...Trip idea
Auroras & Arctic Wonders in Finnish Lapland
Travel into the dark wilderness of Finnish Lapland in search of the Northern Lights and some of the coolest winter activities.
There are some places that are difficult to describe with words; the Finnish Lapland is one of them. Landing in winter, in a region entirely coated with powdery snow is magical, but add to that an intoxicating blend of daredevil activities like crashing through forests on a snowmobile, embracing the essence of Christmas with a reindeer safari, and indulging your inner child with meeting Santa Claus himself, and your trip becomes something truly memorable.
Sarah Ward Hedges
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 sarah.wardhedges@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile
Day 1: Northern Lights Hunting by Car
Deep within the Arctic Circle, Finnish Lapland is steeped in folklore and fairy tales. Its residents include the indigenous, snow-dwelling Sámi, as well as lynx and wolves. This northernmost region of Finland is also home to the mythical Father Christmas and his industrious elves. The pristine wilderness is both beautiful and raw, especially when cloaked in white, making it the perfect place to track bears, ski pristine snow, and view the year-round Northern Lights.
To explore Europe’s last great wilderness, your tour begins with a delicious dinner, followed by a private pick-up from your hotel and a drive into the dark Lapland wilderness in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide will check forecasts ahead of time to select the best spots for viewing the Auroras. This excursion offers the best opportunity to admire the sky’s dancing lights.
STAY: Levi Spirit Villas
During your time in Finnish Lapland, experience Nordic elegance and modern luxury at one of the Levi Spirit Villas. These villas offer ultimate privacy, and with its location along the Ounasjoki River, you’ll have direct access to nature’s adventures from encountering reindeers and picking forest berries from the bush.
Each villa boasts spacious interiors, a jacuzzi and sauna to enjoy the landscape with warmth and room enough for up to 10 guests. With 24/7 concierge on hand, a private chef to create intimate dinners under the Northern Lights, transfers to and from the airport, housekeeping to take care of laundry, cleaning and household tasks, and childcare, you can simply relax and make the most of your stay, with every detail thoughtfully taken care of.
Day 2: Private Snowmobile Adventure
For your second day in Finnish Lapland, embark on an exhilarating snowmobile adventure, tailored for private groups and perfect for beginners and families. This wilderness adventure takes you through snow-covered forests to a secluded Lapp tent, where a cosy coffee break awaits by a crackling fire. After the coffee break, hop back on snowmobiles and begin the journey back, covering approximately 25km of scenic landscapes.
Private VIP meeting with Santa Claus at Elves Hideaway
The remainder of your second day will be at Elves Hideaway. On arrival, you will be greeted by your guide elf. Jump on the sledge and the reindeer will take you to the Elves’ Hideaway. On route, you get to peek into the enchanting Seita stone. In the Elves’ secret hideaway, you bake delicious gingerbreads in the Gingerbread house and make Christmas decorations in the Elf school. The highlight of the tour, of course, is meeting with Santa himself.
Day 3: Dogsledding in the Forest
After breakfast, begin the day with an exhilarating dogsledding experience in the snow-covered forests. The huskies will be eagerly waiting for you at the farm, as they know they get to do their favourite thing: running. And run they sure can! Before the safari begins, you will receive instructions on how to drive the dog sled, becoming a real “musher”. The speedy sled ride with huskies in the wintry white forest is an amazing experience. Meanwhile, one person is piloting the sledge, and another is sitting in the sledge as a passenger.
Visit Levi's Christmas Market
Later in the day, spend an hour at Levi’s Christmas Market, where charming wooden stalls and festive lights create a magical atmosphere. Browse local, Lappish, and handmade products, plus tasty food and drinks. Afterwards, try tobogganing at Levi Ski Slopes. Your host will be happy to show you the toboggan slides. Get your overalls and out to the snow. An excellent exercise for both adults and children.
Day 4: Rally Driving - X-perience
Today is all about testing your limits with a rally driving tutorial. Upon arrival, the driving instructors will go over the day’s programme and safety instructions. Then you are ready to hop into a rally car.
A driving instructor will offer tips on handling the vehicle to complete the stage in the shortest possible time. Two 10-minute training sessions will highlight the special aspects of driving in winter conditions and developing related skills. The grand finale will feature the rally sprint competition, which includes two special stages. Ready, steady, go! Afterwards, the fastest drivers will celebrate their stand-out performances in the competition.
Explore at Leisure
After the competition, the rest of the day is yours – to wander Levi’s breathtaking landscapes at your own pace, breathing in the crisp, clean air as you explore snow-dusted forests, sparkling trails, and serene vistas. Or, if you prefer, retreat to your villa for a well-deserved afternoon of pure indulgence and tranquillity, where you can sink into cosy comfort, savour a hot drink, and let the quiet beauty of Lapland rejuvenate your body and soul.
Day 5: Reindeer Safari
Prepare for a journey with gentle, partially tamed reindeer, each with distinct character and charm. Experience nature’s tranquillity as you glide in a quiet reindeer sleigh.
In the serene snowy forest, you’ll meet these majestic creatures up close. You can even offer them lichen as a treat. Learn about caring for reindeer and try using the Lappish lasso to catch a wooden reindeer. Stay warm with a cosy hot drink and a cookie during this extraordinary experience.
This private reindeer safari offers a chance to experience Lapland’s natural beauty and create lasting memories together.
Afternoon downhill skiing at Levi Ski Resort
Start your day with a hearty Finnish breakfast at your villa before heading to Levi’s slopes. Once there, begin on the gentle runs to warm up, then gradually progress to the longer alpine pistes for a mix of thrill and scenic views. Throughout the morning, take breaks at the slope-side cafés for hot drinks while enjoying the snow-covered Arctic landscape. After a few hours of skiing, you might choose to explore the snow park or try some cross-country trails winding through the peaceful Lapland forests. As late afternoon arrives, take advantage of night skiing under the soft glow of the Northern Lights for a truly unforgettable experience. Finally, perhaps end the day relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna before dinner, recounting the day’s adventures on the snow.
Day 6: A Fond Farewell
As your unforgettable adventure draws to a close, you’ll take a final, lingering look at the pristine beauty of Finnish Lapland. With memories of sparkling snow, serene forests, and magical moments etched in your mind, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to the airport – a peaceful journey that gives you time to reflect, savour, and carry the spirit of Lapland with you long after you’ve left.
Safe travels home!
We think this itinerary works well either for a couple or an adventurous family. Call us so we can plan it out to your exact needs.
The review
Octola Lodge
Experience a scenic wilderness in Finnish Lapland, dusted with snow and lit up by the aurora borealis.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Highlights
5 Ways to Travel in Our New World
Highlights
5 Reasons to Visit Iceland
