Lapland New Years: Saariselka, Sinetta & Rovaniemi

On arrival into Ivalo Airport you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. In Saariselka, the far north of Finnish Lapland, lies the popular resort of Inari-Saariselka. The unique northern countryside, national parks, lake areas, rivers and highland fells offer a wealth of opportunities for year-round travel. In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky up to 200 days a year.

The legendary Saariselka is the northernmost travel destination in Finland and boasts a variety of services. In Inari and other villages in the area, the Sami culture is still very evident in everyday life. This is where you will find the genuine Lapland. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please consult the welcome letter which you receive on check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your tour leader.

Put on your snowshoes and feel the crunch of snow under your feet. Capture the true feeling of winter in the northern woods as you explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel.

Cap off this amazing experience tonight by sitting in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. The journey will take you into the quiet evening forest and maybe you will even get to marvel at the beautiful Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Once you are back at the camp, a nice warm campfire and warm drink will be waiting for you to enjoy.

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Sinetta, located 25 km from Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour. Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, the Sami and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape over the lake and through the forest, where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical three course lunch is included at the farm.

The journey continues south to Sinetta following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you will have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course dinner in a magnificent wooden "Kota" where fresh salmon is slowly grilled over the fire on a huge fire pit in the center.

OPTIONAL: Overnight in a Snow Suite with Evening Sauna & Outdoor Jacuzzi Experience. Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each Snow Suite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with special arctic sleeping bags keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C.

In the morning after breakfast you will travel by bus to Rovaniemi where you will check-in at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus and your New Year adventure can begin with a visit to the Husky Farm & Safari. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna included.
The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. After brief instructions and riding in pairs, you embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes.

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa's home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. A must for any visit to Lapland.

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari.

Around 18:00 Santa Claus will pay a visit to the hotel where he will deliver Christmas presents to our youngest guests. There will be a small gift per child from the hotel and the possibility for families to arrange, that Santa Claus special delivers a present to their children on their own behalf.

New Year's Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included. At 22:00 take a transfer from the hotel to a Special New Year Venue just 20 minutes from town.

At Lapland's magical border of the Arctic Circle, the festivities will be held for welcoming in the New Year. Fire, ice, darkness, snow, lights, music, dance are the combined elements that create a magical event for the whole family. The mysterious shamans fuel the atmosphere and as the New Year approaches Santa Claus himself will also pay us a visit! A giant snow disco, snow bars, massive fireworks display, and the spectacular New Year Dance Show definitely makes for a memorable experience.

New Year's tin casting is an old Finnish tradition to see what the future holds. Shamans - the fortunetellers - help you interpret the marks for the future in your tin. The event will take place by snowy banks, in idyllic winter setting. At 00:30/1:00 transfer back to the hotel.

Time for a swim as we head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. Today you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as we board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 4 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia.

This extraordinary experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge, ice swimming and a three-course meal at the on-board restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you have the opportunity to jump in the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those of you who dare will receive a certificate by the ship authorities to attest your courage. An unforgettable experience. Return to Rovaniemi with early evening arrival at your hotel.

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your transfer to Rovaniemi airport in time for your departure flight (Flight not included).