Included in the price...
• Duration: 6 nights
• Group size: approximately 4 -20 people
• Flights from Heathrow to Ivalo (via Helsinki)
• Return airport transfers
• 6 nights hotel or apartment
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
• Cross country skiing, Aurora Camp, day with reindeer herder, snowshoe trek, ice fishing, snowmobile safari, husky safari (The order of activities is subject to change)
• Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
• Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
Departure dates from: 1 December 2012 to 31 March 2013
The words 'genuine' and 'unspoilt' are used all too freely to describe travel destinations. In Nellim's case they are wholly appropriate.
This tiny "one street" town in the far North-East corner of Finnish Lapland on the shores of Lake Inari and just a short distance from the Russian Border. The terrain here is hillier and more rugged than in other parts of Finland and the spectacular winter scenery is all the more dramatic for that.
And, to add to the magic, this far north there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Indeed, three of us here at Activities Abroad saw the Aurora for the first time while visiting Nellim so it holds a special place in our hearts.
There's so much here that is different. For example, if you walk close to the Finland/Russian border fence then motion-sensitive cameras follow your movements. It's spooky and exciting at the same time!
Despite Nellim's remote wilderness location you are assured of a warm and genuine Lappish family welcome from your hosts Jouko and Mari. In our opinion, Jouko is probably the hardest working man in the world. Among his many projects last year has been the construction of some fabulous new apartments across the courtyard from the main building.
If you haven't had enough exercise then grab a sledge and race down the slope to the lake. Take a reindeer skin with you and you can lie back, insulated against the frozen ice, and gaze skywards at probably the best free entertainment anywhere in the world.
Day 1: Flights, arrival and transfer
Your holiday in this far flung corner of Lapland starts with your transfer to Nellim for an introductory meeting with your guide before dinner.
Day 2: Cross country skiing and Aurora Camp
After breakfast you will receive cross country skiing tuition before heading out onto the trail for a 2-3 hour tour before heading back to Nellim for lunch and some time to explore.
After dinner you will go to the Aurora Camp on Lake Inari to get the best opportunity to view the Northern Lights should they appear. You will be out from around 10pm until midnight.
Day 3: Day with a reindeer herder
Today you will experience the life of a reindeer herder. You will join him in the forest as he heads out to track down his reindeer and give them their feed. He will tell you about his life and the importance of the animals to the area. You will also join some local fishermen on Lake Inari.
You will travel around 30km on snowmobiles throughout the day.
Day 4: Snowshoe trek and ice fishing
The importance of snowshoes is revealed if you try and go for a walk in a forest without them; you may end up digging yourself out of waist deep snow. You will be out for approximately 4 hours.
Day 5: Wilderness snowmobile safari
Today you will head out onto the tracks and trails for an exhilarating safari through the wilds which surround Nellim. You will travel around 80km so you’ll be ready for your dinner tonight.
Day 6: Husky safari
This is a real highlight of any holiday in the North. You will be given full instruction and tuition before testing your mushing skills during a safari lasting approximately 4 hours including a break for a trail side lunch. This is a wonderful final activity in Lapland.
Day 7: Departure
Today it is time to head home or you may wish to extend your stay at Kakslauttanen Igloo Village.
The Kakslauttanen Igloo Village
Hotel Kakslauttanen
Kakslauttanen is about getting away from it all and certainly isn’t the place if you’re looking for wild nightlife. Our advice is to take a good book and revel in the peace and quiet of your log cabin. But don’t forget to pop your head out the door and look skyward from time to time, we don’t want you missing the Aurora!
In a central log building you’ll find reception, a small souvenir shop and the main restaurant. From there, all snowy paths lead to the log cabins, the snow igloos and the hugely popular (and warmer) glass igloos. Amongst the different accommodation you’ll find the world’s largest smoke sauna, a wedding chapel and ice bar.
Kakslauttanen Log Cabins
There are 40 very cosy and comfortable cabins here at Kakslauttanen. We recommend the “standard” cabins which vary in size making them suitable for groups of two to ten people. Each cabin has an open plan kitchenette and lounge area with fireplace, shower/toilet room, bedroom or bedrooms and sauna.
Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos
Fabulous idea! Take an isolated site in the Aurora Zone and build glass igloos with unbelievable views of the Arctic night sky. Even better, use special thermal glass that ensures the igloos stay at a comfortable room temperature and prevents the windows from frosting over. Each igloo has two luxury beds with remote control positioning (so you can prop yourself up to watch the Aurora) and a discreet toilet and wash room.
Kakslauttanen Snow Igloos
For a slightly more extreme bedtime why not try a snow igloo? As the name suggests, they are built entirely from snow but the temperature inside is always between -3°C and -6°C. However, everything has been done to make sure that you remain warm as you’ll be provided with a down sleeping bag, woollen socks and a hood.