We step into a warm, cozy room, a welcomed retreat from the biting cold outside. After changing, we enter the sauna, where wooden benches surround the room, and hot stones sit at the center, radiating intense heat. The temperature is around 80°C, creating a truly hot experience. Women sit around, sipping water and chatting, occasionally splashing water on the stones, causing a sizzling sound to fill the room. After building up a sweat, we step out, hesitantly removing our towels as we plunge into a cold pool. As we wade around in the freezing water, the contrast between our frantic movements and the serene Helsinki skyline is striking.
Our guide then suggests an even bolder adventure—a dip in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea, where the temperature hovers around 17°C. With courage, we dive in. The freezing water numbs our limbs at first, but soon, we adapt. Returning to the sauna, now comfortable in the chill, we thaw in its warmth. This introduction to the Finnish sauna culture was unlike anything I had experienced before.
Embracing Nature: Finland’s First Love
Finland’s beauty is best experienced through its deep connection with nature. As someone from a city, I was thrilled by the idea that just a 30-minute drive from Helsinki could lead you to a lush forest. Known as Central Park, this forest is where we went berry picking, plucking raspberries, blueberries, and lingonberries right from the bushes. This was also where I learned about ‘Everyman’s Rights’, a Finnish law granting everyone the freedom to roam, forage, and fish—whether a resident or visitor.
Helsinki itself offers much to explore. Cobbled streets, historical monuments, and statues enrich the city. Walking through its streets, I marveled at the history, including the horse-drawn carriage pathways, which caused more stumbles than my lunch wine. For food lovers, Helsinki’s dining scene is divers offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to local eateries that cater to vegans.
A must-see is Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library. Far more than a library, Oodi is a vibrant hub where locals gather to create, socialize, and explore. From 3D printing to music recording, Oodi offers a space for creativity and community, often referred to as ‘The Living Room’ by locals.
Venturing Into the Arctic Circle: Rovaniemi’s Charm
After Helsinki, we flew to Rovaniemi, where our warm guide Salla welcomed us into the Arctic Circle. The cold winds left no doubt about where we were. At Arktikum, we explored the history of the Arctic region, learning about the flora and fauna and how locals survive the six months without sunlight. The stories of the Northern Lights were woven into folklore and left us in awe.
Chasing the Northern Lights is an adventure in itself. Our guide, Ryan, kept us moving as we searched for clear skies to witness the spectacle. Though our first sighting was brief, the next night was unforgettable. After floating in a lake (in special suits to keep us dry), the Aurora Borealis appeared in all its glory—an ethereal, life-changing moment.
The Magic of Santa Claus Village
No trip to Finland is complete without visiting the Santa Claus Village. Regardless of your beliefs, this place is pure magic. Every visitor gets a chance to meet Santa Claus, and I can only imagine the excitement this brings to children. The Santa Claus Village exceeds every expectation, leaving you with lasting memories.
I left Finland with my heart full, my phone filled with photos and a lifetime of unforgettable memories. The combination of nature, culture, and magic makes Finland a destination that should be on everyone’s travel list.
