The winter turns Finland into a magical fairytale land, with its snow covered forest, frozen lakes, and the dancing northern lights attracting the surreal land that cannot be found in any other part of Europe. Being an adventure or nature enthusiast, or just a person who needs some peaceful moments, there is no better place to travel to in winter than Finland which is difficult to compare to. Arctic beauty, traditional culture and the winter activities of world-class quality are the reasons why the country is an irresistible destination.
This winter travel guide to Finland is a list of the top 10 reasons why you should think about visiting this Nordic heaven in winter. Whether it is running after the aurora borealis, or a post-snowmobile winter sauna, here are the reasons why Finland is an incredible winter destination.
Here are the 10 Reasons to Visit Finland in Winter
1.View the Northern Lights
The opportunity to see Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is one of the greatest reasons why tourists visit Finland during wintertime. Finnish Lapland is one of the places with the most spectacular viewing opportunities on earth. Between December and March, the skies are clearest and darkest and this offers the best conditions. Such towns as Rovaniemi, Ivalo, and Saariselk include aurora-watching tours, glass igloo accommodations, and even aurora camps to ensure you have a high probability of seeing this wonder of nature.
2.Sleep in a Glass Igloo or an Ice Hotel
One of the main attractions of any Finland winter travel guide is an opportunity to stay in a glass igloo and observe the stars or Northern Lights in a warm bed. These resorts include Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, and Levin Iglut to have such kind of stay. Of a more adventurous nature, there are also ice hotels totally made of snow and ice, like the SnowCastle of Kemi and Arctic SnowHotel with ice bars, chapels and art.
3.Santa Claus in Rovaniemi
The official home of Santa Claus is Finland and the experience of visiting his village in Rovaniemi, Lapland is a magical experience especially when the family goes on visit. Santa Claus Village is open all year round, but even more so, in winter. There you will be able to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, visit the Santa Claus Post Office and even go out on a reindeer sleigh ride or husky safari in the same magical place.
4.Dog sledding or Reindeer sleighing Go
There is hardly a winter activity as thrilling and culturally enriching as a race with a dog sled across snow-covered forests or a relaxing sleigh ride pulled by reindeers. Not only are these historic forms of Arctic transportation entertaining, but also a strong feature of Sami culture, the native inhabitants of Lapland. Guided tours are popular in Lapland in general and it frequently involves warming up with hot beverage in wooden kota (hut).
5.Learn the Sauna Culture in Finland
Nobody can complete a Finland winter travel guide without mentioning the sauna culture of the country. It is a national custom since there are more than 3 million saunas in the country with a population of 5.5 million people. There is no better time to be in a hot sauna and then roll in the snow or dive into an ice hole as winter is the best time. The mix is claimed to strengthen the body and mind. Go to Loyly in Helsinki or a lakeside smoke sauna at the Lakeland area.
6.Join Winter Adventure and Arctic Adventures
Finland is paradise to winter sport lovers. You may choose to ski, snowboard, ice-climb, snowshoe or snowmobile in varied terrains. Levi, Ylls, Pyh and Ruka are the ski resorts with well-groomed slopes and cross country that cater to all the levels. Ice karting or fat biking on snow or ice fishing on a frozen lake can be of more thrilling nature.
7.Locate the Snowy Silence of the Finnish Lapland
Each moment of calm quiet of the snow-covered Finnish wilderness is virtually meditative. Wide open spaces with fresh powder, frozen rivers, and even fir trees with snow on them present a feeling of peace that is difficult to experience anywhere. No matter what activity or relaxation you choose during the winter, nature in Lapland will heal your spirit.
8.Visit Winter Parks in National Parks
There are 40+ national parks in Finland not only in summer. Most of them are open and provide spectacular winter hiking routes. Oulanka National Park featuring frozen waterfalls and hanging bridges and Urho Kekkonen National Park, which is best suited to ski-trekking are the best. These parks look absolutely different, and much quieter to have a walk in the winter because of less traffic and clean white scenery.
9.Try the Traditional Finnish Winter Food
The season when people eat the most Finnish food is in the wintertime, when people need to be warmed up and in good spirits. The local cuisine includes reindeer stew, salmon soup (lohikeitto), Karelian pastries, and porridge with cloudberries. Have a Sami dinner around fire in Lapland. Seasonal specialties also are available at Finnish cafes including glogi (mulled wine) and pulla (cardamom buns).
10.Unique Winter Festivals Celebration
Finland organizes numerous winter festivals that display culture, innovation and humour of the country. These are the SnowCastle Festival at Kemi, the Rovaniemi Reindeer Sprint and the weird Wife-Carrying World Championships on Ice. These happenings and light installations together with outdoor music put some good mood to the cold season and visitors get a taste of Finnish fun and hospitality.
Conclusion
Finland in winter is a place out of a fairy tale. You can have a fantastic time admiring the beauty of the Northern Lights, warming yourself in a glass igloo, or even performing a traditional sauna experience, and each of these moments will be something magical and unforgettable. It is quite unique to have an adventure mixed with calmness and cultural richness during a Finnish winter holiday.
This Finland winter travel guide will help you to plan your next winter getaway to the Arctic and experience all things that make Finnish winters legendary. The festive appeal of Rovaniemi to the wild landscape of Lapland is a sure indication that Finland is among the best destinations to visit during winter. Do not just survive winter, do it like the Finns.
