Overview
What's included?
- Duration: 7 nights
- Flights: return flights from London to Kittilä, either direct or via Helsinki depending on departure date. Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return airport transfers are included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in Hotel Jeris Winter Cottage Type A (upgrade available to larger cabins, subject to availability)
- The following activities and equipment are included: husky safari, Aurora workshop, snowshoeing, ice fishing, Aurora Snow Train, visit to the Winter Village and reindeer experience, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling adventure (order of activities subject to change)
- One entry pass per person to the Arctic Elements Sauna World
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
- Dedicated Artisan Travel Company representative
This Jeris itinerary brilliantly captures the essence of Finnish Lapland. Our trusted guides will make sure you get to experience the most popular and unique experiences the area has to offer.
Staying in cosy winter cottage accommodation, situated in the snow-covered forest, the setting for your holiday is idyllic.
During your week-long escape, you will travel by dog sled, learn about the Northern Lights, snowshoe, snowmobile, try ice fishing, dine in an ice restaurant and go cross country skiing. As Jeris sits within The Aurora Zone, you will also have the chance to see the Aurora Borealis during your stay, should conditions be favourable. In any free time, you can unwind in the well-being facilities at the Arctic Elements Sauna World on the shores of Lake Jeris, enjoy your cottage’s own private sauna or relax by a fire (either in the main hotel or in your own accommodation).
For an extra-special end to your holiday in Finland, why not spend the night in one of the snow rooms at Torassieppi Winter Village, or in one of the stunning Aurora Domes which offer wonderful views of the night sky? Details of both options can be found in the 'Personalise' section of the holiday page.
Please note: this itinerary is shared with our sister company Activities Abroad and is popular with families during the school holidays. If a child free holiday is important to your party when travelling, please speak to our travel experts for recommendations.
Image credits: Louise Wren, Steve Cushing, Jenny Elmore & Visit Finland
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Key facts
| Duration: | 7 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
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
Upon arrival at Kittilä Airport, you will be transferred to Hotel Jeris which is around 45 minutes away. You can check into your cosy winter cottage accommodation before a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Husky safari and Northern Lights workshop
This morning you will wake up to the peace and quiet of the Arctic wilds and enjoy breakfast in the main hotel restaurant.
Things get off to an unforgettable start today, as you are transferred to a local husky farm. On arrival, you will meet with the eager dogs, whose enthusiasm for the trail is displayed through their excited barks and howls. After a tour of the farm, you will be given a full briefing on how to handle a team of dogs and the sled.
Traveling in pairs, you will then hit the trails for a 15km safari with the dogs. You can swap between driver and passenger at the midway point so you both get to take in the full experience.
Lunch will be served back at Jeris.
This afternoon, you will join an expert guide for a workshop on the Northern Lights. This session will provide you with a better understanding of the science and mythology which surround the Aurora Borealis.
Jeris is a prime Aurora location, and so we highly recommend keeping a close watch on the skies each evening, as this is an ideal spot in which to see them if conditions are favourable.
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant this evening
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Snowshoes, Ice Fishing and Aurora Snow Train
Today is all about two popular pastimes in Finland: snowshoeing and ice fishing.
After breakfast, it will be time to strap on some snowshoes and try one of the oldest forms of travel in Lapland. The shoes allow you to explore areas of the wilderness that would otherwise be inaccessible in deep snow. Snowshoes provide the means with which to explore off the beaten track, enjoying the peace and the views, and your guide will point out the flora and fauna as you walk.
After your morning of snowshoeing, your well-deserved lunch will be served in the hotel restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will try your hand at ice fishing like a local. On a frozen lake, your guide will help you drill through the ice and will provide hints and tips to help you lure in the fish.
This evening you will set off on an adventure to look for the Northern Lights by Snow Train. This remarkable machine allows you to travel in a large heated sledge pulled by a supersized snowmobile driven by the guide. It is specially designed with clear Perspex to allow you to have views of the night sky as you travel along the snowy trail. You will make a short stop for a campfire with a hot drink and snack before returning to the hotel. You will be out for around 2 hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Reindeer Safari, Torassieppi Winter Village and Ice Restaurant Lunch
Torassieppi Reindeer Farm and Winter Village are situated only 10 minutes from Jeris and will provide the venue for today’s amazing experiences.
