Finland

Currently we focus on Finnish Lapland as a winter break destination but we also offer a special summer trip, brown bear watching in eastern Finland, close to the Russian border. Our winter trips are set within, and just below, the Arctic Circle, where the best snow conditions are usually from January to April. During the day, experience an exhilarating range of snow-based activities and end the day settled by a crackling log fire, admiring the scenery or possibly, spellbound by the northern lights.

Winter in Finland 
There is something about the snow in Finland that makes you wonder if the locals sneak out at night and spray it with a coat of brilliant white paint – it really does seem that dazzling. Not only that, with trees laden with the stuff, they bend under the weight into curious shapes creating a unique snowscape. It is within this wonderful scenery that you’ll find a variety of cabins to give you a genuine slice of life, Finnish-style. And it's not just cabins that we offer...

Our Cabins
The Finnish log cabin comes in many shapes and forms, with the concept reaching far back in history when remote countryside cabins were used by nomadic hunters and fishermen. Thankfully today, the tradition has moved on and these cabins, still built in a time-honored fashion using native pine, are used by holidaymakers who enjoy the authenticity with modern creature comforts.

We feature cabins in several locations each offering wonderful winter opportunities. Finnish Lapland has large areas of unspoiled wilderness and wild fells inhabited by more than a few reindeer, an endearing creature and one whose life is inextricably liked to that of the native Sami. With a scattering of quiet little villages across the region as well livelier ski resorts, you can choose to stay put and make the most of a remote and romantic location or venture further afield and for example, sample some downhill or snowboard action. As with our other Lapland holidays we offer a wide range of optional excursions and whether you’d like to snowmobile to a reindeer farm, take a wilderness dog sledge ride or head out in search of the northern lights, we can pre-book to ensure availability.

The cabins we feature are built to a high standard. As mentioned before, they come in a variety of designs such as open plan or with separate bedrooms, for anything up to 6 persons. They have kitchenette and dining facilities, a lounge area and most importantly for any native Finn – a private sauna.

The Sauna
The sauna in Finland is a way of life and they are as common in homes as having your own bathroom. Our trips give the chance to take a rejuvenating sauna after a day out in the crisp winter air - a habit to which our clients soon become accustomed, even on a short break. In fact many of our staff who visit Finland whilst training, return wishing they had their own sauna at home!

Although most native Finns think nothing of sharing their saunas in the buff with the rest of the family, it is perfectly acceptable to don swimsuits or towels to spare your blushes, especially in public saunas but perhaps in the privacy of your own cabin there is no need – when in Rome..? Whilst traditionalists prefer wood or smoke saunas, with the whole beating of the birch twigs to promote healthy circulation, followed by a plunge in an ice pool or a roll in the snow, the saunas in our cabins are electric which means they are easy to switch on and regulate the temperature. Of course you can still get the thrill of a roll in the snow afterwards if you wish – our cabins generously spread out so their own ‘garden’ areas can be used for more than making a snowman!

Reclining in temperatures of up to 110°C promotes sweating and induces a true sense of relaxation, especially with subdued lighting and the attractive scent of heated pine to surround you.

Our Holidays
Fly from the UK to Finnish Lapland via Helsinki, and onwards to Kittila, Ivalo, Rovaniemi, Oulu or Kuusamo, from where you’ll be transferred to your accommodation of choice. Of course if you would like to stay over in the capital and extend your trip, just give us a call. In addition to cabins, our trips include ice rooms at two locations; there are self-catering apart-hotel options, a full-facility spa hotel and finally, at Kakslauttanen - amazing glass igloos – certainly unusual and most definitely unforgettable. Trips operate from December to April with departures over the festive period, subject to availability.