Finland was an incredible trip I took with my boyfriend in February 2024. We started off in Helsinki, then spent time in Rovaniemi as well. It was a complete winter wonderland, and I had an amazing time filled with incredible excursions. And I hate the cold. But after this trip, I would highly suggest visiting a nordic country, specifcally Finland, even if you're a warm weather person like me!

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, and at the southern tip of the country. It is very modern, with touches of Russian influence. The food scene is incredibly diverse, and there is so much to do and see. It is also extremely walkable. While we stayed there, we stayed at the Laplands Hotel Bulevardi- and it was fantastic. Our suite was amazing, the location was perfect, the staff were very kind, and the in house restaurant, Kulta, was delicious! We had such a nice stay there, and I'd love to go back honestly. My favorite restaraunt in Finland was called Manhattan Steakhouse. I know, that sounds terrible because it sounds American and it is steak. But it is literally the best steak I have ever had in my life! Other food spots are Old Market Hall, an iconic food hall serving a variety of food, and Bryggeri Brewhouse, a fun pub/restaraunt! Also, Glogi is a must try when there!! Homemade will be the best, or a local restaraunt. Our favorite was from Old Market Hall.

While in Helsinki, we did a city bus tour to first map out the places in our heads and get a feel for the city. It was nice to also to listen to the audio guide and learn some interesting facts about the city. We also did a National Park guided hike, which was really cool because it started snowing! Yes there had been some snow on the ground, but it was the first time it snowed while we were there so it was super fun to be hiking in the trees and on the trail when it happened! We also walked on a frozen lake, which was a first for me. Another thing we did was go to the Korkeasaari Zoo! Going to the Zoo in Finland was such a different experience than what I was used to, so it was cool to seen which animals were out and what not. Other than These experiences, I really enjoyed just walking around the city! Especially because there were so many different stores and fast food places that aren't available in Italy.

Rovaniemi was the next part of the trip, and was straight out of a Christmas movie. It was super festive, and I loved the atmosphere there. While there, we did some of my favorite things: Korouoma Canyon tour, Santa Claus village, husky sled ride, reindeer, snowman world, sleigh ride, snowmobiling, and horseback riding! We were extremely busy there as we had something booked every day, but it was so worth it! Santa Claus village is a huge free complex with restaraunts, shops, and attractions such as meeting SC himself! We did not wait in line for that, but we did go to Snowman World which was a separate but attached area completely made of ice! There was an ice maze, ice sledding, ice skating, an ice bar, ice restaraunt, ice sculptures and so many other things to see - all made of ice. It was so impressive! Korouoma canyons were beautiful, and full of icy walls and snowy trails. Snowmobiling was so thrilling- I had never done something like that before. Meeting huskies & reindeer then getting to go on a sleigh ride with them made feel like I was in a hallmark holiday movie! Horseback riding off-road was also super cool, especially in the deep snow. Everyone in Rovaniemi was so sweet and since it was small, it was easy to get places since all the companies we booked with, had pick up/drop off. There is truly something for everyone in Rovaniemi, and even though we didn't go in Christmas season, Santa Claus village was just as fun. After all, we were literally in the North Pole!! So it's cool I can say that! Unfortuntley, we didn't see the Northern lights because when we were there, it was super cloudy. But its a huge reason we want to go back!

Recommendations & Links

Listed below are some of my favorite spots to visit, eat at, and things to do. Feel free to add these places to your itinerary! Links are in the titles.

• Lapland Hotes Bulevardi One of my favorite hotels I've stayed out. It's restaurant, Kulta is amazing too!
• Manhattan Steakhouse The best steak I've ever had!
• Wild About Lapland We used this Rovaniemi company for the canyon tour & snowmobiling!