Countryside magic in a Finnish winter cottage

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Countryside magic in a Finnish winter cottage

Countryside magic in a Finnish winter cottage

To truly experience Finland, you have to get out of the city. That is why Finns head to their cottages both winter and summer, and so should you! In the summer these Finnish hideouts are an oasis of relaxation, sauna and swimming. The winter brings its own unique activities such as skiing, ice-swimming, sledding – all in the beautiful background of a blanket of snow and ice as far as the eye can see.

There is a reason why on average every fifth household in Finland has some kind of a cottage. There you can really have it all. Relax, breathe in the peace and silence and enjoy the company of family or friends. On the other hand you can fill in a sunny winter’s day with laughter of tumbling in the snow and doing different sports. The best thing is that you can adjust the winter activities to suit the age and interest of those traveling with you.

Organize your own day trips in the local area, across the frozen lake on skis or snowshoes. For more speed and adventure go on an organized snowmobile tour or a husky safari suitable for the whole family. End the day in the relaxing heat of the sauna with the northern lights blazing outside.

Winter

Depending on location, winter in Finland begins in November and can last up to five months, with temperatures ranging from a balmy zero to a lung-freezing minus 35.

Winter

Sauna crazy nation

A cottage holiday is nothing without sauna, be it summer or winter. But you needn’t worry – it would be practically impossible to find a Finnish cottage without some sort of sauna. Take along a bath whisk to beat yourself. Yes, really.

Take back experiences, not material stuff

If you want to go back home with a truly unique experience, try ice-swimming. This means literally hopping into a man-made hole in the frozen lake or river. Preferably you do it straight from the sauna. May sound extreme but there are plenty of Finnish grandmas and grandpas who swear by its health benefits as it can relieve all sorts of aches and pains. Once you get out of the water you will feel your blood pumping trough your veins like never before and a great adrenaline rush. If there is no ready hole in the ice you can try the other option: straight from the sauna jump into the snow, roll around in it and head back to the heat.

country of a thousand frozen lakes

An excellent, and a very Finnish way to enjoy a sunny winter’s day is going skiing on a frozen lake. If you are not a fan of skiing, you can make your way with snowshoes and small children can be pulled along in a sled. A kick-sled is also ideal. Take along some hot drinks, sandwiches and relish the unique scenery of the glistening white.

And just because the lake is frozen doesn’t mean you can’t go fishing. Ice fishing requires its own equipment but it is a great way to spend the day. Make sure you bring along really warm clothes and a lot of patience!

When there is no shortage of snow…

Have you ever been to a proper snowball battle? It is more than throwing a few snowballs here and there. You can build fortresses, work in teams and try to get behind enemy lines. Adults – you won’t be able to keep away from the fun.

COZYING INDOORS AFTER A LONG DAY OUT

After running around all day long, you can cozy back indoors. There is nothing like sitting by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate with the frost of the night firmly behind the thick walls of your cottage. Or read a good book laying on top of reindeer hides and woolly blankets – the essential accessories of any a wilderness cottage.

…or read a good book laying on top of reindeer hides and woolly blankets – the essential accessories of any a wilderness cottage.

the most spectacular light show

If you only stay in the city you might miss the magic of the northern lights. In the countryside there are no streetlights to hinder the visibility and you can see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. Even on an ordinary night the full scale of the starry, winter’s night won’t disappoint.

Culture

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Countryside magic in a Finnish winter cottage