CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOLIDAY FOR YOU …
We understand that choosing the right winter holiday can be a daunting prospect, with so many different places to visit, a plethora of winter activities to choose from and just where is the best place to see the northern lights?
At Wildlife & Wilderness, we are here to help with your decision. We listen to your requirements and always strive to offer exactly the experience you are looking for. Here are a few pointers to start you on your way…
Best for Northern Lights
If ticking the Northern Lights off your 'Bucket List' is your main reason for travel then the further north you go the better the likelihood of achieving this goal, although they can be seen from Scotland some years and in Scandinavia and Iceland from below the Arctic Circle for a number of days each winter. With this in mind, you may like to consider the following itineraries to maximise your chances.
Our Aurora Experience at Nellim is based out of a wilderness hotel in the far north of Finland where the level of air pollution is low resulting in clearer night skies and fantastic viewing locations.
The 4 days Searching for the Northern Lights and week-long Aurora Northern Adventure holidays offers north facing rooms and the added bonus of an Aurora Alarm system. Taking advantage of the nearby Södankyla Geophysical Observatory, where evening aurora trips are available, the hotel is alerted by the Observatory when an Aurora is possible in the area. The hotel in turn alert guests via a mobile phone system so you should never miss an opportunity, even in the middle of the night!
With remote locations far from any light pollution and situated directly under the aurora oval both Aurora Glamping and Lapland Winter Adventure are also perfect choices offering longer stays in Finland.
Swedish Lapland is another great choice for northern lights viewing and our Forest Retreat at Treehotel offers a back to nature experience in the heart of the wilderness far from light pollution.
Northern Lights Photography
Witnessing the northern light will offer a lifetime of memories but if you wish to capture the experience then head to Sweden. Abisko is in the middle of the auroral zone and due to it fresh, clean air and almost permanent cloud-free skies it has been said that Abisko is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights. Evening aurora trips with expert photography guides can be arranged and will ensure not only lasting memories but also some impressive images to share with your friends and family back home.
Best for a Wide Range of Winter Activities
Our itineraries offer a range of winter activities from traditional reindeer safaris to multi-day dog sledging safaris. If you have a sense of adventure and would like to try your hand at a whole host of winter experiences then choose our Lapland Winter Adventure holiday which offers a set week-long programme. For more flexibility Iso-Syöte Your Way and Aurora Northern Adventure can be tailor-made to your requirements, allowing you to travel on any day of the week, staying as long as you wish and booking only the activities you want to try. For something, a little different our Hikes, Bikes and Taiga Trails include a few alternative winter activities such as fat biking and Icelandic horse riding in a beautiful part of Finland. Finally for the true wilderness seekers out there, learn new skills, meet like-minded people and enjoy the delights of Finland in winter as hone your Arctic Wilderness Skills.
Dog Sledding Holidays
If dog sledging is top of your winter holiday wish list then we can make your dreams come true. With safari's ranging from 2 hours to 10 days … just tell us what you would like to do and we will match you with the right itinerary. No prior experience is necessary, even on our multi-day trips, although a reasonable level of fitness is required. For some of the best multi-day dog sledging take a look at our Lake Inari Husky Adventure or Wilderness Dog Sledding.
Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
For the ultimate cross country skiing holiday head to Ylläs where you can experience the extensive network on prepared trails on our Cross Country Skiing in Finland itinerary. If the slower pace of snowshoeing appeals then why not explore the beautiful Northern Lakeland region in the company of an experienced guide on our Snowshoe Trails in Lakeland.
Best for Families
Lapland is the perfect destination for all age groups but if you are travelling with young children there are some important points to remember. At Wildlife & Wilderness, we do not offer the usual 'Santa holiday packages' so if you're Santa seeking, our holidays are probably not for you. If it's a tailor-made family holiday designed with you and your family in mind that offers fun, quality accommodations and experienced guides, then look no further! Frozen Archipelago Adventure and Ruka Winter Adventure are both excellent choices.
Best for Couples
All our winter holiday itineraries are suitable for couples but choosing the right destination comes down purely to personal preference. If you wish to meet other like-minded travellers and join activities as part of a small group then try our Lapland Winter Adventure. For a more boutique option coupled with a more refined dining experience, our Aurora Northern Adventure is a perfect choice or, if time is limited, our Searching for the Northern Lights short break itinerary offers a stay in the same hotel.
If a privately guided trip with traditional Finnish hospitality appeals, then our Oivanki Wilderness Adventure can be tailor-made for you! Or, for a truly exceptional experience head to the far north and stay in the Lapp of boutique luxury at Javari Lodge.
Best for Those 'Young at Heart'
There is no age limitation on fun and if you are up for the challenge then you will not feel out of place at any of our chosen destinations. If you are a little less inclined to go for the adrenalin rush experiences, why not look at our popular Aurora Nights at Iisakki Village. With an option to include winter activities with a more gentle approach, this could be the perfect solution. Or why not indulge yourself at L7 Luxury Lodge. Many of our trips are tailor-made to your requirements so if there is something you do not feel comfortable including just let us know and we can adapt the itinerary to meet your needs. After all, we have been doing exactly this for around the last 17 winter seasons for our clients.
Best for Single Travellers
If you are travelling alone then you may wish to join one of our group departures such as our Lapland Winter Adventure holiday. You would meet the rest of the group on arrival at the hotel and through the camaraderie of activities you are sure to forge new friendships. Our Aurora Experience at Nellim is also great for single travellers, offering lower single supplements there is a great community feel around the hotel and daily activities are taken in small groups.
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