overview
Salla lies within the Arctic Circle close to the Russian border. This incredible location creates a truly special holiday destination for families and adults alike.
Salla offers a huge variety of accommodation ranging from a delightful spa hotel to apartments in winter cottages and cosy log cabins.
There is an excellent range of activities available in Salla as well as 10 ski slopes which provide additional entertainment for downhill skiers.
Nightlife isn't exactly top of the agenda here but there is a restaurant and bar at the hotel and another next to the log cabins. The pub above the ski centre is also worth visiting… the moose burgers are gigantic!
There are so many ways to explore the stunning wilderness that we have designed both a family holiday and a more demanding adult itinerary to ensure that you make the most of your time! It truly is a special place for a winter holiday.
suitable for
Anybody aged 5 years or over.
our opinion
On my first visit to Salla I met two lovely sisters, Tarya and Rauni. Between them they seemed to run the village. Rauni is the sales manager for the Revontuli Hotel and cottages and Tanya is in charge of the cabins just across the road. To cap it all they also own the village shop! They have obviously got the place sewn up. Fortunately, they didn't seem to object to being dubbed the 'Salla Mafioso' and between us we've come up with some great value winter activity holidays here in Salla.
agenda
Sunday
Flights, arrivals and introduction
The holiday starts with direct flights from Gatwick to Kuusamo from where our transfer heads north crossing the Arctic Circle. On arrival at Salla you will meet your guide and after settling into your accommodation make your way over to the restaurant for dinner.
Monday
Snowshoes and ice fishing
This morning you will be transfered to the local reindeer farm where you will be kitted out with your cold weather clothing which you keep until after the final activity on Saturday afternoon.
Our snowshoe trek takes us through the spruce forest to a beautiful ice wall where the icicles have grown longer and thicker creating a small cave behind them. From the ice wall we continue to a traditional Lappish kota where we cook lunch before walking to the lake, drilling holes through the ice and trying our hand at ice fishing.
Tuesday
Snowmobile safari to Ruuhitunturi (Ruuhi Fell)
Our 30km safari takes us to the top of Ruuhitunturi from where the 360º views are nothing short of spectacular, not least looking eastward into Russia. A snack and warm drink are included. 2 people per snowmobile. Small children travel in a sled.
Wednesday
Reindeer pulled sleigh ride
Your guide will show you how to steer your reindeer before heading off on a 6km circuit through the snowy forest and across frozen marshland. We pause at a kota to grill sausages and enjoy warm drinks before returning to the activity centre.
Thursday
Forest ski trip and evening snowmobile safari
Nothing compares to the peace and quiet of a winter forest. After some necessary tuition we follow the well marked trails with only the swish, swish of the skis breaking the near perfect silence.
This evening we take a 20km snowmobile tour around Salla. With a bit of luck the Aurora will deliver a stunning display but regardless there's something magical about snowmobiling at night. Your headlights light up the snow covered trees making them look like ghostly white phantoms. It's eerie and exciting at the same time.
Friday
Free day for optional activities or skiing
We've given you a day off today but there remains plenty to do here in Salla. You can try snowboarding or downhill skiing, take advantage of the spa facilities at the Hotel Revontuli or try other activities which you can book through our local guides.
Saturday
Husky safari
A husky safari is a 'must do' in Finland and our four hour safari sees you take the reins of your own husky team. Initially, you may wonder how you are going to control such enthusiastic animals but they soon settle into a steady pace which allows you to fully enjoy both the experience and the scenery.
Weather permitting; your guide will cook lunch over an open fire in the forest. This is the ideal end to your winter activities.
Sunday
Departure, transfers and flights
All good things must come to an end and today you will head back to the airport for your flights.
accommodation
Salla Log Cabins - One Bedroom
These well equipped cottages are all within easy walking distance of the local facilities. The cottages have either one bedroom or one bedroom with an additional mezzanine area with room for four more beds.
Each cottage has its own living room with a log fire and TV. The kitchens are equipped with hot plate, microwave oven, refridgerator, coffee maker, toaster and a washing machine.
