An amazing week of activities for everyone in Finnish Lapland.

New for 2009 is a wonderful activity week in one of Finnish Laplands most spectacular and unspoilt locations, Hotel Jeris. The hotel and cabins are set deep in the forest in western Lapland, 45 minutes from Kittila airport and 20 minutes from the small village of Muonio.

For those wanting to truly get away from it all and relax doing, fun, new activities as a couple or family this is the ideal place.

Accommodation is in cosy cabins set in the forest. All have a private sauna and fireplace.

At the heart of the location is the main hotel building, where meals are taken in a restaurant offering panoramic view across the frozen lake. You can also relax after a busy day with drinks by the fire in the bar.

During the week your guides will show you how to cross country ski so you can set off in your free time to explore the miles of silent trails through the national park. They will take you out on a snowshoe walk through the spectacular surrounding forests pointing out the local nature.

You will visit a local reindeer museum to learn more about reindeer husbandry and feed the reindeers.  On another day, following tuition from your guide, you will set off on an adventure on snowmobiles (children travel in sleighs) across the frozen lake and through the forest stopping to take in the beautiful views across the fells and for a picnic lunch. For many the highlight of the week will be the visit to the small friendly husky farm where you can meet the dogs and will be whisked off on a 2 hour husky safari.

While all the activity is great fun what many will remember from their visit to Jeris will be the smaller things. Such as the silence, taking a crazy dip in the lake ice pool, the fun evenings tobogganing through the forest or standing on the huge frozen lake mesmerised by the Aurora Borealis.

Jeris allows you to combine some much needed quality private family time with once in a life time experiences.

For the full itinerary and prices click here.

Three fabulous locations in Finnish Lapland – which one is for you?

At Emagine we have chosen three very different locations and itineraries for our New Year holidays but whichever you choose we promise you will return special memories that will last a life time. After a hectic Christmas there is nothing better than escaping to clean air, exhilarating activities and a chance for some quality time away from the TV and daily stress.

Come and recharge your batteries in Finnish Lapland.

Hotel Jeris, near Muonio, Finnish Lapland.

For all ages.                           

6 days.

Our New Year guests at Hotel Jeris in Lapland last year never stopped talking about the setting, the scenery and the silence. It is a wonderful location, set deep in the forest, by a huge frozen lake and with a National Park on its boundary.

The holiday is a balance of activity and free time. It includes a snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm and a husky safari but on the other days you get to set the pace. Some guests chose to book on additional safaris, some collected cross country skis and explored the trails through the National park, others relaxed in the spa pools or curled up and read a book. It is fair to say that everyone tobogganed!

Following dinner on New Years Eve everyone had their fortune told and then headed onto the lake, a drink in hand, to see in the New Year and admire the fireworks.

Jeris is ideal for those wishing to get away from the crowds, have some activity but still have free time as a couple or family enjoying the cabins with their private saunas and fireplaces.

For further details click here.

Hotel Harriniva, Muonio Finnish Lapland.

For teens and adults only.     

6 days.

At Harriniva for New Year our safaris are longer so not recommended for younger visitors. When you head off on snowmobiles it will be across the fells, taking in the most spectacular views and with a stop for lunch in a lakeside chalet along the way.  Your husky safari will take you though the forest, with simple lunch served in a traditional kota.

Even though the group will not include children it doesn’t mean you have to hide the child in you, especially when we head off to the local ski slopes for some tobogganing!

There is also an opportunity to learn more about the region, its animals and the indigenous Sami people during a visit to the village of Hetta. Lunch will be served in the amazing Hetta Snow Castle.

Life at Harriniva are quite relaxed with evenings spent relaxing over dinner, a drink in the bar or maybe soaking in the lakeside hot tubs.

On New Years Eve following dinner and some fortune telling head outside onto the ice, not once but twice to celebrate the Finnish and then the Swedish New Year with drinks and fireworks before hitting the disco in the bar.

For further details click here.

Hotel Riekonlinna, Saariselka, Finnish Lapland.

