Muotka Wilderness Adventure
from £936 including flights
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Highlights
Stay in remote location ideal for northern lights viewing
Experience thrilling winter activities
Stay in a beautiful wilderness location
Choose to spend the night in an Aurora Cabin
Relax by a log fire after a day in the snow
Enjoy a traditional sauna
Why this trip...
Where you stay
This holiday offers a choice of accommodation options which are part of the overall experience
Inclusive
Meals and activities are included in this holiday - see what's included for details
Festive getaway
This holiday can also be taken at Christmas or New Year adding a dose of magic to the festive season
Overview
Located deep in the tranquil taiga forests of Finland’s eastern Saariselka fells and Urho Kekkonen National Park, Muotka Wilderness Lodge is a magnificent place for a winter break. The picturesque surroundings provide the backdrop for a range of activities including snowmobiling, husky sledding and snowshoeing. Enjoy evenings spent beside a roaring log fire before seeking out the magical northern lights in the skies overhead.
Set within the vast fell area of Saariselka, 300km north of the Arctic Circle, Muotka Wilderness Lodge is just a 35-minute transfer from Ivalo airport. The location of the lodge was carefully chosen for the beauty of the surrounding taiga forest, as well as the proximity to the river and the winter ski trails.
Well away from artificial light, Muotka is ideally located for viewing the northern lights and offers a genuine winter experience. With a whole host of activities available; you have the chance to enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling, meet the local reindeer herders and try reindeer sledging, or mush a team of huskies through the snowy forest. You can also try your hand at snow shoeing or cross country skiing and join a hunt for the northern lights.
Evenings can be spent in the cosy lodge where a crackling fire and Finnish sauna allow visitors the chance to relax. The more adventurous may even choose to take a winter plunge in the nearby river!
Travelling in December - Christmas and New Year
Christmas and New Year are a very magical time here in the Arctic, beautiful festive lights sparkling in the snow, decorations and tasty traditional food and cakes. On Christmas Eve, the much awaited Santa will bring a small present for everyone. Toast the New Year with sparkling wine before gathering outside for bonfire and fireworks to welcome 2021!
Accommodation
Muotka Wilderness Lodge
This charming wilderness lodge, is located in the heart of Finnish Lapland amidst the Saariselka fells and Urho Kekkonen National Park. Offering hotel rooms, apartment style accommodation, Aurora Cabins, Superior rooms with sauna and Log Cabins – the lodge is ideal for couples, families and friends travelling together.
Aurora Cabins
With capacity for 2-4 people, these purpose built cabins have a large north facing window, ideal for gazing at the sky above looking for the northern lights. They are spacious for couples with double bed and bathroom, most have private sauna. With the addition of a sofa bed they can sleep up to 4.
Read moreSample Itineraries
All of our holidays include return transfers from/to Ivalo airport; full board starting with dinner on the first day to breakfast on the departure day, accommodation in your chosen room type and winter clothing for the duration of your stay.
We have also added in some of the best winter activities as detailed below which can be amended to suit you.
The following activities are included in the different durations. These are fully flexible and can be changed to suit you.
3 night itinerary
Aurora Camp, Snowmobile Safari, Husky Safari - see Activity information below for further details of each.
Aurora Camp, Snowmobile Safari, Husky Safari - see Activity information below for further details of each.
4 night itinerary
Aurora Camp, Reindeer Farm Visit, Husky Safari, Snowmobiling
Aurora Camp, Reindeer Farm Visit, Husky Safari, Snowmobiling
7 night itinerary
Snowmobile Safari, Reindeer Farm visit, Gentle Snowshoeing, Aurora Hunt, Aurora Hunt by Snowmobile, Aurora Camp, Husky Safari
Snowmobile Safari, Reindeer Farm visit, Gentle Snowshoeing, Aurora Hunt, Aurora Hunt by Snowmobile, Aurora Camp, Husky Safari
Activity Information
Aurora Hunt By Snowmobile (approx. 2.5 hours)
Head off on a snowmobiling adventure into the wilderness in search of the elusive northern lights. After safety instructions and a lesson in driving the snowmobile it’s time to take to head out where the chances of seeing the aurora are the best.
Reindeer Farm Visit (approx. 2 hours)
Visit the farm and meet the reindeer. Learn more about the life of a herder and even get the chance to feed the reindeer before heading back to the hotel.
