Activities at the Apukka Resort
Autumn: Meet Huskies & Reindeer and Visit Santa Claus Village
On this tour, you meet Lapland’s two favourite animals: huskies and reindeers! In the reindeer farm, the reindeer herders tell you about the reindeer’s year, while you can feed the reindeer with their favourite snack: lichen. On the farm, you also have the possibility for a short reindeer sleigh ride. In the husky farm, dogs welcome you with excited barking and wagging tales! The husky musher is eager to tell you about the life of these super athletes of the animal world. After petting the dogs and taking photos, we sit by the fire to enjoy hot drinks and stories about life in Lapland. The day’s highlight is the visit to Santa Claus Village where you meet Santa Claus in his office. You also have free time for shopping and visiting other sights in Santa Claus Village like Santa’s Main Post Office. Don’t forget to cross the Arctic Circle line on the main square!
Duration: 4 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guiding
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 10:00
Autumn: Boating & Trekking
Finland is renowned as the land of a thousand lakes, and this tour invites you to explore one of them more closely. Step aboard our long boat and embark on a journey across the stunning blue waters. Our destination? A tranquil forest where your guide reveals the secrets of woodcraft. For example, you’ll learn about natural ingredients, including wild berries, abundant in the woods. In autumn, lingonberries and cranberries eagerly await your harvest! During a campfire break, delicious snacks and hot drinks will be served – if you’ve found berries, now’s a great time to savor them!:
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 13:30
Includes: Boat tour, 3-5 km walking tour, introduction to Finnish nature, guidance, light snack & hot drink, transfers.
Duration: 3 hours
Note: From 7 years old
Autumn: Trekking in the Heart of Nature
Embark on a journey through the Arctic forest, tapping into the well-known health benefits of nature trekking cherished by every Finn. This immersive guided tour delves deep into the woods, unraveling the secrets of berry-picking and other natural ingredients. Amidst the serene surroundings, savor the unique silence of nature. The leisurely pace allows ample time for capturing unforgettable photos, ensuring every moment is etched in memory. The tour also includes a campfire break, during which your guide serves a light snack along with a refreshing cup of coffee or tea.
Availability: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 13:30
Includes: 5-7 km walking tour, introduction to Finnish nature, guidance in English, light snack & hot drink, transfers.
Duration: 3 hours
Note: From 7 years old
Autumn: Exploring Nature with eFatbike
What’s better than enjoying the invigorating Lappish autumn from a bicycle seat? With eFatbikes, you can delve deeper into the forests and see more than with a regular bike. The electrical assistance provides as much help as you desire, allowing the ride to be tailored to your needs. Craving a more strenuous workout? Dial down the assistance. Need to ease your journey? Crank up the electrical helper! Our guide not only instructs you on operating your eFatbike but also shares insights about the routes and Lapland in general. A pleasant midway break with fresh drinks is included.
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00
Includes: Helmet & eFatbike rental, riding instructions, guiding, refreshments and transfers
Duration: 2.5 hours
Note: From 12 years old
Autumn: Husky Ride on Wheels
Would you like to take part in training our huskies for the winter season? Take a ride with a team of sleigh dogs on a trek through the forest and fields and find out all about the training of the magnificent huskies! Husky dogs love to run. After the speedy ride in the colourful nature, we enjoy hot berry juice and talk more about husky dogs. You learn a lot about the life of the Arctic sledge dogs and their everyday life at the farm. Can you believe that the owner of the huskies remembers the name of every one of his 70 dogs?
Duration: 1.5 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guiding, 3km husky carriage ride, Hot juice by the campfire.
Available on: Daily at 10:00 and 12:00 (01.09.23 – 12.11.23)
Autumn: Husky Carriage Ride Under the Northern Lights
Combine the two biggest favourites of Lapland – Aurora hunting and huskies! One of the best ways to spot the magical Autumn Northern Lights is with our furry husky friends. Because of the remote location of our Resort, there’s no light pollution in the area, which is good for seeing the Northern Lights. First, you’ll meet the husky musher and friendly husky dogs and get to know them before heading to nature. The 4 km long husky trail is ridden with a carriage for 6 people, so the small group is guaranteed. The husky guide is driving the carriage, and you can just enjoy the excitement of the Aurora hunt and the husky ride at the same time. If you are lucky enough, you’ll see Aurora arches on the horizon or even the lights dancing all over the sky. During the adventure, we stop to enjoy hot drinks by the campfire and listen to stories about the life of sledge dogs and the Northern Lights.
