Under the Northern Lights

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Eco Travel
Images: Jarven Rannalla

All you will find in Torassieppi, a tiny location in Finland on the banks of Lake Torasjärvi and the edge of the Pallas Ylläs National Park, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Finnish Lapland: a Reindeer Farm that dates back to 1847. But now, the herder’s homestead has been converted into a handful of inviting cabins that warmly welcome visitors to enjoy a stunning lakeside location and an annually constructed spectacular Snow Village.

Guests can retire to their Dome after dinner in the restaurant, 100 metres away in Torassieppi, and rejoin fellow travellers for breakfast the next morning. Loo, shower and sauna facilities are located 50 metres from the Domes.

The unique heritage of reindeer herding is one of the prime attractions, as reindeers are still herded in the farm and the surrounding area – so you are guaranteed a close encounter with these magical creatures. There is also a small museum with original artefacts on-site, where visitors can try their hand at traditional herding techniques such as lassoing.

Further to reindeer herding, Torassieppi also holds an enviable reputation for Northern Lights viewing. The sheer remoteness of this location ensures light pollution is kept at a bare minimum with only a handful of buildings in the surrounding region. Torassieppi also has a wonderful range of Northern Lights hunts by snowmobile or snowshoe as well as wonderful Arctic experiences by day including husky sledding and cross-country skiing.

Surrounding the hotel is the peaceful beauty of the fells and the bordering Pallas Ylläs National Park – a pristine snow-topped wilderness. Pallas Ylläs National Park is the third largest national park in Finland, covering some 1000 square kilometres. Its high fells are prime locations from which to seek out potential Auroras, as well as being ideal for the multitude of winter activities on offer. In the winter here, visitors can enjoy some of the cleanest air in Europe as well as marvelling at the snow-topped Taiga forests.

The winter village that is constructed here annually is also a marvel to see, with artistic sculptures and designs as well as snow igloos, which can be slept in overnight for those seeking out a wonderful arctic experience.


Aurora-domeImage: Antii Pietakainen

 

This extraordinary choice of accommodation costs from £115 per person per night, and can be tailored into The Aurora Zone itineraries in Torassieppi, Harriniva or Jeris.

For example, the magical seven-night Lakeside Auroras costs from £1,815 pp (two sharing) including return flights (London), transfers, accommodation (Dome supplement applies), half-board and six lunches, Aurora photography workshop, Aurora campfire, 17-km husky safari, Northern Lights minibus hunt, reindeer farm visit and sleigh ride, snowshoe hike, spa, smoke sauna and delicious locally-sourced food.

A full list of Aurora-hunting itineraries is available at theaurorazone.com. To discuss Aurora-hunting tours with an expert, please call The Aurora Zone on 01670 785 012.

 

 

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Tags:
auroradesigndomeEcoeco travelfinlandglampinglaplandNaturenorthern lightsPhotographyTravel

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