Travel tips for Lapland
When and where can you see the Northern Lights? What are the best restaurants in Rovaniemi? Read stories from Lapland in our blog and find out!
All of our safaris are possible to book directly from our website at minimum 24 hours prior to safari departure. Choose your travel dates, preferred safaris from the selection and your holiday destination – and follow the instructions. Remember to inform the ages of your children and possible allergies/illnesses/special diets/pregnancy, so that we can take care of you the best possible way. You can also send us an email if you need help choosing the adventures!
If you are making a booking in less than 24 hours, please contact us by email or visit our offices for booking on the spot.
Kindly note that all reservations must be paid in advance to be confirmed; therefore, booking over the phone is not possible. If you do not manage to book online, please send us an email at safartica@safartica.com
Each participant will be provided the necessary clothing and equipment for a safari (included in safari price);
WINTER: thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, gloves, scarf. For snowmobile programs balaclava and helmet.
AUTUMN: thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, gloves, scarf.
SUMMER: rain coats, rubber boots, woollen socks
Available sizes:
Thermal overalls: children 86-164 cm, adults 44-70 (men’s size)
Winter boots: EU 23-52
Your own clothing, which can be worn under the overall, should be thin, but warm and comfortable. You are also welcome to leave your jackets etc. for storage in our office for the duration of the safari.
Some tips for under layers:
Also, remember to pack a good moisturizer with you as the cold air can dry your skin and lips.
The same way as adults: remember the layers and warm, long, under wear. As long as the children keep on moving, they will be warm in same weather as the adults. Smallest children such as babies and toddlers should be protected with more layers, as they do not move as much. Before booking your safari, please consider if 2-5 hours outside in winter conditions is suitable for your child.
Time for meeting point and place are confirmed upon the reservation. Please make sure that you are at the correct place at the correct time, as missed meeting time may result on missed safari which will not be refunded. If you have any hesitation, you can always double-check your meeting time and place from our front desk.
You can leave your own jacket and shoes in our office or dressing rooms, but please remember to take your handbag, rug sack or small backpack and valuables with you. Our safari gear has big pockets, but you are responsible for your valuables yourself so better leave them at the hotel safe box.
Rovaniemi:
Our office is located in Koskikatu 9, 96200, Rovaniemi.
You can book a private airport transfer with us, rent a car or call a taxi at +358 100 7300 or by using the Taksini app. Additionally, there is also the Airport Express Shuttle, that connects the Airport with the city center, the Santa Claus Village and the Railway Station.
If you arrive to the train station, know that it is only 1,5 km outside of the city, so you could also walk to the city hotels.
Ylläs:
Book an airport transfer from us and we will take you to the door step of your accommodation or straight to our office. You can also use Airport Bus to reach Ylläsjärvi village, but unfortunately the bus will not go all the way to Hotel Ylläsrinne or Ylläs Lake Hotel. If you arrive by train to Kolari, book our pick up transfer or hop on the train-bus. Both busses are running according to the arrivals and departures of flights and trains. Please visit Visit Ylläs for more information about accessing Ylläs and getting around locally. There you will also find timetables and prices for the airport and train busses.
Levi:
Our office in Levi is located in the city center at Hiihtäjänkuja 10, 99130 Sirkka.
You can fly to the closest airport in Kittilä, which is only 15 km from the city, and then take taxi or an airport bus to Levi. More info about the busses and tickets here. Another option is flying to Rovaniemi airport, and then either taking a bus to Levi or renting a car.
We invite you to read more Visit Levi website, where you can find detailed information about transfers from Kittilä Airport and bus/train connections.
Saariselkä:
Our office in Saariselkä is located in the city center, in Lutontie 16, 99830 Saariselkä.
The easiest way to get to Saariselkä is by flying to Ivalo Airport, located approx. 27 km from the city. From Ivalo you can take a taxi or a bus either from the airport directly or from the Ivalo bus station, which usually offers more connections. To get to Saariselkä city center, you should get off to the Holiday Club bus stop, that is only 450 m from our office.
If you need to get to Saariselkä from Rovaniemi, bus is the best option. The busses depart from the Rovaniemi bus station.
If you are staying outside of Saariselkä city center, you can call a taxi to get to our office. Alternatively, you may take the Matkahuolto bus or the Ski Bus to get to the city. Pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels are included in our safaris; for some farther accommodations, the service is provided for an extra fee.
