Aurora Holidays
Aurora Holidays
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About
Aurora Holidays arranges you a holiday to never forget. With us you can experience different winter activities, chase the northern lights and have an introduction into Sami culture which is very much alive here in Utsjoki. Don't forget that Utsjoki is an excellent destination year-round. Spring, summer and fall - lots of things to see and experience. Now you can also enjoy all your meals in our brand new on-site restaurant. We are located right at the river banks of Teno, with an amazing view. From the kitchen, you get food made of the best local ingredients. We find supporting small businesses important - as well as reducing food waste and waste in general. We can accommodate special diets too (gluten free, dairy free, vegan etc.) Welcome!
Utsjoki, Finland
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Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
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Vasant C
Austin4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Enjoying the divine beauty of the Northern Lights in the dark and starry nights of Finland was a bucket list item. Thank you Aurora Holidays for making it a 5 star experience. The Aurora Holiday's Team (Sonja, Petra, Jonna and Rayann) at its owner Tiina make it all happen from airport pickup, to preparing and serving 3 meals a day, arranging day time activities till airport drop off for the return flight home. Tiina is a superhero and I can't praise her enough for making each and everyone of her guests feel welcome as her family. A special reach out to Jonna for sending us our aurora photo that made our vacation with Aurora Holidays a lifetime memory!
Aurora Holidays is not just about experiencing the Northern Lights, we enjoyed "included" day trips to tour village of Utsjoki and a full day trip to Bugøynes Norway for king crab fishing in the arctic ocean followed by a crab fest dinner. The sunset ride back from Bugøynes was an unforgettable experience viewing the beauty of the Lapland and tundra region.
Aurora Holidays is not just about experiencing the Northern Lights, we enjoyed "included" day trips to tour village of Utsjoki and a full day trip to Bugøynes Norway for king crab fishing in the arctic ocean followed by a crab fest dinner. The sunset ride back from Bugøynes was an unforgettable experience viewing the beauty of the Lapland and tundra region.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve T
3 contributions
Jan 2022
We spent a wonderful week with Tiina and her team at Aurora Holidays. Our primary guides, Maria and Emilia, couldn't have done any more to make our stay truly memorable. Even if the weather locally doesn't look great, the team will drive you almost anywhere to give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. In our case we had a cloudy start to the week, but persistence was rewarded with some beautiful skies later on, mostly right by the river outside our cottage. Utsjoki being so far North makes all the difference to your chances of a good display, with lights visible even when the Solar activity isn't very high. Our cottage was very comfortable, warm (important given where it is and the time of year!) and well appointed. The food was lovely - all prepared freshly using local produce. As far as trips are concerned, we highly recommend the Husky Sledging and Snowmobiling but remember you may be up late at night Aurora chasing so make sure you grab some rest in your cottage Sauna while you can!
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christie G
San Diego, CA8 contributions
Dec 2022
This was one of the most special travel experiences we’ve ever had and it’s all due to Tiina and her team at Aurora Holidays (AH). From beginning to end, they were wonderful to work with, handling all of our special requests and details, and we felt extremely welcomed in this special place in the Arctic Circle. Here’s why…
Cozy accommodations: Our cottage was amazing. It was spacious, well-supplied, and clean. The beds were very comfortable and plenty of warm bedding was provided. Our favorite part? The sauna of course! We used it every day and loved every minute of it.
Delicious meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by AH were always delicious and we were never disappointed. Everything was really good and we were delighted to try new things.
Organized logistics: AH was on top of it. They picked us up at the airport and brought us back again when our trip finished. For each special winter excursion, including those special light chasing moments, we traveled via their comfy and warm vans. During each trip, our view from the van was breathtaking – snowcapped trees, sparkling snow, and ice-covered lakes.
