A Year in Finland
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Transcript of A Year in Finland
A yeAr in f in lAndMore than just a winter wonderland
OulankaNational Park
LAP LAND
Ivalo Airport
Saariselka
Oulu
Vaasa
Turku
Helsinki
F INN ISHLAKE LAND
Lake Saimaa
f in lAnd
An IntroductionFinland; a country that’s home
to astounding natural beauty
and an exciting, cosmopolitan
capital city – no matter what
sort of trip you’re looking to
take, we can bet that Finland can
step up to the mark. Each of this
fascinating country’s seasons has
its own charms. In summertime
you can escape to the wild
beauty of Finnish Lakeland
and live out your dream of a
summer spent in a cabin by the
water. In winter, the prospect of
seeing the Northern Lights and
exploring the glistening, snowy
landscapes will f il l you with a
childlike excitement as soon as
you touch down in Helsinki. But
the real beauty of this place?
It doesn’t have the crowds that
other parts of Scandinavia
do, but it has just as many
delights. If you’re looking to
try something a little different,
Finland won’t disappoint.
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 sacrificing a lie in for.
24 hours in he ls ink i
AmBegin your day at Helsinki’s
famous Market Square to enjoy
a coffee and a spot of people
watching. Indulge in some of
the foodie treats on sale at the
stalls, browse the authentic
handicrafts and soak up the
buzz. The market is right by the
water, so next you can hop on a
ferry across to the Suomenlinna
Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and worth spending
a good few hours exploring.
Founded in 1748, the fortress
has spent time under Swedish,
Russian and finally Finnish
rule, so it tells a detailed story
of Finland’s eclectic history.
Before hopping back on a ferry
to the mainland, stop off for
lunch at one of the island’s many
charming cafes.
PmBack in Helsinki make your
way to Senate Square, which is
home to some of the city’s most
spectacular architecture. For one,
Helsinki’s most photographed
building, the Helsinki Cathedral,
can be found here; a 19th
Centrury Evangelic Lutheran
Church designed by Carl Ludwig
Engel, it is truly inspiring.
From here, move on to wander
past the university buildings,
the Government Palace and,
Sederholm House, Helsinki’s
oldest stone building. Now a
branch of the Helsinki City
Museum, you’ll recognise this
beautiful house by its blue hue.
Fancy spending some time
basking in the mid-afternoon
sunshine? Esplanade Park is
the perfect place to soak up
the incredible atmosphere of
summertime Helsinki, filled
with locals and travellers alike.
Throughout the summer the Park
plays host to a number of events
including folk dancing, jazz
concerts and even a fashion show.
As night falls, wander through
the brightly lit and charming
streets of Helsinki, making your
way to our favourite restaurant;
Olo Ravintola. Serving some of
the most delicious Nordic cuisine
to be found in the city, it’s the
perfect place to finish up your
24 hours. Helsinki; the jewel in
Scandinavia’s crown.
summer in f in lAnd: 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.
Whilst Helsinki slows down
dramatically under the weight
of snow and ice in winter, as
the seasons change and the sun
comes out, so do the people
and the energy. Landing in this
defrosted metropolis, you’ll be
blown away by the beauty of
glistening rivers and the vast
bodies of water.
Later, swap culture for cuisine.
Scandinavia as a whole is known
for its gourmet offerings and
Helsinki is no different. There’s a
plethora of fantastic restaurants
that serve authentic Scandinavian
cuisine, including the famous
Kuu Restaurant, Olo and Chez
Dominique.
Start with a coffee in Market
Square, where you’ll find brightly
coloured tents that shelter
numerous stalls full of goodies.
Stroll the streets at your leisure,
ending up at Senate Square
where you can see some of the
city’s most revered architecture.
Helsinki Uncovered
UNESCO World Heritage SitesOn your last day in Helsinki,
take the ferry over to one of the
biggest sea fortress’ in the world,
Suomenlinna, recognised as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site –
and enjoy a bite to eat at one of
the many charming cafes that can
be found on the island.
quarter, the Church Park and the
fortifications of Kustaanmiekka.
A day spent here will really open
your eyes to just how much has
occurred in Finland’s relatively
short history.
