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Introducing Finland

Finland offers the best of both worlds—or rather, the best of both major travel seasons. If you're in need of a warm summer vacation without the crowds, you'll revel in this country's opportunities for hiking, lake swimming, and exploration of Helsinki's metropolitan culture. Travelers planning a winter wonderland getaway won't be disappointed either: the outdoor activities are endless, its an ideal place to spot the Northern Lights, and its the only place where you can visit Santa Clause's hometown (complete with reindeer).

When is the best time to visit? 
Despite its sky-high spot on the map, Finland's climate is more temperate than you would think. Yes, its winters are dark and cold—but due to the forgiving Gulf Stream, temperatures don't dip too far below freezing. Take advantage of the snow with all manner of winter sports, and long nights mean better chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Summer is when you'll have the best weather and widest number of activities and attractions available—and even in these popular vacation months, you rarely need to worry about crowds. Spring is very short (and often still snowy), but fall is a particularly good time for photographers to book a trip: the hills become cloaked in the brilliant hues of autumn leaves. 

How many days do I need?
Finland is an easy flight from Stockholm and St. Petersburg, so a quick trip isn't out of the question. With three days, you can easily experience the culinary joys and architectural wonders of fabulous Helsinki. In five days, you're able to tour a larger region—check out this Lapland tour, which includes skiing, snowshoeing, guiding a team of huskies, and sleeping in glass igloos under the stars. With a week or more, you can take a substantial road trip through half of the country. Try the southern coast from Helsinki in the summer months, or this nine-day winter itinerary that takes you all the way to Norway.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

Finland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
See the most magical places above Arctic Circle on this tour from Rovaniemi to Tromso
Map of Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days
Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days

From dog sledding to snowshoeing, this adventure above the Arctic Circle covers all the winter activities the region has to offer. With a private guide behind the wheel, there's no need to worry about icy roads and reindeer crossings - just sit back, relax, and enjoy the hidden gems of the polar north.

Aerial view of Helsinki, Finland
Map of Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days
Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days

Discover Finland's Golden Triangle—formed by the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Learn about the role these cities played in Finland's history and how, today, they are the economic and population center of the country. You'll start in the capital, Helsinki, with a city tour and an excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and partake in the city's lively and innovative dining scene. At Tampere, the city surrounded by lakes, you'll learn its history and take a lake cruise to enjoy the region's unique beauty.

The northern lights over a Finnish forest
Map of Lapland Highlights  - 5 Days
Lapland Highlights - 5 Days

Visit Santa Claus's hometown (Rovaniemi) and fall in love with winter sports haven Ylläs on this snow-dusted winter wonderland adventure above the Arctic Circle! Snuggle a husky, pose for a selfie with a reindeer, snowshoe through the wilderness, participate in epic snowball fights, and hunt for the elusive, magical northern lights.

Reindeer in Lapland
Map of Rovaniemi & Kemi  - 6 Days
Rovaniemi & Kemi - 6 Days

Welcome to Lapland! With four days in Rovaniemi, there's so much you can see and do. Visit Rudolph and the elves at Santa Claus Village, catch the Northern Lights, and sled with Huskies through a silent forest. Add on two more days for an optional excursion to the icy wonderland of Kemi.

Spend time at the Arctic Circle in wintry Rovaniemi
Map of Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days
Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days

Enjoy a fantastic winter getaway in Finland with a week full of outdoor adventures. Start in Helsinki and discover its key monuments. Head far north to Lapland and stay in the capital, Rovaniemi, to witness the northern lights. Get cozy with the reindeer as you take a sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness before cuddling huskies at play. Hike to Korouoma Canyon for stunning views of frozen waterfalls, then warm up by a fire in the woods as you revel in a spectacular winter wonderland.

Helsinki's colorful cityscape
Map of Nordic & Baltic Gems: Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania - 12 Days
Nordic & Baltic Gems: Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania - 12 Days

Discover a different side of Europe on this 12-day journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. From Helsinki, you'll make your way south through the capitals, countryside, and rich cultural heritage of the Baltics. Tour Tallinn's medieval streets, spot rare wildlife in Lahemaa National Park, stroll the windswept shores of Lake Peipus, and explore the castles of Sigulda and Turaida. After sampling the specialties of Riga's famous covered market, your adventure ends in ancient Vilnius.

