Lots of Fun in Lapland!
We stayed in a cabin at the Davii Arctic Lodge which is a simple hotel, set on a hillside with a beautifully designed restaurant in the shape of a Sami reindeer corral. Here, you could enjoy your freshly prepared buffet meals with panoramic views toward the Swedish border. The main hotel has 25 rooms split over 2 levels, all basic but well furnished with en suite, tea and coffee and access to the hotel’s sauna. Just a short walk away are the timber built semi-detached cabins which was our choice. Slightly bigger rooms, with a heated boot room and your own sauna and ensuite shower, some with 2 & 3 bedrooms.
Upon arrival you have a welcome meeting and split into 2 groups and stay within those groups for the duration. This is for meal times and activities and ensures there is no confusion along the way. We were kitted out with our thermal suits and boots and ready to face the elements! After dinner, we decided to have a wander up the hill to a fabulous viewpoint with a clearing which was the best place to view the Northern Lights. Nothing on our first night… but you can register your number with reception and they will alert you to any Aurora manifestation.
Day 1, the Reindeer Camp in the morning and then some free time before our Snowmobile Safari in the evening. The minibuses collect your group and take you about a half an hour away to meet the reindeer at the herding corral and get a chance for a sleigh ride across a vast frozen lake which was incredible - so beautiful and quiet – just the clip clop of hooves and stunning scenery. Then warm up around an open firepit in a traditional Sami kota. Back to the hotel for lunch, then we wandered down to the local shops for a bit of souvenir hunting. Nordic countries are expensive for food and drink, so it was nice to find the local store that sold beer and wine to consume in your room before dinner. It was a very good spread each evening, always buffet and plenty to choose from with soup/salad starters, choice of 3 main courses and hot/cold pudding each day. If you mention to the chef any dietary requirements, he will look after you. Inside the hotel is toasty so all you need is a lightweight top and jeans – leave your thermal suits at the door!
At 7pm we met at the Snowmobile area for our bike training before we were off through the forest tracks, over the frozen lake, into Sweden (!) and then up to a high vantage point in the wilderness where we saw the faint lines of the Aurora forming. My husband drove whilst I took photos on the back of the snow mobile - quite precarious at 30 mph on the bumpy track in the freezing cold! It was exhilarating, incredible and we were buzzing!! Back at the hotel we walked again up the hill and were rewarded with a fantastic display of swirling, dancing, spinning green Aurora which enveloped us in its awe inspiring majesty, illuminating the Arctic skies. I had been fortunate enough to see the lights before, but my husband had not – and it was quite emotional.
On Tuesday morning we had an introduction to Snowshoe – you get this included on the 4 nights stay only. I wasn’t quite sure if I would be fit enough, but I loved it! What made the trek was our fantastic guide, who answered questions about the terrain, wildlife and weather. We trekked into the forest via the well-worn paths above the hotel. For those that wanted, the thigh-deep snow between the trees proved to be a challenge with snow shoes and I was out of breath from laughing with the rest of the group - far more fun than I was expecting! That afternoon we decided to walk to Sweden….! Down the hill, across the bridge and you enter a different time zone – 1 hour behind – so keep an eye on the clock if you have an evening excursion! The small village has a Tourist Centre, a shop selling souvenirs and stunning church which is famous for being in the Coca Cola advert.
We were very much looking forward to our final day which was the Call of the Wild Husky Trek. The noise of the excited barking broke the silence of the morning and after a quick show round of the sled, we were paired up with our teams. The huskies’ excitement is infectious, and they’re raring to go at your command. Driving the sled is simple, although make sure you know where the brake pedal is!! It is a two man sled, so we took turns to mush. It was another incredible experience and one which I will never forget! Once the dogs started running the only thing you could hear was panting as they contentedly galloped through the narrow paths in the snow. We went in formation, following a lead guide through the beautiful wilderness until eventually we arrived onto a huge frozen lake. Absolutely amazing! All the dogs were happy, well fed and looked after – this was obvious.
If we had no evening excursion after dinner, it was great to sit by the fire enjoying a late-night drink in the lounge area and getting to know our fellow adventurers! The staff were all so friendly, warm and helpful, genuinely interested in making sure you had a great time.
For the darkest skies, try to book between January to March which is a popular time for aurora spotting, because of the very long and extremely dark nights. If you are lucky, the Aurora could last for an entire night or just for ten minutes if you are less fortunate. Having said that, just ten minutes of this extraordinary natural phenomenon is enough to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Included in your overall price are flights, transfers, Full Board accommodation, the main activities and loan of a thermal suit and boots. You can add on additional activities such as Ice-Fishing, a night in an igloo or a glass cabin on a reindeer reserve, a visit to the Ice Hotel or cross-country skiing.
Please drop me a message for more information.