STARGAZERS WELCOME
LEVI - YLLÄS - SAARISELKÄ
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF LAPLAND An unforgettable adventure high above the Arctic Circle. On an Inghams Lapland holiday, you’ll experience a winter wonderland like never before. Take a ride in a reindeer or husky-drawn sleigh, dash through enchanting snow-laden forests on a snowmobile and wonder at the Northern Lights dancing across a star-studded night sky - there are countless experiences to pick from.
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HUSKY SAFARI
And there’s magic for all the family on our 3 & 4 night Santa Breaks.
04 Discover Finnish Lapland 06 Finnish culture 08 Husky safari 10 Reindeer safari 12 Snowmobile safari 14 Visit Santa 18 Off the beaten track 20 Skiing in Lapland 22 Northern Lights 24 A night to remember 26 Levi 28 Ylläs 30 Saariselkä 32 Accommodation 34 What to pack
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REINDEER SAFARI
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SNOWMOBILE SAFARI
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
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Over 85 years of trust & experience
VISIT SANTA In-resort Representative
Direct flights, accommodation & transfers included
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SKIING IN LAPLAND
Fee-free flexibility*
We support carbon removal projects
Call 01483 945 641 22
NORTHERN LIGHTS
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*Terms and conditions apply. Please see website.
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DISCOVER FINNISH LAPLAND We recommend Finnish Lapland for its rich Sámi culture, beautiful untouched scenery and, of course, because it’s the true home of Santa Claus himself! Choose from three resorts located above the Arctic Circle - Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä. All holidays include your choice of accommodation, transfers to and from resort and direct flights from either London Gatwick, Bristol or Manchester. We offer 3, 4 & 7 night holidays. Our 7 night holidays run from November to February. Our 3 & 4 night holidays run in November and December only. Excursions can be added on as extras to build the perfect package for you. Read on to discover more about Finnish Lapland and the magic it has to offer.
SAARISELKÄ
Transfer time from Kittilä Airport 3 hours
LEVI
Transfer time from Kittilä Airport 20 minutes
YLLÄS Transfer time from Kittilä Airport 30 - 60 minutes
Norway
Swede 4
en
Kittilä Airport
rcle Arctic Ci
Finland
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FINNISH CULTURE Lapland is an enchanting winter wonderland where nature thrives and traditions are cherished. The local Sámi people Connect with the friendly locals who are known for their warm hospitality. Engage in genuine conversations and learn about life in Lapland from those who know it best. The semi-nomadic indigenous Sámi people have played a significant role in shaping Lapland’s culture, infusing it with a deep respect for nature and traditions that continue to thrive to this day. Reindeer herding remains a central aspect of local life, especially for the Sámi communities. Traditional dress The Gákti as seen in this image is a piece of traditional clothing worn by the Sámi people. It is worn both in ceremonial contexts and while working, particularly when herding reindeer. Traditionally the Gákti was made from reindeer skin, but in modern times, wool, cotton or silk are more common. Sauna No visit to Lapland is complete without indulging in the traditional Finnish sauna experience. The classic Finnish sauna was created many thousands of years ago by the local people, designed as a restorative experience, often paired with invigorating dips in a nearby freezing lake. This is a place to relax and revive your senses, a pastime that is just as popular today and a must-try whilst visiting Lapland.
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ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY
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HUSKY SAFARI Dash through the snow alongside beautiful local huskies and admire their fur coats and piercing eyes. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the back of a sledge, whilst the excited huskies race to pull you along. Our husky safari has been tailor-made to suit all ages, experience and fitness levels. There are various durations on offer, from short hour long safaris to longer half-day trips and an evening safari to search for the Northern Lights. After some essential instruction, you’ll meet your team of huskies. Once on your sled, the dogs are released and you’re off, in a line along the trails, speeding through the wilderness and weaving through deep forests in the low winter sun. Some of our husky partners have more than 100 dogs - usually a mix of the traditional Siberian husky and the high-endurance Alaskan husky, which are the best for racing. The dog handlers know every dog’s name and character, and some have competed in top international races such as the Finnmarkslopet. This is the longest dog-sled race in Europe, covering 1,000 challenging kilometres around Norway’s North Cape. Whatever your choice, the sheer exhilaration of rushing through Lapland’s mystical wilderness will remain a lifetime memory.
