Ruska is coming!

At this time of year the Finns head out mushroom picking.

This weekend will see thousands of Finns heading into the countryside to collect mushrooms, especially as this year has produced such a good harvest, probably all of that rain They are spoilt for choice as hundreds of edible mushroom species can be found in Finland, and a few non-edible so they have to know their stuff!

Even though mushroom picking is a popular pastime among the Finns they only manage to pick a small percentage of the estimated 1000 million kilo annual yield.

The most popular mushrooms are Ceps (Boletus edulis), milk-caps (Lactarius trivialis), chantarelles (Cantharellus cibarius), trumpet-shaped chantarelles (Cantharellus tubaeformis), hedgehogs (Hydnum repandum) and sheep polypores (Albatrellus ovinus).

Finland’s excellent Everymans Rights allow people to pick mushrooms anywhere, as long as they respect the immediate vicinity of someone’s home or farm.

What would you rather be doing this New Year?   Is it a tough choice?

Our New Year holiday at Harriniva is designed with adults and teens in mind as we wanted to offer safaris that will take your breath away. These safaris are not tasters, they are the real thing.

Maybe the following will help you to decide where you want to be this New Year!

Would you rather be.......

staying at home

Queuing for the winter sales!

in Lapland

Taking an exhilarating drive on a snowmobile through what is Europe’s last true wilderness.  Stopping for lunch in an isolated wilderness cabin while taking in the views across the frozen lake.

Would you rather be.......

Under duress, take the dog for a walk in the drizzle.

in Lapland

allowing an energetic team of huskies to take you for a ride of a life time, a truly breathtaking adventure.

 Following a tour of one of Europes largest husky farms and training by the experts you will be off along trials through beautiful snow covered forests only stopping for a fireside lunch along the way.

Would you rather be.......

Having yet another evening lolling on the sofa watching repeats on TV and picking through the remains of the Christmas chocolates.

in Lapland

Taking an evening walk along the banks of the frozen Muonio river or soaking in one of the riverside hot tubs while, if lucky, enjoy one of the most amazing light shows provided by nature; Aurora Borealis or the northern lights. If you are going to experience them anywhere in the world it will be here. Every time they appear they are unique in their combination of colour and fluidity.

Would you rather be.......

Going to bed in your pajamas and socks and leaving the heating on

in Lapland

Curling up in your sleeping bag wearing your woolly hat in a chamber in the ice igloo! After a bedtime hot chocolate, the days activities and the fresh air will soon see you fast asleep.

Would you rather be.......

Spending New Year with the same old faces, queuing for taxis and waiting for Big Ben to chime.

in Lapland

Enjoying dinner in the fireside restaurant then out on to the ice twice to see in the Finnish and an hour later Swedish New Years with drinks and fireworks. The party continues until the early hours.

We could go on for ever, we haven’t even mentioned the visit to the reindeer farm, tobogganing down the fell, dinner in the Lapp kota, ice fishing………..for the full itinerary click here.

and they just can't stop!

On Tuesday Finland became the world record holder for continuous Karaoke performance surpassing the previous record on 145 hours and 45 seconds held by the Chinese.

The event is taking place in Kouvola, southern Finland. I say taking place as upon breaking the record they just kept on going and intend on doing so until Sunday in the hope of performing Karaoke for 240 straight hours!

For the full story in Helsinki Sanomat click here. 

Even the high prices do not dampen the traditional celebrations in Finland.

August is the start of the much anticipated crayfish season in Finland. It is not just a case of eating crayfish, the process is a social event entwined with traditions. Friends and family gather at home or at coastal restaurants where the crayfish are served on beautifully decorated tables as guests perform drinking songs (usually accompanies by beer and vodka) and tell funny stories.

The fact that Helsinki restaurants are charging between €5-€9 per crayfish does not seem to deter the locals from enjoying this annual culinary event. The locals are making the most of the warm summer evenings and are flocking to island and summer restaurants close to Helsinki. Many of these restaurants feature special crayfish tasting menus, ideal for first timers.

If you are in Finland over the coming weeks treat yourself to a plate of crayfish and ice cold vodka while taking in the views across the island. Or even better get an invite to join the Finns so you get the whole crayfish eating experience.

To visit Finland to tease your taste buds click here.

Whether it is for an hour or for a week Finnish Lapland is the place to go.

Husky safaris, dog sledding, mushing are names used for the same amazing experience, being in charge of a very fit team of well trained dogs that are pulling a sled across a snow covered landscape. It is the most exhilarating way to travel that also allows you to get close to nature and experience the silence of some of the last unspoilt regions of Europe.

Traditionally mushing would have been with pure Siberian huskies or the larger Alaskan huskies / Malamutes but over the years the people sledding at a competitive level have cross bred their huskies with other breeds for greater speed or endurance. This was very effective but the dogs just don’t have the beauty of the pure huskies. Throughout Lapland you will find quite a combination of dogs although they tend to be going back to using purer Siberian pedigrees.

A visit to Finnish Lapland during winter will give you an opportunity to try a husky safari for your self whether that is for an hour or for a week.  Once you are kitted out with the appropriate outer safari thermal clothing you are ready for the training. A husky guide will explain how to handle the sled, control the break, set the anchor and for longer safaris how to motivate and care for your dogs.

It may be one or two people per sled, one standing and controlling it and the other seated. Which ever you choose it is a ride of a life time. Initially as you approach the teams they are all barking and jumping which is quite intimidating but you soon realise that is only because they are so desperate to get underway. Once you take your foot off the break and they set off and there is total silence which is an absolute contrast to the mayhem of just seconds before.

There is nothing sweeter than crossing a frozen lake or open fell pulled by a husky team at full stretch. Put your foot on the break at this point and you will be repaid with dirty looks from your dog team that will leave you in no doubt as to what they think of your actions! However that is not always the case, if the snow is very deep or the hill steep you have to be prepared to hop off the runners at the back, not letting go of the sled or you can wave goodbye to you team and cargo, and push like a team player.

We have husky safaris throughout Lapland to meet everyone’s needs and time scale. Many start with just an hours drive but always end up wanting more. Many of our clients joining the husky activity weeks are returning to Finnish Lapland for the second or third time having caught the mushing bug!

Short but sweet Husky safaris in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland.

Husky Safaris lasting from an hour to a day.

Saariselka

Iso Syote

Loma Vietonen

Harriniva

Jeris

Yllas in December

Yllas January – March

Kakslauttanen in December

Kakslauttenen January - March

Luosto

Rovaniemi

Ruka in December

Longer Husky Safaris in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland for winter 2007 / 2008.

Harriniva husky weekend

Harriniva husky week

Harriniva activity week incl 2 day husky

Finn Jann Multi Activity week incl 3 days husky