Discover the unspoilt natural beauty of Finnish Lapland with a stay at one of its most iconic hotels. You'll begin at a snug urban retreat in the town of Rovaniemi. Just a stone's throw from Santa's log-cabin home, it's blanketed by snow in winter making it the perfect introduction to life inside the Arctic Circle. Here we’ve selected the first five-star property in Nordic Lapland as your boutique base. How you experience the beauty of the area is then up to you, but we suggest a dog-sledding experience and snowmobile safari to get you started. We’ll then escort you to the Arctic SnowHotel – concept hotel in the wintry wilds that combines local tradition, Lappish heritage and modern Nordic design to great effect, elevating Northern Lights viewing in Finnish Lapland to another level entirely.
Fly to Rovaniemi., entry point to Finnish Lapland. On arrival, we’ll whisk you to the boutique Arctic Light Hotel in the heart of the town. Settle in, noting the design touches inspired by Lappish culture, light and nature. The lounge has a relaxed library feel, the bar is intimate and there’s a massage room for tired travellers. You’ll spot the hotel’s penchant for polar bears too – they’re committed to protecting the habitat of this Arctic icon.
Then familiarise yourself with the town, taking a stroll through the streets to find shops and bars, pausing at the Arktikum Museum and Arctic Science Centre to brush up on your Polar history. In the evening, spoil yourself with a seasonal menu drawn from throughout Finnish Lapland in the main restaurant or treat yourself to a spot in the enchanting wintergarden setting of the Lasiterassi lounge to sip champagne or an innovative, perfectly-prepared cocktail.
Arctic Light Hotel
Bedroom, Arctic Light Hotel
After a healthy, tasty, beautiful looking breakfast buffet in the Arctic Boulevard, created by celebrity chef Sara La Fountain, ready yourself for a day of activity. First, head out of town to a husky farm. Meet the dogs and discover the secrets behind driving a team. Then try your hand at mushing as you set off on a guided adventure through the wilderness.
Tired but exhilarated, kick back and recuperate before you finish your day with a snowmobile safari, when a local expert will lead you into the forest. Stop for a fireside supper and chance to share stories or listen to the folk tales and legends of the Northern Lights, keeping an eye trained on the skies for when the Aurora shimmer and burst across the blackness.
Husky sledding excursion
Northern Lights, Rovaniemi
Next it’s up to the edge of the Arctic Circle and the cleverly designed, eye-catching glass-sided cubes on short stilts that make up the Arctic Treehouse. Here, surrounded by the heavily snow-laden forest, you’ll appreciate the privacy and proximity to beautiful wintery landscapes. During the afternoon choose to set out on a snowmobile, master the art of snowshoeing or learn to mush a team of huskies through the taiga forests. Later, feast on traditional Lappish fare, the perfect prelude to turning in with the Northern Lights to lull you to sleep
Suite with double bed
Refreshed by a soundless sleep, we’ll collect you from the Arctic Treehouse and take you back to Rovaniemi in time to meet your onward flight for the journey home.
"This short break is ideal for taking in all that the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland has to offer - including their first five star hotel. Ski, snowshoe, husky-sled or snowmobile your way through the arctic wilderness, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the shimmer of the Northern Lights. And, I’ve included a stay at one of my favourite Lapland hotels, the beautifully designed Arctic Treehouse, to ensure that your getaway ends on a high."
Sue McAlinden
Destination Specialist
Low Season from: £2,035 pp
High Season from: £3,025 pp
Please note that minimum night stays are required at both the Arctic Light Hotel and Arctic Treehouse over the festive period, so this break may not be available. Please check with your consultant for revised pricing.