Lapland on a Budget: How We Booked Our Dream Trip
My mum recently treated the three of us and my little brother and sister to a trip of a lifetime to Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. And let me tell you, it was even more magical than we ever imagined. One of the first things people ask is how we managed to do this trip for 7 of us without breaking the bank. The answer is, instead of booking an expensive package deal, we decided to book everything ourselves: flights, accommodation, and activities. This saved us a small fortune and gave us the flexibility to create our own perfect itinerary.
Our journey began with a flight from London Heathrow to Helsinki, followed by a short connecting flight to Rovaniemi in the north of Finland. As we landed, a blanket of pristine, deep snow covered the ground, instantly transporting us to a winter wonderland.
For our first night, we rented a house close to the airport, and the wonderful owners even offered to pick us up from the airport. After settling in, we wasted no time in testing out the essential Finnish feature—the sauna! Nothing beats the heat of a sauna after a long day of travel, and it was the perfect way to unwind before our big adventure began.
Santa Claus Holiday Village: A Magical Christmas Retreat
The next morning, we headed to the main attraction, Santa Claus Holiday Village. We had booked to stay here for four nights, and when we arrived, it was truly magical. The village is exactly as the name describes, a festive haven filled with Christmas cheer.
We headed into the main building at the hotel to check in and were given lots of information about the local attractions and hotel amenities. we were booked on a half board basis so our breakfast and evening meals were included. We were spoiled for choice with a great variety of food, including some unique local delicacies like reindeer. explore the entire village, which is dotted with charming cabins, each with its own beautiful Christmas tree.
Surrounding the hotel in the snow covered woodland was our accommodation. Every 2 cabins were adjoined by a veranda and each had their very own beautifully lit Christmas tree outside. Our cabin was large, open-plan and felt like it was straight out of a movie. The rustic and cozy decor made us feel right at home, with a spacious double bed, a living area with a sofa bed, and a kitchenette. But the real luxury was the bathroom, complete with our very own sauna! It was the ultimate treat after a day out in the cold.
Inside the Village and Crossing the Arctic Circle
During our trip we explored the beautiful Christmas village. This is the home of Santa Claus, complete with grotto, toy workshop, food market, post office and shops selling souvenirs and handmade goods. One of the coolest things about Santa Claus Holiday Village is it's location. It sits directly on the Arctic Circle line, which is marked out with lights running through the middle of Santa Claus Holiday Village. We loved finding unique ways to cross it, a fun little activity that made us feel like we were officially in the Arctic!
Unforgettable Lapland Activities
Our days were packed with thrilling and enchanting activities that made the trip so memorable. We made sure to experience all the classic Lapland adventures:
- Reindeer Sleigh Rides: We boarded a beautiful sleigh which was then pulled by a number of reindeer through the snow covered woods. It was a gentle and serene experience and felt like something out of a fairy tale.
- Snowmobiling: We took a guided snowmobile tour through the forest. It was a fantastic way to cover more ground and see the beautiful, expansive scenery. The kids were pulled along in a trailer by the guide and we had our own snow mobile. Since i am the only one with the driving license the plan was for me to drive but Mark quickly took over, and I was left holding on tight as he kept hanging back so that he could go faster.
- Husky Sleigh Rides: We were pulled through the snowy forest by a team of enthusiastic huskies, their paws a soft rhythm against the snow. Afterwards, we gathered by a firepit in a large yurt, toasting marshmallows and sipping on hot drinks to warm up.
-
Snowman World: We spent an entire day at this incredible park carved entirely out of ice and snow. The kids (and adults!) loved sliding down the massive ice slides, and we even enjoyed a drink at the ice bar, admiring the intricate ice sculptures.
-
Sledging and Snowball Fights: When we weren't on a guided tour, we spent our time simply enjoying the winter wonderland. We had countless snowball fights, built snowmen, and went sledging for hours right outside our cabin.
A Magical Encounter with Santa Claus Himself
Of all the incredible experiences, our visit to Santa's Grotto was the best. The grotto took us on a truly magical trail around his workshop, where we saw elves busily preparing for Christmas and watched as they crafted toys. The atmosphere was filled with wonder and excitement, building anticipation for our meeting with the big man himself. Finally, we were led into a beautiful, cozy room to sit down with Santa Claus. We were all in awe as we spoke with him and felt the magic of the moment. It was a truly special and unforgettable experience that we will all cherish forever.
More Than Just Activities: The Spirit of Lapland
Our family trip to Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi was more than just a holiday, it was a collection of magical moments that we will cherish forever. The combination of beautiful scenery, festive activities, and the warmth of the local culture made it the perfect Christmas getaway. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, we highly recommend Lapland!
Updated blog originally written December 2014
Add comment
Comments