While Helsinki offers the perfect urban basecamp, the true soul of the Finnish wild lies far to the north, where the roads end and the ancient pine forests are buried under deep winter snow. Leaving the coastal capital for the quiet wilderness of Lapland is a rite of passage for every international student who comes to Finland.
Boarding the Night Train
The adventure begins at Helsinki Central Station, where you can board the overnight sleeper train heading directly to the Arctic. Falling asleep to the rhythmic click of the tracks and waking up to a pristine landscape of frozen lakes and snow-laden trees is an unforgettable start to your journey north.
Deep Wilderness Expeditions
Once you arrive in the far north, the scale of the landscape changes entirely, demanding proper thermal layers and local expertise. Through our partners at laplandtravels.org, you can easily trade the city streets for snowshoeing treks across national parks, husky sledding, and authentic wilderness cabin stays.
The Chase for Green Fire
The ultimate goal of any northern trip is standing under a clear, frozen sky as the aurora borealis dances overhead in waves of green and orange. It requires patience, warm layers, and a willingness to leave the artificial lights of town behind for the absolute darkness of the Arctic night.