Wilderness Hotel Muotka – Finland
Amongst the wild fells of the Arctic, in one of Europe’s largest and most pristine wildernesses, Muotka is a family run retreat with all the bells and whistles. It sits in splendid isolation in the Taiga Forest, not far from the Russian border and a stone’s throw from the Urho Kekkonen National Park. Reindeer roam the pine forests, the Northern Lights brighten the winter nights, and the summers bathe in 24 hours of sunshine.
Hike, snowshoe or husky sled along the trails through the trees; experience Sámi culture; unwind in your private sauna and enjoy traditional Lappish food. The exceptionally friendly team ensure your trip is truly memorable, making this wilderness retreat the place for bucket list romantic adventure or family fun.
At A Glance
Luxury Family Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its small, intimate feeling, friendly staff, and its well put together itineraries for children.Style:
Log cabin winter wonderland.Location:
In the Taiga Forest in Finnish Lapland, 250km north of the Arctic Circle.Rooms:
Cosy rooms, suites and cabins amongst the forest – some with private saunas and others with glass roofs for watching the Northern Lights.Swimming:
Ice swimming for the brave.Children:
Father Christmas lives nearby – need we say more?Open From:
All year roundrooms
From the Wilderness Rooms in the main building, to the free standing cabins in the woods and along the river, each one is cosy and welcoming, furnished with warm throws and thick rugs. The Superior Sauna Rooms come with a private sauna, or if you’ve come for the views, opt for the Panorama Log Cabin, a traditional and homely retreat with large windows, sleeping up to four. The Riverside Log Cabins are larger still, with room for five, and feature a small kitchenette. The supremely romantic Aurora Cabins, with their large, angled glass sides, are designed to capture the magic of the Northern Lights.
food
Dining is communal style, with local, seasonal ingredients. The menu is full of hearty dishes, inspired by Finnish cuisine, and picnics are made up for your day excursions.
activities
Whether you travel in the depths of winter for the chance to experience the wonders of the Artic in the snow, or during the summer, for the vast empty landscapes, thrilling adventure awaits. The best (and the locals would say, the only) way to explore, is by husky sled. A husky safari will teach you to mush whilst you’re drawn through the Lapland landscape. There are numerous trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, and there are even E-fatbikes you can take out.
Get up close and personal with reindeer and learn more about how the Sámi live in these remote parts. For the adventurous, there’s ice fishing, where you’ll carve your own hole into the lake, and for the brave, there’s ice swimming, after a hot sauna session. There’s no light pollution here, and your chances of seeing the Northern Lights during the winter, are high. We recommend the photography workshop that will help ensure your aurora photography does them justice. In mid summer, visitors enjoy 24 hours of light. Midnight sun hiking, exploring the fells and forests and foraging, far from civilization will definitely restore your batteries.
family
This is a veritable winter wonderland where incredible family memories are guaranteed. Itineraries are personalised with each activity perfect for children. And no trip is without a visit to Father Christmas who lives very close by. It also so happens that Muotka is one of his first stops on Christmas Eve…
sustainability
With its location in the heart of one of Europe’s most pristine wildernesses, Muotka takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. Recognised by Sustainable Travel Finland, it aims to leave as little a footprint as possible.
Location
Finland, Europe
In the Taiga Forest in Finnish Lapland, 250km north of the Arctic Circle. Saariselkä village is 15km away and it’s a 40 minute drive from Ivalo Airport.
