Adult price from £3,285pp
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities and cold weather clothing; all as listed.
VISITING: Finland
BROCHURE CODE: 1909

Key facts

  • Duration:7 nights
  • Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
Download Holiday Overview Download Trip Notes

What's included?

  • Flights: return flights from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes subject to change.
  • Transfers: return airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 7 nights' hotel accommodation in double/twin room. (Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.)
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • The following activities are included: wilderness day, Northern Lights workshop, Aurora Camp, cross-country skiing, husky safari, minibus/car Northern Lights hunt, snowmobile safari, snowshoeing, reindeer visit (order subject to change)
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
  • 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
  • Aurora alert until approximately 1 am

Wilderness Hotel Nellim is based in a remote setting in the northeast corner of Finland. It offers families a total escape from the every day and the chance to experience one of the last great wilderness regions in Europe. The hotel is family-owned and exceptionally welcoming; renowned for its hospitality, food and friendly staff who do all they can to make sure you make the most of this vast Arctic playground by both day and night. There are plenty of great family accommodation options including suites, hotel rooms and cabins all of which offer a comfortable base to enjoy after a day in the Arctic. Browse through our accommodation tab for more information and see which you think would be best suited for your family.

For families, the inclusive activities (of which there are many!) provide the opportunity to really make the most of these remarkable surroundings. From honing your fire-making and igloo building skills to snowmobiling and husky sledding across the vast, frozen landscape, your family will be sure to have an unforgettable experience. Cross-country skiing, reindeer encounters and snowshoe hikes will also give you a feel for the local lifestyle here in Lapland.

Ideally located within the Aurora Zone, Nellim is an exceptional destination from which to view the Northern Lights. Four of the Activities Abroad team witnessed their first Aurora either from the banks of frozen Lake Inari or at one of the excellent Aurora Camps here and have since taken their own families back to the hotel to share in the experience.

Each year this half-term holiday receives outstanding feedback and it never fails to sell out so we would recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your family’s places on this Aurora Adventure. 

Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and the agenda should be used as a guide only. The exact order of your agenda will be confirmed upon arrival at the hotel.

White outline Interreg Nord

Image credits: Markku Inkila, Anthony Oberlin & Matt Robinson
Show full agenda

Included in price


Other options


Special Nights

Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble

From: £88pp

A wonderful addition to your family holiday, spending the night in an Aurora Bubble offers the chance for a unique and memorable night’s sleep, as you lie back in bed and gaze directly up into the pitch-black Arctic sky.

Each Bubble consists of a wooden base, with a large north-facing dome window over the bed. There is also a small toilet too. They are heated and decked out with cosy furnishings, ensuring a warm night’s sleep. Of course, you may not want to sleep much, choosing instead to keep a close watch on the sky!

The Aurora Bubbles are situated a short walk from the hotel amongst the trees. They have no running water but if you upgrade to spend the night in a Bubble then you will also keep your hotel room so facilities are within easy reach. Please note that the beds in the Bubbles are double beds so can only accommodate two people.

Whilst we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, this remains a genuinely memorable and fun experience for your family!


Image credit: Markku Inkila

Sleep in an Aurora Kota

From: £132pp

Nellim is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.

These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed. 

 The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom.  There is also room for two extra beds for children.

Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.


Image credit: Anthony Oberlin

Personalise this tour


Our pick

  • Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble

    A wonderful addition to your family holiday, spending the night in an Aurora Bubble offers the chance for a unique and memorable night’s sleep, as you lie back in bed and gaze directly up into the pitch-black Arctic sky.

    Each Bubble consists of a wooden base, with a large north-facing dome window over the bed. There is also a small toilet too. They are heated and decked out with cosy furnishings, ensuring a warm night’s sleep. Of course, you may not want to sleep much, choosing instead to keep a close watch on the sky!

    Read more

    The Aurora Bubbles are situated a short walk from the hotel amongst the trees. They have no running water but if you upgrade to spend the night in a Bubble then you will also keep your hotel room so facilities are within easy reach. Please note that the beds in the Bubbles are double beds so can only accommodate two people.

    Whilst we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, this remains a genuinely memorable and fun experience for your family!


    Image credit: Markku Inkila
    From £88 per adult

Other options

  • Sleep in an Aurora Kota

    Nellim is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.

    These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed. 

    Read more about this activity

     The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom.  There is also room for two extra beds for children.

    Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.


    Image credit: Anthony Oberlin

    From: £132 per adult

We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

Price per person based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room with 1 child

Departure day: Tuesday

Next season’s dates and prices

Our dates and prices for 2024/25 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Family Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. 

Departure dates between
Sat 08 Feb 2025 Adult price (per person): £3645.00
to £4085.00
Child (age 8 -14): £2955.00
to £3315.00
Enquire
Sat 15 Feb 2025 Adult price (per person): £3285.00
to £3685.00
Child (age 8 -14): £2585.00
to £2895.00
Enquire

Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times. This only applies to holidays that include flights.

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

This holiday requires a minimum of 4 people to run, however, we require a minimum of 8 people for our flight allocation. Maximum 28 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate

Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.

Minimum and maximum age

The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.

Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Specific Payment and Cancellation Terms for Nellim

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:

- Prior to 25.09 - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

- 26.09 up until departure date - 100%

For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply: 

- Up to balance due date (this is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

- Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%

- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%

- 14 or less days - 100% 

 

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions

 

Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only

Traveller Reviews

  • The holiday was well designed and we all had a thoroughly great time. 16 February 2020 by The Melford Family

    Overall we had a really amazing holiday that exceeded our expectations. Professional service throughout. We had a truly memorable trip to the Wilderness hotel! Loved by the whole family, we had a magical stay packed with exciting activities from husky sledding to snowmobiling - thank you!

