DESTINATIONS FAMILY HOLIDAYS | FINLAND


exper experts ASK THE


Inga Antoníusdóttir, general manager northern Europe, Intrepid Travel


“What often surprises people is how incredible Finland is in summer, with endless daylight, beautiful forests and pristine lakes you can swim in. Finland also offers a unique chance to connect with Sámi culture and local communities that share their deep relationship with the land – something most of us


can really learn from. Finland is a place that stays with you, no matter when you visit.”


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Tampere harbour; the northern lights; writer Cathy with May, Zac and Ed PREVIOUS PAGE: Särkänniemi amusement park in Tampere, Finland PICTURES: Laura Vanzo; Visit Tampere; Shutterstock/Trabantos


s


Allan Cooper, travel expert, The Aurora Zone


“Finland offers families an enchanting blend of nature,


culture and adventure in every season. Families can enjoy unforgettable experiences such as husky sledding, visiting reindeer farms and chasing the northern lights, even outside


of winter. The country’s family- friendly appeal often surprises visitors. Safe towns and cities, excellent public transport and attractions such as Santa Claus Village, which is open all year, make it a stress-free destination for parents and kids alike.”


50 17 JULY 2025


urrounded by a pine forest with the cobalt-blue Lake Näsijärvi sparkling in the sun


in one direction and Lake Pyhäjärvi glistening in the other, the view from Tampere’s Pyynikki Observation Tower is spectacular. But my eight-year-old son Zac is too distracted to take it all in. He’s focusing all his energy on plucking up the courage to step over the tower’s stone edge to abseil down. “It’s 26 metres high but feels higher due to the


setting,” says instructor Eero Suvela from Kelo ja kallio Adventures, who is full of patience and encouragement. Zac points to Lake Pyhäjärvi and tells Eero that we plunged into it the day before, following his first-ever sauna. “Last week, both lakes were still frozen,” says Eero. Zac smiles, takes a deep breath and gingerly steps backwards. I’m in Tampere in southern Finland, with Zac, my


11-year-old daughter May and my husband Ed. We’re combining a spring city break in this southern Lakeland region with outdoor adventures in the Lapland resort of Levi, farther north. We travel on the cheerfully named overnight train, the Santa Claus Express to Kolari (an hour from Levi), going to sleep with the city illuminated and waking up with the sun shining over a snowy pine forest.


FAMILY FUN The magical combination of Santa, snow, reindeer and huskies keeps families flocking to Finnish Lapland every Christmas – festive holidays here sell out year after year.


Family adventures in Finland,


which is regularly voted the happiest country in the world, should not be limited to winter trips


In March, to keep up with growing demand, Tui launched December packages to Finland’s Arctic Lakeland with direct flights from Manchester. Chris Logan, Tui UK commercial director, says:


“Arctic Lakeland offers everything families love about a Finnish Christmas experience, from husky sledding and reindeer rides to personal Santa meetings, but in a more intimate setting and at a more accessible price point.” He adds that Tui has already seen strong interest in the packages.


But family adventures in Finland shouldn’t be limited to winter trips, as the country that is regularly voted the happiest in the world has endless opportunities for spring, summer and autumn escapes with the kids, from swimming in lakes and sharing sauna sessions to visits to quirky museums or Moomin World.


Our trip to Lapland was during the Easter school


holidays, but it was still snowy enough to enjoy husky and reindeer rides, try ice-fishing and even pay a visit to Elves Village – and all outside peak season, so we had the attractions practically to ourselves.


² travelweekly.co.uk


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