Discovering the Magic of Finland
Travel Edge Designer Laura Gable shares her wintery adventures in Lapland and Helsinki.
Words by: Julie Xie
Photos by: Kate Richardson
Our journey to Finland began with a Business Class flight on Finnair. I had the chance to experience both Business Class on the way to Finland and their Premium Economy Class on the flight home. Surprisingly, I found myself preferring the Premium Economy experience. The seats were roomier and more comfortable than I had expected, while in contrast, Business Class left something to be desired, with limited space and seats that didn't recline smoothly. That being said, I would still recommend Finnair's Business Class for red-eye flights to Finland, while Premium Economy is a perfect choice for daytime flights, offering extra comfort without the high cost of Business Class. The food onboard was delightful, introducing us to Finnish cuisine with delicious fresh salmon, green beans, and a unique blueberry juice. We even enjoyed some of Finland's specialty candies, including chocolate-covered licorice.
Touching down in the magical wintry landscape of Lapland, we bundled up in snow jumpsuits, boots, and mittens to brave the chilly 2 degrees Celsius temperatures. With all our layers, the cold was quite manageable. Our itinerary was packed with thrilling activities: driving dogsleds pulled by huskies, snowmobiling on a frozen lake, and hours of snowshoeing (pro tip: stay on the trail to avoid ending up in waist-deep snow). Halfway through our snowshoeing adventure, we warmed up by a fire inside a teepee and were greeted by none other than Santa himself. Later, we took a reindeer sleigh ride through the scenic woodlands and enjoyed feeding these gentle creatures (they love to eat moss and mushrooms). I found our activities in Lapland very enriching and think it’s an incredible destination deserving of more attention.
Saunas are a major part of Finnish culture, found everywhere from shared facilities to private ones in our hotel rooms. The Finns enjoy sweating it out in a sauna, followed by a dip in a frigid lake, an ice hole, or even a roll in the snowbank - a natural ice bath, reportedly great for circulation, but hard to take the plunge if you're not used to it.
Prior to my arrival, I had heard about Finland's ice hotels, but I was amazed by the variety of accommodations, especially in Lapland. We stayed in a range of lodges, most of which were 4½ stars or lower, from cozy log cabins to lodges with glass roofs designed for watching the Northern Lights. The prices were reasonable, catering to different luxury levels and travel styles. The Star Arctic Hotel, our first night's stay, was a favorite among our group. It featured giant glass windows and special touches like furs on the bed and saunas in the bathroom, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The food in Finland was nothing short of spectacular. We enjoyed reindeer meat all four nights in Lapland, prepared charred and extra smoky, garnished with pine needles, and served with mushrooms and lingonberry sauce. It tasted like filet mignon without the gaminess you would usually find in venison. We also indulged in freshly smoked salmon, perch, and pike. Surprisingly, Finland offers an abundance of lactose-free milks and butters, with regular milk and cream not even available - a blessing for lactose intolerant travelers.
Our next stop was Helsinki, where we stayed at the charming boutique Hotel Maria. Unlike some of the more well-known luxury hotels in Helsinki, such as Hotel Kämp and Hotel St. George, Hotel Maria is still somewhat under the radar. However, with its recent beautiful renovation, I'm sure it will soon be in the ranks of its 5-star counterparts. I found the city of Helsinki's public infrastructure particularly impressive, especially the resources available to everyone. Take, for example, the remarkable library that offered so much more than books, including a 3D printer and a recording studio open to all. It also serves as a community space for mothers to spend quality time with their babies, a wonderful amenity to take advantage of during Finland's generous two-year paid maternity leave.
I wholeheartedly recommend Finland to clients who love the outdoors, from young adults keen on hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, to families seeking a magical encounter with Santa, or anyone wishing to soak in the untouched beauty of the Finnish wilderness. Visit from December through March for a chance to see the Northern Lights. I personally can't wait to return in the summer to experience the hunting and fishing season and witness the epic Midnight Sun.