Emagine re-introduce their popular day visits for December 2009.
Emagine have re-introduced due to popular demand their day visits to meet Santa in Finnish Lapland.
They will offer 3 departures.
19 December from London Gatwick
21 December from Manchester
23 December from Leeds Bradford.
The Emagine day visits to Meet Santa in Lapland will include:
❄ Non-Stop flights UK to Ivalo. A hot breakfast on the outbound journey and a hot dinner on the return.
❄ Private coach transfers in small groups with dedicated guides to ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable day.
❄ Special thermal outer clothing (Suit, boots,woollen socks, hat, mittens and scarf).
❄ All activites as outlined in the itinerary which include:
Reindeer Sleigh ride, Snowmobile treks, Husky sledge ride, Tandem Skiing,
Tobogganing, Ice Fishing, Crossing the Arctic Circle ceremony
❄ Meet Santa one family at a time.
❄ A hot lunch featuring traditional Finnish Christmas fare with special favourites for the children.
❄ An Arctic Circle crossing certificate and a Reindeer driving licence.
❄ A gift from Santa for everyone.
❄ All airport taxes and personal service charges.
❄ Personal Service from experienced Emagine guides
For further details click here
Emagine Santa holidays for December 2009 go on sale.
Emagine have launched their Santa Holidays in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland for December 2009.
The holidays are for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days. They have chosen beautiful locations that really allow you to get the most from this winter wonderland. Among the many activities included in the holidays are snowmobile safaris, reindeer sled rides, ice fishing, husky safaris and tandem skiing. Most importantly they include meeting Santa, privately as a family while he rests in the forest and then once again at the Christmas dinner when he brings gifts for everyone.
Hotel Harriniva in Muonio (Hotel room accommodation)
A cosy family run hotel sitting on the banks of Muonio River. Over 250 kms north of the Arctic Circle. Excellent safaris from the door of the hotel.
11-14 Dec 2009/ 19-23 Dec 2009 / 23-27 Dec 2009 / 27 Dec 2009 - 01 Jan 2010
Hotel Jeris near Muonio (Cabin and hotel room accommodation)
An stunning location deep in the forest overlooking a frozen lake. Ideal for those wanting to combine winter activities with quality family time.
19-23 Dec 2009 / 23-27 Dec 2009 / 27 Dec 2009 - 01 Jan 2010.
Hotel Syote Keskus, Syote (Hotel room accommodation)
Set on top of a fell in Northern Finland this hotel offers a warm welcome and amazing views. Excellent family accommodation and safaris.
18-21 Dec 2009 / 21-23 Dec 2009 / 23-27 Dec 2009.
Hotel Iso Syote, Syote (Cabin and hotel room accommodation)
Very popular fell top cabins and hotel in Northern Finland with breathtaking views and memorable activities.
18-21 Dec 2009 / 21-23 Dec 2009 / 23-27 Dec 2009.
Hotel Riekonlinna, Saariselka (Hotel room acommodation)
A popular hotel located in the pretty resort in the far north of Lapland. Excellent facilities and an exhilirating toboggan run close by.
19-23 Dec 2009 / 23-27 Dec 2009.
Simply Saariselka Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka (Apartment suite and hotel room accommodation) and Hotel Holiday Club Saariselka (Hotel Room accommodation)
The Simply Saariselka holidays offered to both hotels allow guests flexibility to design their holiday to meet their needs and budget while still experiencing the highlights of a Lapland holiday.
19-23 Dec 2009 / 23-27 Dec 2009.
Lapland Day visits. Due to popular demand they are also reintroducing Day Visits from London Gatwick 19 Dec 2009, Manchester 21 Dec 2009 and Leeds Bradford 23 Dec 2009.
For full details of Emagine Lapland Santa holidays click here.
16 – 19 Dec free child place if booked by 10 November 2008*.
A free child place when travelling with two adults to the beautiful Hotel Jeris in Finnish Lapland. Offer applies on 16 – 19 Dec 2008 departure from London Gatwick.
A choice of accommodation in hotel rooms and lovely cabins. Cabins all have a private sauna.
The holiday includes a snowmobile safari, husky safari, reindeer rides and meeting Santa twice; once as a family and once again at the Christmas party. The holiday also includes full board and upon arrival you will be provided with outer clothing (Outer thermal suit, boots, mitts, balaclava and thick socks) for the duration of your stay.
For full holiday details and prices click here.
* subject to availability.
State of the art dishware, simple handmade wooden gifts, designer textiles and delicious chocolate!
It is hard these days to travel anywhere in the world and to buy a memento only to return home and find it is made in China, but the more discerning shopper visiting Finland and Finnish Lapland can return with real Finnish gems if they know what to look for.
