Finland

Welcome To Finland Welcome to the land where Christmas dreams turn into reality. Rovaniemi, at the Arctic Circle, is the home of the mysterious Santa Claus. Don’t believe it? Visit Santa Claus Village in Lapland, which is truly a winter […]

Welcome To Finland

Welcome to the land where Christmas dreams turn into reality. Rovaniemi, at the Arctic Circle, is the home of the mysterious Santa Claus. Don’t believe it? Visit Santa Claus Village in Lapland, which is truly a winter wonderland for everyone. The best part is it’s opened all year round. Build your very own snowman and snow angel while you spot Santa’s little Elves. Enjoy folk sledging through the enchanting village while you glide through the place magically lit up and decorated. A fairy-tale-like this cannot end without writing a letter to Santa Claus himself!

Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green parks. The city’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs. Institutions including the National Museum, tracing Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present, flank its central avenue, Mannerheimintie.

Rovaniemi: Santa’s Village

Right by the Arctic Circle, the ‘official’ terrestrial residence of Santa Claus is the capital of Finnish Lapland and a tourism boomtown. Its wonderful Arktikum museum is the perfect introduction to these latitudes, and Rovaniemi is a fine base from which to organize activities, visit Santa and generally get a taste for the Arctic.

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it’s known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum.

Finland: Curated Itinerary – 10 Days

This highlights tour of Finland covers some of the best places the country has to offer, with cities, castles, lakes, saunas, and Santa on the menu. Start off in capital Helsinki, prowling the buzzing Design District and unwinding in excellent restaurants and bars. Hit Suomenlinna or an island restaurant to get a feel for the archipelago, and a day trip to historic Porvoo’s enchanting wooden buildings.   Next head to Lappeenranta on the shores of Finland’s largest lake. Then – go by boat in summer – it’s gorgeous in Savonlinna, where the stunning castle hosts an opera festival. From there, head to the heart of the Lakeland, Kuopio, another segment you can do on a lake boat. Try to time your visit to coincide with the convivial smoke sauna. The high latitudes are in evidence once you get to Oulu – depending on the season, the sun barely sets or barely rises. It’s one of Finland’s liveliest towns, with a great summer marketplace. In winter stop in Kemi to see the snow castle and take an icebreaker cruise. Finally head to Rovaniemi, capital of Lapland and a great base for outdoor activities. From there, explore the north or take the overnight sleeper train or fly back to Helsinki.

Fast Facts

Capital: Helsinki

Currency: Euro

Language: Finnish

Recommendations: Helsinki, Lapland, Northern Lights