Secretly I think every parent dreams of being able to make their child’s ultimate Christmas wish come true…. spending this magical festive period in the idyllic winter wonderland of Lapland. If you have slightly older children who are no longer under the spell of Father Christmas then the magic of such an authentic and uncommercialized location such as Muotka is an ideal choice. From the warm, friendly welcome you will receive at the lodge to experiencing the new and exciting activities together, this holiday is guaranteed to be one of the ones you talk about and cherish for many years!
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:4 nights
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London Heathrow to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Routings are subject to change
- Transfers: return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: four nights in a standard wilderness room (2 adults sharing with 1 child on extra bed.) (Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.)
- Meals: full board
- Activities: gentle snowshoeing, Aurora camp, snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm, husky safari (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- Aurora alert
With untouched deep, powdery snow, unforgettable winter activities and situated in the very heart of Lapland, you’ll be hard pushed to find anywhere as authentic, family-friendly and spectacular as Muotka for your memorable Christmas break.
Your position high above the Arctic Circle is advantageous in many ways. First, you’ll have a guaranteed white Christmas - with a completely covered snowy playground to enjoy for the duration of your stay. We’ve included snowshoeing, a popular Finnish pastime, to help you explore the pristine environment with ease.
Your location also means you will get to meet two of the Arctic’s most-loved animals; huskies and reindeer. You and the family can enjoy dog sledding across the wilderness as well experiencing a reindeer sleigh ride to really complete your Christmas break.
At night, your northerly position gives you a great chance of ticking the Northern Lights off your family bucket list. We’ve included a visit to a nearby Aurora camp to increase your chances as well as an Aurora alert system to help with your search. Additional Aurora activities can be added to your agenda if you have older children and wish to enjoy hunting the Aurora further, just ask one of our travel experts for a quotation.
With winter wonderland surroundings, truly memorable snow-based experiences and the chance to witness the Northern Lights, Muotka provides everything you need to create cherished Christmas memories with the whole family.
Image credits: Anthony Oberlin, Ron Thompson & Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred* to Muotka, your home for your Christmas family getaway.
Enjoy your welcome meal in the hotel restaurant and settle into your surroundings. As you are now in Northern Lights territory, you could see the magical display as soon as darkness falls. You will also be given an Aurora alert which will sound if the Northern Lights are present in the area.
*Transfers are based on a scheduled group shuttle that sometimes stops at a few nearby hotels. If you would prefer to upgrade to private taxi transfers please ask our Family Travel Experts for a quotation.
Please note the order of the activities listed in the agenda is just for guidance and is subject to change.
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Reindeer Day on Christmas Eve
In Finland, Christmas is traditionally celebrated on the 24th and so your family festivities can begin today in true Finnish style.
After breakfast, you’ll quickly get into the Christmas spirit when you visit a reindeer farm. To get there, you will travel in Arctic fashion on a snowmobile. Adults will drive the snowmobile (two per machine) while children will ride in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile.
You will travel further into the wilderness to reach the local reindeer farm. These animals are synonymous with Lapland and Christmas, and you’ll discover their importance when you meet with local reindeer herders who will tell you all about their lives here. You will learn how to lasso the animals and enjoy a short sleigh ride, before warming up with warm snacks.
Please note you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Husky Safari on Christmas Day
Following breakfast, it’s time to enjoy one of the must-do Arctic experiences; dog sledding.
You will meet with the excitable huskies who will be eager to get going along the snowy trails. Children will be tucked safely in the guide’s sled and adults will ride two per sled (one driver and one passenger with the option to swap). You’ll receive a full briefing and instructions on how to handle the sled before you set off into the wilds. Though the dogs are loud before you get going, you’ll soon discover they fall silent when they’re concentrating on the job at hand, leaving you to enjoy the wintery scenery as it unfolds around you. After the safari, there will be plenty of time to play and take pictures with your new furry friends and capture the ultimate holiday snap.
Lunch and dinner will be served in the restaurant. As today is Christmas, a special dinner will mark the occasion and you have a free evening to enjoy together as a family. Be sure to keep your Aurora alert close, as the sky could light up green to add to your festivities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Gentle Snowshoeing and Aurora Camp
Following breakfast, you and the family will strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the winter surroundings. You will receive full instructions from your guide but essentially, the snowshoes help you walk over the deep snow without sinking. During this tour, you will follow your guide into the stunning Taiga forest to really admire the pristine beauty of the area. Your guide will point out local wildlife and tell you all about life in Finland. Enjoy lunch by the open fire before returning to the hotel. Experience tells us that children tend to take to snowshoeing like a duck to water, the parents can sometimes need a little more practise, however!