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guiding, Husky carriage ride, Hot drinks, and a light snack.
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 21:00 (01.09.23 – 12.11.23)
Autumn: Horse Carriage Ride under the Night Sky
What is a better way to experience Auroras than by a cosy carriage ride with your family or friends? Glide over fields and through forests while snuggling under a warm blanket and listening to the silence of the night. What you will experience is by far the most enjoyable and authentic way to hunt the Northern Lights. During the journey, you’ll hear stories and legends of the Northern Lights and hear more about Finn Horses – the original horse breed of Finland. These majestic animals are stubborn, tough, and friendly like Finnish people! Step inside the magic of Lapland, dear Friend!
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guiding, Horse carriage ride, Stories about Aurora Borealis and Finn Horses Light snack and a hot drink.
Suitable for: Any age
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 21:00
Autumn & Winter: Northern Lights Hunting by Car
First, you will get the presentation of the Northern Lights and we will go thru the basic settings for the camera to take good pictures of the Northern Lights. Before we are heading to the road, we check the Aurora and weather forecasts to find the best locations to spot the Northern Lights. As you travel across the arctic landscapes searching for the Auroras, you also have a great chance to learn about Lapland and life from our knowledgeable guide. So, are you ready to hit the road and start the hunt?
Duration: 4 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guiding, Presentation of the Auroras, Help with your camera settings, Hot drink and light snack
Availability: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 20:00j
Autumn & Winter: Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming
Nothing introduces the very core of the Finnish culture better than the word “sisu,” the resilience and hardiness that reaches almost the level of a stoic determination. “Sisu” is a built-in character in all the Finns, and what a better way to test yours than stepping into an authentic, wood-heated sauna and dipping into cool and fresh open waters. In Apukka’s Floating lakeside sauna, you can experience an authentic wood-heated Sauna and try bathing in the fresh and pure water of lake Olkkajärvi. Swimming to cool off goes hand in hand with sitting in the heat. The journey to the Finnish culture begins from the very essence of what the country is all about – the Sauna. To embrace you for this experience, your sauna host will make sure to provide you with all the details needed to enjoy this adventure to its fullest. Are you ready to test your Sisu? The sauna awaits.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Includes: Private sauna session, sauna coats, and slippers, fresh drink
Available on: Daily from 10:45 to 20:30
Autumn & Winter: Sauna Experience
For Finnish people, the sauna is almost sacred. It’s a place where you make new friends, have important business meetings, or just simply relax for hours in a row. The temperature, the humidity level, and the atmosphere are different in each sauna. Don’t take our word for it, try it out yourself with the guidance of our sauna host!
Includes: Electric sauna, Traditional wood-heated sauna or jacuzzi, Insight into the Finnish sauna culture, Towels, Soap & shampoo, Fresh drink Duration: 1.5 hours
Available on: Daily from 09:00 to 21:00
Autumn: Apukka Gold Rush
During this tour, your guide will give you a full demonstration of the traditional way of mining using authentic pieces of equipment. As we learn about the history and legends of the Lapland Gold Rush and visit a gold prospector’s cabin, our guide will also teach you the proper technique of panning for gold. Can you find your share of Lapland gold? All the gold you find is yours to keep as a memory in a tiny glass bottle. We finish the experience by enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a traditional snack by the cosy heat of the campfire.
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guiding, Gold panning with guaranteed gold discovery, Equipment for panning, Rubber boots & raincoat (if needed), Coffee/tea & sweet pastry.
Available on: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 13:30
Autumn & Winter: Meet the Arctic Animals: Ranua Wildlife Park
Meet the famous polar bear family and about 200 other arctic animals of 50 different species at Ranua Zoo, only about an hour drive from Rovaniemi. It is great fun to watch the animals play, and how they are being fed. Along the 2.8 km park trail, you will be able to meet all kind of special animals like: owls, eagles, otters, beavers, moose, wolves, lynx, brown bears and many more, all in their natural habitat with plenty of space to live in. This entertaining and educational day trip is suitable for all!
