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From the end of December to March, Finland transforms into the ultimate winter experience. Picture landscapes coated in fresh powder, a sun barely skimming the horizon, and the thrilling promise of the Northern Lights shimmering in the sky. It’s a place where magic is crafted into every snowflake, and if you’ve ever dreamed of a winter wonderland, Finland is calling your name. Here’s an immersive guide to a week in this Nordic gem, complete with reindeer rides, icebreaker cruises, medieval town visits, and even a chance to meet Santa Claus himself!
Arriving in Lapland: The Heart of Finland’s Winter Magic
Touchdown in Rovaniemi: Our adventure began on December 26 in Lapland, a sprawling region that spans four countries. Covering nearly a third of Finland, Lapland is remote and magical. Known for the Northern Lights, it also offers countless activities, from husky sledding to sauna experiences, that make it the perfect winter escape. Our first stop was Rovaniemi, the commercial capital and official home of Santa Claus.
Santa Claus Village: Yes, it’s a real place! Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is like stepping into a holiday movie. Imagine a place where half a million letters arrive each year from kids around the world, all addressed to Father Christmas. The atmosphere is infectious—even adults are charmed into writing letters and choosing whether to mail them immediately or have them delivered next Christmas. You’ll also find the Arctic Circle line here, and yes, you can officially cross into the Arctic! Here, the sun never sets for one day in the summer and never rises for a day in winter—just another enchanting piece of Lapland’s unique magic.
Husky Rides and a Meeting with Santa
In Lapland, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the snowy wonderland, and a husky ride was first on our agenda. With the pale winter light casting a soft glow, we raced through the white expanse, eagerly awaiting our meeting with Santa. Queueing up with families, we discovered that even celebrities like Conan O’Brien, the Spice Girls, and YouTube’s Casey Neistat have paid visits to Santa’s office here.
Icebreaker Cruise on the Baltic Sea
After an early morning start and a scenic three-hour drive across the Swedish border, we arrived at the Polar Explorer, an 80-meter icebreaker vessel with a reinforced hull. The ship carves through the frozen Baltic Sea, and once anchored, guests can actually walk on the thick ice or, for the brave-hearted, take a dip in the icy water. Fear not: you’re provided with a double-layered survival suit to keep you warm. Seeing a five-year-old step into the icy depths was motivation enough to follow suit, and soon I found myself, bundled like a Teletubby, bobbing around in the Baltic!
Chasing the Northern Lights in a Glass Igloo
One of the highlights of our Finnish adventure was staying at Kakslauttanen, the world’s first resort to offer glass igloo accommodations. The thermal glass igloos provide insulation and warmth, making it possible to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed—if they decide to show up! Though clouds veiled the auroras on our first night, we were entranced by the novelty of our cozy igloo. Pro tip: only book this room if you’re super comfortable with your travel buddy—the glass walls leave little room for privacy!
Reindeer Rides and Log Cabin Dreams
The next day, we traded our igloo for a log cabin and took a peaceful reindeer ride through the frozen landscape. Gliding through the snow in -10°C temperatures may sound intense, but it’s all part of the experience, and the Finnish know how to stay cozy. Our log cabin also came with a private sauna—a staple of Finnish life and the perfect way to wind down after a day in the cold. With one last chance to see the Northern Lights, we kept our eyes on the sky, but sometimes, the best experiences don’t go as planned. Mother Nature had other ideas, but the coziness of our cabin kept us content.
A Day in Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia
Our journey began and ended in Helsinki, Finland’s lively capital and gateway to all things wintery. Helsinki is the second northernmost capital in the world (just below Reykjavik), and exploring it on Christmas Eve while locals celebrated was a unique cultural experience. For a final flourish, we took a two-hour ferry ride to Tallinn, Estonia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with medieval charm. Walking through Tallinn’s cobblestone streets and ancient walls was like stepping back in time, and it made for a memorable Christmas Day.
Fun Fact: The Northern Lights’ Surprising Stats 🌌
Did you know that the Northern Lights are most active around the Equinoxes in September and March? Aurora season in the Arctic actually lasts from late August to mid-April, with the best chances of viewing in March. This is thanks to the increased interaction between solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic field during these months.
Finland in winter is a magical journey that brings childhood dreams to life. Whether you’re racing across the ice with huskies, waving at Santa, or simply savoring the serene beauty of a glass igloo under a starry sky, Finland offers an adventure like no other.