Finland

At the tail end of the snow season, we went to Finland, but this time we didn't choose the more familiar capital Helsinki. Instead, we went further north to Rovaniemi to experience a mysterious and dreamlike Arctic Circle journey. For me, this trip to Finland was truly special because it wasn't the typical European city tour of shopping, architecture, and food. It felt more like stepping into a snowy world and experiencing the atmosphere unique to a Nordic winter.

We stayed at Santa Claus Village this time, and every day when we stepped outside, we were greeted by snow, cabins, and Christmas decorations. Even outside of Christmas, it still felt like a fairytale. The one thing you absolutely can't miss at Santa Claus Village is their famous grilled salmon. Sitting in a cozy cabin, watching the salmon slowly cook by the fire, with its slightly charred exterior and tender interior, was truly a memorable meal of the trip.

Besides Rovaniemi itself, we also drove to Sweden one day to experience an icebreaker cruise. Seeing the ship navigate on the frozen sea and even experiencing floating in the icy waters felt like completing a life task. Another day, we hired a car to the Ruka ski resort near Rovaniemi to try skiing and also rode a stunning sunset roller coaster.

This page will record my actual experiences traveling in the Finnish Arctic Circle, including accommodations at Santa Claus Village, grilled salmon, a Swedish icebreaker cruise, Ruka ski resort, skiing experiences, and sunset roller coasters. I'll also share how to plan an itinerary in Rovaniemi during winter, transportation tips, and which activities are truly worth experiencing. I hope this can provide some reference for those who want to see snow in Finland and experience Arctic activities, and let you feel the unrealistically cold yet unforgettable beauty of a Finnish winter.