Lapland Adventure: Northern Lights and Sámi Culture

Embark on an exclusive 7-day adventure in Lapland, exploring Inari’s nature, immersing in Sámi culture, and experiencing reindeer herding. Stay in Xwander Suite Apartments for a convenient and comfortable holiday.

Duration: 7 days
Highlights

Arrival in Ivalo, Welcome Meeting, Aurora Workshop & Northern Lights Hunting

Ivalo - Whether you arrive by bus or plane, we will meet and greet you in Ivalo. Settle into your apartment and meet your local guide for a briefing on the upcoming activities.

Xwander Nordic - In the evening, participate in an Northern Lights workshop where you will learn about the science, folklore and forecasting behind the Northern Lights. Followed by Northern Lights Hunting, where our guides will take you to the best spots to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon.

Arctic Tundra Trek, Fell Lunch, Sauna & Ice Swim

Saariselka - You’ll explore the UKK National Park of Saariselkä, learning about the area’s unique flora and fauna. Depending on the snow conditions, we will use snowshoes, gliding snowshoes, or backcountry skis to navigate the terrain. Our knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the UKK National Park’s ecosystem and its historical significance. There will be opportunities to take photos, and identify typical birds, animals, and tracks.

Snowmobile Safari & Aurora Camp with Open Fire dinner

Ivalo - We ride snowmobiles through the Northern pine forest along the snowmobile route around the Ivalo area. The safari begins with a brief instruction on snowmobile driving and safety provided by the guide. If we are lucky, we might spot reindeer along the route and have the opportunity to take photos of them. During the safari, we will take a short rest to enjoy snacks and hot drinks.

Rahajärvi - In the evening, visit the Aurora Camp for a night of stargazing and engaging in Northern Lights activities. Relax by the campfire, enjoy open fire dining, and learn about the Aurora Borealis through stories and scientific explanations.

Arctic Fishing, Winter Nets, Fish Preparation & Open Fire Cooking

Rahajärvi - Learn traditional arctic fishing techniques and various fishing methods on Lake Rahajärvi. Our guides will demonstrate how to drill ice holes and use specialized gear, including winter nets to catch fish in freezing conditions.
After fishing, you’ll get hands-on experience in handling and preparing your catch using different cooking methods over an open fire. Savor the fresh taste of your hard-earned meal in a beautiful natural setting.

A Day to Relax or Explore Optional Activities

Ivalo - After days of Arctic exploration, you can either take a break and relax, or choose from various extra activities. For example, there are options to experience husky sledding, horse riding, or stargazing tours. We can also arrange skiing or snowboarding lessons for you to enjoy the nearby slopes.

Additionally, you are welcome to utilize Xwander’s winter gear inventory for independent fatbiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.

With a wide range of options available, you can tailor your experience to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer relaxation or excitement, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Reindeer Farm, Open Fire Lunch, Sámi Museum & Nature Center

Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center - Our adventure continues with a visit to the renowned Sámi Museum “Siida”. Recognized as the European Museum of the Year 2024, Siida offers an engaging experience filled with fresh air and fascinating survival skills demonstrations. You can explore the local terrain under the guidance of our expert or on your own.

Departure from Ivalo, with Rovaniemi or Helsinki Extension options

Ivalo - Depending of your departure time there are options from skiing, snowshoeing to fatbiking for your final day.

Then we will arrange transportation to the airport or bus station.

If you want to extend your holiday by visiting Rovaniemi, Kirkenes or anywhere else, we are happy to help you plan and can recommend places that we have already identified as good destinations.

We hope you enjoyed your vacation with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

What's Included
  • Transfers to and from Ivalo Airport or bus station
  • Winter gear such as overalls, boots, and gloves
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation in a Modern and Spacious Xwander Apartment
  • Dinner
  • All the activities listed and transfers to and from activities
What's Not Included
  • Personal Travel Insurance (Required)
Additional Information

Xwander Nordic welcomes you to Northern Finland, referred to as Lapland, a region above the Arctic Circle, renowned for one of the most spectacular displays of the Aurora Borealis!

We offer you full week of activities starting from picking you up from Ivalo Airport for you adventure.

