Winter Wonderland
Regional Highlights
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» ROVANIEMI
The Christmas Capital of the World. As the year comes to a close it is time for Christmas, romantic twilight and beautiful blue moments. In winter, Rovaniemi radiates with the Christmas spirit: glistening snow, reindeer running in the forest and Santa greeting people. The people of Rovaniemi consider their city the Christmas Capital of the world. To the joy of both guests and locals alike, Rovaniemi has plenty of events during the Christmas season: the official opening of Christmas, Santa’s sendoff on his journey, the Christmas market and concerts.
X Close» THE MAGIC OF HARRINIVA HOLIDAY CENTRE
Snow! The first snow coverage was received on 27th of October, right on time! The near-by fells are covered with eager skiers trying out their skis the first time this season. The Muonio and Kittilä villages are covered in white sheet, the trees are wearing their white winter clothing and the elves have been spotted in the forest. All this under the blazing aurora borealis!
X Close» TOP 10 AMAZING WINTER ATTRACTIONS
There’s far more to the Finnish winter than putting on a pair of skis and charging down a hill at top speed! How about spending the night in an igloo? Step on board a working icebreaker, explore a castle made from snow, or experience the world’s only ski lift that’s also a sauna… only in Finland!
If you’re in need of inspiration for your Finnish winter holiday, then you have definitely come to the right place.
X Close» NORTHERN LIGHTS
Nature’s very own firework display offers a truly breath-taking spectacle in the Arctic sky. On many nights during the winter it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in the sky above Finland. Sightings are more common in the north of the country, where they illuminate the northern horizon with a spectacular greenish glow. Finns know the phenomenen as the ‘Foxy Fire’.
X Close» YLLäS SAUNA GONDOLA
The Finnish love of saunas has indeed reached new heights with the opening this winter of the Sauna Gondola in Ylläs. Wood clad inside and out, the Gondola transports up to four people for a leisurely journey to the top station at 718 metres. Better still, there’s a main sauna available at the top, so you won’t get cold when you exit the Gondola!
X Close» SAMPO ICEBREAKER
Following its long and distinguished service record, the Sampo icebreaker now plies a route in the frozen seas off the Finnish town of Kemi. Believe it or not, it can maintain a speed of up to 13km/h even going through 50cm of sea ice. You can dine on board and even heaul on a thick rubber immersion sit for a swim in the water behind the ship.
X Close» KEMI SNOW CASTLE
If you like the idea of a castle made from snow, then you’ll have to head here – to the biggest snow castle in the world! Depending on the snow cover, you can expect towers of up to 20 metes in height. Within the walls are a restaurant, bar and chapel – perfect for weddings with a difference!
X Close» YLLäS SNOW VILLAGE
Each year, usually in late November, around one thousand truck loads of snow are used to create the Snow Village, an amazing complex of ice and snow. Here you will find a restaurant, bar, bedrooms and public areas crafted into amazing and beautiful shapes.
X Close» ROVANIEMI ARKTIKUM
The Arktikum in Rovaniemi provides a unique insight into the way of life, culture and history of the North. It is a museum, science centre and popular cultural venue. Its long glass roof stands out from the snowy landscape in a mysterious and alluring way.
X Close» RANUA WILDLIFE PARK
A spectacular and beautiful line-up of ice sculpture and construction by artist Ilkka Karttunen will greet you at Ranua this winter. Ice will be lifted from the adjoining lake, and honed by craftsmen to depict some of your favourite animals. How about that for a spectacular and memorable experience if you’re heading to see the Arctic animals of the Ranua Wildlife Park!
X Close» HARRINIVA IGLOOS
Igloos have been used in the Northern countries for accommodation during centuries. You can experience this for yourself in the Harriniva snow igloo! The temperature outside can drop down to minus thirty degrees and your double bed is made of snow, but the inside temperature stays moderate. Soft and warm under reindeer skins, your thick sleeping bag will ensure a warm and comfy night.
X Close» KAKSLAUTTANEN IGLOOS
The beautiful setting of Kakslauttanen, high up above the Arctic Circle, is the perfect place to try out a more intimate night in an igloo built for two. One of the igloos even has a Perspex clear roof so that you can lie comfortably under your reindeer skin covers and gaze up into the deep, dark Arctic sky. Who knows, the Northern Lights might spring into life right above you.
X Close» HETTA VILLAGE
Hetta is a home district for the Sami people, high up above the Arctic Circle, and you can witness the culture and lifestyle of Finland’s only aboriginal people. There’s also an opportunity to become acquainted with Arctic flora and fauna, and to see Hetta’s very own snow castle.
Scandinavian, Nordic & Baltic landscapes are a magical Winter Wonderland during the winter months. Each region has its distinct character, from the wilds of Lapland to the inspiring lakes of the east to the archipelagos of the south-west and the lively festive village atmosphere of the Christmas markets. And far, far away in the north, amid the endless wilderness of Finnish Lapland, is a mysterious mountain called Korvatunturi, the home of Santa Claus.
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