Did you know? All huskies are born with ice-blue eyes, but these can change to brown within weeks of birth. The even more distinctive look of one brown and one blue eye is also not uncommon amongst pure Siberian huskies.
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ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY
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REINDEER SAFARI Say hello to the friendly reindeer - these formidable creatures are loved by the locals and Santa alike. There are more ‘poro’ (Finnish for reindeer) than people in Lapland, and all roam freely across the tundra (treeless plain). For the Sámi herdsmen, they are the core of their centuries-old traditional way of life, and their influence and importance extend far beyond transporting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve! We have a variety of reindeer sleigh excursions for you to choose from, with short or longer rides, some fascinating visits to working Sámi farms, and occasionally dropping in at a traditional Lappish ‘kota’ teepee. Cuddle up under cosy blankets on the back of a sleigh whilst the reindeer gently tour you around the beautiful landscape. Every year the reindeer are all ear-marked, which is the Sámi way of claiming ownership in a land with no fences, so you will hear about ‘suopunkki’, which means lassoing - an essential Sámi skill. Reindeer also feature on major ceremonial occasions and you may see some elaborate harnesses, which complement the bright traditional Sámi clothing.
Did you know? Reindeer can see ultraviolet light. Roaming freely across the fells, this ability prevents them from going snow blind and helps to spot potential predators - or food!
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SNOWMOBILE SAFARI Feeling adventurous? Explore the beautiful Arctic landscape on a thrilling snowmobile ride, an incredible way to experience the snowy fells. As you whizz along, the Arctic scenery changes from deep pine forests, fells and moorland, to the wide open expanses of frozen lakes and rivers. As you journey through the wilderness, keep an eye out for the wildlife such as reindeer, hares and birds. You’ll stop off halfway for a well-earned rest in a cosy log cabin, hot drinks and something sweet is always on the menu. Snowmobiling is an amazing experience - you can feel at ease knowing that our friendly expert guides will provide you with instructions and safety details before you start your adventure. But don’t forget to bring your driving licence!
Did you know? Snowmobiles are a popular means of transportation for locals, especially as their homeland is covered in snow for up to 225 days per year!
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VISIT SANTA IN MAGICAL LAPLAND Nothing compares to visiting Santa and his helpers in their home in Lapland - a snowy winter wonderland like no other. Make the spirit of Christmas come alive on a magical adventure to see Santa and have an authentic festive experience with your family and friends. Santa’s Elves Hideaway The magic begins as you arrive at Santa’s Elves Hideaway, hidden in a snowy, enchanted forest, where mischievous elves await. Visit one of Santa’s magical workshops, make gingerbread with his elves, and take part in Elf school and various snow games for the youngsters tobogganing and snowballs are always on the agenda. Enjoy a break in a cosy cabin, cook yourself a yummy sausage over the open fire and warm up with a cup of hot berry juice. Plus, of course, there’s the highlight of the day - meeting Santa Claus. Watch your little one’s eyes widen with excitement as they meet the real Santa and tell him all of their Christmas wishes. A memory to last a lifetime.
