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 night time 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 simplest approach to attain Kemi is by taking the VR in a single day sleeper service referred to as the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki. The practice continues from Kemi in direction of Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle, the official residence of Father Christmas.
Two kinds of rooms onboard, each containing two single bunk beds, with the choice to share or stay personal. One room kind 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 an effective way to start out your day.
Because the practice glides by way of the night time, I gaze out the window, imagining the Arctic landscapes that await us. One thing quite 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’ll find 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.
If you happen to’re fortunate and the climate gives a transparent sky, you would possibly be capable of go to sleep whereas gazing on the aurora borealis, Norther Lights at night time time.
If you happen to’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 concentrate on having fun with your winter journey in Kemi and they’re going to care for 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 excellent temperature all 12 months spherical, regardless of the climate outdoors.
On show is a number of ice tables and chairs (you possibly can e book 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 fortress 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 Fortress of Kemi and Winter Park is a short lived installment held from 20/01/2024 to 06/04/024 and is constructed yearly.
They used to additionally construct a lodge advanced and different giant instalments however now they focus solely on the development of the Snow Fortress every year 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, resembling 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 gives a glimpse into the native lifestyle, including depth to our Arctic expertise.
You may as well 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 hearth inside a standard Finnish Kota hut with a sizzling 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 considered one of Finland’s most intensive 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 mirror 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 may e book your ticket and switch by way of Kemi Experience365 and extra actions resembling sea ice floating.
The icebreaker Sampo was constructed in Finland in 1961. It was constructed to function in excessive arctic circumstances. Its principal function was to assist hold sea lanes open through the harsh Finnish winters when the ocean freezes over.
In recent times, 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 incredible to see the outdated 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 swimsuit.
Surprisingly, the swimsuit does a fantastic job, and also you don’t really feel the chilly in any respect. I like to recommend making an attempt this expertise should you’re courageous sufficient to face the icy seawater.
When you’re completed 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 could possibly drive a automobile excessive rapidly.
Strolling on ice and floating within the sea by this mighty vessel is a surreal expertise that may stick with us eternally.
We made certain to stroll to the entrance, the place you possibly can try to drag Icebreaker Sampo by rope, which makes for an superior photograph.
When the climate permits (sadly, not for us), you possibly can prolong your Arctic expertise with a snowmobile safari on the frozen sea, revelling within the thrill of pace amidst the Arctic wilderness.
You may as well get pleasure from a shot of vodka from an ice-filled glass on the ice bar on the deck, which is tremendous enjoyable.
You may as well stroll across the ship, meet the crew, and study 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 stay up for 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 comfy environment, setting the tone for our exploration.
A culinary journey awaits us at Restaurant Olof, the place regionally sourced components and regional delicacies tantalise our style buds, offering a style of the traditions of the Tornio area.
As night time falls, we embark on a magical journey to Kukkolankoski Rapids for night time ice fishing, surrounded by the enchanting glow of night time lights.
As we forged our traces into the icy waters, the silence of the Arctic night time envelops us, punctuated solely by the occasional sound of laughter and camaraderie.
Savouring a heat salmon soup at Siikakartano as a midnight snack, we mirror on the day’s adventures and are grateful for the reminiscences 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 nations, 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 may be to welcome in a brand new 12 months. Because the time zones are totally different in each cities, you possibly can have a good time New Yr’s Eve on one facet and transfer to the opposite to have a good time 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 reminiscences 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 reminiscences 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 stock with us the spirit of journey and the promise of recent horizons from the ocean Lapland area of Finland.
