A Year in Finland

A year in finland More than just a winter wonderland

Ivalo Airport

Saariselka

LAPLAND

Oulanka National Park

Oulu

Vaasa

FINNISH LAKELAND

Lake Saimaa

Turku Helsinki

FINL A ND An Introduction Finland; a country t h a t ’s h o me

b e a ut y o f F i n n i s h L a ke la n d

It d oe s n’t have t he c rowd s that

to astoundi ng nat ur a l b ea ut y

a n d l ive ou t you r d re a m of a

ot he r p a r t s of Sc a n d i n av i a

and an exci ti ng, c o smo p o l it a n

summ e r s p e n t i n a c a bi n by t he

d o, bu t i t ha s j u s t a s m a ny

c apital ci ty – no m a t t er wh a t

wa t e r. I n w i n t e r, t he p ros p e c t of

d e li g ht s . I f you’re look i n g to

s ort of tri p you’re l o o k in g t o

se e in g t he Nor t he r n L i g ht s a n d

t r y s om e t hi n g a li t t le d i f fe re n t,

take, we can bet th a t Fin l a n d ca n

exp l o r in g t he g li s t e n i n g , s n ow y

F i n la n d won’t d i s a p p oi n t .

s tep up to the ma r k . E a ch o f t h is

l a n dsca p e s w i ll f i ll you w i t h a

f as c inati ng count r y ’s sea so n s h a s

ch il dl ike exc i t e m e n t a s s oon a s

its own charms. In summ e r t im e

yo u t o uc h d ow n i n He ls i n k i . Bu t

you can escape to t h e wil d

t h e re a l be a u t y of t hi s p la c e ?

24 hours in Helsinki Helsinki is a city with a unique coastal geography, punctuated by glistening bays, sharp inlets and small islands – yet despite this broken layout, the city itself is relatively small and easy to explore. Even with just 24 hours you can see the best of Helsinki, especially in summer when it really comes to life. It’ll be an ‘up early, sleep late’ kind of day, but this is one destination that’s worth sacrif icing a lie in for.

Am Begin your day at Helsinki’s

water, so next you can hop on a

rule, so it tells a detailed story

famous Market Square to enjoy

ferry across to the Suomenlinna

of Finland’s eclectic history.

a coffee and a spot of people

Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World

Before hopping back on a ferry

watching. Indulge in some of

Heritage Site and worth spending

to the mainland, stop off for

the foodie treats on sale at the

a good few hours exploring.

lunch at one of the island’s many

stalls, browse the authentic

Founded in 1748, the fortress

charming cafes.

handicrafts and soak up the

has spent time under Swedish,

buzz. The market is right by the

Russian and f inally Finnish

Pm Back in Helsinki make your

Centrury Evangelic Lutheran

oldest stone building. Now a

way to Senate Square, which is

Church designed by Carl Ludwig

branch of the Helsinki City

home to some of the city’s most

Engel, it is truly inspiring.

Museum, you’ll recognise this

spectacular architecture. For one,

From here, move on to wander

beautiful house by its blue hue.

Helsinki’s most photographed

past the university buildings,

building, the Helsinki Cathedral,

the Government Palace and,

can be found here; a 19th

Sederholm House, Helsinki’s

Fancy spending some time

plays host to a number of events

the most delicious Nordic cuisine

basking in the mid-afternoon

including folk dancing, jazz

to be found in the city, it’s the

sunshine? Esplanade Park is

concerts and even a fashion show.

perfect place to finish up your

the perfect place to soak up

As night falls, wander through

24 hours. Helsinki; the jewel in

the incredible atmosphere of

the brightly lit and charming

Scandinavia’s crown.

summertime Helsinki, filled

streets of Helsinki, making your

with locals and travellers alike.

way to our favourite restaurant;

Throughout the summer the Park

Olo Ravintola. Serving some of

Summer in finland: a landscape uncovered Finland isn’t just about the Northern Lights and the glittering snow of Lapland. In the summer months, a stunning landscape of lakes and green forestry is revealed, begging to be explored.

Helsinki Uncovered W hilst Helsinki slows down

Start with a coffee in Market

Later, swap culture for cuisine.

dramatically under the weight

Square, where you’ll f ind brightly

Scandinavia as a whole is known

of snow and ice in winter, as

coloured tents that shelter

for its gourmet offerings and

the seasons change and the sun

numerous stalls full of goodies.

Helsinki is no different. There’s a

comes out, so do the people

Stroll the streets at your leisure,

plethora of fantastic restaurants

and the energy. Landing in this

ending up at Senate Square

that serve authentic Scandinavian

defrosted metropolis, you’ll be

where you can see some of the

cuisine, including the famous

blown away by the beauty of

city’s most revered architecture.

