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December Long Weekend in Ylläs
Step into the magic of winter in the heart of Lapland with a journey designed to thrill you from the very first moment. Ride through snowy forests on a husky sled, watch the Northern Lights from your room, speed across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, and experience the most heartwarming moment of all: a private visit to Santa Claus in his secret cabin. An unforgettable adventure for families, surrounded by untouched nature,
Experience a Magical Winter Adventure Beneath the Northern Lights at the New Ylläsrinne Deluxe Opened in November 2024, the exclusive Ylläsrinne Deluxe Hotel is more than just a place to stay — it's your gateway to the heart of Lapland. Nestled in pristine Arctic nature, this modern retreat blends sleek Nordic design with total comfort. Its panoramic windows and glass ceilings offer a front-row view of the Northern Lights, right from the warmth of your bed. Perfect for thrilling snowmobile safaris, unforgettable husky and reindeer sleigh rides, or simply embracing the peaceful silence of the snowy wilderness. With #SantaClausinLapland, every day becomes a memory you'll never forget. Welcome to the most magical winter journey. Lapland is waiting!
Why Ylläs Is the Perfect Destination When you dream of a trip to Lapland, you probably picture endless snowy landscapes, skies illuminated by dancing Northern Lights, and the peaceful silence of untouched nature. Ylläs doesn’t just meet that dream—it turns it into something extraordinary. Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, this winter wonderland offers everything a traveler seeking authenticity, adventure, and serenity could ask for. Surrounded by the breathtaking Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Ylläs is a region where time seems to stand still. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and soft rolling fells create a scenery that feels pulled from a fairy tale. The area’s location, far from major cities and artificial light, makes it one of the best places in Finland to witness the magic of the Northern Lights. On clear nights, the sky becomes a theatre of green and violet waves, dancing silently above a white wilderness. But Ylläs is not only about admiring nature—it’s about living it. Here, every moment turns into an experience: you can drive your own snowmobile through ancient woods, feel the rush of a husky sled ride through the Arctic landscape, or visit a traditional reindeer farm where local herders share their centuries-old way of life. These aren’t staged attractions, but authentic glimpses into the rhythm of the North, where silence becomes part of the story. Adding to the charm is the perfect balance between raw nature and modern comfort. The newly opened Hotel Ylläsrinne Deluxe reflects this harmony beautifully. Its Nordic design, panoramic windows, glass ceilings, and cozy atmosphere make it a true retreat after a day of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re warming up in the sauna, enjoying local dishes in the restaurant, or gazing at the auroras from your bed, the hotel becomes an essential part of the experience. With #SantaClausinLapland, discovering Ylläs means stepping into the purest and most magical side of Finnish Lapland. Because when everything is covered in snow and the sky starts to glow with impossible colors, you realize—you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
Day 1 – Arctic Escape Begins: Journey to Lapland The most magical winter adventure begins with excitement in the air. We’ll meet at the airport in Bilbao, where the Catai team will assist you with the smooth check-in process. We’ll board a special direct flight to Kittilä, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland. A light snack will be served on board to get you in the Nordic spirit. Upon arrival, our local guide will welcome you and escort you on a short 30-minute transfer to the newly opened Hotel Ylläsrinne Deluxe, located in the peaceful surroundings of Ylläs, one of Lapland’s most charming natural areas. Once there, we’ll head to a nearby office to collect our thermal suits, essential for fully enjoying this polar experience. After settling into your room, a cozy dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant, where the Nordic atmosphere begins to embrace you. Welcome to the land of the Northern Lights with #SantaClausinLapland.
Day 2 – Snow Adventures: Snowmobile Safari & Reindeer Encounter Today brings one of the highlights of the trip: a thrilling snowmobile safari through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. After breakfast, we’ll gear up with helmets and gloves. Following a safety briefing, we’ll set off on our snowmobiles—two adults per vehicle—while children ride comfortably in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. The sense of freedom and adrenaline is unforgettable as we ride through postcard-worthy landscapes. We’ll stop for a light outdoor lunch in the middle of the wilderness, Finnish-style. Our journey continues toward a traditional reindeer farm, where we’ll learn about Lapland’s oldest livelihood. You’ll enjoy a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride while local herders share their way of life. Did you know? In Sami culture, reindeer are considered sacred, and their migration patterns have shaped life in the region for centuries. We’ll return to the hotel for dinner and well-deserved rest beneath the northern sky.