You'll have your own private sauna, an invaluable drying cupboard and a toilet/shower room.
If you can't be bothered to cook after a long day in the Arctic snow then try the Kiela à la carte restaurant which is a very short walk from the cabins. The restaurant is extremely good and features a range of Lapland dishes as well as international cuisine and an excellent wine list.
Guests at the Salatunturin Cabins tend to gather at the Papana Pupi pub in the evenings. It's a warm and uncomplicated kind of place with a pool room at the back dedicated to Finnish ice hockey legend Jari Kurri.
There is also a collection of sporting memorabilia on the walls. Take them a football shirt or scarf to add to their collection and you will have made friends for life.
Salla Log Cabins - One Bedroom with Loft
These well equipped cottages are all within easy walking distance of the local facilities. The cottages have either one bedroom or one bedroom with an additional mezzanine area with room for four more beds.
Each cottage has its own living room with a log fire and TV. The kitchens are equipped with hot plate, microwave oven, refridgerator, coffee maker, toaster and a washing machine.
You'll have your own private sauna, an invaluable drying cupboard and a toilet/shower room.
If you can't be bothered to cook after a long day in the Arctic snow then try the Kiela à la carte restaurant which is a very short walk from the cabins. The restaurant is extremely good and features a range of Lapland dishes as well as international cuisine and an excellent wine list. Guests at the Salatunturin Cabins tend to gather at the Papana Pupi pub in the evenings. It's a warm and uncomplicated kind of place with a pool room at the back dedicated to Finnish ice hockey legend Jari Kurri. There is also a collection of sporting memorabilia on the walls. Take them a football shirt or scarf to add to their collection and you will have made friends for life.
There is an additional bed in the Log Cabin's with a loft which means that they can sleep two more people.
Spa Hotel Revontuli
Sitting at the foot of Salla Mountain, this small, comfortable hotel has 26 recently refurbished bedrooms and is an ideal base from which to explore Salla.
Every room has an en-suite WC/bathroom with hair dryer. The bedrooms have been very tastefully furnished and all have a TV, phone, drying closet for clothes and cupboards for skiing equipment.
The hotel's spa is its star attraction and is a fabulous place to relax after a day in the cold. There's a children's pool, a waterfall massage pool and a 16m exercise pool for those who feel the need to burn off some more calories. And, after all those lengths and additional exercise (entirely optional of course), where better to relax than in the Jacuzzi? The delightful views out across the fells only add to the atmosphere.
The hotel restaurant serves a buffet dinner every evening (this is included in our half board prices). You may also like to consider upgrading to the à la carte menu which offers Lappish specialities using traditional local ingredients such as reindeer and salmon (delicious).
Tunturitahti Superior Winter Apartments (57m)
The 57m superior apartments are slightly larger than the standard apartments, beautifully furnished, ideally located and extremely well equipped. They of course come complete with their own sauna and comfortably sleep four people.
Furnished to an extremely high standard, the superior apartments have a ground floor bedroom and two further beds on a mezzanine level. The sofa in the lounge will also fold out making room for 1 or 2 more people.
The large open plan living room and kitchen has its own log burning fireplace and plasma TV with built in DVD - the perfect space for relaxing and sheltered from the cold, with a nice glass of wine you will feel snug as bugs.
The kitchens are extremely well equipped with a cooker, dishwasher, microwave oven, fridge, toaster, coffee-maker, kettle and a dinner set for 6 people.
We can't recommend these cottage apartments highly enough!
Tunturitahti Winter Apartments (54m)
The 54m apartments come complete with their own sauna and comfortably sleep four people. These apartments are situated within easy walking distance of the hotel and the ski lifts.
Furnished with considerable care, the apartments have one bedroom and two further beds on a mezzanine level. The sofa in the lounge will also fold out making room for 1 or 2 more people.
The large open plan living room and kitchen has its own log burning fireplace and TV.
The kitchens are extremely well equipped with a cooker, dishwasher, microwave oven, fridge, toaster, coffee-maker, kettle and a dinner set for 6 people.