Escape the crowded city squares and the predictable fireworks displays with the New Year’s Eve in the heart of Lapland program. This year, trade the neon lights for the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis and the silence of the Arctic wilderness. Welcome to the Tornio River Valley, a hidden gem straddling the border of Swedish and Finnish Lapland, where time slows down, and the magic of the North truly begins.
An Unplugged Arctic Sanctuary
Our LappOne – The Five Senses of Lapland journey is designed for the traveler who seeks authenticity over mass tourism. Located far from the commercial hubs, the Tornio River Valley remains one of Europe’s last untouched frontiers. Here, the air is the purest you will ever breathe, and the snow-muffled forests tell stories of ancient spirits and Sámi legends.
Awaken Your Five Senses
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it is a sensory immersion into the Arctic way of life:
- Sight: Witness the “wondrous colors” of the night sky as the Northern Lights dance in shades of emerald and violet.
- Sound: Listen to the crunch of fresh snow underfoot and the rhythmic echoes of local folklore told by the hearth.
- Touch: Feel the crisp Arctic breeze on your face and the warmth of a traditional wood-fired sauna.
- Smell: Inhale the scent of burning birchwood and the wild, earthy aroma of the pine forests.
- Taste: Savor the flavors of Lapland, from wild berries and reindeer delicacies to coffee brewed over an open fire.
A New Year Like No Other
Imagine ringing in the New Year on the literal edge of the Arctic Circle. As midnight approaches, there are no bustling crowds—only the vast, starlit horizon and the company of fellow adventurers. Whether you are mushing through the valley on a husky sled or sharing a meal in a cozy timber lodge, you will feel a profound connection to a land where nature still reigns supreme.
Join us for an incredible journey off the beaten track. Experience the true thrill of the Northern Lights and start your year with a sense of wonder that will stay with you long after the snow melts.
Arrive at Oulu Airport, Finland, on a Finnair flight. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) by private vehicle to your charming hotel, located in the town of Kemi, next to the train station.During the tour, you'll stay in the beautiful Putiikkihotelli, a traditional wooden house built right next to the railway, once the staff's residence. The accommodation includes a family suite for three to four people, three double rooms, and a single room, all furnished in Nordic style.
Some rooms have private bathrooms and showers, while others are shared. Four log cabins with private bathrooms are also available, ideal for families. Upon arrival, you'll try on Arctic gear (a suit and boots), which you'll have for the duration of your stay (rental), and you'll be served a traditional dinner. Afterward, if the conditions are right, you can go out to observe the Northern Lights, easily visible in the city surroundings thanks to low light pollution.
The lively town of Kemi is located not far from your accommodation. It is one of the oldest cities in the area, founded in the mid-19th century during Russian rule. It occupies a strategic position at the mouth of the Kemi River, a rail and road hub that quickly made it an industrial hub.
Its old port is its most characteristic part, as well as the one that has been best preserved over the centuries. Kemi is famous for its Snow Castle and the icebreaker Sampo. During this time of year, the sun rises just above the horizon, creating wonderful light effects on the frozen sea (see photo below, taken at midday).
After a buffet breakfast served by the chef right in your home, it's time for some adrenaline! We'll move to Kukkola (about 45 minutes), on the Swedish side of the Tornio River. Here, after receiving safety instructions, we'll hop on snowmobiles for a roughly two-hour tour (optional activity subject to an additional fee) during the short Arctic day. Each snowmobile is driven by one of you, with a passenger riding in the back. Halfway there, we'll stop to take photos of the midday sunrise and to change drivers. Those who don't want to participate in this optional activity can take photos in the surrounding area or wait inside the restaurant.
At the end of the safari, we'll explore Kukkola, a perfectly preserved ancient fishing village, still partially inhabited by the families who once lived there. Here, we'll guide you through the small but fascinating fish museum, and you'll learn about life in these parts before the advent of technology. You'll also have the opportunity to learn how to bake traditional Lappish bread and enjoy a delicious fish salad while sitting around the fire in a unique atmosphere.
As an alternative to this day, you can visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, which requires a transfer of about 1.5 hours.
In the evening, we'll return to the hotel for a relaxing break, followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. Afterward, we'll try to spot the Northern Lights.
After a hearty breakfast served by your chef in the lodge's kitchen, we'll depart for Lautiosaari (about a 45-minute drive), where a sled safari pulled by Siberian huskies awaits us. It's a truly intense experience, immersed in these wonderful animals and the pristine wilderness. Upon arrival, we'll meet their breeder, and the dogs will howl and bark at your approach: this isn't a sign of threat, but rather a sign of eagerness to begin the safari!
After a brief briefing on driving techniques and safety, we'll begin a wonderful journey through the snow-covered forest, which we'll traverse for about 5-6 km (20-30 minutes). At the end of the safari, you can enjoy a coffee or hot fruit juice and a snack.The breeder will explain in detail how these wonderful animals are raised and tell you what life is like in the Arctic.
Afterwards, we'll go on a snowshoe hike lasting about an hour in the woods surrounding the husky farm. It's a wonderful experience, surrounded only by nature and the silence of our footsteps. At dusk, we'll head to a nearby lodge, where we'll be served a traditional dinner in the atmospheric kota, around the fire. This is one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights.
Today, after our usual breakfast, we'll visit a beautiful reindeer farm, located just over 15 minutes away. Here, the herders will introduce us to these magnificent animals and explain how they've adapted to life in the Arctic. We'll feed them and take a short ride on their sleigh. We'll also be served a hot drink in the beautiful kota, around the fire.
After this wonderful experience, we'll return to Kemi (15 minutes) for an arctic trek, lasting approximately 2.5 hours, across the frozen surface of the Baltic Sea. After receiving safety instructions, we'll reach the island of Laitakari, a place steeped in history where the first urban settlement, which gave rise to the city of Kemi, was founded in the 19th century. The ruins of the sawmill that once stood there are still visible on the island.
Upon your return, you can optionally visit the Snow Castle, its permanent indoor section. This structure allows you to admire ice sculptures and relive childhood memories by sliding down the slide and watching the play of light through the ice. The sculptures are exquisitely crafted, created by top ice sculptors. Once back at the facility, you can relax and enjoy a farewell dinner, followed, as every evening, by an excursion to spot the Northern Lights.
Breakfast, Transfer by private vehicle to Oulu Airport for departure. Assistance with check-in and final travel arrangements will be provided at the airport.