Arabia,
For over 130 years Arabia has been a trailblazer in modern Finnish design. Its product selection consists of popular ranges of dishes and design gift products.
The highly valued Arabia products are characterized by a timeless beauty as well as high quality and functionality. Arabia dishes, made to be used and displayed, hold a central position in Finnish lives: thanks to their innovative and distinctive design, they are equally at home on the kitchen table and at festive occasions. These are items designed for Finns who value the concept of Finnish design and recognize the aesthetic value of the products.
For further details about Aarikka and their products click here.
Aarikka,
Aarikka Oy founded in 1954 is a family business producing unique handmade items using Finnish materials. They produce design products, jewellery and decorative items mainly made of wood. They offer products for all season but particularly popular are their simple Tonttu Christmas decorations. Today their products are sold throughout Finland, USA and Japan.
For further details about Aarikka and their products click here.
Karl Fazer Chocolate
If you leave Finland with nothing else, make sure that you have at least one bar of this chocolate in your bag………it is truly heaven. How ever many you take home you will wish you had bought more,, you have been warned!
The secret behind Karl Fazer Milk chocolate remains a secret and had done so since it was first produced in 1922. It is a unique recipe using full fat milk and the finest cocoa beans. Whatever the magic combination is it seems to work. You will spot it throughout the country in its distinctive blue and gold wrapper. In later times they have also added to the range with various fruit and nut varieties.
For further details about Karl Fazer and their products click here.
Marimekko
Marimekko Corporation is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company that was established in 1951. The company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality clothing, interior decoration textiles, bags and other accessories under the Marimekko brand, both in Finland and abroad.
Strong and distinctive product design is the cornerstone of Marimekko’s operations and corporate culture. The starting point for design is that each individual Marimekko product must earn its own design value and express Marimekko’s lifestyle concept.
For further details about Marimekko and their products click here.
Going fast!
The signs are all there that the festive season is fast approaching: the shelves in all the supermarkets are already stocked with jumbo sized packets of sweets and tinsel, children are vying for places in the nativity play and writing their Christmas wish lists. Santa and his elves are already working long hours ensuring that their route maps are precise and everyone is accounted for.
For those wanting to add something extra special to their festive season a visit to meet Santa in Finnish Lapland is a must. Meet Santa, while he rests in the forest to tell him your Christmas wishes and once again at a Christmas party. Warmly dressed in the amazing thermal outer clothing and boots provided you will take part in husky safaris, snowmobiling, ice-fishing, reindeer rides, tobogganing and tandem skiing
At this late stage in the year only a few places remain. They are as follows:
Hotel Harriniva: From Gatwick
A friendly family run hotel offering cosy simple accommodation in a wonderful setting. Excellent activities from the door of the hotel.
Availability:
12 - 16 Dec (A handful of places remain)
16 – 19 Dec
19 – 23 Dec (A handful of places remain)
23 – 28 Dec (A handful of places remain)
New Year 28 Dec – 02 Jan (A handful of places remain)
Hotel Jeris: From Gatwick
In a stunning setting deep in the forest on the edge of a national park. Accommodation in cabins where you can relax in the private sauna and by fireplace after a day of exhilarating activities.
Availability:
16 – 19 Dec
23 – 28 Dec (A handful of places remain)
New Year 28 Dec – 02 Jan
Riekonlinna: From Gatwick
In the pretty resort of Saariselka surrounded by rolling fells. A popular, friendly hotel. Excellent safaris.
Availability:
19 – 23 Dec (A handful of places remain)
23 – 28 Dec (A handful of places remain)
Holiday Club: From Gatwick
At the heart of Saariselka this hotel has the added benefit of a large spa swimming pool which is free to all guests.
Availability:
19 – 23 Dec (A handful of places remain)
Tunturi: From Gatwick
In an excellent location over looking the fells in Saariselka the hotel offers spacious apartment accommodation.
Availability:
23 – 28 Dec (A handful of places remain)
Syote Keskus: 16-19 Dec from Manchester only, 22-27 Dec from Manchester and Luton.
A firm favourite with our guests this lovely hotel sits in a stunning fell top location. Amazing views and
very freindly welcome.
16 - 19 Dec
22 – 27 Dec (A handful of places remain)
Book now for the 16-19 Dec 2008 Special offer to visit Santa in Syote.
Book before the by 31 July 2008 and receive a £75 per person discount on the brochure / web prices for the 16-19 December 2008 departures from Manchester and Luton to visit Santa in Northern Finland.
