Chasing Winter in Finland
By Arsalan Mohammad
With Mexico at ten, the Netherlands at five, and Nordic nations filling out the top four slots, the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report recently crowned Finland as the world’s happiest country, for, astonishingly, the eighth consecutive year. No wonder then, that to the smart traveller considering a family trip packed with fun, joy, and wonder, a flight to this merriest of nations is a no-brainer.
Why does this beautiful country entrance the mind and soothe the soul with such pine-fresh dependability? The answer is in large part due to Finland’s national character, a sturdy, pragmatic spirit molded over the centuries and shaped by one of the planet’s rawest habitable landscapes. You see it in the way the Finns live – huddled close together, co-existing efficiently with one another and with nature. Finland is one of the greenest countries on earth too, in every sense; over 75% of the country is blanketed by forest, dotted with nearly 200,000 lakes and thousands of tiny islands. With a bespoke itinerary created by the experts at Charlotte Travel, designed to delight every member of your family, in this extraordinary northern escape, what’s not to love?
The Magic of Finland: A Winter Wonderland for Families
You can visit Finland at any time of the year and enjoy a memorable trip, amidst sun or snow. Summers, for instance, are long, mild, and enchanted. The locals take advantage of the extended days under the midnight sun to indulge in what Finns call Jokamiehenoikeus – essentially, a person’s right to wander freely in nature.
Winter, however, is when Finland really comes to its own. A realm of vast snowy landscapes, the spellbinding Northern Lights, and cozy fireside retreats, the dreamlike far north makes a family holiday into something truly extraordinary, especially after a journey from bustling Helsinki.
Meet Santa in Lapland
Lapland, at the very top of the world, is where Santa Claus and his elves work year-round, to organize their miracle global dash on Christmas Eve. Of course, planning the delivery of gifts to children around the world, as well as keeping reindeer warm and cozy and ensuring numerous elves are happy and busy is hard work, but Santa has had years of experience and by December, his final preparations are in full swing. What then, could beat the ultimate Christmas treat for lucky children, but a visit to his official hometown!
A visit to see Santa Claus in Finland is not just a holiday. It’s a unique experience. Children (and adults!) will remember, for the rest of their lives, travelling deep into the snow-blanketed forests of Lapland, seeing reindeer roam freely, while the Northern Lights dance overhead. Every detail is infused with enchantment – from the scent of the pine and cinnamon in the air, cozy firelit cabins, to the soft crunch of snow underfoot. The magic deepens when families, while exploring the enchanted forest paths, might unexpectedly encounter Santa’s helpers – playful elves who somehow know each child by name. These magical beings often carry personalized gifts and, to children’s absolute delight, proudly show them the famous “Good List” where their names are prominently displayed.
Because it's only here in Lapland, that the magic feels real. And when reaching Rovaniemi, home to Santa Claus Village, children will finally meet the man himself - who, mysteriously, seems to know everything about their adventures back home. They can post letters to friends from the official Santa Claus Post Office and experience the surreal thrill of stepping over the line marking the Arctic Circle.
The best way to get from Helsinki to the perimeter of the Arctic Circle - is by the Santa Claus Express! This train service is, thankfully, a comfortable, family-friendly means of transport, adding to the sense of adventure and novelty. We'd recommend, given the train ride can take up to 12 hours, taking the overnight Express sleeper service.
Twelve hours might seem a long time, but with a once- in-a-lifetime experience awaiting at your destination, the hours melt away, tucked up cosily in a bunk while imagining being borne aloft through the snow-blanketed moonlit plains by a fleet of reindeers. This is a storybook adventure made tangible-an unforgettable, fairytale encounter with the spirit of Christmas that will become a treasured memory forever.
Not far from the village is the stunning Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, a haven of cozy luxury deep in the forest. Their family-friendly glass igloos are enchanting dwellings. In well-equipped glass roofed pods, you can relax and recharge - and of course, marvel at panoramic Arctic views, as well as the splendour of the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed! Special packages are available, with memorable treats such as husky-dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling (on heated sleds), outdoor saunas and fireside storytelling adding to the wealth of memorable moments.
Arctic Adventures, for Every Generation
Once you’ve had your fill of all things Santa, take your vacation to the next level with some of the exhilarating outdoor pursuits set in Finland’s vast winter playground, Husky sledding through snow-covered forests safely delivers white-knuckle thrills, while a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride amid the twilit Arctic wilderness offers a more serene pace for older guests or indeed, younger children.
For older children and adventurous parents, there’s a surfeit of unrivalled experiences on offer. Have you ever snowmobiled across the frozen lake? Or taken the plunge and tried an invigorating ice-floating experience while swaddled in thermal suits? The Wilderness Hotel Nangu, home of the unforgettable Aurora Cabins by Lake Inari, offers a range of exciting excursions, including a private visit to a Sami reindeer farm, where Finland’s only Indigenous people invite kids to meet and even feed the gentle creatures and hear thrilling Sami legends.