For all ages.               

7 days.

Hotel Riekonlinna is located in the lovely northern Lapland resort of Saariseka. We have planned the holiday so you have a mixture of organised and free time so you can design your holiday to meet your family’s needs. It includes a long snowmobile safari and a long husky safari, both with lunch served along the way. On other days you can choose from an exciting range of additional optional safaris. You may decide to head off to the nearby ski slopes, spa swimming pool or try the resorts 2km toboggan run. We have included some dinners in the hotel so you can make new friends and other evenings are free so you can try the resorts excellent restaurants whether in search of pizza or some local delicacies!

On New Years Eve enjoy dinner in the hotel before stepping outside to take in the fireworks that are set off around the resort.

Emagine staff will be on hand throughout your stay to help you make the most of the amazing location.

For further details click here.

Visit Santa in the most magical settings, away from the madding crowd!

At Emagine this week we have launched our Santa Holidays to Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland. You can choose from 4,5 and 6 day holidays the most magical settings: isolated fell top hotels, cabins set deep in snow covered forests or picturesque resorts.

As you know this is where Santa Claus lives and he is often seen out and about training his reindeers. You will get to meet him twice. Once, as a family, as he rests in a cabin and again at a Christmas party.

You will take part in a host of exhilarating activities such as husky safaris, snowmobiling, tobogganing, reindeer rides, ice fishing, snow hockey…………….and lots more.

For a full list of dates and itineraries click here.

Choose from in a number of stunning resorts. Click on the hotel name for a full description.

you can take a dip!

After an exciting day of husky safaris, snowmobiling, ice fishing and of course meeting Santa we return to our hotel.

For many there is no such thing as too much snow and they head straight back outside to go tobogganing, skiing or making snowmen.

Others they reach a point where they can’t spend another second in all of those layers of thermals, jumpers and safari clothing. Some head for the bar for a well earned drink while others decide they are off for a dip.

Taking a dip varies dramatically depending where you are……….

In Saariselka, north eastern Lapland, in the Holiday Club Hotel is the fabulous  swimming pool with slides, spa pools and wave machine. Entrance to the pool is free to Holiday Club guests. Guests from other hotels are welcome but pay an entrance fee.

At Hotel Iso-Syote in Northern Finland guests can enjoy a relaxing warming sauna and take a dip in their cooling indoor pool.

At Hotel Jeris, western Lapland, taking a dip can involve more of a challenge if you are feeling brave.

While most guests choose to soak in the wonderful warm lakeside spa pools the crazier guests take a short swim in the outdoor lake pool!

At Hotel Harriniva, in western Lapland, there isn’t a pool but clients can hire an outdoor hot tub in a snowy riverside setting. The braver adults can take a dip in an ice hole!

It goes without saying that as this is Lapland all of the locations have a warming sauna to hop into after your dip!

Jack and the recruits experience extreme Finnish Lapland with Emagine UK Ltd.

As well as arranging holidays to Finnish Lapland to meet Santa, Lapland winter activity holidays and general travel to Scandinavia here at Emagine we are sometime approached to put our Arctic expertise to other uses. When Ginger TV, part of the Scottish Media Group, were looking for a cold location to challenge Jack Osbourne as part of the Adrenaline Junky 3 series they came to us.

We knew just the place and set about putting together a journey through one of Europe’s last true wildernesses, in north western Finnish Lapland. The journey was to use husky teams and would cover over 100km, setting up camp on fells and frozen lakes along the way.

Filming took place in late April 2007 to make the most of the already long Lapland Arctic days, when it stays light until after 10pm, when there is hopefully lots of sun and the area is still covered in several metres of snow.

The program, currently being aired on ITV2, shows Jack and the recruits experiencing some extreme conditions and taking in some breathtaking sights during the journey.  Prior to arriving in Finnish Lapland they had already been filming in New Zealand and the steaming jungles of Sarawak so the Arctic conditions seemed even more extreme.

After kitting them out with essential cold weather clothing, suits, boots, mitts and hats they were ready to face the Arctic.