Aurora Hunt (approx. 3 hours)
After the dinner head out up to the fells in the comfort of a warm vehicle in search of the northern lights.
Husky Safari (approx. 3 hours)
Visit a husky farm where you will meet huskies before heading out on your husky sledging journey. You will be given full instruction on how to handle the sledge before heading onto the trail with 2 people sharing and taking turns driving. Time on sledge is approximately 2 hours. Lunch is included and served at the hotel.
Snowmobile Safari (approx. 4 hours)
Take a thrilling snowmobile safari in the surroundings of Muotka Wilderness Lodge. Drive through forests and up to the fells. Light lunch is included.
Gentle Snowshoeing (approx. 2 hours)
Enjoy a snowshoe walk in the winter wonderland. Your guide will give you advice on how to master the skill of snowshoeing before encountering the gentle trails.
Aurora Camp (approx. 2.5 hours)
Get comfortable in a sled behind the guides snowmobile and enjoy the night sky on the way to the camp. Its remote location far from light pollution makes it the perfect place to see northern light displays. Warm up on the open fire and enjoy a hot drink and hopefully the aurora will dance across the sky.
Excursions
View or download the pdf to see the full range of excursions available at Muotka Wilderness Lodge and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Open Excursions PDFPrices and Departures
Price from £936 including flights
What's Included
- Return flights, either direct from London Gatwick to Ivalo (Thursday and Sunday only) or from London Heathrow via Helsinki to Ivalo
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- All meals
- Activities as per itinerary
- Winter clothing
- Return transfers
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Activities Not Included
Prices from per person based on two adults sharing, unless stated otherwise
| Season | Duration | Wilderness Room | Log Cabin | Aurora Cabin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Season 2020-21 | 3 nights | £936 | £1,234 | £1,305 |
| Winter Season 2020-21 | 4 nights | £1,077 | £1,474 | £1,568 |
| Winter Season 2020-21 | 7 nights | £1,498 | £2,193 | £2,359 |
| Festive Season 2020-21 | 3 nights | £1,318 | £1,729 | £1,752 |
| Festive Season 2020-21 | 4 nights | £1,491 | £2,042 | £2,070 |
| Festive Season 2020-21 | 7 nights | £2,011 | £2,980 | £3,023 |
| Holiday Season 2020-21 | 3 nights | £993 | £1.354 | £1,376 |
| Holiday Season 2020-21 | 4 nights | £1,152 | £1,634 | £1,663 |
| Holiday Season 2020-21 | 7 nights | £1,631 | £2,475 | £2,524 |
Activities Included
Prices from per person based on two adults sharing, unless stated otherwise
| Season | Duration | Wilderness Room | Panorama Log Cabin | Aurora Cabin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Season 2020-21 | 3 nights | 1,377 | £1,675 | £1,746 |
| Winter Season 2020-21 | 4 nights | £1,599 | £1,996 | £2,091 |
| Winter Season 2020-21 | 7 nights | £2,326 | £3,021 | £3,186 |
| Festive Season 2020-21 | 3 nights | £1,759 | £2,170 | £2,193 |
| Festive Season 2020-21 | 4 nights | £2,014 | £2,562 | £2,592 |
| Festive Season 2020-21 | 7 nights | £2,838 | £3,798 | £3,851 |
| Holiday Season 2020-21 | 3 nights | £1,434 | £1,795 | £1,816 |
| Holiday Season 2020-21 | 4 nights | £1,675 | £2,157 | £2,185 |
| Holiday Season 2020-21 | 7 nights | £2,458 | £3,302 | £3,352 |
Season Dates
- Winter Season dates: 06 Dec - 20 Dec 2020; 03 Jan - 05 Feb 2020; 22 Feb - 31 Mar 2021
- Festive Season dates: 19 Dec 2020 - 02 Jan 2021
- Holiday Season dates: 06 Feb - 21 Feb 2021
Getting There
The prices above are based on direct flights from London Gatwick to Ivalo with Finnair (Sundays and Thursdays only). These flight operate between mid December and end of March. Flights are also available on alternative days via Helsinki with Norwegian Air from London Gatwick and with Finnair from/to London Heathrow. You can also overnight in Helsinki and spend time to explore the Finnish Capital city before continuing the journey.Meet our expert
One of our specialists
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