As the winter chill sets in, the heart yearns for a tale of warmth and wonder. This is the story of our enchanting journey to Finnish Lapland, a land where the auroras dance and the spirit of adventure thrives.
The Northern Lights: Nature’s Own Festivity
Our odyssey began with a promise to witness the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. Over the course of seven nights, the sky was our canvas for four nights, each display more breathtaking than the last. The auroras, with their vibrant ballet of colors, became the silent narrators of our nights.
Helsinki: A Birthday Celebration
In Helsinki, we celebrated Shri's birthday, a day marked by history and gastronomy. The old town’s architecture whispered stories of the past, while the majestic churches stood as sentinels of serenity which he is always fascinated by. The highlight was a Michelin-starred Finnish restaurant Nokka , where each dish was a symphony of local flavors, display of an art and surprisingly all vegetarian!!
Ivalo’s First Glimpse
En route to Ivalo, the Northern Lights unveiled themselves in a spontaneous performance, a prelude to the wonders that awaited us. We were literally on the clouds with darkest dome of sky with millions of stars twinkling, on that canvas vibrant Green lady started dancing with the beautiful rhythm...a show you never want to end!
Snowmobile Thrills and Ice Hotel Chills
The thrill of snowmobiling on a frozen river and through the whispering Lappish forest was unparalleled. Our adventure was complemented by a dinner at an ice hotel, where even the plates were crafted from ice, their snowflake shapes a testament to nature’s artistry.
The Finnish Sauna: A Soothing Ritual
Amidst the cold, the Finnish sauna emerged as a sanctuary, its warmth a balm for the soul, rejuvenating us for the adventures to come. This is very specific method used in Finland where water is poured on hot stones to make steam. When the heat begins to feel uncomfortable it is customary to jump into a lake, sea, or a swimming pool, or to have a shower. In the winter, rolling in the snow or even swimming in a hole cut in lake ice, an avanto, is sometimes used as a substitute.
Rovaniemi: Santa’s Arctic Abode
In Rovaniemi, we crossed the Arctic Circle, an invisible boundary leading to Santa’s official residence. Here, we indulged in the childhood fantasy of riding Santa’s sleigh, guided by his trusty reindeers.
Riisitunturi National Park: A Hike to Winter Wonderland
Our drive and hike to Riisitunturi National Park transported us to an otherworldly landscape, a place of surreal beauty that felt untouched by time. This hike to top gets better and better with snow covered alpine trees with each has unique shape and feels like it is talking to you. View at the top is hard to describe, just can be felt there....untouched white land with surreal views and fog is coming in between! Just another world/planet and the peace we experienced is never before. More about this park
Tampere: Family and Finale
Our journey concluded in Tampere, where we visited Arpita and Prathmesh. They both prepared great food for us. A visit to the sky bar offered a panorama of the city, the drinks as delightful as the company.
The Journey Home
As we traveled by bus, train, and taxi, the landscapes outside soothed our senses, a fitting end to a journey that was as much about the destinations as it was about the discovery of self and each other.
This trip to Lapland was more than a vacation; it was a chapter in our lives, a story to be cherished and retold. It was a reminder that the world is full of wonders, waiting for those willing to seek them out.
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