Nestled on the edge of a spectacular National Park, 134 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Pyhä is a resort where fairytales feel entirely real. Ancient fells, primeval pine forests and a white carpet of snow make it one of the most enchanting destinations in Finnish Lapland. Whether you're watching children meet Santa for the very first time, gliding through a silent forest behind a team of huskies or gazing up at the Northern Lights, Pyhä offers a Lapland holiday like no other.
Experience maximum magic in the glorious resort of Pyha.
3 Night Trip
Adults from £1,415pp
6 Night Trip
Adults from £1,925pp
Pyhä is one of Finnish Lapland's most naturally beautiful resorts – a place where the wilderness is truly wild, yet every comfort is close at hand. Sitting within the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the resort is compact and wonderfully well organised, making it ideal for families who want everything within easy reach.
From Christmas-card log cabins tucked among the pines to contemporary igloo hotels where you can fall asleep under the stars, the range of accommodation in Pyhä is among the finest in Lapland. The resort village itself is small and walkable, meaning you're never far from the action – or from the magic. Pyhä offers:
A stunning National Park setting with deep snow
A compact, family-friendly resort village – easy to navigate with young children
A wonderfully varied selection of accommodation, from log cabins to luxury igloos
A private, personal meeting with Santa Claus in an authentically festive setting
World-class Arctic activities including husky safaris, reindeer rides and snowmobiling
Pyhä's combination of deep wilderness and well-organised resort facilities means the activity programme is genuinely exceptional. There is something magical at every turn during a Canterbury Travel Pyhä holiday.
One of the most iconic Lapland experiences, a reindeer sleigh ride through Pyhä's snow-laden forests is peaceful, beautiful and deeply memorable. Your friendly reindeer guide will introduce you to the herd before you set off through the trees, wrapped in warm blankets with the sound of bells filling the crisp Arctic air. Younger children in particular adore this gentle adventure.
Hold on tight as a team of eager huskies whisks you through the breathtaking scenery of the National Park. Guided by expert mushers, you can either take the controls of your own sled or ride as a passenger and simply soak in the landscape. It is exhilarating, unforgettable and utterly unique to the Arctic.
If you are on our New Year Arctic Adventure tour, you will enjoy a full snowmobile safari as you ride across the frozen tundra and through Pyhä's ancient wilderness. During our Magical Interlude short break, children and adults will attend Speedy Sam's driving school for a short drive of the snowmobiles. Fun is guaranteed for the whole family.
Pyhä's deep, reliable snowfall means there is never a shortage of wintery fun. Depending on your holiday itinerary, you may also enjoy tobogganing, snowshoeing through the National Park or simply building the world's best snowman with the children in the resort village.
The heart of every Canterbury Travel Pyhä holiday is the magical, private meeting with Santa Claus himself. In a specially created festive setting, your family will have their very own personal time with Santa – a moment that children (and more than a few adults) will carry with them long after they return home. It is genuinely unlike anything else, and it is the reason so many families come back to Pyhä year after year.
Pyhä's position within the National Park, away from light pollution, makes it an excellent spot for Northern Lights viewing. The dark Arctic skies during December and the New Year period offer some of the best chances of witnessing the aurora borealis in all its shimmering glory.
Flight time: Approximately 3 hours from the UK
Nearest airport: Rovaniemi Airport
Transfer time: Approximately 2 hours from Rovaniemi Airport
Time zone: GMT +2
Language: Finnish
Currency: Euro
Pyhä sits north of the Arctic Circle and benefits from reliable, heavy snowfall throughout the winter season. Expect temperatures of around -10 °C to -15 °C in December, dropping further to around -20 °C during January. The fell terrain means conditions can be crisp and breezy, so proper layering is essential. We provide full guidance on what to wear and pack for your trip – proper thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers and waterproof outerwear will keep you warm and comfortable throughout your stay.
Pyhä is a relatively compact resort and most accommodation is within easy walking distance of the village centre. The village itself has a small number of shops, restaurants and a ski hire facility. There is a ski slope catering to all abilities alongside the main activity programme. We recommend bringing any specific snacks or personal supplies from home, as shopping options within the resort are limited.
Pyhä is a resort of genuine natural character. The presence of the National Park on its doorstep gives it a wildness and grandeur that is hard to match elsewhere in Finnish Lapland. The fells rise dramatically around the resort, the forests are ancient and hushed, and the sense of being truly in the Arctic is never far away.
Despite this wilderness backdrop, the resort itself is welcoming, well-run and ideally suited to families. Distances between accommodation, activities and the village centre are manageable even with very young children. The range of hotels, cabins, apartments and lodges means there is something to suit every taste and group size, from a cosy couple's retreat to a large family reunion.
Pyhä also has a ski area, with runs to suit beginners and intermediate skiers, though in December the focus is firmly on the festive and Arctic adventure programme. The atmosphere in the resort is warm, unhurried and genuinely magical – qualities that have made it one of Canterbury Travel's most beloved Lapland destinations for many years.
All Canterbury Travel Pyhä Lapland holidays are fully inclusive of ATOL-protected return flights, transfers, accommodation, and the activities and meals listed within each individual itinerary. There are no hidden extras – everything you need for a magical family trip is included in the price.
There are a small number of shops within the resort, but the selection is limited compared to a town or city. We recommend packing any specific snacks, personal items or children's essentials before you travel.
Pyhä is brilliantly suited to children of all ages, from toddlers experiencing their very first snowfall to older children who are ready for husky sleds and snowmobile safaris. The private Santa experience is particularly magical for children aged roughly 2 to 11, though it creates memories for the whole family regardless of age.
From romantic igloo suites where you can fall asleep beneath the Northern Lights, to traditional log cabins nestled in the forest and spacious apartments ideal for larger families, the range of accommodation in Pyhä is one of the resort's greatest strengths. Whatever your style or group size, Canterbury Travel has an option to make your holiday perfect.
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