Travel advice for Finland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Finland
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written by Greg Dickinson
updated 21.10.2020
In our recent Reader Awards, we asked you to name the thing at the very top of your bucket list. The answer didn't surprise us one bit. It was, resoundingly, to witness the Northern Lights.
So for this season's final episode of The Rough Guide to Everywhere (iTunes; Soundcloud), our podcast host Greg Dickinson travelled to Finnish Lapland in a hunt for the aurora borealis.
In the episode, Greg meets with local Sámi woman Linda, who explains the local folklore behind the Northern Lights. "Some people used to believe that it was a huge firefox running through the fells and when its tail hit the fells it created the Northern Lights", she says.
As time goes by and his chances of seeing the Northern Lights are looking slimmer, Greg takes a crash course in riding a snowmobile. Alongside his French guide, Anthony, Greg drives across a frozen lake and deep into the woods in a last-ditch attempt to catch a glimpse of the aurora.
Listen now to find out what happens.
Greg travelled to Finland with The Aurora Zone, the UK’s only dedicated Northern Lights holiday company. Three-night trips include return flights to Nellim in Finnish Lapland from London, transfers, full-board accommodation, cold-weather clothing and experienced guides. A range of activities (extra) can be added to the trip, including a reindeer farm visit, a husky safari and an Aurora snowmobile safari. For more information, contact The Aurora Zone on 01670 785012.
Top image © Sara Winter/Shutterstock
5 days / from1416 USD
City hopping in Finland and Estonia
Helsinki enchants with its blend of modernity and nature, entertainment and tranquility accessible everywhere and all the time. Turku, in turn, was the first capital of Finland, and has a lot to teach about the Finnish History. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is not behind in terms of heritage.
view tour ⤍7 days / from6102 USD
Aurora Feast in Finland, Norway and Sweden
This tour is perfect for people who want to explore the Arctic. Begin your journey from the southern part of Finland via Sweden up to the northern part of Norway. Most importantly, you will be hunting for the Northern Lights in the best locations! From Nov to March.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1634 USD
Wild Lapland Experience
Explore the surroundings of the Arctic Circle, visit a magical place - Santa Claus Village - try the traditional Lappish food, snow-shoeing, and much more. You will be located in Pello, close to the famous Eeron Polku trail. From Nov to April.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1088 USD
Midnight Sun in Lapland
In these five days, we will lead you as you learn more about the culture in Northern Europe, taste Lappish delicacies and explore the Arctic Circle. You will also have the opportunity to visit an Amethyst Mine and witness the midnight sun. From Jun to August.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3923 USD
Magical Finland: Helsinki, Arctic Beauty and Midnight Sun
Unique Finnish experiences comprise this superb trip. Tour Helsinki and Porvoo, hike in forests and dig for amethysts, before savouring a midnight sun sauna boat cruise. Visit Santa in his Lapland home, cross the Arctic Circle and head out for an overnight bear safari to wrap up a memorable trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2431 USD
Fascinating Northern Lights in Lapland
Witness the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora Borealis on six unforgettable evenings. Fulfill your dream of experiencing this natural wonder, an essential highlight of your Lapland adventure. Available from December to April, the optimal months for both Northern Lights and exhilarating activities.
view tour ⤍14 days / from5532 USD
Dreamy Winter Holidays
A Finnish dream holiday that encapsulates the essence of a perfect winter getaway. Delve into Lapland's enchanting wonderland through thrilling Arctic escapades: seek Northern Lights, engage with Sami culture, relish Finnish Sauna, and mush with husky dogs. Your ultimate Arctic adventure!
view tour ⤍16 days / from4033 USD
Ultimate Baltics
Uncover both renowned attractions and hidden gems across the Baltic States and Southern Finland. Explore UNESCO sites, serene villages, and sandy dunes. From the capital cities of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki to the beaches in Klaipeda in Pärnu.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1308 USD
Winter Adventure in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, the recognized abode of Santa Claus, serves as the ultimate hub for delving into Arctic landscapes and immersing in Lappish (Sami) heritage. Engage in a diverse array of pursuits, from thrilling snowshoe escapades to chasing the enchanting Northern Lights, or embracing the roles of a husk
view tour ⤍10 days / from1690 USD
Baltic Highlights
Witness unspoiled landscapes and vibrant capitals. From Vilnius to Riga and Tallinn, move all the way up to Helsinki. Along the way, visit national parks like Laheema and castles like the Trakai castle. Private transfers and unique accommodation choices are included.
view tour ⤍Polar lights can be seen in many high latitude locations- including Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, and Alaska.
written by Greg Dickinson
updated 21.10.2020
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Finland