Comprising of the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Svalbard archipelago and the isolated island of Jan Mayen, Norway is a collection of majestic fjords, marauding Vikings, the icy landscape of the Arctic Circle and rich mystical folklore. The country's snowy winter months offer visitors in the north the opportunity to traverse vast expanses of tundra by dogsled or catch a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis blazing across the night sky. Summer brings with it the astonishing spectacle of the midnight sun and the chance to enjoy many outdoor adventures. Year-round visitors can enjoy boat cruises to the Svalbard Archipelago to visit seabird colonies or meander among the towering cliffs of the turquoise fjords. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a polar bear. In contrast to its picturesque natural landscapes, this fascinating country is home to a slew of appealing, cosmopolitan metropolises offering every first-world city delight.
Set roughly eight kilometres south of Kirkenes in Finnmark county, close to the Russian border, Bjornevatn is a village with an interesting history and some exquisite scenery. The town is surrounded by lush green farmlands, rolling hills, and tranquil, bright blue fjords. Laced with hiking and cycling trails, it is the perfect destination for exploring this wild region of the country. Once a mining town, during the second world war, thousands of people lived inside the mines for safety from the fighting above, and this has been portrayed in the film Under a Stone Sky. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy games at the multi-purpose Sadness Stadium nearby.
Finland is a captivating European gem, bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia, where each season unveils a profoundly different landscape. Winter transforms the country into a realm of deep twilight, frozen lakes, and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, while summer bathes vast green expanses in the unending light of the midnight sun. Finland’s virtually untouched wilderness offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts—trekkers, mountain bikers, skiers, and anglers alike—while reindeer roam freely across snowy plains and verdant forests. Beyond its natural wonders, Finland’s modern cities showcase cutting-edge design, innovation, and cosmopolitan living, while charming towns reveal a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, from quaint wooden churches and historic castles to quirky museums brimming with local artefacts. In Finland, the perfect balance of pristine nature and sophisticated urban life creates an unforgettable travel experience.
Situated in northern Finland, Saariselka is a resort village in the municipality of Inari in Northern Lapland. Saariselka is one of Finland’s oldest ski resorts and the northernmost holiday resort in the world - set just 260 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. It is known for its network of hiking trails, and ski trails traversing the beautiful wilderness of the Urho Kekkonen National Park. Watch a fascinating film in the panorama theatre at the Destination Northernmost Europe exhibition, visit the lakefront Sami Cultural Centre, and sample local Finnish cuisine at a variety of inviting restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the midnight sun and catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. Other popular activities include cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobile safaris, dog sled tours, reindeer rides, snowshoeing as well as gold panning, and fishing.
Set on the riverbanks of Finland’s largest river, the Ounasjoki River, the village of Sinetta is set in the Arctic Circle in Lapland. Visitors can view the Arctic night sky, fall asleep under the clear starry skies and view the magical Aurora Borealis. Other highlights include: enjoying a story-filled guided tour at the Arktikum-palvelu Oy museum, visiting the magical Santa Claus Village and staying overnight at the world-famous Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an icy drink in the ice bar, sample local Lappish dishes and enjoy an array of winter wonderland activities including Snow sculpting, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Situated in the Arctic Circle, right at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers, Rovaniemi is the unofficial capital of Finnish Lapland and the gateway to all the tourism treasures this winter wonderland has to offer. Enjoy the city’s eclectic collection of unusual museums and cultural attractions such as Lapland's Provincial Museum Arktikum, the Lapland Forestry Museum, the Pilke Science Centre, and the Korundi House of Culture (which also houses the fantastic Rovaniemi Museum of Art). Outdoor enthusiasts are equally well catered for with snowmobile safaris, reindeer and husky rides, Northern Light hunting in the Winter, and relaxing riverboat cruises under the midnight sun in Summer. No matter what time of year you visit, Santa Claus will always be always waiting to meet you at the famous Santa Claus Village and Santa park.
Set on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most charming and idiosyncratic capital cities, largely due to its unique geographical location on a group of peculiarly shaped islands and peninsulas projecting out into the Baltic Sea. The majority of attractions are conveniently clustered on a central peninsula which, while not exactly an ancient ‘Old Town’, boasts some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. The city springs to life in summer when the sun continues to shine long after midnight. Winding streets play host to an array of tempting sidewalk cafes and bistros serving bizarre Finnish delicacies such as beaver sausage and dried reindeer. If that proves a little too exotic, check out the legendary Design Museum or try the saunas at the famous Yrjonkatu Swimming Hall, known for its spectacular architecture and unique atmosphere.