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3 & 4 NIGHT SANTA BREAKS Looking for a shorter break for the family? Experience the magic of Christmas on a 3 or 4 night Santa Break. Available in Levi and Ylläs in November and December.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED ON A SANTA BREAK
ADD-ON EXCITING EXCURSIONS
Direct flights Transfers to and from your resort Your choice of accommodation Half-day at Santa’s Elves Hideaway Arctic thermal suits and boots
Husky Safari Reindeer Safari Snowmobile Safari Ski Taster (available on 4 night breaks)
Visit Santa on 3, 4 & 7 night holidays in November & December. Find out more inghams.co.uk/lapland
VISIT SANTA ON A 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY Lapland is filled to the brim with exciting experiences. If visiting Santa is just one of the many things you want to do in Lapland, then you can add some magic to our 7 night holidays in November and December.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY
ADD-ON SANTA EXCURSIONS
Direct flights Transfers to and from your resort Your choice of accommodation
The Santa Experience - includes a half day at Santa’s Elves Hideaway, husky & reindeer safari and thermal suit and boots (available in Levi and Ylläs) Half day at Santa’s Elves Hideaway ( available in all resorts)
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SNOWSHOEING EXPERIENCES
FAT BIKING
Leave nothing but footprints as you snowshoe through the beautiful natural scenery. This allows you to experience the peaceful silence of Arctic forests. Much of the region has protected areas and National Parks with well sign-posted trails. Head out with an experienced guide to discover the best routes and learn about the Arctic region.
Explore Lapland on two wheels with a fatbike – a mountain bike with extra-wide tyres designed to make it easier for off-road adventures through the snow. There’s plenty of maintained mountain biking paths to follow, taking in some of the most beautiful, untouched scenery of Lapland. If you’re new to fatbiking in the snow, a guided tour is the best way to enjoy this experience, or if you want to make it even easier, go for an e-fatbike.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK There are lots of ways to experience the Arctic wilderness, but these are some of our favourite ways to get off the beaten track in Lapland.
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HORSE EXCURSIONS
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Explore the winter wilderness of Lapland from horseback or from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh. The horses will guide you through snowladen fells while you take in the sights. Our horse riding excursion is perfect for both beginner and experienced riders. You will ride through the forest before warming up with a hot drink and cookie. On our horse sleigh excursion, sit back and relax in an open sleigh under the starry night sky, in search of the Northern Lights.
As soon as the snow settles in Lapland, the villages and countryside are criss-crossed with hundreds of kilometres of cross-country ski tracks. It’s one of the more traditional ways to get around in this part of the world, making it one of the top activities to do here. Many of the tracks start at the centre of the villages – so they’re really accessible. For those new to the sport we’d recommend beginner lessons and guided tours to get you used to gliding across the snow.
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SKIING IN LAPLAND
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With rolling fells and fresh powder snow like nowhere else, skiing and snowboarding in the Arctic Circle is an unforgettable experience. The pistes are wide, generally uncrowded and lined by frozen trees which look like they’ve been sculpted from the snow, whilst the vast wilderness provides your backdrop. You’ll find well groomed slopes catered for all ski abilities. Gentle practice areas, small classes and experienced instructors mean it’s the ideal choice for first-time skiers and families. For those looking for more of a thrill, there are steeper, more challenging runs and snow parks to enjoy. In the early winter months, there are only a few hours of daylight, however, the slopes are floodlit meaning you can ski under the stars and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. As the daylight hours get longer, the resorts fully open up, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the fells.
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NORTHERN LIGHTS The Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a rare and natural phenomenon, where the night sky lights up in vibrant shades of green, purple, red and blue, creating an other-worldly kaleidoscope. But what causes it to happen? The science behind it The lights appear when electrically charged particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed. When the particles interact with gases in our atmosphere, they create beautiful light displays. What we are witnessing are atoms and molecules from our atmosphere colliding with particles from the Sun. The colours The most commonly viewed colour is green. Green is the easiest colour to see with the human eye, and that colour is caused when the particles react to oxygen. Since oxygen is one of the more abundant gases in our atmosphere, we see green the most. Red can be seen when oxygen meets the particles at a higher altitude. The least commonly seen colours, purple and blue, are the Sun particles reacting to nitrogen.
Our recommendation For the best chance to see the spectacular Northern Lights we suggest staying at the remote Muotka Wilderness Lodge in Saariselkä. These stays include many Northern Lights activities, away from light pollution, maximising your chances of the seeing the Aurora for yourself.
