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This Nordic country has a record number of lakes and untamed, uninhabited wilderness that every nature lover reveres. Finland is home to the Sami people and their unique culture. It is a country for adventure galore. We recommend these curated experiences that will sum up your tour of Finland.
INCREDIBLE ICE BREAKING ADVENTURE
Imagine you are on board a huge ship near the north pole, a wide expanse of the frozen sea all around you and the ship is slowly yet forcefully breaking the ice and paving its way ahead. Like a true explorer, you are in the thick of things on an unforgettable expedition of discoveries. Well, that’s exactly what you will get to do if you decide to go on an ice-breaking trip in the Gulf of Bothnia.
The vessel Sampo is the former icebreaker for the Finnish government, with a long meritorious service record. Built in 1961, nearly for 30 years, it has been crucial in keeping the sea route clear of ice for all shipping and naval activities. 1n 1987, the town of Kemi acquired Sampo; and thus began its career as a wish granter for many tourists who have dreamed about cruising in the Arctic in wide isolation, walking on the white ice and floating in the chilled sea. Thankfully the Sampo retains its old charm giving a classic experience of the glory days.
Sampo offers a unique cruise experience – Available from December to April
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NORTHERN LIGHTS
Arora is often referred to as the gates of the north. If you are in Finland, then the northern lights must have been your single most deciding factor to take a trip here.
Get ready to drive through snow-clad pine trees or across a frozen lake in absolute darkness. Lapland is the place where you will see the magical phenomenon - aurora, also called ‘revontulet’ in Finnish, meaning “fox fires.” Legend has it that the firefox’s tail sweeps the snow from trees and runs so fast across the skies that it leaves a flaming trail. Of course, it has a scientific explanation, too, but when you are in the middle of the night looking up the dark sky watching the elusive, colourful light dancing and shimmering above you, the magical folk stories are more endearing to hear than the plain facts.
If you are not a seasoned northern light chaser, pick a tour with a guide simply because you will just get lost trying to do this yourself. Many operators are fully equipped to stay overnight out in the cold, so hop on the husky sledges, or reindeer sleighs or snowmobile and drive away. Set base and warm up by a campfire; while you enjoy the hot coffee, pray the sky is clear and opens up for a grand display of dazzling lights.
BE A MUSHER, DO THE HUSKY SLEIGH RIDE
Ride miles through the stunning scenery of Lapland on your exclusive sledge with a team of huskies. At the first meeting, you will fall in love with the excited ice-blue and brown or black eyes waiting eagerly to run. Welcome to the bundle of furballs – the Husky farm. What better way to interact with them than play, and what better way to understand them than learn with them?
There is a short and condensed class at the farms you can take if you want to learn how to mush. Get the hang of it right and fast because soon, you will have to lead a team of eager dogs running at full speed. In between turns, the alpha husky will look at you for directions, so you should know what to do. As the sleigh glides effortlessly over the untouched snow of the fells and the forests, the site of beautiful landscape and winter wilderness will leave you stunned.
You will touch base at a campfire for snacks and hot drinks, listen to inspiring stories of the huskies, a monumental time for connecting with your serene surrounding, shouldn’t be surprised if you wish to stay here in this peaceful place longer but eventually, you have to break camp and make your way back.
Location – Rovaniemi, Saariselkä
MEET THE SANTA CLAUS
Every year, we binge on Christmas movies during holidays and seek comfort in their simple do-good stories; a jolly fat man flying about giving away presents, the wise Rudolph the reindeer steering the sleigh and helpful elves just being helpful in everything. What a pure spirit of heartfelt celebration it is and the perfect recipe for the soul! But, it’s time to steer away from the movie and experience the enchanted village of Santa Claus in person, open every day for everyone, only 8 kilometres northeast of Rovaniemi.
Winter is the idyllic time to enjoy the snow and snowy trees beautifully lined along the path and wooden cottages. There are several cafes for lunch and shops selling local articles. Be welcomed in Santa’s warm and cosy hut, get a chance to talk to Santa, and sing-along carols with him. Get your postcards stamped at the Santa Claus Post Office. You will get an opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle that runs through Santa Claus Village. You can get a Polar Circle Crossing Certificates too for this achievement at the Arctic Circle Information office.
VISIT LAMPIVAARA AMETHYST MINE
While driving to the Lapland countryside, 115 km northeast of Rovaniemi, there falls the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. In this park, there is a hill called Lampivaara, which contains the only active amethyst mine in Europe. The mine was formed over a million years ago, but the area around it is billions of years old. The view from the hilltop is breathtaking; today, it is one of the major attractions in Finland and open year-round. At the designated parking lot near the park entrance, you hop on the big snow Pendolino (snow train) and ride further to the top of the hill.
What sets this mine apart is that no industrial machines are used for digging. The mining is done in a very sustainable method which is demonstrated during the tour. You will get a chance to do what the miners do every day, dig!! With the excavation tools, you can dig amethysts, and if the crystal fits in your hand, you can take them along freely, but it shouldn’t be bigger than your palm. While you dig and see the demonstration of traditional mining techniques, you can listen to the origins of some enchanted stories of the ancient mountain and the stone's mythical and magical properties. None of the rich deposit is sold as a raw material however there is a small shop that sells stones and locally made amethyst jewellery.
Another interesting fact is you can be an owner of this mine if you buy the shares. Each share is a unique handmade fine art certificate.
Related article on Gold Mines in Finland
VISIT INARI
Inari is the epicentre of Sami culture. The Sami tribe have inhabited the land for over 2000 years. Their livelihood, although, had depended on fishing, gathering, handicrafts, hunting but reindeer herding had been the central part of the Sámi culture. Get to know the semi-domesticated reindeer at the farms. Enjoy a close encounter with these calm and lovable animals on a reindeer safari, see them in the wild or at the race.
You can also join activities such as gold finding experience; ice fishing expedition to Lake Inari; visit Inari Sami Village and the Siida Museum, an opportunity to get insights into Sami culture. Visit Ukko island, a holy place for Sami.
