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: 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, 4km 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 (01.09.23 – 12.11.23), 20:30 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
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
Available on: 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: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 10:00 until 30.09.23
Autumn & Winter: Meet the Arctic Animals: Rauna 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’s drive from Rovaniemi. It’s great fun to watch the animals play and feed. Along the 2,8 km park trail you will meet magnificent owls, eagles, otters, beavers, moose, wolves, wolverines, lynx, brown bears, wild boars and many more in their natural habitat with plenty of space. This entertaining and educational day trip is suitable for everyone.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Includes: Transfers, Guidance, Entrance fee to the park, Lunch in the restaurant Change duration to 6 hours
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 08:45
Autumn: Early winter Husky Sled Ride 3,5km
Huskies are one of the most loved animals in the north, and you will understand why when you meet the pack at Apukka. You can pet them, pose for photos with them and listen to stories about the life of the huskies. They love pulling loads and running on the trails across the field and forest. The tour’s highlight is the 3,5k long safari, where you get to be the musher yourself, in other words, control the team of huskies towing the sledge.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woollen socks, mittens), Transfers, Hot drink, Guiding, Husky petting, 3,5 km husky ride
Suitable for: Any age
Available on: Daily at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
Autumn: Early Winter Reindeer Sleigh Ride 1-2km
Following a peaceful pace, our reindeer will lead us on a journey through the forests on a snowy track. Enjoy the silence of the woods and the still atmosphere all around you and let these beautiful animals lead the way. Afterward, it’s time to relax with a hot drink by an open fire. You will return from this trip knowing a lot more than before about the life of the reindeer and the reindeer herders in Finnish Lapland.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Reindeer safari 2-3km, Hot drink
Available on: Daily at 10:00 and 12:00 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
Autumn & Winter: Reindeer Ride to Meet Santa
Here, on the edge of the forest, the reindeer are waiting for you ready to lead the way to Santa. Take a seat in a cozy sleigh and start the journey through the Magic Forest. The Elves are there to help you to find Santa’s Secret Hut, a place filled with Christmas spirit. With their help you’ll find a secret trail in the snow, leading you to a very special place. Maybe Santa has a small surprise waiting for you? During the program, warm drinks and cookies will be served, and the funny Elves of Apukka will keep you busy with their Christmassy program while waiting for your turn to meet the Old Grand Man himself!
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Hot drinks & snacks, Reindeer sleigh ride, Private family meeting with Santa, A small gift to each guest, Elves’ Christmassy workshop
Available on: Selected days at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 (13.11.23-30.11.23) (only from 01.12.23-31.12.23)
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 for families and for everyone to have a taste of the best experiences at the Arctic Circle! During the day you’ll get to try many unforgettable things. You get to go on a short sleigh ride with both huskies and reindeer. Try out your skills on snowshoes and cross-country skis and our speciality, ice sculpting. Slide with toboggans – who can make the longest slide? Kids will definitely have fun on the mini snowmobile! During the active day you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch in our authentic restaurant Aitta. To cap off the day, it is time for the grand snow fight!
Duration: 4 hours
Includes: Winter clothing, car transfers, 500m husky safari, husky petting, 500m reindeer safari,lunch, guiding, snow fun, mini skidoo for kids
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!
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Guiding, Ice-fishing, Hot drink and light snack
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 12:00 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
Autumn & Winter: Family Snowmobiling
Ready to drive and try your favourite winter activity in Lapland? This tour will give you the perfect way to enjoy easygoing snowmobiling in the wilderness – also for the kids! This tour is especially for families with more minor children. When adults enjoy driving snowmobiles, children are travelling with a heated and safe sledge pulled by a guide. After snowmobiling children can drive mini-snowmobiles in the safe area in the Resort.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woollen socks, mittens, balaclava), Transfers, Hot drink, Snowmobile driving lesson, Snowmobile ride, Mini-Snowmobiling for children (weight limit 50 kg)
Available on: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays at 10:00, 12:00 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
Note: Children under 15 years old are seated in a sled behind the guide’s snowmobile. We highly recommend one of the parents sit with a small child in the sled for the child’s comfort and safety. Parents, please consider if this activity is suitable for your small children due to outdoor stay and cold conditions. If a child over 140 cm wishes to sit in a snowmobile as a passenger, a full adult price will be charged. In this case, you need to book the child as an adult! Riding the mini-snowmobile is suitable for children from 5 up to 10 years old. The child has to be capable to control the snowmobile himself or herself. Parents are not allowed to drive the mini-snowmobiles with the child due to safety reasons.
