Travel Russia Today

Have you ever dreamed of being pampered in the absolute middle of nowhere in the depths of winter? If so then Villa Säikkärä could be for you.

Located in Lapland and about 45 minutes from the airport that services the small town of Rovaniemi, this tranquil location is located on the end of the Säikkäräniemi headland a formation shaped by the Ice Age. The spot has been used for festivities by the indigenous Sámi for centuries. The historical setting and stunning surrounding natural spectacle will leave any guest speechless. It feels as though time has stood still here.

Inside Villa Säikkärä, this same timeless atmosphere continues. The cozy high class log-built villa accommodates and caters for its guests while respecting traditions in the appropriate manner. Lappish hospitality is provided by the Säikkärä host, Risto Kauppinen, who personally receives his guests. It is a matter of honour for the host to ensure his guests enjoy their stay and experience the true Lappish atmosphere.

The villa has 6 double rooms, a spacious combined living and dining room with a big fireplace, a special cigar terrace and separate sauna building with 4 showers and a fireplace.
In the wintertime, huskies, reindeer or snowmobiles take the Villa Säikkärä guests through untouched snowy landscapes, and the waterways provide ice fishing experiences.

In the evening indulge in a traditional Finnish sauna right at the villa. The tradition of the sauna, carried on unbroken for about two thousand years, is deeply rooted in the Finns' way of life. Sauna bathing is part of the Finnish identity just as essentially as rye bread is part of the customary diet. In Villa Säikkärä you can enjoy the relaxing heat and the peaceful atmosphere in this private sauna.

You might also want to take a dip in the lake water – yes, even in winter! A large hole is made in the ice which provides a unique experience and the opportunity to feel the cold waters of the northen lake. You can also try rolling in the snow outside the sauna - it will “sure make your blood run” as the Finns say! After the sauna rediscover your sanity relaxing in a cozy room with an open fire place.

During your stay you can make use of the snow shoes supplied in the villa but for some real adventure arrangements can be made to explore the countryside on dog hauled sleds or on snowmobiles. You can also visit a reindeer farm and experience the joy of riding on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

For those lucky enough to stay at the villa over Christmas a private visit to Santa Clause in his nearby office can be arranged after which you have a chance to shop in Santa’s Village or sit back and enjoy lunch in the village accompanied by a heart warming glass of Salmiakki-Kossu or Salmari, prepared by mixing in salty black salmiakki licorice, whose taste masks the alcohol behind it fearfully well. Or play it safe and try the non-alcoholic Pommac, an unusual soda made from (according to the label) "mixed fruits", which you'll either love or hate. But you have to try it to know for sure.

The highlight of any Christmas Eve stay will be when you hear the jingling of bells, at first in the distance, but slowly approaching the villa and looking out of the snow framed window you will see Santa Clause arriving on his reindeer-drawn sleigh for a private visit before setting off on his trip around the world. You will soon find out just how good you have been this year!