Since we returned home I wanted to sit down and write a post about this Lapland road trip, but at the same time – there was also a great difficulty. How do I summarise a once-in-a-lifetime trip in which I felt like I just arrived home for the very first time in my life?
So for a month and a half I thought daily about the words I will write, about the pictures I’ll choose, I was completely Overwhelmed with so many emotions.
We traveled Finish Lapland for 17 days that brought us all together at all times – just us traveling between forests, lakes, and endless roads.
Lapland is truly one of the fewest places where I felt “home”, the powerful nature of this amazing land left a deep impression in my heart and veins.
Lapland is actually a transverse region spread over several countries: in the west it begins in northern Norway and in the east it ends in northern Russia.
The main inhabited nucleus crosses all of northern Finland – so in fact most of our trip took place at the geographic region of northern Finland.
We visited Lapland during the fall months (mid august – early September) … days when nights grow longer and the cold air is already present.
I think that for the first time in my life I realised that there are places in the world where people really live according to nature seasons and rules.
The winter in Lapland freezes everything – the rope the entire country turns into an uncompromising white, the lakes freezes, the trees cover up and for 50 days the darkness descends and Sun does not rise again.
Then the spring begins, the long night ends, the white is still present, but with an impressive and completely cyclical patience, the sun begins to dissolve the snow and warm the air and the land, slowly discovering what has been forgotten somewhere under the snow – plants and trees, lakes and rivers.
During summer days everything is green again, the defrosted snows of spring seeping into the soft earth and watering the endless forests, the lichens and bushes, the thousands of beautiful plants.
And then the sun glows at its peak, it shines and does not let go for another 50 days – rises to the center of the sky and stays present at all day long.
In the fall the nights are shorter, the temperatures fall and the clouds arrive, slowly nature prepares itself for the frozen days, the snow begins.
And in this endless and so predictable circle, people live.
And their lives change from an end to an end every few months.
What they can or can not do.
What they see through out the windows of their houses.
The presence of nature flows in their blood – this is a land where it is first of all NATURE and only then are themselves.
My mother joined us on this trip – so we were 3 adults, 2 young children and a little baby. We went on a trip on 18.8 and returned back home on September 5th.
All those days, we enjoyed the beautiful Lapland, we drove through its dense forests, every night or two we settled in another place and all we say for sure is – that we travelled and seen everything that Finnish Lapland has to offer.
I planned this trip for a month, the route was known in advance, as well as the accommodation and car rental – all were booked in advance.
We were very well planned and we can say that it was in our favor.
Our route included 2 domestic flights and thousands of driving kilometers on the remoted roads of Northern Europe – well above the Arctic line.
On this trip:
I understood what a real forest was,
I’ve seen dozens of different kinds of giant mushrooms in the woods,
I discovered that in all of Lapland’s forests, blueberries grow purple, sour and full of vitamins,
I’ve seen a lot of north reindeer walking free everywhere,
I got to see the northern lights!!
I saw with my own eyes and stomped with my own feet in places on earth that no human foot had ever stepped on,
I discovered that in the forests of Lapland, you sometimes have to get down on your knees, dig in the thick greens with your hands in order to discover that the ground is hiding at a depth of 20-30 cm below the plants,
I saw hundreds of stuffed animals,
I visited places so remote that it was not clear to me how people got there at the first place,
I saw huge wild plants with huge flowers growing under the influence of the unsettling sun of the summer,
I fell in love completely with the concept of living my life in a wooden hut,
I discovered that there are places in the world where August is really cold.
Day 1
Early morning landing in Helsinki and a direct drive to a town on the southwest side of Finland: Kaarina,
The plan was to go to Mumin Park with the children but in unfortunately it was raining and we were tired from the night flight and the ride.
After resting and sleeping for a while in our Karina guesthouse, we drove to a nearby town of Naantli and took a nice evening walk by the lakes.
Link to the site of Mumin Park
Day 2 –
A return trip to Helsinki and a domestic flight to Rovaniemi, the entrance gate to Lapland and the official Home of Santa Claus!
Day 3 –
We began our third day with a short walk in the forest next to our cabin, saw local people collect blueberries and just joined the spontaneous harvest that we later discovered as a daily routine in Lapland.
We visited Santa Claus’s house, the kids got to see Santa and I’m sure it was something they would never forget.
From Santa’s house we drove south to the zoo in Rauna.
The zoo is actually a completely natural forest that gathered arctic animals – it allows people the opportunity to watch animals in their natural Living environment all year long and throughout all of Lapland’s extreme climate changes.
We saw huge polar bears, foxes, northern deer, mink, and many other beautiful owls and animals.
Highly recommended to visit this zoo!
Link to the site of the zoo
Day 4-
On our fourth day we went for a short hike in one of Lapland’s National Parks:
Phya national park
We went on this hike without having a real idea of what we were going to see. In the park’s visitors’ center, a very nice guy helped me choose a walking path that would suit the children.