In cases when the booking is done through our website, you are instructed to make the payment by using a credit card.
In cases when the booking is done by email, we will send you a payment link for online credit card payment. The payment link is payable with VISA Debit/Credit, VISA Electron and MasterCard.
In cases when the booking is done on the spot, you can make the payment with most of the major credit cards, international debit cards or cash.
Yes, you can! We have a nice range of souvenirs handmade in Lapland which you can pay by credit card or cash at the office.
The prices include guide services in English and V.A.T., thermal clothing as well as the appropriate licenses, insurance and fuel. Most of the safaris include the pick-up/drop-off service from selected hotels in the area.
For specific details regarding your safari (e.g. effective duration of your snowmobile ride) we highly recommend you check the “What’s included?” section in your activity’s description.
Yes, there is, and it is free to use! Password is visible on the common areas of our office.
Safaris start to operate in Rovaniemi around mid-November and is set to continue until mid-April. Ylläs, Levi and Saariselkä destinations are open from the beginning of December until the end of March. Operating times are valid when weather permits.
Each person driving a snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age and must hold a valid driving license. The Finnish law requires minimum class T driving license. Most common class B for driving cars is valid for snowmobiling too. National driving licenses, including ones from non-European countries, are also accepted.
Yes, you need to have a proof of your driving license with you. A picture, paper or digital copy of driving license are also accepted. Police will patrol time to time also in snowmobile tracks and may ask to see your driving license. Most often the police will also check the alcohol levels with a breath test.
Yes you can. Snowmobile is shared by two adults who can take turns on driving. If you are an odd number of people such as 1, 3 or 5 persons, the last remaining person may have to share a snowmobile with an unfamiliar traveler in a similar situation. To guarantee driving alone, you can purchase a single driving supplement mentioned in the program description.
Due to safety reasons, infants 0-3 years cannot join on snowmobile safaris.
In snowmobile safaris children 4-12 years old are seated in a sledge behind the guide’s snowmobile. We highly recommend one of the parents to sit with a small child in the sledge for the child’s comfort and safety.
Everyone seated on the snowmobile must be at least 140 cm tall and capable of sitting safely on the vehicle. If the child of 13 or 14 years old is less than 140 cm , s/he will be seated in the sledge.
If a child over 140 cm wishes to sit in a snowmobile as a passenger, a full adult price will be charged (according to availability). We do not recommend long snowmobile safaris for children less than 12 years old.
Snowmobile driver is held liable for any damages caused to the vehicle. Personal self-liability in snowmobile safaris and electric snowmobile safaris is max. 990 €/person/snowmobile/case of accident.
By purchasing a 20 € self-liability insurance before the start of the safari, client can reduce the amount of self-liability down to max. 150 €/person/snowmobile/case of accident. Self-liability insurance is personal and valid in one snowmobile safari. All participants must sign a contract where they agree and confirm their understanding of self-liability.
Note: Self-liability insurance is not applicable for electric Sled safaris.
Safaris are also possible to book privately (subject to availability) with a separate price. Please email us with private safari requests to private@safartica.com.
As the responsible organizer of all safaris, Safartica reserves the right to possible duration and ways of transportation changes without prior notification. In case the weather conditions will not allow the departure of snowmobile safaris we reserve the right to cancel the activity. The customer will receive a full refund from the program.
Safartica guides are experts at their profession and have received the appropriate training for the task. Every snowmobile safari begins with driving instruction, including information on controlling the vehicle, technology and safety.
Guidance is provided in English, but upon request we also have Finnish, French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking guides available in Rovaniemi. In Ylläs, Levi and Saariselkä the range of languages may be more limited. The language supplement has an extra charge of 45 €/hour during the week days and 90 €/hour on holiday days.
Depending a little on the extend of your disability, yes. Please contact us by email and let’s see together the best options for you. Each situation is examined case by case.
Normal cancellation policy applies when illness has been mentioned as a reason for cancellation. Please make sure you have a valid travel insurance when travelling to Finland.
Refunds are always done with the same method as the original payment. If you have paid your booking with VISA credit card, the refunded sum is transferred to the same credit card. According to the law, there is no possibility to refund money to different location. Kindly note that refund procedure may take up to 10 working days in total.
