Winter Wonders of Finland: A Family Adventure

Northern Lights as seen from the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä.

Breathtaking landscapes. Vibrant cities. Rich cultural heritage. Finland offers it all in an unforgettable travel experience. As a family traveling with young children, Finland in winter becomes even more magical—snow-covered landscapes, cozy winter activities, and enchanting folklore make it a destination like no other. With a perfect blend of adventure, wonder, and kid-friendly exploration, our recent journey to Finland was filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that brought joy to every member of our family.

From the lively streets of Helsinki, where history meets modern Nordic design, to the pristine wilderness of Lapland, where the Northern Lights dance across the sky, Finland provided endless opportunities for discovery. Whether gazing up at the northern lights from the cozy comfort of a glass igloo, meeting Santa Claus himself, or racing across the Arctic tundra on a husky sled, every moment was filled with excitement and awe. Here is a glimpse into our unforgettable winter adventure.

Arrival in Helsinki: A Warm Welcome to the Nordic Capital

Our adventure began with an overnight flight from Denver to Helsinki, the charming capital of Finland. I could, and will, write an entirely separate blog post on tips for traveling (and planning for the unexpected) with young children, but for now will just state we had quite the unwelcome adventure to Helsinki.

Once (finally) there, we chose to stay at the U14 Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott. Nestled in a prime location in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel provided a cozy and stylish retreat. We could have spent hours in front of the striking clock in their lobby, which unlike a traditional timepiece, continuously moves, giving the impression of time flowing rather than ticking away. It serves as a subtle reminder to slow down and savor the moment—perfect for easing into the relaxed pace of Finnish life. These little touches flowed into our room as well, which was a perfect oasis to retreat back to at the end of a long day exploring, with plush bedding and plenty of space.

Exploring Helsinki: A City of Culture and Design

While one could spend days exploring the beauty of Helsinki, we chose to prioritize our time in Lapland—after all, this was a winter wonderland vacation. That said, we made the most of the half-day we had in Helsinki, immersing ourselves in the city's unique charm. From the lively Market Square to the historic Suomenlinna fortress, every corner exuded a seamless blend of old-world elegance and modern design.

Our visit began at the Old Market Hall, where we indulged in Finnish delicacies like smoked salmon and local pastries. From there, we wandered through the bustling Market Square, a vibrant waterfront hub brimming with Finnish handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional wool clothing.

Next, we took a ferry from the Market Square to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most treasured landmarks. While the fortress is steeped in history, it was the breathtaking winter scenery that captivated us most. Walking along snow-covered trails, with frost-laden branches lining the sea, and crossing picturesque cobblestone bridges felt just as magical as exploring the ancient caverns and statues that tell stories of Finland’s past. This is a must-do on any Helsinki itinerary, but if visiting in winter, I recommend starting earlier in the day, as daylight fades quickly into night on a November afternoon.

A Day Trip to Estonia: A Quick Baltic Escape

One of the unexpected highlights of our trip was a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia. Just a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki, Tallinn felt like stepping into a medieval fairytale. The kids were fascinated by the towering city walls, cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, ancient towers, and the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. 

As we meandered through Old Town, we stumbled upon a vibrant Christmas market, where we captured photos with Jõuluvana—Estonia’s version of Santa Claus—dressed in his traditional blue coat instead of the familiar red. Seeking warmth from the crisp Baltic air, we found refuge in a cozy café, its interior aglow with candlelight, creating an inviting ambiance as we indulged in hearty Estonian dishes.

Looking for a bit of adventure, we decided to climb the medieval clock tower at St. Olaf’s Church, once the tallest building in the world during the Middle Ages. The winding, narrow stone staircase seemed endless, but the reward at the top was breathtaking—an unobstructed panoramic view of Tallinn’s red-roofed skyline and the Baltic Sea. From here we were able to marvel at the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, standing in all its domed, Orthodox glory. Its intricate mosaics and onion domes contrasted beautifully against the backdrop of Tallinn’s historic skyline.