Make the Most of Your Time in Finland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Explore Finland's many lakes in summer
How Many Days to Spend in Finland

Finland is a fun, relaxed destination—there's always time for a sauna—however long or short your trip. In five to seven days, you can check out the capital city, Helsinki, and...

Finland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Finland Content

Indulge in the activities on offer in a Finnish winter vacation
Map of 1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Finland, you can experience two to three destinations at a comfortable pace, like Helsinki and Rovaniemi, on a combined city and outdoor itinerary, ideal for first-timers. Travelers set on seeing the northern lights should choose the "Aurora Adventure," and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the "Lapland Winter Adventure," which includes skiing and snowshoeing in Pyhä. Families will love the wildlife safaris on the Summer Adventure, while foodies can sample Finnish flavors on a culinary tour.

Christmas Market  near famous Lutheran Cathedral in Helsinki
Map of 2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Finland, you can take in the highlights of Helsinki and the Lapland region on an epic winter holiday, complete with a northern lights tour, a snowmobile adventure, and a visit to Santa's Village. For all things Christmas, opt for a winter itinerary that visits Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to learn about their unique holiday traditions. If you prefer summer, take advantage of the midnight sun on a Finland nature tour that'll get you exploring deep into Lapland's pristine wilderness.

A reindeer in Finnish Lapland
Map of Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days
Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days

Northern Finland transforms in the summertime, and there's no shortage of activities and animals to seek out under the midnight sun. On this seven-day itinerary, meet domestic animals like huskies and reindeer as well as wild ones, like brown bears, golden eagles, and wolves. Try fishing in one of the area's many lakes, visit the only polar bear in the country at a wildlife park, and spend a sunlit night looking for passing bears before the week is up.

Finland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Finland
Travel specialist Moonika Apart
active 7 hours ago

Moonika Apart

I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia but I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I travelled the world and visited over 50 countries. I LOVE travelling and it plays a big...

read more...
Travel specialist Emerson Siimer
active 5 hours ago

Emerson Siimer

Hello, I'm Emerson, a travel specialist. Originally from Tartu, Estonia, I've had the privilege of calling Australia and New Zealand my home. With a master's degree in nature-based tourism, I'm...

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Travel specialist Krista Muuk
active 5 hours ago

Krista Muuk

Hi! During my travels I love to explore the diversity of each country. Originally from Estonia, I have travelled in many countries and try to experience all that different cultures and nature...

read more...
Travel specialist Kadri Talvik
active 7 hours ago

Kadri Talvik

Hi! For me, travelling allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures and experiences and opens your eyes to things you would never have thought of without travel. I believe everyone should...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Finland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The Best Itinerary -- Emerson was tops!
Finland | Jan 10 - Jan 19, 2026

Moses
Moses K.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026
All of our guides for our tours were fantastic! Iga (Reindeer Tour), Sanni (Northern Lights Tour), and Cecilia(?) (Horse Sleigh Tour), and Mark (Ranua Wildlife Park). I'm sorry to have missed the photography tour as the Ranua park took a lot out of me to make the parts we did make. The overall itineray was awesome! Transfers, Hotels, Trains -- from pickup in Rovaniemi and delivery to Helsinski airport was great! Of course with any itinerary as complex as ours, there are bound to be... Read more

All of our guides for our tours were fantastic! Iga (Reindeer Tour), Sanni (Northern Lights Tour), and Cecilia(?) (Horse Sleigh Tour), and Mark (Ranua Wildlife Park). I'm sorry to have missed the photography tour as the Ranua park took a lot out of me to make the parts we did make.

The overall itineray was awesome! Transfers, Hotels, Trains -- from pickup in Rovaniemi and delivery to Helsinski airport was great! Of course with any itinerary as complex as ours, there are bound to be hiccups. None were so bad that would degrade how we feel the overall trip went.