During your stay, you will experience the best that Lapland has to offer in winter. Participate in a variety of adventures, from the exhilarating chase of the Northern Lights, learning Arctic Fishing to relaxing moments in a Finnish sauna.

Learn about the vibrant history and customs of the indigenous Sámi people at the local Sámi museum. Visit a local reindeer farm to feed the animals and discover the importance of reindeer in the local culture and economy, both past and present.

You will be staying in you own private modern 1 bedroom (king bed or single beds set up) apartment in the Ivalo Village center located in the middle of widest wilderness areas of the Western Europe.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Scenic30654171074
Feb 26, 2024
Unforgettable experience - We stayed 10 days in Lapland and did the Adventure week + other activities with Xwander, everything went very well. We were always in a small group, maximum 6 and most often 2 + the guide, which allowed us to enjoy each activity. The activities in this pack are varied and all super fun, it's a good way to discover the region and the extreme cold: northern lights, ski touring, snowshoeing, building shelters, fishing, swimming in icy water, sauna, snow scooter, snow bike, sled, and so on! The activities start around 10-11 a.m. and end at the end of the day, you don't get bored. Small downside on the sled dog activity providers because it was a bit factory (Pro Safari I think) and sled reindeer because the ride is very short and not really in the forest (Aurora Village). All the guides we went with were very friendly and accommodating. They shared their knowledge, their daily life and Finnish and Sami culture. It is also possible to have French-speaking guides. Outside of activities, we went for walks around Ivalo. I would have liked to have been offered a map or GPX tracks of the cross-country ski trails and walks in the area because there seemed to be a lot of them. We get by without it but it would have been a plus. At the administrative level I found Xwander very responsive, discussions are simple, and we are well supported. The accommodation is above the shop on the main street which means that the supermarket, bar and restaurant are easily accessible on foot. We stayed in an apartment/studio with kitchen which we found very clean and well equipped. The meeting point for activities is on the ground floor which is very practical. In summary, very good experience, I recommend Xwander for accommodation, organized weeks and individual activities!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explorer42982109040
Jan 9, 2024
Our dream trip to Lapland - We are a group of three families traveling together to Ivalo-Inari for a week in December 2023. Xwander team made our dream vacation a reality in the enchanting Lapland wonderland! Chin Tang was extremely helpful and meticulous to plan every detail of our trip. During our stay there, Riikka and Elisa were so welcoming. We quickly made the lovely Xwander Suites our home. Ozzi, Sami, Johane, Jonis, Julian, and Esaro were really warm and knowledgeable to guide us in the outdoor activities. We learned a lot about the local Finnish and Sami cultures when engaging nice conversations with them during the outings! Our kids also loved every activity they arranged. We witnessed the breathtaking Aurora borealis, glided through the snow on Toboggan, immersed ourselves in the serene beauty of the Tundra forest, and enjoyed the open fire dinners, the woolly sock hikes, and the dog-sledge and motorcycle sledge. The trip was very short, but the fond memories will last forever. Thanks a lot, Xwander team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X473llnuriac
Dec 11, 2023
Highly recommended: unique excursions and the landscape is spectacular. - Most of the activities are very interesting, in the middle of completely snowy nature (in December) and with very few people. Well organized, with personnel from the country who knows the area and generates security. The apartment is comfortable and has everything you need. I thought maybe a week would be a lot of days, but it was the perfect length.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vicentedi3130gt
Dec 11, 2023
The best option you can have in Lapland - The best trip that we have ever made. Xwander gave us the best experience in Lapland with their wonderful guides. All the activities were fantastic and well prepared. They provided all the gear needed for the extreme weather you have there. We were in one of their apartments in Ivalo that have everything you could need for stay there. I hope we will return someday and our first option will be Xwander with no doubt. Thank you all!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timothy
Dec 9, 2023
Magical trip to Ivalo! - It was an amazing and magical trip for my family and me. The Xwander team were so professional and took care of everything - the ice fishing, husky sled ride, reindeer visits, open fire dinners, and of course the Aurora borealis hunts in the cold winter nights. Everything was so well-planned, and the accommodation was fantastic too. Thank you, Elisa, Joonas, Juhani and so many others!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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