An Exciting Finnish Lapland Winter Escape in Muonio Finland

A Finnish Lapland winter escape is what people do in the winter season to experience what winter is really about. Think -35 degree temperatures, steaming hot saunas, 3.5 hours of sunlight and a whole lot of adventure.
Travelers come to Lapland to learn how insanely fun winter can be and of course to see for themselves what the sky can do up above the arctic circle. Not only after dark when the fluorescent colors light up the skies with the aurora borealis, but also throughout the day when the low hanging sun sits on the horizon showering the land in nordic pastels.
There is no better place to see it all unfold than in Muonio. While no Tromso or Rovaniemi, this magical area has all the trappings required of a Lapland visit – reindeer, huskies, saunas and of course clear skies to view the stunning Northern Lights.  It is here that visitors can fully immerse themselves in a land of pristine beauty and enchantment with unique experiences amidst its dramatically snowy landscapes.
Where is Muonio?
When many people think of Lapland, they think only of Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village, however the arctic region of Lapland encompasses a large swath of northern Finland and offers and abundance of activities both in winter and summer. Muonio (said mourn-E-O) is located 200km North of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland on the border with Sweden.
Finnish Lapland is renowned for its breathtaking winter views, abundant with snow covered trees, frozen waterways and of course the enchanting Northern Lights. The allure of this region, and Muonio specifically, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 
How do you reach Muonio?
Heading north on the train from Helsinki you will arrive to the last stop, the northernmost railway station in Finland, Kolari. This is where you will disembark to head for your Finnish Lapland winter escape in Muonio.
Muonio can be reached by train as mentioned above or by flight. You can fly into Kittilä Airport. Both are about one hour from Muonio, making them equally attractive as travel options.  However, I find traveling by train the perfect slow transition between the busyness of regular life and the tranquil landscapes that are awaiting here in the north. 
Read more about how to get from Helsinki to Lapland
Harriniva provides transport, but you can also get a local share taxi
How cold will it get in Muonio Finland?
When you head out on a Finnish Lapland winter trip, you can expect temperatures to get quite cold and even as low as -40 celsius. During our visit, it got down to -36 one day which was extremely cold even with all our layers and clothing supplied by the hotel.  Really it all depends on the current weather conditions, but the best plan is to expect very cold temperatures and be excited if you get lucky with warmer temperatures. The best time to visit Muonio for less extreme temperatures would be earlier and later in the winter season. 
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Finnish Lapland Winter Escape at Harriniva Resorts
While there are plenty of places to stay and visit in Lapland, one of our favorites destinations for a truly Finnish Lapland winter escape is the Harriniva Resorts located in Muonio Finland. There are three resorts to choose from – Harriniva Adventure Resort, Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort and Jeris Lakeside Resort each offering a different vibe for your stay. 
This third generation family run business was the first first to create all-inclusive week-long adventure programs for tourists. Each of the resorts has their own in-house restaurant, adventure activities at the doorstep, and versatile services on call. 
During our visit, we stayed at the Harriniva Adventure Resort aka the husky resort, which was absolutely fabulous and perfect for our needs. While most of the outdoor activities mentioned here can be accessed through any of the hotels, it is best to discuss with the hotel what your visions are for your winter escape.
Harriniva Adventure Resort
The Harriniva Adventure Resort is located only 3 km from the main town of Muonio, but feels a world away. This river side property is ideal for a winter holiday to fully immerse yourself into the Lappish lifestyle and one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights. The resort is easily accessible as mentioned above from both the train station and the airport. The resort offers a variety of both accommodation options and activities to fill up your time.
Harriniva is home to one of Europe’s largest sled dog centers with over 300 dogs. These mighty pups take guests on mushing trips from a few hours to several days! This is a great place to stay if you love dogs and like being near to them. 
Guests can book 3 to 7 night all inclusive holiday packages that cover all the best activities for you and your family. 
Rooms at the Harriniva Adventure Resort
Downstairs area in the Wilderness Suite
The resort offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy cabins to luxurious two story suites, each designed to provide comfort and warmth amid the winter chill. The spacious woody interiors enhance the overall experience by providing a feeling of being one with nature, with a touch of Lappish culture. From standard rooms, to sauna rooms and even a waterside log cabin, there is something for everyone. 

Each room comes with a fold out sofa as well as beautifully appointed bathrooms with everything you need for your stay.
Wilderness Suite
I loved that there was ample room in our Wilderness Suite to hang up our winter suits, accessible storage for mittens, gloves and hats by the door and plenty of space to lounge. 
For parents worried about the upstairs loft, there is even a gate so you can keep the kids and sleepwalkers safe at night. 
Meals 
All of the meals at the Harriniva resort are included during your stay. As a busy parent, there is nothing better in my mind than not having to worry about meals for a few days!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all buffet meals with special request available for gluten free or vegetarian needs. Overall, the food was great, although for me as an American quite different than what I am used to in a buffet! For one, the porridge is salty and the bacon is not crispy! Yes, I know, I am so American!