When I went to Jeris many years ago I recall phoning the office in order to say that I had never been anywhere better! I was smitten. Since then I have spread the joy and now my wife and kids have been lucky enough to spend many a night there in the cosy cottages and have had the chance to try experiences that they will never ever forget.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:3 or more nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 4 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 flights from London to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: minimum 3 nights in a twin or double en-suite room at either Hotel Jeris or Hotel Harriniva. Winter cottage upgrades are available on request (Hotel Jeris only).
- Meals: half board
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors for any activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
TAILOR YOUR TRIP
A selection of winter activities can be added to your trip at an additional cost. Once you have chosen when you want to travel and for how long (we recommend a minimum stay of three nights) you can select as many or as few activities as you wish from the extensive range on the “Activities” tab and tailor your trip as required. All activities are individually priced and our Travel Experts can assist you with your selection and will then provide a personalised itinerary quotation for you.
Situated 230km north of the Arctic Circle, Hotel Jeris and Hotel Harriniva are both owned and run by the Pietikäinen family and offer family-friendly accommodation and an excellent choice of winter activities.
Guests can choose to stay at either hotel during their pick and mix winter activity holiday. Simply decide when you want to travel and for how long (we recommend a minimum stay of three nights) then match your stay to the activities listed in the ‘Activities’ tab. There are snowmobile safaris, dog sledding adventures, forest forays on snowshoes, ice fishing trips, Northern Lights excursions and a host of other exceptional family experiences to choose from. You are all sure to have great fun sitting down together to make your choices.
Jeris provides families with the picture-perfect backdrop; situated on the edge of a frozen lake in the far north of Lapland, it is surrounded by a pine forest, all of which are covered in snow for the wonderful winter months. Jeris offers families a choice of two types of accommodation and you can enjoy either hotel rooms or delightful winter cottages which are dotted around the forest within 20 minutes’ walk from the main building.
If you stay in one of the cosy cottages you’ll also have access to your own private sauna each day and no matter where you stay you can enjoy the facilities down at the lakeside spa pools and sauna for an additional cost.
Harriniva is a wonderful destination for families and the hotel rooms are comfortably furnished with wooden Scandinavian décor. The on-site sled dog centre makes a family husky safari almost mandatory here and The Aurora Wellness Centre on the banks of the river, which offers a wide range of therapies and treatments, is also well worth a visit during your stay.
Please note that all accommodation and activities are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Flights, transfers, half board and cold-weather clothing for the duration of your stay are all included in your holiday.
Read morePlease note: activity schedules are subject to change. Duration of activity includes transfer times and breaks, and all distances are approximate. Some activities require a minimum number of participants to operate and are subject to availability.
Husky safaris: Children over 15 years can usually drive a husky team themselves but this depends completely on the size of the child and their ability. The activity provider reserves the right to decide the arrangements for children according to the weather conditions and the child’s ability on the day. All decisions are final and in the interest of safety. Children between 5 – 14 years of age sit in the guide’s sled during safaris. We recommend only short husky safaris for young children.
Snowmobile safaris: The driver of a snowmobile must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. Children will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile on selected safaris where this is offered, older children may be able to travel as pillion on the snowmobile but this is at the discretion of the guide.
Single snowmobiles: All snowmobile safaris are based on two people sharing. If this is not possible in your party then the single snowmobile supplement will be automatically applied.
Image credit: Louise Wren
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Hotel Jeris
Nights: 1-3
Hotel Jeris is on the shores of Lake Jerisjarvi around 20km from the nearest town, offering families an idyllic retreat in the fell wilderness of Finnish Lapland. This remote location offers both a sense of escapism from everyday life and fantastic Northern Lights potential.
The hotel is owned and run by the Pietikäinen family who also manage the sister hotels of Harriniva, Kittila and Torassieppi. Together they make up some of our most popular accommodation options, charming families with their wonderfully fun activities and welcoming hospitality.
The hotel consists of the main building with hotel accommodation and restaurant and 32 winter cottages in the surrounding forested fells.
