Finland

Lapland is the largest and northernmost region of Finland in the magical arctic circle. In this winter wonderland you will enjoy from long summer days or cold winter nights with skies colored with the Northern Lights. Come here and fall in love with the Lappish culture and the arctic nature.

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Rovaniemi

The capital of Lapland and the home of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is the place where arctic nature meets countless of winter activities from many kinds. Chase the Northern lights in the nights and explore the country during the day.

Where to sleep?

• Scandic Rovaniemi: a great hotel in a great location at the center of the town, restaurants, bars and grocery shops are in a walking distance and the hotel itself was great. The rooms were big and clean, the hotel owns a steam room and gym and the staff was always willing to help. The breakfast buffet includes dishes from many kinds and I was really satisfied from my stay here.

What to do?

• Dog ice sledding: explore the arctic nature in the best way with "Lapland safaris", the tours go from 15 minutes to a full day and in it you will enjoy the cold breeze in the cutest ride. The dogs are so well taken care of and are so excited every time they know its time to start a tour and I really recommend not to miss it. Beside the sled ride it is very beautiful to see the impressive sled dogs in the snowy forest vies.

• Reindeer rides: explore the arctic forest like Santa Claus with "Lapland safaris"! This activity is slower, more relaxes and made for kids. The ride was fun but after doing it I don't feel as supportive of it as I am of the dog's sledge since it doesn’t seem enjoyable for the deer unlike the dogs.

• Snowmobile safari: the best tour in Rovaniemi with Scandic with "Lapland safaris"! Go deep inside the forest while riding the awesome snow bike and enjoy the best winter wonderland views. The trees were covered with white bright snow, the cool air filled our lungs and the incredible nature captured our hearts.

• Rauna zoo: a pro animals zoo which is the northernmost zoo in the world. Here you will meet the amazing arctic wildlife in a zoo that is situated inside a dreamy forest.

• Korouoma frozen waterfalls: In this park you will hike into the Posio’s virgin forest in magical trails with ferry tail like views to the marvelous frozen waterfalls.

• Sky ounasvaara hotel: a great place to visit for skiing and the view of the city and the lake from above. Tip: you can also visit this hotel's viewpoint in the nights for the Northern lights.

• Santa Claus village: a really cute place where every day is Christmas and you can easily spend here a full day if you travel with kids. In this village you will see beautiful views, meet Santa, see reindeers, Huskie dogs, ice sledding and more. Tip: don't miss eating the best salmon I ever ate in Santa's Salmon Place Restaurant.

• Arctic Snow Hotel: each year this entire hotel is carved 100% from ice and provide you a unique experience of ice rooms, magnificent ice sculptures and snowy views.

• Northern lights: or in its other name the Aurora Borealis are natural colorful light display in the Earth's sky caused by disturbances in the earth's magnetic field by solar wind. Tips for the lights?

1. No light pollution: get out from the city and try to find a dark spot with no light pollution, this is also why full moon will work against you.

2. Kp index: describes the disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field, the higher the Kp index the higher the chances for a better light display.

3. Apps and websites: always check the local apps and websites in order to see the Aurura probability in every hour.

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How will you describe magic? The views, the people, the Northern lights all made us feel hypnotized and mesmerize. Lapland left me speechless, amazed but more than anything wanting more.

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