These videos, articles and podcasts will illuminate the enriching and exciting experiences that await you on our Original Journey to Finland. Drawn from respected independent sources, we’ve curated this multi-media collection to inspire your imagination. Enthralling as they are now on your screen, the things you see, read and hear will truly come to life when you travel with our engaging Helsinki guide and Arctic experts.
Our A+R Library
About Your Journey… Finland’s Lapland
Located in Northern Europe, Finland is a vast country encompassing a stretch of land from the Baltic Sea well in to the Arctic Circle. Landscape and weather conditions differ greatly between northern and southern Finland. It can be said that Finland has four distinctive regions. As you look out from the plane, the first impression you may have is that there are a lot of trees… an endless carpet of unspoiled forest, with thousands of islands and lakes and small towns in between.
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. To many visitors, it is a bit of a surprise when you land in Helsinki to find a modern metropolis with award-winning architectural sites, beautiful parks, designer boutiques and artisanal food stores. The city is situated by the Baltic Sea with over 60 miles of shoreline with approximately 300 islands. This vibrant city is both highly cultural and relaxing, and easy to get around. The “White City”, as it is often referred to, encourages individual explorations and offers many possibilities for outdoor activities on land and sea – on foot, by bike or island hopping by boat.
Beside the Lakeland, the central region of Finland with hundreds of lakes, the most attractive and unique is the immense area of Lapland to the north that stretches all the way into the Arctic Circle.
Lapland’s nature and its four seasons create an ideal backdrop for a wide range of travel experiences. Spring is the awakening of nature as Lapland is illuminated with summer light.
Summer brings about an almost surreal feeling when the Midnight Sun embraces the sky 24 hours a day. This is an ideal period for biking, hiking, horseback riding, gold panning and canoeing – not only by day but also at ‘night’ under the Midnight Sun, which makes the experience even more unique.
Then the Summer bows to the colorful array of autumn and everything changes when the “ruska” – the autumn leaves period sets in. For about three weeks in the beginning of September, nature is ablaze with the most incredible colors, making it an optimal time for hiking and canoeing. From August to October forests are filled with mushrooms and berries, ready for picking. And, to top it off, Mother Nature starts showing off with her playful lights in the sky that only intensify when the Autumn days give way to starry winter nights.
In the heart of winter, trees sag under the weight of the snow and sparkle in the blue light of the Polar Nights. The Northern Lights like magic lighten up the sky and the land becomes a scene from a fairy tale as you listen to the clipping sound of reindeer pulling your sleigh or exciting bark of your team of huskies eager to get on the snow trail.
Regardless if you come to Lapland in summer, autumn or winter, you will meet the friendly and welcoming Sami people, the only indigenous people who have inhabited this region at “the edge of the world” for generations. They will be glad to tell you the story of a fox running across the snowy Arctic fells creating the “revontulet” (fox’s fires) - Northern Lights.
And let's not forget – the Finnish Lapland is also the year-round home of Santa Claus and his reindeer! We know your journey will be an unforgettable experience – no matter the season!
Hyvää matkaa!
A Word about Hotels and Lodges
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Check-in time for Kakslauttanen Arctic resort is after 2PM and check-out time from the log cabins, igloos or kelo-glass igloos is no later than by 10AM. If your flight arrives early, and your room is not ready, you can usually store your luggage with the hotel. Then step out to explore a bit at your own pace or relax with a cup of tea or coffee in the lobby.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you unencumbered to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending on how busy they are, some hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the Front Desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.
Climate…What You Can Expect
The main factor influencing Finland’s climate is the country’s geographical position between the 60th and 70th northern parallels in the Eurasian continent’s coastal zone, which shows characteristics of both a maritime and a continental climate, depending on the direction of air flow. The climate ranges from subarctic in the North to temperate maritime in the South.
