The thing I loved about Apukka was that, at just 15 minutes from the airport, you're able to start your family winter adventure almost straight away! Though it sits close to the city, the Apukka Resort is everything you'd expect from Finnish wilderness - snowy surroundings, frozen lakes and brilliant winter experiences. It is an ideal family-friendly base that will most definitely have you creating cherished memories! 
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:3 nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 2 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Flights: return direct flights from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi. Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return airport transfers and return transfers to Santa Park
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a 3 bedroom holiday home. Upgrades available for the duration of your stay at an extra charge.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Activities: Snow fun and entrance to Santa Park
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Free use of cross-country skis, snowshoes and fat bikes
Just 15 minutes from Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and Father Christmas’ official hometown but in true Finnish winter wonderland surroundings, the Apukka Resort is a brilliant family-friendly introduction to the Arctic.
Though easily accessible, the resort sits far enough away from the city to feel like a wilderness retreat, complete with frozen lake and snow-capped trees. During this 3 night stay, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the snowy surroundings with free use of the fat bikes, snowshoes and cross-country skis. We’ve also included a snow fun day to make the most out of the wintery conditions. You’ll meet the much-loved animals of Lapland, reindeer and huskies, for short safari rides across the snow. You can also try mini snowmobiles and ice sculpting to really complete your winter experience.
As you are so close to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Father Christmas, your time in Lapland wouldn’t be complete without meeting the man himself. We’ve included a trip to the Santa Park where elves will greet you, Ice Princesses will show you around their frozen home and Father Christmas is waiting to hear all of your wishes!
What makes this location even more special is its Northern Lights potential. If conditions are favourable, walk down to the resort’s frozen lake and look to the skies. There are also plenty of dedicated Aurora activities to choose from to increase your chances - see our ‘Personalise’ tab for more information.
For a family-friendly introduction to Lapland in Finnish wilderness surroundings, the Apukka Resort is an ideal location for a festive family break.
Image credits: Apukka Resort, Santa Park - Arctic World, Jani KäRppä, Flatlight Films And Visit Finland
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival
You will arrive at Rovaniemi airport and be met and transferred just 15 minutes to reach the Apukka resort.
Get settled into your new surroundings when you check into your holiday home or apartment accommodation before dinner in the restaurant this evening. Don’t forget, you are now in prime Northern Lights territory, so keep an eye on the sky for a potential display.
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Santa Park
Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant then it’s time to get festive with a visit to Santa Park in Rovaniemi. After a short transfer (approx 15 minutes) you will reach the park where a whole host of Christmas fun awaits. You will meet with elves and earn your diploma at elf school. You’ll also travel underground to cross the magical Arctic Circle line and then meet the Ice Princess in her frozen home. The main event, however, is meeting Father Christmas in his official hometown - a memorable encounter for the whole family!
If you prefer, you can upgrade your Father Christmas experience to the Dream of Joulukka activity - details of which can be found in our ‘personalise’ tab.
Following your festive day, you will return to the hotel to relax as you please. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant as usual.
Santa Park is open from 10 am to 6 pm. As we want your family to decide how much time you want to spend there, transfer times haven’t been arranged. Please speak to the reception the day before to arrange your preferred drop-off and pick up times.
If you wish to visit Santa Park in the late afternoon - additional activities can be found in our ‘Personalise’ tab.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 3 Fun in the Snow
Today following breakfast, it’s time to make the most out of the snowy surroundings with a taste of all the must-do winter activities in the company of your local expert guide. From short reindeer sleigh rides and dog sledding (each approximately 500 metres. Please note that you will need to cross a road, but a guide will be with you at all times to help you cross) to learning how to cross-country ski and snowshoe, you’ll travel how the locals do and get a fun insight into life in Lapland. You’ll also get creative when you try ice sculpting and see who is the fastest when you race in toboggans. There’s also the brilliant opportunity to let the children take to the driver’s seat on mini snowmobiles. Finally, with all the materials around you, you’ll also be in store for a fantastic snowball fight! The total duration of the activity is four hours and lunch will be served in the restaurant.
Enjoy dinner in the restaurant tonight ahead of an evening free to spend as you please.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Departure
Unfortunately, today it is time for your short break in Lapland to come to an end.
Enjoy your last afternoon before being transferred to the airport ahead of your flight home. Your luggage can be stored at the reception.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Apukka Aurora Borealis Resort
Nights: 1-3
The Apukka Resort is the perfect place to shake the snow off your shoes and relax after a day exploring the Arctic.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel Facilities:
- Fuel up on breakfast in the hotel restaurant before each Arctic activity and return for your evening meal to discuss the day’s epic adventures.
