Gielas Hotel

Snowshoeing in Saariselkä is a wonderful way to discover the breathtaking scenery of Finnish Lapland. Set out on a guided snowshoe safari through snow-covered forests, immersing yourself in the untouched Arctic wilderness. Along the way, you'll stop for a warm berry juice by the fire, and as you traverse the trails, your guide will share stories about Lappish culture and the surrounding natural environment. 

Duration: 2 hours

• This snowshoe hike is designed for beginners who have a good level of fitness,

Equipped with snowshoes, you'll venture into the quiet, snow-covered wilderness, far from artificial lights, where the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland unfolds around you. As you hike through the serene landscapes under the Arctic night, your guide will share insights about the area and the mystical phenomenon of the Northern Lights. With luck, you'll witness the sky come alive with dazzling displays of vibrant greens, pinks, and purples. Midway through the journey, you'll pause to enjoy a warm drink by the fire, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and, hopefully, the magic of the aurora borealis overhead. 

Duration: 2 hours

Experience the thrill of driving through enchanted Finnish forests and fells on an exciting snowmobile safari. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure across the pristine Arctic landscape, you’ll learn how to operate the snowmobile, and your guide will go through the trail rules. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo.

Duration: 2 hours

Available to book from January onwards.

• Lunch is included in this excursion.
• All drivers must be aged 18 or over and must bring a full, valid photographic driving licence to the excursion. Snowmobiling is a physically demanding activity, so participants should have a reasonable level of fitness to take part.
• Children must be aged 11 years or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile; they must be able to comfortably reach the footrest while seated. Children under this height or aged 4-10 years will travel in a sled or pod towed behind the guide. Infants aged 0–3 years are unable to participate in this excursion.
• Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may be required to upgrade locally to a single-driving snowmobile if no sharing snowmobiles are available.

Venture out into the remote areas surrounding Saariselkä for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. As you whizz through the forests and over the fells, the magical Northern Lights may make an appearance, lighting the sky up in hues of purple, pink and green. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo. Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional Finnish kota to warm up with berry juice before continuing your journey through the magical forests. 

Duration: 2 hours

• All drivers must be aged 18 or over and must bring a full, valid photographic driving licence to the excursion. Snowmobiling is a physically demanding activity, so participants should have a reasonable level of fitness to take part.
• Children must be aged 11 years or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile; they must be able to comfortably reach the footrest while seated. Children under this height or aged 4-10 years will travel in a sled or pod towed behind the guide. Infants aged 0–3 years are unable to participate in this excursion.
• Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may be required to upgrade locally to a single-driving snowmobile if no sharing snowmobiles are available.

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Please note that guests booked onto this excursion after Christmas will have lunch included on this excursion.

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

• This is a self driven excursion. Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 
• Children must be over the age of 3 to take part in this excursion. Infants 0-2 years are not permitted.

A quintessential part of your Lapland visit is to experience a reindeer sleigh ride. Visit an authentic reindeer farm and learn all about the reindeer. You will then be taken on a serene sleigh ride through snowy forests, guided by a Sami guide and their reindeer. The visit includes a farm visit where you can learn about the reindeer. 

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour at the Wilderness Centre) including a talk from a reindeer herder

• From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.
• Children must be over the age of 3 to take part in this excursion. Infants 0-2 years are not permitted.

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

• Available to guests arriving after Christmas
• Lunch is included in this excursion.
• Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 
• Children must be over the age of 3 to take part in this excursion. Infants 0-2 years are not permitted.

Enjoy a delicious Lappish buffet dinner in the cosy Wilderness Restaurant and savour traditional dishes prepared over an open fire. You'll find dishes made with seasonal, local ingredients - often featuring local meats, fish and berries .  As you dine in the restaurant, your host will share insights into local Sámi culture, traditions and everyday life. You may even spot the Northern Lights dancing in the dark night sky.

Wilderness Dinner Buffet Menu

• Starters (various entrees from salads to fish and bread),
• Main Courses cooked and served by the fire (meat, fish, and vegetarian options)
• Dessert with coffee and tea
• The Wilderness Restaurant also has a bar to order drinks from to be enjoyed with the dinner (pay locally)

Please note that the dinner is a buffet featuring local fish, meat, and some vegetarian options. Unfortunately, it may not be suitable for guests with multiple allergies or specific dietary restrictions. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.