Tourism in Finnish Lapland has become the main income source of employment and income replacing traditional industries such as forestry.

Development from a period of extractive industry to an industrial society has come about quickly. In 1950 the largest part of Lapland's inhabitants lived in rural areas and more than half the workforce worked in forestry and agriculture. Today 65 % of the workforce are in the service industry, 22 % in processing and 10 % in primary production.

This huge growth in tourism and service provision has been developed in conjunction with a long-term sustainable tourism plan with one of the primary objectives being to maintain nature in its natural state while guaranteeing the traditional way of life.

Much of this has been achieved along with membership of EU development programmes, aimed at diversifying sources of livelihood, effective usage of resources and to increase export.

Approximately a quarter of Lapland's 100 000 strong workforce was unemployed in 1997. Promoting entrepreneurship, ongoing re-education of the workforce and development of the educational system to suit the needs of enterprises is continuing. The target is to diversify the sources of livelihood, increase the value of refinement production and develop new enterprises particularly in the area of tourism. National measures as well as EU-programme measures support this objective.

We embrace this philosophy, employing local activity providers and using only locally owned hotels. In this manner we help to maintain jobs in an area where unemployment was, until recently, very high. Additionally, the use of local suppliers ensures that the tourism spend filters through to local economies via the tourism multiplier effect.

Day 1: Flights, arrival and transfers
You’ll fly into Kittila Airport in Finland from where you’ll be transferred to the Harriniva Wilderness Centre (approx 1.15 hrs). Your accommodation tonight will be in shared hotel rooms or safari cabins. You’ll have dinner in the restaurant before settling down for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Departure on the Summit Adventure Snowmobile Safari
After breakfast you’ll meet your snowmobile safari guide for an introduction to the adventure that lies ahead and be kitted out in your cold weather gear (warm overalls, boots, socks, hat, mittens, gloves and helmet). An introductory film demonstrates the correct snowmobile driving and safety etiquette and finally, it’s time to start your engines!

There’s no gentle introduction. You will traverse approximately 100km of winter terrain travelling through forests, across frozen lakes and the stunning scenery of Fell Lapland stopping for a picnic lunch before the trail arrives at Galdotieva Fell centre situated close to the Norwegian Border.

After dinner you’ll doubtless be ready for an early night in one of the cosy log cabins or apartments.

Day 3:  Snowmobile to Kilpisjarvi (approx 150km)
Today you’ll be entering the treeless mountainous areas of Northwest Finland. The weather here can change in the twinkle of an eye with bright sunshine turning to a snowy blizzard before you know it. It is essential that you follow the guide’s instructions, he knows the trail and below that innocent looking virgin snow there could be a hole in the frozen river or lake. Adventure? You betcha!

Today’s leg is approximately 150kms and ends at the small village of Kilpisjarvi where you’ll spend the night in cabins. Please take time to walk down to the lake, there are few better views in the world than that provided by Lake Kilpisjarvi as it fades away into the distant hills.

Day 4:  Snowmobile ascent of Halti
The driving distance today is shorter (around 120km) but you face some stern challenges. Morning brings a snowmobile ascent of the highest mountain in Finland, Halti, and after lunch you’ll drive to the meeting point of three countries, Finland, Norway and Sweden. On returning to your accommodation in Kilpisjarvi you may want to take advantage of the sauna to soothe any aching bones.

Day 5:  Powder Snow Snowmobiling
By now, you will be fully confident driving the machines so it’s time to learn some new skills. It’s another 150km journey and if you still have the energy, your guide will show you some snowmobiling tricks in the deep, powdery snow.

You’ll be back at Galdotieva for dinner and sleep tonight.

Day 6:  Final Leg on the Victoria Trail
The final leg of your journey follows part of the Victoria Trail between Finland and Sweden. It’s 120km to Harriniva where the sauna and a farewell dinner of Lappish delicacies are the reward for your endeavours.

Day 7:  Departure or extend your stay
Having traversed some of the most remote terrain in Europe it’s now time to head back to the UK. After breakfast, you’ll be taken back to Kittila Airport for your flights home. It is possible to extend your stay here in Lapland and try other winter activities such as husky sledding.

This remarkable adventure takes you into the wildest corner of Finnish Lapland. The route from Muonio to Kilpisjarvi is often too hostile until the middle of February but as the weather improves it reveals one of Lapland’s best hidden secrets. Talk to the locals and they’ll all tell you that the North West arm of Finland is indescribably beautiful but only to be explored in the company of an expert guide.

The managed trails lead to Kilpisjarvi, a mystical and magical place steeped in Sami tradition and folklore. Standing at the foot of the lake and gazing across its expanse of snow covered ice is an unforgettable experience, it is stunning, simply stunning. To cap it all, you’ll also drive to the meeting point of three countries, Finland, Norway and Sweden as well as making a snowmobile ascent of Halti, Finland’s highest mountain.

Suitable for Anybody aged over 18 years (good physical condition required)