Explore the Serene Beauty: A Comprehensive Guide to Resorts in Finland
Welcome, to this comprehensive and personal guide to the mesmerizing resorts of Finland. Often known for its ethereal Northern Lights, midsummer midnight sun, and thousands of lakes, Finland is also home to a variety of charming resorts that cater to all sorts of visitors. Whether you are a nature lover, a winter sports enthusiast, or a wellness seeker, Finland has something to offer everyone. So, buckle up and let’s embark on this journey to discover some of the finest resorts in Finland!
1. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets
Nestled in the Saariselkä fell area, amidst the beautiful Lapland forests, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a magical destination that lets you experience Finland’s awe-inspiring nature up close. Known for its world-famous glass igloos, here you can stargaze or watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed. Offering both summer and winter activities like reindeer safaris, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing, this resort is the perfect place to indulge in the Finnish outdoors in all its glory.
2. Levi Hotel Spa
If you’re a fan of winter sports, then Levi Hotel Spa, located in Levi Ski Resort, Finland’s largest ski resort, is the place for you. Offering multiple types of accommodations including rooms, suites, and even private apartments, the hotel provides easy access to ski slopes, hiking trails, and the enchanting Lappish wilderness. After a day filled with outdoor activities, you can unwind in their spa, which features 17 indoor and outdoor pools, various saunas, and even a water slide.
3. Koli Relax Spa – Break Sokos Hotel Koli
Situated in the Koli National Park, the Break Sokos Hotel Koli is a gateway to the untouched beauty of Eastern Finland. This resort prides itself on its Relax Spa – a wellness sanctuary with stunning panoramic views of Lake Pielinen. It’s an ideal retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and peace in the embrace of pristine nature. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, skiing, or simply want to unwind with some yoga, this hotel is a fantastic choice.
4. Naantali Spa Hotel & Resort
Located in the archipelago region, the Naantali Spa Hotel & Resort blends luxury with the enchanting coastal landscape. It is one of Finland’s largest and most diverse spa hotels, offering a wide array of wellness treatments. You can enjoy a leisurely swim in one of their many pools, pamper yourself with a revitalizing beauty treatment, or explore the charming old town of Naantali and the nearby Moominworld theme park, making it an ideal option for families.
5. Ruka Ski Chalets
The Ruka Ski Chalets, located in the heart of Ruka Village, offer a classic Finnish resort experience. Known for their ski-in, ski-out facilities, they provide easy access to Ruka’s renowned ski slopes. With modern chalets that provide a warm and cozy ambiance, these accommodations are a haven for those seeking winter adventure. And once the snow melts, the region transforms into a haven for activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.
Uniquely Finnish Experiences
1. The Finnish Sauna Experience
Any visit to Finland is incomplete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna. Most resorts offer their own saunas, allowing guests to experience this integral part of Finnish culture. The cycle of heating up, cooling down, and relaxing is believed to cleanse the body and mind, and improve overall wellbeing.
2. Midnight Sun & Northern Lights
In the far north of Finland, during summer, you can experience the surreal beauty of the Midnight Sun, when the sun stays above the horizon for nearly 24 hours a day. Conversely, in winter, the Northern Lights create a celestial display of vibrant colors in the night sky. These are truly unforgettable spectacles you shouldn’t miss!
A Journey Further North: More Remarkable Finnish Resorts
Our journey doesn’t stop here, as Finland is peppered with countless resorts waiting to enchant you with their unique offerings. From the dense woods of Lapland to the tranquil shores of countless lakes, let’s explore more of these captivating destinations.
1. Santa Claus Holiday Village
Christmas is a year-long affair at the Santa Claus Holiday Village, located right on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland. This resort allows you to immerse in a magical world where you can meet Santa Claus any day of the year. The cozy cottages provide a warm retreat from the winter cold, and the surrounding area offers numerous activities like snowmobiling, reindeer rides, and Northern Lights excursions. It’s a paradise for children and adults alike, offering a fairy-tale-like holiday experience.
2. Javri Lodge
For those seeking solitude and luxury, the Javri Lodge in Finnish Lapland delivers both. This adults-only lodge used to be the winter retreat of the Finnish president Urho Kekkonen and is now a chic getaway with top-class service and amenities. Nestled amidst the wilderness, the lodge offers an intimate and luxurious arctic experience, with activities such as reindeer feeding, ice fishing, and wilderness hikes on offer.
3. Hotel F6
Not all Finnish resorts are nestled in the woods or by a lake. Hotel F6, located in the heart of Helsinki, offers a modern urban retreat with a distinctive Finnish flair. Just a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions and shopping streets, it’s a great choice for travelers looking to explore Finland’s vibrant capital. Don’t forget to start your day with their locally sourced, homemade breakfast, reputed to be one of the best in Helsinki.
More Uniquely Finnish Experiences
1. Finnish Food
Experiencing local cuisine is an essential part of any travel adventure, and Finland has some unique culinary delights to offer. From fresh Baltic herring to Lapland’s reindeer dishes, or the summertime favorite of new potatoes with herring, there’s something for every palate. Most resorts pride themselves on serving locally sourced, traditional Finnish dishes, so don’t miss the opportunity to taste the flavors of Finland.
2. Finnish Design
Finland is renowned for its distinctive design ethos, known for its simplicity, functionality, and respect for the environment. This design philosophy is evident in many resorts, from the architecture to the interior design, providing a unique aesthetic experience. The capital, Helsinki, is a design lover’s dream, with numerous design shops and the world-famous Design District.
Final Reflections
Finland is a land of contrast, from its cosmopolitan cities to its vast wilderness, it offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. Its resorts provide a window into the soul of Finland, showcasing the best of Finnish hospitality, culture, and natural beauty. No matter what time of year you visit or what interests you have, you’re bound to find a resort that perfectly suits your needs and leaves you with lasting memories of this captivating Nordic nation. Here’s to hoping your Finnish adventure will be as enchanting and unforgettable as the landscapes and experiences that this charming country offers.