THREE DAYS IN… LAPLAND
LACE UP YOUR SNOW BOOTS AND EXPLORE A NEW SIDE TO FINLAND’S WINTER CHARM
There’s more to the Finnish hotspot than you might think – here’s where to stay and explore
DAY 1
First stop is Finland’s vibrant capital Helsinki, a seaside city with eye-catching architecture at every turn. Its Design District is packed with cool shops, from Scandi-chic homeware store Kauniste to cult stationer Papershop. Start the day with breakfast at Hotel F6 (above): a feast of fish, cold cuts and freshly baked goods. From there, it’s easy to stroll to all the cultural spots, from Senate Square to Helsinki Cathedral (left) and Kiasma art museum.
THE HOT TICKET Löyly
Löyly is not your average public sauna – all black concrete, glass and birch wood, it also houses an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar.
DAY 2
It’s just over an hour’s flight north to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, where temperatures can drop below minus 3O degrees in winter. There, you’ll find the magical Arctic Treehouse Hotel, where bedrooms are ‘nests’ housed in wooden units on stilts (above), with one side made of glass so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-laden trees from your bed with a glass of mulled wine in hand.
DON’T MISS Arktikum Shop
Part of the Arktikum museum in the lively town, this store has a huge selection of Lappish handicrafts on offer, from jewellery to reindeer-leather bags and jams made from local berries.
DAY 3
No visit to Lapland is complete without joining a husky tour, and Arctic Adventure Wolf
Trail has one of the best on offer. You’re taught how to drive your own sled, pulled by six huskies, and then get the thrill of racing through the otherworldly landscape on a 4km safari. Afterwards, warm up with lunch at local restaurant Nest, where a delicious buffet menu of local delicacies is served from a magnificent wooden boat filled with ice.
THE PARTING SHOT Lake Inari
Head out over the vast, frozen Lake Inari by snowmobile at night and you’ll be in with a good chance of spotting the elusive northern lights (above) from a truly unique viewpoint.