Kuu Restaurant, Olo and Chez

glistening rivers and the vast bodies of water.

Dominique.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites On your last day in Helsinki,

We can arrange a guided tour for

quarter, the Church Park and the

take the ferry over to one of the

you, or you can spend the day on

fortif ications of Kustaanmiekka.

biggest sea fortress’ in the world,

your own, map and information

A day spent here will really open

Suomenlinna, recognised as a

booklet in hand. Follow the

your eyes to just how much has

UNESCO World Heritage Site –

Blue Route from north to south

occurred in Finland’s relatively

and enjoy a bite to eat at one of

of the island and you’ll come

short history.

the many charming cafes that can

across the most spectacular sights

be found on the island.

including the Russian merchants

Boats, Bikes and Hikes The charms of Finnish Lakeland

relaxing on the beach – and if

We can also arrange a fishing trip

now await, where the summer

you get restless, then hop in one

out to some of Finland’s most

dream of log cabins and wooden

of the canoes or rowing boats, or

luscious waters, where you can

jetties is a reality. You’ll be

an afternoon hiking trip to get

catch anything from freshwater

staying at Anttolanhovi’s Art

your blood pumping.

trout to pike and perch. Finnish

& Design villas, situated by

You’ll no doubt want to immerse

Lakeland is all about being

beautiful Lake Saimaa. With four

yourself in the surrounding

outdoors and embracing the

days to spend at leisure, you can

countryside and luckily there are

‘summer lake’ idyll. If you go

be as active or relaxed as you

plenty of ways to do this. The

anywhere next summer, go here.

want. Start with an invigorating

resort offers free bike hire, so you

swim in the lake when you wake

can cycle through the peaceful

up, followed by a day spent

countryside for a few hours.

Summer by the lake Wooden cottage. Vast lake. Private jetty with a row boat. All of these things contribute to the image of the Scandinavian ideal, and there’s nowhere better to fulf il this hazy summer dream than in Finland.

A country of thousands of lush islands and pretty lakes, it will live up to all expectation.

The lake region of Eastern

lakes each summer, retreat to the

It’s the perfect combination. The

Finland, known to many as the

place where their story began.

Mikkeli region of eastern Finland

Finnish Lakeland, is a puzzle

And, just as the locals seek this

is our top pick for the lakeside

of romantic waterways and

unadulterated silence, so too do

experience. Take up residence

secluded islands that offer the

we. Far removed from the stresses

in one of the area’s waterside

quintessential Finnish experience.

of our everyday lives, a trip to

lodgings; cottages that are

It is these landscapes, more

the Finnish Lakeland is a trip that

luxurious and cosy, complete with

than the snow covered forests of

will take you back to nature.

log fire and a sauna, so you can

winter, which lay at the heart of Finnish identity.

warm up quickly after time on Here, you’ll spend your days

or in the water.

swimming in the clear blue lakes, It’s a culture that has been formed

lying under star strewn skies and

The perfect Scandi summer

from a mixture of tribes whose

berry picking in lush forests. You

experience, Finnish Lakeland is

mythological stories told how

will feel completely disconnected

yet another destination you

the land was born out of water,

from the world in your wooden

have to see to believe.

tribes that were split and had to

lodge on your lush and wild

adapt to the environment. It’s

island, but you’re actually never

little wonder, then, that Finnish

too far from the townships

people retreat to the silence of

and cities that have developed

their lush forests and glittering

here over the years.

Winter in Finland: A wonderland Scandinavia is famous for being a winter wonderland, but this year we’ve been particularly captivated by Finland, which offers a more ‘off the beaten track’ feel. Discover the delights of Helsinki before you enjoy four exciting nights in Lapland, hunting for the northern lights, husky sledging and much more. Just be sure to wrap up warm.