Day 3 – Huskies and the Secret Cabin of Santa Claus Get ready for an unforgettable day. After breakfast, we’ll visit a husky farm, where the enthusiastic barking of the dogs welcomes us. You’ll receive a full briefing on sledding techniques before embarking on a scenic ride through snowy forests. Each sled carries two people—a musher and a passenger—who can switch roles during the journey. After the initial rush of excitement, you’ll quickly settle into a calm rhythm, enjoying the pure silence of Lapland’s wilderness. We’ll enjoy a light lunch in the natural surroundings. In the afternoon, it’s time for pure magic: the search for Santa Claus’s secret cabin. We’ll head deep into the forest beside a frozen lake, where families can enjoy snowshoeing, sledding, and other fun winter activities. Then, each family will have their private moment with Santa Claus, a truly emotional experience—don’t forget your letters! Every child will receive a special gift from Santa. We’ll return to the hotel for dinner and a night full of joy.
Day 4 – White Horizons: Free Day or Snowshoe & Ice Fishing Adventure After breakfast, enjoy a full day at your own pace. Discover Ylläs Ski Resort, the largest in Finland, offering 62 slopes and over 50 km of skiable terrain. Perfect for those who want to ski, take in panoramic views, or simply enjoy a warm drink in a mountain café. Looking for more adventure? You can join an optional excursion: Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Experience Guided by local experts, we’ll explore a peaceful Arctic forest and learn how to fish beneath the ice using traditional Finnish techniques. It’s a unique way to connect with the natural world in deep winter silence. Duration: 3–4 hours Price: Adults €145 / Children (4–11 years) €110 Return to the hotel for dinner and another night of relaxation—perhaps even a last glimpse of the Northern Lights, if the skies are clear.
Day 5 – Sauna Ritual & Farewell in Levi We begin the final day with a traditional Lappish breakfast and a quintessential Finnish experience: the sauna. A true national ritual, saunas are deeply embedded in Finnish culture. Fun fact: There are over 2 million saunas in Finland—almost one for every household in a country of just 5.5 million people. After the sauna, we head to the center of Levi, one of Lapland’s most picturesque towns. You’ll have free time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a last coffee overlooking the snowy streets At the scheduled time, we transfer to Kittilä Airport for your direct flight back to Bilbao. A snack will be served on board With hearts full of memories and bags packed with Arctic magic, we say goodbye to this unforgettable journey. The adventure ends here—but the magic lives on with #SantaClausinLapland.
A Journey You’ll Never Forget. An Experience That Brings You Together. Travelling to Lapland is more than just visiting a destination — it’s stepping into a world of magic, untouched nature, and deep emotions that leave a lasting mark. And when you experience it as a family, it becomes even more powerful. Every activity, every child's smile, every quiet moment in the snowy forest touches the soul and creates memories that will live on forever. This trip offers it all: excitement, tranquillity, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments. From thrilling snowmobile safaris and husky or reindeer sleigh rides to the heartwarming visit to Santa Claus’s secret cabin, every day is designed to surprise, move, and connect. All this is complemented by the comfort and warmth of the Hotel Ylläsrinne Deluxe, located in the heart of authentic Finnish Lapland. The chance to witness the Northern Lights from the window of your room, to immerse yourself in local traditions, to play in the snow with your children and share one-of-a-kind experiences as a family makes this trip a true treasure for those seeking more than a typical holiday. Because when a destination sparks wonder in children, emotion in adults, and lasting memories for everyone, you know you’ve made the right choice. Ylläs, together with #SantaClausinLapland, is without a doubt the perfect place to experience the most magical winter of your lives.
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