in sauna, rest a bit, and after dinner return to wilderness cabin for a final viewing of the northern lights. Return to the hotel is about 1am, after which you get a long rest before your return trip the next afternoon.
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer to Ivalo airport for your flight home.
Package prices
From £974/person when two adults sharing a twin room
What is included in the price?
- Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow or Manchester to Ivalo (via Helsinki)
- 3 nights in Wilderness hotel Nellim with full board
- Return transfers between Ivalo airport and the hotel
- Excursions and activities as described
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.
