Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a booking?

Send us a booking request through the contact form or by email. We’ll confirm availability and send you a booking agreement. The minimum stay is 7 nights across all seasons.

When is my booking confirmed?

Your booking is confirmed once we have received the 30% deposit in our account. Until the payment is visible on our end, the dates will be placed on hold for you but cannot be fully guaranteed, as another guest may complete their booking for the same dates first. In the rare case that two guests request the same dates at the same time, priority is kindly given to the request we receive first.

Can I book for more than 7 nights?

Absolutely! Extended stays of 7 or more nights receive an additional discount. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Who can make a booking?

The person making the reservation must be at least 18 years of age. Orava’s Nest is an adults-only retreat welcoming guests aged 18 and over.

What are the rates?

Winterwonderland (December to March): package €1,995 per week. Extension rate: €250 per night.
Midnight Sun (June to July): package €995 per week. Extension rate: €125 per night.
Ruska (September): package €1,295 per week. Extension rate: €150 per night.
All rates are for up to 2 guests.

How does payment work?

Once your booking dates are confirmed, we’ll share our payment details with you. A 30% deposit is required to secure your reservation: your stay is only confirmed once we receive and see the deposit in our account. The remaining 70% balance is kindly due before your arrival. All payments are in Euros (EUR).

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations more than 60 days before arrival receive a full refund. Cancellations between 30 and 60 days before arrival receive a refund of the 70% balance (the 30% deposit is non-refundable). Cancellations within 30 days of arrival are non-refundable. If we manage to re-let your dates, we will offer a full refund regardless of notice given.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 16:00. Check-out is by 11:00. If you need a different arrangement, contact us in advance and we will do our best to help.

How do I get to the cabin?

Arriving via Ivalo (IVL)
Ivalo is the closest airport to our cabin and only a few minutes away. We will meet you personally at Ivalo Airport and accompany you directly to our cabin.

Arriving via Rovaniemi (RVN)
Rovaniemi offers a wider choice of flights but is around 4 hours from the cabin in winter and just over 3 hours in summer. Please note that our pickup service is exclusively from Ivalo Airport. If you are travelling via Rovaniemi, we are happy to help with information for the onward journey to Ivalo.

Do I need a rental car?

We highly recommend hiring a rental car directly at the airport, as it is by far the most convenient and comfortable way to experience Finnish Lapland. Public transport is limited, taxis are quite expensive, and waiting at a bus stop in -25°C simply is not for everyone. Having your own car is essential if you wish to reach remote places, chase the northern lights, and explore the region entirely at your own pace. At Ivalo Airport, you will find several reputable rental companies, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

Is EV charging possible at Orava’s Nest?

Unfortunately, electric vehicles cannot be charged at Orava’s Nest itself for safety reasons. The nearest EV charging stations are located in Ivalo at S-Market, K-Supermarket and Tokmanni. We recommend charging up before heading to the cabin.

How many guests can the cabin accommodate?

The cabin sleeps up to 2 guests in one double bed. Whether you are travelling as a couple or seeking a solo retreat, it is a private and intimate space, not a group property.

Is the cabin suitable for people with limited mobility?

The cabin is set in natural surroundings and is not fully accessible for guests with limited mobility. Please get in touch if you have specific requirements and we will do our best to help.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not normally permitted. If you would like to travel with a pet, please ask us in advance. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and an additional cleaning fee applies.

Is smoking allowed?

All indoor spaces are strictly non-smoking, including e-cigarettes. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. If you are a smoker, please let us know in advance and we will make sure an outdoor ashtray is ready for you on arrival.

Is there a sauna?

Yes. Every stay includes access to your own in-house sauna, a cozy little luxury just for you.

Is there internet access?

A pre-paid unlimited internet SIM card is included in your stay on request. It is actually the better solution for most guests, as it gives you internet access everywhere you go in Lapland, not just at the cabin via WiFi. Most EU guests have roaming included, but a dedicated SIM card keeps you connected out on the trails, at the lake, or wherever the day takes you.
There is no WiFi available at the cabin, so the SIM card is the only way to stay connected at the cabin.

Can we see the northern lights?

During the aurora season, which typically begins in the last days of August, it finally becomes dark enough at night to see the northern lights. The season runs until around mid-April, when the nights gradually become too bright.

During this period, the northern lights are visible on clear nights. The only real limiting factor is the weather: if clouds cover the sky, it is worth getting in the car and searching for clear skies. With a little patience and determination, the chances of seeing the auroras are very good. That is simply part of the magic of an aurora hunt in Lapland.

Every aurora photograph on this website was captured directly at Orava’s Nest, giving you a glimpse of what you may experience here yourself.

What activities are available?

We offer our own exclusive guided experiences at Orava’s Nest:
– Aurora tours
– Aurora photography workshop
– Snowmobile tours
– Photography tour to Norway
– Basic bushcraft & survival training

Beyond that, Lapland offers countless other activities to discover. For our full recommendations, visit our Activities page.

Winter activities:

Summer:

Ruska season:

Distances from Orava’s Nest:

Ivalo centre: 9 km
Ivalo Airport: 5 km
Ivalo Hospital: 10km

Fuel & EV charging in Ivalo

Fuel stations:
– ABC
– ST1
– SEO

EV charging stations:
– S-Market
– K-Supermarket
– Tokmanni

Grocery stores in Ivalo

– K-Supermarket (6km)
– K-Market (small) (8km)
– S-Market (9km)
– Tokmanni (7km)

Other services in Ivalo

– Pharmacy
– ATM at Tokmanni
– ATM (OTTO) across from S-Market along the main road