Hiccups with maybe more transparency or info? Use of VR app, FAQ how the train would work, FAQ how to get taxi and other local transport for any of our side adventures, etc.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fabian
Helsinki

Fantastic staff! They got is checked in and informed us our breakfast bags will be ready in the morning. Never had to ask. We were there for just an overnight stay and the room was unbelievable. Quaint and quiet to get a great night sleep before our early morning departure to catch our flight. Definitely would enjoy staying there again!

Authenticity & Character
rustic and modern at the same time! Comfort and ambiance focused on the guest -- loved it!
Location
Staff
very nice and smiling! And, friendly too!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lapland Sky Ounasvaara
Rovaniemi

Nice and comfortable. Great touch with a private sauna in the room. Was a little cold being outside of the hotel proper. We had a few bags and was difficult to get to room on checkin and bags to lobby on checkout. Food was FANTASTIC! We were totally excited and were tastefully surprised. Dining room as awesome but very cold by the glass. Heat was a little light and definitely needed the provided blankets to be near the glass for the amazing night views.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Evening Horse Sleigh Ride
Evening Horse Sleigh Ride
Finland

Both ladies (forget their names correctly) were exceptionally accommodating with our group. Talked about the history behind the Finnish Horses and our horse that was pulling the sleigh. Nice stories. We were lucky and the 2nd night in a row, we saw Northern Lights. Activity was too fast and in the middle of snowing -- no good pictures.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mark was amazing with the in context stories about the animals in the park and sharing his own experiences capturing them on film, in the wild.
Transport
Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Finland

Super time to see the animals that were available to be seen. We were there during extreme cold weather so picture we made were great!

Quality of Experience
Food
The restaurant food was pretty nice! Tasty!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mark was fantastic. Lots of history, information about the animals, and insights to some of them from his past journeys in the wild. Really LOVED his photo ordeals for National Geographic!
Transport
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Tour
Rovaniemi

AMAZING! Early in the tour seemed it might be a little disappointing with slight cloud cover. We got lucky! Very pretty lights of many colors.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sanni was amazing, Informative, and empathetic and helpful in working with my gear for best pictures.
Transport
transport was a little packed but still somewhat comfortable.
Reindeer Safari in the Nature of Lapland
Reindeer Safari in the Nature of Lapland
Rovaniemi

Our hosts and tour guide were amazing! Lots of info and stories. Examples and samples were great. Perfect timing to warm up on a very cold morning!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
love the extra pictures Iga took and provided us! Super quality.
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jan 21, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the guides and overall itinerary, and we’ll be sure to pass your compliments along.

We also appreciate your feedback about clearer info around the VR app, trains, and local transport -this is very helpful for improving future trips.

Warm thanks again for traveling with us!

Highly Recommend Alise for Finland and Estonia!
Finland | Dec 31 - Jan 11, 2026

Alison
Alison D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026
We recently traveled to Finland and Estonia during the winter from USA. We typically plan trips and travel on our own when we leave the states. Because the weather can be unpredictable in Northern Finland in January, I decided to use an agent to help us with this trip. After doing research, we decided to go with Alise from KimKim as her initial itinerary was more in line with what we were looking for. After three iterations, she got the itinerary to fulfill every one of our wishes and within... Read more

We recently traveled to Finland and Estonia during the winter from USA. We typically plan trips and travel on our own when we leave the states. Because the weather can be unpredictable in Northern Finland in January, I decided to use an agent to help us with this trip. After doing research, we decided to go with Alise from KimKim as her initial itinerary was more in line with what we were looking for. After three iterations, she got the itinerary to fulfill every one of our wishes and within budget. She made the entire process very easy, communication was timely and clear, and she worked with me to plan an itinerary that was exactly what my family and I wanted to do. She seemlessly booked hotels, tranfers, private walking tours, and excursions. Every transport she arranged was punctual and friendly. The day trips were coordinated through small group companies - we always felt as if we were traveling in style - it matched what we paid for, and we were never disappointed. If you plan to do Snowmobiles, make sure you are a small group tour. We went out with 4 snowmobiles only. We passed some trips that had endless lines of snowmobiles, which I assume would have been far less fun and personable. If you do Huskies or Reindeer, be sure to go to a farm (don't do it at Santa Village, for ex.). The experience is much more personal, you will be supporting local farmers/kennels, and get a more one on one experience. We also did the ice floating which was surreal - like being a marshmallow on a water bed! Be sure to follow up if anything is included with your hotel. For ex., we stayed at the Hobo Hotel in Helsinki and it included tickets to Allas Sauna and Pools. The igloo hotel we stayed in included dinner and breakfast. Tell Alise what you are looking for (hotel in center of town, hotel with family suite, hotel in forest, whatever) and she will find options for you. It was fun to meet her when we arrived in Helsinki - definitely appreciate all she did to create a seemless and memorable trip to the Arctic.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Arthur
Helsinki

