If you're seeking a winter getaway in Finland that goes far beyond traditional skiing, you've found the perfect destination. While Alpine resorts dominate the slopes, Finland offers an unparalleled variety of winter pursuits for those who prefer diverse adventures. Imagine gliding silently on an electric snowmobile, relaxing in a sauna atop a gondola lift, cruising on a genuine icebreaker, or floating on frozen lakes and rivers. Other highlights include mobile sauna festivals, wellness days, husky sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing through enchanting snowy forests. Finland leads the world in winter activity diversity.
Sauna in a Gondola Lift
Finland's 5.5 million residents cherish saunas—with around 3 million across the country. For an unforgettable event, head to Teuva in Western Finland on July 27, 2020, for the Mobile Sauna Festival, which began in 2006 with 18 saunas and now features about 50 unique mobile ones annually. Rules are simple: it must be mobile and accommodate at least one person. In winter, saunas dot Finland's landscape. A standout is the sauna in a gondola lift at Ylläs ski area.
Experience a sauna in an ice hut at the Arctic Sauna Experience in Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi.
In Harriniva, discover the Arctic Sauna World in Muonio by Lake Jeris, inspired by the four elements: water (Vellama), earth (Tapio), air (Ilmatar), and fire (Ukko). The Repo sauna features a glass teepee relaxation area perfect for Northern Lights viewing.
Icebreaker Cruise
Board the former icebreaker MS Sampo for a voyage through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Operating as a tourist vessel since 1988, it powers through thick ice, visible from the foredeck. Tour the bridge and engine room, then don thermal suits for immersive floating on the icy sea. Cruises last 3-4 hours, with snowmobile transfers from Kemi available.
Electric Snowmobiles
Snowmobile safaris top every Finland visitor's list, offering magical rides through fairy-tale forests. To minimize environmental impact from gas engines and noise, Finnish innovator Aurora eMotion created eSleds—electric snowmobiles—for eco-friendly themed tours.
Ice Floating: A Serene Zen Experience
Don an orange-red thermal waterproof suit over your clothes for buoyant, warm floating on frozen creeks, lakes, or rivers—a surreal, meditative adventure offered widely in Lapland, including Ylläs and Rovaniemi. In the early winter darkness, stargaze or catch the Northern Lights.
Build Your Own Igloo
Lapland's abundant snow is ideal for igloo-building with Lapland Welcome in Rovaniemi. Guided sessions yield sturdy structures with 30-40 cm thick walls in just hours.
