KIRUNA - in Swedish Lapland

The amazing Northern Lights, magical ancient forests, mighty untouched rivers, diverse wildlife and utter silence await you on our Northern Lights Wilderness Adventure. By traditional wooden cross-country ski, snowshoe and dog-sled we invite you to explore and experience the breathtaking beauty of winter in Lapland.


Dates: Dec 8-15 2012, 15-22, Jan 5-12, 12-19, Feb 2-9, 9-16, Mar 2-9, 9-16 2013.

Price: 13 975 SEK/adult, 9340 SEK/child (12-15 years).

Accommodation, meals, transfers from Kittilä, Finland, or, Kiruna, Sweden and activities specified on itinerary below and loan of warm outdoor clothing and equipment for activities are included in price.  Flights not included.

Group size 2-8 guests.  Option to make the 3 night wilderness retreat part of the trip private for 1500 SEK/adult extra.


Itinerary


Day 1 


Flight arrival Kiruna/Kittilä airport.  Transfer (90/135 min) to the village guesthouse.

Upon arrival at the guesthouse, your host will welcome you and help you get settled.  Enjoy a good night’s rest before the rest of you adventure.



Day 2 


Introductory tour - Cross-country skiing at Naakijärvi Old Forest Eco Park 4-5 h.  You will learn the basics of skiing with traditional wooden skis in preparation for rest of the trip.  Making our own tracks in untouched snow, the landscape is open for discovery. Skiing in this ancient forest among twisted gnarled pines and other nature spirits is a magical experience.

In the evening you will visit with a Sámi reindeer herder and his reindeer 2 h. Take part in the life of a modern Sámi reindeer herder, see reindeer and enjoy some Sámi delicacies in a lavvu, traditional Sámi hut.


Day 3 

Overnight Wilderness Excursion 4 days.  Together with your guide you will cross-country ski to our scenic wilderness cabin in the forest by a lake or river.  This is a true wilderness experience in an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. The area is completely private; there are no other cabins in use nearby. Just our group, awesome nature and utter silence. Your guide will help you fire the sauna, prepare a satisfying, delicious dinner and make sure you are comfortable.

 
Day 4 

Your guide leads you in a cross-country ski or snowshoe tour during the day. You will traverse through ancient forests blanketed in snow, and along the frozen River Kalix, one of the last large unexploited rivers inEurope. These areas are rich in wildlife and with some luck we will stumble across a herd of reindeer or spot the king of the Swedish forest, the Elk.  In the evening, the warmth of the sauna will soothe your tired muscles.


Day 5 

In the morning enjoy the wilderness camp at your leisure or perhaps make a ski or snowshoe tour on your own. In the afternoon, together with the guide you can try your hand at hollowing a snow “igloo” out of a mound of snow.  In the evening, relax and warm yourself with the sauna.  If you wish to sleep in your “igloo”, we will insulate the floor with reindeer skins and provide very warm sleeping bags.  If you should change your mind, your bed in the warm cabin awaits.

 
Day 6 

Together with your guide you will cross-country ski towards the village guesthouse. Relax in the modern comforts of our peaceful guesthouse. 


Day 7

Daytime Dog Sled Tour 4 h. In partners, you will drive your own team of dogs over frozen wetlands and through snow-laden forests. You will take turns driving the dogs. The dogs are eager to start running; once on your way you will enjoy the pure silence and exhilaration of this special experience.


Day 8

Morning transfer to Kiruna/Kittilä in time for flight departure.

 




Contact Information: www.auroraretreat.se, info@auroraretreat.se
Maya Rao or Mikael Kangas +46(0)978-300 61