Finland in December! Why Finland? I am very interested in the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. The quiet, slower way of life intrigues me. Yes, cities are busy no matter where you are. Google AI describes the Nordic way of life as “centered on simplicity, a connection with nature, and a balanced rhythm between work, rest, and community”. This is what I am looking for.
Now, why Finland in December? I want to see the aurora borealis. The what? The Northern Lights. I also want to sleep in a glass igloo. Another bucket list item is to go beyond the Arctic Circle. No better place than Finland for my first Arctic adventure and to experience the Nordic culture.
“Mennään”! (Off we go.)
Adventures always begin with a flight or two. This time the flights take us from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Then we take a second overnight flight to Helsinki, Finland. We depart Chicago on November 29 and arrive in Helsinki on November 30. We will meet our group tour in the afternoon on December 1. A little free time before our group tour begins will be nice to explore on our own.
November 30 – Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki
December 1
Exploring Helsinki
Meet our tour group for dinner
December 2
Tour of Helsinki
December 3
Fly to Lapland, arrive at Ivalo Airport
Transfer to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, stay 2 nights in a Finnish log cabin
December 4
Learn about the Sami people, the indigenous people of Lapland
Reindeer Farm
December 5
Husky sledding through the Arctic landscape
Santa’s Village – gather some holiday spirit and learn Finnish folklore
December 6
Fly back to Helsinki
Farewell dinner
December 7
Flight home – Helsinki to Dublin, Ireland; Dublin to Chicago O’Hare