Amazing activities: We definitely recommend the husky sledding which was exhilarating. Our ride was so much fun as we were led by six amazing dogs through the snow and it’s one of the best things we ever did. Other great things to do include snowshoeing, hanging out with the reindeer, snowmobiling, king-crab adventure, and more! The Sami museum was very good as well. We appreciated our chill days, too, during when we relaxed in the sauna, went for nice walks, and took time to appreciate the beautiful snowy landscape.
Do yourself a favor and book an Aurora Holiday winter package. You will love Tiina and her team, their warmth, their expertise, and their compassion. You will not be disappointed.
Kiitos Tiina!
Cozy accommodations: Our cottage was amazing. It was spacious, well-supplied, and clean. The beds were very comfortable and plenty of warm bedding was provided. Our favorite part? The sauna of course! We used it every day and loved every minute of it.
Delicious meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by AH were always delicious and we were never disappointed. Everything was really good and we were delighted to try new things.
Organized logistics: AH was on top of it. They picked us up at the airport and brought us back again when our trip finished. For each special winter excursion, including those special light chasing moments, we traveled via their comfy and warm vans. During each trip, our view from the van was breathtaking – snowcapped trees, sparkling snow, and ice-covered lakes.
Amazing activities: We definitely recommend the husky sledding which was exhilarating. Our ride was so much fun as we were led by six amazing dogs through the snow and it’s one of the best things we ever did. Other great things to do include snowshoeing, hanging out with the reindeer, snowmobiling, king-crab adventure, and more! The Sami museum was very good as well. We appreciated our chill days, too, during when we relaxed in the sauna, went for nice walks, and took time to appreciate the beautiful snowy landscape.
Do yourself a favor and book an Aurora Holiday winter package. You will love Tiina and her team, their warmth, their expertise, and their compassion. You will not be disappointed.
Kiitos Tiina!
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian H.-Junghans
1 contribution
Dec 2021
In late October I decided that I wanted to see the Northern Lights again, after checking with friends it became clear quickly that my best chances would be somewhere in Northern Lapland. Looking closer I found Tiina's family business with full board catering and of course the best chances to see the Lights. Tiina made sure to meet all my travel requirements and even got an extra driver to pick me up at Ivalo Airport as my flights got delayed. After driving 2 h through the arctic landscape we arrived at the shores of the Teno River and had some time to rest in my Finn Hut with its own sauna and all you need to feel right at home. The food was amazing and local stuff dominates the menu, with reindeer, arctic cod and fish from local lakes. But Tiina and the chef will make sure that you feel right at home there with vegan and vegetarian options provided. The first night we didn't see the aurora due to clouds. Next morning the skies started to clear and we did a snow shoe hike up to a hut on the fell where we had a fire and sausages. After resting and another amazing dinner the skies cleared and the Northern Lights began to shine faintly at first before filling the whole sky and dancing wonderfully above our heads. The happened the next two nights. As a photographer I was keen on exploring the area a bit an one day the Jonna took me on tour for three hours and the other day Tiina took us to Nuorgam up on a fell were we witness the beautiful arctic twilight. Also feeding the domestic reindeers was a cool experience and I learned a lot about the Sami culture.
Written December 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valtteri M
Helsinki, Finland2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I stopped to eat. The service was excellent and food was good. Especially I liked how unique and inventive some of the dishes were. I tried the reindeer kebab, but also the reindeer bolognese is a good example of an inventive dish and I will have to try that next time. Also the bread cheese dessert was unique and tasted great.
It was also not too expensive, as I got my 3 dishes only below 50 euros.
Also I liked how they are trying to reduce food waste and the locality of the food. The landscape was fabulous and the atmosphere was cozy.
I will definitely have to go there again if I visit Lapland again.
It was also not too expensive, as I got my 3 dishes only below 50 euros.
Also I liked how they are trying to reduce food waste and the locality of the food. The landscape was fabulous and the atmosphere was cozy.