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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Experience a night spent under the Northern Lights. Seeking out this spectacular show is high on many people’s wish list and we recommend a venture out of town to the more remote areas to increase your chances. A Glass Igloo and Aurora Cabin excursion is a must-have experience on your Lapland holiday. Imagine falling asleep under the stars, with the Northern Lights dancing in the midnight sky. When you wake, the low winter sun fills the morning sky with a deep blue light. This is a truly unique experience found only in Lapland. Don’t worry, you don’t have to stay up all night in search of the magical Northern Lights, Aurora alerts can be sent directly to your cabin or igloo, so you won’t miss a thing! Overnight stay options
Glass Igloos - these igloos have a full glass roof and sleep max 2 adults, 2 children. Available in Levi.
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Aurora Cabin - these cabins have a semi-glass roof and sleep max 3 adults, or 2 adults, 2 children. Available in Levi and Saariselkä.
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FINLAND LEVI
Lapland Holidays in Levi One of Lapland’s top resorts, Levi is a long-standing Inghams favourite. Discover the rich culture of the Sámi people and enjoy many local activities, including husky & reindeer safaris, snowmobile safaris, skiing and snowshoeing. For something special, you can stay overnight in a Glass Igloo, or take a trip to the Ice Village and stay overnight in a hotel made entirely of snow. Other accommodation in Levi includes log cabins, apartments and hotels, all within close range of Levi’s main village. Levi has a wide selection of cafés, shops, bars and restaurants. You’ll find some famous karaoke bars too, the Finnish love a sing-along! Outside the main village, you are surrounded by frozen lakes, spruce forests and a vast open tundra. Its ski area is regarded as the best and most extensive in Finland and offers snow-sure, uncrowded skiing in an area of exceptional natural beauty. As the season starts and the polar nights approach, skiing takes place on the floodlit slopes. LEVI IS KNOWN FOR
Skiing
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Visiting Santa
Husky Safari
Reindeer Safari
SnowMobile Safari
Bars & Restaurants
Short Transfers
Glass Igloo Stays
What we say: “Levi is a great choice for families, it has everything you need for a fun Lapland holiday, plus short transfers to and from resort mean you and your little ones can reach the magic sooner.” Kate, Lapland Product Manager
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FINLAND YLLÄS
Lapland Holidays in Ylläs An unspoilt winter wonderland, set amongst magnificent scenery, Ylläs is named after the fell Yllästunturi, and combines all the ingredients necessary for a perfect Lapland experience. We offer accommodation from log cabins to hotels in one of the three main areas in Ylläs; Äkäslompolo - to the north of the fell, Ylläsjärvi and Ylläsrinnie on the south side of the fell. There’s no better place to try out the exciting experiences on offer in the Arctic Circle - skiing Finland’s longest ski slope, cross-country skiing and reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris. Plus, the skies here are especially clear, ideal for witnessing the magical Northern Lights. It’s easy enough to get away from light pollution, the lake on the Äkäslompolo side of the village is a perfect place to pitch up and hopefully view the Northern Lights. Guests return here year after year to enjoy the stunning unspoiled natural scenery and traditional, picturesque village. YLLÄS IS KNOWN FOR
Skiing
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Cosy Log Cabins
Visiting Santa
Husky Safari
Reindeer Safari
SnowMobile Safari
Seeing the Northern Lights
Short Transfers
What we say: “Ylläs is truly magic. I love the feeling of being out in the wilderness, the cosy log cabins are the perfect spot to relax and unwind in nature. There’s still plenty to do here, so you get the best of both worlds.” Jess, Lapland Product Expert
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FINLAND SAARISELKÄ
Lapland Holidays in Saariselkä Saariselkä is truly at one with nature. Located farthest north of all our resorts, here you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the midnight sky. This area of Lapland is the least commercial, allowing you to connect with the magnificent Arctic wilderness and explore the magical scenery. Saariselkä is deep in Sámi country, the colourful native people of Lapland, many of whom work in the resort and have their own reindeer herds in forests nearby. There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from including hotels, log cabins and the unique Muotka Wilderness Lodge. Its idyllic location, on the edge of the pristine Urho-Kekkonen National Park, guarantees minimal light pollution and an increased potential for seeing the Northern Lights. Make the most of all the available excursions such as cross-country skiing, husky and reindeer safaris or whizz through the untouched snowy landscape on snowmobile. Saariselkä is an ideal resort for an all-round winter wonderland adventure. SAARISELKÄ IS KNOWN FOR
Cross Country Skiing
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Seeing the Northern Lights
Husky Safari
Reindeer Safari
Aurora Cabin Stays
SnowMobile Safari
What we say: “Saariselkä is the farthest north of all our resorts with the least light pollution. I have been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights here many times. It really is a magical place to visit.” Melvin, Head of Winter Product
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ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS From families to couples, accommodation in Lapland offers something to suit all. Choose from a range of cosy log cabins, self-catering apartments and hotels, many with spa facilities.