Incredible Design and endless Waterways Landing in Helsinki you’ll be

Even if you’re not too keen on

authentic Scandinavian cuisine.

mesmerised by the city’s unique

skating, you can take in the

At your hotel, Klaus K, you can

layout. At once vibrant and

hustle and bustle of downtown

enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna

tranquil, Helsinki is a city whose

Helsinki. Alternatively, if you’re

and relax before your dinner

landscape is interrupted by

looking for something even

at Olo Ravintola. A world-class

lengthy waterways and romantic

more invigorating, head to one

restaurant serving classic Nordic

inlets, which are frozen over in

of the many hills around Helsinki

cuisine, it changes its menu

winter. The Ice Park is the best

and have a go at sledding.

constantly to suit the seasons, so

place to start your day and home

After a day out in the cold, it’s

no two visits are the same.

to a perfect ice skating rink.

time to get warm and try some

A glistening blanket of snow Now it’s time for you to be

Having settled into your wintery

pulled by reindeer or horses, on

transported to the iconic land of

abode, spend the day getting used

skis or on a snowmobile, this

snow and ice, Finnish Lapland,

to your snowy surroundings and

bucket-list phenomenon will keep

where the northern lights

enjoying the quiet peace of being

you outside for hours.

brighten the skies and husky dogs

in the middle of nowhere. W hen

are the most effective form of

night falls, you’ll be treated to a

transport. After flying to Ivolo

delicious meal before wrapping

Airport, you’ll be picked up and

up warm to head out on one of

taken to your unique lodgings at

many Aurora hunts. W hether you

the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

choose to go on foot, in a sleigh

Sledding and Snowmobiles Today you’ll be off on a husky

another night of aurora watching.

you’ll f ind plenty to f ill your

safari, where these beautiful

On another day we’ll arrange for

days with. Cross country skiing,

animals draw you through

you to experience snowmobiling

sleigh rides, downhill skiing and

the wilderness of the Finnish

across the glistening white of

snowboarding. You name it, we

Lapland. There’s range of safari

Finland’s epic landscapes. The

can arrange it. Imagine all of

tours from 15 minute rides to

fastest and most exciting way

this topped off with a couple of

full-on overnight adventures,

to get around, snowmobiling is

Northern Lights sightings. It has

but we think half a day will leave

the iconic Scandinavian winter

to be the perfect winter break.

you satisf ied. Once you’re back

experience. The four hour tour

at the hotel, warm yourself up

includes a lunch cooked over an

by the f ire and have some lunch.

open f ire, so you’ll have plenty

W hile away a few hours on a

of time to sit back and enjoy

horse ride or book a spot of ice

your surroundings. There’s so

f ishing before preparing for yet

much to do in Finnish Lapland,

Hunting for the Northern Lights The Northern Lights are one of the most sought after travel experiences of all time. This spectacular phenomenon is one of nature’s most beautiful, spellbinding displays and top of many bucket lists. There is one catch, however; in many places the Northern Lights can be elusive and unpredictable.

Head to Northern Fin l a n d

k il o m e t e r s n or t h of t he a rc t i c

w i t hi n t he p a r k , c on s i s t i ng

between Septemb e r a n d M a rch ,

circl e, h e re you c a n s t ay i n g la s s

of c ha r m i n g li t t le log c a b i n s

h owever, and your ch a n ce s

ig l o o s a n d wa t c h t he n or t he r n

c om p le t e w i t h hot t u bs a nd

of s tandi ng benea t h sk ie s

l ig h t s f rom t he wa r m t h a n d

s a u n a s . Book i n t o t he ba se cam p

abla ze wi th auror a l co l o ur s a re

co mfo r t of you r ow n room .

a n d you’ ll be s p e n d i n g your

incredi bly hi gh. W hy ? We l l ,

Of co ur s e , n ot hi n g c a n be a t

d ays c ros s c ou n t r y s k i i n g an d

Northern Fi nl and sit s r ig h t in

a n a ct ua l n or t he r n li g ht s

hu s k y s le d g i n g a n d you r n i ghts

th e heart of the a uro r a l z o n e a n d

exp e dit i on , a n d t he hot e l of fe r s

u p la t e wa i t i n g for t he s k y to

d ue to i ts smal l p o p ul a t io n siz e

excur sion s ou t i n t o t he d a r k n e s s

bu r s t i n t o a r i ot of c olou r. Yo u

(rein deers outnumb er h um a n s in

by sl eig h or s n ow m obi le t oo.

s e e , n o lon ge r s hou ld you o nly

s ome parts), i t su f fe r s f ro m ver y little l i ght pol l uti o n .