It was The first time we saw reindeer completely free and it was absolutely amazing! The trip was very impressive but a windy weather made it also a very cold one!
In the middle of the trail we stopped in a fire hut where logs, pans, and other fire-fighting and emergency tools awaited us- the hut was a complete surprise and the children were really excited.
We managed to light a fire, prepared some toast and continued our day trip. During the trip, I gathered fascinating natural treasures of different textures and colours. It is inspiring to discover that in this endless green there are so many different shades of plants and colours.
Day 5-
Traveling to the largest town in the north of Lapland – Inari, the word “big” is relatively of course … The city has about 500 inhabitants.
The road to Inari was very special. It was the first time we had actually begun to realised what it’s like to drive in such a remoted road. We could travel for hours without seeing any vehicle passing by. No vehicle in front of us or behind us – just us,our rented car, the crazy nature, The amazing north of Lapland.
On the way we stopped for a refreshment in the town of Saariselka and we discovered that there is a whole theme park of ANGRY BIRDS! The children enjoyed an hour and a half of a playing and enjoying this indoor park, and we got the chance to rest a bit from the long journey. It turns out that in Finland there are a number of similar theme parks.
A link to the angry birds Park in the town we visited
Day 6-
On the morning of the sixth day we boarded a small boat that took us and a few more tourists to cruise around Lake Inari which is one of the important lakes for the Sami tribe.
In the middle of the cruise we came to a small high rocky island and we took a lookout. It turns out that this is an island that is considered sacred and important to the Sami tribe and in the past there were many religious ceremonies. The name of the island – Uka island inari
The cruise departs at 11:00 every day and the tickets can be purchased at any place in town or in the visitors’ shops.
After the cruise we visited the museum of the Sami tribe in the city, I must mention that the visit to the museum was fascinating and it is suitable for all ages – even for the little ones.
Link to the Museum of Sami tribe in Inari
Day 7-
On the seventh day we went to visit a local reindeer farm of a nice woman who live in Inari, we first got to know many details about reindeer breeding and their lives – did you know that deer are shooting their horns every year? That they are born at regular times in the year (March) and that when the horns grow they are covered with thin fur?
The woman we visited in the farm told us about the use of animals, for meat, for sewing traditional winter shoes and for sewing cold weather clothing for the freezing winter days.
It turns out that traditional clothing in these parts of the world is still relevant – especially in the winter.
We continued the journey and settled in our next destination – Utsjoki – the northernmost town in Finland.
Day 8 –
On the eighth day we took a walk in the forest near our hut, where we had one of the most beautiful hut we had ever stayed in – right on the bank of a great and dreadful river, on the Norwegian border.
In the afternoon, we visited the old huts of the town that had actually begun this whole northern settlement.
It was amazing to see the huts from the outside while trying to imagine the life that was here – right here – 100 years ago.
Day 9 –
On the ninth day we crossed the border into Norway by the famous Sami Bridge. We drove along the Arctic coast and finally the sun came out. We arrived at the Norwegian fishing town of Borselv at the end of our trip to Karasjok, which is a nice Norwegian town and a good base for trips in the area.
After 9 days of pine trees and forests, suddenly seeing the shores of the ocean, was a refreshing and blessed change.
The northern part of Norway is wild, and it was amazing to discover that people lived on the only road that existed at enormous distances from one another.
Day 10 –
The tenth day was spent mostly on the road – we traveled about five hours straight and that was the longest car drive we had ever experienced.
On the way we stopped in Norway at the side of the road and took a short walk, what we could not see from the road-was revealed to us after a light climb on a hill.
winding views of wide rivers, picturesque log cabins and lots of blue sky.
At the end of the day, we reached our hotel in the town of Muonio.
Day 11-
We stayed in the town of Munio which is also a home for a huge aski dogs farm, one of the largest in Finland. In the morning we visited the farm and heard explanations about the bonded life of humans and the aski dogs, how each helped the other survive the radical climate of the Arctic.
Then we settled in a hut by the river and made a pleasant autumn fire.
In the evening we walked in a nearby forest and I felt I had to take off my shoes off and walk barefoot on the bare ground – it was excellent!
Day 12-
On the twelfth day of our trip, we arrived to Levi. This is a famous winter town with excellent ski and sports attractions that operate all year round. We got on with the kids on the cabin lift used by the skiers in the winter, and we made a short walk on one of the mountains peak. Then, on the other side of this small town, we enjoyed fast mountain slides. After spending time in the town, we continued on our way to our night stop near Pello
Link to the park site and activities for children in the town of Levi
Day 13-
The hut that we stayed in was one of the most beautiful ones we visited, it was built on a huge natural grassland with a lake close to one side and a forest close to the other.
