Winter Escape to Finland
The spectacular sights of seeing the Aurora Borealis for the first time are indescribable, and luckily, December is a great time to see them! Your adventure through Finland will take you through a Nordic winter wonderland on the hunt for the Northern Lights, with plenty of Finnish experiences along the way!
Dec. 15 – 16, 2023 | Helsinki
- Hotel Haven (1 night)
Dec. 16 – 19, 2023 | Inari
- Jávri Lodge (3 nights)
Dec. 19 - 21, 2023 | Stockholm
- Booked independently (2 nights)
Dec. 21, 2023 | Departure
Scenset
- Your Curator: will be provided or via Scenset app chat
- Scenset Emergency Line: will be provided
You can also reach out to us on the Scenset app and we will be happy to help.
Important: If something needs immediate assistance, your local contact is the best person to call first as they are in the same time zone.
December in Finland brings winter temperatures, ranging from -6 to -1°C, while Finnish Lapland, adorned with snow-covered landscapes, is often between -15 and -5°C.
- US passport holders do not require a visa to enter Finland or Sweden.
- Travelers require a passport valid for at least 3 months after they exit Finland & Sweden.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
A trip to Finland in December means you'll be experiencing cold temperatures and potentially snowy conditions. Here's a suggested packing list to help you stay comfortable during your 7-day trip:
- Winter coat: A waterproof and insulated coat to protect against cold winds and snow.
- Layered clothing: Thermal or moisture-wicking base layers, sweaters, and a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts.
- Warm pants: Insulated or lined pants to keep your legs warm.
- Waterproof boots: Sturdy, insulated boots with good traction for walking in snow.
- Gloves and mittens: Bring both for versatility, and ensure they are waterproof.
- Warm socks: Pack several pairs of thick, moisture-wicking socks.
- Hat or beanie: Cover your head and ears to retain heat.
- Scarf: A thick, warm scarf to protect your neck and face from the cold.
Welcome to Finland! Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will meet your driver for your transfer to your accommodation.
Meet your driver in the arrivals hall for your transfer to your hotel. Your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it.
- Meeting Location: Arrivals hall
- Drive Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Booked by scenset.
Upon arrival, check into your room and rest after your journey.
Today you will enjoy a leisurely exploration of Helsinki, Finland's dynamic capital, where modern design meets rich cultural heritage. Wander through the historic streets, discovering architectural marvels like the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and the elegant Senate Square. Enjoy the city's vibrant markets, delve into contemporary art at the renowned Kiasma Museum, and relax by the waterfront, immersing yourself in the unique blend of Nordic tranquility and cosmopolitan energy that Helsinki has to offer—all at your own pace.
Once you have checked in, enjoy the remainder of the evening at your own leisure.
Some of our favourite restaurant recommendations for Helsinki are:
- Bistro Baskeri & Basso: One of the most popular restaurants in Helsinki, they serve simple, yet mouth-watering dishes in a casual atmosphere.
- Restaurant Natura: Serving modern and innovative food with the main focus on Finnish game, vegetables and sustainable seafood.
- Restaurant Pastis: A relaxed but high in quality French bistro.
- Restaurant Yes Yes Yes: A vegetarian restaurant and bar with a hip vibe.
- Restaurant Nude, casual, modern and straightforward thinking regarding their food and wine selection.
- Restaurant Spis: Pure Nordic cuisine and exciting flavors.
- Restaurant Demo, a Michelin-star restaurant with Scandinavian cuisine. Even though the restaurant has been awarded with a Michelin-star, the atmosphere is relaxed and easy to approach.
- Restaurant Olo: One of the most prestigious restaurants in Helsinki, having been a Michelin star restaurant since 2011.
Why we love it for you: Experience unparalleled luxury and sophistication at Hotel Haven, Helsinki's premier boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Combining timeless elegance with modern comfort, each meticulously designed room invites you to unwind in style, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the vibrant urban landscape. From its central location overlooking the picturesque South Harbor to the personalized service and exquisite dining options, Hotel Haven ensures an enchanting stay that seamlessly blends Finnish charm with five-star opulence.
- Breakfast included
Booking Reference: will be provided
Booked By scenset
Following breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and meet with your driver for the transfer to Helsinki airport.
Meet your driver for your transfer to Helsinki Airport. Your driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby holding a sign with your name written across it.
- Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
Booked by scenset
Upon arrival, make your way to the airline counter to check-in for your flight to Ivalo.
- An individual - Flight Confirmation
- An individual - Flight Confirmation
Upon arrival, you will meet your driver in the arrivals hall for your transfer to Jávri Lodge. Your driver will be holding a sign with your surname written across it.
- Meeting Location: Arrivals hall
- Contact number: will be provided
- Drive Time: 30 minutes
Booked by scenset
Upon arrival, check in to your room.
Enjoy tonight's meal at Jávri Lodge.
This evening embark on a thrilling snowmobile adventure under the Arctic night sky with a guide for a unique journey to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. As the snowmobile glides through snow-covered landscapes, guided only by the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis, you'll find yourself immersed in the magical dance of vibrant colors overhead.
- Meeting Location: Lodge front entrance
- Duration: 2 hours
Booked by scenset
Why we love it for you: Immerse yourself in the Arctic enchantment of Finnish Lapland at Jávri Lodge, an opulent retreat near Saariselkä that seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with the allure of the natural surroundings. Boasting a harmonious fusion of traditional Lappish elements and modern design, the lodge offers a luxurious escape where guests can indulge in lavish comforts while experiencing the authentic spirit of Finland. With meticulously curated rooms, Nordic-inspired cuisine, and a range of Arctic adventures, Jávri Lodge offers the wonders of Lapland in an intimate and exclusive setting.
