Scandinavian specialist tour operator Best Served Best Served Scandinavia is launching two new itineraries to Arctic Lakeland this winter, introducing the natural beauty of this lesser known region of central Finland to UK travellers with a love of the outdoors. Located in the northern part of the country’s lake district, and a favourite with local Finnish visitors, it offers better value for money than some of the more established Lapland resorts such as Rovaniemi, Inari or Kittila and is also less crowded. Its landscapes are breathtaking, with dense forests, rocky hills and magnificent lakes which are frozen in winter and sun soaked in summer.
Easily reached by a short flight from Helsinki to the regional airport of Kajaani, in winter, Arctic Lakeland’s guaranteed snow blanketed landscape offers an idyllic playground for a selection of activities from husky sledding and snowshoeing to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. With the region’s position just under the aurora oval, low population density and little light pollution, Arctic Lakeland also offers magical displays of the Northern Lights which illuminate the dark skies from early autumn through to the beginning of spring.
Arctic Escape at Ukkohalla Resort
This new Arctic Lakeland itinerary is based in Ukkohalla Resort – a hidden gem set amidst miles of untouched arctic wilderness, snow-covered forest and frozen lakes. With four nights in its Sky Cabin Glass Suites at the top of the resort offering the perfect view over the tranquil surroundings, there’s a selection of traditional Finnish winter activities included ranging from a husky safari, snowshoeing and a visit to a reindeer farm to a day’s skiing on the on-site ski resort, with its 15 slopes and 3 snow parks.
The Sky Cabin Glass Suites at the summit of the Ukkohalla ski resort hill are well equipped with a motorised bed, small kitchen and dining facilities, and the glass walls ensure guests can keep a look out for a Northern Lights display from the comfort of their own bed. A choice of restaurants and the Sauna World & Spa are all within walking distance with nine different saunas offering a choice of smoke, steam and classic Finnish saunas as well as an indoor pool and outdoor hot tub.
BOOK IT
Best Served Scandinaviaoffers this 5 day Arctic Escape at Ukkohalla Resortfrom £1,450 per person including flights to Kajaani via Helsinki, transfers, 4 nights in a Sky Cabin Glass Suite including breakfast and dinner, Sauna World entry, a husky safari, visit to a reindeer farm, snow shoes and a 1 day ski pass.
Winter Adventure at Arctic Giant Birdhouse Hotel:
The Arctic Giant Birdhouse Hotel is the unique base for this new winter break in Arctic Lakeland, in the remote region of Kainuu – best known for stories of mythical creatures and historic giants. A stay at this unique property offers guests the experience of viewing the world through the eyes of a giant, staying in a luxurious hilltop birdhouse with mesmerising views over swathes of taiga forest and frozen lakes.
Start the day with delicious breakfasts before embarking on included winter adventures in the surrounding wilderness ranging from snowmobiling to ice fishing. In the evenings, there is an aurora camp excursion looking out in the clear starry sky for an appearance from the dancing aurora as well as the chance to sample local Kainuu food.
BOOK IT
Best Served Scandinavia offers this 4 day tailor made Arctic Lakeland breakfrom £1,855 per person including return flights from Heathrow to Kajaani (via Helsinki), transfers, 3 nights at the Arctic Giant Birdhouse Hotel on a breakfast and dinner basis, an ice fishing excursion with lunch, an aurora camp excursion with dinner, a snowmobile excursion and winter clothing for the duration.
For bookings, call 0207 664 2241 or visitwww.best-served.co.uk
