Nordic Winter Wonderland

Finland & Copenhagen: Dec 2023 – Jan 2024

Nordic Winter Wonders – 12 Nights / 13 Days

Thursday · December 21st, 2023 – Tuesday · January 2nd, 2024

Starting in Helsinki, Finland, take an adventure that will bring you to the wilderness and remote Northern Lights Village and back to civilization to witness the new year ring in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Helsinki Christmas Lights

Day 1 

Arrive in Helsinki at Hotel Kluuvi

The GLO Hotel Kluuvi enjoys a fantastic location in Helsinki, right in the center of this beautiful Nordic capital. The hotel is an excellent base to explore the city, within easy reach of plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Day 2 

Helsinki Christmas Markets

Christmas markets dot the city (both indoors and outdoors), offering loads of shopping options. Less than a 5-minute walk from our hotel is the main Helsinki Christmas Market and the heart of the Christmas experience in Helsinki. It’s all about relaxing, enjoying good food and drinks, spending time with family and friends, and getting in the Holiday mood.

The central Christmas Market has around 140 vendors in cute little huts offering gifts for all tastes, including handicrafts and design items. The stalls also provide traditional ingredients for your Christmas table. The restaurant stalls offer great food and naturally mulled wine, and other hot beverages. Don’t forget to try glögi, a traditional Finnish holiday drink with mulled wine, almonds, raisins, and sometimes vodka.

The market is organized at Senate Square between 27th November and 22nd December, so don’t miss this last opportunity of the season to visit! The market is typically open on weekdays from 11 am to 8 pm.

Helsinki is a beautiful city with a well-maintained waterfront and interesting art deco architecture, but it’s hard to imagine the city looking any prettier than it does at Christmas time. Lights adorn every street, especially Alekanterinkatu, which is dubbed Christmas Street during December.

Before the start of a busy itinerary in remote Finnish Lapland is an opportunity to soak in the beautiful lights, relax a bit while sampling delectable Finnish Christmas foods like Korvapuusti, visit a traditional sauna, view the abstract Sibelius Monument, the ‘Bad Bad Boy’ statue or Temppeliaukio Church which was carved right out of subterranean bedrock.

Checking off passport stamps? A two-hour ferry ride to Tallinn, Estonia, is also possible with incredible medieval architecture and one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Europe.

Finnish Christmas Food Korvapuusti

Northern Lights Village

Day 5

The Northern Lights Village provides a unique opportunity to experience the magnificence of the Northern Lights and the wild nature of Lapland at close range without sacrificing comfort. Personalized, warm, and consistently exceptional service – We keep your choice to stay with us in very high regard and are committed to exceeding the expectations you have set for us.

The team behind Northern Lights Village has organized atmospheric nature activities and aurora expeditions for more than 20 years. Their specialty is the hunting and photographing of the Northern Lights. All guides are experienced photographers who can help guests take the best possible photos of the Northern Lights.

The Aurora Suites

Room Description
The Aurora Suites at the Northern Lights Village are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and the Northern Lights while lying comfortably in a warm bed. The laser-heated glass roof opens up into the northern sky, directly above the bed. Our Suites are larger than our Cabins and can accommodate up to 5 people and includes a Sauna, making it the ideal setting for families.

Features:

  • LASER-HEATED SKY WINDOWS
    Keep Your Glass-Roof Clear of Snow, with the Tap of a Button and Enjoy the Best View of the Sky
  • INTERACTIVE SERVICES
    Make Phone Calls, Request Housekeeping, Review Your Itinerary & Bill – All from the In-Cabin Tablet
  • UNLIMITED FREE WIFI
    Surf the Web with Up To 200Mbps and No Data Limit – At No Extra Cost
  • TOILET AND SHOWER
    Hot Water Supply is Limited to 1015 Minutes at a Time, in Intervals of 30 Minutes
  • HAIRDRYER
    For After Shower, with Our Delightful Set of Toiletries
  • TEA AND COFFEE SET
    Tea & Coffee is Complimentary – You May Also Purchase Items from the Minibar
  • ELECTRIC FIREPLACE
    Cozy Lappish Feelings with Safety in Mind
    SAUNA

Husky Safari Through Snowy Forests

Driving a team of huskies over the white, shimmering fells is an experience that is almost mandatory during a trip to Lapland. The eager dogs run at full speed and the sled glides effortlessly over the snowdrifts with the skids hissing softly. The lead dog turns to look at you at a crossroads – right or left? Mush! The husky safari starts in front of an Aurora hut and takes you on a fast-paced trip over the untouched snow of the forests of Levi.