Syöte, which is often called the gateway to Lapland and is located in northern Finland just below the Arctic Circle, and is home to Finland’s southern most fells.
This really is a beautiful, but isolated location, the nearest large village with shops is 35km away, but is a must for those looking for unspoilt nature, open spaces and a wide range of exhilarating activities.
The hotels, Iso-Syote and Syote Keskus, sit on top of these gentle fells and allow easy access to the surrounding nature, excellent tobogganing and a chance to try skiing on the adjacent slopes.
Meet Santa, once, as a family while he rests in a forest cabin and again at the Christmas party on the final evening. Take part in husky and snowmobile safaris. Try your hand at ice fishing, snow shoeing, riding in a reindeer pulled sled and quad biking.
For further details on the 16-19 December holiday to Hotel Iso Syote click here
For further details on the 16-19 December holiday to Hotel Syote Keskus click here.
When booking please mention offer code S0816 on your booking form to qualify for reduction.
Three fabulous locations in Finnish Lapland – which one is for you?
At Emagine we have chosen three very different locations and itineraries for our New Year holidays but whichever you choose we promise you will return special memories that will last a life time. After a hectic Christmas there is nothing better than escaping to clean air, exhilarating activities and a chance for some quality time away from the TV and daily stress.
Come and recharge your batteries in Finnish Lapland.
Hotel Jeris, near Muonio, Finnish Lapland.
For all ages.
6 days.
Our New Year guests at Hotel Jeris in Lapland last year never stopped talking about the setting, the scenery and the silence. It is a wonderful location, set deep in the forest, by a huge frozen lake and with a National Park on its boundary.
The holiday is a balance of activity and free time. It includes a snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm and a husky safari but on the other days you get to set the pace. Some guests chose to book on additional safaris, some collected cross country skis and explored the trails through the National park, others relaxed in the spa pools or curled up and read a book. It is fair to say that everyone tobogganed!
Following dinner on New Years Eve everyone had their fortune told and then headed onto the lake, a drink in hand, to see in the New Year and admire the fireworks.
Jeris is ideal for those wishing to get away from the crowds, have some activity but still have free time as a couple or family enjoying the cabins with their private saunas and fireplaces.
For further details click here.
Hotel Harriniva, Muonio Finnish Lapland.
For teens and adults only.
6 days.
At Harriniva for New Year our safaris are longer so not recommended for younger visitors. When you head off on snowmobiles it will be across the fells, taking in the most spectacular views and with a stop for lunch in a lakeside chalet along the way. Your husky safari will take you though the forest, with simple lunch served in a traditional kota.
Even though the group will not include children it doesn’t mean you have to hide the child in you, especially when we head off to the local ski slopes for some tobogganing!
There is also an opportunity to learn more about the region, its animals and the indigenous Sami people during a visit to the village of Hetta. Lunch will be served in the amazing Hetta Snow Castle.
Life at Harriniva are quite relaxed with evenings spent relaxing over dinner, a drink in the bar or maybe soaking in the lakeside hot tubs.
On New Years Eve following dinner and some fortune telling head outside onto the ice, not once but twice to celebrate the Finnish and then the Swedish New Year with drinks and fireworks before hitting the disco in the bar.
For further details click here.
Hotel Riekonlinna, Saariselka, Finnish Lapland.
For all ages.
7 days.
Hotel Riekonlinna is located in the lovely northern Lapland resort of Saariseka. We have planned the holiday so you have a mixture of organised and free time so you can design your holiday to meet your family’s needs. It includes a long snowmobile safari and a long husky safari, both with lunch served along the way. On other days you can choose from an exciting range of additional optional safaris. You may decide to head off to the nearby ski slopes, spa swimming pool or try the resorts 2km toboggan run. We have included some dinners in the hotel so you can make new friends and other evenings are free so you can try the resorts excellent restaurants whether in search of pizza or some local delicacies!
On New Years Eve enjoy dinner in the hotel before stepping outside to take in the fireworks that are set off around the resort.
Emagine staff will be on hand throughout your stay to help you make the most of the amazing location.
For further details click here.
Visit Santa in the most magical settings, away from the madding crowd!
At Emagine this week we have launched our Santa Holidays to Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland. You can choose from 4,5 and 6 day holidays the most magical settings: isolated fell top hotels, cabins set deep in snow covered forests or picturesque resorts.
As you know this is where Santa Claus lives and he is often seen out and about training his reindeers. You will get to meet him twice. Once, as a family, as he rests in a cabin and again at a Christmas party.
You will take part in a host of exhilarating activities such as husky safaris, snowmobiling, tobogganing, reindeer rides, ice fishing, snow hockey…………….and lots more.