I will definitely have to go there again if I visit Lapland again.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizzieJ
Stourbridge, UK9 contributions
Jan 2023
My first contact with Tiina was to email asking if I could book a 2 week holiday. Although no-one had requested this before Tiina was quick to make it possible. Unfortunately COVID got in the way of my original booking in Jan 2021, only 4 days prior to departure, but yet again Tiina and her team came up trumps in facilitating re-booking for whenever I chose.
12 months later I was finally in Ivalo and being picked up from the airport. From that point onward it felt like I was holidaying at a friend's place. Everything was thought of, from toilet stops on long drives, shopping for snacks to adaptations for my mobility disability.
The accommodation is beautiful, each cabin with its own sauna, a view out over Norway and, if you're lucky as I was, a pretty much nightly display of the Aurora Borealis. If you're not a photographer then there is no need to worry as the team were always there to document your experiences. If you are, as I am, there is plenty of knowledge to learn from in the team. If the aurora isn't your thing (how can they not be) there are amazing excursions and experiences for you to take part in, from dog sledding to an arctic ocean sauna experience. The team are flexible and adaptable making sure that everyone on the trip enjoys their day to the max.
Oh and I cannot not mention the food! Locally sourced reindeer meat, any dietary requirement catered for, tasty and plentiful, whats not to like.
If you are looking to book a holiday to see the Aurora Borealis, or even just to experience Sami life in the Arctic Circle, I cannot recommend Aurora Holidays enough. A huge thank you to Tiina, Mikka and the team!
12 months later I was finally in Ivalo and being picked up from the airport. From that point onward it felt like I was holidaying at a friend's place. Everything was thought of, from toilet stops on long drives, shopping for snacks to adaptations for my mobility disability.
The accommodation is beautiful, each cabin with its own sauna, a view out over Norway and, if you're lucky as I was, a pretty much nightly display of the Aurora Borealis. If you're not a photographer then there is no need to worry as the team were always there to document your experiences. If you are, as I am, there is plenty of knowledge to learn from in the team. If the aurora isn't your thing (how can they not be) there are amazing excursions and experiences for you to take part in, from dog sledding to an arctic ocean sauna experience. The team are flexible and adaptable making sure that everyone on the trip enjoys their day to the max.
Oh and I cannot not mention the food! Locally sourced reindeer meat, any dietary requirement catered for, tasty and plentiful, whats not to like.
If you are looking to book a holiday to see the Aurora Borealis, or even just to experience Sami life in the Arctic Circle, I cannot recommend Aurora Holidays enough. A huge thank you to Tiina, Mikka and the team!
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Lynn
Malaga, Spain212 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
If anyone is looking for a spectacular Lapland experience Aurora Holidays is for you!
They are in the far north in Utsjoki and are a socially responsible & locally owned all inclusive for (as they say on their website & what is so true) “Informed World Travelers”
Groups are small and everyone gets their own cabin complete with a private sauna.
Their winter package is five nights and given their location in the north, you are almost guaranteed to see the aurora at least once. Additionally they include a village visit as well as a day trip to neighboring Norway. Optional activities include things like husky rides (with a strong emphasis on animal welfare), snowmobiling (which was sooooo much fun) and more.
Tiina and her team will make sure that your arctic adventure is one to remember. I’m already planning my next trip back to this magical place! 💚💫
They are in the far north in Utsjoki and are a socially responsible & locally owned all inclusive for (as they say on their website & what is so true) “Informed World Travelers”
Groups are small and everyone gets their own cabin complete with a private sauna.
Their winter package is five nights and given their location in the north, you are almost guaranteed to see the aurora at least once. Additionally they include a village visit as well as a day trip to neighboring Norway. Optional activities include things like husky rides (with a strong emphasis on animal welfare), snowmobiling (which was sooooo much fun) and more.