Firstly you will have time to visit the traditional farmhouse that dates back to 1847, and a small reindeer herding museum. Reindeer are such an intrinsic part of the local culture and economy, that it is really fascinating to find out more about the lives of the local herders.
Next, you will test your skills as you try your hand at reindeer lassoing, which is much harder than the herders make it look. Your reindeer experience culminates with a 3km safari in a reindeer-pulled sleigh which takes you to the Pallas-Yllas National Park.
It will now be time for lunch, and a short walk from the reindeer farm you will find Torassieppi Winter Village, home to an ice bar and an impressive array of carvings and sculptures. Today’s lunch will be served in the Ice Restaurant (please note that if conditions are not suitable then this meal will be served in a traditional wooden kota tepee instead).
You will then be transferred back to Jeris, you can enjoy some time in the sauna before dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobile Adventure
During your stay you will no doubt have seen local people cross-country skiing along the numerous forest and lake trails. This sport is a national obsession in Finland and today it is your turn to give it a go.
Full instruction will be provided, and no prior experience of any skiing is needed. Your guide will teach you the basics and then lead you on a short ski trip along the tracks closest to the hotel.
Should you find that you want to go skiing again during your stay, then you can rent the equipment locally and explore independently during your free time.
After lunch back at the hotel, it’s time to up the adrenaline a little during a snowmobile safari. You will be given full driving instruction prior to setting off travelling two people per machine (you must have a driving licence and be over the age of 18 to drive a snowmobile).
You will cover around 30km over frozen lakes and through the delightful fell and forest scenery. This activity will allow you to really develop a sense of how big the wilderness around the hotel is.
Dinner will be served back at Jeris this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
Free Day
Today is totally free for you to spend as you wish.
You can unwind in the Arctic Elements Sauna World, complete with four saunas each designed around the four elements for the ultimate relaxation experience. Alternatively, you could rent cross-country skis or snowshoes for some independent exploration or spend time in your winter cottage. If you do decide to explore on your own, then please ensure you follow the marked trails and take a phone with you. A tasty packed lunch can be requested from reception if you intend to be out for the day.
Additional activities may be available, please ask at reception (payable locally).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Free Day
Today will once again be free for you to spend however you wish. You can relax, explore or take part in additional activities.
This evening a special meal will be served at the hotel and will include a range of local dishes and ingredients.
You may also like to upgrade and spend your final night either in a snow room at Torassieppi Winter Village or in one of the unique Aurora Domes. See the ‘Personalise’ section of the holiday page for details.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
Departure
Today it is time to bid farewell to Jeris and to Lapland, as you are transferred back to the airport.
If you have a very early departure, then a packed breakfast can be provided for you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Jeris Lakeside Resort and Type A Winter Cottages
Nights: 1-7
Jeris occupies an enviable position on the shore of Lake Jerisjärvi, 20km from the nearest town.
Its secluded location, far from any light pollution, creates a fabulous Aurora viewing location.
The hotel consists of a central building which houses both hotel rooms and the main restaurant, and a selection of 32 winter cottages which are all tucked away in the surrounding forests.
Hotel facilities
- All meals are served in the main hotel restaurant.
- The buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of cooked and continental options; whilst lunch and dinner are usually a selection of salads, then a choice between a meat/fish main course and a vegetarian option, followed by a set dessert.
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- There is a small lounge area in the main building where guests can use the free Wi-Fi connection and there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks.
- Jeris’ wellbeing area, is situated on the lakeshore and just a short walk from the hotel. Here, there’s a collection of saunas, including a traditional smoke sauna which is heated twice a week. There is also an illuminated ice pool if you are feeling brave (and are in good health).
Winter Cottage Type A
Type A winter cottages (30 square metres) are, on the whole, the closest to the hotel and are ideal for couples.
The cabins can vary in size but all sleep from two to four people in one spacious room with a sleeping alcove for two people (generally with a double bed) and a pull-out sofa bed for two more (although we recommend just one extra adult). They are all privately-owned and so the décor and style can vary, but each has a wood-burning stove, clothes drying cupboard, kitchenette, television, shower room, toilet and a private sauna.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
Hairdryers are not provided as standard, but a limited number are available from reception.