Out side our hut there was also a charming traditional sauna cabins and a super cute storage hut.
Near the lake the owners of this place built an open fireplace for their winter fires.
We started the morning with rowing on a small wooden boat, we were alone in the lake and it was very special.
We continued our day for a walk towards the famous fishing huts, which over the years became a Finnish heritage site.
This is a large cluster of ancient wooden huts, some 300 or even 400 years old – all privately owned today and even used by their owners.
Although you can not enter the cabins, you can certainly see them and look through the glass windows -trying to imagine the simple and good lives of these anonymous fishermen who lived here hundreds of years ago.
Day 14-
After two weeks of wandering in remote and small towns, we reached a real big city! It even has an airport!
Oulu is a large coastal town We visited Oulu for two days.
We played bowling (I won !!) We visited its impressive botanical gardens and of course the city market which is a must place to visit.
Link to the city’s botanical gardens
Day 15 –
On this day we flew back to Helsinki, the capital of Finland – We sadly said good bye to Lapland and northern Finland.
After landing we went to the amusement park of Helsinki “Linnanmäki”, we also bought an entrance ticket to the lovely sea life Aqurium park. It is important to note that the amusement park was established by a number of non-profit organisations for the benefit of children across Finland, all the profits from the park are been transferred as scholarships, upgrading classes and enrichment hours for all children of Finland. The goal is very welcome and the Finnish citizens vote with their feet and fill up this place every day. It is recommended to purchase a daily bracelet which allows access to all park facilities and rides.
Both of these places are completely recommended and are suitable for the whole family.
link to Linnanmäki park
Link to sea life Aqurium park
Day 16 –
A Day trip to one of the most beautiful and colourful towns in Europe Porvoo
Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland. The area of the old city – from the cathedral to the river – is one of the most special places we visited in Finland.
Dozens of houses in different shades, all of them in pure pastel colours.
Dozens of boutiques filled up with local artists crafts, alongside charming vintage and home design shops.
Dozens of cafes, wineries and restaurants – and in general, just a special atmosphere.
This town is also a must visit place, It is about 45 minutes east of Helsinki.
Day 17-
that’s it … our last day on this amazing road trip.
After we packed everything for the last time, we went to the city square of Helsinki to visit the local market, for the last time we ate fresh and tasty berries – and that’s it … we drove sadly to the international air port.
Useful travel tips:
I really enjoyed using Trip-Adviser’s website during this trip, simply looking up for places I’m likely to reach in a few days and accordingly look for what to do near by.
It was amazing to discover that in most places there were no traveler’s reviews … most of our trip was completely of the regular visitor’s routines!
Another useful app that helped me – Instagram tags! Before reaching any destination, I just searched for its name in the app tags, depending on the images of the other users and their checked in location, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
Waze navigation app does not work in Lapland … Apparently no one has yet marked Waze’s maps there…. the only thing that will work for you is Google Maps, so it’s worth downloading Google maps for your phone.
Most of the days we cooked ourselves at least 2 meals – usually it was morning and evening. veganes will be happy to discover that Finland is very vegan friendly and there is a various of vegan food in supermarkets.
Lapland is very friendly to travelers. Every small town has a local information office, where you can get free maps for the hiking trails and good recommendations according to your family Preferences.
Our accommodation during our road trip:
Hommanäs Gård Villas Highly recommended for those who like to be very secluded in the middle of nature, we spent in this place our last two nights in southern Finland
Nallikari Holiday Village Villas – We spent here 2 nights in the town of Oulu, a great place! Very close to the city center and the beach
Puolukkamaan Pirtit Cottages – Perfect location! close to a beautiful lake, the nearest supermarket is 40 minutes drive, we spent there one night.
Hotel Harriniva – Highly recommended! A charming hotel, rich and good breakfast is included in the price. At the reception you can book a wide range of different nature activities, we spent 2-night in this hotel in the town of Munio.
Karasjok Camping – Our place of stay in Norway, a charming and comfortable place, we were hosted in the big cabin of the site, the site has a great playground for children, large lawns, picturesque river view and games room for guests’ use.
Holiday Village Valle – the best hotel we have stayed in Lapland, we spent 2 nights in our stay in Utsjoki, the hotel has an excellent chef restaurant where we celebrated a wedding day, all the huts are located by the river.
Holiday Village Inari – the huts were small and crowded, if you wish to book this place I must recommend you to try and see availability for the big family cabin by the river, all the rest are a bit too small for families.
Pyhän Kortepuolukka – large and spacious cabin in the middle of the forest, we stayed there for 2 nights, highly recommended!
Niemelän Talo – very nice cabins in Rovaniemi, highly recommended.
Väliaikaisasunto – a large house where you can rent rooms, we rented 2 rooms. It was different and interesting to stay in a house with many different travelers. I enjoyed this place even though it does not have a lot of privacy. We only spent there 1 night.
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