Read more about this accommodationHotel facilities
- All meals will be served in the newly renovated main hotel restaurant which offers families a half board buffet of traditional Finnish and international dishes. The buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of cooked and continental options; whilst dinner is usually a selection of salads followed by a choice of main course and set dessert
- There is a small lounge area where guests can use the free Wi-Fi connection and there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- Jeris is home to the lovely Arctic Sauna World, just a short walk from the hotel. Here there are four saunas each inspired by the four elements; earth, fire, water and air. You can also upgrade to the special Northern Lights sauna for a relaxing way to search the skies! If you are feeling brave (and are in good health) try an adventurous dip in the ice pool. The spa, renovated in 2019, is the first of its kind in Finland as it boasts strong eco-credentials thanks to the 100% renewable electricity and geothermal heat generated from the lake. Guests staying in either the cabins or the hotel rooms normally have one spa entry per holiday included. If you wish to visit more than once then this can be arranged and paid for locally with reception.
Room types
Double or twin rooms: The main hotel building at Jeris consists of 27 hotel rooms. All rooms were renovated in 2019 and offer a stylish, cosy home for your time in Lapland. The design is some of our favourite hotel rooms in Lapland and they have used local materials and designs in almost everything. These rooms have 1 double bed, a sofa bed for 1 person and the option to add in an extra bed (it will be a squeeze and we would only recommend for young children!) All rooms have en-suite bathroom with shower and have a hairdryer too.
Other options
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Harriniva Wilderness Hotel
Harriniva offers families a friendly and comfortable base for an Arctic adventure. The hotel is owned and run by the Pietikäinen family who owns four hotels in the area. All their hotels offer the same warm atmosphere and Finnish charm that keeps families entertained every season and ensures they are some of our most sought-after destinations.
Read more about this accommodationHotel facilities
- The focal point of the main building is the restaurant, which consists of three dining areas. The food served here is simple but hearty, with a varied buffet for breakfast and the evening meal generally consisting of a buffet of salad starters and dessert and a set main meal (please let us know any dietary requirements in advance). Food generally consists of both local and international dishes, suiting all tastes
- Next door to the restaurant there is a small bar area which generally stays open until around 11 pm
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- There are separate sauna facilities for male and female guests and these are free of charge in the evening and generally heated for around three hours
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and a PC is available at reception for guests to use
- There is a small souvenir shop in the reception area which sells a small selection of gifts and snacks
- You will find the Aurora Wellness Centre on the banks of the river which offers a wide range of therapies and treatments. Availability can be limited, so we would advise booking these in advance
Room types
- Standard rooms: there are 64 rooms at the hotel, all of which are en-suite with shower rooms. These are comfortably furnished in wooden Scandinavian décor. The rooms are cosy and have a hairdryer for guests’ convenience. There are no televisions in the rooms but there are TV rooms available should you want to sample some Finnish TV.
The hotel has a small number of room upgrade options available. Please contact us for a quotation and to check availability.
Wilderness plus rooms: these rooms include double/twin beds and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area.
Image credit: Ruth Sole
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Harriniva Riverside Cabins
Harriniva’s Riverside Cabins have everything that your family needs for a fantastic and comfortable stay. Ranging in size from 39m² to 47m², each cabin has one bedroom, a loft area (accessed by a steep ladder) and a living room, offering five beds in total. Complete with a kitchenette which includes a stove, dishwasher and fridge, and a private sauna, this is the perfect space for relaxing with the whole family after a day of activities.
Upgrade to a Riverside Cabin: from £62 per night
Credit: Antti Pietikainen
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Hotel Jeris Winter Cottage
Winter Cottage Type A
Hotel Jeris and its winter cottages are on the shores of Lake Jerisjarvi around 20km from the nearest town. They offer families an idyllic location for a holiday in the wilds of Finnish Lapland.
The hotel consists of the main building which is home to the hotel rooms, gift shop and restaurant. The 35 winter cottages are dotted in the surrounding forests.
Read more about this accommodationHotel facilities:
- All meals are served in the main hotel restaurant. There is always a selection of options which often includes local dishes as well as more international cuisine.
- The buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of cooked and continental options; whilst lunch and dinner are usually a selection of salads, then a choice between a meat/fish main course and a vegetarian option, followed by a set dessert. During December, a special buffet menu and certain soft drinks are also provided for children.
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant/bar area.
- There is a small lounge area in the main building where guests can use the free Wi-Fi connection and there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks.
- Jeris is home to the lovely Arctic Sauna World just a short walk from the hotel. Renovated for winter 2019/20, the spa has strong eco-credentials thanks to its use of entirely renewable electricity and geothermal heating generated from the Jerisjärvi lake. Here there are four saunas each inspired by the four elements; earth, fire, water and air and named after Finnish gods and goddesses. You can also upgrade to the special Northern Lights sauna for a relaxing way to search the skies! If you are feeling brave (and are in good health) try an adventurous dip in the ice pool.
