Finnish Lapland with Kids

Magical from start to finish, this is every family's dream to stay amongst the wild beauty of Lapland and see the pure joy on your children’s faces. Immerse in the snowy winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland, spending three nights in a cosy log cabin next a frozen lake, visiting reindeer and dashing through the wilderness on a husky sled before spending a final night sleeping under the stars in a glass-roofed Aurora cabin.

1. Fly to Ivalo

2. Days 1-4: Finnish Lapland

   As the excitement builds, leap into the first leg of this epic adventure, deep into the Arctic Circle to Inari, an area steeped in traditional Sámi culture. Wilderness Hotel Inari is around a 40-minute drive from Ivalo airport and sits on the shores of the great lake Inari. The hotel is spread out over a number of different buildings, the spacious family-friendly log cabins are just perfect, with a double bedroom downstairs and a loft space upstairs with 3 or 4 single beds- the perfect hideaway for your children. The Cabins have a large living area, complete with kitchen, dining table and log-burning fireplace, as well as panoramic windows overlooking the lake. 

   The lake provides an optimum spot for Northern Lights sightings, taking you away from artificial light for an unobstructed view of the sky. Enjoy an evening spent at the Aurora camp, where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights whilst keeping warm next to a campfire drinking hot chocolate. There are plenty of other activities on offer here for you to try out including ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. We’ve included a husky safari for you – a must-do activity in Lapland which the children will just love. For this bucket-list activity we’ll take you to a husky farm where you’ll board a traditional wooden sled to set out on a thrilling ride through the forest. Adults will also get the option to drive where you’ll feel the full force of the excitable pack as you’re taught how to steer and use your brake to ensure you can stay on course! The next activity we’ve included for you is synonymous to Lapland with a visit to Santa’s best friends at the reindeer farm. On your visit to the farm you’ll meet a local herder and their reindeer herd to learn about their lives, as well as enjoying a short sleigh ride.

   Accommodation: Wilderness Hotel Inari (3 nights)

3. Days 4-5: Finnish Lapland

   To end off your Finnish Lapland adventure in style we’ve included a very special final night sleeping under a glass roof, offering panoramic views of the skies above - a mesmerising experience for the whole family. If luck is on your side you may even see the elusive Northern Lights. Aurora Village offers a special, intimate experience with just 25 cabins that surround the hotel’s very own reindeer herd. Located next to a frozen lake, with a network of forest trails there are plenty of exciting winter activities on offer, as well as fat bikes available to hire, whose thicker tyres allow you to navigate over the deep snow.

   If you are visiting in December, we’ve included something very special for the whole family with a private sleigh ride to visit Santa. Nestled together as a family, comfortably tucked in under some blankets, set off into the snow-clad woodland in your wooden sleigh on a remote track with your majestic Finnish horse. With just the ringing of sleigh bells and the gentle thudding of the horse’s hooves the only other sounds to be heard are chirping birdsong and the gentle whisper of the wind as you head deeper into the forest. All of sudden a red wooden hut appears, surrounded by trees, with an elf waiting to greet you. Calling you by name you are led to the cabin where Santa himself awaits, rocking in his chair. This special, private encounter with Santa is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience where your children will be delighted when Santa knows their names and what they want for Christmas.

   Accommodation: Aurora Village (1 night)

4. Fly home from Ivalo

• A magical Sleigh Ride to visit Santa

  Climb aboard a cosy, wooden sleigh nestled warmly under a soft blanket as your friendly Finnish horse leads you deep into the forest in search of Santa’s secret hideaway cabin.

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• Aurora Camp

  Spend an evening under the stars, huddled around the campfire in the middle of the winter wilderness. Stay warm with hot drinks as you keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights dancing in the sky overhead.

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• Aurora Snowmobiling

  Take a snowmobile across the snowy landscape in search of the Northern Lights. Once darkness has fallen, you will drive away from artificial lights and towards the Lappish wilderness. If the weather is clear, you will hopefully see the Lights dancing!

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• Husky Safari

  Husky sledding is a unique and thrilling Finnish experience and an opportunity for a close encounter with the excitable Lappish husky dogs. You'll travel through the snowy wilderness on a comfortable sled pulled by a group of huskies.

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• Snowmobile Try-out

  A highlight of any Arctic adventure, a snowmobile is a magical and exhilarating way to discover the incredible snowy landscape of Finnish Lapland.

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• Visit a reindeer farm

  Enjoy an unforgettable visit to see where Santa's loyal companions, his reindeer, live. Learn about the ways of reindeer husbandry and the special relationship between the herder and their animals.

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Inari and Ivalo, Finnish Lapland