We are heading to Kuusamo, the gateway to Finnish Lapland.
We will be observing the Northern Lights during this year of peak solar activity.
And we will be doing so from IKK - Isokenkäisten Klubi, a sustainable family hotel to the east of Kuusamo, just 2km from the Russian border.
A location with very dark skies (Bortle 2) and at a time with very long nights and around the New Moon.
Everything is in our favour to catch even the faintest glimmer of the Northern Lights.
Dates
25/01/2025 - 01/02/2025
Including flights, transfers to and from the airport, accommodation in a double room on a full board basis, excursions, winter clothing and a lecture on space weather and geomagnetic storms by a researcher from the University of Oulu.
English will be the official language of the trip.
from €2995/person
(the final price will depend on flights and your customisation options)
Maximum of 16 places available
Saturday
25/01/25
Flight to Kuusamo. Transfer to IKK and dinner.
Sunday
26/01/25
7:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast.
Today, we will receive a very special guest from the University of Oulu. Dr. Lauri Holappa, a postdoctoral researcher in the Astronomy and Space Physics Research Unit, will join us to talk about space weather and solar phenomena such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), high-speed solar wind streams, and their interaction with the Earth's magnetosphere-ionosphere system.
10:00 - A private 2-hour lecture by Dr. Lauri Holappa followed by time for questions and discussion. The lecture and subsequent discussion will be in English (you can leave your Finnish at home :P).
A morning designed to give us a thorough understanding of the Northern Lights phenomenon and the underlying physics.
12:00 - We will continue with an Arctic lunch in the kota. The kota is a type of Lapland tipi that resembles the huts in which the Sami cooked when they still lived as nomads. A space dominated by a central kitchen where the fire is the main feature. A three-course lunch by the fire while learning about local cuisine. A true gastronomic experience!
In the afternoon, you can enjoy the pride of the Kämäräinen family. By the shores of Lake Heikinjärvi, the Seven Stars sauna is a traditional smoke sauna, slowly heated over 6 hours to complete the Finnish experience. For the more adventurous travellers, an ice hole is included for a revitalising dip.
18:00 - Dinner and relaxation.
Monday
27/01/25
7:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast.
10:00 - 2-hour snowshoeing tour around the surroundings of IKK, nestled in the heart of nature.
12:00 - Lunch at IKK.
15:00 - If we have clear skies, we will take a snowmobile-drawn sled excursion to hunt for the Northern Lights, ending with hot drinks and stories by the fire. If not, we will reserve this activity for a more favourable evening and might instead try some ice-fishing.
Tuesday
28/01/25
7:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast.
10:00 - After breakfast, we will travel to the neighbouring village of Vuotunki, where we will spend the morning like true Finns: outdoor activities, baking bread or pastries, traditional stories about the origins of the region, and the cosy atmosphere of Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari.
13:00 - We will finish with a Wild Food lunch before returning to IKK for an afternoon of relaxation, socialising, and free time.
Wednesday
29/01/25
7:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast.
9:00 - Today we will spend the entire day outdoors.
First, we will visit a local reindeer farm, where the farmer will talk to us about life on the farm and you will learn about reindeer husbandry. After a brief "reindeer driving" course, you will get into your sleigh and drive your own reindeer on a 1.5 km route across the farm's grounds.
12:00 - We will transfer to Ruka Ski Resort just before lunch. Ruka is well-known among ski enthusiasts and offers a variety of restaurants to choose from for lunch (not included in the package) and places for shopping.
15:00 - After lunch, it's time to release some adrenaline. Accompanied by a professional snowmobile guide, we will embark on a 2.5-hour tour departing from Ruka Village.
18:30 - Dinner in Ruka.
20:30 - Transfer to IKK.
Thursday
30/01/25
7:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast.
10:00 - Today we’ll take our sleds and head to Kuntivaara. We’ll follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough, climbing the hill surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery. On a clear day, from the summit, we can see the vastness of the forests on both sides of the border with Russia.
12:00 - Return to IKK for lunch.
15:00 - Free afternoon to explore the surroundings of IKK.
18:00 - Dinner and time to chat and bond.
Friday
31/01/25
7:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast.
10:00 - Today we’ll go out with the huskies. After a brief course on the equipment and how to drive the sled, you will meet your huskies who will take you on a 12 km route through forests and frozen lakes. Don’t worry, the guide will lead the group on a snowmobile in case you encounter any issues.
12:00 - Return to IKK for lunch.
15:00 - The last afternoon at IKK. Final opportunity to photograph the landscape, enjoy the Northern Lights, fish in the lake, or take a stroll.
18:00 - To conclude this magnificent trip, what better than a special dinner with starters, four courses, and sparkling wine. After this evening, we will enjoy our last night together reminiscing and reflecting on the most special moments of the trip. And get to bed early, as tomorrow we head back home.
Saturday
01/02/25
7:00 - Breakfast and farewell.
Transfer to the airport - to catch the flight back home and make those who stayed behind very envious.
from €2995