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APARTMENTS Discover the perfect blend of convenience and independence in our modern apartments. Positioned in prime locations, these accommodations offer self-catering options and some the choice of halfboard meals. Equipped with all the facilities you’ll need on holiday, often with the added bonus of a private sauna - these apartments provide the comforts of home while allowing you to immerse yourself in Lapland’s beauty.
HOTELS From soothing spas to inviting saunas, our hotels provide the ultimate escape in Lapland. At most hotels, you’ll have the choice of tasty half-board meals. Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation or exploration, our hotels are in the best location to enjoy it all.
LOG CABINS Immerse yourself in Lapland’s serene beauty with our traditional log cabins and sleek Scandi-style cabins. Tucked away in snowy woodlands, these cabins offer an authentic experience, complete with crackling log fires and cosy interiors. Our cabins provide a retreat where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle, to connect with the natural beauty of Lapland.
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WHAT TO PACK FOR THE ARCTIC CIRCLE From mid January to late February, the sun rises just above the horizon, so the snowy wilderness has a rose-gold glow like an endless sunset. The lack of sunlight means it’s best to wrap up warm in plenty of layers as the temperatures can be as low as -16 to -35 degrees and your surroundings will be blanketed in snow. Expect some fresh snowfall too, and consider renting our special thermal suits and boots when out on your adventures for the day (included in the price when you book a Santa Breaks holiday or if you add The Santa Experience to a 7 night holiday). Base layer Look for long-sleeved tops and bottoms made of merino wool or breathable synthetic materials, ideally avoiding cotton. Don’t forget a layer for your legs on really cold days. Mid layer Wear jumpers made of fleece, wool, down or synthetic materials designed to trap warm air. Outer layer You will need a final insulating, waterproof layer. We recommend renting our Arctic thermal suits which are designed for extreme cold. Footwear Thermal snow boots are a must. We recommend renting our Arctic thermal boots. Don’t forget some warm woollen socks to keep your toes toasty. Gloves Our top tip would be to bring a waterproof pair of gloves plus glove liners. Pick liners with magic fingertips, so you can still use your phone without taking your gloves off (you’ll thank us later).
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REMEMBER TO LAYER UP
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THE SKI, WALKING AND LAPLAND HOLIDAY EXPERTS The great outdoors is our happy place and it’s open all year round. If you want to explore more of it, you can also ski the slopes and walk the walks with Inghams.
Stroll or hike around the most beautiful parts of Europe, whilst still enjoying everything else you love on holiday.
With over 70 resorts across seven different countries, skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice.
Call 01483 945 641 Visit inghams.co.uk/lapland Get in touch via live chat See your local travel agent Travel Agents call 01252 282 471 @inghamslapland
@inghams.lapland
Return Address: Inghams, Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7PA