Helsinki region enjoys a comparatively mild climate because of moderating influences of the North Atlantic Currents and Baltic Sea. Summer is warm and bright with almost 20 hours of daylight in Helsinki. The temperature in Helsinki in July is upper 60s to low 70s F. North of the Arctic Circle the midnight sun stays continuously above the horizon from early June to early July, but even in Helsinki summer nights are very short and light, since the sun sets only just below the horizon.
Autumn and spring are transitional seasons. Occasional rain is possible. There is something very special in the gradually increasing sunshine and warmth of early spring that brings with it melting snow and budding leaves, not to mention the arrival of migratory birds. Similarly, although autumn brings with it darkening days and cooling weather, it is a season of spectacular colors when the leaves in the trees turn bright yellow, orange, and red.
Winter in Finland
In winter, northern Finland is covered by snow from November to April. In the south, the snow usually arrives in December, but the amount of snowfall is small. Even if there’s little snow in Helsinki, there’s often up to 3 feet or more on the slopes in Lapland. North of the Arctic Circle, the winter includes a period known as the polar night (kaamos), when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. In the furthest area of the Arctic the polar night lasts for 51 days. In the southern Finland, the shortest day is about 6 hours long.
The wintertime temperatures vary greatly according to location. February temperature in Helsinki can be 21F. Obviously, the winter temperatures in Finnish Lapland can be lower. In low-lying areas of Lapland such as Ivalo, the temperature can be -4°F, but at the same time 20 miles away on the Saariselkä fells (mountain range or moor-covered hills) the temperature can be 20°F. When traversing the fells, you should also take into consideration the wind which adds to the chill factor.
During winter in Lapland it is time for winter sports – skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and sleigh rides. Go on a dogsled or hunt for Northern lights with reindeer or by snowmobile. The more adventurous can indulge in ice-fishing and even ice-swimming.
No matter the season, Finns have thought of plenty of activities to fill your time.
Money Matters
Finland uses the Euro, the European Union’s common currency. Please note that most shops will not accept 500 Euro notes, so when exchanging currency, you should ask for 100 notes and smaller.
Nothing beats cash for convenience and even though there are certain risks involved in carrying cash it’s still a good idea to bring some of your money in cash. US dollars can be exchanged into local currency on arrival. If you prefer, you may exchange US dollars into local currency prior to departure from the US.
ATMs on both the Cirrus and Plus networks are widely available throughout the country. We recommend that before you travel you inform both your bank and your credit card company which countries you will be visiting. It is also a good idea to inquire about fees for transactions abroad. Please note that many ATMs in Europe – including Finland - will not accept PIN numbers of more than four digits.
All mayor credit cards are widely accepted in Finland. However, some local shops, pubs and restaurants may only accept cash. If you are planning on making a large purchase, you are better off using your credit card, as you will probably get a better rate of exchange than you will in a bank withdrawing cash.
Traveler’s checks are not as convenient and must be changed into local currency first, and there is usually a per-check service fee, a flat transaction fee or a percentage fee of the total amount, associated with cashing traveler’s checks. Ask before you exchange! You may be asked to show your passport when cashing traveler’s checks or exchanging currency.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water is safe to drink in Finland. And in Lapland the water is so pure that you can drink from the stream. Reasonably priced bottled water can be purchased everywhere.
Meal Time!
Finnish cuisine is based on fresh and natural ingredients that vary according to the season. In addition to vegetables, mushrooms, berries, and fish, Finnish food is typified by simplicity and purity of taste. Helsinki’s own cuisine also features influences from both the East and the West. In former times, the country's harsh climate meant that fresh fruit and vegetables were largely unavailable for nine months of the year, leading to a heavy reliance on staple tubers (initially turnip, later potato), dark rye bread and fermented dairy products, occasionally enlivened with preserved fish and meat. Traditionally, very few spices other than salt were available, and fresh herbs like dill were limited to the summer months. Many Finnish traditional dishes are prepared by stewing them for a long time in an oven, which produces hearty but bland fare. Forests and lakes were a major source of food and today produce from forests counts for the distinctive traits in Finnish cuisine.
