Finland’s geography is very different to Norway and Sweden, despite being so close to them. As you fly across South-Eastern Finland, it seems to be a country composed entirely of pine tree covered islands surrounded by lakes. It has a staggering 98,050 islands and 187,888 lakes.
The first time I went to Finland was before Lucas was born, for a five day horse-riding holiday departing from Kuusamo. We rode on the Bear Ring Trail through forests of pine trees, crossing multiple rivers in the Oulanka National Park to the Russian border. It was an unforgettable trip that may be suitable for a family with older kids who were all experienced riders. Some level of riding fitness is required as you spend 506 hours a day in the saddle. Camping overnight with the horses in the forests has a pioneer feel about it; it brings you back to basics and close to nature. I have been searching for a website to post for you – I’ll keep looking.
When I went with Lucas, we went to Finnish Lapland to a place called Rovaniemi, bordering the Arctic circle. The draw card was to see the real Santa. I’ve written an article about it for “For The Love of Travel’ magazine which you can see here: http://ftlot.oncentre.co.nz/for-the-love-of-travel/meet-the-real-santa#.UfizBY0wfRI
The real Santa was such a magical experience. Lucas was almost 3 years old when we went but I think younger and older kids up to about 8 would still love it, depending on the child. Of course it’s most special when they still believe in Santa but it’s magical for the kid in all of us. Reindeer are herded across Scandinavian Lapland for centuries by the indigenous Sami people, but since 1823 when reindeer were linked to Santa in the poem ‘the night before Christmas’, it is hard not to see reindeer in the snow and think they must belong to Santa.
The next day we were supplied Arctic outdoor clothing,geared up and went reindeer and husky sledding. It was so much fun! Although its a real novelty for us, in this part of the world they both important means of transport. The dogs love their work and their keenness to work is a joy to watch.
Although being in the Arctic sounds unbearably cold, it’s actually not when you’re dressed for it. A damp, windy cold is much more chilling than a crisp dry Arctic cold. When I lived in the North of England, I had to force myself to even leave the house in winter, yet I loved walking around in the winter wonderland within the Arctic Circle. There are precautions you need to take with very young children, however. One day it was -27 degrees Celsius and I had Lucas bundled up ready for a 20-30 minute walk from our hotel to the laundrette. He had a hat on and a scarf wrapped around his nose and mouth leaving only his eyes exposed. I made it about half way across the reception area when the staff came running over.
“No, no you must not go out with him”. Apparently I was fine but there was a possibility that Lucas’s exposed facial skin would freeze in that time. Local knowledge wins out every time. I was very grateful they stopped me and I had the feeling that people on the street would have if I’d made it out so far. The staff hailed me a taxi instead.
There are also many other great places to visit in Finland, you can check them out here: http://www.visitfinland.com
