A Finnish Winter Wonderland, a Nordic Cold Fairyland!

Just mentioning “Nordic” will inevitably evoke beautiful scenery and coldness. However, when winter arrives, Nordic countries will truly enter a fairytale world.
Finland, located in the Scandinavian Peninsula of northern Europe, has a high level of national welfare, making it one of the happiest countries in the world. Whether it’s education, healthcare or social security, it reflects the country’s high level of development and the high level of happiness of its people.

Besides the Nordic ice and snow wonderland, the high forest coverage rate and Finland’s unique fairytale atmosphere are also major highlights that attract tourists. After all, what kid could resist the home of Santa Claus?

Here, it’s a snow and ice wonderland in winter, and a paradise for outdoor activities in summer. You might even see the northern lights dancing in the sky.
Everything about Nordic countries is so enchanting.

Although all have strong Nordic characteristics, Finland is different from Norway’s Bergen or Oslo Tromso. They all have vibrant colors and blend with nature, but Finland, as a former Soviet partner, has a distinct Stalinist architectural style in its capital Helsinki. Combined with a minimalist and practical design, the city exudes a unique and cool charm.

Strolling through here is like entering a familiar old movie. It’s so beautiful, ephemeral yet so memorable.

Helsinki Cathedral is the most famous building in Helsinki. It is a Lutheran church located in Senate Square.
It was designed by German architect Carl Engel and completed in 1840. Its architectural style is European Neoclassical.

The church can accommodate 1300 people at the same time and is a popular choice for weddings. The building is primarily white, with a pale green dome, delicate structure and impressive appearance. It is a masterpiece of Finnish architectural art.

The Red Church, also known as the Uspenski Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
This church belongs to the Eastern Orthodox Church and is located on the hillside of Katajanokka Peninsula. The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos has a long history and was designed by Tsarist architect Aleksey Gornostayev. It was built between 1862 and 1868 and has a distinctive Russian style of opulence. On the back of the church is a plaque commemorating Tsar Alexander II.

The Silent Church, also known as the Kamppi Chapel of Silence.
This is a modern building with a unique, eye-catching design that looks nothing like a church. It was selected by the U.S. “Today News Network” in late 2013 as one of the “ten new world landmarks you must visit”. It is also another innovation in Finland’s innovative wooden structure architecture.

Here, it’s only a step from bustle to quiet.
It offers a sanctuary where you can listen to the voice of your soul, or simply marvel at the inner beauty of this building that can accommodate 70 worshipers.
As the Silent Church gradually took shape on Narinkka Square, the stunning wooden structure attracted thousands of people who passed by every day. The beautifully designed chapel has provided people with spiritual uplift services.

As the outside world becomes increasingly focused on material values, people can find the warmth and tranquility of humanity and holiness inside the church. At that moment, let us pause to listen to those sounds that are softer than whispers.

The Rock Church, also known as the Temppeliaukio Church.
Built in 1969, this church is a unique architectural landmark in Finland and Europe. Architect brothers Suomalainen Niemi meticulously designed and excavated a giant rock from top to bottom, building the church directly into the natural rock. The church’s acoustics are excellent due to the reverberation of the rock walls, making it a popular venue for concerts.

Strolling through the streets of Helsinki, you’ll find that it’s remarkably quiet, and the only sound you’ll hear is the wind whispering to you.

Leaving Helsinki, about 50 kilometers east, there is Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland, founded in the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, Porvoo was an important import trading center. A row of red warehouses along the Porvoo River shows the city’s shipping history and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Porvoo was once a major cultural center where many historically important figures lived and worked. Even if you don’t have time to look around the Neoclassical buildings, you can definitely try a Runeberg cake in one of Porvoo’s many picturesque cafes.

The winding streets, narrow alleys, and low wooden houses are a glimpse into medieval city life. It is known as a “museum of wooden architecture”.
Please enjoy the beautiful scenery of Porvoo in winter through these photos.

Porvoo Cathedral, with its pointed arches and snow-white color, was built in the 13th century and was the site of Finland’s first parliament in 1809.

In 1809, the Tsar of Russia confirmed the faith, constitution, rights, and autonomy of the Finns here, and the Porvoo Cathedral has since been revered as a cornerstone of Finland’s independent spirit. The church has a statue commemorating Tsar Alexander I of Russia.

Surrounding the church is the charming old town, where houses are centuries old but still as sturdy as ever. Finland’s two oldest streets, Jokikatu (River Street) and Välikatu (Middle Street), pass in front of the historic Raatihuoneentori (Town Hall Square). The Holm House Museum, next to the town hall, will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to Porvoo centuries ago.

If you have time, you can also savor the old town of Porvoo and the small, cozy guesthouses nearby.
The award-winning Wanha Laamanni restaurant (Vuorikatu 17) is located across from the church.

