73 wonderful hand-picked Finland holidays run by people who care a lot about Finland and keeping it unspoilt by tourism. Travel like a local – experience Finland like you live there. Enjoy the peace and quiet of your Finland holidays or the pace and excitement as much as people who live there do. A choice of exceptional Finland holidays run by remarkable people.
These full and frank independent Finland holidays reviews are from travellers who have booked directly through responsibletravel.com. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travellers below.
The husky sledging was amazing and we also got to see the northern lights we did something nearly everyday and enjoyed every minute, went to the ice hotel you can't really explain in words how pretty the scenery is you have to go and see it to believe it.
(more)Wonderful and magical. Great location, people, food, accommodation, activities and the dogs. It is a holiday we will never forget and hope to return one day. (more)Superb. Wouldn't change anything at all (not even the outside loos in -25deg C, all part of the experience and gave us lots of laughs!).
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Great weather even if cold. Great wilderness feel to the environment. Good sized group...Local use of hotel, cabins and information centre for food. (more)Husky sledding across a frozen lake just before sunset was the most memorable part of the holiday (more)It was fantastic, a trip of a life time...being able to watch the Northern Lights and the views across the fjord from our fisherman's hut were the most memorable parts. (more)
The scenery was fantastic - pristine pine forests dotted with lakes but the most enjoyable part was getting to know our guide, Aki, and of course the dogs! (more)So many wonderful things, I'd struggle to specify just one - eating delicious Finnish tapas whilst the snow fell in Helsinki, being treated to an impromptu Christmas singsong by a choir whilst on the ferry across to Suomenlinna, being in charge of our own Husky drawn sledge (and then meeting Husky puppies!), barbequeing sausages on an open fire whilst sitting on reindeer hides in minus 25 degree temperatures, the exceptionally friendly people, the majesty of the snow covered forests, the tranquility and clean air.....just loved it (more)Working with the huskies on our 2 day wilderness safari was amazing. A once in a lifetime experience and Raika, the husky guide was brilliant! (more)It was a fabulous experience. Despite being in a "wild" environment I felt safe, because of the company of the other travellers, the care our guide and the hotel staff.
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Most memorable were the husky sledding, the northern lights; saw them 4 times but the last night there they were spectacular. (more)Excellent! We managed to pack in a taster of most activities during our 4 day stay and found time to explore on our own too. Jeris Hotel where we stayed is friendly, comfortable, welcoming and is in the most beautiful setting on the lakeside. (more)In one word: FANTASTIC. We were able to engage in such delightful winter activities which we had never done before. Weather was perfect, everyone at the hotel just as pleasant and accommodating as could be, food VERY good and special meals were prepared for me as I am a vegetarian. I would like nothing better than to go back for another visit.
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The most memorable part of the holiday was how beautiful and peaceful Finland was where we were staying and how peaceful and quiet the sled dogs were once they were working... The best holiday we have ever been on as a family. (more)
The best holiday we have ever been on and we would go on another tomorrow! With many thanks to the best guide in the business RAIMO. Thanks and we look forward to our next holiday.
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We all agreed that the husky safari was the best part of the trip. The kids enjoyed cuddling the dogs very much; they were the friendliest bunch of dogs ever seen. (more)You can trust responsibletravel.com reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
“So what's your stance on the environmental impact of tourists driving snowmobiles Timmo?”
The question was asked by a British journalist at midnight whilst sitting in a traditional Lappish kota or teepee on top of Olos Fell in North West Finnish Lapland. I've always felt quite privileged to have been there to hear the answer because it highlighted just how important tourism has become in remote corners of the globe. The question itself was probably slightly leading as Timmo was our 55 year old guide on a two hour night time snowmobile safari. His response was impassioned to say the least and provides a lesson for us all I think. I don't recall his exact words but I'll do my best to paraphrase. “Without the snowmobile we wouldn't have a tourism industry. Huskies need feeding and attention for 12 months of the year. Reindeer need feeding and attention for 12 months of the year. Snowmobiles need feeding and attention for 5 months of the year. There is no money in huskies and reindeer, the only money is from snowmobiles.” Read more about Finland in this Finland article.
If escaping the July hordes and reconnecting with the last true wilderness in a land of magical landscapes sounds like your cup of tea, Finland can offer all that and more. As a summer destination, Finland has something for every kind of traveler, be it culture-hungry city-hoppers or independent backpackers seeking an escape from the bustle of modern life. Find unspoiled forests and lakelands on your doorstep, nature trails and fresh, cool forests. Towns and cities buzz with activity and long, sunny days encourage the outdoor lifestyle. Soak up the cool cafè-culture of the two great southern cities, Helsinki and Tampere, where modern art museums rub shoulders with traditional farmer's markets. Further north in Saariselkä, Santa's elves take a summer holiday experiencing a safari, Lapland-style, visiting reindeer corals and enjoying hikes in Urho Kekkonen National park. Read more about Finland in this Finland article. 