For a full list of dates and itineraries click here.
Choose from in a number of stunning resorts. Click on the hotel name for a full description.
Hotel Harriniva in Muonio, Western Lapland
From London Gatwick. Hotel rooms
In a pretty riverside setting. Amazing activities.
A good location for families with younger children.
Cosy, simple accommodation made of local wood and stone.
Hotel Jeris, Muonio area in Western Lapland
From London Gatwick Hotel rooms and cabins
Stunning, isolated location deep in the forest.
Ideal for those in search of activity but also some free family time.
Great cabin accommodation set among the trees.
Hotel Iso-Syote in Syote, Northern Finland
From London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. Hotel rooms and cabins
Wonderful, isolated fell top location with spectacular views.
Ideal for all ages wanting to get away from the crowds.
Popular, pretty cabin accommodation.
Hotel Syote Keskus, Syote in Northern Finland
From London Luton and Manchester Hotel rooms
Another fabulous, isolated fell top location, even with an observatory!
Designed with children in mind, families get the warmest welcome.
Excellent hotel room accommodation.
Hotel Riekonlinna, Saariselkä in Northern Lapland
From London Gatwick Hotel rooms
In a pretty resort so a little more activity if people choose to go in search of it.
A firm favourite with our guests for many years.
Lovely room accommodation.
Hotel Tunturi, Saariselkä in Northern Lapland
From London Gatwick Hotel rooms and apartment suites
A Simply Saariselka location for those in search of more flexibility.
Well equipped apartments offering more space and dining options
A warm welcome from a friendly team.
Hotel Holiday Club, Saariselkä in Northern Lapland
From London Gatwick Hotel rooms
A Simply Saariselka location for those in search of more flexibility.
An excellent spa pool in the hotel and easy access to all of
the resorts facilities.
Syöte enjoys its first winter snowfall.
The pretty area of Syöte in Northern Finland and home to Hotel Iso- Syöte and Syöte Keskus reported its first snow fall today.
The hotels sit atop Finland’s southern most fells in perfect isolation. The nearest town, Pudasjarvi is over 30km away.
This is early days so the snow will probably melt as the day warms up but it indicates that winter is on its way and the beautiful and colourful autumn this region experiences is at an end.
During winter the region attracts, skiers and those looking for adventure on snowmobile and husky safaris.
Over 700km south in Finland’s capitol, Helsinki, they had several hours of sleet.
To visit Syote this December click here.
Saariselkä in Northern Finnish Lapland received its first snow overnight!
The resort of Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland has its first dusting of snow following an overnight snow fall.
After a very mild autumn current day time temperatures are +3 ºC but at night the temperature is consistently below 0ºC.
Over the coming months with the arrival of more snow this small, pretty Lapland resort really comes to life as the winter activity lovers descend. The first to arrive are the international cross country ski teams looking to get the edge on the competition with some pre season training on the first kilometres of immaculate trails.
At the same time the husky handlers will start taking their dogs out to get them fit after their lazy summer. They will also be concentrating on training their young dogs that will join the established husky teams during the coming season.
Once the snow is building you will start to hear the buzz of snowmobiles along the forest trails and over the fells. This might be visitors just heading out on the last sun days for a forest picnic, the Lapp reindeer herders out checking on their animals or even locals hunters.
As temperatures drop the snow canons will be pointed at the slalom slopes to ensure that the resort can open at least a few of its slopes as part of the great opening race between Lapland resorts. Resorts such as Levi and Ruka are already hoping to have slopes open in late October.
To visit Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland and meet Santa this December click here.
To visit Saariselka the rest of the year click here.
if the Late Finnish President had been successful!
The late Finnish President Urho Kekkonen had offered half of Lapland to the Soviet Union in 1968. The offer was made to former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in exchange for Karelia.
An recent article by Juha Pohjonen in Kaleva reveals that Kekkonen had proposed offering the area north of the 67th parallel. The region would have included several municipalities including Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjok would have been swapped for Karelia.
"The deal did not take place, but it was meant to spark interest in the matter among top leadership in the Soviet Union," said Pohjonen.
In return, Finland could have asked for the city of Vyborg back, the region west of the city, and the Saimaa canal.
The deal however did not move forward. Pohjonen said that the Soviet Union was not interested in the trade.
"If the USSR would have accepted the proposal, I would assume that Kekkonen would have been ousted from power," Pohjonen said.
you can take a dip!
After an exciting day of husky safaris, snowmobiling, ice fishing and of course meeting Santa we return to our hotel.
For many there is no such thing as too much snow and they head straight back outside to go tobogganing, skiing or making snowmen.
