Visiting Finnish Lapland in late March was a chance to witness a unique moment in the Arctic calendar – the gentle shift from the deep freeze of winter to the promise of spring. We were pleased to find that the snow was still very much present, creating a beautiful winter wonderland. In fact, this period is an ideal time to visit – offering the best of both worlds. You can still enjoy all the classic winter activities while also having a great chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
Day 1 – Wilderness Hotel Nellim
Our Arctic adventure began at Wilderness Hotel Nellim, tucked away near the edge of beautiful Lake Inari. This remote lodge immediately made an impression with its warm hospitality. The staff were welcoming and helpful, checking us in and provided all the information we needed to make the most of our stay.
Dinner was a generous buffet spread, with plenty of delicious options and a laid-back atmosphere that encouraged guests to share stories from their day of exploring. For our first night, we stayed in a rustic Log Suite, which featured a cozy double bed on the ground floor and a mezzanine level with two additional beds – ideal for small families or groups looking for a comfortable and charming place to unwind.
Day 2 – Wilderness Hotel Nangu and Inari
This morning, we started the day with breakfast, where once again there was a fantastic selection on offer, perfect for fuelling up before a day full of adventure. Afterwards, we were lucky enough to be given a tour of the property and its impressive variety of room types. The original building at Nellim was once an old school, which owners Mari and Jouko have thoughtfully transformed into charming hotel rooms and apartments. Since then, they’ve expanded the property to include Log Cabins, Log Cabin Suites, Aurora Cabins and Lakeside Villas.
We then jumped into the car and headed to another property in the Wilderness Hotel chain – Wilderness Hotel Nangu. Much like Nellim, Nangu is also tucked away along the shores of Lake Inari. Fifteen Wilderness Rooms sit near the main building, while the Superior Hotel Rooms offer views of the lake and forest. If you’re after indulgence, don’t miss the Panorama Log Cabins – they're authentically designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and private hot tubs facing the lake, meaning you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed or terrace. Pure magic!
Our final stop for the day was Wilderness Hotel Inari located just outside the Sami village of Inari. The hotel provides a variety of accommodations, including Wilderness Rooms, Log Cabins, Aurora Cabins and Arctic Chalets. We were lucky enough to stay in an Arctic Chalet overlooking the frozen expanse of Lake Inari. From the comfort of the spacious lounge, we could sit back and watch as the cold, crisp day slowly transformed into a beautiful Arctic night.
Day 3 – Northern Lights Village, Javri Lodge and Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Today, we began our journey by heading to the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä, one of three locations run by this unique resort (the others are in Levi and Pyhä). Here, the accommodation is focused on Aurora Cabins – compact but cleverly designed, with laser-heated glass windows that stay clear of snow for optimal Northern Lights viewing. Each has a sauna, electric fireplace, and space for up to four guests. For a post-adventure unwind, you can pre-book access to the resort’s sauna, hot tub, and ice pool facilities, a fun way to end the day (a fee of 100 euros for up to 10 people applies).
We then headed to the stunning Javri Lodge, an exclusive, adult only lodge with just 13 rooms located in the village of Saariselkä. This property was once the winter retreat of Finland’s former president. Now transformed into a modern lodge, from the moment we stepped onto the property, we were greeted by the warm and friendly owners, who take great care of their guests from the moment they arrive until the second they depart. It was immediately clear that they have a true passion for what they do and genuinely care about providing the best experience for their guests.
The lodge is also available for a complete buyout, making it an ideal choice for a group of family and friends seeking ultimate relaxation and a peaceful escape from the busyness of daily life. The property features a wellness area, complete with an indoor pool, gym and sauna. Here, it's possible to enjoy a variety of activities during your stay, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and forest walks – all included in the price of your stay.
Our final property and home for the evening was Wilderness Hotel Muotka. Like the other properties in this hotel chain, Muotka offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every need, including hotel rooms (ranging from superior to premium) as well as cozy log cabins and Aurora Cabins. The property is situated in an incredibly picturesque area, surrounded by cross-country trails, making it the perfect destination for those seeking true adventure in the heart of nature.