As a resul t, i t boa st s over

c on s i d e r Nor way a n d Swe d e n Yo u’re a ls o li ke ly t o be g ive n a n

whe n look i n g i n t o a t r i p to s e e

a uro r a a la r m , whi c h w i ll bu zz

t he Nor t he r n L i g ht s .

wh e n eve r t he hot e l i s a le r t e d

2 0 0 ni ghts per ye a r wh e n t h e

o f a uro r a a c t iv i t y. Ju s t a li t t le

F i n la n d , w i t h a le s s e r

aurora boreal i s ca n b e see n

so ut h o f t he a rc t i c c i rc le li e s

p op u la t i on , i s t he j u s t - a s -

d anci ng across th e sk y. Th e re

Oul a n k a Na t i on a l Pa r k , whi c h

s p e c t a c u la r, bu t m u c h q u ie te r

are a few aurora ‘ h o t -sp o t s’

is a n o t h e r g re a t op t i on . R u g ge d

a lt e r n a t ive . T he e d u c a t e d

in Northern Fi nl a n d t h a t yo u

a n d cove re d i n d e n s e fore s t r y,

c hoi c e , i f you li ke . . .

s h oul d consi der wh en p l a n n in g

t h e n a t ion a l p a r k p rov i d e s

a Northern Li ghts a dven t ure.

t h e p er fe c t , d a r k c on d i t i on s

Take the Kaksl aut t a n e n h o t e l ,

fo r a sp o t of a u ror a hu n t i n g .

fo r exampl e. Si tua t ed 2 50

Th e re’s eve n a ba s e c a m p loc a t e d

H o t e l Hav e n , 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 feel. Sometimes, all we need is comfort, and comfort is what Hotel Haven does best. In the most luxurious way, of course.

Location

Your room

Why we like it

Perfectly located within

W hen we say ‘classically

We’re big advocates of boutique

Helsinki’s famous Market Square,

luxurious’, we’re talking cosy

hotels and design led properties,

you couldn’t be closer to the

rooms with large comfortable

but sometimes we just want to

action if you tried. With major

beds, subtle décor and warm

cosy up in the simplest form of

sites like the Suomenlinna Sea

lighting. There are no modernist

luxury. Great service, great food,

Fortress just a short boat ride

design quirks here; it’s all about

incredible rooms and beautiful

away from your hotel, you’ll

old school luxury and you’ll leave

décor. How can you not enjoy

waste little time getting to and

feeling pampered and revitalised.

your stay?

from the things you most want

You can choose between three

to see. And trust us, Helsinki is a

room categories; Comfort, Style

city you won’t want to waste any

and Lux. Each category boasts a

time in.

high standard of quality down to the last detail.

K A KSL A u t ta n e n arctic resort Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is made for travellers that appreciate the beauty of nature and the excitement of snowy adventures.

Which is pretty much everyone. A resort that boasts a unique range of accommodations and an endless list of experiences, you could spend your whole trip here and never get bored.

Location

Your room

Situated around 250 kilometres

Now this is where the resort really

April), which have clear glass

north of the Arctic Circle, you’re

stands out from the rest. Any type

ceilings and enough space for a

right in the heart of Northern

of accommodation you might wish

comfortable double bed and a

Lights territory when you arrive

for, they’ve got it. Cosy log cabin,

bathroom. Sleep easy with the

here. Fly into Ivalo airport and

check. Authentic Scandinavian

stars twinkling above you and the

you’ll be transported straight to

house, check. Snow igloo, check.

snow lightly falling. The log cabins

the resort and moved into your

Glass igloo perfect for watching

are also beautiful, with wooden

innovative accommodation in no

the northern lights from the

décor and open fires. That said,

time. Surrounded by an expanse

comfort of your bed, check.

the luxury house is incredible,

of snowy wilderness and dense

It all depends on what kind of

too. Whichever you choose, you’ll

forestry, Kakslauttanen Arctic

adventure you’re looking for. For

not be disappointed.

Resort represents the Lapland

an experience like no other, we’d

you’ve always dreamed of.

recommend the glass igloos (only available throughout the Northern

Why we like it Set right in the heart of snowy Lapland, you’ll be able to live out all of your arctic fantasies from the resort’s very doorstep. Fancy a spot of husky sledding? Then the two husky farms that lay just a stone’s throw from your quirky abode will have you out on a sleigh in no time. Always wanted to see the Northern Lights? The hotel’s nightly Aurora Hunts will keep you occupied until the early hours. It’s one of the best places in the world for ticking off some of those bucket-list experiences.

Lights season, mid-August until

Klaus K, Helsinki Situated in the heart of downtown Helsinki, Klaus K is a boutique hotel boasting a beautiful design. Paying homage to Finland’s literary epic The Kalevala, elements of this tale can be seen reflected in everything from the names of the rooms to the sculpture in the lobby.

