childcare OPTIONS
Wilderness Hotel Muotka is a lovingly renovated family-run property set in a secluded snow-laden winter wonderland, 15 kilometres from Saariselkä village. Its idyllic location, on the edge of the pristine Urho-Kekkonen National Park, guarantees minimal light pollution and an increased potential for seeing the Northern Lights.
The Lodge radiates an atmosphere of warmth and relaxation from the moment you arrive. The reception building has a restaurant with open fireplace, small lounge and bar and well rated buffet food here.
The Lodge sauna has separate times for men and women, and is also bookable for private use (payable locally). There is also an outdoor fireplace, shelter and Sámi kota hut.
The Lodge owners, Jouko and Mari, and their very friendly staff, have years of expertise in arranging holidays in locations that are specifically designed to provide guests with the best possible opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights.
Included are a full range of daytime arctic activities, including carefully selected husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris.
You can also enjoy these special surroundings by snowshoe or cross-country skis on a network of over 300 kilometres of prepared trails.
In the evenings there are aurora hunts included where Muotka's expert Guides will take you in search of the Northern Lights by minibus, snowmobile or snowmobile-pulled sled.
Christmas Week also includes gingerbread baking, tree decorating and a visit from Santa with a small gift for all the children on Christmas Eve.
New Year Week also includes a bonfire, midnight fireworks and a glass of sparkling wine on New Year's Eve.
There are festive dinners on both dates including Lappish specialties.
ITINERARY
Please note that you will receive your personal itinerary on arrival at Moutka, which may differ from the days and timings in the example below.
Sunday: Arrival & Welcome Orientation
Your representative will meet you at Kittilä Airport and take you to your transfer, ready for the scenic drive to Muotka. Here you will meet your local guides and collect your thermal clothing and Aurora alert buzzer. If you are arriving into Ivalo airport, a transfer will be waiting for you on arrival.
Monday: Cross-Country, Snowshoe & Aurora Hunt
Today, you will enjoy the silence of the forest - first on a 2 hour cross- country skiing trip which includes instruction and a guided trek, and then after lunch, a 3 hour guided snowshoe trip with facts about the local fauna and flora. You will then have complimentary use of both types of equipment for the rest of your stay. In the evening, you’ll go in search of the Northern Lights by car (driven by guide).
Tuesday: Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm
Today, you’ll take a scenic shared snowmobile safari (15 kms each way) to a Sámi reindeer farm. Try lassooing, hear about the reindeer herders’ way of life and enjoy a short sleigh ride. This evening is free to relax and perhaps enjoy a sauna and fireside chat.
Wednesday: Optional activities & Aurora Hunt
A free day at leisure to relax at the lodge or go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing - the lodge adjoins over 300 kms of marked trails. In the evening, you’ll head out in search of the Northern Lights, driving your own shared snowmobile.
Thursday: Husky Farm Visit & Safari
A memorable husky farm visit, including a thrilling 2 hour safari, sharing the driving of your own two person husky-sled. This evening is free to relax - take a short walk or snowshoe for a view of the night sky.
Friday: Optional activities & Aurora Hunt
A free day at leisure. Practice your cross-country skiing, go out on your snowshoes or just take time to relax. After dinner, you’ll visit Muotka’s Aurora Camp by snowmobile-pulled sled to look for the Northern Lights.
Saturday: Optional Aurora Cabin Overnight
Enjoy another day of winter activities with an optional excursion (pay locally), or enjoy a warming sauna. Then, for your last night, choose to either stay another night at the lodge or upgrade to spend a memorable night in a semi-glass roof Aurora Cabin. Guests can pre-book at a special price from just £99 per person (exact night subject to change).
Sunday: Scenic transfer & flight home
Depart after breakfast for your flight back to the UK.
ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
Wilderness Rooms (A3) sleep 1-3 people and is located in the main reception building or in a separate building just a few steps away. All are tastefully decorated in a cosy Nordic style and have shower, WC and hairdryer. Beds can be made up as either a double or twins. Maximum 2 adults and 1 child
Superior Sauna Suites (B4) sleep 2-4 people and have their own building. Spacious pine-clad one room suites with double bed, private sauna, shower, WC and lounge area. Suites can accommodate 2 extra beds for children
Panorama Log Cabins (C4) sleep 2-4 people in highly recommended spacious detached log cabins with double bed, private sauna, shower, WC, fireplace, lounge area and panoramic windows. Cabins can accommodate 2 extra beds for children
Riverside Log Cabins (D4) sleep 4-5 people. These brand new cabins have prime location overlooking the river. These luxurious and spacious cabins are perfect for a bigger group. The first floor has a living and dining room double bedroom and bathroom with a sauna. Then the loft area has 3 single beds and a toilet. This room type is on request only.
Aurora Cabins sleep 2-4 people in one-room cabins. In a quiet location away from the main buildings these amazing one room cabins can be pre-booked for one night during your stay. All have large panoramic north-facing semi-glass roofs with views of the night sky from your bed, private sauna, shower, WC, fridge, hairdryer, coffee/tea-maker. Some have a sofa which converts to 2 single child beds
Special Aurora Cabin upgrade overnight: £99 per adult + £69 per child