Tiina and her team will make sure that your arctic adventure is one to remember. I’m already planning my next trip back to this magical place! 💚💫
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JFollick
4 contributions
Oct 2021
We looked for a fall getaway to see the Northern Lights. We found sites that cost less but offered less. Some had you make your own meals, some had no daytime activities, some were not in the best location for viewing.
Aurora Holidays had it all for a fair price: location (dark nights with unobstructed views, being far enough north the lights were overhead as well as on the horizon); three full meals plus snacks (gourmet quality food, presentation, and service); full service bar; clean new cabins; and the most warm and welcoming hostess and staff. We felt like and became a part of the family.
We experienced so much more than great views of the lights; we had guided hikes, tutoring in photography, learned about reindeer and herding, and enjoyed a peaceful and quiet place to rest and relax. It was a perfect getaway holiday, and during these covid concerns we felt safe and secure the whole time.
Tiina, thanks again from your Florida family.
Aurora Holidays had it all for a fair price: location (dark nights with unobstructed views, being far enough north the lights were overhead as well as on the horizon); three full meals plus snacks (gourmet quality food, presentation, and service); full service bar; clean new cabins; and the most warm and welcoming hostess and staff. We felt like and became a part of the family.
We experienced so much more than great views of the lights; we had guided hikes, tutoring in photography, learned about reindeer and herding, and enjoyed a peaceful and quiet place to rest and relax. It was a perfect getaway holiday, and during these covid concerns we felt safe and secure the whole time.
Tiina, thanks again from your Florida family.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satumaa83
Vantaa, Finland14 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Stayed few nights in one of the nice cottages on September. Cottages are new and well furnished. 2 bedrooms and small kitchenette (with fully set of kitchen items) and also space for living and dining. And of course big sauna!!! The view is adorable and we spent a lot of time just siting in the terrace and watching beautiful autumn colors, the river, and listening to the silence around us.
We also had possibility to taste delicious reindeer kebab in the restaurant while watching some ice-hockey from the big screen in the restaurant. The best kebab ever tasted. I definitely recommend the cottages for everyone who wants to stay in the middle of nowhere and enjoy of the beautiful views and the silence. Already miss back and hopefully I can go back soon again.
Viivyimme muutaman yön yhdessä mökeistä syyskuun alussa. Mökit ovat uusia ja hyvin kalustettuja. 2 makuuhuonetta, pieni keittokomero (täydellä keittiö varustuksella) ja myös tilaa oleskeluun ja ruokailuun. Ja tietenkin iso sauna. Näkymät ovat hämmästyttävän upeat ja vietimmekin paljon aikaa vain terassilla istuskellen ja katsellen ruskan värjeä, jokea ja hiljaisuutta kuunnellen. Saimme myös mahdollisuuden maistaa porokebabia ravintolassa samalla katsellen jääkiekkoa isolta screeniltä. Paras kebab mitä koskaan syönyt. Suosittelen mökkejä ehdottomasti jokaiselle joka haluaa olla keskellä ei mitään ja nauttia kauniista näkymistä ja hiljaisuudesta. Kaipaan jo takaisin ja toivottavasti pääsen pian uudelleen.
We also had possibility to taste delicious reindeer kebab in the restaurant while watching some ice-hockey from the big screen in the restaurant. The best kebab ever tasted. I definitely recommend the cottages for everyone who wants to stay in the middle of nowhere and enjoy of the beautiful views and the silence. Already miss back and hopefully I can go back soon again.
