There are, of course, all sorts of reasons for choosing winter holiday destination. VisitFinland has put together the top five reasons to inspire you to visit Finland this winter!
1. Christmas and Santa Claus
Everyone! knows that Santa Claus lives at the Article Circle in Finnish Lapland. You have the opportunity to visit him, even at his busiest time of year as he prepares sacks full of toys for children across the world. Imagine the magic as you and your children find Santa’s home amid the silent snowfall and winter twilight! Smiles and laughter linger over a festive banquet, and you’re likely to stare wide-eyed in amazement at the sheer variety of tasty treats that make up a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner. Carols and Christmas songs sung around the lively fire will complete the picture of a perfect winter family break.
2. Ski centres
If you’re looking for an entirely different kind of winter holiday, Finland’s ski resorts are sure to offer exactly what you’re looking for. With snow guarantees throughout the winter in the north, you’ll find a wide variety of slopes to suit all standards of skier, as well as brilliant opportunities to try something different (for example, what about a telemark lesson, or some freestyle skiing, or a day of snowboarding?).
Skiing in Finland is great value for money. Lift queues are just about unheard of (even in the peak holiday seasons), many slopes are floodlit to ensure you can ski even during the darker times of midwinter, and drink/snack prices at the slopeside restaurants are typically lower than you’ll find on some of the mountains of the Alps. Choose from ski centres right across the country. Some appeal to the adventurous individual, others offer the perfect fit for a dream family holiday.
3. Adventures beyond the ski slope
A winter adventure in Finland means much more than a ski holiday. The variety of activities is truly amazing. For example, climb aboard your very own snowmobile for an electrifying adrenaline-filled experience. Take the fast track across a frozen lake, or negotiate your way skilfully through the bumps and twists of a forest track groomed especially for snowmobiles.
Imagine a ride through silent, snow-covered wilds on a husky sled. Kitted out in thermal suit and footwear, you can spend an hour or longer with a husky team. You’ll be amazed at the endurance and speed the team of dogs can manage.
But that’s not all. How about a cruise on an ice-breaking ship in the northern Gulf of Bothnia? Or a skating party, reindeer ride, or kick-sledding expedition? You can choose a snow-shoeing journey across the deep, crunchy snow or drill a hole in the ice and dip your fishing lure below to see if you can catch your supper.
4. Nature’s spectacle
The beauty of the Finnish nature is all around you to behold. Now look up and – if you’re in luck – you may catch a glimpse of Mother Nature’s very own firework display in the Northern skies above your head. A sighting of the Aurora Borealis – or Northern Lights – is believed by some to bring good fortune and blessing. The Finns have a beautiful name for this phenomenen: ‘revontulet’ literally means ‘fox fire’. And if you are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse, then it’s easy to imagine the tail of a fox sweeping at speed through the heavens.
5. Cool hotel, warm welcome
In some resorts and towns of northern Finland, you’ll have the opportunity to spend the night in an igloo or snow hotel. Each winter these creations offer the perfect setting for a romantic night, even if the temperature is around 4 degrees below! There are plenty of ways to keep the cold out, though! Reindeer skins provide highly efficient insulation, and maybe a shared tot of vodka to make the experience that bit more memorable, too
Book your winter break with your Australian tour specialist to Finnish Lapland now and save dollars. Various magical and exciting Christmas and winter tours to Finnish Lapland are now available please check details www.visitfinland.com/au.
For more information on Winter and Christmas tours to Finland please visit www.visitfinland.com/au
