Northern Lights in the Arctic

Arrive in Tromsø and transfer across the border into Finnish Lapland, travelling through increasingly remote landscapes to Kilpisjärvi. On arrival, check in to Cahkal Hotel, perched above the surrounding tundra at Finland’s north-western edge.

With just 23 rooms and no televisions, the hotel is designed to draw your attention outward – towards wide Arctic skies, birch forests and distant fells. Settle into your Nordic-cool room before enjoying a three-course dinner at Aika Restaurant, where local ingredients and seasonal flavours define the menu.

Experience three exciting arctic and wilderness activities including a half-day snowmobile adventure, exploring the fishing nets, a visit to a local reindeer farm OR a night adventure by snowshoes.

Snowmobile adventure
Would you like to experience Lapland’s most spectacular mountain scenery while driving a snowmobile in the tundra wilderness? Before the tour starts the guide will instruct you how to operate the snowmobile. The tour will introduce you to the sights around Kilpisjärvi village and the surrounding wilderness.

Exploring the fishing nets
Fishing by nets has been the traditional way to feed families in Kilpisjärvi village. On this adventure, you join a local guide to check his fishing nets. First enjoy a sightseeing tour through the surrounding wilderness on a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. After arriving at the fishing spot, we check the nets and enjoy a tasty lunch. If we are lucky and catch a fish it can be taken back to the hotel and prepared for dinner.

Visit a local reindeer farm OR a night adventure by snowshoes
The reindeer farm is located next to Cahkal Hotel. We take a walk to the farm where we meet the local reindeer herder who tells us about reindeer herding, a traditional local livelihood. We will also get to feed the reindeer and take photos with these beautiful arctic animals. For a finishing touch enjoy a short reindeer ride together with the reindeer herder.

Night adventure by snowshoes
Kilpisjärvi village and the surrounding area is one of the best places to see the magnificent northern lights when the sky is clear! Kilpisjärvi is on the border of a maritime and continental climate which often ensures clear skies. This adventure takes you through the snowy forests where you can enjoy a hot beverage and snacks in magical surroundings.

After spending the day outside it’s perfect time to enjoy the Sauna Experience, relax in the steam. The large window of the steam room lets you admire the astonishing Saana mountain. Cool off on the terrace and enjoy the view while listening to the calming sound of the Cahkal River.

A 3-course dinner will be serves at the accommodation restaurant, Aika.

After breakfast, enjoy a slow final morning at Cahkal. Sip coffee while watching daylight move across the tundra, or take a short walk along the river before transferring back to Tromsø, where the rhythm of Arctic city life provides a gentle contrast to the stillness of Lapland.

After breakfast, you are met by our private guide at your hotel and brought outdoors on a historical and cultural city walk through Tromsø city. During this walk you visit the Polar Museum with your guide. This museum contains the history of the Arctic explorers Amundsen, Nansen and Scott. The walk ends at the Polaria aquarium and environmental centre.

The rest of the day is free to wander around in this Arctic capital - if it is a bit fresh outside, explore the lovely cafes & galleries.

In the evening, Step aboard Stella Oceana, a custom built 32-meter luxury yacht, designed to host small groups of up to 12 guests. Settle into an evening of indulgence with a private hot tub experience and a traditional local dinner. You can enjoy the scenery outside while relaxing under cozy blankets with a warm drink. Cruise out to the best place to see the lights depending on the weather. Your guides will share local stories and answer any questions you have about the aurora borealis or Northern Norway.

After breakfast, transfer either into town or to the Tromsø Airport.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Tromsø.