Husky Safari through the Snowy Forests (5km)
Created by Michael Distler at Avontuur Travel International, Inc. 8

This is an experience you will never forget!
Note: we have two-people sleighs. Each sleigh is ridden by one of the guests.

Duration: 1 hour (ride length ~5km, ~30min)
Includes: Guiding in English, Warm Berry Juice, Thermal Clothing inc. overalls, boots, and gloves.

Husky Safari Through Snowy Forests

Driving a team of huskies over the white, shimmering fells is an experience that is almost mandatory during a trip to Lapland. The eager dogs run at full speed and the sled glides effortlessly over the snowdrifts with the skids hissing softly. The lead dog turns to look at you at a crossroads – right or left? Mush! The husky safari starts in front of an Aurora hut and takes you on a fast-paced trip over the untouched snow of the forests of Levi.

Husky Safari through the Snowy Forests (5km)
Created by Michael Distler at Avontuur Travel International, Inc. 8

This is an experience you will never forget!
Note: we have two-people sleighs. Each sleigh is ridden by one of the guests.

Duration: 1 hour (ride length ~5km, ~30min)
Includes: Guiding in English, Warm Berry Juice, Thermal Clothing inc. overalls, boots, and gloves.

Searching For Santa

Searching for Santa is a set of playful, unforgettable Christmas experiences for the young and the young at heart, set in Northern Lights Village. Santa’s little helper, Elf will meet you and other participating families to serve as your guide on Christmas morning. The day starts with gingerbread baking. After a fill of cookies, the Elf will take you to meet Santa’s flying reindeer. Unfortunately, the reindeer only fly on Christmas night, but you get to take a (short) ride on the reindeer-drawn sleigh through the snowy forest instead.

Then, it is time to go searching for Santa’s secret cabin. The Snowmobile-Elf will take your family on a heated sleigh ride into the forest. If you can find the cabin, Santa will most likely welcome your family in for a private chat and offer a symbolic gift.

Includes:

  • Guiding by an Elf in English
  • Thermal Clothing inc. Overalls, Boots & Mittens
  • Gingerbread Baking & Crafts
  • Meeting the Reindeer and a Short 10-minute Sleigh Ride
  • Short Ride in the Snowy Forest on a Heated Sleigh Pulled by a Snowmobile
  • Meeting Santa Claus in his Cabin (approx 10 minutes)
  • Symbolic Gift

Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh (3 Hrs)

The silent, snow-covered forest, the nocturnal fell on the edge of the boundless wilderness, and the magical Northern Lights above you. Take a seat in the heated Aurora sleight and enjoy! Your guide tows the sleigh with a snowmobile through the snowy, moon, and starlight landscape, all the way to the top of the fell, far away from the residential areas and their light pollution.

After arriving, we prepare our cameras and take photographs of the northern night sky. We wait for the Northern Lights to appear in comfort by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and listening to tales until someone spots the first flare.

aurora borealis watching, finland snow mobile travel

Hunting For the Aurora in Lapland, Finland.

Arcandia Arctic Adventure

Day at leisure for skiing or exploring the area of Levi. Ice floating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, dogsledding, reindeer sleigh, snowshoeing, a Samiland Exhibition, snow sculpting lessons, wild food cooking workshop, and horseback riding are all within close reach.

Another host of unique experiences are on offer at the nearby Arcandia Arctic Adventure Park. This surreal abandoned film set now hosts a wide range of activities such as an outdoor laser tag course, axe throwing, and a knocker ball arena.

Lastly, a full-day trip to Rovaniemi “The Official Hometown of Santa Claus” and Santa’s Village is possible. This activity may be a bit on the ‘touristy’ side of options, but remains wildly popular with travelers to the region.

SnowVillage

Nearly 200km above the Arctic Circle lies a destination of exciting Arctic adventures and breathtaking constructions made entirely of snow and ice.

A MAGICAL WORLD OF ICE AND SNOW
Once a year, deep in the Finnish Arctic Circle, there rises a magical village made of snow. Now in its 12th year, the SnowVillage is built from 1.5 million kilos of snow and 300,000 kilos of clear natural ice.

The SnowVillage covers an area of approximately 4000 square meters. Each year, the architectural design and the theme of the interior decorations vary, offering a unique experience to guests year after year.

At the SnowVillage you can spend a night in the Snow Hotel, have dinner in the Snow Restaurant and drink well, literally on the rocks at the Ice Bar. Or, just come and marvel at the magnificent snow and ice architecture and sculptures. The SnowVillage is the perfect winter attraction no matter the weather. The temperature stays at a cool 0 to -5 degrees celsius inside.