All snowmobiles are insured in accordance with the Motor Insurance Act. The insurance policy covers all treatment costs incurred from injuries suffered by the driver or passenger in case of accident. Additionally, the policy also includes cover against third party personal injuries and full cover for property damage to innocent parties as stipulated by the Motor Insurance Act.
Safartica will not be held responsible for any personal or material damages that occur during other activities such as husky safaris, reindeer safaris or other programs. We recommend you take personal travel insurance before travelling to Finland.
We also reserve the right to interrupt the safari if the participant could cause harm to him/herself or others, or his/her health condition weakens.
All our safaris include thermal clothing, but you can also additionally rent them for one day or even for your whole holiday with a price of 18 €/person/day (according to availability). Thermal clothes include thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, gloves and scarf. Thermal clothes should be picked up from our office and returned to our office, unless otherwise agreed.
Note: we do not rent thermal clothing for the period 16th of November- 5th of January.
The northern lights are visible when the nights are dark, from the end of August until the beginning of April. In general, it’s impossible to say on when, where and how long the northern lights will appear. However, the modern technology offers us different tools to try to predict the activity.
Want to know more about your chances to see the Auroras during your holiday in Finland? Read here!
You can make a booking directly from our website. In case there are no available dates or you face any problems, you can contact us by email safartica@safartica.com or call us +358 500 965 558.
Ounasvaaran Lakituvat chalets are located about 12 km from Rovaniemi airport. You can either book an airport transfer from us, rent a car from the airport or call a taxi. You can call Lähitaksi at +358 100 7300 or download for free the Taksini app.
Check-in time is at 16:00 on the first day of the reservation and check-out at 11:00 on the last day of the reservation. If you wish to come earlier or stay later, it is possible according to the availability for an additional charge.
We do not have a reception near the Lakituvat chalets. A couple of days before your arrival, we will send you a separate email with check-in information, including your chalet number and a four-digit key code.
Each chalet has a key box next to the main door where the key code is entered. We recommend you store your chalet key inside the key box whenever you leave from the chalet.
You can store your luggage free of charge at Safartica office in Koskikatu 9, Rovaniemi. Note that our office is approximately 3 km from the chalets area.
The meeting point for the safari transfers is in main road of Hiihtomajantie 1, where there is a big map of the area and sign “Lakituvat Pick Up Point”. The meeting point is also marked in the map attached to your email with the check-in instructions.
You can also see the sign on Google maps, when opening the street view mode.
The most convenient is to use local taxi services, as local busses do not travel near to the chalets. You can call Lähitaksi at +358 100 7300 or download for free the Taksini app.
We can organize breakfasts and dinners at Royal Reindeer for you at a separate price, or you can visit the nearby Royal Reindeer restaurant and Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara directly and pay on the spot.
For breakfast and dinner bookings, please contact our front desk by email or phone.
Yes, each chalet has a fully equipped kitchen with basic cooking instruments. Dishwasher tablets, dishwasher liquid, and necessities such as salt, grease-proof paper and coffee filters are provided by us. Bring your own spices, coffee, food and other necessities with you.
Each chalet has a QR code at the entrance that provides detailed instructions for using the facilities. You may want to watch this short video here for a guided and clearer explanation of the facilities in your cabin. The video is also available in French language.
On our YouTube channel you can also find video instructions for preparing Sauna and Fireplace, both available in English and French.
Yes, each chalet has a free Wi-Fi.
We have multiple parking places beside the chalets that are in the free use of the guests. Chalets don’t have their own parking places, so if you are not able to park your car right next to your chalet, you may use the next nearest one that will not disturb the other guests.
Most of our chalets are allergy friendly, but we have two chalets that allow pets when agreed separately. When you wish to bring a pet with you, please contact us and we will book for you the correct chalet. Kindly note that we will charge you an extra supplement for the cleaning.
No, smoking inside the chalets is strictly prohibited. Safartica has the right to charge 500 EUR when smoking indoors is detected. Smoking outside on the terrace is allowed, but please remember not to throw cigarettes to the nature.
The nearest grocery store K-Supermarket Ounasvaara is located 1,5 km downhill from the chalets. When you need to visit the grocery store outside normal opening hours, there is a small grocery store Sale Lapinmaa located in the city center which is open 24/7.
Please call our front desk immediately when you have noticed that your chalet key is missing. If our on call phone is already closed for the day and you cannot enter the chalet, please call the door opening service number listed in the phone number next to the front door. Opening service costs are charged directly from you on the spot. Safartica has the right to charge for the missing chalet key.