The simplicity of traditional Finnish food has been turned into an advantage by placing an emphasis on freshness, and modern Finnish restaurateurs now blend high-quality Finnish produce with continental cooking techniques.
Sámi food is always fresh and local, such as fish, berries, game, and reindeer meat. Try creamy salmon soup, willow grouse sausage, smoked or dried reindeer meat or sautéed with Lappish potatoes, fried arctic char or salmon; try Lappish cheese with cloudberry jam. And lingonberries are to Finns what blackberries are to Americans. They make great jam, jelly, juice, sauce, wine, and liqueur!
The Sami
The Sami possess a rich cultural heritage and are known for their close connection to the land they live on. The Sámi area of Northern Lapland offers year-round unlimited outdoor and indoor activities and close contact with the unique culture of the Sámi – the only indigenous people of the European Union. The Sámi live in the Northern parts of Finland, Norway, and Sweden as well as in parts of North-Eastern Russia. In Finland, the Sámi population is approximately 9,000 strong, and the preservation of their endangered language and culture is governed by an autonomous parliament of Inari.
Let your Sámi hosts lead you to their reindeers and learn lasso-swinging, let them teach you their handicraft or take a lesson in Sámi cooking. The Sámi witch drum is today a popular tourist item, originally used by medicine men as a tool, along with the Sámi chant called the joik, to fall into a trance in order to reach a level of communication with the Spirits. A visit to the village of Inari, the heart of the Sámi homeland, and to Siida, the museum of the Finnish Sámi, is an absolute must. The outstanding, internationally acclaimed indoor and outdoor museum covers all aspects of the Sámi culture, past and present, as well as Lapland’s extraordinary environment. Siida’s enticing gift shop and the village’s many other craft shops offer plenty of interesting design products made of natural materials as well as local food and delicacies.
About the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Set on the edge of the unbroken wilderness of Finland’s largest national park, our extraordinary resort is the perfect base to experience Lappish life and the magical beauty of the Arctic Circle. Guests on our winter adventure will stay in their own private Kelo-Glass Igloo. These unique accommodations feature a spacious cabin crafted of Lapland’s indigenous Kelo pinewood. Inside your cabin, you’ll find a cozy log bed, a stone fireplace (wood provided!), en suite bath and even your own personal sauna. Attached to your cabin is a glass-domed igloo with additional bedding – so you can fall asleep under the Arctic winter sky… maybe even to the shimmering glow of the Aurora Borealis! The resort has two restaurants offering a tempting array of regional dishes. An included three course set menu dinner is served nightly. A la carte menu items can be ordered at an additional cost. Each igloo has free included wi-fi and an aurora alarm which will alert you when the northern lights are visible (until 11:30 PM).
Please note that the Kakslauttanen requires a staff member to light your fireplace—the nightly fee is included in your package cost.
Included Daily Excursions from Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
PLEASE NOTE: All excursions are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Surrounded by wilderness, our Arctic resort offers a wide variety of activities to immerse you in the life and beauty of Lapland. To get you started, we have included these three adventures which you can enjoy with our compliments during the three full days you’ll enjoy here:
Husky Safari: This unforgettable adventure begins at our resort where you’ll meet a local Husky expert. At his nearby farm, you’ll meet the friendly dogs who are already waiting eagerly in front of their sleds. After instruction on how to drive, steer and stop your sled, you’ll set out. These are 2-person sleds so you can drive while your companion enjoys the ride and the thrilling sight of the lively Husky dogs pulling your sled. The pristine beauty of the winter forest is breathtaking and the experience is exhilarating. About halfway through the journey, you’ll stop at a traditional Lappish hut where a light lunch of steaming soup will be served. There will be time to warm yourself by the fire as your expert guide shares colorful stories of life in the Arctic. For the return journey, you can switch positions and enjoy the thrilling ride as your companion drives the sled. Back at the farm, you might have a chance to meet some frisky Husky puppies. This 4-hour excursion includes pick-up and return transportation from our resort, Arctic wear for the guided sledding adventure, and a light lunch. The total time out with the sled and your Husky team is about 2.5 hours.
Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile: Depart the resort and travel into the nighttime silence of the northern woods. After expert instruction, you’ll board a 2-person snowmobile and set out for this thrilling adventure. As conditions allow, you’ll stop for a warming cup of traditional Finnish berry juice and a chance to observe the Aurora Borealis. If the Northern Lights are visible, additional stops for photography and observation will be made. Along the way, you can also switch snowmobile drivers. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age; passengers can be of any age. This 3-hour excursion includes pick-up and return transportation from our resort, thermal Arctic wear for the guided snowmobiling adventure, and a warming mid-ride juice break. The total time out with snowmobiles will be about 1.5 hours with breaks depending upon the visibility of the Aurora Borealis.
Aurora Reindeer Safari: A local reindeer farmer will meet you at the resort and take you to his farm. After a quick briefing, climb into a comfortable sleigh and snuggle under warm blankets as a team of reindeer transports you into the silent, wintry northern woods. With clear weather and the right conditions, you can gaze up to see the shimmering lights of the Aurora Borealis. About mid-way through this adventure, you’ll stop for a warming cup of traditional berry juice. Enjoy the glow and warmth of our camp fire as our guide shares colorful stories of winter life in Lapland. This 2-hour expedition includes pick-up and return transportation from our resort, thermal Arctic wear for the sleigh ride, and refreshment. The total time out with our reindeers and sleigh is about 1 hour.
Additional Excursions Available from Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
If you wish to book an additional excursion at our resort, here are some of the other guided adventures offered at our Arctic resort., for an additional charge. We do recommend prebooking the below excursions due to availability and popularity—please call us for pricing!
PLEASE NOTE: All excursions are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Aurora Hunting with Huskies: This guided 2-hour excursion features about 60 minutes out in the nighttime forest with your 2-person sled and a team of Huskies. Includes transfers to and from our resort and a warming beverage break.
Snowmobile Safari: This guided adventure combines the thrill of snowmobiling with a chance to revel in the pristine natural beauty of Lapland. Tour includes transfers, thermal Arctic wear and a warming beverage break. Total duration is about 2 hours with at least 45 minutes of riding. We also offer a 4-hour excursion with at least 2.5 hours of snowmobiling.
Meet the Reindeer by Snowmobile: An exciting 90-minute snowmobile ride takes you to the Reindeer Farm to meet and feed these amazing creatures. Transfers, thermal wear and complete instructions for your 2-person snowmobile are included. Total duration is about 3 hours.
Reindeer Safari: This 2-hour excursion takes you into the Arctic wilderness in a reindeer-pulled sleigh, a wonderful way to experience the pristine beauty of Lapland. Transfers, thermal wear and about one hour of sleigh riding are included. Our 4-hour tour includes a 2-hour sleigh ride and a stop for a warming light lunch.
Snow Tank Safaris: Enjoy the view from your enclosed cabin as a snow tank pulls you through the snowy landscapes. Choose from our 3-hour Aurora Hunting nighttime adventure or a 4-hour daylight excursion. Both guided adventures include thermal Arctic wear and a hot beverage.
Conversing With Locals
Finnish is the official language of Finland. Some people in remote locations speak with a dialect but you will also find that almost anyone you encounter will speak English quite well.
The Finns are considered to be cool - a bit quiet and reserved. But they are actually warm, friendly, hospitable and especially honest people once you get to know them and we encourage you to do just that.
Time Zone and Business Hours
The local time in Finland is GMT+2 hours: 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), 8 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (Chicago), 9 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time (Denver) and 10 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (Los Angeles).