The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, is a pioneer in numerous regards. It’s the world’s first design hotel and the only hotel by renowned designer and architect Arne Jacobsen, making it the true home of Danish modernism. Constructed in 1960, the building still dominates the city skyline, and its interior design impresses visitors to this day. Stay in sleek surroundings in one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant neighborhoods while enjoying our proximity to popular attractions such as Tivoli Gardens and a number of convenient transport options, including Central Station.

History and modernism in one stunning hotel Our recent renovation pays tribute to Arne Jacobsen’s legacy, which is visible in every detail from the moment you enter the lobby. Original Swan, Egg, and Pot chairs designed by Jacobsen stand reupholstered throughout the building, complementing the historic ambiance. Our 261 rooms and suites are distinctive by design, offering an abundance of natural light and modern amenities, including free high-speed Wi-Fi and Apple TV.

Service with style
Experience our newly renovated Café Royal Bar with your friends or family. Indulge in afternoon tea and decadent pastries or savor smoky, grilled dishes prepared in our elegant Josper Charcoal Oven. Our hotel bar boasts a striking drinks menu with a range of signature cocktails, ideal for an after-work get-together. If you wish to keep up your fitness routine, we also offer a health club with dry and steam saunas.

Godt Nytår! Happy New Year!

DAY-12

Consistently rated as one of the top New Years’ Eve celebrations in Europe, our location in the city (weather permitting) should offer incredible views even from the comfort of our guestrooms. Each city has its own New Year’s traditions. In New York City, the ball drops, and in London, the Coca-Cola London Eye is covered in an explosion of fireworks. In Copenhagen, the main New Year’s attraction takes place in the City Hall Square which is less than a quarter mile from the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel.

Tivoli Gardens is another popular view location and the entrance sits across the street from our hotel. Casual family bites are all around, but if you’d prefer a nice meal out together please ask for recommendations and consider pre-booking a few months in advance. When New Year’s comes around, Danes get ready to wave goodbye to the year that’s passed, and they often do so wearing silly hats or bibs. If you want to join in on the fun you can find yourself some perfect New Year’s gear at most supermarkets in Copenhagen.

When the clock turns to 18h00 nearly all Danes turn their face towards a television. This is when the Queen of Denmark gives her yearly New Year’s speech to the Danish people. A speech that is live-streamed from Amalienborg. This has been a tradition for the monarch since 1941, but back then the speech was transmitted on the radio.

On this specific day, the Danes like to make a lot of noise. Firecrackers, poppers, fireworks, bullhorns and champagne bottles popping. If it’s noisy, it’s welcome to join the New Year’s table. This tradition stems from back in the days when farmers thought that noise would scare off evil spirits. When midnight comes around and the Danes say hello to the new year, they do so by jumping into it. The jump can take place from a table, chair, couch or any other remedy that’s raised above the ground. This is something the Danes have been doing for the last 60 years or so, and they do it to avoid stepping into the space between the old and the new year.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Thursday · December 21st Transfer · GLO Hotel Kluuvi
GLO Hotel Kluuvi (3 nights)
Friday · December 22nd Helsinki Christmas Markets
Saturday · December 23rd Day at Lesiure in Helsinki
Sunday · December 24th Transfer · GLO Hotel Kluuvi
Recommended Flight from Helsinki (HEL) Airport to Kittilia (KTT) Airport – Not Inlcuded
Transfer · Northern Lights Village (30 min)
Northern Lights Village (3 nights)
Husky Safari through the Snowy Forests (5km)
Monday · December 25th Searching for Santa (3 Hours – Private Basis)
Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh (3 hours)
Tuesday · December 26th Day at Leisure
Wednesday · December 27th Transfer · Northern Lights Village
Break Sokos Hotel Levi (3 nights)
Thursday · December 28th Ice Karting, SnowVillage

Friday · December 29th Day at Leisure
Saturday · December 30th Transfer · Break Sokos Hotel Levi
Recommended Flights from Kittilia (KTT) to Copenhagen (CPH) via Helsinki
(HEL) – Not Included
Transfer · Radisson Collection Royal Copenhagen
Radisson Collection Royal Copenhagen (3 nights)
Sunday · December 31st Day at Leisure to Explore Copenhagen
Monday · January 1st Godt Nytår! Happy New Year!
Tuesday · January 2nd Transfer · Radisson Collection Royal Copenhagen

RESERVE YOUR  NORDIC WINTER WONDER ADVENTURE

Nordic Adventures
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