Snowmobile mini expedition, 3 hours
Our best-selling ride: three hours further into Muotkatunturi, across vast frozen lakes and up to panoramic fells.
- 3 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €175 / person
WinterFamily Favourite
Northern Lights by Wooden Sledge 2 Hours
Experience the Aurora on a cosy wooden sledge safari in Lapland, far from light pollution, in a peaceful, intimate small group in one of the best spots to chase them, Muotkantunturi Wilderness.
From €160 / person
Highlights
- Dec–Mar · Every day
- 2 hours
- Departs 21:00
- Easy, for everyone
- Group 1–8
- English, French, Polish, Spanish
- One of the world's best regions for Northern Lights viewing
- Experience like a local in a traditional Sami sledge
- Northern Lights photography tips & tricks
The Muotkatunturi Wilderness is one of Lapland’s most beautiful places to watch the Northern Lights. At 69° north, on the edge of 1,570 km² of protected wilderness and far from city lights, the dark Arctic skies offer wonderful opportunities to see the aurora borealis, even when the lights are faint.
Experience the magic of a traditional wooden sledge ride, gently pulled by a snowmobile – no animals involved. Travel through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the Arctic night. Your adventure begins right at our wilderness village, with no bus transfers or crowded meeting points. Along the way, you might even spot reindeer, a moose, a fox or a willow ptarmigan (riekko).
With small groups, a passionate local Northern Lights guide and beautiful, remote viewing spots, this is an intimate aurora safari near Inari, far from the crowds and light pollution. A chance to slow down, connect with nature and experience the true magic of Finnish Lapland.
The tour step by step
Into the Arctic Night
Sit comfortably in a traditional wooden sledge, with warm blankets, as your friendly guide takes you through snowy forests and across frozen lakes. Far from crowds and city lights, enjoy the fun of travelling like Sámi families once did, while looking for the Northern Lights.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Your guide searches for the best spot to watch the Northern Lights, whether on a frozen lake or in a wide, snowy valley. Discover the science, myths and stories behind the aurora, get tips for beautiful photos, and enjoy warm drinks and local snacks. If the lights appear, the Arctic Wilderness becomes a magical natural theatre, with the aurora dancing above you.
Back to the village
The sledge brings you back to our cosy wilderness village, where a warm wood fire awaits. Enjoy a hot drink or book a relaxing sauna, and relive those magical moments beneath the Northern Lights – an experience so special, it's hard to put into words.
Part of your experience
What's included
- A Passionate Northern Lights Guide
- Wooden sledge ride, with blankets
- Warm drinks and local snacks
- Warm overalls and glowes
- Photography tips and tricks
Not included
- Boots for rental separately
- Dinner: our restaurant is open every day
- Transfer to Muotkan Ruoktu
What to bring
- Warm Arctic clothing: thermal layers, insulated jacket and trousers, hat, mittens, winter boots, woollen socks and a scarf or neck warmer. Hand warmers recommended on colder nights.
- Camera or phone, spare battery kept warm in an inside pocket, and thin gloves for taking photos.
Prices
From €160 / person
Questions
Will we see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, but your chances are excellent when conditions are right! At Muotkan Ruoktu, 69° north on the edge of the Muotkatunturi Wilderness Area, you’re far from city lights and surrounded by dark Arctic skies. We check the aurora and weather forecasts daily and let you know when conditions look promising. Sometimes, all you need to do is step outside your cabin and look up!
Why look for the aurora here?
Town lights wash out a faint aurora. We are at 69° north, farther north than Rovaniemi, on the edge of 1,570 km² of protected wilderness and far from any town, so the sky is truly dark. The sledge takes you deeper into that dark, with no bus and no crowded car park.
What Happens if It’s Cloudy?
We recommend staying at least three nights to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Book your guided sledge adventure early in your stay, so if clouds hide the aurora, you still have other nights to try. At Muotkan Ruoktu, we follow aurora forecasts and cloud cover closely to spot the best viewing opportunities. Sometimes the sky clears late at night, so a little patience — and staying up a bit longer — can reward you with an unforgettable Northern Lights display!
How Cold Is It in Lapland, and What Should I Wear?
