When we’re at home here in FL we’re barefoot almost all the time, so you can imagine that the prospect of wearing socks and/or boots 24hrs day was daunting! We were floored (literally!) when we arrived at Aurora Holidays and found that the cottages had geothermal heating in the floor! Sub-zero outside and toasty warm inside.

The cottages are newly built and each has 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds, small kitchen, sitting area. Each cottage has its own sauna. You’ll quickly discover in Finland everyone enjoys a daily sauna, especially coming back from a chilly night chasing the aurora. Read about Finnish sauna customs. Free Wifi is accessible in all buildings.

I would describe the food as gourmet local cuisine. The menu is traditional food from Lapland, like salmon from the river, white fish from local lakes or reindeer from their own herd. They can accommodate special diets, just advise beforehand.

One of my favorite things about traveling is the opportunity to “eat like a local”. For me, food is as much an element of the character of a place as it’s natural features and people! Tiina and the kitchen staff at Aurora Holidays takes each dish and makes it special! Below are some of the dishes we got to enjoy. Arctic Cod (breaded) with a creme fraiche sauce and mashed potatoes; Rye bread, smoked paprika jam and leipajuusto (squeaky cheese!); Creamy cold smoked reindeer pasta; Gin & Tonic with cranberries; Posse, a creamy berry pudding made without gelatin and Mintukaakao (mint liqueur topped with cream). 

Many of the Sami, an estimated 80,000 people who are indigenous to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia are reindeer herders. In Finland, more than 7,000 reindeer herders, herd approximately 200,000 reindeer. Before winter they bring the herd down from the free grazing pastures. Some reindeer go to the slaughterhouse, while others are kept for breeding. A select few males are trained to work, either pulling sleds or racing. Tiina’s family are reindeer herders and usually have a few in the corral. They love when tourists visit because they get to eat lichen.

FYI – It is considered impolite to ask a herder how many reindeer they have, sort of like asking someone how much money they have.  The Sami say their money ‘roams around.’”

Sometimes you have to go slow to really take in the stunning surroundings. This snowshoe hike is suitable for all fitness levels. We’ll trek thru fairly level trails and take a lunch break at a hut with a wood stove. The guide will point out interesting animal signs along the way. Look out for local birds and possibly reindeer. Truly a winter wonderland

You can choose to ride or drive the sled or switch off if you like. After a short lesson in how to drive a dog sled, we’ll take off on a 2 hour ride thru the Norwegian wilderness.  After the trip we sit around the open fire with something warm to drink and you get to hear some stories about sled dog races. On the way back home we’ll stop to visit a local gift shop with handmade Sami jewelery, wooden handicraft and decorations.