Our three night stay at the Muotka Wilderness Lodge in Finland was packed with activities.

We started with dog sledding. After receiving some brief instructions on what to do and how to control the sled, we were paired up with our dog team. It was absolutely glorious travelling through the snowy landscape. The dogs really just followed the team in front. So, the main responsibility was to keep the lines under control (not too loose) and to keep the required distance from the team ahead; this was all done by applying the brake, which was simply a pedal with spikes underneath, on which you stood to drive into the snow as you travelled along. If you were a bit slow the dogs would look over their shoulder at you as if to say, “come on, lend a hand, will you!”

Snowmobiling was on the following day. Before heading out we had to be kitted up; not just in warm suits, but also with a balaclava and helmet. As well as giant skin gloves. We drove for about 40 minutes or so, when we stopped for some lunch, before heading off again. This time to a reindeer farm, before heading back to the lodge. A completely different experience from dog sledding – naturally – also lots of fun.

Our final activity was snowshoeing at night. After donning our snow shoes and headlamps, and receiving a minor amount of instruction, off we went. “Splodging” through the snowy forest in the dark. It was easier than I thought. (Although I still managed to fall over when I stepped on my own snow shoe! 🙄) It was on this night that we saw the glorious northern light display.

The next day we were leaving the lodge …what a wonderful way to finish off our stay in Lapland.