Overview
What's included?
- 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
- Accommodation: 7 nights' hotel accommodation in en-suite hotel rooms. Winter cottage upgrades on request.
- Meals: half board
- Activities: choose from our extensive range of activities (individually priced as detailed in the activity timetable)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during activities
- Services of Artisan Travel Company representative
Experience the delights of Lapland at your own pace and in your own way. You have six full days to play within this winter wonderland as well as evenings to enjoy Northern Lights activities so there is plenty of time for you to be as active or relaxed as you wish.
Jeris provides its guests with an idyllic setting in the pine forests of North-West Finland, close to the edge of Lake Jerisjarvi. It’s ideally located for exploring the delights of Finnish Lapland as it is surrounded by forested-fells and lies on the perimeter of the Pallas National Park.
As this is a veritable adventure playground the options available to you are varied and plentiful. You choose from leisurely experiences through to adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Dog sledding is a favourite with visitors and we highly recommend that guests include one of the husky safaris during their stay. Snowmobiling is another exceedingly popular option and allows you to explore further afield in a thrilling way so many guests choose to include a safari in their holiday.
More leisurely paced options include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trips which allow peaceful exploration of the forests. A visit to a local reindeer farm for a cultural experience and a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride is another highlight.
Read moreTo really top off a stay here, guests can upgrade to spend one night in either a snow room at the Winter Village or in an Aurora Dome at Torassieppi, one of Jeris’ sister hotels - see the 'Personalise' section for details.
Of course, relaxing in the Arctic Elements Sauna World (payable locally) is another popular option.
All the available options are listed in the ‘Personalise' section of the holiday page and our travel experts will help you plan the ideal itinerary using their first-hand experience.
Please note that some activities require a minimum number of participants to operate, schedules are always subject to change and are subject to availability.
Image credits: Antti Pietikäinen & Visit Finland
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Key facts
| Duration: | 7 nights |
| Pace: | Set your own |
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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Pricing note: prices are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a hotel room. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation if you have any other requirements.
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Jeris. There will be time to settle into your room before dinner and a welcome meeting with your representative who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
The beauty of our tailor made option is that you can set the pace of your trip.
The base price includes your direct flights, transfers, half board accommodation for seven nights, cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay, fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during your chosen activities and a dedicated representative. You select the activities you would like to do from the list shown in the 'personalise' section, ensuring your holiday can be as active or gentle as you wish.
Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you craft the ideal itinerary.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2 - 7
Design Your Own Holiday
Fill your days with as many or as few activities as you wish, selecting from the options listed in the 'personalise' section.
There's a wealth of Aurora hunting and Arctic experiences to choose from and should you need advice on the best options for you please speak to one of our Travel Experts. They will be able to help prepare the perfect itinerary for you.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 8
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kittila Airport for your flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Jeris Lakeside Resort
Nights: 1-7
Jeris Lakeside Resort occupies an enviable location which is 20 kilometres from the nearest town and is located directly on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi. It is this remote position that makes the hotel an enchanting forest retreat, with the amazing backdrops of the forested fells and frozen water.
This hotel receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides and exciting activity options.
The hotel consists of a central building and 32 winter cottages in the adjacent forest.
Hotel facilities
- Your meals will be served in the hotel restaurant, which offers a rustic menu of traditional and local Finnish dishes. Meals are served buffet-style with one or two options for each course. Guests can enjoy local delicacies, such as salmon and reindeer. The hearty food here is ideal for setting you up for your adventures in the snow.
- There is a small lounge area where guests can relax in the evening and take advantage of the hotel's free Wi-Fi.
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- The Arctic Elements Sauna World is a very popular feature and can be found on the lakeshore, a short walk from the main hotel building. The spa has strong eco-credentials thanks to using entirely renewable electricity and geothermal heating generated from the Jerisjärvi lake. There are four saunas, each meticulously designed to incorporate the four elements; earth, air, fire and water and named after Finnish gods and goddesses. There are four saunas, each representing one of the four elements; earth, air, fire and water. A special fifth Northern Lights sauna is also available as an upgrade option. For those who wish to experience a Finnish tradition, there is also an ice pool to take a dip in following the sauna (you do need to be in good physical shape). Guests staying in either the cabins or the hotel rooms normally have one spa entry per holiday included. If you wish to visit more than once then this can be arranged and paid for locally with reception.
- A small selection of souvenirs is available for guests to purchase (including postcards and local handicrafts and snacks) in the reception area.