Location is good - definitely in the heart of Helsinki and you can walk to all the highlights. The room was big, good for a family of four which was a bonus. The reason for the 3 star review - it's a little outdated, rooms weren't as clean as our other hotels, and the breakfast was subpar. Staff was super friendly and helpful...the hotel could just use a bit of a refresh.

Authenticity & Character
a bit outdated and in need of some upgrades
Location
centrally located
Staff
friendly, helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
just meh on cleanliness factor
Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi

We had a premium family igloo - it was amazing. Super fun to be together as a family for this experience. The igloo was CLEAN, the main lobby/restaurant area was cozy, and location to Santa Village perfect. And we got to see the Northern Lights while there that night!!! What an amazing sight, and definitely the highlight of our trip to Lapland.

Authenticity & Character
super unique experience
Location
If you want to be able to walk to Santa Village, this is the place. Lovely igloos, remote enough to see the lights - restaurant delicious as well.
Staff
helpful, friendly, patient
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean clean clean
Posti Boutique Hotel Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi

The hotel is very well maintained and the staff were super helpful and nice. The reason for 3 stars...location. It is about 18min walk to town, which was too far in the -20 degree weather so we had to Uber to town. The lobby/bar/restaurant in the hotel closes at 10pm, so if you come home after an evening excursion, there is nowhere to get a snack or drink. Also, one of the nights we were there, the fire alarm went off around 12am. There is NO staff at the hotel after 10pm, so all of us guests were scurrying to figure out what to do and how to handle contacting the fire department. The hotel is clean, rooms were spacious, but would have preferred something a bit closer to the center of Rovaniemi.

Authenticity & Character
Clean and comfortable
Location
too far from main center of town (when cold)
Staff
nice and friendly, helpful (but not there after 10pm)
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean
Overnight Train

The overnight train was certainly an experience we won't forget. The cabins are TINY. If you have larger luggage, this might not be the trip for you. We had a private bathroom, which I would recommend. Although you wouldn't want to shower, it was key having a private toilet. Another note - if you are elderly, or plan to have a lot and/or heavy luggage, you might consider another way to get up north. If you stay on the second story, you have lug your bags up a few sets of very tight stairs.

CRU Boutique Hotel Tallinn
Tallinn

The hotel is in a 500 year old building but is immaculately maintained. Rooms were charming and comfortable and clean. The only negative is that there are lots of stairs and no elevator - so if you are elderly or have a lot of heavy luggage, I would not recommend this hotel. Otherwise it is a perfect location, full of character and charm, centrally located in old town - a very memorable stay.

Authenticity & Character
Super unique and charming location
Location
In the old town - centrally located
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean
Hobo Hotel
Helsinki

Loved this hotel. Very modern and clean. Location is fantastic - and Fazer is right across the way (good and bad if you know what I mean). The family room was plenty big for the four of us. And it comes with day tickets to Allas Pools and Sauna. Great place to stay in the center of Helsinki.

