Finland
Finland has it all – snowy winters, pleasantly warm summers and colorful spring and autumn. Lapland is the most snow guaranteed place in the Europe. Not only the climate but also Finns are considered to be cool – a bit quiet and reserved. But they are actually warm, friendly and hospitable.

Although socially and economically it is in the vanguard of nations, parts of the country remain gloriously remote; with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east, like Lemmenjoki National Park and Oulanka National Park.

Then, there are the endless days of summer and the endless nights of winter. Winter, too, has a special charm here. Catch the aurora borealis after your wood-fired sauna and you'll feel blessed by the universe.
Holiday Options
Hotels/Packages
Escorted Tours
Rail Travel
Cruises
Sightseeing
Honeymoon
Hotels/Packages

There’s so much to see and experience that it can get quite confusing! To make things easier, here are a host of accommodation options, day tours, excursions and short duration packages that will help you discover hidden treasures and best value deals!

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Escorted Tours

The best and easiest way to see the highlights is on an escorted tour, where all your travel, accommodation and sightseeing arrangements are well taken care of. A knowledgeable local guide brings history and culture to life as you travel in the comfort of your deluxe coach.

Please check with us for promotional/seasonal offers


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Rail Travel

Trail travel lets you get a taste of local life, besides being convenient, fast and economical. Watch the breathtaking scenery go by, stop at places that take your fancy and travel from city centre to city centre. Rail passes often offer savings on entrance fees to monuments, mountain railway tickets and more.

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Cruises

For sheer luxury and convenience, nothing can beat a cruise holiday. There’s no unpacking and repacking, no hopping from hotel to hotel, no waits at airports. You travel in style in a floating hotel that takes you from one interesting port to another, offers you fine dining and lots of exciting entertainment on board!

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Sightseeing

There’s so many things to do and see that you’ll never have enough time to do them all. Take a look at our recommended sightseeing options, plan your trip around them and enjoy the thrill of discovery!

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  • Helsinki
    Helsinki City Tour
    • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Overview: This city sightseeing tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre, where you will see sights such as the Uspenski Cathedral and Esplandi Linear Park, the diplomatic quarters, where you will see, Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Also make a stop at the Sibelius Monument and at Temppeliaukio Church.
  • Helsinki Card
    • Duration: 24 hours/48 hours/ 36 hours Overview: Helsinki Card is a city card offering you an easy way to discover the major sights all year around. Helsinki Card holders get free unlimited travel in public transport in Helsinki, free entries to sights and museums, free city tour (worth 26 €) and dozens of discounts.
  • Sea Life
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: An adventurous learning experience which awakens the desire to protect seas and animals. Experience the wonders of underwater miracles. journey from tropical seas to the depths of the Baltic, encountering hundreds of astonishing creatures along the way. Native, freshwater fish are also on display. See over 40 interesting aquariums. There are among others, 10 different shark species, and colorful fish of coral reefs, rays, jelly fish, sea horses and more. There are nearly 200 species in the exhibition. All are housed in spacious hi-tech' displays, including a mighty 250 m3 ocean tank complete with a transparent walkthrough underwater tunnel, which is unique in Finland. See the herring ring which is a 20 cubic meter round aquarium designed for herring shoals. Visitors can walk inside the ring.
  • Sibelius Park
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: At lovely Sibelius Park you'll find a steel monument to the great Finnish composer. The organ like cluster of steel pipes is said to represent the forest.

      This kinetic modern sculpture was created by artist Eila Hiltunen in 1967 to honor Finland's most famous composer, Jean Sibelius. Born in 1865 in Hämeenlinna, Sibelius wrote music for the glorification of his own people and in defiance of the oppressor, Russia. His most famous composition, Finlandia, came to represent Finnish patriotism and pride.

      Hiltunen's innovative abstract structure was designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Appropriately for a monument to a composer, the sculpture creates its own music - the hollow stainless-steel pipes echo with the movement of the wind.
  • The Ice Park
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: The Ice Park is in central Helsinki, right next to the Helsinki Central Railway Station. The ice rink opens each year in late November and remains open until March (depending on the weather in Finland at the time). The Ice Park is open daily throughout the winter, starting at 10 am until at 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.)

