Well there has been a bit of a winter blast in the UK so I was fully prepared for the cold that was to hit me when I arrived in Finland. What I wasn’t prepared for was the amazing variety and high quality of accommodation and activities that I was to see.
I started off my trip with a 2 hour journey north of Helsinki to the beautiful Lake Paijanne, which is Finland’s second largest lake. The cabin I stayed in was beautiful and had direct access to the clear and calm lake. When I arrived it was dark and I was excited to see the views from the cabin in the morning. Well the views did not disappoint and neither did the rest of the day which included a boat trip around the national park and cooking freshly caught fish on the open fire. After eating lots more delicious local food, seeing some stunning cabins and villas and meeting some wonderfully hospitable people I continued my journey to the city of Tampere.
After eating lots more delicious local food, seeing some stunning cabins and villas and meeting some wonderfully hospitable people I continued my journey to the city of Tampere.
Tampere is a nice city with lots to do and I was lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful meal at the Särkänniemi adventure park in the fantastic Näsinneula which is a revolving restaurant with amazing views over the city. The food was some of the best I have ever eaten with interesting local produce, beautiful presentation and great service. I also enjoyed staying in one of Tampere’s oldest hotels.
The next day I had an early start to head out into the countryside to see some more cabins which were great. Cosy and homely and perfect for a lakeside family trip. I also enjoyed some hiking in Seitseminen National Park with a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. The snow was falling fast and settling and the forest looked like a fairytale scene. We then enjoyed some delicious mushroom pancakes cooked over the open fire in one of the forest many cooking stations. My feet were a little cold so I was pleased to hear that I was heading to the sauna to warm up!
My last evening was spent at a beautiful hotel which had an atmosphere that is hard to describe. With cosy warm rooms, great food, beautiful décor and calming background music this hotel made me relax and feel at home in an instant. With 17 individually designed rooms, a spa, and a sauna complex with hot tub this hotel is going to offer great holidays during the winter and summer.
My trip to wonderful Finland was coming to an end but I still had one more adventure to enjoy……..river floating! I have to say although I enjoy swimming and water and am usually quite brave when it comes to cold water I was feeling a little apprehensive about the water being 5 degrees and snow being on the ground. Slipping on an all-in-one dry suit (with lots of giggling) I had nothing to worry about, I was warm and cosy and very much enjoyed the experience of relaxing as the river gently guided me. A great fun activity that is not to be missed!
All in all Finland has much to offer any traveller in both winter and summer and should not be overlooked! It is a fabulous destination with friendly people, luxury accommodation, beautiful scenery, delicious food and activities to suit all from fishing to dog sledding, water zorbing to spa experiences and hiking to ice skating! So why not consider somewhere different for your holiday and contact us for a quote! Start your adventure today……
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