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Lapland Reindeer Herder’s Day

06 Jan
Reindeer Sleigh Ride in Finnish Lapland

Reindeer Sleigh Ride in Finnish Lapland

Ever fantasize about being a deer herder?

If you’ve ever dreamed of living the life of a reindeer herder in the snowy wilderness of the magical land of Lapland, now’s your chance! Just pack your warmest parka and your sense of humour, and head on up to the northernmost region of Finland. Finnish Lapland is where the reindeer outnumber the people and the Northern Lights light up the sky.
But what’s it really like to live the reindeer life in Lapland? Well, first of all, you’ll need to get used to the cold – temperatures. It can drop down to -40°C in the winter, and the snow and ice can last for months on end. But don’t worry, the reindeer are well adapted to the harsh climate. They’ll help keep you warm with their thick fur coats.
As a reindeer herder in Lapland, you’ll spend your days (and nights) tending to your herd, making sure they have enough food and water, and keeping an eye out for predators. You’ll also learn how to drive a reindeer sled, which is a lot like driving a car, except with hooves instead of wheels.

Did you know that reindeer have their own personal stylists?

It’s true! These fashionable creatures spend hours every day primping and preening their antlers to make sure they look their best for the big holiday season.
But don’t be fooled by their appearance—these reindeer are no divas. They work tirelessly all year, pulling sleighs and assisting Santa in delivering gifts to all the good boys and girls.

And when you’re not busy with reindeer duties, there’s plenty of other fun things to do in Lapland. You can ski or snowboard down the slopes, go ice fishing on a frozen lake, or even visit the Sami Museum to learn more about the indigenous culture of the region.
So don’t be shy – come join the reindeer party in Lapland! Just make sure to bring your sense of adventure and your warmest socks.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

04 Jan

Santa Claus

Santa Claus Village, located just 7 kilometers from the Finnish city of Rovaniemi, is a popular destination for adults and children alike. Santa Claus, the legendary Christmas wish-maker, lives here in his village. The Finns call it the village of Joulupukki (Joulupukin Pajakyla), after Santa Claus in their national mythology.

Lapland turned out to be the most magical province in Finland. Its fantastic nature, with pristine mountains and forests, has aroused the interest of many fantastic creatures. Here you can meet Santa Claus and his assistants, including gnomes, elves, deer, and the Snow Queen.

According to legend, if it were not for Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the President of the United States of America, it is not known where Santa Claus would have decided to live in Lapland. However, the first lady of the United States helped make the decision and became the first guest of the Finnish Joulupukki. As a result, a small hut grew into a village, which is now located beyond the Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus Village is beautiful. It’s absolutely amazing in the evening when it’s dark.
You can make your most fervent wish to Santa Claus in his office. Simply open the massive wooden door and enter the magic room. In addition to Santa Claus’ office, where you can talk to him, there is a post office in the village where a helpful gnome will help you send a congratulatory letter with the seal of the Arctic Circle to any corner of our planet. There are numerous souvenir shops that will not leave you without a memorable gift.

Spending a holiday in Rovaniemi is like immersing yourself in a fairy tale or a child’s fantasy. Don’t miss this miracle. Without doubt, take advantage of Lapland tours and visit Lapland, the home of fantastic creatures.

The Magical Side of Finnish Lapland

24 Nov

The Magical Side of Finnish Lapland – Reindeer Sleigh Rides

The magic side of the Christmas season comes alive when you visit Rovaniemi, located in Lapland. That is because Rovaniemi is the official hub and hometown of Santa Claus. This city in Finland hails, as well, as the administrative capital of the northernmost province of Finland, known as Finnish Lapland.

Therefore, no trip is complete during the holidays without visiting the hometown of Santa Claus. Naturally, reindeer in this region “rein” supreme as well. In fact, you need to be cautious when driving through Finnish Lapland from November to January – a time when you run the risk for a run-in with a reindeer. Indeed Lapland would not be Lapland without the reindeer, who the people call the livestock of the sun.

Sami Culture in Lapland

Reindeers

The Creation Story

According to old Lappish tales and the indigenous people, the Sámi, Jubmel created the Lapland landscape from a baby reindeer. Rocks were formed from the calf’s bones and the earth from the animal’s muscles. However, the Creator embedded the calf’s heart deep inside the soil. If you listen closely on a silent winter’s day, you can sometimes hear the calf’s soft heartbeat. Either that, or your ears are frost-nipped.