- Take some of your holiday of a lifetime home with you when you visit the Apukka souvenir shop which is full of Finnish treasures.
Room Types:
APUKKA AURORA CABIN
Return from your adventures in the Arctic to a cosy Aurora Cabin where you can search for the Northern Lights right from the comfort of your bed.
With a heated glass roof to give you a brilliant look out to the dark sky, this will be one of the few places where the kids will be allowed to stay up late – especially if the Auroras start to appear!
Double Room with Convertible Sofa:
The Aurora Cabins are equipped with a double bed and a convertible sofa for two children. Everything is in one place with your own private ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet, mini fridge, hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi. Make sure you download the Aurora app so you’ll know if you can expect to see the Northern Lights above your bed (a charge applies).
Other options
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Apukka Aurora Cabin
Return from your adventures in the Arctic to a cosy Aurora Cabin where you can search for the Northern Lights right from the comfort of your bed.
With a heated glass roof to give you a brilliant lookout to the dark sky, this will be one of the few places where the kids will be allowed to stay up late – especially if the Auroras start to appear!
Read more about this accommodationRoom types
Double Room with Convertible Sofa:
Sleeps 2+2 persons: There are 30 Aurora Cabins on site equipped with double bed and convertible sofa for two children. Everything is in one place with your own private ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet, mini fridge, hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi. Make sure you download the Aurora app so you’ll know if you can expect to see the Northern Lights above your bed (a charge applies).
You can also upgrade to one of the superior Aurora Cabins, which are located closer to the lake and offer a lake view. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
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Apukka Apartments
After a day playing in the snow, the Apukka Apartments are a relaxing home away from home for the whole family to unwind in.
Read more about this accommodationThere is one bedroom with twin beds and three fold-out sofa beds, making it ideal for larger groups.
The apartments come equipped with dining and kitchenette facilities including a kettle, microwave, oven, electric stove and fridge. There is also a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. Some apartments have lakeside views.
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Dream of Joulukka
Journey to the secret forest with Father Christmas’ very own elves leading the way. This enchanting experience starts with a short transfer to Santa Park, followed by a transfer deep into the snow-laden forest to immediately set the scene for your magical experience. Here you will meet with the elves, who are excited to show you around their wintery home. They will teach you all about what it takes to be Santa’s helper and after gingerbread making and some training, you will even receive your very own Santa’s helper diploma!
Read moreAfter some outdoor fun in the snow, you will walk to find Father Christmas’ secret cabin in the woods. Then, one family at a time, you will have a private meeting with the famous man in red, who will tell you all about life in Lapland and you can tell him your Christmas wishes! Each child will also receive a small gift to have something to take home from this truly magical encounter.
Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours in total including transfers
Prices:
Adults £134 per adult
Child (3-12) £104 per child
Child (2 years) £130 per child
Please note: This activity is not available for all of the departure dates. Please speak to a Family Travel Expert for more information.
Image credits: Santa Park - Arctic World
From £134 per adult
From £104 per child
Other options
Activities
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Aurora Hunt on the Snowtrain
All aboard the Snowtrain for a unique way to hunt for the Northern Lights.
After dinner, it’s time to head inside one of the cosy Snowtrain carriages and cross the stunning snowy landscape, searching the skies as you go.
You’ll arrive at a traditional Lappish ‘kota’ tepee in a beautiful wilderness setting, where your guide will teach you how to build a fire. Once lit, you will gather around to enjoy snacks and hot drinks, looking up at the skies to search for the Northern Lights. Your expert guide will also help you with your camera settings, should the Aurora start to appear.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Available: Daily from 8:30pm
Credit Apukka Resort
From: £102 per adult
From: £74 per child -
Meet the Arctic Animals – Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Get up close to some of the most famous Arctic animals during a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park.
After approximately an hour’s transfer, you’ll arrive at the wildlife park where over 50 different species live. See polar bears, moose, wolves, bears and much more in their snowy surroundings and learn all about how these animals live in Lapland. Lunch is included today.
Duration: 5 hours in total (including transfers and lunch)
Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 8.45am
Image Credit: Gulo Gulo Holiday Village
From: £127 per adult
From: £99 per child -
Ice Fishing like a Finn
Ice fishing is a popular Finnish pastime and is a relaxing way to enjoy the wintery surroundings.
Help the local guide pack the fishing gear and choose the right lure to attract the fish. Then you and the family will make your way down to the frozen lake and help to drill a hole in the thick ice, before lowering the bait.
