Muotka is one of those places where you really feel you have stepped out of the modern world for a few blissful days. That said, this fast-paced itinerary includes all of the essential Arctic experiences, designed specifically for a family to enjoy together. Together with the environmentally sustainable practices employed by your hosts, minimising your impact on the pristine environment you are visiting, it is a winning combination for a family trip to the Arctic
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:4 nights
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over
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What's included?
- Flights: return from London to Ivalo (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights’ accommodation in twin/double hotel rooms. (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
- The following activities are included: Aurora Camp, snowmobile safari to reindeer farm, snowshoeing 2hr, husky safari
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Muotka is a hidden gem. Despite its location high in the Arctic, a warm welcome awaits your family. The hotel also embraces the spirit of eco-tourism, emphasizing sustainable practices and a deep respect for the natural environment.
Lapland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests and pristine rivers. Muotka's remote location allows visitors to embrace this Northern wilderness while staying in cosy and traditional accommodation. Options range from the well-appointed standard rooms to luxurious cabins and glass roofed kota to enhance your prospects of seeing the Northern Lights – please speak to one of our Travel Experts if you would like to consider an upgraded room type.
Your itinerary here has been chosen to showcase the Arctic at its best and indulge your sense of adventure. Snowshoeing is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape. You will take a more high octane approach on your snowmobile safari and also learn about the indigenous Sami lifestyle and their co-dependence on the reindeer, one of the most famous inhabitants of the region. Many people’s favourite experience in this region is dogsledding and you will get to take your own team of willing canine athletes – there is nothing quite like the silence of making your way along a trail with the sounds of paws on snow the only thing you can hear! Lastly, we include an Aurora Camp to maximise the potential to see one of Nature’s most spectacular phenomenon. Please note if you are travelling over Christmas (celebrated on 24th December throughout Scandinavia) or New Year, you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations on the respective dates
Image credits: Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Matt Robinson
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival
You will arrive at Ivalo Airport, which serves as the starting point for your adventure. Your transfer to Muotka will be waiting for you. This transfer is likely to be a scheduled group shuttle that might make stops at nearby hotels. If you prefer a private taxi transfer, you can inquire about upgrading the transfer (additional cost may apply).
After checking in, you will have dinner in the hotel restaurant – your first chance to sample the flavours of Lapland. After receiving your cold weather clothing, why not take a walk outside and keep your eyes on the skies. An Aurora display on your first night, would be the perfect way to kick off your trip.
Note about Activity Order: The order of activities mentioned in the itinerary is subject to change. The final agenda for your trip will be confirmed upon your arrival at the hotel.
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Snowshoeing and Aurora Camp
After a hearty breakfast, you will be able to immerse yourself in the snow-covered forests that surround Muotka. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful walk through the picturesque landscapes, equipped with snowshoes and poles for ease of movement. The guide's stories and insights about Finnish nature and animals will add further depth to your experience. This activity takes approximately two hours and will be followed by lunch at the hotel.
You will have some time to yourself in the afternoon, and you can arrange to hire snowshoes whenever you wish if you want to explore the extensive trails around the hotel, but equally you may wish to spend some downtime enjoying the hotel’s sauna.
After dinner this evening, you will be collected and comfortably seated in a sledge that is pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. This way you can search the skies on the way to your destination – one of Muotka’s well equipped Aurora Camps. The camp will have been chosen for its clear view of the sky and minimal light pollution. As you keep watch your guide will serve warm drinks and give you information on the Northern Lights. This activity is two and a half hours in duration.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Husky Safari
Today will surely be a memorable one as you experience a husky safari across the fells. The dogs here love nothing more than to pull a sled and their enthusiasm is a joy to witness. You will travel two people per sled with a team of four to six dogs – it is recommended that adults only drive the sleds, although the guides may allow older teenagers to do so. Younger children will ride in the sled driven by an adult in their party or with the guide. Once the dogs' initial excited barking has abated, they will pull you enthusiastically across the snow and the experience becomes an altogether tranquil one. The peacefulness of the activity will allow you to really appreciate the awe-inspiring wilderness that provides the backdrop to the experience.
