FINLAND
There’s something pure in the Finnish air that’s incredibly vital and exciting. Some parts of the country remain gloriously remote. While the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalances the vast forested wildernesses in the north and east, like the Lapland region which is home to Santa Claus, who surprisingly likes visitors round the year and not just at Christmas as we would perhaps like to think. Winter, too, has a special charm here, and the best way of escaping the scary subzero temperature is to get active. Activities like skiing goes on for months, one can also charter a team of dogs or a snowmobile and head out on a trek across the snowy mountains, lit by a beautiful, pale, winter sun? Catch the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) after your wood-fired sauna and you’ll feel blessed by the universe. Finnish towns, too, have much to offer. Whether cosy wooden churches with their avant-garde designs, quirky museums or Finnish rock music are your thing, you’ll find everything in abundance, including numerous cafés.
Helsinki is the capital and the largest city in Finland and is located on the Baltic Sea. An overnight journey of 2 days is best way to explore this city. Helsinki is a sea-town that is par excellence and is an exciting and dynamic place. The harbour is the heart of the city, and watching the giant ferries glide into port is a wonderful sight.
The City hall, Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square, the Old Market Hall and the Presidential Palace are all within a short walk. The best way to see the town is to hop on to the local buses or trams. At a distance of a 2hour flight from Helsinki or an overnight train journey, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland in North Finland, located at the northern Artic circle. Rovaniemi is a modern town, full of life with its own unique characteristics. Many of Rovaniemi’s visitors come to cross the Arctic Circle, which lies 8km north of town. It is the ‘official’ residence of Santa Claus. There are eight different seasons this far north, each having its own type of daylight, temperature and natural phenomena. The changing seasons offer an excellent setting for a whole variety of activities. During the frosty twilight, one can ride a snowmobile through the snowy forests or over a frozen river, the midnight Sun on the other hand, lets you cruise on a boat on the river. It is also an excellent place to see the Aurora Borealis, popularly known as the Northern Lights.
Experiences
Senate Square, Helsinki
The main square of Helsinki. The buildings on the four sides of the square represent the four powers of the state - senate, church, university and commerce. The walkable shopping streets Aleksanterinkatu, Sofiankatu and the Market Square offer a variety of food stalls, cafes & souvenir shops.
Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki
Also known as the Rock Church, an incredible building designed by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. Its spectacular atmosphere, unique architecture and excellent acoustics make it a unique attraction.
Baltic Cruises
The best way to go to Tallinn, Stockholm and even St Petersburg. The two major cruise lines Silja and Viking cruises offer many ships and cruising options.
Trip to Tallinn, Estonia
A 2hour Baltic cruise both ways, this is the best way to experience the Tallinn old town in just a day.
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
A village where you can meet Santa Claus & post a real letter from Santa to your children, relatives & friends for the coming Christmas. There are souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants in this tourist attraction on the Arctic Circle.
Midnight Sun Experience, Rovaniemi
One of the most amazing phenomena in Lapland during the summer Months, is visiting different locations to catch the vivid light of the sunset so that you can capture both the sunset and the sunrise at the same time.
Snow Hotel, Rovaniemi
The Snow Hotel is carved from snow and ice each year and each Snow Hotel is designed to be different from the previous years. Unique rooms decorated with ice art and other illuminating artwork, this is the perfect place to stay if you wish to catch the Aurora Borealis.
Northern Lights, Rovaniemi
Watch out for an impressive lights and colour show in the northern sky.
Reindeer & Husky Safari, Rovaniemi
When in Rovaniemi, one must make the unforgettable farm visit to see the life of reindeers and huskies and catch a sleigh ride as well. This is possible both in summer and winter.
Ranua Wildlife Park, Rovaniemi
At the Ranua zoo, you can see the only polar bears living in Finland with 50 other arctic and northern animal species.
Snowmobile ride, Rovaniemi
The only place in the world where you can go on an electric snowmobile safari. The unique, diverse arctic landscape makes it a surreal experience, and the Snowmobile is the perfect means to reach deep into the wilds of Lapland in the extreme winter months.
