Ivalo: 7-Day Lapland Northern Lights & Arctic Adventures Holiday Package
- Experience a 7-day program of Northern Lights & Arctic adventures in Ivalo, Northern Lapland
- Smooth departure from Ivalo, with options to later extend your holiday to Rovaniemi or Helsinki
- Accommodation 6x nights in apartment, transportation, guides and all tours & activities included
Tour departs from
Duration
Available
Pick up / meeting point
Languages
Difficulty
Minimum age
Overview
Join a Northern Lights workshop and guided Aurora hunt. Enjoy a winter trek, a Lappish lunch, and thrilling dog sledding in Inari. Experience Arctic fishing and open fire cooking, with a day to relax or choose activities like snowmobiling or fatbiking. Conclude with a visit to the Sámi Museum, an open fire lunch, and a reindeer farm visit.
What's included?
Pick-up/drop-off at Ivalo Airport or bus station
Accommodation 6x nights in modern apt.
All tours and activities listed in this program
Transfers to and from all activities
Lunches and dinners included in activities
Winter gear such as overalls, boots, and gloves
Free use of snowshoes, skis, toboggans, etc.
Day 1: Northern Lights workshop & hunt
Day 2: Winter trek in the Lappish tundra
Day 3: Dog sledding daytime excursion
Day 3: Visit to Aurora Borealis camp
Day 4: Arctic fishing & open fire cooking
Day 5: Optional activities
Day 6: Sámi Museum Nature Centre Siida
Day 6: Open fire lunch & reindeer farm
Day 7: Optional activities
Personal Travel Insurance
What to expect?
Day 1: Arrival in Ivalo, Welcome Meeting, Aurora Workshop & Northern Lights Hunting
Whether you arrive by bus or plane, we will meet and greet you in Ivalo. Settle into your apartment and meet your local guide for a briefing on the upcoming activities.
In the evening, participate in an Northern Lights workshop where you will learn about the science, folklore and forecasting behind the Northern Lights. Followed by Northern Lights Hunting, where our guides will take you to the best spots to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon.
Day 2: Winter Trek & Lappish Lunch
Start your adventure with a winter trek in the tundra, exploring the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscapes. Our experienced guides will lead you through pristine trails, providing insights into the local flora and fauna.
Afterward, enjoy a hearty Lappish lunch at the top of Kaunispää fell, offering views to the National Park. For those seeking a bit more thrill, you have the option to descend using a toboggan on Finland's longest toboggan run.
Day 3: Dog Sledding & Aurora Camp
Experience the excitement of a two-hour dog sledding safari in the wilderness of Inari. Learn the basics of mushing and enjoy the ride through snowy trails.
In the evening, visit the Aurora Camp for a night of stargazing and engaging in Northern Lights activities. Relax by the campfire, enjoy open fire dining, and learn about the Aurora Borealis through stories and scientific explanations.
Day 4: Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking
Learn traditional arctic fishing techniques and various fishing methods on Lake Rahajärvi. Our guides will demonstrate how to drill ice holes and use specialized gear, including winter nets to catch fish in freezing conditions.
After fishing, you'll get hands-on experience in handling and preparing your catch using different cooking methods over an open fire. Savor the fresh taste of your hard-earned meal in a beautiful natural setting.
Day 5: A Day to Relax or Explore Optional Activities
After several days of exploring the Arctic, take a day to unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of Ivalo. Whether you prefer to relax or embark on a new activity, there are plenty of options to suit your mood. For a relaxing day, consider a peaceful horse ride through snow-covered forests or a gentle woolly sock hike that allows you to appreciate the quiet beauty of Lapland's winter scenery. Alternatively, experience the unique combination of ice swimming and a traditional Finnish tent sauna, starting with a refreshing dip in an icy lake followed by warming up in a cozy sauna.
For those looking for more activity, Ivalo offers various adventure options. Feel the thrill of a snowmobile safari as you travel across the snowy landscapes. Fatbiking on snowy trails is another exciting way to explore the area, with the wide tires of the fatbike providing good traction on the snow. Additionally, you can opt for skiing or snowboarding lessons in nearby Saariselkä, with tickets and transfers arranged for you. Whether you choose to relax or seek adventure, Ivalo offers a mix of tranquility and engaging activities to suit every preference.
Day 6: Inari Day – Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida, Open Fire Lunch & Reindeer Farm Visit
Visit the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida to learn about Sámi culture and history. The museum was chosen as the European Museum of the Year 2024 in the European Museum Forum’s EMYA conference. Explore the exhibits showcasing the rich heritage, traditional crafts, and daily life of the Sámi people.
Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch cooked over an open fire in a wilderness hut. In the afternoon, spend time at a reindeer farm feeding the reindeer and learning about their importance in Sámi culture and economy.
Day 7: Departure from Ivalo with Rovaniemi or Helsinki Extension options
Depending of your departure time there are options from skiing, snowshoeing to fatbiking for your final day.
Then we will arrange transportation to the airport or bus station.
If you want to extend your holiday by visiting Rovaniemi, Kirkenes or anywhere else, we are happy to help you plan and can recommend places that we have already identified as good destinations.
Good to know
Meeting point: Ivalo airport or Ivalo train station
What to bring
Bring clothing & gear suitable for winter temperatures. We will provide thermo overalls & boots.