Fall in love with Finland's beautiful Winter Destinations
Finland is known for its amazing white winters, and especially Finnish Lapland is on almost everyone’s winter holiday list at least once in their lifetime.
Where should we head this year? We have gathered a few inspiring destinations for domestic travel during the winter months. We would argue that this selection includes some of the most beautiful travel destinations in Finland.
Book a rental car or a seasonal car for a month or two and make the most of the beautiful winter landscapes in your home country!
We serve all across Finland, from Hanko to Ivalo, and our office locations make it possible to have a successful winter holiday anywhere in Finland! Rent a car from a nearby town or right at your destination after a train or flight, and make the most of your holiday anywhere in Finland!
We have gathered below a few of our favorite destinations for a winter holiday in Finland. Although we are currently experiencing the darkest time of the year, snowy, crisp holiday days and red frostbitten cheeks are just around the corner! Finland is not without reason known for its stunning winter landscapes, as our country offers excellent settings for both the active holidaymaker, the relaxed traveler, and the true Christmas enthusiast!
So have an easy and carefree winter holiday and book a reliable rental car from a Finnish family business now. We help and guide you, and our local entrepreneurs provide the best local expertise and great winter holiday tips!
1. Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
Did you know that Rovaniemi has been chosen as the best winter destination in Europe? And for good reason, versatile Rovaniemi is a wonderful destination for a winter holiday for the whole family. For Christmas lovers, Santa Claus Village is surely a must-visit. Santa Claus Village is located on the Arctic Circle, about 8 km north of Rovaniemi city center. You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle, admire Santa’s reindeer, visit the huskies, or participate in one of many activities suitable for travelers of all ages.
Santa Claus Village is located north of Rovaniemi railway station towards Ivalo. You will reach it if you leave the center of Rovaniemi heading north on European Route 75 (E75).
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is the capital of Lapland, and our offices in Rovaniemi can be found in addition to the city itself at the airport and the railway station. Due to its popularity, cars in the Rovaniemi area are booked in advance to ensure availability, so we recommend making a reservation as soon as possible!
2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Accommodation in Igloos and Aurora Borealis
Experience an incredible adventure and book accommodation for your winter holiday in one of Lapland’s unforgettable igloos. In the north, there are several service providers, one of the most well-known being Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and its igloos. Kakslauttanen is certainly one of Finland’s internationally most recognized travel companies, and it is sure to delight domestic travelers as well.
The winter accommodation offers a view of a stunning starry sky and often unforgettable northern lights amidst the snowy landscapes of Lapland. Kakslauttanen is located approximately 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. From Ivalo Airport, it takes about half an hour to reach Kakslauttanen. We recommend renting a car from your hometown or along the way, for example from Oulu, Rovaniemi, or our Sodankylä office. The journey to Kakslauttanen offers wonderful sights, and a short drive from Kakslauttanen you can also find the Kiilopää stairs and Finland’s longest sledding hill!
Driving in the area can be an unforgettable experience, and it’s worth keeping an eye out for reindeer!
3. Kuusamo - Ruka and Oulanka National Park
Kuusamo is a stunning winter holiday destination and perhaps one of the most versatile experiences during Finland’s winter months.
In Ruka, you can spend your winter holiday enjoying a snowmobile ride while admiring the untouched snow-laden landscapes stretching to the eastern border. Snowmobile departures are available daily during the winter season. For adrenaline-loving travelers, Ruka offers a wide range of experiences, from ice climbing and skiing to amazing trips along the Karhunkierros Trail. The breathtaking scenery of Oulanka National Park and the Kitka River suspension bridge will surely provide visually demanding travelers with unforgettable memories from their winter holiday.
4. Rantasalmi - spa holidays and ice skating trips
Image: Järvisydän
Rantasalmi is perhaps best known for the Järvisydän spa, which is indeed an amazing experience year-round. In winter, Rantasalmi offers much more than this beautiful spa and its stunning surrounding landscapes.
Why not try outdoor ice skating this winter? Maintained outdoor ice skating routes can be found all over Finland, but experts claim that the best destination for outdoor ice skating is Rantasalmi! On the mirror-like Lake Saimaa, you might even spot Saimaa ringed seals while skating! And the scenery won’t leave you cold, even on the coldest winter days!
You can easily reach Rantasalmi from many different directions by your own car or a rental car. You can rent a car, for example, from our offices in Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, or Kuopio, and if your journey continues in another direction, returning it to a different office is also easy. Our offices are conveniently located around Finland, allowing you to plan your winter holiday with a rental car smoothly while taking advantage of our local car rental services.
5. Porvoo in Wintertime
How many beautiful summer towns can be found in Finland? Many of them are also wonderful in winter, such as the idyllic Porvoo in Southern Finland. If you are looking for a charming old-time atmosphere, cozy cafes, fantastic restaurants, and possibly a relaxing night in a spa hotel during your winter vacation, we recommend heading to Porvoo!
It’s not worth planning a day in Porvoo too much—just go with the weather and your mood! Walk along Porvoo’s small streets, pop into a cozy café, be captivated by the offerings of the galleries, visit small boutique shops and delicatessens, and crown your day with dinner at a stylish restaurant. Get your Christmas gifts as souvenirs well in advance to avoid last-minute crowds. Hop in the car and drive 20 minutes to Bosgård Manor to enjoy outdoor activities in stunning scenery, or head to Haikko Manor, less than 15 minutes away, to enjoy the manor’s atmosphere or relax at the spa.
You can easily reach Porvoo by car from Kotka, Kouvola, as well as from the Helsinki metropolitan area. We have offices widely across the Helsinki metropolitan area in Espoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki, and we also deliver cars to Porvoo.
6. Helsinki - Christmas atmosphere and winter events
Although Lapland and northern Finland are undoubtedly Finland’s most well-known winter holiday destinations, southern Finland is hardly any less appealing as a winter vacation destination. Helsinki offers a wonderful Christmas atmosphere already from November, and there are plenty of winter events for the whole family. At the Tuomaan Market on Senate Square, you can easily spend a day enjoying the cheerful Christmas spirit.
Suomenlinna, located in front of the center of Helsinki, is a charming and idyllic destination for spending a winter day, and the warm pool at Allas Sea Pool stays at 27 degrees even in winter! On Helsinki’s Esplanade, you can enjoy the winter atmosphere, and the capital’s extensive selection of restaurants and shops easily satisfies both a hungry stomach and the highest expectations of a Christmas shopper.
Scandia Rent MABI serves in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, and you can also find us at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
Where are you planning to head this winter?
