Star Arctic Northern Lights Discovery

  • Lapland/Finland, Saariselka

  • 4

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Our Star Arctic Northern Lights Discovery packages are a perfect short break for couples and families wanting a holiday surrounded by snowy wilderness, with unique polar activities included. Choose from a 3-night short break (Tuesday to Friday) or a 4-night long weekend (Friday to Tuesday) and enjoy the beauty of untouched Lapland whilst experiencing once-in-a-lifetime excursions. Located in Saariselkä, one of Finland’s Northernmost resorts, you’ll be in a prime location for spotting the Northern Lights! Available in January and February 2025 - get ready to experience winter like never before!

What’s included in our Star Arctic short break?

  • Return flights & transfers from London Gatwick to Ivalo
  • 3 or 4 nights accommodation at the Star Arctic Hotel
  • Full board meals
  • Winter outdoor thermal clothing and boots
  • Four arctic excursions included:
    • Husky sleigh ride 
    • Reindeer visit
    • Snowmobile safari
    • Aurora hunt by car

Available January and February 2025. Our 3-night package runs from Tuesday to Friday (available for adults 12years+). Our 4-night package runs from Friday to Tuesday (available for families with children aged 5years+). 

Star Arctic Hotel

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lapland at the stunning Star Arctic resort, perched atop Kaunispää Fell in Saariselkä. The Star Arctic is a modern and stylish hotel with spacious Lappish-style suites. Surrounded by snow-covered forests, this exclusive location offers unparalleled panoramic views, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

Included Arctic Excursions

With four exciting Arctic excursions included in your holiday, you'll have the chance to experience the very best of Lapland's natural beauty and culture. English-speaking guides will accompany you on each excursion. Your full excursion itinerary will be provided when you arrive at the resort. 

Authentic Siberian Husky Experience

When you think of Lapland, there is one thing that comes straight to mind… Huskies! Mushing is an absolute must when you're visiting Saariselkä, and this excursion not only allows you to see these wonderful dogs in their natural habitat, but you’ll also get to experience the exciting thrill of being pulled along in one of their sleighs.

Aurora Hunting by Car 

Stay cosy in the warmth of the car as your knowledgeable guide takes you on a journey through the remote wilderness as you try to catch the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is unpredictable and likes to play so make sure to keep your eyes on the sky, so you don’t miss them.

Snowmobiling Experience

Snowmobiling is an awesome and exhilarating way to experience Lapland. Imagine zooming through snowy trails, past beautiful white trees, and over sparkling frozen lakes. Whether you’re driving or sitting back as passenger, you can really soak in all the stunning scenery.

3-night holidays will experience an aurora snowmobile excursion, chasing the northern lights through the snow covered forests. 

4-night holidays will zip across frozen lakes and snowy fells on a lunchtime snowmobile excursion. 

Top Tip: If you plan on driving, don’t forget to bring a valid driver's license with you.

Local Reindeer Experience

Did you know there are more reindeer in Finland than there are people? These loveable creatures are cherished by the locals and are a must-visit when in Lapland. Take a trip to a local farm and learn everything there is to know about our furry friends. Unlike huskies, reindeer can be very shy, so remember to keep your voice down if one decides to come up to you and say hello.

Please note - children must be aged 5 years+ to participate in the excursions. All excursions last approximately 3 hours. 

Saariselka

  • Located in the Arctic Circle
  • Europe's most northern ski resort 
  • 18.5 kilometres of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding 
  • Unbeatable snow coverage all season

Located in the wild mystical north of Lapland, Saariselkä is an exceptionally friendly, uncommercialised resort with a unique frontier atmosphere. With magnificent Arctic wilderness scenery just on the doorstep, it makes an ideal resort for an all-round winter wonderland adventure. The skies are often a deep hue of pink and purple, the pine trees heavily laden with snow, and being so far north there is a good possibility of seeing the Northern Lights too. In Saariselkä, you're deep in Sámi country, where many people from the indigenous community of Lapland live and work today.

View all Saariselkä deals

Arctic skiing and activity holidays in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is Europe's most northern ski resort and is renowned for its excellent cross-country ski trails in the adjoining National Park. In Saariselkä there are over 200 kilometres of cross country ski tracks, 34 of which are illuminated - so you can make the most of these tracks despite the polar nights. The general ski area is spread across the Iisakkipää and Kaunispää fells and is best suited for beginners and intermediates. The ski schools here speak English and all of the slopes lead back to the same area in the valley where you'll be able to warm up in the café or by a campfire.

