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Finland’s Secret Island

Stay on your own private Arctic island complete with gourmet private chef, brace yourself for cold water therapy & chase the Northern Lights on a snowmobile

Finland’s Secret Island

4 Days | From £2690

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Important Notes

Finland’s Secret Island

Stay on your own private Arctic island complete with gourmet private chef, brace yourself for cold water therapy & chase the Northern Lights on a snowmobile

Finland’s Secret Island

About your trip

Staying on a private island is exclusive enough – but how about your own aurora island on the Arctic Circle complete with private chef? This is the magic of Finnish Lapland, but make it Flash Pack…

Over four adventure-packed days you’ll travel deep into silent, snow-laden forests on cross-country skis – pushing yourself to your limits as you’re lured on by nature’s ethereal beauty. You’ll plunge into freezing water holes for a taste of heart-stopping cold-water therapy and fly across frozen landscapes by husky sleigh, safe in the knowledge that a warm campfire and hearty meal will be waiting for you back at your private island. Speaking of meals; gourmet food is a huge part of this adventure, thanks to your expert island chef serving up endless Lappish delights.

And by night? Always Northern Lights hunting, of course. Whether it’s a thrilling aurora safari by snowmobile or time spent looking to the sky on your far-flung arctic island; the odds of seeing nature’s most wondrous spectacle are firmly in your favour.

This might be the ultimate way to experience winter Finland. How could you do it any other way?

What's Included

  • Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary
  • All meals
  • Stay on a boutique private island
  • Private apartment with beds split across two floors
  • We offset 0.06 tCO2e (carbon) per person on this trip
  • Private minibus, snowmobile, skis
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Cold weather kit including coat and boots
  • Maximum 18 Flashpackers

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Itinerary

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Your Itinerary

  • Day 01 YOUR PRIVATE ARCTIC ISLAND

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    Welcome to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus and your gateway to Arctic Circle adventures. The wilderness just beyond Rovaniemi’s colourful lights is calling, and a transfer awaits to whisk you away to your private island. You’ll be welcomed by traditional saunas and a private chef serving outstanding local dishes. And it’s all yours. How’s that for exclusivity? Tonight, you’ll settle in for a welcome dinner for a chance to get to know everyone over some celebratory drinks and a traditional Finnish supper. You’ll feast on anything from Arctic char and Lappish lamb to forest-picked mushrooms, berries and veggies. Afterwards, if the night is clear, it’ll be worth stepping outside to gather round the bonfire and look for the Northern Lights.

  • Day 02 HUSKIES & AURORA HUNTING

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    This morning, you’ll get kitted out with your essential cold weather gear, keeping you warm and snug in minus degree temperatures.  Then, it’s time to embark on a husky adventure. You’ll learn all you need to know about driving the husky sleighs yourself before you’re let loose onto the vast icy tundra. With the wind and snow whipping around you and temperatures reaching as low as minus 30, you’ll feel like a real Samii herder. Late afternoon, cross over to the mainland for your twilight Northern Lights safari by snowmobile. You’ll travel several kilometres into the Arctic wilderness, where you’ll stop for a Lappish snack break and cook sausages on an open fire – always with one eye to the sky. 

  • Day 03 SKIS & COLD WATER

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    Today you’ll strap on some cross country skis and push yourself on and on into scenes more and more beautiful, gliding to some untouched hard-to-reach spots. Don’t worry if you haven’t skied before, you’ll soon be gliding like a pro.  After some recovery time back on your island, you’ll learn how to drill and cut a hole into the ice around you. Why? You’ll all be getting into it, of course. Prepare for the ultimate invigorating wellness experience as you immerse yourself in water so cold it will take your breath away. It might only be a few seconds but you’ll feel more alive than ever. Buzzing with energy, you’ll warm up in a wood-fired sauna in true Finnish style.

  • Day 04 A FINAL SAUNA

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    Your adventure may have been short, but you’ll be leaving today knowing you packed every last moment with thrilling Arctic experiences. You’ll have time this morning to enjoy a slow breakfast and one last sauna as a group before you’re transferred to the airport for your flight home. You never know, the magic might continue as you fly off – the Northern Lights from the vantage point of a plane window is something worth looking out for.

YOUR PRIVATE ISLAND

Here's where you'll be staying on this exclusive private island adventure

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HOTEL VARTIOSAARI

Hotel Vartiosaari is a little-known island wonderland that can only be accessed by a bridge connecting it to the mainland. As well as the beauty of it’s untouched location, the island’s accommodation has been designed by a revered Finnish architect, who has added a welcome touch of chic to the Finnish wilderness.

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Important Notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Rovaniemi Airport (RVN).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 5 pm ideally. You’ll be able to check in at the hotel from 3 pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 7 pm onwards at the hotel, which is located approximately 20 minutes from Rovaniemi airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Check-out time is before 12 pm but you can leave any time that suits you.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

Departure transfers are also included in the cost of this trip.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

  • Pack Leader: 10 EUR per day
  • Drivers: 3 EUR per day

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

You do not normally need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit the Finland government website: https://um.fi/visa-requirement-and-travel-documents-accepted-by-finland.