Authenticity & Character
modern and clean - hipster type hotel
Location
Perfect spot in the heart of it all (but not noisy)
Staff
super attentive, friendly, and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean clean clean!
Activity Reviews
Food & Beer Tasting Tour
Food & Beer Tasting Tour
Helsinki

Our guide was super friendly, energetic, and truly wanted to enrich our understanding of the finnish culture. We really enjoyed spending time with him. The food tour was a bit lacking - we started at the market and had a sample of traditional Finnish food (raw salmon, smoked reindeer, and shrimp salad). But that was it - he showed us stuff around the market and explained the food but we never got to try any of it which was disappointing. He then took us to a restaurant where we ordered from the menu, then we went to Fazer and got a bag of chocolates. I wish we had done more tasting, particularly in the market - and especially at Fazer. But - the guide was amazingly smart and personable. Loved spending the time with him and hearing his perspective as he was not a native finnish person. We ended the tour with a wine tasting - that saved this experience. He took us to a local wine shop and the owner introduced us to three european wines from very small wineries. Overall, it would have better to do a true tasting (small bits here and there of all things Finland, rather than stop in a restaurant to order a meal).

Quality of Experience
Food
wish we had tasted more unusual things, with more a variety
Guides, Drivers and Staff
guide was awesome
Transport
we walked but city is super walkable
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Rovaniemi

We loved going to the farm to learn about Reindeer and reindeer farming. This experience was very different for us as we come from the states and do not have reindeer here. The guide was smart and caring - although we wished we had done some faster sledding, it was super peaceful going through the forest on a reindeer driven sled. The landscape was breathtaking, the sounds of the reindeer walking was relaxing, it was definitely very calm and peaceful. And of course the day we did this, it was like -35 degrees - so it was COLD. Layer up, and when you think you have enough layers, add one more - because man oh man it was COLD.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Family Husky Safari
Family Husky Safari
Finland

Of all the experiences we had in Lapland, this was our family's favorite. It was fast and fun, cold, breathtaking, and stunning. The dogs were so friendly - the landscape was crazy memorable. The guides and staff were so knowledgeable. We loved everything about this trip. But it is COLD - like bitingly cold, so bundle up - and when you think you are done, add another layer! We did an earlier excursion and got to see the sun rise above the frozen lake - highly recommend trying to catch that.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
smart, kind
Transport
Aurora Ice Floating
Aurora Ice Floating
Finland

Super unique and surreal experience. The suit feels like you are walking on the moon, and then when you are floating, you feel like a marshmallow on a water bed. Fun, different, memorable - so worth the trip if you have the time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arctic SnowHotel Visit
Arctic SnowHotel Visit
Rovaniemi

We did this trip since our kids have never been to a snow hotel before. It was a fun day trip but not anything you would regret missing if you don't have the time. The hotel is fun to explore - and if you have little ones (we don't) they would have a lot of fun running around this place.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki

It was nice to walk around Helsinki and hear some insight into the architecture, culture, food, etc. Although our guide was a bit dry, it was a good way to spend New Years Day since lots of stuff was closed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chasing the Northern Lights by Snowmobile (Adults)
Chasing the Northern Lights by Snowmobile (Adults)
Rovaniemi

We used Wild About Lapland for this excursion and I am sooooo glad we did. They offer small group experiences - our tour went out with just 4 snowmobiles (unlike others we passed with like 20 or more). Because it was a small group, we could go faster and longer. When we stopped to grill sausages and have cocoa, we could spend time chatting and telling stories with the guide and other travelers. Very fun - but layer up because it's coooollllddd out there!

Quality of Experience
small group made it so much better
Guides, Drivers and Staff
super fun guide
Transport
timely, efficient
Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour
Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour
Tallinn

Our guide was amazing...so knowledgeable, personable, funny - loved this tour. And Tallinn is so enchanting - a must do if you can.

Quality of Experience
Our tour guide brought Tallinn to life in a very special way
Guides, Drivers and Staff
so nice and helpful
Transport
the ferry was super prompt - easy trip.
Local specialist: Alise Permanicka
Alise
Alise Permanicka
Local specialist in Helsinki | Replied on Jan 20, 2026
Hi Alison, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful and honest feedback. I truly appreciate you highlighting what you enjoyed as well as where things could have been a bit better, as this really helps us continue to improve. I’m very happy to hear that the trip plan matched your wishes and budget and that the planning process went smoothly overall. I’m especially thrilled that you were able to see the Northern Lights during your stay, what a special experience! :)... Read more

Hi Alison,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful and honest feedback. I truly appreciate you highlighting what you enjoyed as well as where things could have been a bit better, as this really helps us continue to improve.

