Nellim - A Wildreness Christmas - Snowmobiling Trip

Accommodation

The Hotel
To get to the Nellim Wilderness Hotel you have to fly to Ivalo, Finland’s most northerly airport. One of the great attractions of the hotel is that it lies well away from any of Finland’s main tourist centres. This far north of the Arctic Circle there is also a very good chance that you will see spectacular displays from the Northern Lights.

Built in traditional Finnish style and beautifully situated near the shores of Lake Inari (the deepest lake in Finland) the hotel is run by a local family who retain a deep sense of tradition and local culture.

As a consequence, Nellim offers an authentic Lappish experience and the opportunity to get to know the Lapp people in their native surroundings.

The Bedrooms
This small family run hotel has just 9 double, 3 single and a few larger bedrooms and apartments suitable for families with younger children. All the rooms are cosy, clean, comfortable and warm with an en-suite shower room and WC.

The Facilities
All the food in the restaurant is home-cooked. As far as is possible in such a far-flung corner of Lapland, the produce is sourced from local suppliers including meat from the reindeer farms and fish from the surrounding lakes. The menu offers traditional Lappish cuisine as well as international dishes and there is also a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available.

The hotel also has two saunas, the perfect way to unwind before or after dinner.

Lying in the heart of “real” Lapland, access to all the activities is excellent. They are provided by genuine Lapps who run the reindeer, snowmobile and husky services. Their knowledge of the activities, the local culture and traditions is probably unsurpassed making your excursions all the more fascinating.

As with much of Lapland, nightlife is not high on the agenda. However, after an active day out in the winter cold, it is lovely to relax in a sauna before settling down with a drink and a good book. You will soon find your eyelids drooping as you fall into a peaceful slumber. A just reward for an adventurous and fulfilling day.

Itineraries

Flights, Arrival, Transfers and Introduction


On arrival at Ivalo you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel. A welcome meeting is followed by dinner.

Snow Games!


The perfect introduction to your snowy surroundings.
In teams you will partake in a range of fun-filled, Lappish activities including ice fishing, fire building, ice sculpting, snowshoe racing, tobogganing and of course reindeer lassoing – hilarious fun for absolutely everyone!

Nellim Village, Sami culture and activities


Nellim has a very strong sense of tradition. This morning you will meet local Sami people and hear fascinating stories about their lives, past and present. You visit a magical wooden church and the Russian border.
This afternoon you will be taught how to cross-country ski and explore the area on snowshoes.

Reindeer Farm and Santa


After breakfast you will visit a reindeer farm where the children are in for a big surprise as some of Santa’s elves arrive to check that the animals are ready for the big day. You will take the reins for a short reindeer pulled sleigh ride before returning to the hotel for lunch.

After lunch an elf will lead you into the forest to collect a Christmas tree. Back at the hotel the children can help the elves decorate the tree and make gingerbread and handicrafts before a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner.

There is still one more surprise to come. After dinner watch the children’s faces light up as Santa Claus arrives to chat with each and every one of them. All the children will get the opportunity to discuss their Christmas wishes with the great man and receive a small gift.

Snowmobiles and Toboggans


This morning you will be given full instructions and a safety briefing before heading off on your snowmobiles along the snowy forest trails. Warm drinks and sandwiches will be served by an open fire.

Later this afternoon, everybody will become a child again
as you take to the slopes for some good old sledging.

Husky Safari


Just about everybody who travels to Lapland wants
to drive a team of huskies and today you get your chance. We will drive to a husky farm where you will meet the dogs before setting out on a 10 to 20km safari depending on local conditions - simply unforgettable!

This evening, as a special farewell, you will ride in snowmobile-pulled sleighs through the dark forest to a traditional Finnish Kota (teepee) or a wilderness cabin for your last dinner here in Lapland.

Departure, Transfers and Flights