Hello, I am Lim Mei Ling and in this article i will share experience of our Finland tour from Malaysia. Me and my friend Simi went to Finland in the month of November 2023. Flights for the tour were booked by us and the land package was arranged by finlandtour.fi. I will also thank Stephen from Lestacworld.com who asked me to write an article on our Finland’s journey from Malaysia.

Let me tell you about some facts about Finland first. The currency used is the Euro. Helsinki is the capital and the largest city. In the north lies Lapland, where a significant portion of the population resides. We started our journey from Norway and reached Helsinki, then took a train to Rovaniemi. Since we visited in winter, we decided to explore the Santa Claus Village.

People in Finland primarily speak Finnish and Swedish, but many can communicate in English, so language is not a big issue. Interestingly, the only Finnish word to make it to the English language is ‘sauna.’ Finns are passionate about their saunas. You will be surprised to know that the country’s population is around 6 million, and there are over 3 million saunas in Finland. In fact, the number of saunas exceeds the number of cars in the country.

Our tour was designed by Denny from Finlandtour.fi and implemented by their team on ground. Below are some highlights of how are tours went:

If you are exploring travel options this winter, consider Finland because 2024 is going to be best for Northern lights scenario.Our memories still excite us, and we feel like going back again. There is so much to explore.

We started our journey from Malaysia to  Helsinki, then took a train to Rovaniemi. Since we visited in winter, Santa Claus Village and Northern lights was in our mind.

Santa Claus Village

No trip to Rovaniemi would be complete without visiting Santa Claus Village and we also enjoyed the same.  The amusement premises was filled with festive decorations and activities. We even acted like kids ourselves, writing our wishes and getting photos clicked with the elves. We also explored Santa’s Post Office and sent postcards to friends and family. The village was bustling with holiday cheer, making it a magical experience for all ages. Luckily snow man’s world entry ticket was included for us by finlandtour.fi, a must visit place . We also had lunch

Husky Dog Sledding and Northern Lights Tour

One of the most thrilling experiences was the husky dog sledding tour. If you think it’s cruel, let me tell you that huskies love running on snow, and they are given proper rest and care. The excitement of being pulled through the snowy land by a team of enthusiastic huskies was amazing.We just loved the experience.

Riisitunturi National Park

Our visit to Riisitunturi National Park was a serene and beautiful escape into nature. We hiked through snow-covered forests, marveling at the stunning winter scenery. The park’s unique snow-covered trees and landscapes made it feel like we were walking through a winter wonderland. It was a peaceful and invigorating experience, perfect for nature lovers.

Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath Experience

Being in Finland, you can’t miss the traditional Finnish sauna experience by the lakeside, which is a perfect way to warm up and relax. The Arctic bath, a chilly dip in a lake surrounded by ice and snow, was invigorating and refreshing. We also tried a snow sauna, a unique and memorable experience where we enjoyed the warmth of the sauna amidst the snowy surroundings.

Northern Lights Hunting

Hunting for the Northern Lights was a highlight of our trip. They took us in a bus in search of northern lights. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating information about the Northern Lights. Watching the vibrant colors illuminate the night sky was truly magical.Luckily we were able to spot northern lights and we were very very very happy.

Snowmobile Tour

Exploring the Arctic wilderness on a snowmobile was an exhilarating adventure. We enjoyed a high-speed snowmobile ride across the snowy landscapes and visited a local reindeer farm, where we enjoyed a scenic ride on a reindeer sleigh. We rode the snowmobiles in pairs, switching drivers during the ride. Winter clothes, including overalls, boots, gloves, and helmets, were provided by the tour agent.

Visit the Arctic Snow Hotel

Visiting the Arctic Snow Hotel was like stepping into a fairy tale. The hotel, made entirely of snow and ice, featured stunning ice sculptures and beautifully decorated rooms. We marveled at the artistry and craftsmanship and even enjoyed a warm drink in the hotel’s ice bar.

Grab a Drink at an Ice Bar & Restaurant

Grabbing a drink at an ice bar is worth mentioning as it was a unique experience. The entire bar, including the glasses, was made of ice. The cocktails, food, and everything were super delicious.So this is Arctic snow hotel in outer of Rovanimei. They have igloos also with Ice restaurant. If you wish to experience it, it can be done in Santa claus village as well as here.

Stay in an Aurora Glass Igloo

You can’t miss this, we spent our 2 nights in Kakkslauttanen resort in Ivalo. There small Igloo was booked for us.  Staying in an Aurora glass igloo was a dream come true. The igloo’s glass roof allowed us to stargaze and, if lucky, witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of our bed. Though we were not that lucky, there’s always a next time. It was a cozy and unforgettable experience, combining luxury with the natural beauty of Lapland.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing was a stress-busting activity. We drilled holes in the frozen lake and patiently waited for a catch. The guides provided all the necessary equipment and shared tips on ice fishing. It was a relaxing way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Arctic environment.

Overall, our trip to Finland from Malaysia was filled with magic, adventure, and joy. It’s a destination that offers something for everyone, making it an ideal choice for a memorable winter holiday. During the winter, almost every tourist place is expensive, with prices at their peak, but it’s worth spending as it creates a lifetime of memories.