The journey started in Kilpisjarvi (Finnish Lapland), over 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. The region they travelled through is above the tree line so the only vegetation poking through the snow is shrub but certainly not trees therefore allowing vast breathtaking uninterrupted snowy vistas.

This really is the middle of nowhere so all equipment and supplies have to be taken in with you.

Jack and his recruits were put through their paces at Harriniva, one of Europes largest Husky farms. Experts gave them advice on handling their husky sleds and tips on motivating their team of huskies which would be essential once in the wilderness.

After a day of training in calm weather conditions they harnessed up their husky teams, loaded their sleds and set off towards the fells. It wasn’t long before they found themselves in the middle of a blizzard with strong winds swirling snow, limiting visibility and making going tough. The only option was to set up an emergency camp making the most of the limited shelter in this open terrain.

The team fought to put up their tents in gusting conditions. Once this was achieved all they could do was crawl into their sleeping bags, exhausted, and hope that mother nature would be kinder to them the following morning.

The following morning brought a spectacular cold bright Arctic day. Crystal clear blue skies, perfect visibility, a warming sun and never ending pure white snow.

For the rest of the adventure you will have to tune in to ITV2 next week to see how Jack and his recruits coped in the Arctic.

If you want a taste of what Jack and the recruits experienced, in possibly less extreme conditions why not join one of our husky safaris this coming winter.   Click here for details.

What would you rather be doing this New Year?   Is it a tough choice?

Our New Year holiday at Harriniva is designed with adults and teens in mind as we wanted to offer safaris that will take your breath away. These safaris are not tasters, they are the real thing.

Maybe the following will help you to decide where you want to be this New Year!

Would you rather be.......

staying at home

Queuing for the winter sales!

in Lapland

Taking an exhilarating drive on a snowmobile through what is Europe’s last true wilderness.  Stopping for lunch in an isolated wilderness cabin while taking in the views across the frozen lake.

Would you rather be.......

Under duress, take the dog for a walk in the drizzle.

in Lapland

allowing an energetic team of huskies to take you for a ride of a life time, a truly breathtaking adventure.

 Following a tour of one of Europes largest husky farms and training by the experts you will be off along trials through beautiful snow covered forests only stopping for a fireside lunch along the way.

Would you rather be.......

Having yet another evening lolling on the sofa watching repeats on TV and picking through the remains of the Christmas chocolates.

in Lapland

Taking an evening walk along the banks of the frozen Muonio river or soaking in one of the riverside hot tubs while, if lucky, enjoy one of the most amazing light shows provided by nature; Aurora Borealis or the northern lights. If you are going to experience them anywhere in the world it will be here. Every time they appear they are unique in their combination of colour and fluidity.

Would you rather be.......

Going to bed in your pajamas and socks and leaving the heating on

in Lapland

Curling up in your sleeping bag wearing your woolly hat in a chamber in the ice igloo! After a bedtime hot chocolate, the days activities and the fresh air will soon see you fast asleep.

Would you rather be.......

Spending New Year with the same old faces, queuing for taxis and waiting for Big Ben to chime.

in Lapland

Enjoying dinner in the fireside restaurant then out on to the ice twice to see in the Finnish and an hour later Swedish New Years with drinks and fireworks. The party continues until the early hours.

We could go on for ever, we haven’t even mentioned the visit to the reindeer farm, tobogganing down the fell, dinner in the Lapp kota, ice fishing………..for the full itinerary click here.

Whether it is for an hour or for a week Finnish Lapland is the place to go.

Husky safaris, dog sledding, mushing are names used for the same amazing experience, being in charge of a very fit team of well trained dogs that are pulling a sled across a snow covered landscape. It is the most exhilarating way to travel that also allows you to get close to nature and experience the silence of some of the last unspoilt regions of Europe.

