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 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
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
198 reviews
Excellent
194
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4
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0
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0
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Dan N
London, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I had a fantastic stay with Aurora Holidays during my trip to Finland. We had such a warm welcome from Tiina and everyone of the team - you could see how close knit they were. Nothing was too much to ask, they were very knowledgeable of the local area and offered great trips out.
Our cottage was extremely comfortable with all the essentials and offered the perfect base for Aurora hunting. The photo tour I chose was great. The view even from our cottage balcony was spectacular, however venture down to the riverbank covered in so, it becomes magical. We were lucky that our first two nights had a really strong showing and the rest of the week had some nice green light filling the sky too. It was great to go into one of the huts, huddle around a campfire toasting marsh mellows and drinking berry juice, waiting for them to appear.
I would highly recommend their newly opened restaurant too. The chef is excellent and provided is with warm hearty meals every night - a treat after spending all day out in the cold!! All the food is cooked fresh and locally sourced and without doubt the best place to eat for miles around. The menu combines traditional meals with modern flair. The space is done up to a really high standard and offers comfortable and stylish surroundings for a drink afterwards, the perfect place to unwind and relax.
I can't recommend this place highly enough and I would love to return to see everyone again with their amazing energy. This truly is a special place and somewhere I've definitely fallen in love with. I can't thank Tiina and her team for making it so memorable. I hope everyone is doing well :)
Our cottage was extremely comfortable with all the essentials and offered the perfect base for Aurora hunting. The photo tour I chose was great. The view even from our cottage balcony was spectacular, however venture down to the riverbank covered in so, it becomes magical. We were lucky that our first two nights had a really strong showing and the rest of the week had some nice green light filling the sky too. It was great to go into one of the huts, huddle around a campfire toasting marsh mellows and drinking berry juice, waiting for them to appear.
I would highly recommend their newly opened restaurant too. The chef is excellent and provided is with warm hearty meals every night - a treat after spending all day out in the cold!! All the food is cooked fresh and locally sourced and without doubt the best place to eat for miles around. The menu combines traditional meals with modern flair. The space is done up to a really high standard and offers comfortable and stylish surroundings for a drink afterwards, the perfect place to unwind and relax.
I can't recommend this place highly enough and I would love to return to see everyone again with their amazing energy. This truly is a special place and somewhere I've definitely fallen in love with. I can't thank Tiina and her team for making it so memorable. I hope everyone is doing well :)
Written April 13, 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.
Satumaa83
Vantaa, Finland15 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.
Steve T
4 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.
wee
Singapore15 contributions
Feb 2020
My wife and I had booked our winter vacation with Aurora Holidays during end Feb 2020 and we totally enjoyed everything in this trip.
The host and the staff were friendly and provide us with great hospitality! They ensure that we are well taken care of such as having sufficient food and enough warm clothing. They constantly updated us on the northern light activities and we managed to catch 4 out of 5 nights on the beautiful Aurora Boreails. They make all effort out to ensure that we enjoy and make our stay worthwhile.
The cottage is cosy and pretty. We were simply amazed on how well-equipped the cottage is with oven, coffee mixer, washing machine, medications, headlamps, candles, etc. They even had a private sauna in the cottage!
The restaurant food were extremely delicious and well plated. Never once their chef failed to surprise us with his creativity on the food he served.
Their winter activities were great! Instead of typical snowmobiling on a flat surfaces/wilderness, we went high up north with magnificent view and terrains for snowmobiling! Not to mention other activities like husky ride, snowshoeing, etc.
The people that hosted us (Tiina, Maria and Emilia) are simply amazing, friendly and welcoming! They are just like a family to us 😍 Thank you so much once again! We will be back!
The host and the staff were friendly and provide us with great hospitality! They ensure that we are well taken care of such as having sufficient food and enough warm clothing. They constantly updated us on the northern light activities and we managed to catch 4 out of 5 nights on the beautiful Aurora Boreails. They make all effort out to ensure that we enjoy and make our stay worthwhile.
The cottage is cosy and pretty. We were simply amazed on how well-equipped the cottage is with oven, coffee mixer, washing machine, medications, headlamps, candles, etc. They even had a private sauna in the cottage!
The restaurant food were extremely delicious and well plated. Never once their chef failed to surprise us with his creativity on the food he served.
