Wilderness Hotel Muotka is a charming family-run property in a secluded location, 15 kilometres away from Saariselkä village. It has an idyllic setting on the fringes of the pristine Urho-Kekkonen National Park, which means there's minimal light pollution, creating the perfect conditions for the chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.
Unwind in the cosy Lodge
Prepare to be embraced by warmth and relaxation as you step into the Wilderness Hotel Muotka. The inviting reception building has a lovely restaurant complete with an open fireplace, a cosy small lounge, and a well-stocked bar where you can unwind after a day of adventures. You'll have all of your meals included on full board during your stay here. There is a great choice of accommodation types including wilderness rooms, suites and log cabins. There's even an optional upgrade to a glass roofed Aurora cabin for one night of your stay. To add a touch of authenticity to your stay, enjoy the outdoor fireplace, shelter, and a traditional Sámi kota hut – perfect for cosy gatherings and storytelling under the Arctic sky.
Unforgettable Arctic Adventures
A stay at Wilderness Hotel Muotka includes a full range of exciting daytime arctic activities, including thrilling husky, reindeer, and snowmobile safaris, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes. For a slower pace, explore the magical scenery on snowshoes or cross-country skis and make the most of the extensive network of over 300 kilometres of prepared trails. In the evenings, embark on captivating aurora hunts, guided by Muotka's expert Guides, who will take you on a quest to find the Northern Lights - the Lodge owners, Jouko and Mari, and their friendly team have years of experience so you'll have the best chances of spotting them with them!
Special Holiday Weeks
Christmas Week and New Year Week at Wilderness Hotel Muotka are especially magical. During Christmas Week, there are festive activities like gingerbread baking, tree decorating, and a visit from Santa, who brings small gifts for all the children on Christmas Eve. New Year Week celebrations include a bonfire, midnight fireworks, and a toast with sparkling wine on New Year's Eve. Festive dinners featuring Lappish specialties add to the holiday spirit on both occasions.
Aurora Cabin Overnight Upgrade
Optional upgrade to spend a memorable night in a semi-glass roof Aurora Cabin. Pre-book at a special price from just £99 per person. Upgrades take place on the first or last night of your stay (exact night confirmed on arrival in resort).
What's included
- Inghams Rep is available by phone, and based in Saariselkä (15km away)
- Direct flights from Gatwick, Manchester or Bristol on Sundays to Kittilä
- Scenic airport transfers by coach
- 7-night stay at the Wilderness Hotel Muotka
- Full board meals at Muotka Lodge
- Warm winter thermal clothing and boots
- Aurora Alert until approx. 1am
- Safety briefing and instruction from experienced Muotka safari guides
- Third party snowmobile insurance (insurance excess approx €1000)
- Activities including snowmobiling to a reindeer farm, aurora snowmobile, husky safari, aurora camp, aurora hunt by car, gentle snowshoe and cross-country skiing
Sample Itinerary
Please note that you will receive your personal itinerary on arrival at Moutka, which may differ from the days and timings in the example below.
Sunday: Arrival & Welcome Orientation (Optional Aurora Cabin overnight upgrade)
Your Inghams representative will meet you at Kittilä Airport and take you to your transfer, ready for the scenic drive to Muotka. On arrival you'll meet your local guides and collect your thermal clothing and aurora alert buzzer.
Monday: Cross-Country, Snowshoe & Aurora Hunt
Enjoy the silence of the forest - first on a 2 hour cross-country skiing trip which includes instruction and a guided trek, and then after lunch, take a 3 hour guided snowshoe trip and learn about the Arctic landscape. In the evening, you’ll go in search of the Northern Lights by car. Driven by a guide, you'll head to the spots where you'll have the best chances of seeing the aurora borealis in all its beauty.
Tuesday: Snowmobile Safari to a Reindeer Farm
Today, you’ll take a scenic shared snowmobile safari (approx. 15 kilometres each way) to a Sámi reindeer farm. Try lassooing, hear about the reindeer herders’ way of life and enjoy a short sleigh ride. This evening is free to relax and perhaps enjoy a sauna and fireside chat.
Wednesday: Optional Activities & Aurora Snowmobiles
A free day at leisure to relax at the lodge or hire snowshoes or cross-country skis (payable locally) - the lodge adjoins over 300 kilometres of marked trails. In the evening, you’ll head out in search of the Northern Lights, driving your own shared snowmobile.
Thursday: Husky Farm Visit & Safari
A memorable husky farm visit, including a thrilling safari, sharing the driving of your own two person husky-sled. This evening is free to relax - take a short walk to admire the beautiful night sky.
Friday: Optional Activities & Aurora Hunt
A free day at leisure. Practice your cross-country skiing, go out on snowshoes (optional extras, payable locally) or just take time to relax. After dinner, you’ll visit Muotka’s Aurora Camp by snowmobile-pulled sled to look for the Northern Lights.
Saturday: Optional activities (Optional Aurora Cabin overnight upgrade)
Enjoy another day of winter activities with an optional excursion (pay locally).
Sunday: Scenic transfer & flight home
Depart after breakfast for your flight back to the UK.
If you would like to visit both Saariselkä and Wilderness Hotel Muotka then find the information on our 2-Centre Adventure here.
