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.