Guest bedroom types
Double/twin rooms: In the main hotel building at Jeris there are 27 comfortable traditional bedrooms. All guest bedrooms have an en-suite shower room, a drying cupboard and television.
Please note: A limited amount of hairdryers are available from reception.
Image credits: Emmi Kähkönen - Harriniva Hotel and Safaris
Other options
Jeris 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.
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
Snowmobile with Net Fishing (Jeris only)
After a full safety briefing with 2 people sharing each snowmobile, you will depart from Jeris and head to some of the vast frozen lakes nearby. The total driving distance for the day is around 35km and you will be out for around 5 hours in total. Your guide will take you to the wilderness location where the nets have been placed and show the group how to pull up the nets to retrieve the catch of the day. This is an ancient method of gathering food during the wintertime for the local people and a really interesting activity to be a part of and learn more about. During the activity, lunch will be cooked over the open fire (not dependent on how successful the catch of the day is!) and you will then head back to the hotel.
Please note: snowmobile drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence.
Minimum group size: 2 people
Tour duration: Approximately 5 hours including lunch
Available: Wednesday 10:00 am
Other options
Activities
Arctic Sauna World with Shaman
The newly renovated Arctic Sauna World at Jeris makes for the ideal little arctic oasis if you want some time to relax during your holiday. Saunas are a huge part of Finnish tradition and culture, with the earliest records dating back to 7000BC! Finns often joke that the sauna is the first room built in any new house and it is uncommon in Lapland to find a home without a sauna. It really is a huge way of life and a real must-do during your time in Finland.
During this activity, you will learn about the history of the sauna and the traditions of how to relax and connect with nature. Arctic Sauna World was designed around the four elements: Tapio (the earth sauna), Ukko (fire sauna), Ilmatar (air sauna) and Vellamo (water sauna) represent the elements through our mythological gods and goddesses. A traditional local drink will be served and a shaman will make a ceremony calling on the power of the four elements.
Read more about this activityThis programme is suitable for those aged 4 years and over.
Available: Wednesday and Friday at 9.00 pm (Jeris); Wednesday and Friday at 8:20 pm (Harriniva, includes transfers)
Snow Shuttle
The carriage (the type of carriage will depend on the availability and weather forecast) will be pulled along by your expert guide on a snowmobile and as you journey further into the darkness, keep your eye out for a potential display.
You’ll be taken to a campfire where you can enjoy hot drinks and a snack by an open fire and continue your search. Your location will be chosen based on the local weather and Aurora forecast for the evening, giving you the best possible chance of ticking the Northern Lights off your bucket list.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total
Available: Tuesday at 9pm (Jeris) Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9pm (Harriniva)
Lappish Local Culture
Today you will visit a local reindeer farm. You will be given an insight into the lives of the herder and the importance of the reindeer to the local economy and traditions and visit the small museum. You will also be given a short reindeer-pulled sleigh ride covering approximately 3km and the chance to see Torassieppi Winter Village during your time here (from late December onwards).
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Total duration: approximately 4 - 4.5 hrs in total including transfers and lunch
Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 09.40 am (Jeris) and at 09.20 am (Harriniva)
Ice Fishing
Your guide will provide you with the equipment and teach you how to drill through the thick layer of ice below. Then it’s simply a case of dropping down the line and waiting for a fish to bite! A hot drink is included.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Trip duration: approximately 2 hours
Available: Wednesday at 10am (Jeris); Tuesday at 10 am and Sunday at 2pm (Harriniva)
Photography by Juho Kuva and Visit Finland
Howl with the huskies (Overnight Husky Safari)
A true wilderness experience is in store for you, as you will be pulled through extraordinary outdoor environments covering approximately 20 to 25km each day. You will overnight in a rustic wilderness cabin and have dinner and breakfast there as well as have time to relax in a heated sauna. Lunch will be prepared over an open campfire. You will be responsible for looking after your husky team and assisting with campsite tasks, like collecting firewood.
Each cabin is slightly different from the others, with some having the most basic facilities (no running water or electricity). All are comfy and will keep you nice and warm; all the more so once the fire gets going. Everyone will sleep in a dormitory-style arrangement and helping with water and firewood collection is all part of the outdoor experience! Given the remote location of the cabins, you will be well-placed in light pollution-free zones for viewing the Northern Lights.