Autumn & Winter: Reindeer Sleigh Ride Across the Night
Just as our ancestors once did, you’ll be traveling on a reindeer sleigh through the wilderness. As you see the glow of the bonfire from a remote hut, you’ll know it’s time to stop for a hot drink over some fascinating stories from the reindeer herders. If you’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will escort your way through the forests of Lapland – what a better way to live life to the fullest!
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Hot drink & light snack, Guiding, Reindeer sleigh ride
Available on: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 20:30 (13.11.23-30.11.23)
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
Meet & mush with our howling, furry friends – the huskies of Apukka – on this fun day adventure, including an hour-long safari! Huskies are one of the most loved animals of the north, and you will understand why when you meet the pack at Apukka. You can pet them, pose on photos with them and listen to stories about the lives of the huskies. They absolutely love pulling loads and running on the trail across the forests. The highlight of the day is the 7–10 km long safari, where you get to be the musher yourself, in other words control the pack of huskies towing the sled.
Duration: 2 hours, Daily at 10:00, 12:00, 12:30, 14:00, 14:30
Includes: Winter clothing, car transfers, hot drink, guiding, husky petting, 7-10 km husky ride
Winter: Reindeer Journey
Take a ride to the history as you travel through the snowy forests on a reindeer sleigh. 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 wilderness. Enjoy hot drinks and a light snack while our friendly reindeer rest for a bit before taking you back. You will return from this trip knowing a lot more than before about the life of the reindeer and the reindeer herders in Finnish Lapland.
Duration: 2 hours, Daily at 10:00 and 14:00
Includes: Winter clothing, car transfers, one-hour reindeer safari, hot drink and light snack
Winter: Arctic 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! As a cherry on top, embrace yourself for the coolest sauna experience ever in our unique Ice Sauna. Are you brave enough to take a dip in the deep snow in between the saunas?
Available on: Daily at 10:30, 13:30, 16:30 and 19:30
Winter: Horse Sleigh Ride under the Night Sky
This excursion will take you on a unique journey to the stunning night of Lapland. You’ll travel in a horse sleigh, wrapped up inside warm blankets, through the frozen forests surrounding our resort. The sky opens up above you, uncovering all the secrets it’s ready to share on this very night. At the edge of the forest, the blazing bonfire welcomes you to hear more about the myths of the North. Step inside the Arctic night!
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Hot drink and a light snack, Guiding, Horse sleigh ride
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 20:30
Winter: Horse Sleigh Ride in the Arctic
Already in early 1900, the tavern of Apukka was famous for its magnificent horses. Take a step back on the pages of history and travel in the far North by the same means our ancestors did. Find a cozy seat in the sleigh and let the horses lead you through the magical scenery surrounding the resort. This is what Lappish life is all about!
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Hot drink, Guiding, Horse sleigh ride
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 16:30
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
This combination is the most local thing to do in Rovaniemi, Lapland. On this safari, we will drive our snowmobiles to the local lake by the track on top of the ice cover of the lake! When we reach our secret fishing place your guide will teach you all the elements to be a successful fisherman like the locals do. If you are lucky, you might catch a pike, a perch, or even a trout. While you are fishing your guide will prepare a campfire and you can enjoy a tasty snack by the fireplace. Coffee or tea comes along.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens, balaclava), Transfers, Hot drink, Snowmobile driving lesson, Snowmobile ride
Available on: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 10:00
Note: Children sit on a sled, and it is recommended one of the parents sit with the small children in the sled for the children’s comfort and safety. Please consider if this activity is suitable for small children due to outdoor stay and cold conditions. If a child over 140 cm wishes to sit in a snowmobile as a passenger, a full adult price will be charged.
Winter: Night Snowmobile Safari
Snowmobiling through the Lappish wilderness is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Add the excellent chance to witness the Northern Lights and you have an experience like no other. We drive out to a suitable location and gather around the bonfire for some hot berry juice and snacks. You’ll get to hear about the myths and science behind the Northern Lights before hopping back on your snowmobiles and continuing the chase. Simply a-must-do in Lapland!
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Snowmobile driving lesson, Snowmobile ride, Hot drink, Snack
Available on: Daily at 20:30
Note: Not suitable for children. Teenagers can join as passengers and will be charged the adult rate.
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?
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens, balaclava), Transfers, Hot drink, Snowmobile driving lesson, Snowmobile ride
Available on: Daily at 14:00
Note: Children sit on a sled, and it is recommended one of the parents sit with the small children in the sled for the children’s comfort and safety. Please consider if this activity is suitable for small children due to outdoor stay and cold conditions. If a child over 140 cm wishes to sit in a snowmobile as a passenger, a full adult price will be charged.
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens), Transfers, Guiding, Snowshoes, Hot drink
Available on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays at 14:00 Note: Not suitable under 10 years old.