Muotka Wilderness Adventure

Overview

Located deep in the tranquil taiga forests of Finland’s eastern Saariselka fells and Urho Kekkonen National Park, Muotka Wilderness Lodge is a magnificent place for a winter break. The picturesque surroundings provide the backdrop for a range of activities including snowmobiling, husky sledding and snowshoeing. Enjoy evenings spent beside a roaring log fire before seeking out the magical northern lights in the skies overhead.

Set within the vast fell area of Saariselka, 300km north of the Arctic Circle, Muotka Wilderness Lodge is just a 35-minute transfer from Ivalo airport. The location of the lodge was carefully chosen for the beauty of the surrounding taiga forest, as well as the proximity to the river and the winter ski trails.

Well away from artificial light, Muotka is ideally located for viewing the northern lights and offers a genuine winter experience. With a wide range of inclusive activities including snowmobiling, meet the local reindeer herders and try reindeer sledging, or mush a team of huskies through the snowy forest. You can also try your hand at snowshoeing or cross country skiing and join a hunt for the northern lights.

Evenings can be spent in the cosy lodge where a crackling fire and Finnish sauna allow visitors the chance to relax. The more adventurous may even choose to take a winter plunge in the nearby river!

Travelling in December – Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year are a very magical time here in the Arctic, beautiful festive lights sparkling in the snow, decorations and tasty traditional food and cakes. On Christmas Eve, the much awaited Santa will bring a small present for everyone. Toast the New Year with sparkling wine before gathering outside for bonfire and fireworks to welcome the new year!

Highlights

Stay in remote location ideal for northern lights viewing
Highlights

Experience thrilling winter activities
Highlights

Stay in a beautiful wilderness location
Highlights

Choose to spend the night in an Aurora Cabin
Highlights

Enjoy a traditional sauna

Itineraries

Spend time relaxing in the spectacular surrounds of Muotka with two full days for adventure.
Included Activities: Reindeer Day by Snowmobile; Husky Safari; Aurora Camp and Aurora Snowshoeing

4 night adventure with activites and an opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Included Activities: Snowshoeing Adventure; Cross Country Skiing; Husky Safari and Aurora Snowshoeing

Enjoy an extra day for adventure as well as plenty of time to relax.
Included Activities: Reindeer Day by Snowmobile; Husky Safari; Gentle Snowshoeing; Cross Country Skiing; Aurora Camp and Aurora Snowmobiling

Immerse yourself in the spectacular wilderness surrounding Muotka on this extended break packed full of adventure.
Included Activities: Snowmobile Adventure; Reindeer Day by Snowmobile; Husky Safari; Gentle Snowshoeing; Aurora Camp and Aurora Snowshoeing

Spend one week in the wilderness with plenty of activities and time to relax in the snowy surrounds.
Included Activities: Snowmobile Adventure; Reindeer Day Snowmobiling; Husky Safari; Snowshoeing Adventure; Aurora Camp; Aurora Hunt by Car and Aurora Snowshoeing

Choose your preferred duration, accommodation and selection of optional activities from husky safaris to snowmobiling, snowshoeing to ice-fishing to completely customise your experience. We will then provide a quote accordingly.

Muotka experiences

Activities are subject to package selected. The order of the activities will be confirmed locally and each activity will be included once during your stay according to the itinerary. For the bespoke holidays, speak to our team about which experiences you’d like to include.

Aurora Snowmobile

Head off on a snowmobiling adventure into the wilderness in search of the elusive northern lights. Following safety instructions and a lesson in driving the snowmobile it’s time to take to head out where the chances of seeing the aurora are the best.

Around 2.5 hours
Reindeer Day by Snowmobile

Head to a nearby farm to meet the reindeer and learn more about the life of a herder. You'll get the chance to feed the reindeer before heading back to the hotel by snowmobile.

Around 4 hours
Aurora Snowshoe

Snowshoeing on the frozen lake during night time is an adventure of its own. You wander on the lake and surrounding wilderness heading for the camp, where you sit back with hot drinks while gazing at the sky, waiting for the aurora to appear.
Husky Safari

Visit a husky farm where you will meet huskies before heading out on your husky sledging journey. You will be given full instruction on how to handle the team before heading onto the trail. Two per sled taking turns driving. Time on sled is around one hour.

Around 3 hours
Snowmobile Adventure

Take a thrilling snowmobile safari in the wilderness around Muotka Wilderness Lodge. Warm up with lunch and drinks before heading back.

Around 4 hours
Snowshoeing

Enjoy a snowshoe walk in the winter wonderland. Your guide will give you advice on how to master the knack of snowshoeing before setting off on the gentle trails.

Variable duration
Aurora Camp

Gaze at the night sky on the sled journey to the camp, which is in a remote location far from light pollution. Warm up with a hot drink and an open fire and hopefully the aurora will dance across the sky.

Around 2.5 hours
Cross Country Skiing

The traditional Nordic winter sport is definitely something you have to try on your trip. After instruction from the guide follow a scenic route stopping for photos and warm drinks on the way.

Around 2 hours
Aurora Hunt by Car

Your expert guide will drive you in a warm vehicle to the areas with the best potential for seeing the aurora that evening. Hot drinks will be provided to keep the cold away whilst gazing skyward.

Around 3 hours