Availability: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 08:45
Duration: 6 hours
Autumn: Early winter Husky Sled Ride 3,5km
More and more people fall in love with the huskies around the world, they are most popular in the north. During this activity, you can pet your new made furry friends, take pictures with them, and listen to different stories on the life of the husky. They love to run through the arctic landscapes, especially when they can pull their newly made friend! This tour is 3,5km long journey through the most beautiful areas of the Lapland.
Availability: Daily
Duration: 1.5 hours-2
Autumn: Early Winter Reindeer Sleigh Ride 1-2km
Our reindeers will lead you through the snowy tracks of the forest at a peaceful pace. During the ride you can enjoy the silence of the woods, whilst still experiencing the atmosphere all around you. Eventually, you will reach an open fire, where you can enjoy a hot drink. By the end of the tour you will be a lot more knowledgeable about the reindeers and Finnish Lapland!
Availability: Daily at 10:00 and 14:00
Duration: 1.5 hours
Note: This activity is at a leisurely walking pace, steered by our guides who will carefully assign seats in the sleighs to maintain even load for the reindeer, the aim is to seat families and parties together whenever possible.
Winter: Reindeer Ride to Meet Santa
On the edge of the forest, our reindeers are excited to lead you on your way through the Magic Forest. You will take a seat in a cozy sleigh and during your journey, the elves will help you find Santa’s secret hut, which is a place filled with Christmas spirit. Upon arrival, you will be enjoying warm drinks, cooking and follow a full Christmas themed program. Perhaps you will even get a gift from the one and only Santaclaus!
Availability: Selected days at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00
Duration: 2 hours
Autumn & Winter: Apukka Snow & Fun
Huskies, reindeer, snow fun and mini snowmobiles for children! Why choose one single activity when you can have it all? Apukka Snow and Fun is a great way as an individual, or as family to experience the best activities of the Arctic Circle at once! During the day you will get to try many unforgettable things, from going on a short sleigh ride with both huskies and reindeer to trying out your skills on snowshoes and cross-country skis. Or would you like to try our speciality, ice sculpting, sliding with toboggans or let the kids have their own snowmobiling experience on the mini snowmobile! During this day you will enjoy a tasty lunch in our authentic restaurant Aitta. To finish off this amazing day, prepare yourself for the grand snow fight!
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10:00
Duration: 4 hours
Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Autumn & Winter: Ice Fishing Like a Finn
Join us for something truly Finnish: an ice fishing trip to the frozen lake. We make our way across the ice like Finns do, then it’s time to drill a hole in the ice and lower the bait. Lay down on the reindeer skin, enjoy a hot drink by the fire we’ve built for you and simply wait for the perch and other freshwater fish species to find their way to you!
Availability: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 12:00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Winter: Family Snowmobiling
Are you ready to drive and try your favourite winter activity in Lapland? This tour is the perfect way to enjoy an easy-going snowmobiling experience in the wilderness – also for the children! This tour is particularly fun for families, as there are multiple possibilities for the little ones to have the time of their lives! Adults can enjoy driving the snowmobiles, whilst the children are getting cozy on their safe and heated sled, which is pulled by a professional guide. If the children would like to try snowmobiling themselves, they are able to enjoy the mini snowmobiling experience as well!
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 12:00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Winter: Reindeer Sleigh Ride Across the Night
Would you like to travel with a reindeer sleigh through the wilderness, just as our ancestors used to do? This excursion offers you the chance to do so, experiencing the uniqueness of the Arctic wonders. In the distance, you see the glow of the bonfire of a spectacular remote hut, this is a sign for you to stop for a hot drink and listening to some fascinating stories from the reindeer herders. With a bit of luck, you will be followed by the Northern Lights during your journey, which could make the experience even more special!
Availability: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 20:30
Duration: 3 hours
Autumn & Winter: Aurora Hunt by Car
This excursion enables you to cover longer distances as we hunt for the Auroras and clear skies. As you travel across the arctic landscapes in the search of the Auroras, you also have a great chance to learn about Finland and the life up here from our knowledgeable guide. During the tour, our guide will give you a short presentation about the science and myths behind the Northern Lights. Your guide will also help you with camera settings to best capture the Northern Lights. Ready to hit the road and start the hunt?
