Wilderness adventure is second nature at this remote corner of wintry paradise in Finnish Lapland. Surrounded by three national parks, the area of Ruka is a secret getaway appealing to those seeking a complete winter experience. The trees are laden with fresh snow and the fells and forests surround frozen lakes in the untouched landscape, for a truly magical winter adventure.
This five night break features glass cabin accommodation at Iisakki Village, a small resort with 10 glass suites and other accommodation, within touching distance of Finland’s wild beauty and winter adventures – combining time on the ski slopes, thrilling activities and a night time treat with appearances of the Northern Lights.
From £2,028 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people sharing a Glass Igloo at Iisakki village for 5 nights on a half board basis, return transfers from/to Kuusamo Airport and excursions as described.
This roughly converts to 2,413 EUR | 2,616 USD
Departure Days: This trip operates from Mid-December through to March. The package is flexible and can be tailor-made to your personal requirements.
Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rukajarvi, surrounded by peaceful forests, lies Iisakki village, where the Northern lights and midnight sun shine in equal measure. This small holiday resort welcomes you with open arms, whether you are visiting for adrenaline fuelled winter adventures or a relaxing stay filled with stops in the sauna, hot tub and dips in the lake (even in winter). Enjoy delicious dinners or special Lappish themed meals in the restaurant. During the winter the local ski bus runs from/to the resort and many activities can start on-site. Mountain bikes (Summer and Autumn) and kick sleds (winter) are available free to use.
Today, your first adventure awaits - taking you to a nearby husky farm, where you’ll join an exciting husky safari. Enjoy getting to know each of the dogs on your team, as they eagerly await their run out on the trails. After an introduction and information on how to drive the dog-sled, you’ll drive in pairs, one mushing the team and one as a passenger, swapping on route as you glide through the forests on this unforgettable journey. After the safari, you’ll share a snack and hot drinks at the farm before heading back to your villa.
In the late afternoon, you’ll immerse yourself in the local Sauna tradition at Iisakki’s authentic lakeside wood-fired sauna before experiencing a wild food dinner. Your guide will bring to life the story of the Finnish sauna and its place in Finnish culture and join you in heating up the coals and teaching you about Finnish sauna traditions. Everyone wears bathing suits during this experience, so it’s suitable for everyone. Outside there’s a hot tub and an ice hole for hot and cold water immersion, depending on how brave you are feeling! During the sauna berry juice and sauna snacks are served.After the relaxing sauna experience, enjoy a traditional Lappish Wild Food dinner with local delicacies, served in the atmospheric ‘Bear’s Cave’ forest restaurant, hidden underground in the woods. The meal starts with a welcome drink at the ice bar. On the menu, you’ll find fish from the local lakes, Lappish style reindeer and berries from the forests. After dinner, don’t forget to look out for the Northern Lights as you make your way back to your glass villa.
Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rukajarvi, surrounded by peaceful forests, lies Iisakki village, where the Northern lights and midnight sun shine in equal measure. This small holiday resort welcomes you with open arms, whether you are visiting for adrenaline fuelled winter adventures or a relaxing stay filled with stops in the sauna, hot tub and dips in the lake (even in winter). Enjoy delicious dinners or special Lappish themed meals in the restaurant. During the winter the local ski bus runs from/to the resort and many activities can start on-site. Mountain bikes (Summer and Autumn) and kick sleds (winter) are available free to use.
Today you have the chance to hit the slopes at Ruka Ski Resort, the largest in Finland. There is a ski shuttle bus taking you from the village to the resort, at a small charge. There are ski rental shops where you can purchase the ski and lift passes, as well as equipment and clothing if required. This gives you the opportunity to ski as much or as little as you wish, perhaps taking some time to explore the resort itself.
After time on the slopes, head back to the village to relax in the afternoon and later enjoy dinner in the restaurant. Afterwards, you’ll head outdoors at night in search of the magical Northern Lights by snowshoe. Enjoy the silence amongst the trees as you tread through the deep snow and make stops to admire the fell scenery and nature. You’ll follow the old reindeer route, looking out for clear skies with bright stars and with any luck, signs of the Aurora Borealis. During the trip, take a break as you sip a hot drink with your guide who will share stories of the Northern Lights and arctic nature with you.
Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rukajarvi, surrounded by peaceful forests, lies Iisakki village, where the Northern lights and midnight sun shine in equal measure. This small holiday resort welcomes you with open arms, whether you are visiting for adrenaline fuelled winter adventures or a relaxing stay filled with stops in the sauna, hot tub and dips in the lake (even in winter). Enjoy delicious dinners or special Lappish themed meals in the restaurant. During the winter the local ski bus runs from/to the resort and many activities can start on-site. Mountain bikes (Summer and Autumn) and kick sleds (winter) are available free to use.
After a hearty Lappish breakfast, you will join a guided snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm, transporting you through beautiful Taiga forests and over ice-covered lakes, where eventually you will come across a traditional reindeer farm. Enjoy the atmosphere of the farm life as you meet the herder and the reindeer before setting off for a slow reindeer ride in the nearby forest. After the sledding experience, you’ll have a chance to feed the reindeer and listen to stories of life in the Arctic whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and sweet treats. Then you’ll drive your snowmobile back to the starting point, the total distance travelled is approximately 40km. Once back at the village, enjoy some free time before your evening meal.
Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rukajarvi, surrounded by peaceful forests, lies Iisakki village, where the Northern lights and midnight sun shine in equal measure. This small holiday resort welcomes you with open arms, whether you are visiting for adrenaline fuelled winter adventures or a relaxing stay filled with stops in the sauna, hot tub and dips in the lake (even in winter). Enjoy delicious dinners or special Lappish themed meals in the restaurant. During the winter the local ski bus runs from/to the resort and many activities can start on-site. Mountain bikes (Summer and Autumn) and kick sleds (winter) are available free to use.
Another free day to enjoy the facilities of the ski resort. Once again, take the ski shuttle bus to the slopes and get kitted out with all the equipment and necessary passes. The resort also boasts a family park, an area for the whole family to enjoy with easy slopes for beginners to practise and a tubing area. Other facilities in the resort include Ice karting, ice climbing and a zip line.
After a full day of winter fun, head back to the village to rest and relax before your last night, enjoying the evening meal at the restaurant and last chance to search for the elusive northern lights.
Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rukajarvi, surrounded by peaceful forests, lies Iisakki village, where the Northern lights and midnight sun shine in equal measure. This small holiday resort welcomes you with open arms, whether you are visiting for adrenaline fuelled winter adventures or a relaxing stay filled with stops in the sauna, hot tub and dips in the lake (even in winter). Enjoy delicious dinners or special Lappish themed meals in the restaurant. During the winter the local ski bus runs from/to the resort and many activities can start on-site. Mountain bikes (Summer and Autumn) and kick sleds (winter) are available free to use.
After breakfast, say your farewells to Ruka and take the transfer back to the airport for your return journey home.
Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rukajarvi, surrounded by peaceful forests, lies Iisakki village, where the Northern lights and midnight sun shine in equal measure. This small holiday resort welcomes you with open arms, whether you are visiting for adrenaline fuelled winter adventures or a relaxing stay filled with stops in the sauna, hot tub and dips in the lake (even in winter). Enjoy delicious dinners or special Lappish themed meals in the restaurant. During the winter the local ski bus runs from/to the resort and many activities can start on-site. Mountain bikes (Summer and Autumn) and kick sleds (winter) are available free to use.
