{"id":83285,"date":"2019-12-02T16:18:27","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T16:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/?post_type=trip&p=83285"},"modified":"2023-08-03T15:06:05","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T14:06:05","slug":"winter-finland-small-group-tour-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/winter-finland-small-group-tour-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Finland: Northern Lights & Snowmobile Thrills"},"content":{"rendered":"

Navigate the wilderness on a snowmobile safari, learn to mush a team of energetic huskies and experience life as a S\u00e1mi reindeer herder<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":121919,"menu_order":314,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"FI2","duration":4,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_Thumb-1000x620.jpg","continent":"Europe","country":"Finland","countries":["Finland"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a32040","max":"\u00a32380"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac2365","max":"\u20ac2770"},"usd":{"min":"$2535","max":"$2975"},"cad":{"min":"$3335","max":"$3910"},"aud":{"min":"$3745","max":"$4380"},"nzd":{"min":"$4350","max":"$5060"},"hkd":{"min":"$18850","max":"$22245"},"aed":{"min":"DH8810","max":"DH10410"}},"about":"

Huskies, snowmobiles and the Northern Lights, all in less than a week? Welcome to your perfect winter magic escape in Finland.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over five action-packed days, you\u2019ll live out your Arctic fantasies: mushing a team of huskies through the frozen forests, chasing across the wilderness on a thrilling snowmobile safari (a must for adrenaline junkies) and huddling around the campfire at an Aurora Camp in search of the Northern Lights.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll learn about S\u00e1mi culture, visiting a local reindeer farm armed with pockets of lichen (their favourite food), and prepare tasty Lappish cuisine at an outdoor woodland cooking class. All before retreating to your boutique wilderness lodge to warm up in the wood-fired sauna or build snowmen to your heart\u2019s content.<\/p>\n","highlights":{"Take the reins of an energetic team of huskies and learn to drive your own dog sled through the snowy forest trails":"Take the reins of an energetic team of huskies and learn to drive your own dog sled through the snowy forest trails","Spend an evening at an exclusive Aurora Camp, searching for the Northern Lights and sharing stories around the campfire":"Spend an evening at an exclusive Aurora Camp, searching for the Northern Lights and sharing stories around the campfire","Experience life as a S\u00e1mi reindeer herder, learning how to tame, harness and lasso reindeer in the wild, before feeding them their favourite treat: lichen":"Experience life as a S\u00e1mi reindeer herder, learning how to tame, harness and lasso reindeer in the wild, before feeding them their favourite treat: lichen","Get a taste for the wild in an outdoor cooking class, where you\u2019ll find out how to fish, forage and prepare a Lappish woodland dinner":"Get a taste for the wild in an outdoor cooking class, where you\u2019ll find out how to fish, forage and prepare a Lappish woodland dinner","Snowmobile across frozen lakes and rivers on a wilderness safari, travelling through beautiful winter landscapes into pristine nature":"Snowmobile across frozen lakes and rivers on a wilderness safari, travelling through beautiful winter landscapes into pristine nature","Enjoy a five-course dinner at an award-winning restaurant with a menu inspired by ancient Arctic recipes":"Enjoy a five-course dinner at an award-winning restaurant with a menu inspired by ancient Arctic recipes","Wilderness Hotel Juutua, Inari":"Wilderness Hotel Juutua, Inari"},"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":11528,"name":"Escape The Crowds","slug":"escape-the-crowds","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11528,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Volcanic islands, black deserts, remote oases\u2026 Sometimes, you just need to get as far away as possible and escape the crowds. If that\u2019s the case, let us take you on an off-grid adventure.","parent":0,"count":32,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8458,"name":"Winter Escapes","slug":"winter-escapes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8458,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Discover our vast collection of winter departures, perfect for the snow-lover and sun-seeker alike. Balinese beaches, island hopping in the Philippines, Iceland's northern lights and so much more awaits.","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["winter"],"scenery":["snow"],"activities":["cooking_class","hiking","local_culture","tasting","wildlife","winter_sports"],"activity_level":["moderate"],"key_locations":"Finland, Inari","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Ivalo Airport (IVL) | welcome dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Welcome to Lapland","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Nothing can quite prepare you for your touchdown in Lapland. Through the cabin window you\u2019ll spy a vast frozen landscape of snow-laden fir trees as far as the eye can see. A private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your cozy boutique lodge in the tiny village of Inari. Here, on the fringes of one of Finland\u2019s largest lakes, you\u2019ll meet your group and Pack Leader and \u2018break the ice’ over welcome drinks and a traditional Lappish dinner. Your Arctic adventure has begun.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Welcome to Lapland","text":"