Others they reach a point where they can’t spend another second in all of those layers of thermals, jumpers and safari clothing. Some head for the bar for a well earned drink while others decide they are off for a dip.
Taking a dip varies dramatically depending where you are……….
In Saariselka, north eastern Lapland, in the Holiday Club Hotel is the fabulous swimming pool with slides, spa pools and wave machine. Entrance to the pool is free to Holiday Club guests. Guests from other hotels are welcome but pay an entrance fee.
At Hotel Iso-Syote in Northern Finland guests can enjoy a relaxing warming sauna and take a dip in their cooling indoor pool.
At Hotel Jeris, western Lapland, taking a dip can involve more of a challenge if you are feeling brave.
While most guests choose to soak in the wonderful warm lakeside spa pools the crazier guests take a short swim in the outdoor lake pool!
At Hotel Harriniva, in western Lapland, there isn’t a pool but clients can hire an outdoor hot tub in a snowy riverside setting. The braver adults can take a dip in an ice hole!
It goes without saying that as this is Lapland all of the locations have a warming sauna to hop into after your dip!
A saving of £260 for a family of two adults and 2 children.
4 days in Finnish Lapland staying at Hotel Riekonlinna, Saariselka for the weekend. Packed with thrilling activities, a wonderful setting and lots of care and attention. The ideal way to meet Santa in person, not once but twice!
Your holiday includes:
Return flights from London Gatwick to Ivalo, transfers, accommodation, full board, Safaris (Arctic activity day, reindeer ride, husky safari & snowmobile safari), outer thermal safari clothing, Meeting Santa one family at a time in a forest cabin and again at a Christmas dinner, A Christmas gift for everyone, Snowkids club and Emagine guides resident to assist throughout your stay.
Adults £799 and Children £699.
Offer Valid until: 31 August 2007.
Please quote reference 708SR when booking or on your booking form to receive the above discounted price.
To read the full itinerary and to book click here.
For special offer details click here.
An exciting range of holidays throughout December from London and Manchester to meet Santa!
Emagine are once again offering an exciting and diverse range of holidays to Lapland and Northern Finland this coming December.
Choose from holidays packed with activities in a range of wonderful accommodation where you are
guaranteed personal care and attention.
Hotel Riekonlinna in Saariselka, Hotels Harriniva and Hotel Jeris in Muonio, Hotels Syote Keskus and Hotel Iso-Syote in Syote.
At all of these locations Emagine includes meeting Santa twice (once as a family in a forest cabin and again at a Christmas party), snowmobile safari, reindeer rides, a husky safari, ice fishing, full board, outer thermal clothing and the Emagine team on hand throughout your stay.
For those wanting a little more independence, new for this year is Simply Saariselka featuring Hotel Holiday Club and Hotel Tunturi. The concept allows you to decide on the level of activity and meals included in your holiday. We have included the essentials such as flights, accommodation, breakfast and a fun activity day where you get to meet Santa as a family, then they let you decide what to do with that precious free time.
Emagine clients frequently comment on the levels of care and the attention to detail that goes into making their holiday to Lapland so special. They love the small finishing touches and the personal, thoughtful and friendly sevice from the guides
To learn more about the holidays contact reservations on Tel: 0870 902 5399
Click here to order a brochure.
To look at the holidays on the Emagine website click here.
Telegraph article tells all about visiting Santa in Finnish Lapland.......
When the travel presenter Judith Chalmers took her grandsons on a surprise trip to see Father Christmas she was just as excited as they were.
You know when you have been planning something secret for a long time? As the occasion nears you get excited: you want it to be the day to reveal all, yet you almost want to hold the pleasure back as it will all be over so quickly.
For the full story click here.
Limited availability remaining, click here for details.
Work has started on the igloo at Harriniva.
The team at Harriniva in Finnish Lapland have started work on their Igloo. The excellent snow levels and cold nights, already at times as low as -30, are ideal conditions for building.
Guests staying at Harriniva during the winter can book a room in the igloo to stay in for the night. At Harriniva they build this one large igloo with a central chamber which will be furnished with an ice table and chairs in the coming weeks. Individual bedroom chambers then lead off the central room.
The cosy sleeping bag and crisp clean air are the ideal conditions for a good nights sleep, even when it is -30 outside.
Pictures of the finished, decorated igllo to follow shortly.
For further details on visiting Harriniva this coming winter click here.
Visitors to Harriniva this December will be able to meet the Husky litter.
Avalon, Aragon and Aurin and their sisters Akita and Aura are keeping their mother busy and are growing fast. Any time now they will be transfering to the kindergarten where they will have more space and greater independence.