Traditionally mushing would have been with pure Siberian huskies or the larger Alaskan huskies / Malamutes but over the years the people sledding at a competitive level have cross bred their huskies with other breeds for greater speed or endurance. This was very effective but the dogs just don’t have the beauty of the pure huskies. Throughout Lapland you will find quite a combination of dogs although they tend to be going back to using purer Siberian pedigrees.

A visit to Finnish Lapland during winter will give you an opportunity to try a husky safari for your self whether that is for an hour or for a week.  Once you are kitted out with the appropriate outer safari thermal clothing you are ready for the training. A husky guide will explain how to handle the sled, control the break, set the anchor and for longer safaris how to motivate and care for your dogs.

It may be one or two people per sled, one standing and controlling it and the other seated. Which ever you choose it is a ride of a life time. Initially as you approach the teams they are all barking and jumping which is quite intimidating but you soon realise that is only because they are so desperate to get underway. Once you take your foot off the break and they set off and there is total silence which is an absolute contrast to the mayhem of just seconds before.

There is nothing sweeter than crossing a frozen lake or open fell pulled by a husky team at full stretch. Put your foot on the break at this point and you will be repaid with dirty looks from your dog team that will leave you in no doubt as to what they think of your actions! However that is not always the case, if the snow is very deep or the hill steep you have to be prepared to hop off the runners at the back, not letting go of the sled or you can wave goodbye to you team and cargo, and push like a team player.

We have husky safaris throughout Lapland to meet everyone’s needs and time scale. Many start with just an hours drive but always end up wanting more. Many of our clients joining the husky activity weeks are returning to Finnish Lapland for the second or third time having caught the mushing bug!

Short but sweet Husky safaris in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland.

Husky Safaris lasting from an hour to a day.

Saariselka

Iso Syote

Loma Vietonen

Harriniva

Jeris

Yllas in December

Yllas January – March

Kakslauttanen in December

Kakslauttenen January - March

Luosto

Rovaniemi

Ruka in December

Longer Husky Safaris in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland for winter 2007 / 2008.

Harriniva husky weekend

Harriniva husky week

Harriniva activity week incl 2 day husky

Finn Jann Multi Activity week incl 3 days husky  

The latest leg of the Off Road Orienteering Cup.

Competitors will be arriving in Raajärvi, Lapland today to prepare for tomorrows early start of this 24 hour orienteering event. The Old Mining Village in Raajärvi, the best off road centre in Finland, is located approximately 65km from the Lapland capital of Rovaniemi. This is the third Lapland Trophy.

Lapland is still benefiting from the midnight sun making this 24 hour event a little easier for the competitors.

Competitors travel from control point to control point in 4x4 and all terrain vehicles in this orienteering and endurance competition. Upon reaching a control point competitors must take a photo of themselves simultaneously touching their vehicle and the control point number card as proof.

The Lapland Trophy is the second competition of the Finnish Off-Road Orienteering-CUP series this year.

The mention of a snorkel in the recommended equipment list must give competitors cause for concern!

A winch is highly recommended. If the car does not have one, an off road jack and/or manual tackle is strongly recommended as a minimum. Snorkels and other special equipment may be recommended when necessary.

The images are of previous Off Road Orienteering events.

Below are the competition rules in case you want to prepare for next years event.

Common rules for all competition classes:

            • Local traffic regulations MUST be observed when driving on public roads

            • During the competition the speed limit on unpaved roads is max 50 km/h, some roads may have a lower speed limit, indicated by speed limit signs

            • On paved roads the speed limit is max 80 km/h, unless a lower speed limit is indicated by speed limit signs

            • Always wear a seatbelt while driving on the road

            • Control points sign support (tree etc.) must never be used for winching

            • You may cross power lines, but driving along them is forbidden, and power line poles may NEVER be used for winching

            • Phone lines, oil- or gas pipes, railways etc.; same strict restrictions than for power lines

            • If an area is limited by sealing off lines, the winch cable may cross the sealing off line, but the car must NOT cross the sealing off line

            • Any equipment in and on the car must be properly fastened

            • Double wheels, traction chains etc. are forbidden

            • Axes, saws, chainsaws etc. must not be used and m