Note that Finland also utilizes Daylight Saving Time – referred to as “Summer Time.” During this period (March 27 to October 30) Finland time is GMT+3 hours.
Banks are generally open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday. Shops are generally open from 9:00AM to 6:00PM on weekdays. Open air markets in Helsinki are closed on Sundays. Larger shopping malls as well as some souvenir shops and bookstores in the city have shorter opening hours on the weekends.
Winter in Lapland
Yes, it gets cold in Finland in the winter. Take a look at the climate chart and be aware that these do not factor in wind chill. Even if the thermometer drops below zero here, it does not feel as cold as you might think due to the fresh air and dry continental climate. But cold is no reason to stay indoors – just gear up right (it is all about dressing in layers) and enjoy the outdoors and winter sport activities in the crisp white snow.
Clothing should be comfortable, durable, loose, and layers are key to keep the cold out: warm winter coat, hat, scarf, ski mask, gloves, socks, thermal underwear, waterproof footwear (at least one size larger than your usual size as loose-fitting shoes keep your feet warmer!)
Four steps to fun in cold weather
1. Start with thermal underwear and warm socks
2. If it is -20C (about -4F) or below, wear an additional fleece layer on top of your thermals. Another pair of socks, preferably wooly or thermal, will keep your feet warm.
3. Wear pants with thermal lining. Add a neck warmer or a scarf. Slip into your winter boots.
4. Slip into your winter jacket, put on a warm hat and thermal gloves and zip up. You are good to go!
Important note
Many excursions in Lapland require special equipment to keep you safe and warm. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort will provide you with the necessary equipment for all winter adventure activities including:
- For snowmobiling – thermal clothing, driving gear & helmet
- Equipment for ice fishing
- Blanket for sleigh rides
- Helmet and required equipment for horseback riding (in all seasons)
- Required equipment for bike activities, gold-panning and fishing (summer & fall)
- Safety jackets for canoeing and river-rafting, (summer & fall)
- Towels and woolen socks if you venture for the Smoke Sauna experience with ice pool (winter)
- Nordic skiing with ski instructor includes skiing gear and winter equipment
For hiking, canoeing, river rafting, horseback riding, snowmobiling and other active adventure activities you assume responsibility for your personal safety. Some specific adventure activities such as snowmobiling and ATV activities may require a signed liability waiver. Snowmobile drivers should be at least 18 years old with driving license.
Always consult international weather listings for actual temperatures and weather you may encounter during your journey. Dress right and be prepared to make the most of the outdoor activities no matter the season.
Out and About: Helsinki
While visiting Helsinki, you may want to explore a bit of the local culture including museums and restaurants. See below a short list of popular museums that can easily be accessed using your transportation card.
National Museum of Finland (Closed Mondays)
http://www.kansallismuseo.fi/en/nationalmuseum
Ateneum (Closed Mondays)
http://www.ateneum.fi/?lang=en
Design Museum (Closed Mondays)
http://www.designmuseum.fi/en/
Amos Rex (Closed Tuesdays)
https://amosrex.fi/en/
Also, some great restaurants:
Olo Restaurant
This scandinavian syle restaurant has a Michelin star and purchases their ingredients mainly from small and familiar domestic and Nordic producers.
Tue-Fri 18:00-24:00
Sat 18:00-2400
http://olo-ravintola.fi/en/
Meripaviljonki
Meripaviljonki is a unique restaurant located in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. Floating on the waves of Säästöpankinranta, the restaurant offers panoramic sea views and the best seasonal delicacies. Meripaviljonki specializes in seafood: fish, shellfish and lobster from our very own tank, but the menu does also feature meat and vegetable dishes. On Sundays they offer Meribrunssi, or a Sea Brunch.
Mon-Tue 11:00-22:00
Wed-Fri 11:00-24:00
Sat 14:00-24:00
Sun 11:00-17:00
http://www.ravintolameripaviljonki.fi/?lang=en