It’s time for an Arctic Journey within the Sea Lapland space of Finland. On this journey, I’ll board an icebreaker from the port of Kemi and go to the friendliest border city between Tornio and Haparanda.
Begin your journey to Kemi by departing from Helsinki railway station aboard the evening sleeper practice. We’re joined by fellow adventurers who share tales of pleasure and surprise.
With the promise of icebreaking moments and Arctic landscapes forward, we eagerly await our arrival within the Sea Lapland space of Finland.
Taking a sleeper practice into the Arctic Wilderness
The best option to attain Kemi is by taking the VR in a single day sleeper service known as the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki. The practice continues from Kemi in the direction of Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle, the official dwelling of Father Christmas.
Two forms of rooms onboard, each containing two single bunk beds, with the choice to share or stay personal. One room sort has a shared communal lavatory; for a bit further, you possibly can go for the ensuite rooms with bathe, sink and bathroom.
In addition they have a eating cart bar onboard, so you possibly can have dinner on the transfer and some drinks earlier than you catch some sleep. In addition they supply a morning breakfast supply service, which is a good way to begin your day.
Because the practice glides by way of the evening, I gaze out the window, imagining the Arctic landscapes that await us. One thing reasonably magical about having fun with a panorama of snow-covered Finnish timber passing you by as you slowly cross Finland.
The rhythmic sound of the practice lulls me right into a peaceable slumber. As daybreak breaks, we arrive in Kemi, our gateway to the Arctic wonderland.
Staying on the Seaside Glass Villas
A brief switch from Kemi railway station will take you to the 365 Snow Expertise Centre, the place you will see the Seaside Glass Villas within the SnowCastle space.
Seaside Glass Villas, These fashionable igloos, with their glass roofs providing views of the ocean and northern skies, present the right setting for our Arctic journey.
In case you’re fortunate and the climate presents a transparent sky, you may be capable to go to sleep whereas gazing on the aurora borealis, Norther Lights at evening time.
In case you’re visiting Kemi, Experience365 can present all of your catering, transfers, lodging, and winter journey experiences whilst you discover the realm. So, you possibly can deal with having fun with your winter journey in Kemi and they’ll handle all the remainder for you.
The indoor SnowExperience365 in Kemi
After a hearty breakfast on the Lumihiutale Seaview Restaurant, we enterprise into the SnowExperience365 exhibition, marvelling on the intricate ice sculptures and snowy landscapes.
This snow and ice set up is held inside a large fridge-freezer-type room, conserving the ice exhibition frozen on the good temperature all yr spherical, irrespective of the climate outdoors.
On show is a choice of ice tables and chairs (you possibly can guide to dine in right here), Ice slides, an Ice bar, Ice beds, and Ice artwork that may all be loved on a go to to SnowExperience365.
The snow fort of Kemi Winter Park
(On the time of visiting, it was nonetheless being constructed and was not but full for the opening, that is only a preview)
The Snow Citadel of Kemi and Winter Park is a brief installment held from 20/01/2024 to 06/04/024 and is constructed yearly.
They used to additionally construct a resort complicated and different massive instalments however now they focus solely on the development of the Snow Citadel annually which you’re additionally welcome to go to.
Good factor is, entrance is free for all. The realm has many enjoyable actions for the entire household to get pleasure from, akin to snow tube slide, snow labyrinth and snow carousel sleigh.
Reindeer Expertise on the Arkadia Reindeer Park
The chance to satisfy and feed reindeer on the Arkadia reindeer park presents a glimpse into the native lifestyle, including depth to our Arctic expertise.
You can even go for a Reindeer journey across the snow-covered Finnish forests to benefit from the winter wonderland.
Finish your Winter reindeer journey by warming up across the fireplace inside a standard Finnish Kota hut with a scorching cup of espresso and a few native lunch as you take heed to tales about life in Lapland.
Spending a winter night in Kemi, Finland
As night falls, we immerse ourselves within the conventional Finnish sauna expertise at Satamakonttori’s Sauna, taking within the breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea.
For the courageous, a dip into the frozen sea is an exhilarating expertise, embracing certainly one of Finland’s most in depth well being developments.
The head of our day arrives with the SnowCastle Tasting menu, an beautiful expertise the place we indulge within the flavours of the “style of snow & ice” menu in a comfortable and welcoming ambiance.
As we savour every dish, we replicate on the day’s adventures, surrounded by nice firm.
Crusing By Ice and Snow aboard Icebreaker Sampo
After a leisurely morning exploring Kemi, we embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Icebreaker Sampo.
You’ll be able to guide your ticket and switch by way of Kemi Experience365 and extra actions akin to sea ice floating.
