Harriniva Wilderness Hotel
Situated in the heart of Lapland near the remote town of Muonio, Harriniva encapsulates the very best of Finnish Lapland.
Harriniva was one of the first pioneers of winter activity holidays and you’ll struggle to find anywhere with greater experience of how to explore the great outdoors in winter.
With nearly 30 years in the business, Harriniva’s range of activities is second to none and you can choose from a wonderful selection of husky safaris (Harriniva have their own Arctic sled dog centre next to the hotel), snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights searches and more.
The Bedrooms
There are 64 en suite hotel rooms with shower and hairdryer. Guests are encouraged to get together in the evenings so there are no televisions in the rooms but a TV room is available for guests should you want to try and decipher some Finnish TV. Tea and coffee can be purchased at reception.
Hotel Facilities
Separate sauna facilities are available for men and women free of charge during the evenings for around 3 hours. WiFi internet is available throughout the hotel and there are two PCs available for guests in the reception area.
The hotel restaurant has three dining areas and serves simple and hearty food, ideal sustenance for outdoor activities and Aurora watching. Breakfast is a Scandinavian style buffet with a wide array of options and your evening meal is generally a salad buffet followed by a set main meal and dessert.
There is also a pub which is a great place to gather with fellow guests and discuss your Aurora and winter experiences.
Harriniva also operate an Aurora Alarm which is included in some of the itineraries (see ‘what’s included’ for details) or can be arranged in advance (see price box for details).
The Aurora Wellness Centre which is situated on the river bank offers a wide range of therapies and treatments. At busy times these should be booked in advance.
In the reception building there is also a small souvenir shop where you can buy postcards and pick up some souvenirs.
Harriniva accepts all major credit cards and you can also exchange currency at reception. There are no cash points available.
Wilderness Cabins
Any holiday that incorporates an overnight safari will include at least one night in a wilderness cabin. There can be few better ways to escape from everyday life than spending a night out in the wilds of Lapland.
The cabins are generally so remote that there is little or no light pollution, creating the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Some of the cabins can be basic (no electricity or running water) but they are all comfortable and when the fire is going they can be very cosy. Everyone helps with collecting water and fire wood so you will get your hands dirty but this all adds to the experience.
Your guide will cook you dinner over an open fire (we must be made aware of all dietary requirements at the time of booking). Despite the wilderness locations, the meals the guides produce get wonderful feedback from clients every year.
There are no shower or bathroom facilities but as this is Finland there is always a sauna and the secret is to steam clean in the evenings. Toilets are generally compostable and are situated a short walk from the cabin. A head torch is very handy for any nocturnal visits.
Sleeping arrangements are in dormitory style areas. You will sleep in Arctic grade sleeping bags and, if you feel the cold, possibly your thermals. The cabins tend to get toasty warm once the fire has been blazing for a while. Be sure to pack cosy clothing for inside the cabin.
During overnight safaris your luggage will be securely stored at the hotel. Valuables can be left in the hotel safe.
Safari Houses and Cabins
On our multi day husky and snowmobile safaris you spend some nights in shared safari houses or cabins at the start and end of the holidays. Harriniva have a variety of cabins and safari houses, some of which are on site and others are situated 3km from Harriniva. Guests are transferred to the hotel for all meals if they are staying off site.
Each safari house or cabin has its own shower, toilet and sauna and provides the perfect place to bond with your fellow adventurers before your safari.
All meals are served in the main hotel building and you will have access to all facilities there.
Torassieppi Winter Village
Our Torassieppi Winter Village experience is brand new for winter 2013/14. This overnight stay will certainly top off your stay in Lapland. The Winter Village itself will have around 10 snow rooms for visitors to stay in.
At the winter village, you will spend the night in a snow room and you will keep warm with an arctic grade sleeping bag. These sleeping bags are specifically designed for this type of environment and will keep you warm all night long. You will sleep on a snow bed, which is insulated by reindeer skins to keep you nice and cosy. Don’t worry about getting too cold, as the temperature inside the snow rooms will usually record at -8 degrees, as the snow acts as an insulators for the entire snow hotel.
All hotel guests from Harriniva or Jeris will receive a complimentary transfer to the Winter Village. The transfers will depart after you have enjoyed your evening meal at the hotel. Alternatively, if you are already staying at Torassieppi the Winter Village is within walking distance from the main hotel.
During your stay at Torassieppi Winter Village you may wish to head to the restaurant and bar area at Torassieppi for warm drinks before you settle down for the night in your snow room.
You certainly do not need to be Ranulph Fiennes to sleep in a snow room, however throughout the night you will have access to a warm room if you do need a hot drink. Close by you will find toilets, showers and you will also have access to the lakeside sauna at selected times.
In the morning, you can enjoy breakfast at Torassieppi , which will be served between 8am and 10am. Then you will be either transferred to the airport for your return flight home or back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of your stay.