A place in Lapland that has changed my perspective about winter holidays and the coldest place I have been in Finland so far!
I’ve got to tell you about this place in Lapland that totally changed how I see things. Remember la when I mentioned visiting Rovaniemi, the go-to spot for winter holidays in Finland? Well, it’s a regular thing for me since my in-laws’ place is just a quick 1 hour and 15 minutes away from the magical Santa Claus Village – the heart of all the fun!
In January 2024 I got the invite to explore Muonio on a Press Trip, I jumped at the chance. It felt ideal because I could finally compare it with another place in Lapland and see the difference. To my surprise, I was genuinely surprised! Muonio brought a whole new perspective about Lapland that I can’t wait to share with you.
Let’s start with the place I stayed:
HARRINIVA ADVENTURE RESORT
Discover a family-owned gem that truly has it all! Their packages are perfect for both adults seeking adventure and families with kids. And when it comes to activities, they’ve got you covered:
- Ice fishing, snowmobiling
- Skiing like a Finn
- Lapland Snowmobile Day
- Panorama Safari
- Arctic Sauna World
- Traditional cottage dinners
- Aurora Adventure by Snowmobiles
- Reindeer Aurora Experience
- Ice Bar
- Aurora Snow Shuttle
- Aurora Snowshoeing
- Secrets of the Northern Lights
- The enchanting Aurora Hut Glass Igloo overnight experience
- + More winter activities for families and Santa Claus experiences during winter
ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IS COVERED!
The coldes place I have been in Finland so far
One incredibly important aspect: THEY PROVIDE ALL THE EQUIPMENT FOR YOU*! – winter overall, winter boots, gloves, balaclava, and the best part? No extra charges for this service! It’s all included in the packages!
*It’s important you also bring your own clothes, you will use them as layers!
It’s been in this place where I have experienced the coldest temperature in Finland: -36°C (-32.8°F). That’s the cover pic!
I’ll highlight two activities I absolutely loved during my visit:
- 15 km Husky Ride: 15 km with snowy landscapes! Do I have to say more? This experience was a bit different for me as it was the first time I rode the sleigh, not to mention the -23°C temperature outside – and the speed makes it feel even colder! It was something I haven’t experienced before, but don’t worry if you’re traveling with kids; they have suitable options*.
- Arctic Sauna World: Despite the hotel offering a sauna experience, saunas are never enough in Finland! The more you visit them, the more you get used to them. They have 5 different saunas in one place! And how about trying the cold plunge on a frozen lake at the same time? I had never tried it until last week, and it was amazing! You can see my experience HERE!
*As reference if you are traveling with kids, the first time I went on a husky ride with my kids, they were 2 and 4 years old, and it was -18°C in Rovaniemi for 2 km.
Drone images 1 & 4 x Alessandro @girovagate
