Finland Adventure with Amber

Finland in summer is something truly magical. Think midnight sun that never sets, reindeer roaming freely, summer celebrations that stretch into the early hours, festivals buzzing with life, sailing on glassy lakes, and cosy cottages tucked away in the wilderness. This is a country that knows how to make the most of its long summer days — and we were lucky enough to experience it firsthand.

Starting in Helsinki: Finnish Sauna at Alaas Sea Pools

Our adventure began in Helsinki, where we headed straight for the iconic Alaas Sea Pools — the perfect introduction to Finnish sauna culture. The complex features three saunas and two pools, all set right on the waterfront. There's nothing quite like stepping out of a scorching sauna and plunging into the cool Baltic Sea. It's invigorating, refreshing, and utterly addictive.

The Finnish Sauna Experience

During our time in Finland, we visited several saunas in all kinds of settings — from private villas and lakeside retreats to riverside hideaways, oceanside decks and even bush saunas deep in the wilderness. Each one offered a different experience, but they all shared that unmistakable Finnish warmth and hospitality.

Fun fact: Finland has approximately 3 million saunas — that's more saunas than cars in the entire country.

Sauna isn't just a pastime here; it's a way of life. Finns sauna together to socialise, to relax, to celebrate, and even to conduct business. Once you've experienced it, you'll understand why.

World Heritage Site: Suomenlinna

From Helsinki, we took a quick 10-minute ferry ride to Suomenlinna, a stunning sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 18th century, this fortress spans several islands and is home to around 800 residents who live within its historic walls. We joined a guided tour that took us through the fortress's tunnels, ramparts and museums, learning about its fascinating military history and the role it played in defending Helsinki over the centuries.

Finnish Lapland Resort: Levi

From Helsinki, we flew to Kittila in Finnish Lapland, where we made our way to Levi — the largest ski resort in Finland. In summer, Levi transforms into a completely different kind of paradise, with endless daylight and stunning natural beauty.

We stayed at the incredible Levi Spirit accommodation — spacious five-bedroom villas complete with private sauna, jacuzzi, and ensuite bathrooms throughout. The cherry on top? Breakfast was served directly in our villa each morning, so we could ease into the day at our own pace.

Canoeing Under the Midnight Sun

One of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip was canoeing at 9pm on the River Ounasjoki under the midnight sun. The light was golden and ethereal, the water was glass-smooth, and the silence was broken only by the gentle dip of our paddles. It's one of those moments that stays with you long after you've come home — the kind of experience that photographs can't quite capture.

The Magical Elves' Hideaway Village

Next, we visited the truly enchanting Elves' Hideaway Village — a place that feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. The village offers accommodation, a charming cafe, and an entire elf village complete with workshops where you can learn traditional crafts and skills. We spent time swimming in the lake, exploring the village, and meeting the Elf in Yellow Dress, a beloved character who guides visitors through the magical world of the elves. We even tried our hand at gold panning in the nearby river — and yes, we found a few tiny flakes of real gold.

River Rafting in Harriniva

For an adrenaline rush, we headed to Harriniva in Muonio, Lapland, right on the Finland-Sweden border. Here, we tackled a 6-kilometre white water rafting course that took us through four thrilling rapids. The scenery along the river was spectacular — dense forest on either side, with the occasional glimpse of Lapland's wild landscape opening up around each bend. It was the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty.

Arctic Harriniva Husky Farm

One of the absolute highlights of the trip was visiting the Arctic Harriniva Husky Farm. We were greeted by adorable 8-week-old husky puppies who were all too happy to climb into our laps for cuddles. The farm is serious business though — this is where working sled dogs are trained and selected for their winter duties. In summer, the huskies stay fit with guided hiking excursions, and we were lucky enough to join one, trekking through the Lapland wilderness with our four-legged companions leading the way.

Stunning Yllastunturi National Park

Our final adventure took us to the breathtaking Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, where we embarked on an e-Fatbike tour through the wilderness. The electric fat bikes made it easy to cover ground on the rugged terrain, and our guide led us through ancient forests and along pristine lakeshores. Along the way, we stopped to pick blueberries and drink fresh water straight from a crystal-clear stream — something that's perfectly safe to do in Finland's incredibly clean wilderness.

The tour ended with a visit to a traditional lakeside sauna at Akaslompolo Lake. After working up a sweat on the bikes, there was nothing better than relaxing in the sauna and cooling off with a dip in the lake. We even enjoyed some freshly pressed blueberry juice made from the berries we'd picked along the way.

A Country That Steals Your Heart

Finland is a country that surprises you at every turn. The people are incredibly welcoming, the food is outstanding — fresh, locally sourced, and beautifully prepared — and the scenery is nothing short of picturesque. From the cultural buzz of Helsinki to the wild beauty of Lapland, every day brought a new adventure and a new reason to fall in love with this remarkable country.

Kiitos (thank you), Finland, for an unforgettable adventure. If you'd like to experience the magic of Finland for yourself, give us a call on 1800 242 373 and we'll help you plan the trip of a lifetime.