Nothing can quite prepare you for your touchdown in Lapland. Through the cabin window you\u2019ll spy a vast frozen landscape of snow-laden fir trees as far as the eye can see. A private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your cozy boutique lodge in the tiny village of Inari. Here, on the fringes of one of Finland\u2019s largest lakes, you\u2019ll meet your group and Pack Leader and \u2018break the ice’ over welcome drinks and a traditional Lappish dinner. Your Arctic adventure has begun.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Ivalo Airport (IVL) | welcome dinner","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_ItineraryDay11.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Reindeer herding | Snowmobile safari | Snowshoe aurora hunting","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Snowmobile safari thrills","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning, you\u2019ll experience life with a local reindeer herder, seeking out the vast herds as they wander freely in the wild. You\u2019ll discover how the reindeer are traditionally tended to by the S\u00e1mi \u2013 Europe\u2019s only recognised indigenous people \u2013 with a chance to feed lichen to these hardy Arctic creatures. Next up: a guided snowmobile safari. Taking it in turns to drive and ride pillion, you\u2019ll zoom through snowy pine forests and across frozen lakes \u2013 big smiles guaranteed as you bump across the icy landscape. Then, as night falls, you\u2019ll wrap up warm and don a pair of snowshoes for a foray into the forests across the deep, crunchy snow. With inky dark skies and virtually zero light pollution, Inari is one of the best places in the world for aurora spotting. Keep your fingers crossed for a clear, cloudless night.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Snowmobile safari thrills","text":"

This morning, you\u2019ll experience life with a local reindeer herder, seeking out the vast herds as they wander freely in the wild. You\u2019ll discover how the reindeer are traditionally tended to by the S\u00e1mi \u2013 Europe\u2019s only recognised indigenous people \u2013 with a chance to feed lichen to these hardy Arctic creatures. Next up: a guided snowmobile safari. Taking it in turns to drive and ride pillion, you\u2019ll zoom through snowy pine forests and across frozen lakes \u2013 big smiles guaranteed as you bump across the icy landscape. Then, as night falls, you\u2019ll wrap up warm and don a pair of snowshoes for a foray into the forests across the deep, crunchy snow. With inky dark skies and virtually zero light pollution, Inari is one of the best places in the world for aurora spotting. Keep your fingers crossed for a clear, cloudless night.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Reindeer herding | Snowmobile safari | Snowshoe aurora hunting","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_ItineraryDay2.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Husky experience | Aurora camp","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Huskies & the northern lights","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Ever wanted to mush your very own team of huskies? Today, you\u2019ll have your chance. Starting with a lesson on how to handle your sled, the excitement of the dogs soon turns to serene silence as they tap into their ancient instincts and do what they love best: running through the snow. After a free afternoon to relax and explore Inari \u2013 perhaps visiting the excellent Siida S\u00e1mi Museum and Nature Centre \u2013 there\u2019s one more adventure in store as night falls. Comfortably seated in a snowmobile sleigh, you\u2019ll travel to an exclusive Aurora Camp. Gathered around a blazing campfire, you\u2019ll enjoy hot drinks, toast marshmallows and enjoy another chance to spot the elusive Northern Lights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Huskies & the northern lights","text":"

Ever wanted to mush your very own team of huskies? Today, you\u2019ll have your chance. Starting with a lesson on how to handle your sled, the excitement of the dogs soon turns to serene silence as they tap into their ancient instincts and do what they love best: running through the snow. After a free afternoon to relax and explore Inari \u2013 perhaps visiting the excellent Siida S\u00e1mi Museum and Nature Centre \u2013 there\u2019s one more adventure in store as night falls. Comfortably seated in a snowmobile sleigh, you\u2019ll travel to an exclusive Aurora Camp. Gathered around a blazing campfire, you\u2019ll enjoy hot drinks, toast marshmallows and enjoy another chance to spot the elusive Northern Lights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","snapshot":"Husky experience | Aurora camp","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_ItineraryDay4.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Outdoor cooking class | Riverside sauna | Five-course final meal","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Campfire cooking & sauna","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today is all about the food. First, you\u2019ll turn your hand to an ancient Arctic skill: fishing. Your guide will show you how to catch, prepare and cook your dinner over an open fire, with local ingredients such as cloudberries and mushrooms. Next, it\u2019s time to enjoy a soak in the nearby riverside sauna and jacuzzi, before ending your final day with a gourmet five-course meal at Restaurant Aanaar \u2013 one of Finland\u2019s best. Raising a toast with your Flash Pack group to your fun-filled adventure, make the most of your last few hours together, and don\u2019t forget to look to the skies for another chance of seeing the Northern Lights.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Campfire cooking & sauna","text":"