Location

Your room

Why we like it

Klaus K is in the heart of the

Klaus K has 171 rooms, including

We’re always keen to explore

city, the perfect location for

a number of new sky loft suites

places that stick close to

sightseeing and an easy arrival

that boast high ceilings and

their roots, so we loved that

from the airport. Situated on

huge living spaces. Other room

everything about this hotel has

Bulevardi, the hotel lies right on

categories include Mystical,

been inspired by a classic Finnish

the edge of the design district

Passion, Envy & Desire, named

tale. If you do your research

within an old 19th century

in reference to The Kalevala.

beforehand, discovering the

building. Sporting the original

Custom made beds, luxury

subtle nods to the country’s

brick exterior, walk inside and

cosmetics and high speed Wi-Fi

famous literary epic in the

you’ll be transported to a time of

can be expected whichever room

design and décor will keep you

modern Scandinavian innovation.

you choose to stay in. Despite the

entertained indef initely.

obvious touches of modernism, the hotel is extremely cosy and a perfect choice for both winter and summer.

Art & Design Villas, Anttolanhovi Anttolanhovi’s Art & Design villas offer the privacy of own space as well as the luxury of a world-class hotel service should you require a chef, a massage or even a beautician. Situated by the beautiful Lake Saimaa, these villas are unique and ( forgive us for stating the obvious) incredibly artistic.

Location

Your room

Why we like it

The villas are located on the

Each of the villas are unique,

W he t he r you wa n t t o c osy up i n

shores of Saimaa in the village

having absorbed the personal

a be a u t i f u l v i lla i n t he w i nte r

of Anttola, around 25km from

touches of individual artists

s n ow or have a lways f a n c i e d

the centre of Mikkeli. If you’re

and designers. All are ecological

t he Sc a n d i n av i a n ‘s u m m e r by

coming from Helsinki, the drive

wooden structures and the large

t he la ke’ i d e a l, t he s e v i llas wi ll

will take just over three hours. If

windows will have you feeling

n ot d i s a p p oi n t . For u s , s um m e r

you prefer to travel by train, you

at one with nature. The lakeside

i s t he p e r fe c t s e a s on t o e njoy

can get from Helsinki to Mikkeli

villas in particular are our

F i n n i s h L a ke la n d a n d when

in around two and a half hours.

favourites. Boasting views over

you’ ve got a j e t t y a n d rowi n g

You’re in the heart of Finnish

the waters and beyond, you can

boa t t o m a ke t he m os t of , why

Lakeland here, so seclusion is

expect chic Scandinavian décor

wou ld n’t you wa n t t o s p e nd a few

part of the charm.

and all the amenities you could

we e k s he re i n t he s u n s hi ne ?

ever need. All f ireplaces are stocked with f irewood and each villa has its own sauna, BBQ, private beach and private jetty.

there and back

When to go The stark contrast of Finland’s seasons is what makes it such a unique destination.

Winter lasts from November through to May, meaning for the majority of the year the country is a winter wonderland of frost and snow, with temperatures far below sub-zero.

Visit in spring and you feel a mystique in the air as the ice begins to melt and flowers and plants poke their heads through the bare patches. After endless days in the summer months, you’ll find an explosion of colour in the forests as Autumn arrives.

Tip: If it’s the Northern Lights you’re after, the chances of seeing them are highest between September and March.

Getting there

What to pack

The main gateway to Finland is

In summer you will need light

are a necessity for winter months,

the Helsinki-Vantaa International

clothing complete with waterproof

with temperatures often reaching

Airport. British Airways offer ten

jackets, t-shirts and shorts, as

a bitter minus 20 degrees Celsius.

flights a week departing from

temperatures can be very warm

The wind and air is very dry in

London Heathrow, taking you

and occasionally rainy. Don’t

winter, so remember to drink

straight to the charming capital of

forget a warm sweater and

plenty of water at all times. Finns

Finland in just 2 hours 55 minutes.

trousers however, as temperatures

are very casual about clothing, and

can drop. Thick jackets, hats,

you will rarely come across strict

gloves, and sturdy snow-shoes

dress codes for restaurants or bars.

Getting around Finland is a large country but has numerous options for getting around by air, land and sea once you’ve arrived.

Trains connect to all areas of the country and are spacious, comfortable and clean, offering beautiful scenery as you travel, particularly in Eastern Finland with its many lakes.

There are 27 airports in Finland with the northernmost located in Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle.

Several boat companies offer sightseeing cruises along the stunning waterways and coastlines.

Travelling by car during summer is certainly one of the best ways to get around, but can be tricky during winter for less experienced drivers, with snow-covered and slippery roads.

During summer months, travelling by bike is a great way to do some local sightseeing.

Of course, there is also an array of exciting alternatives when travelling around, particularly in winter, such a cross country skiing or riding in a husky or reindeer-pulled sledge.