Santa Claus News - Holidays Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland

A Lapland Family Adventure.

2008-04-29T12:42:53.7580000+01:00

An amazing week of activities for everyone in Finnish Lapland.

New for 2009 is a wonderful activity week in one of Finnish Laplands most spectacular and unspoilt locations, Hotel Jeris. The hotel and cabins are set deep in the forest in western Lapland, 45 minutes from Kittila airport and 20 minutes from the small village of Muonio .

For those wanting to truly get away from it all and relax doing, fun, new activities as a couple or family this is the ideal place.

Accommodation is in cosy cabins set in the forest. All have a private sauna and fireplace.

At the heart of the location is the main hotel building, where meals are taken in a restaurant offering panoramic view across the frozen lake. You can also relax after a busy day with drinks by the fire in the bar.

During the week your guides will show you how to cross country ski so you can set off in your free time to explore the miles of silent trails through the national park. They will take you out on a snowshoe walk through the spectacular surrounding forests pointing out the local nature.

You will visit a local reindeer museum to learn more about reindeer husbandry and feed the reindeers. On another day, following tuition from your guide, you will set off on an adventure on snowmobiles (children travel in sleighs) across the frozen lake and through the forest stopping to take in the beautiful views across the fells and for a picnic lunch. For many the highlight of the week will be the visit to the small friendly husky farm where you can meet the dogs and will be whisked off on a 2 hour husky safari.

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While all the activity is great fun what many will remember from their visit to Jeris will be the smaller things. Such as the silence, taking a crazy dip in the lake ice pool, the fun evenings tobogganing through the forest or standing on the huge frozen lake mesmerised by the Aurora Borealis.

Jeris allows you to combine some much needed quality private family time with once in a life time experiences.

For the full itinerary and prices click here.

Bears Spring to life in Finnish Kuhmo region.

2008-04-09T05:43:35.2200000+01:00

A busy start to the season at Wild Brown Bear.

At the Wild Brown Bear watching centre in the Kuhmo area of eastern Finland it has already been a very busy spring. The area still has deep snow and will do so until the end of the month. The evening temperatures are still well below zero

The first of the wild brown bear made an appearance on 8 April 2008 and will gradually be joined by more bears as they come out of hibernation.

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) can be found across Eurasia and North America .

A brown bear can weigh anything between 130–700 kg, although having just come out of hibernation they are currently at their lightest. The bears primarily feed on vegetable matter, such as berries, roots and fungi. Their primary meat source is fish although it will kill small mammals. During the summer the brown bears will gain in the region of 180kg in weight. The hides at Wild Brown Bear are the ideal location to experience these amazing, primarily nocturnal animals.

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Recent days have also seen frequent sightings of the rare wolverines. The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest land-dwelling species of the weasel family. It lives in the isolated northern regions of the world, Scandinavia , Alaska , northern Canada and Siberia . They are also native to the Baltic countries.

The wolverine is a stocky and muscular carnivorous animal. An adult wolverine will grow to about the size of a medium sized dog. It is an incredibly strong animal with powerful jaws. It can kill animals several times its size and will not hesitate to defend its kills from much larger predators.

A real highlight in March was the sighting of two wolves, a very rare occurrence even in this stunning and isolated setting.

For further details on experience Finland ’s Wild Brown Bears click here.

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A record number of Cruise passengers to visit Helsinki during summer 2008

2008-04-07T11:35:12.5690000+01:00

As the popularity of Baltic and Scandinavian cruise continues to grow.

The Port of Helsinki is already predicting a record number of cruise visitors this summer. They have seen a steady increase over recent years and already have 275 cruise ships booked in to visit between May and September 2008. They will bring an estimated 300,000 visitors to this beautiful city.

The ships will vary from the 3000 passenger plus super cruise ships and at the other end of the scale a 95 passenger sailing vessel. Itinenraries will vary but the vast majority of the visitors will spend just one day in the city.

