overview
Situated 230kms north of the Arctic Circle, this wilderness hotel combines Scandinavian style accommodation with the warmest of welcomes and a great range of winter activities. Located on the banks of the Muonio River (cross it when it's frozen and you find yourself in Sweden) the hotel's unforgettable safari programmes will take you into the very heart of Lapland's winter wilderness.
Quite simply, we love this place and judging by the feedback, so do our clients.
suitable for
Anybody aged 10 years and over
our opinion
"There's something about Harriniva that is unlike anywhere else in Scandinavia and it seems that our delighted clients agree. You really feel as if you are in the wilderness here but it's a wilderness with home comforts. You can be dog sledding in the morning and enjoying a glass of wine in an outdoor hot tub by late afternoon. Despite being surrounded by wild winter terrain you'll find that Harriniva offers great service, spa facilities, a fabulously laid back ambience and exhilarating winter safaris. I love this place." Kate McLean
agenda
Sunday
Flights, arrivals and introduction
After your flights to Kittila and transfers to Harriniva your winter adventure starts at dinner on Sunday evening when there will be a meeting with your guides who will introduce you to the region and brief you on the week ahead.
Monday
Reindeer farm and safari
This morning you will visit a local reindeer farm and learn about the reindeer's lives and their importance in Lapp culture. Local herders will teach you how to lasso a reindeer and after helping to harness the reindeer, you head into the forest on your safari
Tuesday
Snowmobile safari
Snowmobiles are the preferred mode of transport here in Lapland. Once you are zipping over frozen lakes or navigating your passage along the winding forest tracks, it is easy to understand why they are so popular. Your guides will show you how to drive your snowmobile and the rest of this exhilarating safari is spent speeding through the winter scenery of Fell Lapland. 2 people per snowmobile.
Wednesday
Free day or optional activities
Today is free to partake in optional activities which are not included in the overall package price. You can try cross-country skiing, downhill skiing at Olos (transfer by shuttle bus) or how about a snowshoe tour?
Thursday and Friday
Overnight husky safari
The highlight of any winter holiday in Lapland is the opportunity to drive your own dog team through the wilderness. In the morning you will meet the dogs and receive instruction on their care and how to handle the sled before departing on your two day safari. Lunch is taken by an open fire en-route to a wilderness cabin where you can relax in a sauna before dinner and bed.
There is a fair chance that you will be woken in the morning by what sounds like a pack of starving wolves surrounding the cabin. Fear not, it's just your huskies anxious to be doing what they love most - running. This second leg of your adventure covers approximately 25 to 30 kms before you arrive back at the hotel.
Saturday
Free day, optional activities or Lainio Snow Village
After the exertions of your husky safari you may just want a day to relax in the spa and reflect on your adventure. Alternatively, you can book additional activities. This year we've added the possibility of staying overnight in a snow hotel at Lainio Snow Village.
Sunday
Departure, transfer and flights
accommodation
Harriniva Wilderness Cabins
Any holiday which includes an overnight safari will include at least one night in a wilderness cabin.
Some of the cabins can be basic (no electricity or running water) but they are all comfortable and cosy, especially once dinner is cooking and the fire burning. Sleeping arrangements are in dormitory style areas.
The cabins are generally so remote that there is little or no light pollution creating the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Despite their far-flung locations, there is always a sauna in the cabins - after all, this is Finland!
Please note that we can never specify which cabin you will stay in as routes may change subject to local weather and trail conditions.
The Hotel - Harriniva
Situated 230kms north of the Arctic Circle this family run hotel has 64 Scandinavian style en suite bedrooms. Most of the rooms accommodate two or three people but there are some larger bedrooms suitable for families.
The hotel has three cosy dining rooms (including one with a log fire) and a recently built pub, ideal for those pre-dinner aperitifs. Naturally, this being Finland, there are two large saunas and a family sauna within the main building.
For a bit of pampering, the Aurora Wellness Centre offers therapies such as massages and a variety of facials. On the riverbank there are two jacuzzis, two steam baths and an ice hole - for the very brave!
Safari Houses
On our husky and snowmobile safaris you spend some nights in shared safari houses or cabins with full access to all the hotel's facilities. Each safari house has its own shower, toilet and sauna and provides the perfect place to bond with your fellow adventurers before your safari. You will eat all your meals in the main building.