Finland is one of the most incredible countries to explore within the Arctic Circle, with some fabulous places to stay and experiences to enjoy. With neighbouring countries including Sweden and Russia, it has an eclectic mix of history and traditions, dating back thousands of years. The scenery is simply breath taking where you can enjoy both Arctic and Scandinavian tours. Finland has a wonderful mixture of terrains throughout, with an incredible 168,000 lakes and a further 175,000 islands. On the mainland there are huge coniferous fens and forests with 78% making up the majority of mainland Finland. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas tree, than Finland is the perfect place!

When looking to explore certain areas of Finland, we can help. If you want to explore central and southern Finland, then perhaps look to stop and stay at The Bear Centre. With over 29 different hides in which photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, can sit and watch bears and wolves – If wildlife is your thing, then The Bear Centre is the ultimate in Scandinavian wildlife experiences. From April to October every year, you can stay overnight at this amazing place and see some of the rarest and most endangered wildlife species on the planet, including wolves and wolverines as well as more common but equally as magical species such as bears, foxes, owls and eagles.

If you’re looking for something really exclusive, private and totally wild, then Villa Cone Beach is the perfect place for families or groups of friends wishing to escape somewhere a little different. This stunning villa is in southern Finland and is just a short flight and drive from Helsinki. The whole of Villa Cone Beach is made up of the main house, a lakefront sauna, garage space for one large car, a private land and garden of around 4 hectares plus a further 500 metres of lakefront. Villa Cone Beach was originally built as the owner’s family home, consisting of three bedrooms all of which can be made into doubles or twins with three bathrooms. Spend time on adventures with huskies, snowmobiles, and fat bikes to play around on. On top of this, you are just a stone’s throw away from The Bear Centre, so perhaps tying in a night here would be a good consideration.

Looking for something that bit more upmarket, then perhaps consider Javri Lodge. This is one of Finland’s finest lodges and offers all the luxury and comfort synonymous with its founder, Uhro Kekkonen – Finland’s longest serving President. Javri Lodge has seen everyone from royals to celebrities and remains one of Finland’s top luxury lodges. Javri epitomises the ultimate chic log cabin. With modern, clean lines, ultimate comfort, warm and seriously sumptuous. If you are looking for exclusive isolation, there is no better place than Javri Lodge.

On another more unique level, look no further than the distinctive Golden Crown Levin Igluts. Wonderfully magical and a truly mesmerising place to stay as it offers the perfect nights spent under the Finnish skies. The night sky is utterly mind blowing, with no light pollution nearby affecting the glow from the stars, making seeing the Northern Lights truly incredible. The igloos are spacious and feature high end amenities, essentially everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. Some igloos have outdoor hot tubs, and all have incredible views of the valley below. The Northern Light House is perfect for families or groups of friends and has been built partially underground. It has its own sauna and hot tub and offers the perfect setting and stage for the Northern Lights viewing.

Finally finish your stay within the city of Helsinki and stay at Lilla Roberts. This stylish yet elegant hotel, set between the business district and the most desired residential area in Helsinki. The rooms are simple yet luxurious and comfortable. We strongly recommend booking one of their suites, all of which are vast and seriously high end. The building itself has a history to it which is utterly fascinating, and makes you feel as if you are staying in a part of the ‘real’ Helsinki. Either stay here at the start or the end of your trip to Finland and you will journey on feeling wonderfully relaxed and ready for the next step.