Tag Archive for: winter

Experience the Thrill of Dog Sledding in Finnish Lapland

Dog sledding tours are offered in a variety of ways during the winter season in Finland’s snow-sure destinations. The most common are hour- or two-hour long dog sled rides, and there are also longer, even multi-day dog sledding treks, during which accommodations are made at different locations. Beginners can join short tours, and most are […]

Sleep Surrounded by Snow and Ice: The Snow Hotel is a Luxurious and Safe Adventure in Lapland

In the evening darkness, the Snow Hotel is an impressive sight. A massive, windowless structure of snow, surrounded by illuminated ice sculptures and a magical atmosphere. It feels somewhat like being on the set of a movie, uncertain about how to behave or what you’re allowed to touch. A slight thrill. What is it like […]

Winter Trip to Tetrijärvi Lean-to in Ilomantsi, North Karelia

We embarked on a soothing mini-journey to the Tetrijärvi lean-to and welcomed the New Year enveloped in the gentle silence of Karelian forests. This rest stop, maintained by Metsähallitus (the Finnish Forest Administration), is conveniently situated quite near the Petkeljärvi National Park and its hiking center, boasting excellent facilities. Tetrijärvi lean-to on a map Parking […]

Is this the most beautiful ski track in Savo? Lintharju esker, Suonenjoki

If one Finnish winter condition had to be elevated above the rest, it would be the clear, bright sunshine that makes the crystallized frost snow sparkle on the slopes. No matter how cold, such weather simply makes it impossible to stay indoors. One of Finland’s most spectacular skiing destinations, and possibly the country’s most beautiful […]

Ironworks on the Coast of the Archipelago Sea – Enjoy the Village Walk in Taalintehdas

The quaint seaside village of Taalintehdas (or Dahlsbruk in Swedish) is found on the Kemiö Island in Southwest Finland. From the ruins of an old blast furnace begins a network of walking trails. We drove there during a late winter spell, with snowbanks still dominating the landscape, though the sun was blazing from a cloudless […]

Spring Comes to Southern Finland: A February Day in Liesjärvi National Park

The midday sun in February did its best, dazzling against a cloudless blue sky. Yet, stepping outside, a brisk wind hit our faces, making the air, already nipped with frost, feel particularly biting. The urge for a hike struck us, and we decided that this time it would be Liesjärvi National Park’s turn. Its majestic […]

Discover this historical treasure of Åland – Kastelholm Castle

The Åland archipelago is part of Finland, stretching between the cities of Turku (FIN) and Stockholm(SWE) in the Baltic Sea. Its largest island, which also houses the region’s capital, Mariehamn, boasts short distances, but there’s quite a lot to explore. One of Åland’s most famous attractions is the Kastelholm Castle. Kastelholm on a map I […]

This Incredibly Beautiful Blue Phenomenon in Lapland – Do You Know What It Is?

During midwinter fell hikes in Lapland, when the weather is clear, you might see intense and beautiful colors on the opposite side of the landscape from the setting Sun. The upper one, a cool-toned redness, is called ‘Belt of Venus’ or ‘antitwilight’ – that is, the afterglow rising opposite the sunset. Beneath it, under certain […]

A Breathtaking Trail in Lapland Where Snowshoes Aren’t Needed – The Aurora Trail in Saariselkä

The Aurora Trail is a just over two-kilometer loop through the nature of Lapland. The trail starts from the new, impressive gateway of Urho Kekkonen National Park in the village of Saariselkä, which is also accessible by bus from the directions of Rovaniemi and Ivalo. The wide path runs along the edge of a fell […]

Midwinter in Central Finland: A Trip to Leivonmäki National Park

Leivonmäki National Park is located in the heart of Central Finland, about 50 kilometers from the city of Jyväskylä.