Viivyimme muutaman yön yhdessä mökeistä syyskuun alussa. Mökit ovat uusia ja hyvin kalustettuja. 2 makuuhuonetta, pieni keittokomero (täydellä keittiö varustuksella) ja myös tilaa oleskeluun ja ruokailuun. Ja tietenkin iso sauna. Näkymät ovat hämmästyttävän upeat ja vietimmekin paljon aikaa vain terassilla istuskellen ja katsellen ruskan värjeä, jokea ja hiljaisuutta kuunnellen. Saimme myös mahdollisuuden maistaa porokebabia ravintolassa samalla katsellen jääkiekkoa isolta screeniltä. Paras kebab mitä koskaan syönyt. Suosittelen mökkejä ehdottomasti jokaiselle joka haluaa olla keskellä ei mitään ja nauttia kauniista näkymistä ja hiljaisuudesta. Kaipaan jo takaisin ja toivottavasti pääsen pian uudelleen.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim Merriam
Tegucigalpa, Honduras4 contributions
Oct 2022
My wife and I travelled to Finland on aurora adventure to fulfill her lifelong dream of seeing them. We were met by the welcoming smiles of Tiina and Sonja. Since this is a family business, the level of service, kindness and attention was just amazing throughout the entire 5 nights! The cabin was a delight and exactly what we hoped for since we are from a tropical climate and sensitive to cold weather: clean, super cozy, spacious, and even with warm flooring! The restaurant is also very beautiful where Tiina prepared delicious food for us and was always attentive to our allergies and preferences. Thanks to their nightly watchfulness, we were able to see the auroras during three nights, one of which was specially breathtaking and otherworldly. I ve already recommended Aurora Holidays to all of my family and friends that dream of making an aurora hunting trip from Central America.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hola! estoy yendo a utsjoki el 18 de febrero quisiera saber si tengo alto porcentaje de probabilidades para ver auroras boreales! lei que si perovi pronostico de clima y sale nublado todos los dias, las opiniones se contradicen y nose que hacer por favor ayuda!
Tiina_Salonen
Utsjoki, Finland63 contributions
Hi there! Sorry, we don't speak Spanish.
But I got your question translated, about the weather in February. Unfortunately there is no way to know yet, how the weather will be then.
If you are staying here in Utsjoki you can contact us closer to your holiday if you want to book a chase with us. You can email us, you find our contact information from our website.
SH9300
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hi, We are party of 3. Intends to visit Finland this October (2019) to see Northern Lights. Can you arrange for the aurora tours?
Tiina_Salonen
Utsjoki, Finland63 contributions
Hi,
Thank you for your message. Yes, we do arrange northern lights chasing holidays. You can email me, unfortuately I can't write our email address here, but can find it from our website. And website address is here in our Tripadvisor profile. Then I can tell you more. / Tiina
And thank you Parker for answering them faster than I could :)
nk9598
Penang Island, Malaysia
Hi, we're a party of 4 and would like to see the northern lights. We're available anytime from January to march. Can your company arrange accommodation, airport pick up and aurora tours ? Many thanks
Aurora Holidays
2 contributions
Hi there. Thank you for your interest. Yes we do arrange all these things you are asking about. For more information, please visit our website or contact us by email, thank you :)
Rishika2411
Mumbai, India9 contributions
Hi,
I am from India and wish to see the northern lights. There are not many tour companies here arranging for this so I plan to do this myself. Can u please suggest the good months to see this?
Tiina_Salonen
Utsjoki, Finland63 contributions
In Utsjoki, there is several companies providing tours. I suggest you check out the page of Saamivillage. There is a lot of choices. Often a package tour is if not cheaper, at least it has the same price as when you try to organize everything by yourself. And in a package tour you have a lot more services included.
We run our tours from November to March. So all these months should be good to see the Northern lights.
What else you would like to experience? If you prefer not to have so cold weather, then November/December. If you want to try snowmobiling, ice fishing etc.,then I would choose February/March :)
Laurence B
Martinsville, IN
Hello. My wife and I would like to see the aurora borealis in Lapland. I'm an American citizen, but my wife will be traveling with a Chinese passport. Will she have to obtain a visa? She has a "Green card" and is a permanent resident of the U.S.
Tiina_Salonen
Utsjoki, Finland63 contributions
Hi Laurence,
I checked this from Embassy of Finland in Beijing. When traveling to Finland, with a Chinese passport, you do always need a visa. No matter where you live. / Tiina
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