FINNISH LAPLAND

Finland in winter is truly the picture-perfect scene, with snowy forests stretching as far as the eye can see, creating a magical landscape that seems straight from a fairytale.

Wilderness Hotels in Finland operate a handful of different lodge accommodations, each with inclusive activity packages designed to showcase the best cold-weather experiences and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. I stayed at Muotka Wilderness Lodge in a traditional log cabin complete with private sauna, though various room types are available to accommodate different budgets and preferences.

The optimal visiting period spans December through April, when Finland's Lapland region transforms into its quintessential winter state.

This destination caters beautifully to couples seeking romance, friends enjoying adventure together, and families creating unforgettable memories.

The must-do activities include witnessing the Aurora Borealis, skidooing across frozen landscapes, traditional sleigh rides, reindeer encounters, husky sledding, and snow shoeing through pristine forests.

I strongly recommend opting in for phone alerts should the Aurora appear during the night. Our experience was particularly memorable—after a somewhat disappointing four-hour organised Aurora Hunt with no sightings, we returned despondently to our cabin just before midnight. As we climbed the steps, there they were, dancing magnificently in the night sky above us. Truly a magical moment!

Dining is primarily buffet-style, featuring hearty and flavourful Lappish specialities, fresh salads and vegetables, complemented by creamy ice creams and delicious desserts. It's worth noting that not all dietary requirements can be accommodated, so it's advisable to verify options at the time of booking.

A cultural highlight is learning about the Sami people and their traditions. Meeting an indigenous reindeer herder family provides fascinating insights into this ancient way of life that continues to thrive in the modern world.

While the lodge provides all cold-weather outer layers including coats, mittens and boots, don't forget to pack your own thermal underwear, gloves, hats, scarves and sunglasses for optimal comfort.

For transport, the lodge operates quality minibuses for all transfers. Travel options include direct flights twice weekly from London Gatwick to Ivalo, or connections via Helsinki, making this remarkable destination surprisingly accessible despite its remote Arctic location.