From 2024, ETIAS travel authorisation will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to European countries https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en.

We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

 

Will I see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are best viewed on clear nights between late August and early April.

Please be aware that the Northern Lights are weather-dependent and not guaranteed to appear on every trip.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

This trip is nearly fully inclusive so you won’t need much – but you’ll need to allow for any drinks at the hotel. As a guide, a beer costs 6.5 EUR and a bottle of wine is from 42 EUR upwards.

 

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

This adventure is fast-paced and it will challenge you during the ski trek especially. However, no specific level of fitness is required, we just want to ensure you are happy partaking in the activities like snowmobiling across the Arctic. The trek itself will vary between 2-5 kilometres depending on the weather and the fitness of the group. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

What equipment do I need?

On Day 2, we will kit you out with cold weather kit including a thermal snowsuit, boots and gloves, to keep you warm during outdoor activities.

However, it’s best to bring your own winter clothing too as it will be very cold when you exit the airport terminal.

Make sure you have good boots, thick socks and insulated waterproof gloves/mittens, as well as a winter hat, scarf/buff and insulated wind-resistant winter jacket and trousers.  You’ll also want a long-sleeved thermal base layers and a fleece.

Some Flashpackers have recommended bringing handwarmers and footwarmers, as well as a hot water bottle.

Can my special dietary requirements be catered for?

Food allergies and special diets can of course be catered for on this trip, for example, if you are a vegan you will receive a vegan version of the same menu. However extreme allergies like an extreme nut allergy cannot be catered for on this adventure, as all food is prepared in the same kitchen. Please bear this in mind when booking, and reach out to us if you think you will be affected.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to test new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting. We’ll always try to let you know in advance.

Can I drive a snowmobile?

You need to have a driver’s license from your home country in order to drive a snowmobile. Otherwise, you can still take part but you’ll need to ride pillion.

Before going on the snowmobiling safari, you will be asked to sign a liability form to confirm you consider yourself to be able to take part in the activity. Snowmobiles are expensive machines and the form also explains that in the unlikely event you damage a snowmobile, you will be required to pay for repairs up to a value of 900€ (euros). An insurance policy at a cost of 15€ is available to purchase locally which will decrease your liability for any damage to 150€. Your activity guide will talk you through everything before the safari to ensure you are comfortable, but if you would like to see a copy of the liability form prior to travel, please do feel free to get in touch with us.

What should I pack?

To keep you warm in the frosty Finnish winter, you’ll be provided with a thermal overcoat, boots and gloves. However, please prepare for extreme weather and bring your own warm and waterproof clothes for day-to-day wear.  You might also consider bringing handwarmers and footwarmers, as well as a hot water bottle. Temperatures can reach -20C in this region.

What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Finland, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.

Baggage

  • A large backpack or suitcase – it’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase
  • A day bag – this needs to be around 20-25 litres to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera

Clothing

  • Activewear – breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities. Hiking tops are best as they have wicking properties that remove sweat, keeping you dry and warm
  • Outdoor trousers that are warm and waterproof
  • You will need a warm and waterproof jacket for general wear in Finland
  • Fleeces/jumpers/a jacket – substantial, warm layers will be required
  • Thermal vests/base layers – if the weather gets cold, you may want to wear a thermal vest during the day and at night
  • Scarf/hat/gloves/buff
  • Swimwear – you will have the chance to cold-water-swim and use the sauna
  • What you wear in the evenings is up to you, but you may want some nicer clothes for the evenings

Shoes

  • Waterproof shoes and socks – you’ll be provided with snow boots during outdoor activities, but warm and waterproof shoes will be useful for everyday wear in Finland

Accessories/Personal

  • Driving license for snowmobile driving
  • Electricals and chargers, such as your phone, camera, chargers, etc
  • Plug socket adaptors – the standard plug socket in Finland is type C which has 2 round prongs. This is the same as most of Europe.
  • Refillable water bottle – refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint
  • Eye mask and earplugs – if you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs
  • Any personal medication you require
  • Personal toiletries, including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush, etc
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Painkillers
  • Anti-bacterial gel
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Moisturiser
  • High SPF factor sun cream – this helps to protect your skin from the cold

As captured on Instagram

The latest from Flashpackers in Finland on #picsworthsharing

OUR PROMISE

Joining the Flash Pack comes with a few special guarantees

THE PEOPLE

Our mission is to create 1 million friendships, so we obsess over the group dynamic. Everyone is aged 30-49, 98% travel solo & 80% stay friends.
Want to know more about your group?
Get in touch.

THE SECURITY

We operate using a 3rd party trust bank account, meaning we guarantee refunds in 14 days if your trip has to be cancelled.
Book with confidence.

THE TRIPS

Our trips are made up of ‘can’t-do-by-yourself’ experiences – think staying on your own private island in the Arctic and glamping in Land Rovers on the Serengeti.
See trips.

THE GUIDES

We only work with trusted local guides who know their destinations better than anyone.
Meet your Pack Leaders.

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