The icebreaker Sampo was constructed in Finland in 1961. It was constructed to function in excessive arctic situations. Its major function was to assist maintain sea lanes open in the course of the harsh Finnish winters when the ocean freezes over.
Lately, Icebreaker Sampo has been transformed right into a cruise ship for winter leisure cruises so vacationers can expertise life on the winter sea.
It’s unbelievable to see the previous ship nonetheless going in any case these years, and it’s a piece of floating historical past.
As we don our survival fits and step onto the icy deck, the magnitude of the Arctic panorama surrounds us.
Icebreaker Sampo creates a pool frozen over the ocean so you possibly can dip and float round in your survival go well with.
Surprisingly, the go well with does a gorgeous job, and also you don’t really feel the chilly in any respect. I like to recommend attempting this expertise in case you’re courageous sufficient to face the icy seawater.
When you’re accomplished floating round on the open sea, you possibly can wander round on the ice sheets. Don’t panic; the ice is so thick right here that you would drive a automotive excessive shortly.
Strolling on ice and floating within the sea by this mighty vessel is a surreal expertise that can stick with us eternally.
We made positive to stroll to the entrance, the place you possibly can try to tug Icebreaker Sampo by rope, which makes for an superior picture.
When the climate permits (sadly, not for us), you possibly can lengthen your Arctic expertise with a snowmobile safari on the frozen sea, revelling within the thrill of velocity amidst the Arctic wilderness.
You can even get pleasure from a shot of vodka from an ice-filled glass on the ice bar on the deck, which is tremendous enjoyable.
You can even stroll across the ship, meet the crew, and find out about its each day operations. Then, benefit from the many lounge areas the boat has to supply onboard—the right spot for a espresso and candy bun to heat up.
As we bid farewell to Kemi, we look ahead to the following leg of our journey – HaparandaTornio, the place new adventures await.
The friendliest Border Journey between Finland and Sweden
Crossing the border into Sweden, we’re greeted by the attraction of HaparandaTornio, a twin metropolis steeped in historical past and custom.
Checking into the Mustaparta Resort, we’re captivated by its distinctive story and cozy environment, setting the tone for our exploration.
A culinary journey awaits us at Restaurant Olof, the place domestically sourced components and regional delicacies tantalise our style buds, offering a style of the traditions of the Tornio area.
As evening falls, we embark on a magical journey to Kukkolankoski Rapids for evening ice fishing, surrounded by the enchanting glow of evening lights.
As we forged our traces into the icy waters, the silence of the Arctic evening envelops us, punctuated solely by the occasional sound of laughter and camaraderie.
Savouring a heat salmon soup at Siikakartano as a midnight snack, we replicate on the day’s adventures and are grateful for the recollections created on this borderless twin metropolis.
Exploring the Borderlands of Tornio and Happanranda
We kickstart our final day within the Sea Lapland area with a leisurely stroll. This isn’t simply any stroll however a particular one as we stroll to the border between Tornio, Finland, and Haparanda, Sweden.
As we wander by way of the quaint streets of Haparanda Tornio, we’re captivated by the distinctive mix of Finnish and Swedish tradition that permeates the dual metropolis.
Nestled on the precise border between the 2 international locations, an enthralling Kota hut is open for all to make use of. Right here, you can begin a hearth, grill some sausages, have a espresso, and pattern pleasant native merchandise.
Then, for a brief stroll, you possibly can discover Victoriantori (Victoria Sq.), marking the border between Finland and Sweden. Yow will discover a heart-art set up on the border to seize an image of your go to.
What a enjoyable location this could be to welcome in a brand new yr. Because the time zones are completely different in each cities, you possibly can have fun New Yr’s Eve on one aspect and transfer to the opposite to have fun an hour later, successfully having two New Yr’s Eve events. How does that sound to you?
With purchasing alternatives aplenty, we browse the native boutiques, choosing up souvenirs to commemorate our Arctic journey.
Lunchtime beckons, and we discover ourselves at an enthralling cafe, savouring conventional Finnish and Swedish delicacies whereas soaking within the ambiance of this vibrant border city.
With our appetites sated, we returned to Kemi, the place our Arctic journey started.
A Winter Journey to Kemi and Tornio to Bear in mind
As our Arctic journey attracts nearer, we’re grateful for the experiences shared and the recollections created.
From the joys of icebreaking moments aboard the Icebreaker Sampo to the tranquillity of reindeer encounters within the Finnish countryside, every second has been a testomony to the wonder and surprise of Sea Lapland.
Our journey could also be ending, however the recollections we’ve made will stick with us eternally.
Sea Lapland has left an indelible mark on our hearts, whether or not it’s the icy landscapes or the heat of Finnish hospitality.
As we bid farewell to this enchanting nook of the world, we supply with us the spirit of journey and the promise of recent horizons from the ocean Lapland area of Finland.