We can arrange a guided tour for
you, or you can spend the day on
your own, map and information
booklet in hand. Follow the
Blue Route from north to south
of the island and you’ll come
across the most spectacular sights
including the Russian merchants
Boats, Bikes and HikesThe charms of Finnish Lakeland
now await, where the summer
dream of log cabins and wooden
jetties is a reality. You’ll be
staying at Anttolanhovi’s Art
& Design villas, situated by
beautiful Lake Saimaa. With four
days to spend at leisure, you can
be as active or relaxed as you
want. Start with an invigorating
swim in the lake when you wake
up, followed by a day spent
relaxing on the beach – and if
you get restless, then hop in one
of the canoes or rowing boats, or
an afternoon hiking trip to get
your blood pumping.
You’ll no doubt want to immerse
yourself in the surrounding
countryside and luckily there are
plenty of ways to do this. The
resort offers free bike hire, so you
can cycle through the peaceful
countryside for a few hours.
We can also arrange a fishing trip
out to some of Finland’s most
luscious waters, where you can
catch anything from freshwater
trout to pike and perch. Finnish
Lakeland is all about being
outdoors and embracing the
‘summer lake’ idyll. If you go
anywhere next summer, go here.
The lake region of Eastern
Finland, known to many as the
Finnish Lakeland, is a puzzle
of romantic waterways and
secluded islands that offer the
quintessential Finnish experience.
It is these landscapes, more
than the snow covered forests of
winter, which lay at the heart of
Finnish identity.
It’s a culture that has been formed
from a mixture of tribes whose
mythological stories told how
the land was born out of water,
tribes that were split and had to
adapt to the environment. It’s
little wonder, then, that Finnish
people retreat to the silence of
their lush forests and glittering
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.
lakes each summer, retreat to the
place where their story began.
And, just as the locals seek this
unadulterated silence, so too do
we. Far removed from the stresses
of our everyday lives, a trip to
the Finnish Lakeland is a trip that
will take you back to nature.
Here, you’ll spend your days
swimming in the clear blue lakes,
lying under star strewn skies and
berry picking in lush forests. You
will feel completely disconnected
from the world in your wooden
lodge on your lush and wild
island, but you’re actually never
too far from the townships
and cities that have developed
here over the years.
It’s the perfect combination. The
Mikkeli region of eastern Finland
is our top pick for the lakeside
experience. Take up residence
in one of the area’s waterside
lodgings; cottages that are
luxurious and cosy, complete with
log fire and a sauna, so you can
warm up quickly after time on
or in the water.
The perfect Scandi summer
experience, Finnish Lakeland is
yet another destination you
have to see to believe.
Winter in f in lAnd: A Wonder lAnd
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.
Landing in Helsinki you’ll be
mesmerised by the city’s unique
layout. At once vibrant and
tranquil, Helsinki is a city whose
landscape is interrupted by
lengthy waterways and romantic
inlets, which are frozen over in
winter. The Ice Park is the best
place to start your day and home
to a perfect ice skating rink.
Even if you’re not too keen on
skating, you can take in the
hustle and bustle of downtown
Helsinki. Alternatively, if you’re
looking for something even
more invigorating, head to one
of the many hills around Helsinki
and have a go at sledding.
After a day out in the cold, it’s
time to get warm and try some
authentic Scandinavian cuisine.
At your hotel, Klaus K, you can
enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna
and relax before your dinner
at Olo Ravintola. A world-class
restaurant serving classic Nordic
cuisine, it changes its menu
constantly to suit the seasons, so
no two visits are the same.
Incredible Design and endless Waterways
A glistening blanket of snowNow it’s time for you to be
transported to the iconic land of
snow and ice, Finnish Lapland,
where the northern lights
brighten the skies and husky dogs
are the most effective form of
transport. After flying to Ivolo
Airport, you’ll be picked up and
taken to your unique lodgings at
the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
Having settled into your wintery
abode, spend the day getting used
to your snowy surroundings and
enjoying the quiet peace of being
in the middle of nowhere. When
night falls, you’ll be treated to a
delicious meal before wrapping
up warm to head out on one of
many Aurora hunts. Whether you
choose to go on foot, in a sleigh
pulled by reindeer or horses, on
skis or on a snowmobile, this
bucket-list phenomenon will keep
you outside for hours.