Apart from skiing, Saariselkä offers a range of winter excursions that'll make you Lapland holiday complete. There'll be plenty of opportunities for reindeer and husky sleigh safaris as well as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and many more exciting activities! On holidays during November and December you'll even have the chance to meet Santa

Northern lights adventures

Staying in Saariselkä, you can experience one of our unique Northern lights adventures. Book a '7 Night Adventure' at the Muotka Wilderness Lodge where you'll receive a set itinerary filled with fun winter excursions like husky sledding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Alternatively if you can't decide where you want to stay, combine the northern lights adventure with a visit to Saariselkä resort centre with our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure' for the best of both worlds. We also offer single night excursions if you would prefer - for a really memorable experience sleep under the magical night sky in a cosy Aurora Cabin.

Where to stay in Saariselkä

We offer a range of hotels and apartments in Saariselkä, all located in the centre of resort so you'll have easy access to everything you'll need during your stay. The Holiday Club Hotel couldn't be better located for enjoying the amazing arctic activities in Lapland. 

Feel like adding a touch of luxury to your trip? We'd recommend staying in the Star Arctic Hotel or the Top Star Glass Cubes. Both of these stylish accommodations are located on top of the fell so are the perfect choice if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern lights. 

What's included in an Inghams holiday to Saariselkä

On an Ingham's Lapland holiday you'll have your flights, transfers and accommodation, plus thermal suits and boots included. All you'll need to do is decide which activities you want to add on. Skiers and boarders can add on lift passes, equipment and lessons with us too. Our Ingham's Representatives based in Saariselkä are also on hand to help you make the most of your Lapland holiday - if you need any advice, tips or assistance while you're away, they will be there to help. 

Did you know that if you book a 7 night holiday to Lapland in December you can also visit Santa in his home?

Simply pick up and purchase the Visit Santa's Home excursion at the time of booking and the whole family can enjoy a group meeting with Santa, a gift for children, feed and pet Santa's reindeer and see how Elf Smith sends presents around the world! Warm up inside with hot drinks and ginger biscuits.

Every 7 night holiday to Lapland departing before Christmas includes a magical festive feast! For even more festive fun, why not indulge yourself in a reindeer sleigh ride or dash through enchanting snow-laden forests on a snowmobile or husky safari!

Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Mountain facts
Ski area 12 km
Runs 6 5 1
Longest run 1 Km
Snowparks

1 snowpark.

Lifts Drag lifts 4, Chairlifts 1, Cablecars 0
Slope direction N,E,W
Ski/resort bus True
Rooms
  • No. of rooms: 40
  • No. of buildings: 4
  • No. of floors: 2

Reception

  • Check- in: 4pm
  • Check-out: 12pm

Rooms

Scenic Suites are 30m² and sleep 2 adults and 2 children. There is one double bed (or twin beds, please specify preference at time of booking) located on the upper floor and a sofa bed on the ground floor. There is a shower room with a WC and a geothermal heating system.

Accommodation facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV
  • Minibar
  • Coffee and tea making facilities
  • Safe
  • Hair dryer
  • Scenic windows
  • Lift accessible: No
  • Lift serves all floors: No
  • Access ramp: No

Longitude: 27.4399082
Latitude: 68.43364

Village centre: 1.5km from Saariselkä centre on top of Kaunispäa fell with easy access to the ski slopes. 25–30-minute walk or take the ski bus (pay locally). 

The hotel offers a shuttle service on request (pay locally)

Facilities
  • Lounge and bar
  • Restaurant
  • Wi-Fi
  • Gift shop
  • Shuttle service (€5 each way. On request only)
  • Use of toboggans (pay locally)
Meals

The Star Arctic Aurora Adventure Package is offered on a full board basis.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant Kaunis, located in the main building - just a short walk away from the accommodation.

Each morning you can enjoy a range of local produce, including a range of hot options and a continental breakfast will also be available.

Dinner includes a three-course evening meal, the menu is influenced by Lappish ingredients, as well as modern cuisine.

Board basis options available

  • Full Board

This property caters for the following special dietary requirements

  • Gluten Free
  • Vegetarians
  • Dairy Free

The Star Artic can cater for special dietary requirements. Please note that all meals will be served from the buffet, including special dietary meals (vegetarian, dairy and gluten free) options. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking. Allergies and intolerances not listed above cannot be catered for. All allergies and intolerances, even if listed above, are subject to confirmation by the accommodation.

Reviews of Star Arctic Northern Lights Discovery

Tripadvisor reviews
Total price from
£5883
per person from £1961
11/02/2025 - 3 nights
3 adults
From London Gatwick
Full Board
Star Arctic Northern Lights Discovery
Saariselka
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