Blog: Flawless Finland

Lapland is dream for many people to visit, Recently i got the pleasure of having an unforgettable trip there and making that dream of mine become a reality. From some of the most beautiful skies I’ve seen to the endless snowy landscapes it was an abundence of sheer bliss that will stay with me for a long time and hopefully i can share some of that with you.

Chasing Dawn: Hiking the Arctic Circle

My journey began in Rovaniemi where the tempreture hovered between -10°C and 0°C which gave a perfect setting for a crisp winter adventure. On the first day the weather surprised me with clear skies and a glisining sun so i decided to waste no time and set of on the first hike of the trip through the rugged snowy trail, As i embarked on my journey i was suprised to see a rare alignment of nature’s contrasts the sun was shining brightly while the moon still lingered casting a soft glow over the snow around. The breathtaking views that this Journey offered felt almost surreal. Every step was a reminder of the raw beauty of Lapland and the dreamy land it is.

After my invigorating hike I head to a nearby café to refuel. It provided the perfect warm recovery from the chill outside. I indulged in some traditional Finnish drinks, including a warm mug of glogg, its warm spicy comforting flavors were ideal for a winter’s day and i can see why it’s a Finnish speciality.

Embracing Finnish Traditions: Sauna, Ice Skating and Ice Hockey

Back at the house where I stayed, I experienced one of Finland’s most cherished traditions the sauna, After a long cold day it was excatly what was needed to recover, melting away the day’s chill and easing any lingering fatigue. I can only imagine walking into my garden and enjoying a steaming sauna every night (Lucky Finns).

Altough the Saunas did take up a good part of my trip i also experinced some more of the Finnish culture, some of that being at a small local ice rink where I laced up my skates, feeling like i couldn’t disapoint as the Finns are said to be the creator of ice skates i glided ‘gracefully’ across a beautiful frozen surface relishing the simple joy of ice skating in a winter wonderland.

I was lucky enough to be in the town when the local Ice Hockey team Roki was playing, so i could not resist but to cheer on the local team and watch the countries most popular sport in action. The energy in the arena was infectious with drums, chanting and everyone cheering along as they clinched a well-deserved victory.

The Grand Finale: Dancing Northern Lights

The highlight of the trip came on the final evening. Under a wonderful clear sky I was lucky enough to witness the northern lights. The auroras danced gracefully across the horizon, a breathtaking natural light show that truly made the whole trip. It was a moment of pure magic an unbelivable display that perfectly encapsulated the wonder of Lapland.

The Town And Practicalities

Curious about the urban side of this Arctic town I spent a day exploring Rovaniemi, While the town centre itself was a bit lackluster with only a few museums offering a glimpse into local history the true treasures were found outside the beaten path.

I cooked most evenings at home and opted to dine out only for lunch. This not only saved money but also allowed me to experiment with local ingredients and flavors in my own kitchen, this left more time for exploring what was waiting for me in the breathtaking Finnish landscape.

Navigating Rovaniemi was a breeze thanks to the highly available taxis that helped me get around effortlessly and were also good at pointing out any places to stop by. Among the treasures I brought home was a cool deer pelt a unique memento of the natural charm of the region, though I was tempted to try canned bear, a quirky local idea that had my curiosity that adventure too, remained just out of reach.

Conclusion

This trip to Lapland was a beautiful blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. From exhilarating hikes under a sky lit by both sun and moon, to the comforting heat of a traditional sauna, and the awe-inspiring finale of the northern lights, every moment was a treasure.

Rovaniemi may be a quiet town in some respects, but the wilderness beyond it’s borders is vibrant with experiences that stir the soul. I leave with memories of crisp winter air, hearty Finnish glogg, and a sky alive with northern lights, an adventure that will forever hold a special place in my heart.