Sledding and SnowmobilesToday you’ll be off on a husky
safari, where these beautiful
animals draw you through
the wilderness of the Finnish
Lapland. There’s range of safari
tours from 15 minute rides to
full-on overnight adventures,
but we think half a day will leave
you satisfied. Once you’re back
at the hotel, warm yourself up
by the fire and have some lunch.
While away a few hours on a
horse ride or book a spot of ice
fishing before preparing for yet
another night of aurora watching.
On another day we’ll arrange for
you to experience snowmobiling
across the glistening white of
Finland’s epic landscapes. The
fastest and most exciting way
to get around, snowmobiling is
the iconic Scandinavian winter
experience. The four hour tour
includes a lunch cooked over an
open fire, so you’ll have plenty
of time to sit back and enjoy
your surroundings. There’s so
much to do in Finnish Lapland,
you’ll find plenty to fill your
days with. Cross country skiing,
sleigh rides, downhill skiing and
snowboarding. You name it, we
can arrange it. Imagine all of
this topped off with a couple of
Northern Lights sightings. It has
to be the perfect winter break.
hunt ing for the northern l ights
Head to Northern Finland
between September and March,
however, and your chances
of standing beneath skies
ablaze with auroral colours are
incredibly high. Why? Well,
Northern Finland sits right in
the heart of the auroral zone and
due to its small population size
(reindeers outnumber humans in
some parts) , it suffers from very
little light pollution.
As a result, it boasts over
200 nights per year when the
aurora borealis can be seen
dancing across the sky. There
are a few aurora ‘hot-spots’
in Northern Finland that you
should consider when planning
a Northern Lights adventure.
Take the Kakslauttanen hotel,
for example. Situated 250
kilometers north of the arctic
circle, here you can stay in glass
igloos and watch the northern
lights from the warmth and
comfort of your own room.
Of course, nothing can beat
an actual northern lights
expedition, and the hotel offers
excursions out into the darkness
by sleigh or snowmobile too.
You’re also likely to be given an
aurora alarm, which will buzz
whenever the hotel is alerted
of aurora activity. Just a little
south of the arctic circle lies
Oulanka National Park, which
is another great option. Rugged
and covered in dense forestry,
the national park provides
the perfect, dark conditions
for a spot of aurora hunting.
There’s even a basecamp located
within the park, consisting
of charming little log cabins
complete with hot tubs and
saunas. Book into the basecamp
and you’ll be spending your
days cross country skiing and
husky sledging and your nights
up late waiting for the sky to
burst into a riot of colour. You
see, no longer should you only
consider Norway and Sweden
when looking into a trip to see
the Northern Lights.
Finland, with a lesser
population, is the just-as-
spectacular, but much quieter
alternative. The educated
choice, if you like. . .
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.
hote l hAven, he ls ink i
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.
Perfectly located within
Helsinki’s famous Market Square,
you couldn’t be closer to the
action if you tried. With major
sites like the Suomenlinna Sea
Fortress just a short boat ride
away from your hotel, you’ll
waste little time getting to and
from the things you most want
to see. And trust us, Helsinki is a
city you won’t want to waste any
time in.
We’re big advocates of boutique
hotels and design led properties,
but sometimes we just want to
cosy up in the simplest form of
luxury. Great service, great food,
incredible rooms and beautiful
décor. How can you not enjoy
your stay?
When we say ‘classically
luxurious’, we’re talking cosy
rooms with large comfortable
beds, subtle décor and warm
lighting. There are no modernist
design quirks here; it’s all about
old school luxury and you’ll leave
feeling pampered and revitalised.
You can choose between three
room categories; Comfort, Style
and Lux. Each category boasts a
high standard of quality down to
the last detail.
Location Your room Why we like it
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.
kAks lAuttAnen Arct ic resort
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.