Harriniva already has a decent covering of snow, more is forecast for the coming week and temperatures are constantly dipping below -10. This means that the puppies are looking on with interest as the older dogs at the husky farm are setting off on training runs as the first husky safaris will start by the end of the month.
If you are visiting Harriniva this December you will be able to meet the huskies in person. Please send us your favourite photos of them.
For further details on visiting Harriniva in December click here and for the remainder of the winter click here.
The big freeze at Harriniva!
Lapland is already enjoying temperatures at night as low as -25 and is looking amazing.
River Muonio that flows past Harriniva is just starting to freeze and the hotel is planning to build its igloo in the coming days.
Iso-Syote, amazing weather and stunning views!
After a flight via Helsinki we arrived in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. It was then a gentle two hour drive south to the amazing fell area of Syote.
Unfortunataly pictures will have to follow so you will have to take my word as to how amazing Syote looks. At breakfast in the hotels panoramic restaurant we just watched in awe as the sun rose over the opposite fell and sat on top of the blanket of mist in the valley, truely breathtaking.
The trees, hotel and cottages are already covered in a pretty layer of frost and snow. The temperature waivered between -8 and -10 all day with bright sunshine and crystal clear skies. The safari guides were already out preparing the snowmobile roots for the coming season and the snow cannons were on the slopes.
If Juha and Katarina at the hotel Iso Syote have their way you will soon be able to admire the views for yourself from their webcam. It will be worth getting up early to see those sunrises.
The locals mentioned that they had already seen Santa out doing some pre-season training with his reindeer. It appears that the amazing summer has left them a little lazy and above their prefered flying weight. Nice to know that it isn't just humans that have to get in shape for the festive season! I will let you know if we see him or the northern lights.
Tap into the network of cameras across Finland and Lapland to experience the quiet life!
A Finnish website set up primarily by the authorities to monitor weather conditions on their roads allows you to get a glimps of Finnish weather and life. Until not many years ago staff in a network of cabins along the main routes would call in weather updates but now the cameras along with other roadside technology allow authroties to decide when the snowplows should be dispatched on any given stretch.
The first thing that hits you is the lack of traffic, especially when you look at the cameras in Lapland. You will also be able to see that Lapland already has a decent covering of snow, 30cm has fallen in recent days.
To link to the website click here.
As temperatures plummet, lakes start to freeze and the snow appears.
Hotel Iso-Syote, a wonderful hotel set on of one of Finland southern most fells, just below the Arctic Circle, is enjoying the best of both worlds - bright sunshine and the arrival of winter. Temperatures are now regularly dropping below -10 which is vital at this time of year to ensure that lakes and swamps freeze before the arrival of the heavy winter snow.
The ski slopes tend to open mid November and the first husky and snowmobile safaris set off in early December or ealier if snow conditions allow.
Syote enjoys some of the heaviest snowfall in Lapland with the trees you see in the pictures being transformed into snow pyramids. The image below was taken last December from the hotel overlooking the ski lifts. The views from the hotel and cabins are breathtaking what ever the season.
For further details of spending Christmas in this Winter wonderland click here.
Life in the nursery in Lapland.
A few photos to show how Harriniva's latest puppies are progressing. They are growing so fast.
There is already snow on the ground in places in Lapland and at night time they are experiencing temperatures as low as -10.
That of course will be nothing to the puppies, as the winter progresses they must be prepared to function in tempratures as low as -40.
As a rule it is the warmer weather the dogs dislike, even temperatures of -5 are not pleasant when the dogs are working, whisking their sleds through the forzen forests. They are happiest and -10 and below!
If you want experience husky sleding in Lapland click here.
Meet the latest arrivals at the Harriniva Husky farm in Finnish Lapland.
It is a wonderful life at the Harriniva husky farm. These youngsters are the newest members to the 350 strong husky family! The boys above are Avalon, Aragon and Aurin.
Below are a couple of their sisters, Akita and Aura.
The puppies are currently living in the nursery with their mother where they are given lots of love and attention. In a few weeks time they will move onto the kindergarten. It is then that the husky farm staff start to watch them playing, with their expertise they will be picking out which will be the husky team leaders of the future and which will be the muscle. As they get older they will gradually be introduced to an experienced husky team, working alongside them. Once fully grown they will have lots of opportunities to do what they love most….to run. They will be whisking guests through the forest on sleds for hours or days on end.
Watch this space for more pictures of the Harriniva puppies as they grow-up.
For further details on visiting Harriniva and seeing the puppies in person this December click here.
We try and answer the eternal question………
While sitting by a lake in Lapland, deep in the forest one evening this summer a discussion started between me and some friends about just how old Santa Claus is.
