Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: Return airport transfers to meet scheduled flights are included
- Accommodation: 2 nights safari house, 1-night Galdotieva Fell Centre cabin, 2 nights Kilpisjärvi apartment or cabin, 1-night wilderness cabin or tent
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- The following activities and equipment are included: 3 days snowmobile safari with your own snowmobile and 2-day husky safari with your own team of dogs (the order of activities may change, you must have a valid driving licence and some previous snowmobiling experience)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
A note on flights: Whilst flights are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our travel experts for details of the available options from your preferred departure airport. Direct flights are available on some dates and our team will offer you the best available flights and fares
One of the most exhilarating tours that we offer, the Harriniva Extreme Adventure proves a popular choice with those who have been on a dog sled safaris or a snowmobile holiday before and who were left longing for more. It is a demanding itinerary covering over 500km on snowmobiles and husky sled so it requires a good level of fitness and a full driving licence.
Heading out from Harriniva on powerful 600cc snowmobiles, your first two days takes in the far remote north.
Here you will spend full days on the snowmobiles and travel up to 200km per day. You will arrive at Kilpisjärvi and soon realise why the Finns themselves spend their April holidays in this region. The days are long, the scenery is awesome, the snow is deep and hopefully the sun will be shining.
In Kilpisjärvi, you will exchange your snowmobile for a team of huskies for the next two exhilarating days in the wilderness. You will spend the night either under canvas or in a wilderness cabin, depending on the weather conditions.
The snowmobile journey back to Harriniva via Kilpisjärvi is a demanding and epic adventure of over 200km in one day. What a way to round up your experience on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure holiday.
We can also arrange for you to spend the last night of your holiday in either a snow room at Torassieppi Winter Village or in a remarkable Aurora Dome - see the 'personalise' section of the holiday page for details.
Image credits: Antti Pietikäinen, Laura Hodgkiss, Steve Cushing, Martin Prcychodny
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Key facts
| Duration: | 6 nights |
| Pace: | Active |
| Suitable for: | Ages 18+ with a good level of physical fitness and a full driving licence. |
Dates & Prices
Thank you for your interest in this Artisan Travel experience.
We have found that this holiday is better tailored exactly to your requirements, so please email our Travel Experts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us on 01670 785 085 to discuss the various options available to you.
Our Travel Experts have been to all the destinations we feature and love to share their experiences and insight. We want to match you with your perfect trip, so if you have any questions please get in touch; we will be happy to talk through the destinations and itineraries with you.
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Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Introduction
From the airport, you will be transferred to your shared accommodation for the first night of your holiday. This will vary depending on availability but could be at any of the Pietikäinen family’s three hotels or a safari house located near the Harriniva Wilderness Hotel (max distance of around 5km). If you are staying in one of the hotels then you will enjoy your evening meal in that hotel reception, if you are staying in one of the safari houses the hotel will provide a minibus to take you to dinner. You will be provided will full information regarding your accommodation for the first and final nights of your stay upon arrival. If you would like to upgrade to a private en-suite hotel room for the start and end of your stay then please ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
For an extra special start or end to your holiday it is possible to upgrade to an Aurora Bubble or a night in the Torassieppi Winter Village. Please see the personalise section for more details.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Snowmobile Safari to Galdotieva (Approximately 110km)
After breakfast, your guide will make sure you have all the cold weather clothing you need for the duration of your trip. Then it is straight over to your snowmobile for a full safety demonstration and briefing on these 600cc machines, prior to departure. You will travel on your own snowmobile throughout, which means that you can really get to grips with how they handle.
Snowmobiling is such a thrill, especially in this landscape. On your first trip, you will be heading north, travelling about 110km. There will be a picnic lunch on the way. The route has a changing landscape as you approach the Norwegian border, from snowy forests to hillier, more rugged terrain.
The cabins at Galdotieva Fell Centre are your accommodation tonight and dinner will be served in the restaurant area.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 3
Snowmobile to Kilpisjärvi (Approximately 150km)
Following your guide through the open mountains’ dramatic, treeless terrain makes for great driving. You will have lunch en route and in the evening, you will reach the village of Kilpisjärvi, which is close to where the three countries of Finland, Norway and Sweden meet. Kilpis (as the locals call it) is a true outpost and one of the wildest locations in Finland. It is a very popular destination for the snowmobile enthusiasts of Lapland as it is effectively surrounded by one big adventure playground.
On arrival at your apartment or cabin, your high adrenaline day is rewarded with a sauna, dinner and a good night’s sleep in shared log cabins. This is prime Aurora territory and so if the conditions are right then you may get to witness a display.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Husky Safari to a Wilderness Cabin (Approximately 30-40km)
Today you swap from machine to mushing, when you take your team of huskies out on a run. Dog sledding may not be as fast as snowmobiling but it is THE quintessential experience in this part of the world and one you’ll never forget. Get closer to nature in the wilderness of this beautiful destination, where the only audible sound is your dogs’ paws on the snow.