      This popular ice skating rink attracts thousands of visitors annually. The admission price for ice skating here is EUR 4 for adults and EUR 2 if you're under 18 or have a student ID. You can bring your own ice-skates or rent them. There are even ice skating classes and a nice cafe on the premises.
  • Moomin World
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: Moomin World is in Naantali on the south-west coast of Finland, about 16 kilometers from Turku and 180 kilometers from Helsinki. The best way to get there is by boat. Naantali's beautiful visitor's marina is very close to Moomin World. It is based on the Moomin stories created by the Finnish-Swedish author and illustrator Tove Jansson. The theme park was founded from the Moomin cartoon producer Dennis Livson's initiative to create experiences for children and their families. The park's aim is to implement Moomin philosophy: family unity, non-violence, friendliness, environmental awareness, safety and adventure, as well as values promoting parenting.
  • Suomenlinna Island and Fortress
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: Situated on a group of islands off Helsinki, Suomenlinna was built during the Swedish era as a maritime fortress and a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Work on the fortress began in the mid-18th century. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions.
  • Cycle the archipelago
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: The Åland islands are quite small, making biking distances manageable for all. Hop from island to island on ferries, and put up your tent on any of the numerous campsites. Get to the archipelago and back by taking a cruise ship from Helsinki or Turku. Or follow the inland waterways and farm landscapes, stopping at some of the country's best attractions along the way.
  • Porvoo Tour
    • Duration: 4 hours Overview: This half day tour takes you to the second oldest town in Finland, is about 50 km from Helsinki. Historical Porvoo is a charming little town with well-preserved wooden houses. The tour includes the Porvoo Old Church, Town Hall Square, the home museum of a Finnish national poet.
  • Three course lunch or dinner at Kahvila Suomi
    • Duration: 2 hours Overview: Enjoy lunch or dinner with homemade food and friendly service at Kahvila Suomi (Cafe Finland). Experience a traditional Finnish family dining atmosphere. The restaurant was used as a location for the Japanese cult movie "The Seagull”. The three course lunch menu includes: * Soup of the Day * Pork Escalope * Cinnamon Roll * One cup of coffee or tea.
  • Lakeland
    • Duration: 2 nights/3 days minimum Overview: There appears to be more water than land in the country's south-east Lake District. During summer, the horizon seems to be one vast glinting mirror – truly breathtaking. This is the largest Lake District in Europe and a fisherman's paradise. Roads are good and even in five or six days, a great deal of Finland's Lakeland can be experienced.
  • Lapland - Rovaniemi
    Santa Claus Safari - Rovaniemi
    • Duration: 6 hours Overview: Visit the Arctic Circle where you meet Mr. Santa Claus himself. Do some shopping in the Santa Claus Village. Then enjoy lunch which your guide will prepare by an open fire; you can assist with cooking if you want! After lunch take a refreshing trip on a traditional riverboat along the Rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki. Visit a local reindeer farm, where you can learn the secrets of rearing reindeer. You will also participate in the ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Return by boat back to town.
  • Riverboat Cruise to the Reindeer Farm
    • Duration: 1 hours Overview: Embark on a traditional boat cruise along the lumberjack's floating route. Experience the summer at the Arctic Circle and learn about reindeer herding on your visit to the Reindeer cottage. Enjoy a cup of coffee and participate in the crossing of the Arctic Circle.
  • Husky Farm
    • Duration: 2 hours Overview: After a short drive arrive at a local homestead where you are greeted by huskies. Also known as sled dogs, huskies are very friendly and sociable. Go on an hour long hike in the woods with your local guide and the dogs. Return to the homestead for a snack and a cup of coffee and get to know more about local life and the huskies. Drive down to the city.
  • Sampo tour including Snow Castle visit
    • Duration: 8 hours Overview: At the meeting point in Rovaniemi, Aalonkatu, (09:45 or 08:45 Jan 30-April 8), a coach will pick you up and take you to Kemi, a northern town lying at the gateway of Finnish Lapland on the shores of the Arctic Gulf of Bothnia. Start off with a visit to Snow Castle (after Jan 30) which is a true showcase of architectonic snow-work made by local constructors. It attracts many visitors every winter. At 12.00 board the arctic icebreaker Sampo which is a fascinating base for those wishing to travel the frozen seas. Light meal will be served on board. Transfer back to Rovaniemi at 16:00.
  • Ranau Wildlife Park
    • Duration: At your own pace Overview: Rauna Wild Park is located about 1 hour away from Rovaniemi. It offers tourists and nearby inhabitants the opportunity to observe arctic animals throughout the year, in an as authentic environment for the animals as possible. The park is open every day of the year, and the changing seasons bring their own additional dimension to the life in the park. Safari services are also available. The park animals consist of approximately 50 wild animal species. In the summer, there is also a domestic animal park in the park grounds.
  • Artikum
    • Duration: At your own pace Overview: 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, conference house as well as an architectural sight in its own right.

      In the Provincial Museum’s permanent exhibition THE NORTHERN WAYS you will find out about the life and mythology e.g. of the moose and bear and you will also hear the sounds of the Lappish animals. The exhibition presents Sámi culture, with its costumes and languages, and small-scale models of Rovaniemi from 1939 and 1944. The exhibition traverses from prehistory to the present day.