Winter Cottage Type A:
Type A winter cottages (30 square metres) are, on the whole, the closest to the hotel and are ideal for families with small children.
The cabins can vary in size but all sleep from two to four people in one spacious room with a sleeping alcove for two people (generally with a double bed) and a pull-out sofa bed for two more. They are all privately-owned and so the décor and style can vary, but each has a cosy wood-burning stove, clothes-drying cupboard, kitchenette, television, shower room, toilet and a private sauna.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
Please note: a limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.
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Jeris Winter Cottage Type B
Type B winter cottages (63 square metres) sleep from four to six people and are ideal for families of four or more. There is a living room area with kitchenette and wood-burning stove, one bedroom for two people and a mezzanine loft area (please note that this is accessed by a steep ladder so is not suitable for small children) which can sleep up to four more.
Read more about this accommodationThe cottages are all privately owned and so some contents and décor may vary, but all are equipped with a clothes drying cupboard, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room.
The cosy winter cottages are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road and tucked in the trees around a 15-minute walk from the main building. Your luggage will be transferred for you on arrival.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Please speak to one of our Family Travel Experts for a quote.
Please note: A limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.
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Jeris Winter Cottage Type C
Type C winter cottages (70 square metres) are the largest available and sleep from four to seven people. There are two bedrooms (each for two people) downstairs and a loft sleeping area for a further two (or three if you don’t mind being very cosy!) people accessed via a steep staircase (not suitable for small children).
Read more about this accommodationAs with all the cottages, there is a log-burning stove, clothes drying cupboard, kitchenette, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room. They can vary in layout a little and as they are privately-owned, the décor is determined by the owner’s personal choice.
They are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road, and tucked in the trees between a 10 and a 20-minute walk from the main building. Your luggage will be transferred for you on arrival. All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
Please speak to one of our Family Travel Experts for a quote.
Please note: A limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.
Special Nights
Night in an Arctic Firefox Lodge
For an exclusive experience, guests can choose to upgrade to the exceptional Arctic Firefox Lodge at Jeris for a night during their stay. This lakeside retreat offers panoramic views across Lake Jerisjarvi. You can spend your evening unwinding in your very own private sauna, before heading upstairs to your cosy bed, where unobstructed views of the night sky and the Arctic wilderness await. You can snuggle up in bed and gaze at the sky above you and if the Northern Lights appear above you, it really will top off this magical night. Your stay in this very special accommodation includes entry to Arctic Sauna World, bathrobes and slippers.
Prices vary depending on dates and availability. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Credit Harriniva Hotels and Safaris
Aurora Glamping Overnight
An Aurora Dome is not only a memorable accommodation choice for the night, it’s also one of the cosiest Northern Lights hunts you and your family will partake in!
This luxury tent has a see-through sidewall to give you a constant view of the beautiful wilderness and if conditions are favourable, the Auroras dancing just outside!
Prices vary depending on dates and availability. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Toilet, sauna and shower facilities are easily accessible just 100m away.
Minimum age: 5 years old
Available: Every day from 4 pm
Image credit: Antti Pietikainen
Activities
Keep yourself busy!
Select the activities you would like to include during your stay from the options below. Please note that the Harriniva activity schedule will only run until the 3rd of April 2022. Our Family Travel Experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Special Nights
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.
VIEW ALL HOLIDAYS
Activities: please note that the activities are not included in the prices below. All you need to do is select your preferred activities from the 'Activities' tab and our Travel Experts will create a personalised itinerary quote for you.
Price based on: 2 adults sharing with 1 child in an extra bed. Please ask a Family Travel Expert for a Jeris Hotel Winter Cottage upgrade quotation.
Dates
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 1 and maximum 24 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.
Overnight husky safari evacuation fee
Overnight husky safari
Please note: if you choose to take part in one of our overnight safaris but discontinue the activity for reasons other than emergency evacuation, you will be charged an evacuation fee of €300.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Swim stops
There are plenty of opportunities during our cruises for refreshing swim stops in some beautiful spots en route. Please note that this is not a supervised or guided activity and whilst safety equipment is provided on board and staff members will be present, each passenger is responsible for their own safety whilst in the water.
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