“Just when you think the universe has packed it in and closed its curtain, the sky cracked open and out of nowhere, the Revontulet came dancing back into the night sky, just to make sure we left with a reminder that the world is wider, wilder and more mysterious than we dare to dream.”
— Jana Liska
For years, my dream had always been to visit Finland. I have always been captivated by the Nordic region for its wild, untamed beauty, celestial allure, and crisp Arctic air. This winter, I experienced an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night Arctic immersion in Posio coordinated with Delta of Scandinavia, Signature’s premier Destination Specialist for Scandinavia and Iceland. Even with grand expectations, nothing could have prepared me for the pure enchantment that followed.
Our journey began with a swift flight under two hours from Helsinki north to Kuusamo. At the airport, we were warmly welcomed by Elisa, Chief Product Officer and owner of Delta of Scandinavia, who chauffeured us approximately 45 minutes into the quiet wilderness surrounding Posio.
Igloo #6 at Lights of Lapland, showcasing floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass walls immersed in an ancient spruce forest.
Arctic Sanctuary: The Gems at Lights of Lapland
Posio is a peaceful municipality of roughly 2,000 residents, nearly 800 of whom are employed by Pentik, the celebrated local ceramics studio that has expanded into exquisite handmade Arctic interior design. Our resort, Lights of Lapland, sits buried deep within the boreal forest along the pristine shores of Lake Kiritöjärvi, adjacent to the Kirikeskus hotel and Kirintövaara ski hill.
Upon arrival, we were outfitted with complete cold-weather gear: heavy-duty insulated snowsuits, trapper hats, balaclavas, thermal gloves, wool socks, and winter boots. We were then guided to our home for the next three nights, Igloo #6. These ten cutting-edge Nordic cabins, known as The Gems, opened in December 2024 and represent a minimalist’s dream sanctuary.
Two monumental floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall panoramic glass windows frame the living room and master bedroom, immersing guests in the snow-draped spruce trees. Luxurious Pentik woolen blankets and pillows, a walk-in rain shower, mini-fridge, and espresso maker complete the serene aesthetic.
The Legend of Revontulet ("Fox Fires")
In Finnish folklore, the Northern Lights are known as Revontulet, meaning “Fox Fires.” According to ancient Lappish legend, an elusive Arctic fox runs across the snowy fells, sweeping its bushy tail against snowdrifts. As the tail strikes the crystalline snow, sparks shoot up into the polar night, igniting the celestial Fox Fires that illuminate the Arctic heavens.
Frozen Lake Ice Floating & Kirintövaara Skiing
Before our evening excursions, we took a short walk to the Kirintövaara ski hill. Renting skis, poles, and boots, we enjoyed afternoon runs down the groomed slopes, mastering the classic T-bar lift amidst tranquil powder. Afterward, we gathered in the lodge restaurant for a traditional Finnish dinner of tender reindeer with rich gravy, mashed potatoes, and wild mushroom soup.
Floating weightlessly in a cut ice hole on Lake Kiritöjärvi, sealed inside insulated immersion suits.
At 8:00 PM, our ice-floating guide met us to suit up in heavy-duty red neoprene immersion suits. Laughing together as we zipped into our insulated space-suits, we descended wooden stairs lit by lanterns to a large rectangular opening carved directly through the thick lake ice. Sliding gently into the black water, we floated weightlessly beneath the twilight sky. Afterward, we gathered inside a lakeside cabin to sip piping-hot Lappish berry juice beside an open fireplace.
The Revontulet exploding into a vibrant kaleidoscope of violet, magenta, and emerald green.
When the Sky Ignites: Witnessing the Aurora
While enjoying evening drinks back at the lodge, Elisa suddenly rushed in shouting, “The Northern Lights are out! Hurry!” We bolted out into the snow to witness an unforgettable celestial display.
They appeared first as translucent ethereal ribbons, swirling in pale pinks, purples, and emerald greens. Within minutes, the entire sky erupted into a vivid kaleidoscope, shifting contours and dancing above the spruce canopy. We photographed until our fingers were numb, then walked back along the frozen lakeshore to Igloo #6, watching the auroral waves swirl directly above our bed until sleep took over.
Front-row seats from the warmth of bed, gazing at emerald green auroral ribbons through the panoramic window wall.
Arctic Encounters: Reindeer Sleighs & Husky Safaris
Day two began with a hearty breakfast of local cheeses, cold cuts, traditional karjalanpiirakka (Karelian rye pastries with egg butter), and hot coffee before a 20-minute transfer to Valkeapeura Reindeer Farm.
Gliding through the silent spruce woods on a traditional reindeer sleigh at Valkeapeura Farm.
Our squad of six enthusiastic huskies powering through the 10-kilometer wilderness trail.
Guided by the master of the farm, we enjoyed a quiet sleigh ride through the pine forest behind a gentle five-year-old reindeer. We hand-fed lichen to the antlered herd while learning about indigenous semi-domesticated reindeer husbandry—each animal is privately owned and named, roaming freely across Lapland in summer before being rounded up and sheltered each winter.
In the afternoon, we geared up for an adrenaline-fueled Husky Sledding Safari. At a family-owned kennel housing over 100 energetic dogs, our musher instructor taught us how to brake, lean into turns, and assist the team on uphill climbs. Paired with a squad of six eager huskies, we powered across a 10-kilometer snowy circuit, switching drivers halfway through so everyone experienced the thrill of mushing.
Chasing the green ribbons of the Aurora Borealis by snowmobile across the frozen lake expanse.
That night, we donned helmets for a Snowmobile Aurora Safari across the frozen lake. Classic emerald curtains rippled across the northern horizon as our snowmobile caravan tore across the ice, stopping at wide-open viewpoints to marvel at nature’s grandest theater.
Frozen Waterfalls: Hiking Jääputoukset
On our final morning, we set out on a 5-kilometer winter trek to Jääputoukset (the Frozen Waterfalls). Following an old logging path through pristine boreal forest with roughly 600 feet of gentle elevation gain, we discovered four distinct frozen cascades, each displaying unique ice formations, aquamarine tints, and towering icicles.
Magnificent aquamarine ice formations cascading down the rock face at Jääputoukset.
Roasting traditional Finnish makkara sausages over glowing campfire embers in a warm wooden kota.
Following the hike, our guide escorted us into a warm wooden wilderness hut where we roasted traditional Finnish makkara sausages over open campfire coals, followed by rich slow-simmered lamb stew, local flatbread, and hot coffee.
Essential Lapland Advisor Insights:
- Optimal Aurora Timing: Visiting from late autumn through March offers long dark nights and high geomagnetic activity. Clear polar skies in Posio provide prime viewing far from city light pollution.
- Full-Immersion Gear Provided: Top-tier resorts like Lights of Lapland furnish complete thermal outerwear (snowsuits, boots, balaclavas, gloves), eliminating the need for bulky specialty luggage.
- Direct Transfer Logistics: Seasonal non-stop domestic flights connect Helsinki (HEL) directly to Kuusamo (KAO) or Rovaniemi (RVN) in under two hours, followed by private chauffeur transfers with Delta of Scandinavia.
- Glass Cabin Magic: Staying in modern glass-walled cabins like The Gems ensures you never miss an auroral outburst, even while resting in your bed.
Plan Your Dream Arctic Lapland Journey
Connect with a Vincent Vacations Arctic specialist to curate a bespoke Finnish Lapland adventure featuring private glass cabins, reindeer sleighs, and expert aurora hunting.
Request a Custom Lapland Quote