Finnish Lapland in Winter

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. If you’re in the city early, head out and discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Maybe check out the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre. You may want to consider purchasing the Helsinki Card – an economical way to travel on Helsinki City Transport (HKL) services, as well as free admission to the main Helsinki sights and nearly 50 museums. Throughout its 450-year history, the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes with the other members of your group.

Join your leader on an orientation walk around Helsinki in the morning. Once you get the lay of the land, the rest of the day is completely free for you to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the Design Museum. Don't miss the historic harbour-side market and market hall for local oddities. If you didn’t have time yesterday make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city and often referred to as the Gibraltar of the North. Later in the evening, you’ll board the famous 'Santa Claus Express', a comfortable overnight train to Rovaniemi (approx 12 hours), known to many as the hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a quaint town in Finland’s far north, located just 6 km south of the Arctic Circle. (B)

The train arrives in Rovaniemi early this morning. Continue by private vehicle to a family-run guesthouse deep in the Finnish forest (approximately 3 hours). This location will be your base for the next four nights, situated near Yllästunturi, a popular cross-country and downhill skiing destination. If the skies are clear tonight, why not take a stroll out into the snow and look skywards for the dancing green lights of the Aurora. Far away from the city lights, the guesthouse is an ideal base to see the Northern Lights. The natural display of coloured lights in the night sky are often visible in the high northern hemisphere, and there is even an open-top shelter nearby from which to observe the lights. Grab a hot drink, rug up and head out into the winter wonderland. Alternatively, spend the evening playing your favourite travel games with your fellow group mates.

Make sure you rug up for today’s adventures, as you’ll be pulled across the landscape at high speed on the back of a dog sled. These incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before rushing along sprawling trails. With the wind in your hair, ride through the snow as your new four-legged friends pull you onwards in a truly memorable experience. After the ride warm yourself by an open fire and chow down on sausages and drink some hot berry juice. If you’re lucky, you might get to give the dogs a pet and a cuddle – just be sure to ask the sledmaster first! (B)

Your next adventure in Yllästunturi takes you on a visit to a traditional local family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. Their reindeer farm has been operating since 1861 and you may have the opportunity to feed and watch these cute animals go about their daily routine. You will be shown their skills in reindeer herding with the option to get close and personal with some of the animals on the farm. Then why not experience a traditional Finnish bath on the farm? Finnish sauna has a millennia old history, and is integral to the Finnish national identity. Locals swear by the cleansing, healing and meditative properties of having a steam and a wash in the sauna. There is also an opportunity to try ice swimming afterwards! (B)

Yllästunturi is home to the largest skiing resort in all Finland, boasting some of the longest downhill skiing runs through its rolling snow parks. Today you’ll have a free day to explore this winter wonderland with plenty of optional activities that your leader or the accommodation owners can help organise for you. You may want to explore the snow-dusted wilderness with a snow-shoeing expedition, or alternatively ice fishing is also an option for anyone who’s after a more relaxing experience, with the added bonus of a self-caught dinner to boot. If it’s very cold (around minus 30 degrees C) try throw boiling water in the air and see it freeze before it hits the ground. It’s called the ‘Mpemba effect’ and it’s free to try. (B)

Depart in the morning to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, by private vehicle (approx. 3 hours). This city is an urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, full of culture and stunning scenic hikes. With a free afternoon to explore the city and its surrounds, you have the option of visiting Santa’s workshop, or taking part in the numerous activities that the city has to offer. Maybe go hiking and witness spectacular rapids and aapa mires, or stay in town and visit the Arktikum, the Museum of Finland. It’s a place to learn about the nature and history of the north, where modern technology is being used to have the exhibits come alive. Alternatively you may want to visit the Rovaniemi Art Museum Korundi. Make the most of your time here as tomorrow is your departure day – perhaps meet up with your group afterwards for a farewell dinner. (B)

Your adventures through Lapland come to an end today after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in the region we are happy to book additional nights for you (subject to availability). (B)