The distance travelled will be determined by the conditions on the trail but you will be driving for around one hour with the dogs. This activity last around two hours and you will take lunch back at the hotel.
This afternoon is left free for you to set your own agenda. You may want to book an additional activity (payable locally) or alternatively, you can take advantage of one of the saunas or enjoy a good book and some downtime.
There are no guided Aurora activities planned tonight, however, the skies above Muotka have produced inspiring displays of the Northern Lights and you don't necessarily have to go very far to witness a wonderful show. With any luck, the sky will be filled with a dazzling array of colours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm
Snowmobiles have become essential machines in this corner of the world, keeping remote communities connected and also providing reindeer herders with an easier means of tracking down their dispersed herd. However, for visitors to this area, they are also a thrilling way to see as much of the winter landscape as possible.
After full instruction and a safety briefing, you will head out into the vast wilderness travelling two people per machine. Your destination for the morning is a reindeer farm around 20km away so there will be the chance to swap drivers (providing you both have full driving licences and are over 18) allowing you both to take control of the snowmobile and travel as a passenger, enjoying the scenery. Any children under 14 will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile.
Upon arrival at the reindeer farm, you will be able to chat with the herder and ask them any questions you may have. Reindeer herding has been an inherent part of life in Lapland for many hundreds of years and today you will learn a little about the fascinating history of herding and its importance to the local culture. This activity lasts for around four to five hours and includes a soup lunch, as well as a short reindeer sleigh ride.
You have your final evening at Muotka to spend as you wish, again you can book another activity locally or you can consider upgrading your accommodation for your last night to one of Muotka’s famous glass roofed kotas to hunt the Lights in style. Please see the Accommodation page for further details.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Departure
Today you will bid farewell to Muotka as you are transferred to the airport for your flights home. If you are departing on an early flight, you will be provided with a breakfast box.
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
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
We include more, no hidden costs
Pricing: Adult price is per adult based on 2 adults sharing a standard double/twin room with 1 child. Child price (8-14) based on sharing a standard hotel room with either 1 – 2 adults (or another child)
Please note: if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Dates
| Departure dates between | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mon 23 Dec 2024
to Fri 03 Jan 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2195.00
to £2885.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1725.00
to £2280.00 |
Enquire |
|
Fri 10 Jan 2025
to Fri 31 Jan 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1995.00
to £2290.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1585.00
to £1810.00 |
Enquire |
|
Fri 07 Feb 2025
to Mon 03 Mar 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2095.00
to £2560.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1625.00
to £2035.00 |
Enquire |
|
Mon 10 Mar 2025
to Mon 31 Mar 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1945.00
to £2345.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1495.00
to £1855.00 |
Enquire |
Next season’s dates and prices
Our dates and prices for 2025/26 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. We will advise you of your flight details when they are confirmed. This will normally be around nine months prior to departure.
| Departure dates between | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tue 02 Dec 2025
to Sat 13 Dec 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2505.00
to £2805.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£2005.00
to £2245.00 |
Enquire |
|
Tue 23 Dec 2025
to Sat 03 Jan 2026 |
Adult price (per person):
£2525.00
to £3315.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1985.00
to £2625.00 |
Enquire |
|
Sat 10 Jan 2026
to Sat 31 Jan 2026 |
Adult price (per person):
£2295.00
to £2635.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1825.00
to £2085.00 |
Enquire |
|
Sat 07 Feb 2026
to Tue 03 Mar 2026 |
Adult price (per person):
£2405.00
to £2945.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1865.00
to £2345.00 |
Enquire |
|
Tue 10 Mar 2026
to Tue 31 Mar 2026 |
Adult price (per person):
£2235.00
to £2695.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£1715.00
to £2135.00 |
Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
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.
Specific Payment and Cancellation Terms for Nellim
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Prior to 24.09 - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 25.09 up until departure date - 100%
For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply:
- 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 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%
- 14 or less days - 100%
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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