      THE ARCTIC IN CHANGE exhibition by the Arctic Centre offers the visitors a journey through the Arctic world today. The exhibition promotes the natural beauty and the cultural richness of the Arctic, while it informs visitors about the ongoing rapid social and environmental changes occurring in the fragile Arctic. Visitors can also experience the coldness in a stylish cold room and lie down in the northern lights theatre.
  • The Arctic Circle
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: Santa Claus’ office is right near the Arctic Circle, an imaginary line above which the sun never sets in summer for at least one night of the year. This is offset by the winter darkness known as kaamos, when the Northern Lights dancing in the sky are most brilliant of all.

      The Northern Lights are caused by particles discharged by the sun as they enter the atmosphere. But according to ancient belief, they are caused by a fox’s tail brushing the mountain snows. Hence their Finnish name, “Fox Flames”.

      You cannot see the Arctic Circle. Its location at 66° 32’ 35’’ is also recognized as the border between the hectic and non-hectic world. Anyone crossing it is filled with a sense of calm and forgets the busy world he or she has come from. What better place could there be for a meeting with Santa Claus?
  • Aurora Hunting by Panorama Bus
    • Duration: please check with us for details. Overview: Sky Panorama Bus is the only bus in Finland that is equipped with a panoramic skylight. It is ideal for observing the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in winter and for admiring summertime for skyscapes under the midnight sun.

      The bus is available for charter throughout the year. Possible applications include, but not limited to Lapland sightseeing, Aurora Borealis hunting tour, airport transfer and excursions to Nordkapp and Russia.
  • Siida Museum
    • Duration: at your own pace Overview: The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Europe. Get an invaluable experience to learn about them and their rich culture. Drive via Ivalo to the beautiful Lake Inari, a holy place for the Sami people. From the Inari harbor enjoy a cruise on the lake with a first stop at Leviä Petäjäsaari, the Paradise Island, where you will be served a picnic lunch. The next stop is the holy place for Sami people, called Ukonkivi, located on Ukonsaari island. Head back to the Inari village, to visit Siida, a Sami museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre. The museum exhibits show how people have adapted to the extreme conditions of Lapland. Wonderful photographs, videos, dioramas, soundscapes and original artefacts guide you through a journey into the past.
  • Kemi
    Sampo Icebreaker Cruise
    • Duration: 4 hours Overview: The mighty Icebreaker Sampo operates on the northern Gulf of Bothnia out of Kemi. After serving for 30 years in demanding Arctic waters the vessel has been given a new, more fascinating task – to give an unforgettable winter adventure experience.

      Once on board the Icebreaker, see a presentation of the ship followed by a guided tour of the massive engine room and the bridge. A delicious lunch is served in the ship’s cosy Sampo Arctic Restaurant. Before returning to the port, the ship will make a one hour stop to enable you to take a swim in the sea, comfortably dressed in a warm survival suit. At the end of the unique cruise experience, the ship’s Captain will present you with a certificate.
  • Snowmobile - Sampo Icebreaker Cruises – Safari
    • Duration: Full day Overview: The guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the safari house. After changing into safari equipment, the journey towards the arctic icebreaker begins. Board the Icebreaker Sampo in the middle of the frozen sea.

      Once on board the Icebreaker, see a presentation of the ship and enjoy a guided tour of the massive engine room and the bridge. A delicious lunch is served in the ship’s cozy Sampo Arctic Restaurant. Before returning to the port, the ship will make a one hour stop to enable you to take a swim in the sea, comfortably dressed in a warm survival suit. At the end of the unique cruise experience, the ship’s Captain presents you with a certificate.

      After the stop for swimming, the snowmobile safari continues for a coffee break and a ride in a reindeer sledge at Laplander’s hut where you receive a reindeer driver’s license. Drive your snowmobile back to the safari house.
  • SnowCastle
    • Duration: At your own pace Overview: The SnowCastle of Kemi by the Gulf of Bothnia in Finland is a source of great pride as well as a true showcase of architectonic snow-work of the local constructors. Every winter the SnowCastle offers wonderful experiences for both children and adults alike. Great light-effects add to the charm of snow and ice sculpting as well as to the structures around the SnowCastle.

      Building of the SnowCastle 2012 starts in December and it takes appr. 5 weeks to build the whole entity. Natural snow is too soft, and therefore, the snow is made from sea water by using snow pipes. The SnowCastle 2012 opens on January 28th and ends on 9th April, 2012. It is open daily from 10am to 7pm
  • Snow Restaurant
    • Duration: Between 10am and 7pm Overview: The SnowRestaurant is open daily from 29.1. for visitors of the SnowCastle. At the IceBar you can enjoy both hot and cold drinks as well as eat little bites of sweet or something light and salty. If you wish to enjoy a delicious meal (lunch or dinner) at the ice-table, reservations must always be made in advance.

