Quiet New Year in Lapland – Reset the Year in the Arctic
Quiet New Year in Lapland – Reset the Year in the Arctic
Spend Celebrate New Year the quiet way in the Finnish countryside.
Spend three winter days at a small horse ranch near Rovaniemi, riding Finnhorses through snowy forests, warming up in the sauna and welcoming the new year around a bonfire under the Arctic sky.
No fireworks. No parties.
Just winter, firelight and space to breathe.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 3 nights accommodation in farmhouse rooms
- Daily breakfasts + special New Year’s brunch
- 2 dinners + New Year’s Eve dinner
- Winter horse experience (trail ride or sleigh ride depending on conditions)
- Time at the stable with the horses
- Traditional Finnish sauna ritual
- Optional ice swimming or outdoor hot tub
- Bonfire gathering at midnight on New Year’s Eve
- Guided reflection circles
- Small group atmosphere (max 10 guests)
- Scheduled transfers from Rovaniemi
- Description
- Itinerary
- Meeting points
- Pick-up
In the far north of Finland, winter creates a special kind of silence.
Snow softens the landscape, the sky turns deep blue and nights stretch long across the Arctic horizon. It is a time that naturally invites reflection and slowing down.
The Quiet New Year retreat at Ranch Kuulas is designed for travellers who want to welcome the new year in this calm atmosphere rather than in busy celebrations.
Guests arrive on December 30 and step immediately into the rhythm of the winter countryside. The warm log house, candlelight and wood-fired oven create a welcoming atmosphere where time begins to slow down.
During the retreat, days are spent outdoors with Finnhorses and in the winter landscape. A peaceful trail ride or horse-drawn sleigh ride allows guests to experience the quiet rhythm of the forest in winter.
The sauna ritual on New Year’s Eve offers a moment to symbolically leave the past year behind. In Finland, sauna has long been a place for reflection and renewal.
When midnight approaches, guests gather around a bonfire outside. Instead of fireworks and loud music, the moment is marked by silence, stars and sometimes the appearance of northern lights above the snowy landscape.
The following day begins slowly with a late New Year’s brunch and a calm winter atmosphere that allows guests to gently step into the new year.
This retreat is intentionally simple and unhurried. It offers space to reflect, rest and reconnect with nature — a rare luxury in the modern world.
30 December – Arriving Into Stillness
Arrival at Ranch Kuulas in the afternoon.
Settle into the calm of the countryside and begin your retreat with an intention circle, gently closing the year in a warm and grounded atmosphere.
In the evening, enjoy a winter dinner by candlelight, followed by a quiet evening by the fire.
31 December – The Last Day of the Year
Slow morning and breakfast. No alarms.
Late morning brings a winter horse experience. Depending on the group and conditions, this is either a peaceful trail ride through the snowy forest or a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride.
The afternoon is free to rest, walk in the forest, or simply enjoy the stillness of the surroundings.
A traditional Arctic sauna ritual prepares you for the evening.
New Year’s Eve is spent in a calm and meaningful way, with a shared dinner followed by a quiet bonfire gathering under the winter sky.
1 January – A Gentle Beginning
Sleep long and wake up slowly.
A late New Year’s brunch is served by the fire, with warm dishes, fresh bread, and coffee.
The afternoon remains open: take a slow walk in the forest or stay inside to rest and read. The day is intentionally light and unstructured.
In the evening, prepare a simple winter supper together using local ingredients, followed by a reflection circle. A quiet moment to ask: what does the new year feel like now?
2 January – Departure
Slow breakfast and unhurried goodbyes.
Departure and transfer to Rovaniemi if needed.
You leave rested — not exhausted.
Our ranch is located Haukilammentie 189, 97530 Yli-Nampa, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.
Please note: Transportation begins 60 minutes before departure. For this experience, we offer transportation to the following locations: Apukka resort Halo resort Arctic City Hotel Arctic Light Hotel Hotelli Aakenus Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi Rovaniemi Airport Rovaniemi city center Rovaniemi train station Santa Claus Holiday village Scandic Pohjanhovi Scandic Polar Scandic Rovaniemi City
What's included?
- 3 nights accommodation in farmhouse rooms
- Daily breakfasts + special New Year’s brunch
- 2 dinners + New Year’s Eve dinner
- Winter horse experience (trail ride or sleigh ride depending on conditions)
- Time at the stable with the horses
- Traditional Finnish sauna ritual
- Optional ice swimming or outdoor hot tub
- Bonfire gathering at midnight on New Year’s Eve
- Guided reflection circles
- Small group atmosphere (max 10 guests)
- Scheduled transfers from Rovaniemi
Exclusions
- Drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers / local transfers
- Extra trail rides or extra activities
Please note:
- Please note that because animal welfare our weight limit is 95kg / 210 lbs.
- This camp is designed for advanced riders who can ride all gaits. Non riders are also welcome, ask more!
- We have liability insurance, but all participants must have their own accident or travel insurance.
Add to your experience
- Extra night in farmhouse
- One person room
- Transfer from Rovaniemi
- Horseback archery lesson
- Trick riding lesson
- Photographic session with horses
- Romantic package
- Delicaty kit
What do I need to bring?
- We recommend bringing:
- • riding boots or sturdy shoes with a small heel
- • comfortable warm outdoor clothing
- • rain jacket
- • warm layers (evenings can be cool)
- • gloves for riding
- • personal medication
- • travel insurance
- Helmet is provided if you can´t bring your own.
More Info
- Experience type: Multi day tour
- Booking in advance: Cut off at 4 days
- Duration: 3 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Know before you go: The minimum age of participants is 12. Under 18 years old need to travel with their parents.

The Holiday of Your Dreams Awaits


The Ranch & Our Way of Working

About us
We are a small working ranch outside Rovaniemi, where we live and work with Finnhorses throughout the year. Our riding takes place on forest trails and open terrain shaped by the northern seasons, using Finland’s native horse breed known for its strength, steady temperament, and long history.
We guide our rides in small groups and match each horse carefully to the rider’s experience. Alongside riding, we prepare meals at Restaurant Loimu in a wood-fired oven and are opening farmhouse-style accommodation in summer 2026 for guests who want to stay longer in a quiet rural setting.
Responsibility
At Ranch Kuulas, responsibility is part of everyday life. We care for our horses, nature and surroundings with respect, following sustainable practices and traditional ways of working. Our goal is to create experiences that feel meaningful while preserving the environment for the future.
Our Horses
Our horses are at the heart of Ranch Kuulas. From Finnish Finnhorses to Arctic horses, each one is carefully trained and well cared for. Known for their calm temperament and strength, they make every riding experience safe, steady and deeply connected to nature.
Contact Us
Planning your visit or have a question? We’re here to help. Whether you’re interested in riding, accommodation or a full holiday experience, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you find the right option for your stay in Lapland.


