In the heart of wild Lapland

On safari, you’ll set out on a journey through lands where you’re more likely to encounter foxes, reindeer, and moose than people. The routes lead through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and rivers, as well as picturesque hills blanketed in white powder. This is a land of silence and nature, undisturbed by the noise of civilization.

Encounters with the North

During the expedition, we’ll pause to capture the beauty of these wild landscapes in photographs and simply enjoy the views. You might spot a reindeer that stops for a moment and looks straight at you… Although all reindeer have owners, they live freely, roaming the tundra in search of food.

They are cared for by the Sámi—the indigenous people of the North. For generations, they have lived in harmony with nature, preserving their traditional way of life, although they too have not remained unaffected by the influence of modernity.

A sky full of magic

As evening falls and artificial lights disappear, the sky over Lapland reveals its true charm. Constellations appear, the silvery ribbon of the Milky Way stretches above, and with a bit of luck, you might witness the spectacular Northern Lights.

According to ancient legends, the Northern Lights appear when a little fox runs across the hills, sweeping up snow with its bushy tail. In Finnish, this phenomenon is called revontulet, which means “fox fires.”

A long safari means several days of snowmobile riding, sometimes at a faster pace. Daily distances can reach up to 250 km if you choose the route to the Arctic Sea, though there are also shorter options—about 80–100 km per day.

This adventure is perfect for anyone who enjoys driving and spending time outdoors! You don’t need previous experience with motor vehicles, though it can be helpful. Good physical preparation is essential, as you’ll be outside all day in temperatures that can drop as low as -40°C. If you have any health concerns, consult your doctor before booking the safari.

We organize long safaris from mid-January to mid-April, depending on snow and ice conditions. Some routes cross lakes and rivers, so the ice must be thick enough.

Saariselkä is a small town with just 300 inhabitants, surrounded by hills and forests. The nearest airport, Ivalo, is a 30-minute drive from Saariselkä and offers daily connections to Helsinki. You can join our Safari directly in Saariselkä or take advantage of our trusted solutions and start your journey from your chosen airport in Poland.

“No matter which direction you go, nature is beautiful, the ride is exhilarating, and fascinating places are waiting to be discovered throughout Lapland.”

A long safari with Haxel is a safe way to explore the Arctic! Every safari begins with a briefing, where we teach you how to operate a snowmobile. Our guides are experienced professionals who know Lapland and the Arctic well. Each of them is equipped with safety gear and a GPS, allowing the route to be tracked from the office in Saariselkä. In case of an accident, rescue teams will receive precise coordinates.

We plan regular breaks so you can rest, enjoy a hot drink, and have a snack. After a day of riding, accommodation in warm wooden cabins or hotels lets you relax and warm up in the sauna.

Haxel provides a complete winter outfit:

✅Winter boots
✅Woolen socks
✅Thermal overall
✅Balaclava and helmet
✅Gloves, an extra hat, and a scarf

It’s recommended to wear several layers of wool or fleece clothing under the overall. Cotton is not advised, as it doesn’t retain warmth when wet.

Personal luggage is attached to the snowmobile, so it should be light and compact. Suitcases are not suitable for transport on the snowmobile, but we can provide waterproof bags.