This 7-day Finnish vacation takes you to the northern landscapes of Finnish Lapland to ring in the New Year.
Your Finland vacation begins in Saariselka, located in the far north of Finnish Lapland. As the northernmost travel destination in the country, Saariselka is all about experiencing genuine life in the north. You’ll drive through a landscape of snow-covered forests under the clear northern skies. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the Northern Lights dance across the sky as you enjoy a traditional Lappish dinner. On your first full day in the north, you’ll head on a walk through the winter woods of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Ride a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and heat up in the Finnish sauna. At day’s end, you’ll venture into the forest to experience the magic of the landscape. Continue to Sinetta, where you’ll meet traditional Sami farmers and learn how to throw a Suopunki, a Sami lasso. Spend the night at Kakslauttanen, the world’s foremost arctic resort, where you’ll sleep in a glass igloo with incredible views of the Northern Lights through the skylight.
From Kakslauttanen, head for Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus and capital of Lapland. Once here, you’ll visit a Husky farm to learn about the training of these incredible Arctic dogs and enjoy an outdoor lunch at a campfire before visiting the Santa Claus Village, home to Santa and his workshop, on New Year’s Eve. That evening before the clock strikes midnight, visit the border of the Arctic Circle and join the outdoor party, complete with disco balls, fireworks, and the presence of mysterious shamans, to ring in the New Year. The next day, start the New Year off by heading to Kemi for an unforgettable winter adventure. Ride an icebreaker as it breaks through the ice of the Gulf of Bothnia before daring the waters with an ice swim. That evening, enjoy a three-course meal on board before returning to Rovaniemi. The next day, head to the airport to return home.
