When to go
December – March
Price
From £3,149 pp (including flights)
Flight time
03hrs 18mins
Introduction
On this arctic adventure, head 200km north of the Arctic Circle to Lapland, a cultural region inhabited by the Sámi people, the Swedish indigenous population. You will stay at a comfortable homestay, provided by a family housing guests since 1986. And you will enjoy a wealth of exciting outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, dogsledding, and watching the Northern Lights.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,149pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Kittilä or Kiruna Airport – Rajamaa – Sápmi – Kittilä or Kiruna Airport
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Rajamaa Base
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 4 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
Kittilä or Kiruna Airport – Kittilä or Kiruna Airport
Highlights
Learn About Sámi Culture
The Sámi people are known for embracing sustainable living, nature, and responsible tourism. You will learn about Sámi culture by getting a feel for their way of life and understanding how they co-exist in the modern world.
Exciting Outdoor Activities
At Rajamaa Base you will have the chance to participate in many outdoor activities. These activities include dogsledding or skiing through the magical winter landscape, snowshoeing, and even riding in a reindeer sled. And when you are not trekking through the wilderness, you will enjoy the colorful display of the Northern Lights.
2-Day Expedition on Forest Skis
Near the end of the week, you will set off on a 2-day wilderness expedition on forest skis. With the help of expert tour guides, they will guide you through the frozen lakes and snow-capped pine trees until you reach a log cabin.
Recommended Hotels
Rajamaa Base
Sample Itinerary
Journey Above the Arctic Circle
On this 8-day sample itinerary you will travel to Lapland, the northern-most region of Finland. Situated 200km above the Arctic Circle, this winter paradise is perfect for outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding. You may also see the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged particles from the sun, which collide as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.
Day 1: Kittilä or Kiruna Airport – Rajamaa
Fly to Kittilä or Kiruna Airport and transfer to Rajamaa Base. The base is made up of wooden chalets (timber log cabins) that sit on a remote island in the River Muonio.
Check in to your accommodation. Then meet the Malmström family who have been running the base since 1986. Depending on when the rest of the group shows up, the welcome briefing may take place in the evening or tomorrow morning.
(D)
Day 2: Rajamaa (Snowshoeing)
In the morning, you will receive all the equipment you need to handle the harsh Arctic conditions.
With your snowshoes equipped, walk out into the world, and explore your surroundings. A local tour guide will help you spot wildlife tracks and explain how the vegetation has been able to adapt and survive the cold.
After lunch, walk over the frozen hills and return to your chalets. Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon. Throughout the week, you will also watch live presentations, teaching you about Scandinavian’s wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynxes.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Rajamaa (Dogsledding)
In the morning, visit a small husky kennel, and meet a professional dog musher by the name of Anna. She will teach you about the Siberian husky dogs, including their behavior and how to train them. You will also learn how to safely handle the huskies while you dogsled.
Afterwards, split up into pairs, and drive your own dogsled for about 15km through the snowy landscape. You may swap with your instructor at any time to rest.
In the afternoon, return to base, and prepare for the 2-day forest ski expedition occurring later in the week. Watch another wildlife presentation in the lodge after dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Free Leisure
Enjoy a day of free leisure in Rajamaa and the surrounding area. Optional activities include going for a snowmobile trip, hiking in snowshoes, and relaxing at the lodge.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Meet a Sámi Family
In the morning, you will get the chance to meet a traditional Sámi Family, where you’ll learn about their beliefs, way of life, and cultural traditions. From there, you will ride in a traditional reindeer sled, before setting up a campfire in a Sámi hut and conversing with the family for a few hours.
Return to Rajamaa in the afternoon. And enjoy free leisure for the rest of the day.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Start 2-Day Forest Ski Expedition
Embark on your 2-day forest ski wilderness expedition. Here you will venture deep into the forest, cross frozen lakes, and traverse through open snowy landscapes.
Your accommodation will be a cosy log cabin, which features log burners to keep you warm and cooking facilities to help you prepare and serve home-cooked meals.
If the Northern Lights are on display, then enjoy the show in the evening.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Ski Back to Rajamaa
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, and then make your way back to Rajamaa. On the way there, stop for lunch by an open fire. Upon returning to the lodge, relax in a sauna and enjoy your farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Kittilä or Kiruna Airport – London
In the morning, bid farewell to the group and your hosts. Head to Kittilä or Kiruna Airport. If flying to London, you may need to depart from Helsinki or Stockholm.
(B)