Every winter in Lapland is different, and temperatures can be unpredictable. Nights often range from −10°C to −25°C, with January usually the coldest month, while February and March gradually bring milder days. The good news? Lapland’s dry Arctic cold often feels more comfortable than the damp, chilly weather of big cities. With little wind, even very low temperatures can feel surprisingly pleasant! The secret is dressing properly: wear warm layers, avoid cotton next to your skin, choose mittens over gloves and bring a hat that covers your ears. Warm winter overalls and insulated boots are available to rent at Muotkan Ruoktu — just let us know your sizes when booking. With the right clothing, even a freezing Arctic night can become a magical experience beneath the Northern Lights!
Can I Take Northern Lights Photos with My Phone?
Absolutely! Most modern phones can capture beautiful Northern Lights photos using night mode. A tripod is especially useful, even for smartphones, helping you capture sharper images and richer colours, particularly when the aurora is faint. For cameras, start with a tripod, a wide aperture, ISO 1600–3200, a 5–15 second exposure and focus on infinity. Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket, as Arctic cold drains them quickly. And when the Northern Lights dance wildly across the sky, sometimes the best thing is to put your phone away and simply enjoy the moment. No camera can truly capture the magic of seeing the aurora with your own eyes!
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is an easy, seated ride and a family favourite. Children aged 2–11 get 30 % off and children under 2 are free. Tell us their ages and we will have warm overalls in the right sizes.
What our guests say
The guide was fantastic, we learned so much about Sami history and nature, and the 2-hour tour was amazing while respecting the environment. We crossed a frozen lake and hiked through forests. The mountains, like giants, surrounded us—it was breathtaking! We highly recommend it.
KiemFrance
On GetYourGuide in March 2026
The place is ideal for the activity, the duration is adequate, and the equipment is unbeatable.
Íñigo IbáñezSpain
On GetYourGuide in April 2026
Great and fun guide and a super experience riding a snowmobile through this beautiful landscape.
AnjaSwitzerland
On GetYourGuide in March 2026
Beautiful setting and top guide. We were a very small group, very pleasant (4 snowmobiles). We recommend it.
LoubatFrance
On GetYourGuide in February 2026
One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
No midnight transfers, no city lights. At 69° north, on the edge of the Muotkatunturi wilderness and far from any town, the dark Arctic sky begins right at your cabin door. When the Northern Lights appear, simply step outside and look up. Here, your chances of seeing them are excellent!
A wilderness of dark sky
Every other clear night
We watch the sky for you
Traditional Sauna and Hot Nordic bath
After a day in the cold, warm up and unwind in a private sauna or riverside Hot Tub, reserved just for you beneath the starry sky.
Sauna and hot tub
A unique hot tub under the Northern Lights.
Hot tub by the river
Our hot tub sits on the bank of the Peltojoki. We are the only ones to offer a hot tub by the river: on a clear night, you watch the Northern Lights from the warm water.
Sauna
Nordic bath
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Rent your gear
Explore Lapland at your own pace! Rent snowshoes, outdoor equipment and warm winter clothing at Muotkan Ruoktu, near Inari. For your comfort and safety, just ask at reception!
- Warm overalls
- Winter boots
- Gloves and hats
- Snowshoes
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Eight unforgettable days package in Finnish Lapland, combining Arctic wilderness adventures, Sámi culture, local gastronomy and authentic traditions.
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An all-inclusive Lapland holiday package with cosy cottage accommodation, authentic Arctic activities, local food and Northern Lights experiences, far from the crowds.
Stay and eat with us
Make it a few days in the wilderness: sleep a few steps from the start and end the day at our restaurant.
Where to stay
Where to eat
Dinner at the restaurant
Lappish recipes, local ingredients and the Muotkan Hanssi reindeer stew, in our log restaurant or by the fire in the kota.
- Lunch 12:00–15:00 · Dinner 18:00–21:00Opening hours may vary outside the summer and winter seasons. Please call us to confirm.
Responsible travel
Small groups, local guides and respect for the wilderness and Sami culture, recognised by three sustainability labels.
How we protect the place
Questions before you book?
Call or write to us on WhatsApp: we are happy to help you choose. We answer 9:00–22:00 (Finnish time)
- Feel at homeStay in authentic Lapland accommodation where every guest is welcomed like a friend. Genuine hospitality, homemade local food and a warm family atmosphere.
- Legendary Sami heritageDiscover the rich Sami heritage and reindeer herding traditions through the history and people of Muotkan Ruoktu.
- Northern Lights & wildernessIn the heart of the Muotkatunturi Wilderness, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights and experience untouched Arctic nature.
- Authentic adventures, no crowdsSmall-group Arctic adventures with passionate local guides, from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to fishing and Northern Lights experiences, far from mass tourism.