Location Your room
Why we like it
Situated around 250 kilometres
north of the Arctic Circle, you’re
right in the heart of Northern
Lights territory when you arrive
here. Fly into Ivalo airport and
you’ll be transported straight to
the resort and moved into your
innovative accommodation in no
time. Surrounded by an expanse
of snowy wilderness and dense
forestry, Kakslauttanen Arctic
Resort represents the Lapland
you’ve always dreamed of.
Now this is where the resort really
stands out from the rest. Any type
of accommodation you might wish
for, they’ve got it. Cosy log cabin,
check. Authentic Scandinavian
house, check. Snow igloo, check.
Glass igloo perfect for watching
the northern lights from the
comfort of your bed, check.
It all depends on what kind of
adventure you’re looking for. For
an experience like no other, we’d
recommend the glass igloos (only
available throughout the Northern
Lights season, mid-August until
April), which have clear glass
ceilings and enough space for a
comfortable double bed and a
bathroom. Sleep easy with the
stars twinkling above you and the
snow lightly falling. The log cabins
are also beautiful, with wooden
décor and open fires. That said,
the luxury house is incredible,
too. Whichever you choose, you’ll
not be disappointed.
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.
k lAus k , he ls ink i
Klaus K has 171 rooms, including
a number of new sky loft suites
that boast high ceilings and
huge living spaces. Other room
categories include Mystical,
Passion, Envy & Desire, named
in reference to The Kalevala.
Custom made beds, luxury
cosmetics and high speed Wi-Fi
can be expected whichever room
you choose to stay in. Despite the
obvious touches of modernism,
the hotel is extremely cosy and
a perfect choice for both winter
and summer.
We’re always keen to explore
places that stick close to
their roots, so we loved that
everything about this hotel has
been inspired by a classic Finnish
tale. If you do your research
beforehand, discovering the
subtle nods to the country’s
famous literary epic in the
design and décor will keep you
entertained indefinitely.
Klaus K is in the heart of the
city, the perfect location for
sightseeing and an easy arrival
from the airport. Situated on
Bulevardi, the hotel lies right on
the edge of the design district
within an old 19th century
building. Sporting the original
brick exterior, walk inside and
you’ll be transported to a time of
modern Scandinavian innovation.
Location Your room Why we like it
Art & des ign v i l lAs , AnttolAnhov i
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.
The villas are located on the
shores of Saimaa in the village
of Anttola, around 25km from
the centre of Mikkeli. If you’re
coming from Helsinki, the drive
will take just over three hours. If
you prefer to travel by train, you
can get from Helsinki to Mikkeli
in around two and a half hours.
You’re in the heart of Finnish
Lakeland here, so seclusion is
part of the charm.
Each of the villas are unique,
having absorbed the personal
touches of individual artists
and designers. All are ecological
wooden structures and the large
windows will have you feeling
at one with nature. The lakeside
villas in particular are our
favourites. Boasting views over
the waters and beyond, you can
expect chic Scandinavian décor
and all the amenities you could
ever need. All fireplaces are
stocked with firewood and each
villa has its own sauna, BBQ,
private beach and private jetty.
Whether you want to cosy up in
a beautiful villa in the winter
snow or have always fancied
the Scandinavian ‘summer by
the lake’ ideal, these villas will
not disappoint. For us, summer
is the perfect season to enjoy
Finnish Lakeland and when
you’ve got a jetty and rowing
boat to make the most of, why
wouldn’t you want to spend a few
weeks here in the sunshine?
Location Your room Why we like it
there And bAck
When to go
Getting there
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.
What to packThe main gateway to Finland is
the Helsinki-Vantaa International
Airport. British Airways offer ten
flights a week departing from
London Heathrow, taking you
straight to the charming capital of
Finland in just 2 hours 55 minutes.
In summer you will need light
clothing complete with waterproof
jackets, t-shirts and shorts, as
temperatures can be very warm
and occasionally rainy. Don’t
forget a warm sweater and
trousers however, as temperatures
can drop. Thick jackets, hats,
gloves, and sturdy snow-shoes
are a necessity for winter months,
with temperatures often reaching
a bitter minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The wind and air is very dry in
winter, so remember to drink
plenty of water at all times. Finns
are very casual about clothing, and
you will rarely come across strict
dress codes for restaurants or bars.
Getting aroundFinland 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.