We know...
The words 'genuine' and 'unspoilt' are used all too freely to describe travel destinations. In Nellim's case they are wholly appropriate.
You will find this tiny "one street" town in the far North-East corner of Finnish Lapland on the shores of Lake Inari and just a short distance from the Russian Border. The terrain here is hillier and more rugged than in other parts of Finland and the spectacular winter scenery is all the more dramatic for that.
And, to add to the magic, this far north there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Indeed, three of us here at Activities Abroad saw the Aurora for the first time while visiting Nellim so it holds a special place in our hearts.
There's so much here that is different. For example, if you walk close to the Finland/Russian border fence then motion-sensitive cameras follow your movements. It's spooky and exciting at the same time!
Depsite Nellim's remote wilderness location you are assured of a warm and genuine Lappish family welcome from your hosts Jouko and Mari. In our opinion, Jouko is probably the hardest working man in the world. Among his many projects last year has been the construction of some fabulous new apartments across the courtyard from the main building.
If you haven't had enough exercise then grab a sledge and race down the slope to the lake. Take a reindeer skin with you and you can lie back, insulated against the frozen ice, and gaze skywards at probably the best free entertainment anywhere in the world.
You know...
" The Husky safari was awesome; I would recommend it to anyone. All activities were brilliant and our guides were excellent and looked after us brilliantly. I cannot think of anything at all which would make it better as it was absolutely great. Or maybe just sending me there again free of charge for the next month! We both absolutely loved our time in Nellim, it was awe inspiringly beautiful and the atmosphere at the hotel was wonderful." Agnes Gendry-Hearn - December 2010
Suitable for
Singles, couples and small groups.
Design your own holiday
Our tailor made programmes allow you to design your own holiday. Simply decide when you want to travel and for how long then match your stay to the activities available. Tailor made holidays are based on a minimum stay of three nights, flights, transfers and half board.
We’ve given you a brief overview of what’s possible and a sample itinerary for some inspiration.
Please note: Activity schedules are subject to change and times are approximate and include all transfers and breaks.
Weekly activity programme for
Design your own.
| Name |
Duration (hours) |
Distance (km) |
Adults from |
Half day husky safari
This half day husky safari is the perfect opportunity for you to get a taste of one of Lapland’s most popular activities. With 2 people per dog team you will both have chance to take control of your own team of huskies. This firm favorite is regularly referred to as the most memorable experience our clients take part in. The half day option is also perfect for those with smaller children. The safari will last approximately four hours and you and your team of huskies will cover approximately 15 kms of wilderness tracks across frozen lakes and through snow covered forests. During the safari you stop for a picnic lunch by campfire. |
4 |
15 |
£130 |
Full day husky safari
This full day safari offers individuals a chance to get a real feel for this fantastic activity. Many clients want to try longer overnight expeditions upon their return. It is hard to describe the feelings of freedom and exhilaration as you glide along on your sledge with the sound of your dogs panting and their paws padding on the soft snow. The safari will last approximately seven hours giving both people on each team plenty of time to learn how to control the dogs and to gain their trust and respect as you journey approximately 30 km across the wild landscape of Nellim. |
7 |
30 |
£195 |
Overnight husky safari
This is the ultimate husky experience to have while in Lapland and should be on everyone’s ‘things to do before I die’ list. You will spend the night in a wilderness cabin about as far away from civilization as you can get. Some of the cabins are basic (no electricity or running water) but once the log fire is lit and dinner is cooking it’s a very cosy place. During this two day trip you will be responsible for your own team of dogs including feeding them (before yourself!) The remote location of the log cabins also optimizes your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Only available from 15 Jan 2012 until 20 March 2012. |
48 |
50 |
£450 |
Introductory snowmobile safari
This two hour safari starts with a thorough safety briefing and after a slow start you will cover approximately 80km of breath taking winter scenery. This is the most exhilarating way to explore Lapland and your expert guide will ensure that the group travels at a pace comfortable for the whole group and a steady introduction to this exciting way of Lappish life. |
2 |
20 |
£80 |
Nellim explorer snowmobile safari
This four hour safari starts with a safety briefing before cruising off into the winter wilderness. ‘Explorer’ is the operative world for this safari as you head away from civilization (what little there is in Nellim!) into the real Finnish wilderness of vast frozen lakes and deep snow covered forests. You will stop en route to appreciate your amazing scenery and enjoy a traditional picnic lunch. During this safari you will cover approximately 50km before returning to the hotel for a relaxing sauna and delicious evening meal. |
4 |
60 |
£130 |
Day with a reindeer herder with snowmobiles
The group will travel by snowmobile to a local reindeer herder. The herder will then talk to you about the fascinating lifestyle of the Lappish people in the area both in the past and present. You will learn more about the life of the reindeer and their herders. |
5 |
50 |
£135 |
Northern Lights snowmobile safari
Driving a snowmobile at night is an exhilarating experience with your head lights lighting up the snow covered trees to make magnificent shapes and shadows. You will stop during the safari for a hot drink around a campfire and soak up the eerie silence and if you’re lucky the Northern Lights. This safari will last approximately three hours. |
3 |
20 |
£80 |
Overnight snowmobile safari (on request)
For the real petrol heads amongst us this is a dream come true. You will travel approximately 130 over the two days through some of the most breath taking scenery you will ever encounter. You will spend the night in a wilderness cabin about as far away from civilization as you can get. Some of the cabins are basic (no electricity or running water) but once the log fire is lit and dinner is cooking it’s a very cosy place. The remote location of the log cabins also optimizes your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. |
