Arctic Circle, Finland

Finnish Lapland: A Magical Winter Escape

When

December - April

Price

From £7,500pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

5 nights ideal length

If huskies, reindeer and the Northern Lights all sound like essential components in a winter escape – then this is the trip for you. An enchanting country, we simply cannot get enough of Finland. Encompassing a vast Arctic wilderness, storybook towns – and of course, its trump card, the Northern Lights, it is utterly spellbinding. Showcasing the best of Finland, our travel experts have devised the perfect five-night escape which will take you to the heart of the wilderness of Finnish Lapland and back out the other side to hip Helsinki. A truly magical adventure, spend your days at remote forest spas, chasing the Northern Lights on snowmobiles, whistling to your own husky team and sitting atop a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Oh, and if you’re feeling in the festive mood? We can even arrange for a visit to Father Christmas at his workshop. This is a trip which will enchant, delight and exhilarate – and it’s not to be missed.

Flying into the gateway to Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your chic base at Arctic Light Hotel. A stylish hotel in the heart of Rovaniemi, the Arctic Light Hotel artfully combines Lappish heritage with contemporary style to create the ultimate urban Arctic hideaway. Settle in and enjoy a good dinner – tomorrow, the adventure begins.

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Spas & Snowmobiles

First things first, you ought to get acquainted with the breathtaking region that awaits you with a visit to Arktikum Museum, where you’ll discover a history reaching back to the pre-historic era. Loaded up with Arctic knowledge, you’ll then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading out to the Metsäkyly Forest for a spa experience like no other. In a private setting amongst the trees, relax in the outdoor jacuzzi as it bubbles away beneath the Arctic winter skies. Or, for the foolhardy amongst you, why not test your endurance and try out ice-swimming in the lake? The three saunas will be there to warm you up afterwards.

You’ll ramp things up again in the evening as you head out into the night on a snowmobile. But this isn’t any ordinary snowmobile ride. As you ride out into the magic of the snowy forests, keep your eyes on the sky for any sign of those colourful flickering lights. A natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed – but our guides are some of the best in the business and will take you away from the city lights of Rovaniemi to find the perfect spot from which to admire the sky. Once, you’re in position simply sit back, as your guide lights a fire, and enjoy a picnic of Finnish ‘Makara’ sausages, grilled over the flames, and a glass of warming Lappish berry juice, waiting for the Lights to appear overhead.

Walking in a winter wonderland

No trip to this remote region would be complete without an Arctic safari…or two. This morning, you’ll take in mesmerising views of the snow-covered forests and hills from a husky sled. Having met your team and given them a whistle, speed across the snow to a soundtrack of dogs panting and snow flying before stopping off to visit Father Christmas in his workshop in Santa Claus Village in the afternoon. You’ll then meet some of his most trusted helpers at a local reindeer farm. Chat to the herders and feed the reindeer a few of their favourite snacks, before heading out for a magical evening of Aurora Borealis hunting, in a sleigh pulled by a few of Rudolph’s friends.

Hip Helsinki

It will no doubt be difficult to leave the Christmas-card scenes of Finnish Lapland behind, but a whole other set of wonders awaits you in Helsinki. After a quick flight down from Rovaniemi, your private guide will whisk you away to Hotel Haven, where the name says it all. Spend the next few days discovering Helsinki’s flourishing food scene as well as its cultural side with a day at Suomenlinna. A fortress set upon a cluster of islands, it’s the perfect spot for a dose of history with bunkers, fortress walls and a WWII submarine to explore. Before you know it, it will be time to head home – but we know you’ll be back soon.

Where to rest your head

Arctic Light Hotel, Rovaniemi

Discover the unspoilt natural beauty of Finnish Lapland in the utmost style at Arctic Light Hotel. An urban hideaway on the fringes of the Arctic…
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Hotel Haven, Helsinki

Hotel Haven is a cosy oasis in the heart of Helsinki. A classically luxurious hotel, you can expect high-quality service and a home from home…
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