As we sipped cloud berry juice and cooked sausages and fish over the fire the discussion went on long into the night, or is that day, this Finnish midnight sun is so confusing!
We were all lucky enough to have known Santa for many years as we were either locals or had met him while visiting Lapland on many occasions over the years.
Between the eight people present there was a huge variation in what we believed to be his age from a pitiful 183 years to a rather unbelievable 536 years.
Several of us were just guessing but others spoke with great authority.
Mikko, the local reindeer herder, felt certain that Santa was 428 years old. He pointed out that after all he should know as his family had been caring for Santa’s reindeers since his great, great, great, great, great grandfather was a boy!
Ilkka, the chief elf, just laughed and said that every elf knew that Santa is 498, they already had a committee planning his golden golden birthday, just 2 years away. After all wasn’t it the elves that had found Santa, then just a young man of 200 and something, wandering across the isolated fells and helped him build his secret cabin deep in the forest.
The discussion went on and on until Ilkka asked his grandson, Arto,the youngest in our group, to go to Santas house and ask him how old he is. So off the young elf ran.
We fed the passing reindeer, fished, had a sauna and napped by the fire but still the young elf had not returned. As we packed up to leave and were saying our goodbyes the young elf eventually appeared. As we all awaited the answer Arto promised that he had indeed asked Santa Claus the question. As he rocked in his chair by the fire the great man had started to count off the years, telling him of some of the highpoints of each year, smiling at the thought of some good years and weeping at others. We all encouraged him to tell us his final answer but the young elf had to admit that Santa had got as far as 415 and had fallen asleep!
If you want to visit Lapland and ask Santa how old he is click here.
Breakfast view from restaurant at Hotel Iso-Syote!
We took the above photo while we were sat enjoying a leisurely breakfast on our final morning at Hotel Iso-Syote in northern Finland last December.
After 4 crazy and wonderful days of snowmobiling, husky sledging and of course meeting Santa we were all quietly sat reflecting on our trip when the cloud settled and this amazing view opened up before us.
It just summed up our breathtaking location and unforgettable Santa holiday.
Alec.
Northern Finnish Lapland gets its first snow.
As we are basking in our Indian summer it is hard to believe that this week has seen the arrival of snow in the north of Finnish Lapland. At the moment Finland is definitely a divided country when it comes to weather. While Helsinki basks in day time temperatures of +20, in the far north evenings are already a chilly -3.
With the leaves still on the trees the region had not even seen the end of Autumn or as it is called locally ruska before this light snow shower earlier in the week. The covering will probably last just a few days before melting or being washed away in the rain. It may be several more weeks before the snow arrives in earnest, but it is a gentle reminder that winter is on its way.
For Finnish weather information click here.
To visit Finnish Lapland click here
Man trapped in Chimney in Johannesburg, South Africa
Joburg emergency personnel have battled for two hours to free a man trapped in a chimney.
The 21-year-old became stuck after allegedly trying to make his way into a Yeoville house through an L-shaped chimney on Sunday.
Emergency personnel first tried to pull him out through the top of the chimney. When that didn't work, they broke their way into the chimney from inside the house.
"He was hanging in there and we broke away some bricks to free him," said spokesperson Malcolm Midgley. The injured man was taken to hospital.
Homeowner Gavin Almazien thought it was a joke when a friend told him someone was in his chimney. He later found out it was a man who had lived with him in the house for about six years.
"I asked him to leave as I couldn't handle his behaviour anymore," Almazien said, adding: "He knew he could knock at my door at any time for help."
By Poloko Tau
This article was originally published on page 2 of The Star on September 11, 2006
Santa will let Finnair do the flying when he visits New Delhi.
Finnish carrier Finnair's soon to be introduced non-stop flights between Helsinki and New Delhi would be accompanied by some happy chortling, with the airline planning to fly Santa Claus from the Arctic Circle to the tropics to promote the service.
The Finnish Santa Claus, who lives above the Arctic Circle in Lapland region and each year receives over 11 million letters from believers across the world, including India, would visit New Delhi shortly after the inaugural flight on October 30.
"It (Santa's visit) will be part of the promotional campaign," Finnair President and CEO Jukka Hienonen said.
Finland already considers Santa Claus as its most important PR person who receives loads of visitors at his home in Rovaniemi in Lapland.
In fact, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis by the Finnish Tourist Board lists Santa as Finland's unique selling point, besides the country's serene environment.
Santa Claus, who has his own post office in Finland, will take part in the official opening of the airline's services in New Delhi on November nine and will also visit kindergartens and some hospitals in the Indian Capital.
