Helsinki and Lapland Finland
The Finns love Christmas, After all, Santa’s home is in village just south of Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland. By early December,holiday sight,sound,and aromas fill the land:the excited children catching a glimpse of Santa,sausages and herring sizzling over glowing coals.Even nature seems to enjoy the season,painting the night sky with colorful Northern Lights.between visiting Santa’s workshop,meeting real reindeer,and getting sneak peak of Christmas toys in the markets, its sensory overload for kids.Add real fortress to explore, a zoo with snow leopards,ice skating,skiing, and husky safari.Child’s winter dream come true.
Shoppers will also find nirvana.Holiday handicraft markets are filled with awesome woodcarvings,dolls,candles,wooden toys and puzzles,fur hats,blown glassware,straw reindeer.Little red woolen elves perch everywhere.
It’s not just X-mas:the Finns love winter too. They brag about it,revel in it, and invite world to join them on frozen ponds,ski slopes and trails.They make winter so much fun that it’s irresistible invitation.
Getting there:
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. International flight arrive into Vantaa international Airport, 25 minutes from city center.Rovaniemii, in Finish Lapland, is 834 km North of Helsinki and can be reached by 11h train or short flight.
Things to do:
Get your bearing in Helsinki by exploring the small area that wraps around the harbor.
Take boat to Suomenlinna Island,one of the world’s largest sea fortresses.
Visit Russian Uspensky Cathedral,and spend the evening shopping in Esplanadi market
Fly to Rovaniemii, meet Santa and his reindeer at Santa’s Village and earn your Reindeer Driving License.
Join dog sledding safari into remote forest,with a traditional fire-grilled lunch in a Sami tent.
Spend the day skiing in beautiful rolling fells at Kittila or Levi.
Hotel Accommodations:
Cheap Hotels in Helsinki
Hotel deals in Rovaniemi
Finland Travel Tips:
Don’t be afraid to ask strangers directions, almost everyone speaks English.
Helsinki has extensive system of underground passages, connecting metro stations,department stores, and entire subterranean shopping arcades.
Experience a sauna at least once.These will never be mixed-sex except when shared by families.
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