Read more about this activityAll instruction and equipment are provided (including an Arctic grade sleeping bag). Each person will drive their own sled on the safari.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Minimum age: 18 years old
Available: Friday at 9.20 am (Jeris; includes transfers); Friday 10 am (Harriniva)
Image credit: Laura Hodgkiss
Traditional Lappish Dinner
Spend the evening by the crackling, open fire, enjoying local dishes in Jeris’ cosy lakeside restaurant.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Minimum age: 12 years old
Tour duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Available: Monday and Friday at 7pm
Image credit: Antti Pietikainen
Tour to the Reindeer Farm (40km Snowmobile Safari)
After a full safety briefing and driving instructions by the local expert guide, you’ll be ready for your 40km snowmobiling adventure. Speed across snowy trails as you travel through forests and over frozen lakes before heading to the reindeer farm.
You’ll have the chance to meet and feed some of the resident reindeer at one of Finland’s oldest reindeer farms. Lunch will be served before you continue your way back to your hotel by snowmobile.
This trip is based on two people sharing a snowmobile but if you would like to travel with your own machine this can be arranged for a supplement so please just ask our sales team for details. You will be out for a total of around 3.5 hours (including lunch).
Suitable for those aged 12 years and over but please note that you must be over 18 and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Total duration: approximately 3.5 hours in total including lunch
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Minimum age: 12 years old
Available: Saturday at 10 am (Jeris); Thursday and Saturday at 10 am (Harriniva)
Image credits: Antti Pietikainen
Cross-Country Skiing
Learn to travel across the snow Finnish style! Your guide will teach you the basics of cross-country skiing before you head off into the nearby snowy wilderness, following the ski tracks and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You will be out for around 2 hours in total
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Trip duration: Approximately 2 hours
Available: Tuesday and Friday at 10 am (Jeris); Monday at 10 am and Thursday and Sunday at 2 pm (Harriniva)
Reindeer Sleigh Aurora Experience
Travel through the forest on a reindeer sleigh ride (2 people per sled). With minimal light pollution, this is an ideal opportunity to view the Northern Lights should conditions be favourable. A hot drink will be served around the fire following your safari.
Group size: minimum 2 people; 2 people per sled
Trip duration: approximately 1.5 - 2 hours (including transfers)
Available: Tuesday and Thursday at 8.40pm (Jeris) and at 8.20pm (Harriniva)
Panoramic Snowmobile Safari
This thrilling snowmobile safari provides a great introduction to the area and to snowmobiling. You will cover around 30km and travel with two people per machine along trails that lead you through stunning scenery. There will be the chance to change drivers if you both have a driving licence and are 18 years or over.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Total duration: approximately 2 - 2.5 hours
Available: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 1.30pm and Sunday at 10am (Jeris and Harriniva)
Aurora Snowmobile Adventure
The chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis are enhanced on this night safari by snowmobile. After a safety briefing and instruction, you will set off on your machine travelling two people per snowmobile. You will cover approximately 20km and enjoy a warm drink and gaze out at the night sky. You can change drivers as long as both have driving licences and are at least 18 years old.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Total duration: approximately 2.5-3 hours
Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm (Jeris and Harriniva)
Husky Safari - Tour de Torassieppi (Jeris only)
This is a wonderful safari for those who have not tried dog sledding before. After a short transfer, you will meet with the eager dogs and receive instruction on driving a team. You shall then hit the trails for a 15km safari. You will travel two people per sled with opportunities to switch between driver and passenger.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Total duration: 2 - 3 hours (approximately) including transfers
Available: Monday at 09.40am, Tuesday and Friday at 1.15pm
It's a Husky Day (25km Husky Safari)
After getting to know the huskies at the sled dog centre, you will be given full instruction and a safety briefing. Your guide will then lead the way on to the trails for a 25km safari in the wilds with everyone taking control of their own team of eager dogs. This is an unforgettable dog sledding experience and a real adventure. A picnic lunch is served around an open fire.
Total duration: approximately 5 hours
Minimum group size: 2 adults (you will travel one person per sled and drive your own team of dogs)
Available: Thursday at 9.50am (Jeris; includes transfers); Thursday 10.30am (Harriniva)
Northern Lights Husky Safari
Search for the Northern Lights while dog sledding through the silent wilderness.
Following a safety briefing, you’ll set off with your own team of dogs, riding 2 people per sled, in search of the Aurora.
Total duration: approximately 2.5 hours in total
Minimum age: 12 years old
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Wednesday and Saturday at 8.40 pm (Jeris; includes transfers); Friday at 10 am (Harriniva)
Snowshoe Walk in the National Park (Jeris only)
Experience the traditional way of travelling over thick snow (without sinking up to your waist!). This walk is led by a guide who will take you into the Pallas National Park area. This is the biggest fell region in West Lapland and it is renowned for its spectacular scenery and beautiful views.