Finnair, more than 40 per cent of whose business is already Asia related, is betting big on the direct India service, which would be scaled up to five a week by summer 2007 from the initial three flights.
For more information about meeting Santa in Lapland this Christmas click here.
Chester Zoo launched their Frost Fair with an opportunity to win an amazing holiday to meet Santa in Finnish Lapland.
Anyone ordering tickets to Chester Zoos winter Frost Fair by 31 October 2006 will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a holiday of a life to for a family of four to meet Santa to with Lapland specialist Emagine. The four day holiday in December will include reindeer rides, husky sled safari and snowmobile safari. The lucky winners will get to meet Santa in his forest cabin as a family and again at a Christmas party.
The Frost Fair will run from 01 December 2006 – 04 February 2007. It includes an outdoor ice rink on which there will be ice discos, family sport and obstacle sessions, and toddler time. Stalls will be featuring local produce, arts, crafts, food and drink. Daily events will include street entertainers, Winter Tails story time in an Ice cabin, a treasure trail and a chance to create zoo-themed winter crafts that you can take home.
For further details about the frost fair click here
If you want further details of visiting Santa with Emagine click here.
Some phrases and words that you may find useful if planning to visit Finnish Lapland in the coming months…….you never know who you might bump into.
Hauska tavata! = Nice to meet you!
Hyvää huomenta! = Good morning!
Hyvää iltaa! = Good evening!
Hyvää päivää! = Good afternoon!
Nimeni on …. = My name is …….
Kyllä kiitos = Yes, please
Ei kiitos = No, thank-you.
Kiitos! = Thank you!
Kippis! = Cheers!
Kylmä = Cold
Ulkona on Kylmä = It is cold.
On todekka Kylmä = It is very cold.
Sataa lunta = It is snowing.
Lämmin = Warm
Minulla oli mukavaa. = I had a nice time.
Hei! = Hi!
Hei Hei! = Bye-bye
Näkemiin! = Goodbye
Tämä on hyvää! = This is good!
Poro = Reindeer
Anteeksi = Sorry / Excuse me
Joulu = Christmas
Joulukuusi = Christmas tree
Joulupukki = Father Christmas / Santa Claus
Tonttu = Elf
Revontulet = Aurora Borealis
Iso tuoppi! = Could I have a pint of beer, please!
And if all else fails………………………………En puhu suomea. = I don't speak Finnish
If you want to put your new vocabulary to good use visit Lapland or meet Santa.
Image provided by Loraine Highfield.
Santa visits London to check up on Christmas department.
Father Christmas and Debra the Zebra arrive at Harrods department store in central London, Tuesday Aug. 8, 2006. Taking a break from a safari holiday, Father Christmas opened Christmas World, the store's Christmas department on Tuesday.
Have you planned your Chrisitmas yet? For ideas click here.
New Santa Holidays Brochure Available!
 Emagine Santa Brochure for December 2006 covering visits to Lapland & Northern Finland has just been published.
The fully informative Santa brochure for this December is now available and compliments the detailed information available on the Emagine recently updated website. Including Santa dates and itineraries, informative information on the different types of Santa holidays available, resort and village information and lots of helpful facts that will com ein handy when you are visiting Santa in Lapland.
To obtain a brochure just visit our website and complete our brochure request form.
Just released for sale is the Emagine December 2006 Santa Web Site full of magical visits to Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland.
 A full range of departures are available throughout December featuring various durations of stay from 1 day visits to 3, 4, & 5 night holidays.
As ever Emagine pay full attention to the smallest of details to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all family or party members.
A high standard of personal service is the hallmark of all Emagine Santa Holidays as can be seen by the number of satisfied guests who choose to write to us to express their views.
Previous Client Comment
“Our family of 5 went on a 5 night trip over Xmas and I just wanted to let you know that it was fantastic from the beginning to the end and all my family have memories from it we will treasure forever.
The guides could not have been nicer or more helpful and were part of our holiday, the details that are thought of by your company amazed me and I have to say I was worried that I was looking forward to the holiday too much and it wouldn’t meet expectations, however it exceeded them.
A BIG THANK YOU to emagine , you do a great job.” Katie Blake Smith, Sheffield
New for 2006 is the addition of Hotel Jeris which is situated on the shore of lake Jerisjarvi and is now owned and operated by Kopi and Maria Pietikainen the owners of Harriniva. This small and cosy hotel not only offers a number of recently refurbished hotel rooms but also features a choice of small & large wooden cabins all within easy access of the hotel where all meals are taken.
Full departure details of all Emagine Santa holidays can be found at http://emagine-travel.co.uk/santa-claus-in-lapland/santa-claus-holiday-dates.asp
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