  • For a family holiday - is up there with the best of the best 16 February 2020 by The Baker Family

    We hired the log suite so upgrade from a normal room. This was worth it - private sauna and allowed our daughter to stay with us but also give everyone some privacy. Accommodation set up was perfect. We took some dry food with us in case full board option was a bit sparse. The food was superb, quality and quantity, the breakfast was just my thing. The restaurant area was warm and cosy, welcoming.
    Read more
    The activities were all amazing. Attentive staff, good equipment but most of all a decent amount of time eg we did a skidoo tryout and I wondered if try out might mean 20 minutes or something but it wasn’t that, it was a proper 2 hours or just over. So much fun... Clothing was very warm, we were a bit unsure if cold would be a problem, it wasn’t. We enjoyed everything and did extra country skiing. But for my family the husky sledding was the ultimate thing. We all loved it and are still smiling. For us - coming from the south of the UK - we have gaps of several years between snowfalls. In Finland there was so much snow that just being there was good. I’m 48 and have travelled quite a lot- before family and with family. I’ve been lucky enough to do lots of good things but this holiday - for a family holiday - is up there with the best of the best. I don’t know what else you could do. My glowing memories are partly also down to the weather. There was a mountain of snow - more than usual for Nellim. We had gloriously crisp cold sunny days and days where the snow fell and we enjoyed all of it. On the Tuesday we were treated to a wonderful northern lights display so we had all the luck of nature as well.
    Read less

  • Nellim - Half Term Aurora Adventure 17 February 2019 by The Colling Family

    The whole holiday was fantastic and good value for money. Staff at Nellim were wonderful, very helpful and knowledgeable.

  • Fab holiday totally buoyed up by the experience we fear our friends and family will get sick of us going on about it. 23 February 2018 by The Hadfield Family

    We had an amazing holiday in Nellim - so good we cannot stop recommending it to friends and family. We wish we could go again. The staff were excellent especially your rep Ben. The activities were all we could have hoped for and more. Our girls 17,15,12 years are well travelled and they have all said this was the best holiday ever and can we do more like it please? Fab holiday totally buoyed up by
    Read more
    the experience we fear our friends and family will get sick of us going on about it. An amazing way to spend a family holiday with teenagers as well as celebrate my half-century. Thank you.
    Read less

  • We particularly loved the husky safari. 21 February 2018 by The Lewis Family

    Every activity offered was such fun and there was a great balance between planned activities and free time. We particularly loved the husky safari. The staff at Nellim were all amazing- the guides, kitchen, bar and reception staff. They couldn't have been more friendly and helpful.

  • Everything was perfect 18 February 2017 by The Willard family group

    Everything was perfect - from our initial conversation with a very knowledgeable sales person to the holiday itself. Pre-travel information was great and everyone we dealt with both in the UK and at the resort were so helpful. The hotel was fantastic at dealing with my daughter's dietary restrictions and could not do enough for her. We particularly enjoyed the husky ride. It was fantastic fun and
    Read more
    everyone loved it. The dogs were fantastic and the amazing scenery was incredible. Our group was of mixed ages from 12-70. We had an amazing trip and loved every minute of it. My only comment would be that my parents found some of the activities quite hard going. Their health had deteriorated slightly in the 10 months since we originally booked which I am sure contributed to this. They had a go at everything with the exception of the activity on the last day as they were too tired and were glad they did but it was possibly a bit too full on for them. The rep at the resort (Dan) was absolutely brilliant and very patient with us - including taking my mum to the hospital when she cut her head. We would absolutely recommend both the hotel and the company- possibly the best family holiday we have ever had.
    Read less

  • Fantastic family holiday! 11 February 2017 by Nicholas and Victoria Loh

    The husky safari was interactive and different. Good for both adults and kids. The holiday was excellent overall, the kids would complain that the Wi-Fi was not good enough but the adults saw this as a benefit! Dan (your rep) was really helpful and the staff and especially the chefs were very accommodating catering for a fussy teenagers tastes.

  • Nellim family week 17 April 2014 by Lynda Atkins

    We had a really fantastic time at Nellim, and cannot recommend this holiday too highly.  If you don't want to lie on a beach and make sandcastles, this is a great way to spend a week learning new things in a really fun way in a very special environment.The accommodation was cosy and warm, well-furnished and (in room 302 at least) spacious.  We had everything we needed and more.  The
    Read more
    food was a lovely balance of scandinavian and standard european (with chips as a special treat for the youngsters) and was really plentiful so we were always very well-fed.  The guides were truly wonderful: patient, good-humoured and very informative so now we all know how to make a fire in the snow, how to use a husky sled and lots more besides.  Ben, the Activities Abroad rep could not have been more helpful, not that there was much for him to sort out.  He even booked the aurora!!  We want to go again!
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  • Brilliant Holiday 09 January 2013 by Helen Clark

    It was a brilliant holiday and ran so smoothly. I will definitely be looking to book something with you again at some point. We also met some really lovely families.

  • We enjoyed all the activties but maybe the husky dog ride has the edge 20 February 2012 by Alexandra Dabrowska

     We enjoyed all the activties but maybe the husky dog ride has the edge over the others. The local guide arranged an individual ride for us as a family because we were not able to leave our son who is learning disabled. The adults were scheduled to have their own rides separate to the children but we needed to be together and that is why we had our own ride which was wonderful as we could do
    Read more
    it as a family.We had a great holiday. It was very memorable and lovely to be somewhere which was not Commercial.
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  • FAMILY SPECIALISTS

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    Experience real adventures enjoyed safely

    Family friendly destinations and accommodation

    Maximising your precious family time

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    For toddlers, young children, teenagers & adults alike

    Enjoy the company of like-minded families

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    Customers rate us 4.8/5 Stars

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