Vital statistics
Area: 338,000km2
Latitude: between 60° and 70° north
Languages: Finnish, Swedish, Sami, Karelian, Finnish Kalo
Population: 5.6 million
Capital: Helsinki
Coastline: 2,760 miles
Borders: Sweden (west), Norway (north), Russia (east)
Currency: Euro
Flight time from UK: 2 hours 50 minutes
It’s safe to say that Finland is one of Europe’s unsung heroes. While many visitors to this eastern-Scandinavian country head there in pursuit of the Northern Lights or in the hope of spotting Santa Claus, there’s a whole lot more to discover. Thanks to its awe-inspiring natural environment, wealth of activities and friendly locals, Finland is fast becoming an STE Expeditions favourite. And as the flight time is under three hours from the UK, it’s pretty handy, too.
Finland is a place where nature takes the driving seat. Much of its terrain is flat and around 75% of it is covered in dense conifer forests. The land is punctuated by more than 180,000 lakes and an equal number of small islands are set along its long shoreline. In t
his country of stark contrasts, summers are balmy, while winters are bitingly cold. The northern territory that falls within the Arctic Circle experiences 24-hour daylight from May to August and 24-hour darkness from November to Mid-January.
What about Lapland?
Lapland is a region that occupies the most northerly third of Finland, but also stretches across Sweden, Norway and Russia. It isn’t a unified state, so is a geographical concept rather than an administrative unit. ‘Lapp’ is an anachronistic name given by Scandinavians to the Sami people. Today, the Sami use the name Sápmi for their traditional territory.
Things to do and see
At STC Expeditions, we’re spoiled for choice when planning adventures in Finland. In any season, the scantly populated landscape is like nothing many students will ever have seen. And with the Aurora Borealis appearing on up to 200 nights of the year, there’s a very good chance of witnessing this magical phenomenon first hand.
Arctic activities – from reindeer herding to skiing across frozen lakes and snowshoeing through silent forests – test endurance and build character. Ice-fishing and igloo-building aren’t just good ways to foster team work, they also offer students an insight into the ingenuity needed by the local people to live and thrive in temperatures as low as-30°C.
Summer trips are equally invigorating. When the sun is high and shows no sign of setting, it’s a good time to strike out on a hike through forests, across canyons and alongside raging rivers. Students need to learn survival skills as they take on the wild landscape, sleep under canvas and cook over campfires. Relaxation comes in the form of a soothing wilderness sauna, while river rafting and swimming get the adrenaline pumping.
Expeditions through Finland’s unspoilt terrain are certainly about enjoying the beauty of nature. But there’s also plenty to learn about the environment, biology and geography, as well as about the culture of the Sami people. Through challenging hikes, students build physical stamina and appreciate the importance of team work. Wild camping uncovers leadership talents while encouraging cooperation and self-reliance. It’s quite possible your group will return from the Land of the Midnight Sun as changed characters.
Keen to strap on your snow shoes and breath some clean air? Give us a call to discuss your group’s dream itinerary.