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Transfers, Winter Clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Guiding, Hot drink and light snack
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays at 20:30 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
Winter: Aurora Husky Tour
Embark on a spectacular evening dogsledding journey in which you will become friends with our howling and furry huskies! You and your husky team will make your way through the beautiful forests of Lapland for about 8 kilometres. Whilst time passes, the closer you get to midnight, the bigger the chance to see the Auroras with your own eyes! After a ride with your new husky friends, you will reach a traditional hut for some refreshing snacks and hot drinks!
Availability: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 20:30
Duration: 3 hours
Note: This experience is not suitable for children under 4 years.
Winter: Reindeer Journey
Take a ride through the history when travelling gliding through the snowy forests on a sleigh, pulled by Santa’s helper: the reindeer! This traditional, arctic way of transportation allows you to experience the peace and purity of the Lappish nature all around you. Following a peaceful pace, our reindeer will lead you to a charming Lappish hut in the wilderniss. At this hut, located in a unique destination, you can enjoy hot drinks and a light snack. In the meantime, the reindeer takes its time to rest for a bit, so it is fully recharged to take you back safely. You will return from this trip knowing with an enchanted feeling of the Lappish nature and your own interactions with the reindeers!
Availability: Daily at 10:00 and 14:00
Duration: 2 hours
Winter: Arctic Sauna Experience
Finnish locals consider the sauna as being their relic. The sauna is a place in which you can completely relax your body. Our sauna hosts can adjust the temperature and humidity to your ideal level of comfort. For the cool heads and brave ones amongst us, you can even try the Ice Sauna experience. Are you willing to take your experience to the next level with a dip into the ice-cold deep snow?
Availability: Daily between 10:30 and 19:30
Duration: 1.5 hours
Winter: Horse Sleigh Ride under the Night Sky
This excursion will take you on a journey to experience the northern skies and its many unique displays. You will travel in a horse sleigh, wrapped up inside warm blankets, gliding through the most beautfiul frozen forests surrounding our resort in Lapland. The sky opens up above you, uncovering all the secrets it is ready to share on that particular night. At the edge of the forest, the blazing bonfire will welcome you to hear all kinds of stories about the myths of the North.
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 20:30
Duration: 3 hours
Winter: Horse Sleigh Ride in the Arctic
Since early 1900, the tavern of Apukka has been famous for its magnificent horses. Step back into into the history, and travel in the far North by the same means that our ancestors did. Find yourself a cozy seat in the sleigh and let the horses lead you through the magical scenery surrounding the resort. This is what the Lappish life is all about!
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 16:30
Duration: 2 hours
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
This combination is the most local thing to do in Rovaniemi, Lapland. On this safari, you will drive our snowmobiles to the local lake by the track, which is located at the top of the ice voer of the lake! Upon arrival at our secret fishing place, your guide will teach you all the elements to be a succesful fisherman like the locals. If you are lucky, you might catch a pike, a parch or even some trout. While you are fishing, your guide will prepare a campfire so you can enjoy a tasty snack by the fireplace! Coffee or tea is included.
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 12:00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Winter: Night Snowmobile Safari
Snowmobiling through the Lappish wilderness is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only will you have a unique experience by driving on your own snowmobile, but you also have a great chance to witness the Northern Lights at the same time! During this tour you will drive to a suitable location, where you will have a real bonfire experience, including hot berry juice, snacks, and stories about the existence of the Northern Lights. After warming up at the cozy bonfire, you will hop back on your snowmobiles and continue your journey! Simply a-must-do in Lapland!
Availability: Daily at 20:30
Duration: 3 hours
Note: This safari is not suitable for small children. The minimum age of the child is 15 years old, and the minimum size is 140 cm in height to join this safari. Children will join the safari as a passenger on a snowmobile with an adult.
Winter: Snowmobile Safari through Wilderness
Experience the arctic nature in a completely different way as you hop on a snowmobile and drive off to the forest. Enjoy the beautiful sceneries along the way as you’ll drive through conifer forests and frozen marshlands until you stop for a moment to enjoy a hot drink in complete silence. Have you ever been in a place this quiet before?
