Summer in Lapland
This summer, enjoy a fabulous trip to Lapland. A unique experience where you can enjoy its fascinating natural environment and admire one of the most impressive natural phenomena on the planet, the Midnight Sun.
Finland is a small hidden gem far up north. Although it may be considered a small country, there are many great things to discover. The air is some of the cleanest in the world and the landscapes are unparalleled. It is a country with thousands of lakes and forests that are always nearby. Would you like to visit Santa Claus, admire the Midnight Sun, or experience the peaceful Lapland countryside in the summer? If you think you've seen it all, perhaps it's time to explore Finland and discover why Lonely Planet has ranked it as one of the top 3 travel destinations in 2017. Due to the slight tilt of the earth's axis and solar refraction, summer nights in Lapland are completely white, making this destination a dream come true.
Summer in Finland is a spectacular time of year. For those who venture north of the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set for a couple of months, while further south, the sun can be visible for almost 24 hours a day during June and July. This phenomenon, known as the Midnight Sun, is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the sun, and as a result, at both the North and South poles, the sun only rises once and sets once throughout the year. In Finland, the summer months of June and July are the months when the Midnight Sun is most noticeable. The further north you go, the longer the sun will stay above the horizon. In the most northern parts, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun in its entirety, from May to August. When the nights are almost as bright as the day, it's possible to do the same things you would do during the day; the peculiarity lies in the type of light, which is incredibly different. The sun takes on a reddish-yellow color, almost like during sunrise or sunset, and everything around you is bathed in an incredible warm and bright light.
Day 1 Madrid - Helsinki
At the designated time, meet at the airport for check-in for your direct flight to Helsinki (Finland). This marks the beginning of your journey to Lapland! Direct flight schedules (local times): Madrid - Helsinki 10:15am - 3:25pm. Upon arrival at Helsinki airport, transfer to your accommodation located in front of the beautiful bay of Töölö, a short walk from the center of Helsinki. The main door of the hotel provides direct access to the versatile sports and outdoor opportunities of Töölö Bay, and the wide range of cultural and leisure offerings of the capital are close by. Near the hotel you will find the Finnish National Opera, the Finlandia Hall, the Music Hall, Linnanmäki Amusement Park, and the Olympic Stadium, among other attractions. It is easy to get around the entire city from the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore this vibrant city and fully immerse yourself in the magic of the midnight sun. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 Helsinki - Kemijärvi
After spending our first night in Finland and having a full breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant, we will have some free time to continue exploring the corners of the capital of Finland. Helsinki is easily explorable due to its compact size and numerous transportation options. The entire city is great for walking, but one of the best routes follows the coast and circles the city's oldest park, Kaivopuisto. Along this route, you can see small islands, charming seaside cafes, and some of the city's most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture. If you feel like taking a break, you'll come across Cafe Ursula, the sea-view restaurant Mattolaituri, and the delicious Birgitta Cafe. In the summer, renting a city bike is a great way to get around. The pleasant climate and fantastic bike lanes make it easy to get around the city. Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, venture on a longer walk to the outskirts. Finland has the world's largest archipelago, so you can't leave without visiting at least one of its spectacular islands. Many of them are only a 20-minute ferry ride from Helsinki's market square. Suomenlinna, the 18th-century maritime fortress and World Heritage Site, remains a favorite for its beautiful walks, cafes, and restaurants. Lonna, on the other hand, is a tiny island with an excellent restaurant, a cozy public sauna with exceptional architecture, and fantastic sea views. When you choose the island you want to visit, hop on a ferry and enjoy the ride. In the late afternoon, we will head to Helsinki's central station to take the overnight train to Lapland. Overnight on board.
Dat 3 Kemijärvi - Ruka
Today we will enjoy breakfast onboard our train (coffee and pastry for adults, juice and croissant for children) just before arriving at our destination: Kemijärvi. From there, we will continue our journey by road for approximately 1.5 hours to Ruka. Upon arrival in Ruka, we will have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the surroundings and our accommodation. Our accommodation is located in a natural setting in the area of Ruka Village Ski Resort, one of the best alpine ski resorts in Finland, located in the northwest of Finland, on the edge of the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle. It's a unique location surrounded by three National Parks: Oulanka National Park (with its famous hiking trail "The Bear's Trail"), Riisitunturi National Park, and Julma Ölkky.
Day 4: Family Rafting and Husky Hiking (optional)
After a good breakfast, today we will start the day with a fun activity that will surely be enjoyed by both adults and children in the family. Rafting is undoubtedly one of the star activities of adventure sports in Finland. Enjoy the natural spectacle that the river offers us and test your skills. A descent down the Kitka River with the whole family will make the vacation an unforgettable experience. You will descend accompanied by our guides who will take care of the whole family. Depending on the age, build, and experience of the children, we can choose a quieter stretch or do the descent with adults. With so many emotions, we're sure to work up an appetite. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Rest of the afternoon free. During this afternoon, optionally, you can visit a husky farm and take a walk with these fun animals. Optional Husky Hiking: This specialty involves taking a walk equipped with a special belt where the leash that will keep us tied to the guide dog will be attached in front. The dog will be tied in front of us and will be the one who leads us on the chosen path. It is a complete tour for children and adults who want to be in contact with animals and nature. Young children cannot wear the belt as it requires knowing how to tame the dog which usually walks quickly and with a considerable "pull". Approximate duration: 2-3 hours. Dinner on your own. Accommodation.
