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These full and frank independent Finland Winter 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.
5*- loved every minute - the snowmobiling, dog sledging, reindeer farm as well as seeing the Northern Lights. Thought the holiday was extremely well organised. Small groups so lots of individual attention. Have already recommended it to many friends.
(more)Amazing - one of the best we have ever had. The different activities each day and information given on culture and history were fantastic. It was lovely to be somewhere so spoilt and quiet. (more)The activities were tremendous and we loved the dog sledding so much that we plan to go back next year to do a wilderness dog safari. We were incredibly lucky to have such a lovely group of people with us. (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.
(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!).
(more)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)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)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)Lapland is magical and inspiring. It is an extraordinary place to get away to. I would recommend this holiday to anybody, youngsters or grown ups, couples or family, there is something for everyone from not so active holiday makers to thrill seekers. (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)Most memorable were the husky sledding, the northern lights; saw them 4 times but the last night there they were spectacular. (more)
The most exciting part was being propulsed to a different world for the space of 3 days!...A great great experience. (more)
The holiday was summed up by our 9 year old - "Pinch me I must be dreaming!" Husky dogs in a snow laden landscape at minus 26 degrees was unreal, as was the ice hole dip!! (more)
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)
It was great to see wild reindeer wandering so close by in their own habitat and to see the respect of the local guides for the countryside, wildlife and local people. (more)We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
“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. 
