Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Lapland Finland

EXPERIENCES

Fantastic Finland’s Cities, Culture, and Lakes

Finland is a place of pristine lakes, extensive archipelagos, and a wildlife-rich northern region that stretches into the snowy embrace of the Arctic Circle. This often-overlooked Scandinavian treasure, and its sophisticated capital of Helsinki, is a fantastic place to explore, especially for those who love the challenge of the outdoors.

When to go

Dec-Apr, Jun-Aug

From price

$11,500 pp*

Ideal length

5 nights

Experience Highlights

See Helsinki’s design culture & archipelago
Discover Europe’s largest lake district

Eat at the world’s most northerly medieval castle
Meet a Sami Shaman

HELSINKI & LAKELAND

Start your Finnish adventure in the seaside capital of Helsinki. In its historic streets, you’ll find a stunning art and design culture amid its boutiques and thriving galleries. You’ll take it in alongside an expert guide who will show you its highlights—such as the Ateneum Art Museum, the gardens at Tavlipuutarha—while you wander its elegant lanes.

From the coast, you can look out across Helsinki’s archipelago—the world’s largest, and also the country’s sunniest region. Glide into the sea on a kayak and explore the islands, strolling along sandy beaches, eating fresh seafood at island restaurants, and slipping into the archipelago pace of life.

On to Lakeland next, Europe’s largest lake district—a vast wilderness of still water, quiet forests, and fabulous Finnish restaurants. This landscape—natural, clean, serene—is a touchstone for the Finnish identity. Explore it in all its aspects: hike the trails, wild swim in its lakes, and navigate a canoe to stunning viewpoints.

Come evening, enjoy a stunning dining experience at Tertti Manor—you’ll tour the kitchen gardens, and discover the planting and cultivating techniques of this restaurant/farm, before relishing the flavorsome results.

OLAVINLINNA CASTLE & FINNISH LAPLAND

Your next destination is Savonlinna, a lovely lakeside small city overlooking Lake Saimaa. Immerse yourself in the city’s engaging atmosphere and try fresh cloudberries at local markets, sip luxurious hot chocolate at open-air cafes, and absorb its impressive culture and heritage.

However, it doesn’t get much more impressive than Olavinlinna—the world’s most northerly medieval castle and a delightful setting for lunch. Afterward, explore the network of lakes in an authentic steamship, spotting Saimaa ringed seals in the untouched wilderness as you enjoy a private-chef-prepared meal onboard.

From the glimmer of water to the gleam of snow as you transfer by plane to Finnish Lapland—emerald green in the warmer months before transforming into a silvery-white winter wonderland, home to elk, brown bears, and wolves.

Meet another long-term resident—the hardy and ingenious Sami reindeer herders. At a hut in the wilderness, you’ll receive a rare opportunity to experience a traditional welcome from a Shaman and learn about the Sami culture and history. He’ll perform a traditional song as you have refreshments.

Take control of a sled drawn by a team of yapping huskies and carve a path through the untouched snow, skimming along beside frozen lakes. You’ll join a snow rally, with a Pelorus-negotiated opportunity to co-drive alongside professional drivers. On an ice track, experience the heart-pumping thrill of the race.

Your next mode of transportation is a snowmobile which you’ll navigate to the edge of a frozen lake. Here, an expert guide will share the traditional Lappish method of ice-fishing: drilling the ice, preparing the rod, before sitting down and contemplating the depths.

Your full and fascinating day ends at a traditional smoke sauna secluded in a private location in the wilderness. Feel the heat and steam sink into your skin before a bracing cool off in freezing waters and a dash back into the enveloping warmth.

* Prices depend on level of experiences and accommodation. This is based on 2 adults and 2 children traveling for 5 nights excluding international flights.