Jávri Lodge
Sky View Double
- Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Booking Reference: will be provided
Booked By scenset
After breakfast this morning, you will head out to meet the huskies on a sledding adventure.
Make your way to breakfast this morning sometime between 9am and 11am.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the pristine winter landscapes of Finland with a husky sledding experience that transcends the ordinary. Guided by the rhythmic pattering of husky paws on the crisp snow, you'll navigate through enchanting forests and across frozen expanses, forging a deep connection with these friendly and spirited dogs.
Lunch: Soup lunch, bread and coffee. Lunch is served in the nature in a kota-tent by the open fire halfway through the experience. This is a good time to change who is driving and who is sitting on the sledge.
- Meeting Location: Lodge front entrance
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Transportation and lunch
- Husky ride length 23-30 km
Private Experience
Booked by scenset
Return to the hotel and unwind in the sauna before dinner.
Enjoy tonight's meal at Jávri Lodge.
This evening you will go searching for the Auroras on a snowshoeing adventure through the enchanting Arctic landscapes. With each step guided by a professional, this thrilling experience provides an exciting and different perspective to witness the astonishing views of the Arctic wilderness.
- Meeting Location: Lodge front entrance
- Duration: 2 hours
Private experience
Booked by scenset
After breakfast this morning, get ready to head out for today's adventure.
Make your way to breakfast this morning sometime between 9am and 11am.
Today you will experience a reindeer safari. Enjoy a serene journey through the frozen forest, where the only sounds are the snap of reindeer hooves and the gentle glide of the sleigh pulled by your reindeer. Each sleigh accommodates two people for a cozy shared experience—simply sit back, relax, and enjoy. Meet with a reindeer herder family, and enjoy coffee and homemade buns and learn about their way of life.
- Meeting Location: Lodge front entrance
- Duration: 2 hours
- Includes: Transportation
Booked by scenset
Enjoy lunch at Jávri Lodge.
Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure. Saunas will be warm and ready to use in the early afternoon.
Enjoy your final dinner at Jávri Lodge.
Today you will check out of the lodge and begin your journey to Stockholm.
Enjoy a final breakfast at Jávri Lodge before you head off to the airport.
Meet your driver at the hotel entrance for your transfer to Ivalo airport.
- Meeting Location: Lodge front entrance
- Contact number: will be provided
- Drive Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Booked by scenset
✈️ Flight connection time: approximately 2 hours
Upon arrival in Stockholm, you will meet your driver for your transfer to the hotel.
- Meeting Location: The driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall after customs with a name-board. Please contact the provided phone number should you have any trouble locating your chauffeur.
- Driver Name: will be provided
- Contact number: will be provided
- Emergency number: will be provided
- Drive Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Booked by scenset
Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Lydmar Hotel
Booked Independently
Enjoy the day in Stockholm at your own leisure where a world of experiences awaits. Cruise the mesmerizing archipelago, a labyrinth of islands and islets, each with its own charm and story. As the sun sets, elevate your evening at Stockholm's chic rooftop bars, offering panoramic views of the cityscape.
Here are some of our favourite restaurants in Stockholm:
- Frantzén: Fine dining restaurant - the best in Sweden.
- Operakälleren: Traditional fine dining, with one Michelin Star.
- Lilla Ego: Modern brasserie, great for casual eating.
- Den Gyldene Freden: Traditional Swedish restaurant and cuisine. One of the nicest places to eat in the Old Town.
- Wedholms Fisk: Traditional restaurant, serving fresh seafood and fish.
- Restaurang Prinsen: Traditional restaurant with great ambiance, once a cherished hangout for bohemian types, including actors and writers.
The day has been left for you to relax at your own pace.
Stortorget's Christmas Market in the Old Town (Gamla Stan) is a market dating back to the Middle Ages. Among the iconic buildings, you will find 41 stalls selling everything from ceramics to fine smithing and other crafts as well as sausages, mulled wine, and much more.
Since the 1300s, Stortorget has been hosting farmer's markets, and the Swedish Christmas market tradition took root in 1523, initially wandering around the city until finding its permanent home in Stortorget in 1837. In 1915, the King of Sweden declared a unique rule, allowing only Swedish goods to be sold, a tradition upheld by the guild of markets till now. The early days featured a diverse array of craftsmen and farmers, including tinsmiths, bookbinders, glove and hat sellers, and more. Despite evolving production methods, the Stortorget Christmas market maintains its charm with the same 40 red-painted wooden stalls, echoing the historical spirit and offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past every year.
- Opening hours: Every day during the daytime.
Recommendation only
Tonight, enjoy a cosy evening dining at Restaurang Prinsen.
Details as follows:
- Reservation time: Evening for a couple of hours
- Reservation under name: will be provided
- Table size: 2
- Google Map link: Here.
Reserved by scenset.
Lydmar Hotel
Booked Independently
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and meet your driver for your transfer to the airport.
Meet your driver at the hotel entrance for your transfer to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
- Meeting Location: Hotel entrance
- Driver Name: will be provided
- Contact number: will be provided
- Emergency number: will be provided
- Drive Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Booked by scenset
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