Spring cleansing is previous information.
Proper now could be the very best time to dig deep into your closet and dirt off your puffer jacket, seize your favourite beanie, and e-book a visit to Europe to affix in Christmas cheer with countless cups of mulled wine and savory treats.
Whereas famend cities corresponding to Vienna, Prague, and Munich are rightfully scoped out as a number of the most festive locations, there’s one stunning nation that is breaking tourism information, with one fashionable city specifically celebrating Christmas day-after-day of the yr.
Although their small airport has grow to be extra linked with newfound fame due to social media, what many vacationers could not know is that there is a much more adventurous technique to get right here than sardine seating on Ryanair.
Departing Helsinki, Finland’s underrated capital, guests can hop aboard the Santa Claus Express, an in a single day practice serving as a comfortable resort on rails to get up within the coronary heart of Lapland, the Arctic’s most sought-after winter wonderland.
Finland Expects A File-Breaking Winter Season
At Journey Off Path, we get it — it is tempting to comply with the group to Europe’s family names as a result of you understand what you are gonna get.
However extra reviews maintain revealing new journey developments; certainly one of which is exploring the lesser-known to keep away from crowds and regurgitated itineraries.
What higher place to do exactly that than Finland, a surprisingly well-connected nation to many U.S. airports by way of Finnair, its flagship 4-star airline.
The truth is, Lonely Planet acknowledged Finland because the “greatest place for locating happiness in wild locations”.
As such, Finland is anticipating a record-breaking tourism season this winter, able to welcome nicely over a million vacationers between December and February.
However let’s pause on Lapland for a second and have a look at different Finland locations gaining steam.
Actually, Helsinki is certainly one of them. Boasting a timeless Outdated City (Vanhakaupunki) and underrated Christmas markets, Helsinki may simply be your mainstay or a weekend exploration earlier than venturing deeper into the nation to find unsuspecting delights.
Little-known Turku is roughly a 2-hour practice trip from Helsinki (not the Santa Claus Categorical). That is Finland’s oldest metropolis, superbly standing the check of time with medieval castles and riverside market sq. — to not point out a small airport connecting to different superior European cities.
If there is a true hidden gem able to shine, it is gotta be Oulu. Featured on Nationwide Geographic’s 2026 must-visit locations information, this unheard-of Nordic marvel boasts unparalleled Northern Lights sightings and was named Europe’s 2026 Capital of Culture.
Plus, who may probably move up the prospect to join the Air Guitar World Championship?
Rovaniemi: The World’s Solely True 12 months-Spherical Christmas Vacation spot
Finland as a complete could also be anticipating a rush of vacationers, however Rovaniemi already beat its beloved homeland to the punch by welcoming a file variety of guests in its personal proper.
You do not have to attend for Black Friday gross sales or clearance racks the day after Christmas to get within the vacation spirit out of season — Rovaniemi is Christmasy each single day of the yr.
After all, visiting within the coronary heart of winter brings snow-covered forests and customary Northern Lights sightings, plus there’s simply one thing magical about sipping mulled wine or scorching cocoa in frosty Arctic air.
However have you ever ever heard of “Christmas in July”?
It is an actual factor in Rovaniemi, Lapland’s more and more common trip vacation spot, with all the pieces from real-life reindeer and surroundings seemingly pulled from a Hallmark film.
Anchored by Santa’s Village, a free-to-enter “North Pole” for Christmas lovers able to immerse themselves in decked out halls — there’s really no place prefer it.
Simply know that whereas many locations throughout the globe take into account December the low season, it is the exact opposite for Rovaniemi, so count on bank-busting costs for lodges.
However we now have the last word loophole for you!
Presenting The Santa Claus Categorical: Europe’s Secret Sleeper Practice
Driving on the Santa Claus Categorical is really a thrill, and one the place you do not have to fret about snagging a window seat.
Finland sees minimal daylight throughout bone-chilling winters, however hey, that simply will increase your odds of witnessing the darkish skies dance inexperienced away from metropolis mild air pollution.
This little-known sleeper practice has elevated service throughout its busy winters. Vacationers have quite a few time slots to select from, all departing Helsinki from 7:29 pm – 11:40 pm for a sleeper cabin.
In any other case, in the event you do need to snag that window seat, you are higher off departing earlier within the day for a minimal 8-hour journey.
We advocate scoring a sleeper cabin so you do not double your spending on lodging, our favourite resort hack right here at Journey Off Path.
Charges begin at $57, however that is the best-case situation. Charges are prone to surge the nearer it will get to Christmas.
Particular person sleeper cabins go well with as much as 3 individuals (or 4 with a partition between adjoining rooms).
Downstairs lodging are sometimes inexpensive. For an improve, select an upper-level cabin for extra privateness with showers and bathrooms.
Cabins function a number of energy retailers, free wifi, and bunk beds (however buying a single mattress isn’t an possibility).
Except you are a sled canine proprietor, chances are high you are not touring with Fido, however pets are welcome.
We advocate sifting by means of the on-board restaurant menu in addition to their helpful tips earlier than boarding for a seamless journey to Finland’s prime winter wonderland.
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