Visit Finnish Lapland

The Sami’s traditional clothes (in center)

Reindeer Names

Regardless, you cannot go too far in this part of the world without seeing a reindeer.

Finnish Lapland

Pretty deer, walking down the street 🙂

After all, it is hard to miss those antlers, even if they do serve as camouflage in the Lapland forest. Reindeer also go by other names, other than Rudolph, Dancer, or Prancer. For example, dark-colored deer are called musikki while the light-colored reindeer go by the name of suivakko. Some of the deer, which are pure white, blend nicely with the winter white terrain. They are referred to as valkko. If you see a reindeer whose muzzle is white, he is referred to as kalppinokka.

Indeed, reindeer adapt well to the cold, as the oleic acid in their legs prevents their legs from freezing and their blood flow is robust so they can cope well to the arctic climate. The dense winter fur on their bodies safeguards them from arctic extremes in temperature.

Lapland Tours from Helsinki

Reindeer Farm in Finnish Lapland

Reindeer provide nutrition to Lappish people, as the meat is fine fibered and therefore easy to digest. Cooks use reindeer fat, known as spoke, in Lapland cuisine as well. Santa enjoys the reindeer milk the deer provide, as it provides three times more energy than what cow’s milk offers. Laplanders drink the milk, as is, or consume it diluted with water. The milk is used in cheese and butter, and in cosmetic products commercially. However, it tastes best in cheese and butter.

Reindeer Vocabulary

Reindeer husbandry and herding all contribute to the vocabulary in this part of the world. For example, elo are reindeer livestock while jutaa means to travel. Kallokas are fur boots made from the skin of a reindeer’s skull while a nulppo is a reindeer without antlers. A parttio is a small herd of reindeer while a raavas is a reindeer, fully grown.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride in Finnish Lapland

Reindeer Sleigh Ride in Finnish Lapland

Dashing through the Snow

With that being said, the best way to enjoy reindeer in Finnish Lapland is to reserve a sleigh ride, also considered a safari by some. Having reindeer guide a sleigh gets you in the Christmas frame of mind fairly fast. While some people have husky dogs guide a sleigh or others choose to travel by snowmobile, the true adventurers select reindeer as their guides.

When you take a sleigh ride, you can explore Finnish Lapland up-close and personal. Many of the rides originate from Santa Claus Village in the winter – no reservation required. Participants can earn a reindeer driving license as well as a special certificate for crossing over the North Pole.

Maybe you would like to see Lapland at night. If so, you can book a sleigh ride and see the beautiful Northern Lights. This is one unique way to entertain the whole family in the winter, especially at Christmas time.

Winter Lapland Tours from Helsinki

30 Oct

Experience Northern Wonders with Lapland Tours from Helsinki

Looking to book a Northern getaway? Lapland tours from Helsinki offer a chance to experience the beautiful northern landscapes, fresh Lappi cuisine and exciting winter activities that will make your trip memorable.

Read on to learn more about some of the winter activities that would be fun on a romantic trip for two, on a Lapland adventure with friends, or on a vacation for the whole family.

Driving Snowmobile, Trips to Lapland

Driving Snowmobile in Lapland

Snowmobiling

Experience the thrill of gliding through snowy forests and over icy lakes. Snowmobiling is a great way to leave the city behind and cruise through natural lands—it’s more exciting than your average wilderness tour! Whether you’re a snowmobiling pro who can’t get enough speed, or a novice looking for a guided tour, there are plenty of ways to mix snowmobiling into your Lapland adventure.

Huskies in their dog sled

Huskies in their dog sled

Husky Safari

A husky safari is a popular activity for any group on a Lapland tour from Helsinki. Nature and animal lovers enjoy being around the high-energy pups. These trained huskies are happy when they get to do what they love the most: pull sleds through stunning winter scenery. Sled teams of two are taught how to handle the sled before heading out into the serene snow-covered forest. The dogs are very excitable before the ride, but while they work it becomes silent. A husky safari is a uniquely peaceful way to enjoy nature.

Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

See Northern Lights

The Northern Lights make an appearance over the Lapland about 240 nights per year. This natural phenomenon is one of the main attractions for a group on a Lapland tour from Helsinki. Dancing swirls of green, pink and indigo make their way across the sky in a breathtaking display. The aurora borealis is an integral part of northern cultures, who have many myths and legends to explain what it is.

Hotel Igloos in Lapland

Hotel Igloos in Lapland

Stay in Glass Igloos

Beautifully designed, a modern glass igloo is a stunning place to stay just outside of Rovaniemi. Every igloo offers a private bathroom with a shower. They also offer heated floors, saunas, and outdoor hot tubs on site for your health and relaxation. When you spend the night in a glass igloo, you can experience the Northern Lights all night as you relax in the comfort of your own bed.

Santa Claus and Husky, Rovaniemi

Santa Claus and Husky, Rovaniemi

Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi

The capital city of Lapland is home to some astounding people, including Santa Claus himself. Santa and his elves decided to establish an office in Rovaniemi in 1985, so people could visit them easier. In 2010, the capital of Lapland was also named the official hometown of Santa Claus. Today, the Santa Claus Village draws over 500,000 annual visitors. Experience the magic for yourself.

Swimming with Ice, Kemi, Lapland

Swimming in the Gulf of Bothnia

Sampo Icebreaker Cruise in Kemi

The Sampo Icebreaker has been running since the early 1960s, breaking up ice to make way for trade vessels on the frozen Finnish seas. The sound of steel crushing through thick ice is an extreme experience unlike any other seafaring journey, but that’s not all the Sampo cruise has to offer. You’ll get a tour through the engine room and the captain’s bridge as well as a chance to plunge into the frozen sea. It’s completely optional, but if you do decide to take a dip between floating ice chunks, you’ll be geared up in a survival suit! The Sampo Icebreaker also features a delicious restaurant for guests to enjoy Arctic delicacies.

Plan Your Winter Lapland Tour from Helsinki Today!

There are countless reasons to experience the magic of Lapland. Whether you plan your visit during the first autumnal color change known as Ruska, or show up in the middle of winter to experience the frozen wonderland, you’ll be astonished just how vibrant the north can be. Plan your Lapland tours from Helsinki and live the adventure for yourself.

 

Lapland Travel in Winter

15 Oct

Lapland Travel in Winter: A Wondrous Experience

Lean into winter this year and visit Lapland to experience a true winter wonderland. Lapland offers spectacular scenery, delicious food, unique culture, and exciting outdoor adventures. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is the official hometown of Santa Claus as well as some of the best restaurants, bars, and museums in Finland. So, bring the kids directly to Santa this year and experience everything that Lapland travel has to offer!

Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village

Yes, It Gets Cold Here

The first thing you need to know about Lapland travel is the weather. Winter normally begins in November and lasts through April. In Rovaniemi, the temperature is usually between 0 °F and -15 °F, and there’s snow on the ground for nearly half the year. That means guaranteed snow after November, so you can be sure to have a white Christmas when you travel to Lapland.

Don’t Pack Shorts and Sandals

Traveling to Lapland requires packing the right gear. Warm clothing is essential. Make sure to pack a large parka, thick hat (preferably with ear flaps), a scarf, gloves or mittens, and wool socks. You’ll also need a pair of comfortable, waterproof boots and be sure to break them in before you arrive. Most important, dress in layers and bring plenty of lip balm!

A Winter Wonderland Awaits

Once you’re here, there are plenty of things to do both indoors and outdoors. The Northern Lights are usually at the top of everyone’s list, and there’s a chance you could spot them on any given night during the winter. During the day you could ride in an open reindeer sleigh or, for the more adventurous, take a Husky safari through the Lappish scenery or snowmobile trips.

Lapland travel

Beautiful blue and brown eyes husky

When It’s Time to Warm Up

There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures in Lapland in the winter! When it’s time to come in from the cold and warm your bones, there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars, museums, and shopping to experience. Lapland is famous for food that combines traditional and contemporary styles of Finnish cuisine.

Experience a place like no other during your Lapland travel.

Finnish Lapland at Winter Time

Finnish Lapland at Winter Time