The official home of Santa Claus. The land of the midnight Sun and polar nights. The land of the indigenous Sami people. And much more... That is Finnish Lapland, the largest region of Finland. In December, it is truly a magical heaven, with snowy trees, white meadows, frozen rivers and lakes, icy roads and festive towns with charming people.
Finland happens to be our first European destination. We entered Finland with a bit of nervousness, but loads of excitement. We left with everlasting memories, unique never-done-before experiences, cherished conversations with Finnish people, some important lessons learnt and an overtly staunch desire to return to see the midnight Sun.
It would be a strain to read and document everything in a single post. As a result, I am going to split it into multiple posts, starting with a bird's eye view of our itinerary.
Day 1 - Touchdown Helsinki
Although jet lagged, after an 18-hour flight, our excitement took better of us and off we go. Having just little over half a day to explore the city, we were torn. Pretty cafes were calling us, so were towering historical landmarks.
Make sure you have at least couple of days in Helsinki. There's lot to see and a lot to do. If you can spare more time, please do. You can visit Tallinn in Estonia (yes, another European country), which is only 2 hours of ferry ride away.
Day 2-6 - Rovaniemi, Capital of Lapland
We get the first taste of Lapland, and with that, our first unique experience of riding a reindeer and a husky sledge! We were absolutely thrilled after doing a husky safari, but more on that later. You can reserve/enquire about the excursions with Lapland Safaris.
If you are a science/museum buff, we would highly recommend Arktikum, a research center and a exhibit gallery dedicated to people, wildlife, nature and life around Arctic Circle.
And... how can you NOT meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village. Be patient, a long queue awaits... But, you won't regret it. You can cross the Arctic Circle here, a geographical milestone!
Santa Claus Village and Santa Park are two different attractions, the latter being more of a theme park. Kids love it, but we skipped it.
Also, we absolutely loved our stay at Hostel Cafe Koti. We would highly recommend that place.
Day 7 - Arctic Snow Hotel, Sinetta
What would it be like to stay in a room made up of ice, sleep on a bed, made up of ice and dine and drink on tables, yeah you guessed it, made up of ice? Visit Arctic Snow Hotel, and you will experience it. Some would regret, but most would enjoy it!
I have written a dedicated post for it and you can get all the information here.
Day 8-9 - Kemi
Ever wondered how maritime trade happens in the middle of cold and harsh Northern winters where the ocean freezes and remains frozen for a good 7 months? Enter Ice breaking ships. Sampo is one such ice-breaker ship, docked at a harbor near Kemi, and we were onboard this ship for 4 hrs and witnessed ice breaking first hand. It was very special. You can also take a dip in the Arctic Ocean, just as we did! ;) . You can check out the details here.
Again, Hostel Villa Kemi would be a place to stay!
Day 10-11 - Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Nothing beats watching the dancing Northern Lights from the comforts of a heated glass igloos. We experienced that captivating experience in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, in farther Northern Lapland. One of the best "hotels with a view", you can marvel at snowy trees and snow flakes on the glass, from the comforts of your bed. A detailed and dedicated post can be found here.
Day 12
Back to Helsinki from Ivalo (nearest airport to Saariselkä) and off to San Francisco.
Finland happens to be our first European destination. We entered Finland with a bit of nervousness, but loads of excitement. We left with everlasting memories, unique never-done-before experiences, cherished conversations with Finnish people, some important lessons learnt and an overtly staunch desire to return to see the midnight Sun.
It would be a strain to read and document everything in a single post. As a result, I am going to split it into multiple posts, starting with a bird's eye view of our itinerary.
Day 1 - Touchdown Helsinki
Although jet lagged, after an 18-hour flight, our excitement took better of us and off we go. Having just little over half a day to explore the city, we were torn. Pretty cafes were calling us, so were towering historical landmarks.
 |
| Helsinki Cathedral. A beautiful market stands in its square. |
Day 2-6 - Rovaniemi, Capital of Lapland
We get the first taste of Lapland, and with that, our first unique experience of riding a reindeer and a husky sledge! We were absolutely thrilled after doing a husky safari, but more on that later. You can reserve/enquire about the excursions with Lapland Safaris.
If you are a science/museum buff, we would highly recommend Arktikum, a research center and a exhibit gallery dedicated to people, wildlife, nature and life around Arctic Circle.
 |
| Arktikum Gallery... with its lone patron at that time. |
And... how can you NOT meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village. Be patient, a long queue awaits... But, you won't regret it. You can cross the Arctic Circle here, a geographical milestone!
 |
| Arctic Circle |
Santa Claus Village and Santa Park are two different attractions, the latter being more of a theme park. Kids love it, but we skipped it.Also, we absolutely loved our stay at Hostel Cafe Koti. We would highly recommend that place.
Day 7 - Arctic Snow Hotel, Sinetta
What would it be like to stay in a room made up of ice, sleep on a bed, made up of ice and dine and drink on tables, yeah you guessed it, made up of ice? Visit Arctic Snow Hotel, and you will experience it. Some would regret, but most would enjoy it!
 |
| Entrance to Arctic Snow Hotel. More photos in a separate post! |
I have written a dedicated post for it and you can get all the information here.
Day 8-9 - Kemi
Ever wondered how maritime trade happens in the middle of cold and harsh Northern winters where the ocean freezes and remains frozen for a good 7 months? Enter Ice breaking ships. Sampo is one such ice-breaker ship, docked at a harbor near Kemi, and we were onboard this ship for 4 hrs and witnessed ice breaking first hand. It was very special. You can also take a dip in the Arctic Ocean, just as we did! ;) . You can check out the details here.
 |
| Sampo - The Ice Breaker Cruise |
Again, Hostel Villa Kemi would be a place to stay!
Day 10-11 - Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Nothing beats watching the dancing Northern Lights from the comforts of a heated glass igloos. We experienced that captivating experience in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, in farther Northern Lapland. One of the best "hotels with a view", you can marvel at snowy trees and snow flakes on the glass, from the comforts of your bed. A detailed and dedicated post can be found here.
Day 12
Back to Helsinki from Ivalo (nearest airport to Saariselkä) and off to San Francisco.
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