Cruise to Scandinavia and Russia with Royal Caribbean International

2008-04-01T05:29:50.2840000+01:00

Early Booking Discounts for Summer 2009 sailings.

Book your summer 2009 cruise to Scandinavia and Russia by 31 May 2008 with Emagine UK Ltd and receive additional £100 per person off web prices (Maximum £200 per state room).

For further details on this special offer click here.

The 12 night cruises are from Harwich on Royal Caribbean's impressive ship, Jewel of the Seas. This Radiance class ship offers 13 desks of activity, entertainment and spacious staterooms. Once on board you will have a choice of 5 dining venues, an array of bars, state of the art fitness facilities and outstanding entertainment including the casino and stage productions.

The cruises take in the Baltic and Scandinavian capitals; Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki and Tallinn. For many the highlight of their cruise will be two days in the stunning city of St.Petersburg.

For the full itinerary and prices click here.

Helsinki boasts four Michelin Star restaurants in the revered 2008 guide.

2008-03-31T11:19:39.9980000+01:00

Modern Finnish food at its best.

The Michelin Guide for 2008 saw the awarding of stars to four restaurants in Helsinki . This includes two newcomers.

The new comers;

Restaurant Carma - One Michelin Star

This small restaurant with just 24 seats is located in the centre of Helsinki . Its décor is themed around international design objects. It’s modern food has an emphasis on using local produce. Expect relaxed, professional, friendly service.

Ludviginkatu 3-5
00130 Helsinki
phone: +358(0)9 67 32 36

www.carma.fi

Restaurant Postres - One Michelin Star

This young team offer innovative and exciting modern food at the centrally located Helsinki restaurant. They have a real passion for desserts, which will become clear when you see their exciting menu.

Eteläesplanadi 8
FI-00130 Helsinki

Tel: + 358-(09)-663 300

www.postres.fi

Retaining their Michelin stars:

Restaurant Demo – One Michelin Star

Demo’s chefs and owners Tommi Tuominen & Teemu Aura have retained their Michelin star that they were awarded for the first time in 2006. The restaurants emphasis is on high standard home cooked food served in a relaxed and cosy environment.

Uudenmaankatu 9-11
00120 Helsinki

Tel.: +358-(0)9 2289 0840
www.restaurantdemo.fi

Chez Dominique – Two Michelin stars

Chez Dominique opened its doors in Helsinki in 1998 and first gained two Michelin stars in 2003 with its cuisine influenced by Nordic and French flavours. Its chef and owner Hans Välimäki who believes -Our job is to surprise, offer experiences not to be found at home nor at any other restaurant. First element in our cuisine has always been the taste. I love to experiment but not on the expense of our customers.

Rikhardinkatu 4,

00130 Helsinki ,

Tel. + 358 9 612 73 93

www.chezdominique.fi

See in the New Year in a Lapland Winter Wonderland – 6 & 7 day holidays.

2008-02-23T11:07:44.2190000-00:00

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.

Emagine Launch Santa 2008 Holidays to Lapland and Northern Finland!

2008-02-21T07:11:00.4050000-00:00

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.

Snow heads south from Finnish Lapland.

2007-10-12T17:47:37.6530000+01:00

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.

It’s Snowing!

2007-10-09T12:12:00.9100000+01:00

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.

Forest Owners versus Elk in Finland…….

2007-09-27T12:24:43.5540000+01:00

The Elk are winning!

There are estimated to be 100,000 elk in Finland and during winter young pine trees are their main source of food. The elk love to eat the new growth at the crown of the sapling. The good news is this doesn’t kill the tree but does cause it to grow crooked therefore making it considerably less valuable as sawn timber.

Some of the foresters spray their saplings with an array of natural and chemical deterrents but few seem to be effective. The alternative is culling. The government grant hunting licences each year but only for a fraction of the 50,000 winter population that the Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA) estimate would have to be culled to give the forests a better chance of being productive.

For the full story in Helsinki Sanomat click here.