Visiting Lapland was a bucket list item for me so when we went to Finland, I was in love. We went between Christmas and New Years so it was dark almost all day. There was a small window of light in the afternoons. We flew into Helsinki then took a small plane into Lapland. There we were picked up by someone from our hotel and taken there.
Our hotel was great. We stayed at the Star Arctic Hotel. It was at the top of the mountain so there was sledding right outside the door. The windows were huge to help let you catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if the weather allows. The staff was great, very helpful and friendly. The hotel works well for families too, as there is a loft with a bed and pull out bed downstairs, so there’s room for everyone. We had the package with breakfast included and they had a nice Finnish spread. They definitely had something for everyone, except our dog. He stayed home this trip.
Throughout Finland, you will see sleds lying around. People just use them when they need them and leave them for the next person’s use. Its like their own version of free public transportation. Its amazing. We did some great runs in Finland. One you have to pay for a helmet, toboggan and ski lift. You start at the top, not far from our hotel and you toboggen down. I think they said it was one for the longest runs in Europe. It was so much fun. Then you take a ski lift back to the top and do it again. It really was a blast.
In addition to sledding, we went on a reindeer safari. Our reindeer safari was beautiful. We met and fed our reindeer first and then boarded our sleighs to be pulled by them through the forest. The snow was untouched and pristine. It was so peaceful and beautiful. After the safari we had a cup of hot tea and bread and heard a local woman tell us all about the lives of the reindeer. It was great for kids too because she let everyone pass around shedded antlers from the reindeer at different ages. At the end, we all got super cute reindeer driver’s licenses. It was a fun souvenir.
We went on a snowmobile tour; well sort of. Dylan and I were too cold so we sat in a little covered car that was pulled by the snowmobile. Just as fun for us but much warmer!
For when you are just too cold to play outside, there was a great Angry Birds themed indoor playground where we had a great time. Lots of play equipment and fun to be had while staying warm.
We spent one afternoon in Helsinki. The city was festive and charming and bigger than I expected. The Christmas markets were in full swing and the city felt very active and alive. We need to go back and explore in detail.
I think the things we will all always remember is the berries in Finland. On the freezing cold tours, they serve you hot berry juice. I can’t do it justice in describing it. Its hot and perfect and we couldn’t get enough. We also had a cranberry and caramel dessert that seemed so simple but was amazing. The fish was great and fresh. I had artic chard a few times and it did not disappoint. The food, at least what we ate, wasn’t nearly as heavy as I expected given the climate. It was warming and delicious without feeling overly heavy.
We have to go back to Lapland at some point as we didn’t get to see the Northern Lights. I also really want to ice fish. Next time…
