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INTRODUCTION
FINLAND
see & do
ROVANIEMI Ounsavaara hill, a large park on the opposite bank of the Ounasjoki river, offers walking and biking trails, a summer toboggan run and 9-hole golf course. There are cycle routes along the river and bikes can be rented from the city centre. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants and evenings can be lively although at midsummer the locals head out to the countryside. Rovaniemi offers plenty of attractions including the striking Arkitkum, which houses the Provincial Museum of Lapland and Arctic Centre. Hands-on exhibitions include the Changing Arctic with an ice cave, Northern Lights exhibit and visitors can learn about the real impact of climate change on the region. There are also exhibits on local history and culture, the Sámi people and arctic wildlife. Other museums and galleries include the Forestry Museum of Lapland and Rovaniemi Art Museum. Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle includes Santa Claus Office where you can meet Santa and his elves, Santa Claus Post Office where you can post cards and see letters from all over the world, gift shops and a small Christmas exhibition.
experiences
RIVERBOAT CRUISE A short evening cruise in a traditional river boat along the Ounas and Kemjoki rivers passing peaceful islands and Ounasvaara fell. SPEED OF THE RAPIDS River rafting trip 15 miles north of Rovaniemi, passing through six different rapids. RIDE THROUGH THE WILDERNESS Drive a forest buggy through the Lapland wilderness. The trip includes an optional abseil on a climbing wall. ARCTIC CIRCLE EXPERIENCE Visit the fascinating Arktikum, then travel to a reindeer farm and learn about reindeer herding and experience a mystical Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. Followed by a visit to Santa Claus Village. TASTE OF THE SUMMER NIGHTS Enjoy a traditional wooden riverboat ride along the Ounasjoki River to beautiful countryside. Enjoy an outdoor barbecue and raise a toast to the midnight sun. ARCTIC ANIMALS Drive to Ranua Zoo, home to over 50 species of arctic animals and birds including polar bears, brown bears, ox, moose, hawks, arctic fox and otters.
HIKE WITH HUSKIES Join the musher on a hike with his huskies through the forest for their summer exercise. Attached to a husky with a special belt during the hike, the musher will tell you about life with huskies, their training and breeding and you may even see wild animals. SAARISELKÄ EXTENSION We recommend that you spend five nights in Rovaniemi followed by one or two nights in Saariselkä in northern Lapland. Surrounded by the wilderness of the Urho Kekkonene National Park the area offers excellent hiking opportunities. The fascinating Inari Sámi Museum (approx. 40 minutes drive) is well worth a visit with dozens of typical Sámi dwellings in the open-air village, videos, pictures, animal exhibits, tools and clothing, that illustrate how nature and the indigenous Sami people adapted to life in extreme conditions. Tankavaara Gold Village (approx. 20 minutes drive) shows the history of gold panning and mining in Lapland through photographs, replica buildings and tools with the opportunity for visitors to try goldpanning. Stay at either the Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä or in a beautiful log cabin at the Kakslauttanen Village. Prices from £34 for one night including two days car hire from Rovaniemi.
FINLAND REGIONAL MAP
INFORMATION Capital: Helsinki. Airports: Rovaniemi. Flight Time: 1 hour from Helsinki. Helsinki is 2½ hours from London. Time Difference: +2 hours. Currency: Euro. Voltage: 220 volts. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Finland. Transfers: We have included group transfers from Rovaniemi airport to Pohtimo Wilderness Resort and Santa Claus Hotel. Private transfers or car hire are available for a supplement.
1 Wild reindeer 2 Midnight sun 3 The colours of ruska 4 Riverboat cruise from Rovaniemi 5 Gold panning near Saariselkä 6 Rafting activities on an Arctic Safari
NORWAY
Saariselkä
ARCTIC CIRCLE
Rovaniemi
RUSSIA
SWEDEN
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FINLAND
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call 01306 742500 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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