Lapland is a magic place to see the New Year in. The countryside’s blanketed in snow; reindeers wander through the forests digging for lichen beneath the snow; huskies howl with anticipation, eager to set off pulling a sleigh; the views of the surrounding areas from the top of Pyha Fell are stunning; cosy fires and hot chocolate are invite you in and, to round it all off, the sky could be filled with dancing Northern Lights when Nature chooses to display them.
Arrive Helsinki and transfer to your hotel. The festive season is a special time to visit Helsinki – it’s a time where streets are illuminated with myriads of lights and store fronts dressed with beautiful festive displays. Afternoon at leisure to visit the Christmas Market.
Helsinki is a beautiful city – compact and easy to move around. This morning you have a audio coach tour past the most interesting parts of Helsinki – the historical centre, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. See the Sibelius Monuments and the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church). Early evening departure by overnight train to Rovaniemi. Don’t forget to visit the on board restaurant for a drink with the locals and to try Finnish meatballs and mash.
Morning arrival in Rovaniemi. Next stop Pyhätunturi, one and a half hours away. Prepare yourself for days of fun and magic over the next few days in this winter wonderland. Activities are usually arranged for mornings to leave afternoons free to relax or try other wonderful activities in your resort. Bring out the child in you and go tobogganing, try downhill and cross country skiing, fat biking, ice carting or snowshoe walking – it’s all right there for you to enjoy. In between all this activity don’t forget to try some hot chocolate and for the adults, with a dash of Minttu to warm your toes!
Your first experience of Lapland this morning – ice fishing. After drilling a hole in the ice with a giant corkscrew, drop you line in and see what you can lure to take your bait. Hot drinks available whilst you wait for that big catch.
Afternoon at leisure. Good time to use your included tickets and take a ride by chair lift to the top of the Pyhätunturi fell for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. If you feel chilly up there on the fell, pop into the cosy Tsokka restaurant for a hot chocolate and a waffle.
Today you’re going to meet Lapland’s most loved animal – reindeers. After a talk on reindeer husbandry around the fire sipping warm berry juice, set off on a sedate sleigh ride through the snow laden forest. Sit back, relax and absorb the silence and beauty of your pristine surroundings. Round your experience off with a lunch of steaming soup.
It’s New Years Eve and dinner this evening will be festive. If you’re seeing the New Year in at midnight, make sure you’re at the bottom of the ski slopes to see the fireworks and the flame torch bearing skiers coming down the slopes.
Happy 2025!
Situated 20 minutes from Pyhätunturi in the village of Luosto, is the worlds’ northernmost Amethyst Mine. It’s a very special place on top of the fell (small mountain) providing a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Even the transfer to the Mine is unusual – in a carriage behind a snow tractor. After a presentation on the Mine, it’ll be time for you to dig for your own lucky stone.
Free time to wander around Luosto. You may like to visit the indoor pool at the Hotel Luostotunturi for a swim. Definite must if you do this is to go into the jacuzzi designed to give the appearance of an Amethyst.
Dreaming of being a husky musher? Well, today’s your chance to test your skills. They’re a spirited bunch these huskies and pull up to five times their weight without any effort. After an introduction to the huskies and driving instructions, you’ll set off driving your own husky team with a passenger seated in the sleigh. Expect a speedy ride—hold on to your beanie!
Late afternoon transfer to Luosto for a presentation and snowshoe walk searching for the Lights. Delve into the science and myths of the Aurora Borealis with a multimedia presentation by a knowledgeable guide who’ll also play recordings of radio signals from space. Finally, after an update from your guide on the current Northern Lights forecast, set off in search of the Lights. Your guide will take you to a suitable spot with an open view to the Northern skies, ideal for photography. Hot drinks are available around the campfire.
Day at leisure and so many optional activities to choose from. It’s the perfect opportunity to try the optional snowmobile safari. Set off following your guide on your motorcycle on skis across the lake and through forests. A thrilling and exhilarating experience. Drivers must be in possession of valid driving licence.
If snowmobiling’s not for you, how about downhill skiing, cross country skiing, fat biking, snowshoe walking or ice carting. So many options.
Well worth a visit is the Nature Centre where an excellent audio visual presentation introduces you of the geology, fauna and flora of the area. The exhibits are well presented and interesting. You should also try their typical Finnish lunch – salad, soup and milk/berry juice/non-alcoholic home beer.
Your final day in Lapland but still more fun to come your way! Try kick sledding, playing ice hockey and lassoing a ‘reindeer’. Don’t forget to hone your tobogganing skills – you may just be challenged to a race. In between all the activity, enjoy hot drinks and sausages grilled over the fire.
Dinner this evening will be at a special venue.
Sadly the time has come to say goodbye to this magical place called Lapland. Transfer to Rovaniemi and travel by day train to Helsinki. If you prefer to fly to take the overnight train, this can be arranged for your account.