The chalets are located right next to a network of cross-country ski tracks that are accessible by foot. Downhill skiing is possible in Ounasvaara Ski Resort which is located on the other side of the hill Ounasvaara. Top of the ski slopes are about 300 meters from the chalets. You may ask from the Ski Resort staff if they are able to help you down the ski slopes for ski rental or take a taxi to the other side of the hill.
You can book your accommodation directly through our webshop, from where you can see the up to date availability, price of the day and different holiday packages. You can also contact us by email or phone.
Hotelli Ylläsrinne: yllasrinne@safartica.com tel. +358 40 643 1154
Ylläs Lake Hotel: yllaslakehotel@safartica.com tel. +358 40 572 4328
Rooms are available starting at 16:00 on arrival day and reserved for you until 12:00 on the last day of the reservation. You can present possible late check-out request directly to the hotel reception.
If you’re arriving to the hotel outside our opening hours, we can leave the keys to a key box outside the hotel. Please be in touch with our reception, who will give you more specific instructions for your arrival.
Hotel Ylläsrinne is located in Hotellintie 6, 95900 Ylläsjärvi.
Ylläs Lake Hotel is in Ylläsjärventie 160, 95980 Ylläsjärvi.
When arriving by train to Kolari train station or by plane to Kittilä International Airport, you can take a bus outside the stations that brings you to Ylläsjärvi village. Timetables and more specific information can be found from V. Rundgren Ky. Kindly note, the Airport Bus won’t travel all the way to Ylläs Lake Hotel or Hotel Ylläsrinne.
Yes, breakfasts are included in all room prices and is served daily.
Our kitchen is happy to prepare you a early morning breakfast to enjoy in your own room. Early morning breakfasts need to be ordered from our reception at least 1 day prior to your check-out by 16:00. Possible accommodation invoice can be also paid in previous evening.
Hotel Ylläsrinne has open and free wireless internet in all rooms and common places.
Ylläs Lake Hotel has free wireless internet in reception and restaurant.
Hotel Ylläsrinne has a big parking place area in use for all hotel guests. Parking places include heating poles, parking places are no needed to reserve up front.
Ylläs Lake Hotel has a small parking place in the hotel area. More specific information you will get from the hotel reception.
Both Hotel Ylläsrinne and Ylläs Lake Hotel have few pet friendly rooms, please remember to ask the availability of those rooms prior to arrival. Kindly note, we will charge 10 € per day for extra cleaning charge.
No, smoking inside the premises is strictly prohibited. Hotels have the right to charge 500 € fee when smoking inside the premises is predicted. Smoking in outdoor terrace is naturally allowed, please remember to pay attention to surrounding nature and collect all tobacco thumps. Hotels also have their own separately marked smoking areas.
We kindly ask you to inform all possible special diets in advance to our hotel reception, who delivers the information to our kitchen. Special diets are noted in all our buffet servings.
Forest and winter walking path behind Hotel Ylläsrinne are optimal places to observe northern lights. In case you’d wish to enjoy observing the northern lights from indoors, the hotel has a separate Aurora room located on the second floor. Aurora room is open 24/7.
Ylläs Lake Hotel is located by Ylläsjärvi lake, which is optimal place to observe to the north sky when the ice is thick enough. Our hotel reception is happy to advise with safety issues in this matter.
The northern lights are visible when the nights are dark, from the end of August until the beginning of April. In general, it’s impossible to say on when, where and how long the northern lights will appear. However, the modern technology offers us different tools to try to predict the activity.
Want to know more about your chances to see the Auroras during your holiday in Finland? Read here!
Outdoor routes and cross-country ski tracks start from the hotels immediate proximity. Route maps are sold in hotel receptions.
Yes, both hotels have their own ski storage and maintaining facilities which are in free use of the guests.
Ylläs Ski Resort is located about 4-5 km from our hotels. We highly advise you to use the local Ski Bus, which stops in front of Hotel Ylläsrinne main entrance. For guests staying in Ylläs Lake Hotel and hop into the Ski Bus from K-Market (200 m). Timetables and ticket prices are found from Ski Bus.
Yes, hotels have luggage storage nearby the reception areas. Hotel guests can also freshen up in sauna before leaving, sauna is heated between 16:00-21:00.