48 |
130 |
£450 |
Arctic ocean snowmobile safari (on request)
If you wanted a real experience to talk about when you get home try this on for size - a 400km round trip driving your own snowmobile to the Arctic Ocean. You will again stay in a wilderness cabin en route to the sea. Some experience of snowmobiling and a good level of fitness are required for this immensely rewarding safari. |
48 |
400 |
£795 |
Snowshoeing
As soon as you try to walk on the soft snow without snow shoes you will understand why these handy pieces of equipment are so vital for exploring on foot in this area. Snowshoes allow you to discover some fantastic cross country routes which would be impossible by any other means of transport. This is one of the more physically exerting activities but also one of the most fun giving you the freedom to wander off the beaten track. Your guide will ensure you find some fantastic scenery to enjoy and provide you with a hot drink along the route. During this five hour safari you will cover approximately 8km. |
5 |
8 |
£77 |
Cross country skiing
It’s no surprise that the Finns are among the best cross country skiers in the world. Its back to school for you today as your expert guide will teach you the basics for cross country skiing. This activity is perfect for families and beginners as the guide will tailor the lesson to the group’s ability. We recommend this activity earlier in the week leaving you more time to explore the miles of beautiful cross country tracks around Nellim. Your lesson will last approximately two hours. |
2 |
5 |
£54 |
Ice fishing
This is one of the more traditional activities in this area. After an introduction by your guide you will each get the opportunity to try your hand at Ice fishing. Your guide will light a campfire and serve a hot drink to ensure everyone has chance to stay warm whilst out on the frozen lake. The duration for this activity is approximately 5 hours. |
5 |
15 |
£65 |
Day trip to Inari
This is an opportunity to visit a traditional Lappish village. There are a few small shops and a fascinating museum about Sami culture. The day trip including transfers will take approximately seven hours. |
7 |
- |
£78 |
Aurora camp on Lake Inari
This is one of the most popular activities here at Nellim. There is a fantastic record for the Northern Lights in this region and this experience gives the best possible chance for seeing them. Even if they do not appear lying on a frozen lake, drinking warm berry juice around a campfire is a truly memorable experience. Many clients repeat this experience several times during their visit. An expert guide will accompany you and talk to you about the fascinating myths around the Northern Lights. |
2 |
10 |
£82 |
Kakslauttenen Igloo Village (on request - see supplement pricing box)
The Kakslauttenen Igloo Village enjoys a thoroughly well deserved reputation for the sheer uniqueness of its accommodation, most notably the glass igloos, which allow you to sleep under the Lapp sky hopefully admiring the Northern Lights. And, it’s all at a comfortable room temperature. The Glass igloos have been built from a very special thermo glass which guarantees that inside the igloo it is always a normal room temperature. It also prevents the glass from not frosting over hence keeping the view clear even when the temperature drops under -30c. To increase your comfort each igloo has a luxury bed and a discreet toilet. |
24 |
- |
- |
Available
Limited places
On request
Pricing Notes
Visits to the Glass Igloos at Kakslauttanen include one night accommodation in a Glass Igloo, transfers, half board and cold weather clothing.
Getting there
Manchester departure supplements on request.
Tourism in Finnish Lapland has become the main source of employment and income, replacing traditional industries such as forestry. Working within this growth industry in rural and remote areas means that we must take a great deal of responsibility; socially, environmentally and economically. We fully appreciate the impact of tourist visits on local communities and their residents and strive to ensure that we are having a positive effect.
The wilderness hotel in Nellim is owned and run by the Lappalainen family, whose Sámi routes have been in this area for centuries. They have a strong sense of tradition and we encourage all of our clients to respect and embrace the lives and culture of all Nellim’s local inhabitants by learning a few important words: hello, goodbye, please, thank you etc. We have also included activities with a cultural base. In addition, we always encourage our clients to get involved in local events and activities which help to sustain traditional values and customs. In all of our destinations we ensure that we use local accommodation, transport and activity providers, enabling locally owned businesses and the economies in which they work to benefit directly. The hotel in Nellim also serves as much local produce as possible and stocks locally made souvenirs. Through the tourism multiplier effect, this all helps to generate incomes and employment where the drift might otherwise be towards larger employment areas such as towns and cities. In a small and remote village such as Nellim the effects of such a drift could be devastating. The use of small family run hotels and businesses means that the tourism income, generated by our presence stays where it should, in the local economy. We firmly believe in paying a fair price for all the services provided by our suppliers regardless of where they are in the world. Our holidays rely on visiting beautiful and un-spoilt areas, and they don’t come more un-spoilt than Nellim.
Naturally we wish to maintain the natural settings in which we work, not just for the future of our company, but also for future generations. We will always insist that our local providers are equally conscious of this need. We do appreciate that some may feel that snowmobiles should not be included in such itineraries however in areas such as Nellim they are a way of life. They are the only means of keeping in contact with remote reindeer herders and communities as the road infrastructure is not extensive. All trails are well managed. The alternatives to snowmobiles would in most cases be large, gas-guzzling off road vehicles. All snowmobiles are regularly serviced and kept as fuel efficient as possible. The snowmobile service industry is also another vital source of employment in these remote areas. We always ensure that all litter is removed from any of our activity sites, we strongly encourage group transfers to reduce traffic volumes and we make our clients aware of their obligation to the environment. We always offset our air travel emissions and would encourage you to do the same.