I’m very happy to hear that the trip plan matched your wishes and budget and that the planning process went smoothly overall. I’m especially thrilled that you were able to see the Northern Lights during your stay, what a special experience! :)

Thank you again for trusting me with your trip, and I would be delighted to help you plan another adventure in the future.

Warm greetings,
Alise

Emerson was our hero, and the trip was unforgettable.
Finland | Jan 9 - Jan 16, 2026

Daniele
Daniele S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026
Let me begin with Emerson. The first night we were in Helsinki, getting ready to fly to Kittila the next day, when we received the info that the flight had been cancelled due to the weather (-35 degrees...). Emerson jumped into action and communicated with me throughout the night, rescheduled our flights to Oulu where a bus then took us to Kittila. He also reached out to the Northern Lights Ranch, where we were expected, to notify them of our delay and to arrange for food to be available to... Read more

Let me begin with Emerson. The first night we were in Helsinki, getting ready to fly to Kittila the next day, when we received the info that the flight had been cancelled due to the weather (-35 degrees...). Emerson jumped into action and communicated with me throughout the night, rescheduled our flights to Oulu where a bus then took us to Kittila. He also reached out to the Northern Lights Ranch, where we were expected, to notify them of our delay and to arrange for food to be available to us when we arrived late at night at our cabin. He also cancelled our aurora tours and rescheduled it for the day after. In a sentence: we were facing a potential major hiccup with our trip, and Emerson took charge, and solved every single issue. I was greatly impressed and very grateful.

Now on to the trip. Magnificent, unforgettable, spectacular. The first night in Kittila we took the aurora tour that Emerson had rescheduled with Lazy Santa Safaris (guided by Lauri), and it was absolutely stunning. Lauri drove us to the bank of a huge frozen river and we then walked through the snow and onto the river. In the middle of the darkness we were treated to an absolutely unbelievable natural show. We have some amazing pictures that will forever remind us of that night. Early that morning we also had a wonderful snowmobile tour, also with Lazy Santa. Driving the snowmobiles was a lot of fun and we were provided with suitable clothing to protect us from the incredible cold.

We also had a splendid experience with Bearhill Huskies Tours. Wow...driving the sled with those dogs was another splendid adventure. The symbiotic relation between humans and dogs was quite moving, and I will personally always remember that. Lots of fun as well at the Reindeer Farm, where we were taken around by those gentle animals. A beautiful experience;

Accomodations: The Northern Lights Ranch is an experience not to be missed. The rooms with glass ceilings, the wonderful restaurant, and the reindeers feeding experience, all conjured to give us two wonderful nights. We are planning to go back in the summer and experience a different aspect of Finland. The Arctic Hotel in Ravaniemi (sp?) was also very good. Outstanding service and great location, that allowed us to tour the very nice city of Ravaniemi (and the Santa Village). Finally the Ice Hotel...not for the faint of heart. It is an experience I am happy we did, but the night in the ice-cold rooms is definitely something that maybe you don't want to repeat :). The sauna at the hotel, on the other hand, is a must-do, with the three steps: hot sauna, ice-cave sauna, and then hot tub. My kids and I really enjoyed that.

In conclusion, I think the travel was perfectly organized, with every supplier well chosen, and everything worked like clockwork. We also had two nights at the Fabian Hotel in Helsinki, a beautiful city that is definitely work visiting. We had two lovely dinners there, including one at the Finland Caviar Shop and Restaurant, that we recommend heartily as a great conclusion.

I would definitely consider using KimKim again for my travels. We were completely satisfied and impressed.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jan 19, 2026

Hello Daniele

Thank you very much for your kind feedback.

I’m really glad to hear that everything worked out so well - especially considering the extreme weather conditions. In many ways, we were lucky, and I’m happy the timing and flexibility allowed the trip to come together smoothly in the end.

It was a genuine pleasure working with you. You were wonderful guests, easy to communicate with, and adaptable when it mattered most.

Best regards,
Emerson

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