After dinner in the restaurant, it’s time to hunt for the Northern Lights. You will sit in the cosy sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile and keep an eye on the sky as you travel out to a nearby camp, ideally chosen based on the weather and Aurora forecast of the evening.
Upon arrival at the camp, you will keep warm in a hut with an open fire and enjoy hot drinks as your guide tells you all about the Northern Lights, while you wait for a potential display. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Departure
Today it is sadly time for your festive family adventure to come to an end. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant before being transferred to the airport for your flight home. If you have an early flight time, we’ll box up breakfast for you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Muotka Wilderness Hotel
Nights: 1-4
Around 40km away from Ivalo Airport, and tucked neatly in the forests and fells of North East Finland, families will find Muotka Wilderness Hotel.
Owned by our friends Jouko and Mari, the hotel offers the same warm welcome as its sister property at Nellim.
The landscape around the hotel is stunning and offers families an easily accessible escape from the every day.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationThere are two main buildings, one contains the majority of the rooms and the other houses the reception, restaurant and the remaining cosy bedrooms. They are just moments from each other so there are no long walks for meals. There are also superior sauna rooms in separate buildings and some very special cabin options too, again, only a short distance from the hotel’s main restaurant. If you are considering upgrading to one of these options, subject to availability and a supplement, please speak to one of our Travel Experts.
Hotel facilities
- All meals are served in the hotel’s restaurant. Typically this is a buffet of options from which to choose. There tends to be a mix of international dishes alongside some local favourites. Dietary requirements can all be catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking.
- There is a sauna in the main building which is heated daily for guest use. Saunas are not the reserve of grown-ups in Finland and so this can be a family affair.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building
- Standard rooms do not have tea and coffee making facilities but tea and coffee are available free of charge in the restaurant area
Room types
Standard rooms
All standard rooms are en-suite with shower room, wardrobe, hairdryer and nightstand and can be made up as either a double or twin. We can request adjacent rooms for you if available.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
Image Credit: Matt Robinson
Other options
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Muotka Wilderness Hotel - Superior Sauna Rooms
Supplements from: £219ppThese sauna rooms are a great upgrade and can accommodate two adults and up to two children on extra beds. The rooms are located in separate buildings (each containing four sauna rooms) and are just a short distance from the main restaurant building. Each room is 34m².
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
Read more about this accommodationPlease contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credits: Muotka Wilderness Hotel
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Muotka Wilderness Hotel - Panorama Log Cabins
Supplements from: £652ppThese cosy log cabins are a wonderful treat for families. They have large glass windows on one side so you can look out across the landscape and hopefully up at the sky, where the Northern Lights often appear. The cabins are very well equipped and have an en-suite shower room, private sauna, and log burning stove.
Read more about this accommodationThere is a queen size bed in each and space for two extra beds for children. There is a small kitchenette and kettle provided and hairdryers are available at reception if needed.
The cabins are just a short walk from the main restaurant building and are around 50 m² in size.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.
Image credits: Muotka Wilderness Hotel
Special Nights
Sleep in an Aurora Kota
Muotka is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed.
The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom. There is also room for two extra beds for children.
Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credit: Anthony Oberlin
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Sleep in an Aurora Kota
Muotka is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed.
Read moreThe Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom. There is also room for two extra beds for children.
Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credit: Anthony Oberlin
From £110 per adult
Dates & Prices
Thank you for your interest in this Activities Abroad family experience.
We have found that this holiday is better tailored exactly to your requirements, so please email our Travel Experts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us on 01670 789 991 to discuss the various options available to you.
Our Travel Experts have been to all the destinations we feature and love to share their experiences and insight. We want to match you with your perfect trip, so if you have any questions please get in touch; we will be happy to talk through the destinations and itineraries with you.
VIEW ALL HOLIDAYS
Please view our alternative departure dates here - A Family Short Break to Lapland and A Family New Year in Lapland
Dates
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 4 people and maximum 28 (approximately)
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%
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