Their winter activities were great! Instead of typical snowmobiling on a flat surfaces/wilderness, we went high up north with magnificent view and terrains for snowmobiling! Not to mention other activities like husky ride, snowshoeing, etc.
The people that hosted us (Tiina, Maria and Emilia) are simply amazing, friendly and welcoming! They are just like a family to us 😍 Thank you so much once again! We will be back!
Written March 19, 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.
Christian H.-Junghans
2 contributions
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.
julia
Hewitt, TX2 contributions
Jan 2020
I happened to live in a warm climate, so, Aurora Holidays in Utsjoki was a perfect place to experience the snow white beauty of the northern world. The magic of the Northern Lights was breathtaking. Even the best pictures of the northern lights can not justify the real experience. Indeed, good camera has an advantage over human eye. Nonetheless, camera can not transmit the smell of the crispy clean air, the feeling of frost in your fingers and an affectionate touch of the hostile wind in your face. Just make sure you are dressed properly and enjoy that cold. I had purchased hand and foot warmers, which worked out great. And even if you are not equipped with warm gear, they can provide warm clothing for you.
Tiina (the owner), Maria and Emilia ( the guides), and the rest of the staff is making sure your experience is pleasant in every possible way.
I totally appreciated the highlighting of the locally grown and produced foods in the menu of their newly open restaurant.
Keep in mind, the daylight is very short (arctic night) and the remote location kind of limits your activities if you prefer very active and busy vacations. But we all appreciated quiet time before dinner: nap, hot sauna, a simple conversation...
I highly recommend visiting Aurora Holidays.
Tiina (the owner), Maria and Emilia ( the guides), and the rest of the staff is making sure your experience is pleasant in every possible way.
I totally appreciated the highlighting of the locally grown and produced foods in the menu of their newly open restaurant.
Keep in mind, the daylight is very short (arctic night) and the remote location kind of limits your activities if you prefer very active and busy vacations. But we all appreciated quiet time before dinner: nap, hot sauna, a simple conversation...
I highly recommend visiting Aurora Holidays.
Written February 8, 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.
PB1228
New York City, NY27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I stayed at Aurora Holidays in Utsjoki, Finland. The accommodations (cabins) were cozy and clean. Each cabin housed 4 people. They opened a restaurant and I paid for a food plan which was exquisite reasonable for 6 days. The meals consisted of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chef did a magnificent job, The meals served were professional and I didn’t know if I wanted to eat or take pictures, of course,! did both. The cuisines were varied and tasty. The itinerary was both educational and fun. We did excursions in Norway (husky sleigh rides, the Arctic Ocean) and SIIDA museum. We chased the northern lights and found them which made this adventure even more magical. I highly recommend visiting Aurora Holidays and experience the magic for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Written February 2, 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.
Nduwa
4 contributions
Feb 2020
I would 100 % do another holiday with Aurora Holidays. Everything about this trip well organized- from response to emails, answers to questions and airport pick up and drop off. The meals were delicious and filling, the activities were well scheduled and fun, and everything was done with a personal touch. The cabin was clean and cozy and the sauna was a great plus. The location has amazing views right outside the cabins and it is quiet and peaceful. They went over and above to ensure that I saw the northern lights- and I did!! It felt like being home with friends, even though i traveled solo. One of the best holidays i have been on, thanks to superb hosting.
Written February 22, 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.
JFollick
3 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.
Madeline R
Austin, TX13 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We visited in January. It was myself and 4 other girls. We had a wonderful time. We went snowshoeing, visited the town, saw reindeer, the northern lights, dog sledding, and many other activities. They try their best to make sure all of their guests get to see the northern lights. Tiina the owner goes above and beyond in everything she does and really puts her heart into it. Emilia and Maria the guides were great! They always made sure we were warm and happy! The food was fantastic. We really had a wonderful time!
Written January 31, 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.
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!
Written December 8, 2019
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.
Written December 11, 2019
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?
Written April 23, 2019
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 :)
Written April 23, 2019
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
Written October 15, 2016
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 :)
Written October 17, 2016
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?
Written September 7, 2015
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 :)
Written September 8, 2015
Laurence B
Martinsville, Indiana
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.
Written August 30, 2015
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
Written September 1, 2015
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