Play Mölkky

Chase northern lights, sauna traditions, and mirror-still lakes of Finland

Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus located right on the Arctic Circle. Cross the magical Arctic Circle line, meet Santa in his office, and send postcards with a special Santa Claus Post Office postmark. Enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights during winter months.

Visit Turku, Finland's oldest city and former capital. Explore Turku Castle (a medieval fortress with historical exhibitions), stroll along the Aura River (lined with cafes and boats), see the Turku Cathedral (a national shrine with Gothic architecture), and visit the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum (combining archaeological ruins with contemporary art).

Master Finnish and its extensive case system

Explore the Aland Islands, an autonomous archipelago between Finland and Sweden. Visit Mariehamn, the capital with a rich maritime history (home of the museum ship Pommern, a four-masted steel barque). Discover Kastelholm Castle, a 14th-century medieval fortress that once controlled trade routes, and enjoy the unique nature of the 6,700 islands, perfect for cycling and kayaking.

Experience an authentic Finnish sauna, a tradition dating back thousands of years. Visit the Löyly sauna in Helsinki, a modern architectural marvel with a striking wooden exterior and direct access to the Baltic Sea for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, head to the traditional smoke sauna in Kuopio, where the gentle heat and aroma of smoked wood create a unique atmosphere. Finish with a jump into a frozen lake or roll in the snow for the full Finnish contrast experience, often followed by a round of 'löyly' (steam) thrown on the hot stones. This ritual is a cornerstone of Finnish culture, with over 3 million saunas in a country of 5.5 million people.

The sauna capital of the world, between two lakes, in red-brick factories turned museums and bars.

Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, reindeer sleighs and northern lights from September to March.