As you wait to see who might get the catch of the day, keep warm by the fire and enjoy the stunning environment around you.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hours in total
Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 12:00
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
From: £84 per adult
From: £56 per child -
Peek to the Wilderness by Snowmobile
Snowmobiles are widely used as a form of transport in these regions but for those of us who don’t use them day-to-day, they are a brilliant adventure to see more of the snowy surroundings.
This activity is the perfect introduction into snowmobiling, as adults get to experience driving and children ride in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile.
After full instructions and a safety briefing, you’ll set off along the trails. You’ll drive through the pine tree forests and across frozen marshlands, stopping along the way to enjoy a warm drink in the wilderness.
You will drive two per snowmobile. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hours in total
Available: Daily at 14:00 and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 12:00
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
From: £112 per adult
From: £74 per child -
Reindeer Night Safari
Ride through the Arctic night on a reindeer-pulled sleigh as you go in search of the Northern Lights.
This tranquil journey will take you through the wintery forest and to a traditional Lappish kota tepee. Here, you can enjoy warm drinks and snacks as your expert guide tells you all about the life of a reindeer herder and stories of the magical Auroras.
Everyone will be keeping their eye on the sky and if conditions are favourable, you’ll get to witness a Northern Lights display out in the wilderness.
Duration: 3 hours
Available: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 20:30
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
From: £149 per adult
From: £102 per child -
Apukka Reindeer Journey
Travel through the forests on a magical reindeer sleigh ride – a peaceful way to complete your Lapland experience.
Along the way, the local guide will tell you all about the life of a reindeer herder and their animals in Lapland. Your ride will last for approximately one hour and you will enjoy a hot drink and snack.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total (1 hour sleigh ride)
Available: Daily at 10am and 2pm
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
From: £140 per adult
From: £84 per child -
Aurora Husky Tour in Apukka
Combine your Northern Lights quest with an adventurous evening husky safari.
As you sit on the sled, your expert guide will drive your pack of dogs into the wilderness and to a prime lookout location. Here, your guide will make a fire to sit around and enjoy some hot drinks and snacks.
As you wait for a potential display, the guide will tell you stories about the Northern Lights and life in Lapland.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Available: Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday at 8:30pm
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
From: £186 per adult
From: £130 per child -
Husky Adventure
Meet with the Apukka pack and go on a dog sledding adventure to discover why this is one of the most sought-after winter experiences.
Upon arrival at the husky camp, you’ll meet with an expert musher, who will tell you all about the lives of the dogs and give you full instructions on how to drive a dog sled.
Then it’s time to step onto the sled and let the dogs lead the way as you embark on a 5-10km safari. The adults will mush with the children riding as a passenger in the sled, admiring the winter scenes as they unfold around you.
Upon your return, you’ll have time to thank the dogs and take some photos with your loyal team.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total
Available: Daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm
Image Credits: Apukka Resort
From: £158 per adult
From: £121 per child -
Aurora Hunt by Car
Hop into a cosy warm car with a knowledgeable guide and go in search of the Northern Lights. Using the mobility of the car to your advantage, you can travel further distances which can help outrun any localised cloud cover.
As you travel to a prime lookout location, your guide will tell you all about life in Finland and help you search the skies for a potential Aurora display. Don’t worry if you don’t have a camera with you, your guide will share their photos of the night (charges may apply). A hot drink and a snack are included.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Available: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 20:30
Image Credit: Apukka Resort
From: £84 per adult
From: £56 per child
Dates & Prices
Thank you for your interest in this Activities Abroad family experience.
We have found that this holiday is better tailored exactly to your requirements, so please email our Travel Experts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us on 01670 789 991 to discuss the various options available to you.
Our Travel Experts have been to all the destinations we feature and love to share their experiences and insight. We want to match you with your perfect trip, so if you have any questions please get in touch; we will be happy to talk through the destinations and itineraries with you.
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Price based on - 2 adults (15+) sharing a 3 bedroom holiday home with 1 child (4-14yrs) on a sofa bed. Reductions apply for children aged 2-3 years. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a full quotation.
Dates
Supplements
Please note that reductions apply for children aged 3 years and under. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 2 people; maximum 35 approximately. Please note the minimum group size for Joulukka is 4 people and maximum group size is 60 people (approximately)
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.
Cancellation terms - Apukka Christmas
Payment and cancellation terms
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in sections 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- More than 63 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 63 to 43 days prior to departure - 40%
- 42 to 30 days prior to departure - 60%
- 29 to 15 days prior to departure - 80%
- 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
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