Many people think of vacation as an opportunity to do nothing but lounge around with a drink in their hand. But thrill seekers, I know this is not your cup of tea. For those looking for an adventurous and energizing vacation, Finland is a terrific destination for you.
One thing that makes many parts of Finland, such as Lapland, special is that these areas thrive in snow. Snowfall does not block the roads or close the schools. Instead, it creates a vast winter wilderness to explore. Winter adventure activities certainly do not halt because of snowfall!
A trip to Finnish Lapland will quickly prove to you why this winter vacation destination has been described as “epic.” Here you can visit the Lapland Igloo Village, which consists of 15 snow igloos, 15 glass igloos, an ice bar, an ice gallery, an ice chapel, and the world’s largest snow restaurant.
Because of Lapland’s arctic climate, the temperature within the snow igloos can easily drop below freezing. However, you can stay warm and cozy in special thermal-padded sleeping bags.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a warmer night, you can stay in a glass igloo, where you may even have an opportunity to view the Northern Lights right through the ceiling.
The Northern Lights are considered to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world; their swirling, colorful hues in shades of red, green, violet, and yellow fill the sky. Seeing the Northern Lights is a breathtaking experience, and one that is particularly thrilling because, as they are largely weather dependent, there is no 100% guarantee that you will be able to see them. However, the best time of year during which they are most frequently seen is from late November to mid-February.
Now once you’ve spent the night in an igloo (how many people can say they’ve done that?) it’s time to embark on a wilderness adventure. You can try your hand at dog sledding, where a team of beautiful husky dogs will be your companions.
If this doesn’t float you boat, how about a ride in a reindeer sledge instead? This is a great way for you to experience the lifestyle of the indigenous Sami people, whose daily lives traditionally included coastal fishing, fur trapping, sheep herding, and reindeer herding. Reindeer husbandry has been, and still is today, a very important part of Sami livelihood and culture.
Okay, so by now perhaps you’re thinking, “All of this sounds like fun but I’m ready for a real thrill!” Don’t worry, Finland has plenty of other adventures in store for you.
You can find some of the world’s very best ski resorts here, and with the Scandinavian climate most of these have totally natural snow cover. All in all, you’ll find more than 40 gorgeous resorts where you can ski and snowboard.
While in Finland, you can also try your hand at snow shoe trekking and cross-country skiing through the beautiful wilderness. Never driven a snow mobile before? This is a great opportunity to try it! It’s surprisingly easy for beginners, and all you need is a valid driver’s license. Soon you’ll find yourself flying over hills and frozen lakes.
Now obviously you’ll need to pack plenty of warm weather gear for your trip to Finland. But if you’re beginning to think you’ll be chilled the whole time, don’t worry. Finland is very well known for its wonderfully relaxing saunas and hot tubs. So after a day of skiing and snowboarding, you can soak in a soothing hot tub. After a full day of adventures, this is the time to relax with that drink in your hand!
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