Getting there & when to go
Scandinavia has temperature climate of four very distinct seasons.
Summer (Jun- Aug): Brings long, warm days and noticeably short nights. Closer to the Artic circle you will experiences the midnight sun.
Autumn (Sep -Nov): Crisp days and magical and dazzling colours. Frosts will start to be visual as the northern lights season begins.
Winter (Dec- Jan): Shorter days, cold conditions and snow. Winter is the best time to see the Northern lights in Finland, Sweden and Norway.
Spring (Mar- May): Days are longer and the temperature is warmer. The snow melts, spring brings the blossoming of flowers and nature back to life.
Language, Currency & Timezone
Finnish, Euro, 8 hours behind AEST
How to get there
Finnair fly from Australia to Helsinki (Vantaa airport) via over 17 Asian gateways, more popular routings being Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan flying with Qantas, JL, Cathay and Singapore Airlines. Allowable stops in both direction gives the flexibility to incorporate a stopover package. Find out more about Finnair here.
If your budget can extend to business class, I personally can highly recommend. The comfort of fully flat bed, signature menus, noise cancelling headphones, Marimekko amenity kit and one world lounges all part of the inclusive experience.
Kristie in Business Class
Finland Highlights
Finland is a perfect destination for connecting with nature. Extending over the remote reaches of the country’s north, Finnish Lapland offers adventure, outstanding natural beauty, indigenous culture, immersive, unique and a mesmerizing - spellbinding light show from mother nature; Aurora Borealis. The Aurora Borealis (aka Northern lights) is a perennial bucket-list topper.
Helsinki
The sustainable capital city of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city, surrounded by beautiful natural islands and great urban greenery. This city bursts with unique, dynamic style! It is an easily accessible city, flanked by fabulous architecture, modern design, history, art and cafés. The close proximity makes it easy to connect into Russia and the Baltics states with a quick ferry ride and day trip accessible to Tallinn, Estonia.
Things to do and see in Helsinki:
- Visit the unique rock church and famous Uspenskin Cathedral
- Take a short ferry to the Fortress of Suomenlinna a UNESCO heritage listed site
- Hop on a tram and explore the city taking in all the scenery
- Head to Stockmanns department store as well as the famous Finnish designer store Marimekko
- Check out the Old Market Hall for authentic Finnish food and delicacies for lunch
- Visit Sibelius Monument & park, taking in the lovely view of the Baltic Sea- Gulf of Finland
- Tallin Day trip- 2.5 hours by ferry
Explore other parts of beautiful Finland: Rovaniemmi, Saariselka, Ivalo, Inari
Heading north from Helsinki into the Arctic Circle there are many unique activities to experience. You can explore your way throughout this diverse country, with stunning natural beauty, rich in culture and exceptional immersive destination. I found this country left me with so many moments and memories, inclusive of unique and immersive experiences, captivating scenery, fascinating learning and a truly unforgettable journey!
Suggested experiences to explore in Lapland:
- Visit to Santa Claus’s village and have your photo taken with the man himself
- Visit the husky farm and take a husky ride
- Experience a reindeer sleigh ride and feed these beautiful creatures
- Try capturing the perfect picture of the Northern Lights
- Try your luck at ice fishing, snow walking or skiing
- Ride a snow mobile
- Visit the SIIDA museum in Inari
Kristie in Santa Claus' Village
Learn and discover more about the traditional Saami Culture
The Saami people believe the Northern Lights emanate from the souls of the dead and would traditionally refuse to venture outside when the aurora was in the sky. Even now, few will whistle during a display for fear they will be noticed and snatched by their ancestors. They call the phenomenon ‘guovssahas’ meaning ‘the lights you can hear’, as they sometimes make a popping and crackling sound like static electricity.
Explore the Northern Lights
A natural phenomenon with the chance of sightings between Sep- Mar (no guarantees, the colder the better)
Exploring your way around this country can be unique to your way and the variety of ready-made, tailor made, independent or escorted small groups are all possible. Suggested group experience: Chasing the lights. This small group departure travels Helsinki to Bergen and runs each year from Sep- Mar. For more information click here