Finland

Finland is huge! Most people immediately think of Lapland when they think of Finland, even though it’s located all the way in the north. And to be fair: Lapland is magical. Picture vast snowy landscapes, trees covered in snow, reindeer on the roads, husky safaris, snowmobile rides and of course the chance to see the Northern Lights. During the winter months, the scenery looks straight out of a fairytale and it feels like stepping into another world. You’ll also find unique places to stay, like glass igloos and traditional wooden cabins with a sauna. But did you know that you don’t necessarily have to travel all the way to the far north to experience all this? In central Finland, there’s also plenty of snow in winter and you can enjoy the same kind of winter activities as in Lapland; cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, husky rides and ice fishing. Advantages? It’s much quieter and the travel distances are shorter. Disadvantages? The chances of seeing the Northern Lights are slightly lower, but that’s really about it. Helsinki is a vibrant city from which you can easily drive to central Finland with a rental car. A perfect combination: start with some culture and gastronomy in the capital, then head into nature for your winter adventure.