You will learn how to take charge of your team of four to five dogs at a full safety briefing before setting out. This part of the adventure covers around 30-40km, with a stop for lunch served by an open fire.
The sleeping arrangements for tonight are in a wilderness cabin but if weather conditions allow, you may get to stay under canvas. Your evening meal is cooked around an open fire.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Husky Safari to Kilpisjärvi (Approximately 30-40km)
After you and your dogs have had breakfast and you are ready to continue on the safari, you will start back in the direction of Kilpisjärvi. You'll notice a difference in how the dogs work with you on this run, responding to your prompts now that you have hopefully gained their respect. You can relax a little, enjoying the incredible scenery passing by. There will be a stop for a picnic lunch during today's safari. This evening you will say goodbye to your team of huskies and enjoy a relaxing sauna and dinner, prior to returning to your shared apartment or cabin.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
Snowmobile Along the Victoria Trail (Approximately 200km)
Make sure you have a hearty breakfast this morning to get set for the biggest and most exciting day on the snowmobiles. You'll be travelling approximately 200km all the way back to Harriniva today, along the Victoria Trail which follows the Swedish border. There will be a stop en route for a picnic lunch.
When you arrive back at the hotel, a well-earned farewell dinner will be waiting for you: a fantastic end to an epic adventure.
If you would like to end with a totally unique night then we can arrange for you to spend your final night in either a snow igloo room at Torassieppi Winter Village or in an Aurora Dome for an unforgettable view of the night sky.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kittila Airport for your return flights home, where it’s back to reality after your adventure.
If you wish we can arrange for you to extend your stay in Lapland and enjoy the delights of Torassieppi Winter Village before you head home. A night in one of the igloo rooms here is not to be forgotten.
We can also offer you the chance to stop off in Finland’s capital on the way home and take in the sights and sounds of Helsinki.
Details of all of the options available can be found in the ‘personalise’ section of this holiday page.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Harriniva Adventure Resort
Nights: 1,6
Ideally located in the north-west corner of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle and in the very heart of the Aurora Zone, Harriniva Adventure Resort serves as a perfect base for your adventure holiday.
Welcoming guests for over 50 years now, the hotel has developed a growing reputation for its warm ambience and the large range of enjoyable activities on offer.
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a range of facilities that have been designed to make your stay here as enjoyable as possible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout for guest use, in our experience, we have found it works best in the main reception and dining area
- The hotel restaurant consists of three separate dining areas. The meals are served in a buffet style with two or three choices for each course. The food here is hearty and wholesome
- The hotel also has a pub serving a range of beers, wines and spirits - this is the perfect place to unwind and relax with your fellow guests in the evening
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- In the main reception area of the hotel, you will find a small gift shop selling a range of postcards, soft toys and handcrafted products. There is also a selection of snacks that can be purchased
- A sauna is available for guest use with separate facilities for men and women. This is free of charge and is heated every evening for around three hours
- The hotel also has an Aurora Wellness Centre (situated a short walk away on the riverbank), where you can enjoy a range of therapies such as facials or massages. A real treat after a day of sapping up the pristine wilderness! During peak periods, we would strongly recommend booking therapies in advance through reception (all payable locally)
- Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available to hire for a small charge and there are marked trails surrounding the hotel for those with some experience. For those interested in downhill skiing, the reception will be able to arrange a taxi to the nearby ski resort of Olos (payable locally).
Room types
Double/twin rooms: Harriniva has 64 guest bedrooms which consist of twin or double rooms. Triple rooms are also available on request. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer.
Safari House: For those travelling on our longer husky or snowmobile experiences, your nights before and after setting out on your adventure you will stay either at one of the Pietikäinen family’s three hotels (in a shared room) or a safari house located near the Harriniva Wilderness Hotel (max distance of around 5km). If you are staying in one of the hotels then you will enjoy your evening meal in that hotel restaurant, if you are staying in one of the safari houses the hotel will provide a minibus to take you to dinner. You will be provided will full information regarding your accommodation for the first and final nights of your stay upon arrival. If you are staying in one of the Safari Houses then each has sleeping facilities, a shower room, toilet, hairdryer and a sauna.
Wilderness plus rooms: These recently renovated rooms include double/twin beds and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area
Image Credits: Matt Robinson, Emmi Kähkönen, Harriniva Hotels & Safaris
Palojärvi
Nights: 2
Situated close to the Norwegian border, Galdotieva Fell Centre Palojärvi is a spectacularly isolated spot on the route to Norway, which will play a significant part in your wilderness adventure. With very few cars or people passing this way, the vast landscape will take your breath away.