Other options
Jeris Winter Cottage Type B
Type B winter cottages (63 square metres) sleep from four to six people. There is a living room area with kitchenette and wood-burning stove, one bedroom for two people and a mezzanine loft area (please note that this is accessed by a steep ladder) which can sleep up to four more.
The cottages are all privately owned and so some contents and décor may vary, but all are equipped with a drying cupboard, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room.
The cosy winter cottages are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road and tucked in the trees around a 15-minute walk from the main building.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Hairdryers are not provided as standard, but a limited number are available from reception.
Jeris Winter Cottage Type C
Type C winter cottages (70 square metres) are the largest available and sleep from four to seven people. There are two bedrooms (each for two people) downstairs and a loft sleeping area for a further two (or three if you don’t mind being very cosy!) people accessed via a steep staircase.
As with all the cottages, there is a log-burning stove, clothes drying cupboard, kitchenette, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room. They can vary in layout a little and as they are privately-owned, the décor is determined by the owner’s personal choice.
They are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road and tucked in the trees between a 10 and 20-minute walk from the main building.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
Hairdryers are not provided as standard, but a limited number are available from reception.
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.
Special Nights
Overnight at Arctic Firefox Lodge
For an exclusive experience, guests can choose to upgrade to the exceptional Arctic Firefox Lodge at Jeris for a night during their stay. This lakeside retreat offers panoramic views across Lake Jerisjarvi. You can spend your evening unwinding in your very own private sauna, before heading upstairs to your cosy bed, where unobstructed views of the night sky and the Arctic wilderness await. You can snuggle up in bed and gaze at the sky above you and if the Northern Lights appear above you, it really will top off this magical night. Your stay in this very special accommodation includes entry to Arctic Sauna World, bathrobes and slippers.
Prices vary depending on dates and availability. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.
©Harriniva Hotels and Safaris
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Overnight at Arctic Firefox Lodge
For an exclusive experience, guests can choose to upgrade to the exceptional Arctic Firefox Lodge at Jeris for a night during their stay. This lakeside retreat offers panoramic views across Lake Jerisjarvi. You can spend your evening unwinding in your very own private sauna, before heading upstairs to your cosy bed, where unobstructed views of the night sky and the Arctic wilderness await. You can snuggle up in bed and gaze at the sky above you and if the Northern Lights appear above you, it really will top off this magical night. Your stay in this very special accommodation includes entry to Arctic Sauna World, bathrobes and slippers.
Prices vary depending on dates and availability. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.
©Harriniva Hotels and Safaris
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
We loved everything. On our last day we chose to do Wilderness Cooking. It turned out that no one had chosen this activity before but Jenni, our guide, made it up and we had a fantastic time, sitting in the sunshine on the frozen lake cooking salmon over an camp fire that we had made. A great experience and memory. One of many. Every activity lived up to expectations and the staff at Jeris were…
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very helpful. The whole family love dogs so the husky sledging was probably the overall favourite although my son would probably say snowmobiling. The excitement of the dogs is wonderful to see and the peace of sledging through the snow with only the sound of dogs panting and sledges on snow is unforgettable.
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Lapland in the Winter is beautiful. We really enjoyed walking around and exploring the landscape. We also saw the Northern Lights, which was a wonderful bonus.
We did the 7 night Highlights of Lapland tour, staying at Jeris in a cabin.First off, you will look at the prices and wonder whether it is worth it. It is worth every penny and we’ve had one of our best ever holidays. So much so, we are seriously thinking of returning next year. Artisan helped us with what trip was best for us, they answered all our silly questions such as would the thermal…
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suits fit us and everything went according to plan. I was nervous we only had a 50 minute connection in Helsinki but this worked fine, even though we were 15 minutes late arriving the next flight waited for a handful of passengers. The dossier and online folder was excellent with all the information you might need.The only suggestion I would make to the packing list is to recommend a balaclava that covers the nose and lets you breathe. I found the open face ones from the hotel meant my nose was cold at night whilst waiting for the Northern Lights! The cabins are cosy, beds are comfy but not deluxe and the food was very good indeed given everything has to be transported there. There was ample selections for our full board and we enjoyed everything we had. The shower, sauna and log burner were all really good quality and made it feel a real Finnish experience. You are not going here for 5 star hotel treatment, the 5 star is the location, scenery and sense of awe you have whilst out skiing or with the huskies and snowmobiles. I would not hesitate in recommending Artisan Travel.
