We Love —
- Fly to Finnish Lapland for a 2 night city break in Helsinki, followed by a magical Winter Wonderland adventure at Harriniva Wilderness Lodge
- During your stay you will get the opportunity to mush your own team of huskies as well as snowmobile across a frozen lake!
- You may choose to add exciting extras such as searching for the magical Northern Lights, led by reindeer or huskies.
This hotel won the Certificate of Excellence from the world's leading review website, which honours hotels & accommodations that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.
Your Destination —
Helsinki is an eclectic mix of east and west set on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland: a neo-classical gem with an art nouveau quarter laced with Alvar Aalto's spectacular modern architecture; smart pavement cafés on Esplanade; gourmet restaurants at less than London prices and concerts and ballet at Finlandia Hall.
Harriniva, on the banks of the Muonionjoki is a unique Lapland bolthole, with many exciting Winter activities right on your doorstep, be it husky safari, snowmobiling, driving a reindeer sleigh; tobogganing; ice fishing and much more.
Everything here is owned by the Pittakainen family: the hotel itself, husky breeding kennels; snowmobiles and all services provide by longstanding local staff. Harriniva is home to the largest Siberian husky breeding kennels in Lapland - situated a short walk from the lodge where you are staying, the 400-strong pack are lovingly reared and all individually named. A tour of the farm often includes a visit to any new additions to the fold.
Your Itinerary —
DAY 1 Helsinki
Morning flight from Gatwick to Helsinki. On arrival, self transfer to an overnight stay at the Sokos Hotel Original. Afternoon/evening at leisure.
DAY 2 - Helsinki
Helsinki is an intriguing mixture: a neo-classical marvel with an art nouveau quarter interspersed with Alvar Aalto's spectacular modern architecture and set on a peninsula jutting out into the Baltic. Smart pavement cafés on Esplanaden; gourmet restaurants at a fraction of London prices; concerts and ballet at Finlandia Hall; boat trips and great value shopping particularly for such iconic design brands as Arabia and Iittala.
DAY 3 Kittila
Self transfer to Helsinki airport ready for your flight to Kittila located in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Transfer to Harriniva Wilderness Lodge, your home for the next 4 nights. Dinner served in the hotel restaurant.
DAY 4 Husky Safari
After breakfast, walk the short distance to the husky farm to meet the baying dogs. Meet your team, who are all keen to commence their morning run. With two to a sled, you will take it in turns to mush and be a passenger on this exhilarating 17km tour through the snowclad forest, before returning to the hotel for a relaxing sauna and dinner.
DAY 5 Leisure Time
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of independent snow fun or the opportunity to book an additional excursion. Kick sleds and toboggans are readily available for you to enjoy or walk to and cross the border into Sweden.
DAY 6 Snowmobile Safari
This morning is at leisure. Why not master the simple art of cross-country skiing or snow shoeing, both taking you out into the beautiful surrounds. After lunch, meet your guide for a briefing on how to drive your snowmobile. Riding in pairs and taking it in turns to drive, this 30km journey takes you through the frozen forests and mires that symbolises the perfect fell scenery of this area. Return to the hotel for a celebratory aperitif and dinner.
DAY 7 UK
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer back to Kittila airport for your return flight home to the UK (via Helsinki).
What's Included?
- Return flights to Helsinki and onwards to kittila
- 2 nights at the Original Sokos Hotel Helsinki including breakfast
- Return airport/hotel transfers in Lapland (NOT Helsinki)
- 4 nights accommodation at Harriniva Wilderness Lodge including breakfast and evening meal
- Snowmobile Safari
- Husky Safari
- Protective outer thermal clothing for the duration of your stay
Optional Extras - To be added at the next stage for an additional fee
- Northern Lights reindeer safari- Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Northern Lights by husky - Wednesdays
- Northern Lights by snowshoe - Mondays
- Reindeer Local Culture
Your Hotels —
Original Sokos Hotel, Helsinki - Standard Room, Bed & Breakfast (2 nights)
A friendly, relaxed and urban hotel in the heart of Helsinki. It is located in the city centre, just a few steps from Esplanadi, Market Square and the Central Railway Station.
The knowledgeable staff know the city through and through, and are happy to help you find the sights, experiences and hidden gems.
Facilities include a sauna, two restaurants, and access to Helsinki Club fitness centre for only 8€ / stay.
The Pietikainen family's Wilderness Lodge at Harriniva stands alongside the frozen Muonio River marking the border between Finnish and Swedish Lapland and is home to the largest husky breeding kennels in Lapland.
The glow from the windows lights up the pine that the Lodge and its giant Aurora Kota are built from, and illuminates the ice sculptures scattered around its entrance.
The hotel's rooms are all clad in local pine, simply furnished with handicraft fabrics, have private WC/Shower and envelop you in their cosiness.
The lodge has a cosy bar serving soft drinks, snacks, coffee/tea throughout the day and where in the evening you will often find some form of local entertainment. There are 3 dining rooms, one with an open fireplace. The key to this informal friendly lodge is the Pietikainen family who pride themselves on providing exceptional standards of service and there is always someone on hand to look after you.
Your Journey —
Flights: Included with Norwegian Airlines
Outbound
London Gatwick to Helsinki: 0910 - 1355
Helsinki to Kittila: 0835 - 1020
Inbound
Kittila to Helsinki: 1050 - 1220
Helsinki to London Gatwick: 1710 - 1810
All flight times are local.
Transfers: Shared transfers are included as per itinerary. (Lapland only. Transfer time = 1 hour)
Please note: flight details are given as a guide only and may change. We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given. Specific flights cannot be selected and confirmed timings will be shown on your official documentation from the tour operator. Flights are non-changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.