Day 5 Ruka Tour on Electric Bikes
After a good breakfast, we will enjoy a bike ride through the wonderful natural surroundings of Ruka. It is an experience designed for couples and families, on high-end electric bicycles through the forests of the Ruka area. The route is mainly on dirt roads, and the asphalt sections are on relatively quiet roads. The maximum slope is 10%. Thanks to the electric assistance of the e-bikes, anyone can make a long bike trip. We will enjoy the landscapes and gastronomy of the area with a rich picnic lunch in the middle of the forest. Approximate duration: 4-5 hours. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest or, optionally, to try the Ruka summer sled track. Ride the Village Express chairlift up the hill and enjoy the descent. Of course, you can also take the chairlift in both directions, up and down, and admire the fantastic views. The summer sled track is one kilometer long and made of steel. The descent is done on a special sled. The track is completely safe and everyone can choose their own speed. Dinner is free. Accommodation.
Day 6 Ruka Canoeing and Camping Night
Breakfast at our accommodation. Today the real adventure begins. Discover the tranquil beauty of the forest in Oulanka National Park. A treasure map, an old notebook, and a mission to find a hidden treasure in the heart of a forest where voices sometimes echo at night... We promise a few scares and many family memories! This escape game, which is a special digital detox (only the use of a walkie-talkie is allowed), extends over two days with a night in a tent or "shelter" and meals cooked over a campfire (including marshmallows!). Enough to whet your appetite for new adventures in the Lapland region. Paddle in a Lapland-style native canoe with your family or partner through the Oulanka River. Our guides will tell us about the local history of the Lapland natives, as well as the wildlife and plants seen along the way. Accommodation in tents in Oulanka National Park.
Day 7 Ruka Traditional Sauna and Lapland Dinner
Breakfast at our campsite. Return to your accommodation with free time to rest and relax. Lunch on your own. Traditional Lapland afternoon with a special Lapland farewell dinner. This experience is a true celebration of Finnish traditions and cuisine. There is no more authentic way to spend an evening than warming up in a 100-year-old wood-fired sauna on the shores of Lake Ajakkajärvi and taking a dip in the lake, as well as being able to relax in an outdoor hot tub located next to the sauna. After enjoying the amazing sauna experience, a traditional dinner prepared with the finest local ingredients will leave you wanting more. Last night to enjoy the great landscapes that the fantastic midnight sun delights us with. Accommodation.
Day 8 Ruka - Rovaniemi (Visit to Santa Claus Village) - Helsinki - Madrid
Last day in Lapland. After having breakfast at our accommodation, we will make our way to Rovaniemi. Upon arrival at Santa Claus Village, located right on the imaginary and magical line of the Arctic Circle, we will be able to visit its handicraft and souvenir shops, send a letter or postcard from Santa Claus' official Post Office, visit the different attractions that are part of this magical world, and even meet the most famous person in all of Lapland: Santa Claus himself! With this visit, we will put the finishing touch on this dream trip. We will then continue to the airport, located less than 3 km from Santa Claus Village, for check-in for our flight via Helsinki back to Madrid. Flight schedules (local times): Rovaniemi - Helsinki 14.15 - 15.30 hrs. Helsinki - Madrid 16.40 - 20.05 hrs. Arrival and end of the trip.
Did you know that two-thirds of all people in the world who live in areas blessed with the Midnight Sun reside in Finland? Above the Arctic Circle, in the northernmost parts of Finnish Lapland, the sun stays above the horizon for over 70 consecutive days. Summer may not be endless in Finland, but there are almost endless summer days. Due to the long and cold winter, Finns celebrate their summer very passionately. Some go to music festivals that offer a selection of jazz, blues, rock, opera, and chamber music. Others sail among the islands off the coast or enjoy a slow life in their summer cottages: swimming, fishing, and cooking dinner on the grill. For three brief - but oh, so sweet! - months, temperatures soar and the sun never sets. In Finnish Lapland, a single summer day lasts over two months. In the southern regions of the country, it never gets very dark, or there is only a period of twilight for a few hours. That's why we call Finland the land of the Midnight Sun. In the city, Finns enjoy their sunny months (and a glass of cider) on the terraces of sidewalks and parks around the city. Markets of all kinds are another attraction. The signs are small at first - at markets, you see fresh strawberries or peas - but by midsummer, the Nordic nation has definitely thawed. Midsummer is often seen as the beginning of warm summer weather, and many Finns start their summer vacations on Midsummer's Eve. Taking place in late June, the longest day of the year is a key element in the festivities of northern Finnish regions.
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