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.