Finland Travel Guide
A couple months ago, I took a trip for the first time to Finland and I have to say, the entire experience was INCREDIBLE! To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect… I hadn’t done much research, so when I got the opportunity to visit, I figured why not?! Finland ended up being one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken, my favorite of 2021 in fact and I absolutely want to visit again! I would highly recommend visiting Finland and if it’s not on your bucket list already, then it totally should be! This trip packed so many amazing moments in the short time I was there! I hope this blog post does justice to it! So, I’m recapping everything I did and where I stayed in case you want to plan a trip of a lifetime!
Flights/Transport
We flew Finland Air and the experience was amazing. It was my first time flying Finland Air and wow what a way to travel! The service, food and comfort level was incredible!
Where to Stay
Because this was a PR trip and the goal was to experience as many areas as possible we stayed at quite a few hotels and all where great!
Hotel Haven-The first couple of nights we stayed at Hotel Haven which was super charming and a perfect city center location. Also steps away from the water and gorgeous bridges. Literally walking distance to shopping and restaurants.
In Rovamieni we stayed at at Arctic Treehouse Hotel which was just that - a magical tree house! My god this is such a gorgeous hotel! Truly an experience, nestled in the Lapland forest, very modern minimal suites, floor to ceiling windows, in suite saunas. I was blown away by this hotel. On property they have anything you’d want for a luxury destination from an incredible restaurant Rakas, on site yoga classes, snowshoe-ing, and if you’re lucky you might even catch the northern lights!
On our return back to Helsinki we stayed at Hotel Scandic Grand Central. This was a great location if you want to stay in the more modern part of the capital. Easy walking to plazas, shopping and museums.
Where to Eat
This was probably the most surprising parts of this trip. the FOOD! My god the food! I was a bit apprehensive about the food in Finland because I hadn’t heard great things honestly BUT I was SO impressed! From what I learned, we ate the most incredible meals that where not only delicious but so innovative! Below are a few of the places we ate at and would highly recommend.
Helsinki
Kuurna -my FAVORITE! So small, charming and incredible experience!
Rovaniemi
What to Do
Dog Sledding with Bear Hill Husky
This was such an incredible adventure and something I would have never thought I would do! We went before the snow season but it was still so fun! It was pouring rain and that just added to the adventure! Having grown up in Alaska I was familiar with it but had never had such an up close education. The care and responsibility in how they care for these animals was so beautiful to see. The huskies are so loved, healthy, energetic, they run freely though the forest while also enjoying sled rides. One message that really resonated was that they DO NOT breed for tourists!
Another activity that surprise me was visiting the reindeer farm. These creatures are so magical and beautiful. These farms are family owned and passed down from generation to generation. These animals are gentle, beautiful and awe inspiring. You can feed them and tour the entire5 property, it was kinda like being in a viking movie lol.
Santa Claus Park -This was SO cute! Finland takes Christmas and Santa Claus VERy seriously and making it a magical experience for themselves and families is something they really do! There is an entire magical town underground with restaurants, activities and a fully immersive experience! EVERY Elf is in character the entire time! I’ve never laughed so hard and just wished I could have had my kiddos with us!
Floating Experience -OK this was SO cool! You get into these rubber suits and go out in the middle of an ice cold lake and float in complete darkness looking up at the brightest most incredible stars! It literally feels like you’re floating in outer space!
Steam Room - This is a Finland must do and there are so many opportunities to do so! Most resorts have your own private sauna within your room and most of the homes all have saunas within! It’s part of the culture of the Finnish people, the idea is that you would sauna daily even as a family! It was SO relaxing after a day of activities outdoors and even just to fully relax and get deep sleep. My skin has never felt better!
What to Pack
If you’re visiting Finland in the winter then plan on it being COLD… I mean REALLY cold! I packed a couple pairs of boots which ended up being a life saver - especially a pair of waterproof ones - a total MUST! I'd suggest few coats including a full-length parka, lots of cute henleys to layer under sweaters/sweatshirts, fleece lined tights (IYKYK) I wore these under everything even jeans, and also VESTS! They're my new favorite thing to top off a look and elevate a cold weather outfit! I’d even recommend a waterproof bag in case it’s snowing which is highly likely - pretty much prepare for a winter snow ski trip - make it apres ski of course though!
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