Availability: Daily at 10:00 and 14:00
Duration: 2-2,5 hours
Winter: Snowshoe Walk to the Arctic Nature
Snowshoes allow you to enter the stunning silence and beauty of the snow-covered surroundings. Your guide will tell you stories and facts about the flora and fauna of Arctic nature. You will also hear about the old way of living and learn about the traditional way of using ingredients found in nature. The slow pace allows you to notice little details and take great photos. During the trip, your guide will serve hot drinks.
Availability: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00
Duration: 2 hours
Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10
Winter: Electronic Fatbike Tour
Have you ever dreamed of combining the two passions, snow and cycling? Electrically assisted fat bike – the eFatbike is arguably the most fun and versatile bicycle ever. You will ride through the arctic nature with our guide who will tell you about Lapland’s traditions, and legends and show you the best local terrains. See spectacular winter scenery and have fun with the eBike. Halfway we’re going to have a break before we head back to the resort.
Availabilty: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 12:00
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, therman boots, woolen socks, mittens), transfers, hot drink, guiding
Duration: 2.5 hours
Note: The activity can be physically demanding and the participants may be exposed to different kinds of physical strain. Minimum 12 years old: weight & height limit requirements
Winter: Snowy Nature on Horseback
Over a century ago, the land now occupied by Apukka Resort was home to a thriving tavern renowned for its magnificent horses. Today, Apukka invites modern adventurers to experience the pristine woodlands and breathe the world’s cleanest air, echoing the historical legacy of horse-centric activities in the area. Whether horse riding is a passion close to your heart or a new adventure you’re eager to try in a unique environment, now is your chance to saddle up. We offer separate starting times, catering to both experienced riders and beginners alike.
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:00 (experienced) & 12:00 (beginners)
Includes: Winter clothing (thermall overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens, balaclava), helmet, transfers, 45 min horseback riding tour, guiding, hot drink
Duration: 2 hours
Note: 10:00 is for experienced riders who can horses in all gaits with a minimum riding experience of two years. The 12:00 departure requires no prior riding experience, but participants should have a necessary balance and conditioning. Weight limit is 95 kg.
Winter: Reindeersleigh Ride and Ice Fishing
Step back in time to an era when people in Lapland traversed icy landscapes in reindeer-pulled sleighs, securing their next meal beneath a thick layer of ice. This tour seamlessly merges two cherished Arctic activities, immersing you in the authentic experience of a true Laplander! Our guide imparts essential knowledge on ice fishing—don’t worry if your catch is slim, as snacks await everyone. Post-tour, you’ll have an utterly unique fishing story to share with your friends, a reflection of your adventure in the heart of Lapland’s cultural and natural heritage.
Availability: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 14:00
Includes: winter clothing (thermall overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens and balaclava), transfers, reindeer sleigh ride, ice fishing instruction & equipment, guiding, hot drink & light snack
Duration: 2 hours
Winter: Lakeside Sauna and Arctic Bath
In this private “Arctic Spa” the soft heat brought by the ”löyly” welcomes you on an authentic journey to the Lappish sauna culture. To make the experience even more memorable, try bathing in the frozen lake Olkkajärvi – did you know that swimming in cold water is said to carry great health benefits?
Availability: Daily from 10:45 to 21:30
Includes: private use of Lakeside Sauna, Arctic Bath (ice swimming), guidance of Apukka sauna host, towels, bathrobes, slippers, fresh drink
Duration: 1,5 hours
Winter: Aurora Hunt by Snowtrain
All aboard the Snowtrain! Embark on a cozy journey through mysterious forests and fields to a secret spot where a Lappish ‘Kota’ hut awaits. As you gather around a crackling campfire to savor light snacks and a hot drink, you’ll find yourself transported to a world far removed from the ordinary. The magic of the Arctic nighttime is not just one thing; it encompasses the sounds, the pale moonlight, the stars above, and more. Take a pair of snowshoes and stroll about, immersing yourself in the serenity all around. With a bit of luck, even the Auroras might make an appearance!
Availability: Daily at 20:30
Includes: winter clothing (thermall overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens and balaclava), transfers, information about auroras, ride in a heated snowtrain carriage, hot drinks & light snack
Duration: 3 hours