The shared cabins have a perfect position to capture remarkable views across the frozen wilds with nothing else in sight so you can experience uninterrupted views of the Northern skies and the possibility of exceptional Aurora viewing.
Kilpisjärvi
Nights: 3,5
Kilpisjärvi may not have five-star accommodation facilities, but it is in a five-star location; this is a stunning area of Finland that is well off the tourist trail and one that few people will ever get to experience.
Accommodation in this remote village is limited and so depending on availability you will stay in either simple apartments or cabin accommodation on the village outskirts. The bedrooms are typically all shared, as are the bathroom facilities.
Kilpisjärvi is a favourite holiday destination with many of our guides across Scandinavia and you are sure to discover why!
Image credits: Gareth Hutton, Antti Pietikäinen
Wilderness Cabins
Nights: 4
Wilderness cabin accommodation is reserved for those people enjoying overnight safaris. There can surely be few better forms of escape from the everyday stresses (which could include laptops, mobiles and your day job) than a night in one of these cabins. Their isolation also means that the views of the night sky are incredible.
The Northern Lights could well pay you a visit should conditions be right and, if the sky is clear, you will never forget the sight of the galaxy overhead.
The title is fairly self-explanatory as the cabins are located in the wilds. The cabins that you visit are determined by the conditions of the trails you are using. They are varied in their set up but all offer the same incredible experience of complete silence in the evening (not guaranteed if you are dog sledding as the huskies do like a howl now and then!).
Some of the cabins are more basic than others, as some have no electricity or running water. Everyone will join the guide to help set up camp by collecting wood and water if needed. Participating enhances the wilderness experience.
Once the fire is lit, the food is cooked. The guides prepare your meals over an open fire and our guests always provide exceptional feedback on the meals that the guides rustle up.
Should you have specific dietary requirements, please mention these at the time of booking.
There are no showers or bathroom facilities in the cabins but this is all part of the adventure. Scandinavia is renowned for its saunas and the wilderness cabins are no exception. Once heated, you can steam clean in the sauna. The toilet facilities are normally a short walk from the cabin and are compostable. We certainly recommend a head torch for any ventures to the toilet during the night!
In most cases, the sleeping arrangements are dormitory style. You will be given your own arctic-grade sleeping bag in which to sleep and, combined with your thermals and the open fire, this should keep you lovely and warm.
You will carry with you all that you need for any stay in the cabins, so luggage is typically restricted to the essentials. Your main bag will be securely stored back at the hotel and a safe is provided for your valuables.
There is something so refreshing about realising that you can strip back your belongings and enjoy such a simple but satisfying experience.
Depending on the weather conditions you might spend the nights in cosy and warm basecamp tents at one of the wilderness camps.
Image Credits: Antti Pietikainen
Other options
Harriniva Riverside Cabins
Set in a picturesque, riverside location and ranging from 39m² to 47m², Harriniva’s Riverside Cabins are ideal for larger groups, or those wanting a little more space and privacy during their trip. Each cabin sleeps five people in total, with a main bedroom for two people, a lower ceilinged loft area (accessible by a steep ladder) sleeping a further two people and a pull-out sofa bed in the lounge. Fully equipped with kitchen facilities, including a stove, dishwasher and fridge, and with a cosy living room, you can relax and enjoy your own space in complete comfort. Each cabin even has its own private sauna, perfect for keeping warm after a long day out in the cold.
Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quote.
©Antti Pietikainen
Jeris and Torassieppi Aurora Huts
The unique Aurora Huts at Jeris and Torassieppi offer a rather different overnight experience for guests. These huts have pleasant, cosy décor, with floor to ceiling windows on one wall, allowing you to gaze at the night sky in search of the Northern Lights. The Aurora huts at Torassieppi are located close to the lakeshore, whereas the huts at Jeris are located in the woods. The exact location of your dome will be confirmed upon check-in at your hotel.
Each hut has a double bed, a composting toilet and a small sink with running water. Shower and sauna facilities are just a short walk away (around 50-150 metres). There is space for one extra bed in the huts, but space will be very limited when added.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Helsinki City Break
The majority of our remote destinations in Finland can only be accessed by flights that connect through the Finnish capital city of Helsinki so a stopover here is a popular choice.
In Helsinki you can enjoy some world class restaurants, a rich culture and a beautiful coastal location on the Baltic Sea. Some of our favourite experiences include a tour of the Ateneum Art Museum, stopping off at one of the city’s many coffee shops and taking a ferry ride out of the main city to visit the incredible UNSECO listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.
Read morePlease note that the included flights will not always allow for a stopover but we shall do what we can to meet your requirements. We would advise getting in touch with our Travel Experts to discuss all of the options available and they will happily provide a quotation for you.
Image credit: Visit Finland
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