Total duration: approximately 4 hours (including transfers)
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Wednesday and Friday 10am
Aurora Snowshoeing Hunt
This Aurora hunting session will see your guide lead you on foot as you use snowshoes and headlamps to navigate your way to an ideal Aurora viewpoint. Warm drinks will be served as you watch the skies for a potential Northern Lights display.
Total duration: approximately 2-3 hours
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8pm (Jeris) Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8pm (Harriniva)
Secrets of the Northern Lights
The myths, legends and science surrounding the Northern Lights are all deeply fascinating and during this workshop, you’ll learn all about the incredible natural display.
Your expert guide will answer any questions you have and will try and give you a better understanding of this remarkable phenomenon.
Duration: the workshop lasts approximately 1 hour
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Monday and Friday at 4pm (Jeris and Harriniva)
Image credit: Antti Pietikainen
Little Extras
Arctic Elements Sauna World
Saunas are a popular and traditional Finnish pastime. The locals use it as a space for relaxation and meditation as well as mental and physical cleanliness - and Jeris is a luxurious spa facility for you to experience this in.
The four saunas have been carefully themed on the four elements; earth, air, fire and water, as these are found in all traditions and shamanic well-being rituals.
Read more about this activityThese elements combine to create a fifth, steamy löyly, the spirit of sauna. Each element is represented by Finnish gods or goddesses, as the protectors of the saunas:
Sauna of Tapio (Earth). Tapio is the antlered king of the forest and in this sauna, you will feel the earthly and forest surroundings of the Finnish wilderness. It is split into north, east, south and west, each providing a different kind of löyly.
Sauna of Ukko (Fire). Ukko is the king of all gods and master of lightning, fire and air. This smoke sauna is the most traditional, and a favourite among the Finns. The heating process carries the smoke throughout to create a dark colouring, smokey scent and if you choose, a fiery heat.
Sauna of Vellamo (Water). Vellamo is the goddess of water and the ruler of lakes and rivers. This sauna has a panoramic view over Lake Jeris, a holy place for Sámi people, offering a calming atmosphere. The soft and moist löyly means you can stay in for longer for extended relaxation.
Sauna of Ilmatar (Air). Ilmatar is the goddess of wind and the first mother in the beginning of times. This sauna has no fire or thick walls - instead infrared heaters are situated inside a traditional kota for a soft and gentle heat. Think of this as half sauna, half relaxation room.
The really brave (and healthy) can also take a dip in the icy lake waters - a technique the Finns swear by!
Duration: approximately 3 - 4 hours including transfers (when staying in Harriniva) approximately 2 - 2.5 hours (when staying in Jeris)
Available: every day from 3pm to 10pm (Jeris); Mondays at 8:20pm (Harriniva.)
(Harriniva prices start from £38 as they include a transfer)
Fat biking - rental for 2 to 3 hours
Exploring Lapland by fat bike is an increasingly popular pastime and allows you to travel greater distances than you can perhaps manage by snowshoe or on cross-country skis. The wide tyres (hence the name) provide the grip you need to travel across the snow and experience the peace and quiet of your surroundings.
This is an unaccompanied activity and you are free to choose your own route; the staff at reception will have suitable route suggestions that start at the hotel.
Helmets are provided.
Available daily
©Antti Pietikainen
Cross-country ski hire for the day
You can hire cross-country skis from the hotel and hit the trails independently. You should have some previous experience of cross-country skiing to do this and you should also ensure that you get trail information and maps from reception before departing.
Available: daily
Snowshoe hire for the day
Snowshoes allow you to explore areas covered in snow with greater ease. You may like to hire some during your stay to explore independently. You should always ensure that you get trail information and maps from reception before departing.
Available: daily
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
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
The husky activity was in my opinion the best. Excellent dogs very well trained as was the whole experience.
The 100km snowmobile safari was a highlight - if this tour does not fulfil your yearning for a day on the snow then live in your freezer and buy your own skidòo.
The whole experience was magical, but the 2 day overnight husky tour was everything I hoped for.
THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER, it’s the only way I can describe our week. Yes we were very lucky and saw the Northern Lights 5 nights out of the 7 we were there and it was the main reason we went. But the Hotel, people and the other activities we did made it special as well. There were 4 of us and we have not laughed so much and enjoyed ourselves so much in one week. I can only recommend Artisan Travel,…
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the resort Jeris and the people who made it so, so special for us. Thank You.
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