Winter found! A week in Finland

Yeees, I know, I've already written several posts about Finland (here and here :-) ), one of the countries that I absolutely love the most. But how could I not share some of the newest highlights with you?

So here is a little report about my latest trip to Finland earlier this year. I spent a few days in the capital, Helsinki, before I met two friends with whom I traveled to Lapland. We enjoyed a week full of highlights - and winter at its fullest.

Cold days, warm heart

When I landed in Helsinki, it was freezing cold, dark and snowing. Quite a rude welcoming. But the next morning, the sun came out and I had a lovely (still cold though!) walk in the city. Off course with a lot of cinnamon buns and coffee during the warm-up breaks! :-)

Walking on (frozen) water

Another highlight was a walk on the frozen Lake Töölö. I love this area just a bit outside of town, with its old villas and the beautiful views!

A dip in the ocean

I wasn't sure if I would really do it - but I finally did it: A plunge into the frozen Baltic sea! Well, only after heating up in the sauna off course! :-) I enjoyed a morning in the Löyly sauna, which is definitely a Must when you're in Helsinki!

Off to Lapland!

Soon came the next highlight. Together with two friends, we took the night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Finnish lapland. It was super easy and very comfortable, we were all surprised! We slept wonderful and arrived in Rovaniemi relaxed and happy. And: In the middle of a wonderful winter landscape!

We then rented a car and drove to our Mökki - a traditional Finnish cottage in the middle of nowhere, off course with a sauna that we frequently used from then on.

We spent some wonderful days in this winter wonderland, enjoyed relaxing days at the fire place, out in the snow or in the sauna - it was perfect.

One last highlight was the husky safari we did with Maglelin Experience. We were so happy to find this tour operator as almost everything was already fully booked and enjoyed this trip with this powerful four-legged bundles of energy veeeery much!!

As always, Finland was magical and I enjoyed every minute!

To finish, here are some of my newest recommendations in case you plan your own trip to Finland (YOU SHOULD!!! :-) ).

Hostel The Yard: When travelling alone, I'm often too greedy to book a hotel room for myself. :-) This hostel is really nice, clean and has fair prices - and it is in the middle of the city, only five minutes from the train station. I would definitely recommend it! --> Link
Löyly Sauna: A wonderful place directly at the sea. A beautiful wooden building that offers 3 different kind of saunas and a good restaurant. And: You can plunge into the sea directly after heating up. I loved it! --> Link
Töölö bay: A beautiful walk that starts just behind the train station. Walk around the lake (or ON it if it's frozen) and enjoy the view and the beautiful old wooden villas. One of my favourite walks in Helsinki!
Maglelin Experience: A very good tour operator that offers husky safaris. Great staff, everything perfectly organized. --> Link
KuuKuu restaurant in Helsinki: A very good restaurant, yummy food, reasonable prices. Would definitely go there again! :-) --> Link

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