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It was well run and we were well looked after and could completely switch off and relax. It was a special holiday for us being our honeymoon and we came home thinking what a wonderful trip.
We are a retired couple and it was great to experience the opportunity of challenge at a point in our lives when most people consider we should be "hanging up our boots". I was very apprehensive, and although I have travelled a lot, have never experienced a holiday like this one! I feel you really need to commit to it and throw yourself into it! I am so glad we did this. It has really made us…
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think.
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Overall we have had a brilliant week. It was all we hoped it would be and more! For me the food was lovely but my husband is not a great fish lover, so the choice was more limited for him, although he did eat it and enjoy it! Our most enjoyable activity is a toss-up between the husky sledge ride and the snowmobiles. These were the two reasons I booked this holiday and both came up to expectations.…
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Neither were just a quick ride so you felt you had time to get to grips with steering etc. The scenery was stunning! Seeing the Northern Lights was the icing on the cake. We booked this holiday a year ago, and after looking forward to it for so long, the worry was it would not come up to expectations, but it was brilliant.
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Loved the location, activities well organised and great fun. Small group feel which added to the holiday. The husky ride has to be the most exhilarating. But the choice of activities was good. None of the activities were rushed it was good to spend 2 or more hours at each. Thank you, it was all that we imagined and more!
What a fantastic time we had, it was wonderful. Saw the Aurora Borealis twice! It was a fantastic trip, well organised, great guides and well run with a wonderful variety of activities which gave us a really good insight into life in Finnish Lapland. The scenery was magnificent. We loved it all but our favourites were the Husky adventure, the Aurora husky, when we saw the lights and the reindeer…
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farm and local culture. Thanks for a wonderful holiday - didn't want to come home. We are saving up now for a husky safari and want come to go back to Jeris Hotelli next year and take a husky overnight safari.
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Overall our trip was above our expectations and we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. I do hope we can travel with Artisan in the future. Many thanks for a truly memorable experience.
We were on the Highlights of Lapland programme which is a superb selection of activities for anyone new to Finnish Lapland. It is difficult to fault what was laid on for us and that's reflected in the high scores given across the board. There was almost no choice when it came to meals but, for us, this was hardly a problem because we liked almost everything we were served. Difficult to pick out…
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the best activity. It was the variety of different activities laid on that made the holiday special. Snowmobiling was exhilarating as was the husky driving. Reindeer rides, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and the talks on local culture and Northern Lights were great. Ice-fishing was uneventful! However, no-one expected it to be the most exciting part of the programme and it wasn't oversold. All our group stuck with it for the two hours although it was only 250m from the hotel. Without a doubt, the most important single element in making the holiday wonderful was the people who delivered it. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful and our log cabin was the perfect place to chill after the strenuous days. Special mention has to be made of our activities guide Darren who accompanied us for absolutely everything except the ice-fishing. His knowledge and enthusiasm were extraordinary and he made a great holiday into an unforgettable one.
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Everything about this holiday was planned expertly, from the information in "my account" to flights, pick-ups, hotel, trips, activities - absolutely everything went to plan and we knew exactly when and where we had to be at any time - absolutely no faults at all. I cannot reiterate how professional and organised everything was. Our guide, for the week Darren, was superb - very knowledgeable, and…
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guided us through all activities with full health and safety briefings, etc. Your representative at the resort, Katrina was also superb and available if required.
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Brilliant holiday - with the added bonus of seeing the Northern Lights on three occasions.
Our trip to Lapland was fantastic. The staff at the Hotel Jeris were so friendly and helpful. Katrina from your company was very helpful and friendly. I would love to come back one day since this was my first snow adventure and enjoyed every minute of it----even the times I fell with the snowshoes. There are so many good things about your company and the destination. Hopefully, I will see you…
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again.
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