Today is all about the food. First, you\u2019ll turn your hand to an ancient Arctic skill: fishing. Your guide will show you how to catch, prepare and cook your dinner over an open fire, with local ingredients such as cloudberries and mushrooms. Next, it\u2019s time to enjoy a soak in the nearby riverside sauna and jacuzzi, before ending your final day with a gourmet five-course meal at Restaurant Aanaar \u2013 one of Finland\u2019s best. Raising a toast with your Flash Pack group to your fun-filled adventure, make the most of your last few hours together, and don\u2019t forget to look to the skies for another chance of seeing the Northern Lights.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Outdoor cooking class | Riverside sauna | Five-course final meal","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_ItineraryDay4CookingClass.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Ivalo Airport (IVL) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Farewell, Finland ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

All too soon, your time in Finnish Lapland has come to an end and it\u2019s time to make your way to the airport for your departure flight. Over the last five days, you\u2019ve been fully immersed in the Arctic wilderness and made memories to last a lifetime. The best way to fend off those post-trip blues? Start planning your next adventure. How about Iceland<\/a> for glacier hiking and blue lagoons? Our trip experts are ready and waiting for your call.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Farewell, Finland ","text":"

All too soon, your time in Finnish Lapland has come to an end and it\u2019s time to make your way to the airport for your departure flight. Over the last five days, you\u2019ve been fully immersed in the Arctic wilderness and made memories to last a lifetime. The best way to fend off those post-trip blues? Start planning your next adventure. How about Iceland<\/a> for glacier hiking and blue lagoons? Our trip experts are ready and waiting for your call.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Ivalo Airport (IVL) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_ItineraryDay5.jpg"],"day":5}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_USPHuskies.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_USPNorthernLights.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_USPReindeer1-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_USPOutdoorCooking-2.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_USPSnowmobile.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_USPFiveCourseMeal3-3.jpeg"],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","t","b","p","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[{"source":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Finland.mp4","codec":"mp4"}],"faqs":[{"question":" Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into and out of Ivalo Airport (IVL).\u00a0Finding flights for this northwards voyage to the Arctic Circle can be a challenge. Please let us know if you are struggling \u2013 we\u2019ll do our very best to help.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?","answer":"Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 7 pm onwards at the hotel, which is located approximately 45 minutes from Ivalo Airport.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day?","answer":"Check-out time is before 12 pm but you can leave any time that suits you.\n"},{"question":"Are airport transfers included?","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.\nArrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.\nDeparture transfers are also included in the cost of this trip.\n"},{"question":" Do I need a visa?","answer":"You do not normally need a visa if you\u2019re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada.\u00a0Please check with your local consulate\/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit the Finland government website:\u00a0https:\/\/um.fi\/visa-requirement-and-travel-documents-accepted-by-finland.\nFrom 2024, ETIAS travel authorisation will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to European countries\u00a0https:\/\/travel-europe.europa.eu\/etias\/what-etias_en.\nWe recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.\n"},{"question":" What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Finland?","answer":"Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travellers to comply with pre-arrival testing and\/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our\u00a0Safety\u00a0page.\n"},{"question":" Will I see the Northern Lights?","answer":"The Northern Lights are best viewed on clear nights between late August and early April.\nPlease be aware that the Northern Lights are weather-dependent and not guaranteed to appear on every trip.\n"},{"question":"How much should I budget per day for extras?","answer":"This trip is nearly fully inclusive so you won\u2019t need much. Activity guide tips are included in the cost \u2013 but you\u2019ll need to allow for any drinks at the hotel. As a guide, a beer costs 6.5 EUR and a bottle of wine is from 42 EUR upwards.\n"},{"question":"What fitness levels do I need for this trip?","answer":"This adventure is fast-paced and it will challenge you during the ski trek especially. However, no specific level of fitness is required, we just want to ensure you are happy partaking in the activities like snowmobiling, husky sledding and snowshoeing. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.\n"},{"question":" What equipment do I need?","answer":"On Day 2, we will kit you out with cold weather kit including a thermal snowsuit, boots and gloves, to keep you warm during outdoor activities.\nHowever, it\u2019s best to bring your own winter clothing too as it will be very cold when you exit the airport terminal.\nMake sure you have good boots, thick socks and gloves\/mittens, as well as a winter hat, scarf\/buff and insulated wind-resistant winter jacket and trousers.\u00a0 You\u2019ll also want a long-sleeved thermal base layers and a fleece.\n"},{"question":"Can my special dietary requirements be catered for?","answer":"Food allergies and special diets can of course be catered for on this trip, for example, if you are a vegan you will receive a vegan version of the same menu.\u00a0However extreme allergies like an extreme nut allergy cannot be catered for on this adventure, as all food is prepared in the same kitchen. Please bear this in mind when booking, and reach out to us if you think you will be affected.\n"},{"question":"Can I drive a snowmobile? ","answer":"You need to have a driver\u2019s licence from your home country in order to drive a snowmobile. Otherwise, you can still take part but you\u2019ll need to ride pillion.\nBefore going on the snowmobiling safari, you will be asked to sign a liability form to confirm you consider yourself to be able to take part in the activity. Snowmobiles are expensive machines and the form also explains that in the unlikely event you damage a snowmobile, you will be required to pay for repairs up to a value of 900\u20ac (euros). An insurance policy at a cost of 15\u20ac is available to purchase locally which will decrease your liability for any damage to 150\u20ac. Your activity guide will talk you through everything before the safari to ensure you are comfortable, but if you would like to see a copy of the liability form prior to travel, please do feel free to get in touch with us.\n"},{"question":" Will this itinerary change?","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"},{"question":"What should I pack?","answer":"To keep you warm in the frosty Finnish winter, you\u2019ll be provided with a thermal overcoat, boots and gloves. However, please prepare for extreme weather and bring your own warm and waterproof clothes for day-to-day wear. Temperatures can reach -20C in this region.\nWhat you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Finland, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.\nBaggage\n\nA large backpack or suitcase \u2013 it\u2019s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase\nA day bag \u2013 this needs to be around 20-25 litres to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera\n\nClothing\n\nActivewear \u2013 breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities. Hiking tops are best as they have wicking properties that remove sweat, keeping you dry and warm\nOutdoor trousers that are warm and waterproof\nYou will need a warm and waterproof jacket for general wear in Finland\nFleeces\/jumpers\/a jacket \u2013 substantial, warm layers will be required\nThermal vests\/base layers \u2013 if the weather gets cold, you may want to wear a thermal vest during the day and at night\nScarf\/hat\/gloves\nSwimwear \u2013 you will have the chance to cold-water-swim and use the sauna\nWhat you wear in the evenings is up to you, but you may want some nicer clothes for the evenings\n\nShoes\n\nWaterproof shoes and socks \u2013 you\u2019ll be provided with snow boots during outdoor activities, but warm and waterproof shoes will be useful for everyday wear in Finland\n\nAccessories\n\nDriving license for snowmobile driving\nElectricals and chargers, such as your phone, camera, chargers, etc\nPlug socket adaptors \u2013 the standard plug socket in Finland is type C which has 2 round prongs. This is the same as most of Europe.\nRefillable water bottle \u2013 refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint\nEye mask and earplugs \u2013 if you\u2019re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs\nAny personal medication you require\nPersonal toiletries, including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush, etc\nShampoo and conditioner\nPainkillers\nAnti-bacterial gel\nLip balm with SPF\nMoisturiser\nHigh SPF factor sun cream \u2013 this helps to protect your skin from the cold\n\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"","short_description":"","description":"","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_StayJuutua2-1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Wilderness Hotel Juutua, Inari","short_description":"","description":"Way above the Arctic Circle, surrounded by impossibly dark skies, this sleek Scandi-style hotel makes a cosy base for outdoor activities. Riverside rooms are warm and inviting, with big picture windows looking out onto nature, while the onsite restaurant serves up seasonal Lappish feasts of reindeer, wild berries or fresh Lake Inari fish.\u00a0\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_StayJuutua.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"","short_description":"","description":"","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/FI2_StayJuutua4.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/83285"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}