      The temperature in the Restaurant is always about -5 degrees Celsius and we do recommend you to dress warmly, f. ex. in quilted / thermal overalls and thick-soled warm shoes. Also, gloves and a cap are necessary.

      Lunch is served at 12 noon and at 2 pm. Dinner is served at 7 pm. (Reservations must be made in advance). Outside opening hours the SnowRestaurant can be reserved privately.
  • Snow Chapel
    • Duration: At your own pace Overview: Over its history of ten years the SnowChapel has become a long-time favourite for the visitors of the SnowCastle; it is a good place to quiet one’s mind and calm down. The Chapel is ecumenical and is available for all church-groups. You can arrange wedding-, christening- or other church-related events there.

      Over the years dozens of couples from around the world have had their wedding in the SnowChapel. Many visitors have left with warm memories from the SnowChapel. There are hundred seats in the Chapel.
  • Midnight Sun Experience
    Midnight Sun Experience
    • Duration: 6 hours Overview: Experience an night less night on this trip. Begin your trip with a cruise down the River Kemijoki in the traditional long and open river boat. Enjoy local dinner, prepared by your guide, amidst nature. Drive to the top of the Ounasvaara hill to see the magic that is the sun shining bright at midnight. Toast this unique phenomenon of nature with a glass of a sparkling wine. Return to your hotel.
  • Kemi Gemstone Gallery
    • Duration: At your own pace between 9am to 4pm. Overview: Kemi Gemstome Gallery’s exhibition, which includes three thousand gems, is one of the largest in Europe. The display includes also the genuine Royal Crown of the King of Finland and exact copies of some of the Europe’s most famous crown jewels. The rarest stones are collected from all over the world, from Arizona to Brazil, from China to Finland. During a pre-booked tour, the guide will tell fascinating stories about the magical powers of the stones and lead the group to the second floor where kings and queens reveal their tales.
Honeymoon

Let’s face it, a honeymoon is a once in a life time event that will leave you with romantic memories to last forever. We offer you some great honeymoon options and experiences that will be truly unforgettable!

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Information
Capital: Helsinki
Official Languages:
Finnish, Swedish
Government: Semi-Presidential Republic
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: +2 GMT. (3 ½ hours behind India) Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Finland, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour;so +3 GMT.
Telephone Calling Code: 00358
When to Visit
Best time to visit: July temperatures average 13 to 17°C. February is usually Finland's coldest month, with temperatures averaging from 22 to -3°C.
In Northern Finland, winter temperatures are 30°C to -50°C and it is snowbound from October to April. Northern Finland lies in the Land of the Midnight Sun and so has continuous daylight during part of the summer. The winter night sky here often becomes enriched with brilliant displays of the aurora borealis or Northern Lights.
Southern Finland never has continuous daylight, though it averages 19 hours of daylight a day in midsummer. Snow covers the ground in southern Finland from December to April.
What to Eat and Drink
Finnish food has been influenced by both climate and its location between Sweden and Russia.
What to eat and drink

Fish: Salmon, zander, herring, perch, char above all is a staple and delicious whether eaten fresh or smoked/pickled accompanied by dark rye bread
Typical meat dishes: Include meatballs; reindeer and elk meat are also eaten
Pulla: A sweet cardamom-flavored bun and the traditional accompaniment to coffee
Poronkäristys: Sauteed reindeer traditionally eaten by the Sámi who are the descendants of the original inhabitants
Lakka:  The Arctic cloudberry, a real treat with creamy texture offset by tart acidity
Kalakukko: A thick rye loaf stuffed with tiny lake fish, a specialty of Kuopi
Karjalanpiirakka: A savoury pastry of rye flour stuffed with rice pudding and eaten with egg butter
Koskenkorva: A vodka-style spirit. Salty liquorice sweets are often added to make salmiakkikossu
Berry liqueurs:  Mesimarja (arctic bramble), Lakka (cloudberry) and Polar (cranberry)
Finnish beer Is of a high quality and graded according to alcohol content
What to Buy
Traditional buys:  Finnish
Puukko knives, hand woven Ryijy rugs and every conceivable part of a reindeer. For any Lappish handicrafts, look for the "Sámi Duodji" label that certifies it as authentic.
Popular brands for modern (or timeless) Finnish design: Marimekko clothing, Iittala glass, Arabia ceramics, Kalevala Koru jewelry, Pentik interior design, Artek furniture by renowned architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Kids and not a few adults love Moomin characters which fill up souvenir store shelves throughout the country.