In 1809, when the meeting to make Finland a Grand Duchy of Russia was held, the farmers met in that house.
There is also a Porvoo coffee roastery (Mannerheiminkatu 2) on the waterfront, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee made with freshly roasted beans.
If you have time, take a stroll through Porvoo. This beautiful old town will leave you wanting more.

When you come to the Nordic countries in winter, you can’t miss the snow and ice scenery.
Lapland in northern Finland is located within the Arctic Circle. In addition to Santa Claus Village, which straddles the Arctic Circle, the whole of Lapland is a great place to see the dancing Northern Lights, if you’re lucky.
Of course, the snowy wonderland here is enough to make you feel like you’re in a fairytale world.

The town of Saariselkä in the Inari region is one of the northernmost resort towns in the world. Its fairytale-like wooden houses, the endless snowy scenery, the pristine wilderness untouched by human activity, and minimal light pollution.
That’s right, it’s the snowy wonderland of my dreams.

Coming to northern Lapland, 500 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, you can’t miss out on having fun in the snow.
For someone who doesn’t know how to ski like me, dog sledding and snowmobiling are good options.

Driving a snowmobile through the rime and snowfields is like a dream.
You can’t go too fast, first because the wind on your face feels like a knife cutting your skin, but also because this beautiful scenery is worth savoring slowly.

At the Husky Farm, you can experience a “Husky” sled ride. It turns out that Huskies only become real Huskies when they’re pulling sleds!
Here, every dog has its own name and its own little den, warm and comfortable.

Huskies are meant for the snow. Their thick fur has a layer of soft down underneath, forming a perfect windproof and insulating layer. They have plenty of protein and quality fat in their diet every day. Their “work” time is from the beginning of winter to spring, pulling sleds non-stop. The summer months are their rest time. In the early autumn when the weather isn’t so hot, they exercise, dragging ATVs through the woods, from 40 kilometers a week to 20 kilometers a day, so that they are in peak condition for the arrival of winter.

Coming to Inari, one must mention Inari Lake, Finland’s third largest lake and Lapland’s largest lake.
The many islands make Inari Lake a fascinating maze, but it also has vast open water areas. In winter, the lake surface is a great place for ice fishing, snowmobiling and Northern Lights watching.

Inari Lake is close to the border between Finland and Norway. A little further north, you’ll be in Norway.
Norway, the land of fjords, has a touch of romance with its Norwegian forests. The steaming Arctic Ocean and the experience of driving a snowmobile across the frozen sea to catch king crab are sure to be one of the best experiences of this winter.

The fishermen haul up a basket of king crab, cut it open in front of everyone, remove the nerves, and cut it into pieces, experiencing the bounty of nature.

In Norway, only the legs of the king crab can be eaten. The crab roe is too high in cholesterol, so after the king crab is dissected, this part is thrown back into the sea, becoming part of the ecological cycle.

Rovaniemi is located within the Arctic Circle, at 25°44′ East longitude and 66°30′ North latitude. It is the capital of Lapland, and some people call it the second capital of Finland.
This is the legendary home of Santa Claus, and the famous Santa Claus Village is located 8 kilometers north of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Tourists from all over the world flock here every year to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.

The people of Rovaniemi spend their lives dealing with snow, and Lapland, as the land of reindeer, naturally involves playing with the cute reindeer.
Riding a reindeer sled and hand-feeding the little reindeer are great experiences. Let’s experience what it’s like to be Santa Claus!

Of course, reindeer meat is a must-try delicacy. If you’re not used to it, you might find it a bit fishy. It’s perfect with berries and sour pickles.
Listening to the Sami elders tell their stories and enjoying a warm reindeer meal is a little winter happiness.

There’s also the world’s northernmost McDonald’s, where you can eat the same nuggets as Jay Chou in the same store.

Seeing this, don’t you feel like something’s missing?
How could you go to the Arctic Circle without seeing the Northern Lights?

Sadly, on this Finnish trip, I encountered a string of cloudy days in Lapland. The Northern Lights and the stars were hiding behind thick clouds, unwilling to show their faces.

However!!!
On the day before I was about to leave the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights erupted again. I made a snap decision to drive to the top of the mountain from the town of Saariselkä. Finally, we saw the Northern Lights briefly emerge from the gaps in the clouds.
Here’s a mini-version of the Northern Lights from the northern part of Finnish Lapland. Not all brilliance needs a dramatic outburst, it can also be understated and beautiful.

May all of you viewers, like this little Northern Light, be stable, introverted and understated, and quietly make a fortune!
This Finnish trip spanned the entire Spring Festival holiday and was the perfect start to 2024.

Finland has not only rich natural resources. The Finnish people in this cold fairyland are also lovely. They are as hospitable and friendly as characters in fairy tales, not as socially awkward as people say online.
All phenomena that are too beautiful to be true have the word “extreme”. Finland within the Arctic Circle has extreme beauty and left me with extreme memories.
Farewell, Finland. The trip to the other four Nordic countries is already on the agenda. Beautiful Nordic countries, we will see each other again next time.