Finlandia: Enchantment Awaits for the Aurora and Adventure Bound

Perhaps Jean Sibelius, the famed Finnish composer, best characterized this enigmatic and mesmerizing country through his prolific works. And certainly his hallmark, Finlandia, perfectly illustrates this oft overlooked land of profound allure, its people, and certainly its psyche. Attuned to and harmoniously coexistent with nature, the Finns’ seemingly inherent connection to the natural world is intrinsically held and immediately apparent upon landing in Vantaa. Even a visit to the airport’s facilities exemplifies this symbiotic relationship, whereby the birch tree-lined walls softly compliment the tranquil chirping of a woodland lark.

Not being a winter person (nor necessarily someone with the greatest affinity for the outdoors), to say my trepidation to traverse Finland’s Arctic Circle was mild proves a gross understatement to say the least. However, upon hearing a friend’s inexhaustible praises surrounding Finnish Lapland, I felt compelled to give it a go. Sure enough, upon sojourning north to Rovaniemi, every praise proved well-founded, only serving to further my conversion to adoring and embracing winter, the outdoors, and even the Arctic.

Cozied Arctic Cabin (Feb 2019) — Joy de Voyage, LLC © 2019

My journey commenced upon arriving at the luxuriant boutique hotel, Arctic TreeHouse. Lauded for its conceptual innovation and Lucullian inclination, this property provides paramount comfort in one of its cozy detached “nest-like” rooms. Each comes complete with a resplendent view of the enshrouding natural surrounds – and even the auroras should conditions prove favorable. Such an unparalleled and picturesquely encased vista comes grâce à each nest’s solitary floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Thus, Lapland can either be thoroughly enjoyed from the cozied comfort of your bed, or for the more adventurous, by venturing out to embrace and absorb the refreshed iced air whilst traversing the hotel and region’s proximate frozen paths.

Upon settling in to my personal suite, and unsure of how next to proceed, I opted to try a winter activity and embarked on my first snowshoeing venture. The lovely front desk staff promptly outfit me with a pair of snowshoes and even an abridged tutorial. I then set off on the nearby snowshoe trail, a path that culminated in scaling the property’s lookout tower to behold an incomparable and sublimely stunning view, drenched in chilled sunlight and blanketed by the frosted uninterrupted tree-lined horizon.

My stay also included dining at the on-site Rakas restaurant, which similarly did not disappoint but rather overran with warmed and exceedingly delectable delight. I also elected to visit a husky farm and indulge in a dogsledging experience with Safartica, all coordinated by the hotel. The latter undoubtedly proved the highlight of my stay, as I learned and exercised the mechanics of this Arctic activity and met the most adorable, hardy, and overall best Alaskan huskies around.

Though persistent clouds obscured the evening skies during my stay, the unabashed aurora chaser can certainly opt for a longer holiday, private flight, or even try their luck further north in Ivalo’s indulgent Kakslauttanen igloos, for example. However, irrespective of whether or not auroras are witnessed (which for me served as the original reason to book this journey), I unequivocally recommend this Finnish getaway.  Despite my initial reservations, upon conclusion of this extended weekend experience, I was most pleasantly surprised by how Lapland indisputably further opened my eyes to the intransient beauty of this country, nature, and the warmth of winter. Finland irrevocably captivated and shall perhaps forever hold an integral piece of my heart.

Incidentals

Fun Fact

Alaskan huskies are a product of the Yukon Gold Rush. Many may not resemble their Siberian show counterparts, but they excel as work dogs, a function for which they were bred.

Finnish Culture

You must give Finland’s beloved Sibelius a listen, especially Opus 26: Finlandia (and on December 6), whereby this hymn annually marks the country’s 1917 independence from Russia. Additionally, sauna culture pervades and is observed with fervent diligence. Just about every Finn has a sauna at home (or at least in close proximity and readily accessible). And whether you experience a private or public sauna, such as Helsinki’s historic Kotiharju or perhaps my personal favorite, Löyly, this is certainly an experience you must not miss. Finally, sisu is an inherently Finnish trait and notion denoting courage and inner strength. It is especially conjured upon encountering deeply formidable and adverse circumstances.  Such difficulties are something the Finns certainly know no shortage of and have continued to conquer throughout their expansive history.

Helsinki Glow (December 2018) Available for Purchase in our Shop — Joy de Voyage, LLC © 2018

Where to Stay & How to Get There

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Fly into Rovaniemi with FinnAir (a One World partner)

Local taxis are also available and can be readily arranged between Rovaniemi and Arctic TreeHouse.

Who to Bring

Personally, I would recommend experiencing this particular property solo, with a friend, or in the company of a significant other. (This is especially due to the hotel’s appeal to romantics.) Though families [and small children] are certainly welcome, my sentiment is this properly would perhaps be most enjoyed amongst the aforementioned companions.

What to Do

A plethora of activities exist to satisfy all. Everything from a private candlelit dinner in the forest to snowmobiling can be easily arranged by the hotel staff. But do come prepared. Northern Finland certainly demands a particular wardrobe, but if you have the essentials, you should be just fine. Though I was not completely prepared, in hindsight, I would recommend the following: 

1.      Knit hat, gloves (ideally compatible with your mobile for those fond of photo-taking) & mittens 

2.      Face mask (especially if you plan on skiing and/or are extremely prone to cold)

3.      Long johns (or equivalent)

4.      Sunnies (don’t forget stylish shades!)

5.      Winter boots

6.      Warm pants and winter coat (waterproof shell on each is ideal)

7.      Warm socks

8.      Yosh waterproof phone pouch with lanyard

9.      Perfect playlist and a good read

10.   Aurora app (or consult the front desk for the forecast and probability of catching an aurora)

11.   Whatsapp (another means to more optimally communicate with the staff)