Archive | Finland Holidays

Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

25 Aug

Santa Claus Village, Finnish Lapland

Visit Rovaniemi, Finland: The Perfect Destination for Your Next Trip

Do you yearn for the smell of the sweet treats during the holiday season?

Or, do you anxiously await the pitter patter of reindeer on your roof? The chuckle of the hefty man with a white beard, dressed in red from head to toe, heard as he slides down your chimney?

As the capital of Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Arctic. Amidst the city’s urban oasis, fairy tales, wild activities, culture, and the Arctic wilderness all join hands – creating the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Finnish Lapland

Rovaniemi serves as the gateway to Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region which borders Russia, Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic Sea. Of course, it is only fitting that the area’s designated animal is the reindeer.

Featuring a view of the cast sub arctic wilderness and the awe inspiring natural phenomena which include the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, Lapland is a fairy tale destination for those who dream of a winter wonderland.

While the views are breathtaking, the year-round activities, modern services, and world-renowned residents make a trip to Lapland, and more specifically to Rovaniemi, a magical and mythical experience.

Don’t miss Dasher, Dancer, or any of Santa’s other eight reindeer amongst the 190,000 reindeer that call Lapland home. You might even catch some of them snacking on the magic mushrooms and special reindeer lichen, discovered by the elves, in preparation for their flight this coming holiday season!

Santa Claus Village

What would a trip to Rovaniemi be without a chance to meet the big guy in the red suit? If you still have a few more requests to put in before Santa Claus starts making his rounds, visit Santa Claus Village.

Open daily, Santa Claus is at Santa Claus Village every day of the year to ensure he upholds his mission. The jolly ole’ fellow works hard to enhance the kindness of the adults and the well-being of the children while continuing to share the message of goodwill and love of Christmas Spirit around the globe.

Once you’ve had the chance to meet the man in the red suit, walk through Santa’s very own Home Cavern – located just underneath the Arctic Circle – as the elves guide you through a spectacular day.

Northern Lights

Don’t let the larger-than-life reindeer, tiny elves, and all the toys fool you. Rovaniemi has something for everyone, even the nature enthusiasts. The magic of the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi is as magical as meeting Santa Claus himself.

Visible on around 150 nights a year, falling during the months of August through April, this astral show will put the icing on the cake for this all-around magical destination.

Whether you have a few Christmas wishes to place or you are trying to convince Santa Claus to put you on the nice list this year, Rovaniemi, Finland is sure to be a hit with the whole family – from Santa Claus Village to the Northern Lights.

How to Prepare for a Short Baltic Cruises from Helsinki

01 Aug

How to Prepare for a Fun-Packed Short Baltic Cruises

Short Baltic cruises are the ideal way to take a break from the stresses of everyday life. What better way to indulge in such much-needed pampering than aboard a luxury liner? Baltic cruises offer some of the best opportunities to see some of the most amazing sights in popular destinations and along the way. Short Baltic cruises from Helsinki to St Petersburg, Stockholm,Tallinn, or Stockholm are hard to beat. But the details you know before your first cruise could mean the difference between a good time and a great one!

What to Pack for the Short Baltic Cruises

Clothes for Hot and Cold Weather – You never know what the temperature is going to be or the sudden changes that damp weather might bring. Pack for warm and cool weather but include a good waterproof windbreaker.
Bring Your Best Walking Shoes – No matter which stops you make, you will have to do some walking. If you feel the need to invest in a new pair before the cruise, make sure you break them in before you go.
Formal and Modest Clothing – You may be required to dress for dinner or want to make a visit to a restaurant that requires formal dress. Some tours include visits to must-see churches where long sleeves and pants are required.
Convert Your Money – Find out which of your stops are in countries that haven’t made the conversion to Euros. You will probably want to convert some of your money into a variety of currencies.
Pack Your Swimsuit – If you plan to go swimming on the cruise liner or at the beach, this is one essential you don’t want to leave behind.
Sunglasses – They don’t have to be your designer glasses but they should be effective at blocking out UV rays. Polarized sunglasses are a good choice. They reduce the glare off the water.
Hat or Cap
Binoculars
Camera with Extra Batteries

Favorite Attractions on Baltic Cruises

A lot of the attractions that you will see will be in St. Petersburg. This incredible city is rich in history and culture, boasting a lot of museums and elaborate churches. One to see is the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. You can also visit the State Hermitage Museum to learn about the area’s art and culture.

For families, there are zoos and aquariums, such as Ekzoopark and the St. Petersburg Dolphinarium. Adults can engage in the food, wine, & nightlife in the many pubs, bars, and clubs including the Jimi Hendrix Blues Club.

Contact Nordic Cruises today to book your place on Baltic cruises from Helsinki. Reserve your place aboard the MS Anastasia or MS Serenada and come prepared for a cruise you will never forget.