Our next stop was the old underground bunkers, a remnant of Tallinn’s wartime past. The dimly lit tunnels and stories of spies and secret passageways fascinated both the kids and adults alike, adding an unexpected layer of mystery to our visit. Above the bunkers, we ascended the medieval towers that lined the old city walls. These steep stone staircases led us to hidden walkways and battlements, where the kids loved peeking through the arrow slits, and pretending they were medieval knights defending Tallinn with their swords and armour.

The mix of history and adventure made Estonia a perfect family-friendly excursion.

Journey to Lapland: A True Winter Wonderland

No trip to Finland is complete without a visit to Lapland, the enchanting winter wonderland of the north. Our adventure began in Saariselkä, a picturesque village nestled deep within the Arctic Circle. We journeyed north by air, landing on the snow-covered runway of Ivalo, where a bus whisked us away to the magical Northern Lights Village of Saariselkä. Here, we stayed in a cozy glass-roofed igloo specifically designed for gazing up at the aurora as it danced across the night sky.

The Northern Lights Village felt like a dream. Tucked away in the heart of Lapland, the landscape was blanketed in pristine, freshly fallen snow, with trees heavy under its weight, glistening day and night. Nearly every day in late autumn and early winter brings snowfall here, adding to the untouched beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

Upon arrival, we were provided with high-quality Arctic snow gear, free to use throughout our stay—and let me tell you, it was warm! Not once did we find ourselves complaining about the cold. The kids were in heaven, making snow angels, building snowmen, and launching into friendly snowball fights. And within just hours of arriving, we witnessed our first aurora—the sky coming alive in vibrant shades of green, swirling and shifting above our resort.

The next day, the real adventure began. The kids took the reins—literally—on a thrilling snowmobile ride, steering through winding forest trails. Later, we embarked on a reindeer sleigh ride, gliding silently through the untouched wilderness, just as the Sámi people have done for centuries. The day ended with an exhilarating husky safari, where we took turns mushing a sled dog team through the snowy expanse. (A little tip—if it's snowing, wear eye protection! Visibility can be tricky, making steering a bit of a challenge.)

As night fell, we set out on a Northern Lights tour to Inari, eager for a glimpse of nature’s magic. Gathered around a crackling fire, we sipped Finnish tea and savored local sausage, the crisp air thick with anticipation. Then, the sky came alive and erupted into a breathtaking display of swirling greens, blues, purples, and pinks. Nestled deep in the forest, we watched in awe, knowing this was a moment we would cherish forever—an unforgettable experience, straight off our bucket list.

Rovaniemi: A Magical Encounter at Santa Claus Village

From Saariselkä, we took a bus to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus Village was a bit too touristy for my taste—perhaps an unpopular opinion—it lacked the charm of the quieter, more magical Lapland we had just explored. But the moment my kids stepped off the bus and realized we had “found the North Pole,” their excitement made it all worthwhile and a highlight of the trip.

From snapping photos at the Arctic Circle (longitude 0) to meeting Santa himself, our brief stay at Santa Claus Village was nothing short of magical. We embraced the full experience—because how could we not? We visited Mrs. Claus and indulged in her freshly baked treats. The boys attended Elf Hat Academy, where they became certified elves after learning to sing, decorate cookies, and even speak elf. We met Santa’s reindeer, enjoyed another sleigh ride, and even had the chance to feed them. At Santa’s post office, we saw where letters from children around the world arrive, each carrying a wish or a dream.

And to top it all off, the ultimate highlight—Santa himself paid a special visit to our cottage for a private moment with the big man in red. It was the perfect ending to a truly enchanting experience.

Final Thoughts: Finland’s Enchanting Allure

Our journey through Finland was nothing short of spectacular. From the urban sophistication of Helsinki to the pristine wilderness of Lapland, the country offers something for every traveler. Whether it’s meeting Santa Claus, exploring the bustling streets of Helsinki, or marveling at the Northern Lights, Finland captivates with its unique blend of enchantment and adventure.

If you’re planning a trip to Finland with young kids, prepare for a journey filled with unforgettable moments, cozy family-friendly accommodations, and breathtaking landscapes. This Nordic gem is truly a traveler’s dream, waiting to be explored.