Helsinki Cathedral is the symbol of Helsinki

19 Jul

Helsinki Cathedral in the night

Helsinki Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland

Situated in the middle of the city, the lovely Helsinki Cathedral soars over the Senate Square. For many tourists, this building becomes a monumental, classic image that they forever associate with Helsinki. Constructed originally ( from 1830 – 1852) in tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, the cathedral was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and inspired by the St. Isaac Cathedral of St. Petersburg. At present, it is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki.
Neoclassical style dictates the plan of Helsinki Cathedral, which is based on a symmetrical Greek cross. Each arm of the building features a pediment and colonnade, both typical of the architectural style. The tall green dome is distinctive, surrounded by four domes of a smaller scale. In the Lutheran spirit, the architect created a serene, 203 feet high (62 meters) interior, almost devoid of ornaments. In rejection of the Catholic concept that saints were closer to God, the Lutherans opposed worshiping saints and therefore did not decorate their cathedrals with icons and images. In place of artistic embellishments, this space is filled with harmonious music played by a beautifully crafted organ.

Over 350,000 visitors make their way to Helsinki Cathedral annually. Masses, weddings, national and academic festivals are hosted here regularly. There is no entrance fee and the church is open daily, except during services and special events.

Visit this iconic site easliy via one of our many Russia Visa free travel options.

Finland Today

12 Jun

Finland Today: the Land of a Thousand Lakes

Country: Finland

Finland is a Nordic country of Northern Europe. Official name is the Republic of Finland. Suomi is the name of the country in Finnish Language. Population of Suomi is approximately 5.5 million. Also Finland is called a country of thousand lakes and islands.

Helsinki, the Capital of Finland

Capital: Helsinki

The capital and largest city of Finland is Helsinki. This beautiful city was founded in 1550 on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland as the town of Helsingfors. In 1812 Helsinki was stated the Finnish capital. So, the population of Helsinki was increased. Now around 630 thousand Finns live in the capital.

Language: Finnish, Swedish and Sami

Finnish language is a Uralic family language such as Hungarian and Estonian. It is not related to Scandinavian languages.

English	Finnish
Welcome	Tervetuloa
Thank you	Kiitos
Yes/No	Joo/Ei
Hello	Hei
Goodbye	Heippa
Good morning	Hyvää huomenta
Good afternoon	Hyvää iltapäivää
Good evening	Hyvää itaa
Good night	Hyvää yötä

Flag:

The flag of Finland is a blue Nordic/Scandinavian Cross on a white background.

Currency: Euro

Finland is a member of the European Union since 1995 and the Eurozone since 1999. Therefor, Finland has the euro. Exchanging money is not a problem. ATMs or Otto are operated with international credit or debit card such as Visa, Mastercard… Also international credit cards are accepted in most shops.

Time Zone:

Eastern European Summer Time =UCT (Coordinated Universal Time) + 3 hours

Eastern European Time = UCT (Coordinated Universal Time) + 2 hours

Arctic Icebreaker Sampo in Kemi, Finnish Lapland

10 Jun

Travel to Kemi, Finland Needs to Include These

If you are heading to Finnish Lapland, we applaud you for planning a vacation that’s outside the box. While in Kemi, Finland you’ll discover there are plenty of things to see and do, but one thing you must do is cruise on the famous Arctic Icebreaker Sampo. In fact, it’s what anyone who wants to travel to Finnish Lapland does.

The Arctic Icebreaker Sampo in Finnish Lapland

The Famous Arctic Icebreaker Sampo in Kemi

The Arctic icebreaker Sampo is a majestic vessel that will take you on a cruise like no other. Get ready for the thundering sound that over 3 500 tons of steel makes as it crushes the thick ice like a twig. You’ll be awestruck, even if you are an experienced seafarer.

Sampo has been in operation since the early sixties, plowing open the Finland’s frozen seas for trade vessels for more than 25 years. In 1987, Sampo became a tourist attraction in Kemi the northern port town. Quickly Sampo became popular for tourists and locals alike. After all, not too many normal folk get the opportunity to board an icebreaker and see it working. The impact between the thick ice and this massive steel beast will leave you feeling like your participating in extreme sports; only you don’t have to do anything except be impressed. Then again, how brave will you be when you visit Kemi?

Ice Swimming!

Ice Swimming in the Frozen North?

On a scale of one to ten, where do you rate yourself in the courage department? Will you be brave enough to leave Sampo and swim in the frozen sea? Yes, you read that right. Why not let your enthusiasm makeup for any lack of courage because while the initial shock might take a little courage, this too shall pass, and you’ll be in for an experience like no other!

Don’t worry, we promise the captain isn’t going to toss you off the boat, in fact, participation is optional, but with a little faith, and a survival suit, you’ll be ready to float among the frozen blocks of ice, all under the supervision of expert guides.

Icebreaker Sampo in Kemi, Finland

As frightened as you might be, you have to admit that the sight of a large group of red suits floating around must be a pretty frightening sight too. Once you are in the water, it’s an incredible feeling. Float around and frolic in the Bothnian Sea. It’s a great story to share at home that few will be able to top. In fact, you deserve bragging rights to the best vacation experience ever–Lapland travel! What are you waiting for?

So Romantic…travel to Kemi