Finland Happenings Winter 2009

Winter Sports, Winter Sport Driving, Moominworld in Winter,

A Family Farmhouse Christmas, Finnish Winter Events, Winter Cruises and More!

New Arctic Sport Center Oy brings winter to Helsinki year-round

New this fall, the Ylläs-Halli Center for Winter Activities offers a year-round locale where visitors can train or try out various winter sports such as biathlon, curling, ice skating, sledging, ice wall climbing or snow-tubing.   To create a true Ylläs Lapland feeling, the arena provides a “snowy” environment with walls covered with huge images of Lapland, ice bears and winter imagery, plus real trees. Included are a1.2 km long cross-country ski track, with terrain options for beginners to advanced skiers, plus a supervised area where young visitors can practice sports.

To minimize environmental impact the arena produces its own energy in an environmentally friendly way. The arena utilizes geothermal heat, solar energy and wind power according to its own strict energy and environmental program. .

For more information: www.yllas-halli.fi

Experience Christmas in a traditional Finnish Farmhouse

The Kannisto Domestic Animal Farm offers an unusual experience for families or anyone who would like to spend Christmas on a genuine farm.

The holiday program starts Christmas Eve with a stables tour to meet the farm animals. Guests will hear stories about the life in the countryside followed by a traditional smoke sauna. The evening continues with a Christmas Feast and a visit by Santa Claus.

On Christmas Day, the program includes cart or sledge riding; horseback riding or a walk to rocky Leikkilinna Mountain; and caroling. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, gives guests traditional holiday pastry and time to enjoy outdoor activities and take care of the farm animals.

Prices for the Christmas Holiday package are € 280/adult, € 140/children (7-14 years), € 70/children (2-6 years) and children under 2 years old free. Included are accommodations for 3 nights with all meals, saunas, nature excursions, cart or sledge riding and Santa Claus’s visit.

For more information:             www.kannistontila.fi

Winter Sport Driving Experience with Rally World Champion, Juha Kankkunen at the Juha Kankkunen Driving Academy

The Driving Academy offers an opportunity to learn winter racing techniques and experience firsthand rally driving in Kusamo Lapland on snow and ice-covered tracks. Participants can choose among three different programs depending on driving skills and personal goals. Participants will learn techniques and skills including controlling a car at high speed on an ice-covered racing circuit. All cars are fitted with the highest quality hand-made winter tires equipped with studs. Accommodations and meals are included.

For more information:  www.juhakankkunen.com  

Tallink Silja presents: La France Fantastique!

From September 2009 through January 2010, visitors aboard the Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony will experience France on the Helsinki-Stockholm route. On each boat, the promenade will be transformed into a festive French boulevard with activities, shows and performers.

The highlight of every cruise is the Grand Variété Show at the Atlantic Palace. The theme for the Midnight Show is the magnificent Can-Can, full of energy and scintillating colors, accompanied by Musette players, chanson singers and circus artists. French food, wines and champagne will be presented in all restaurants with menus featuring French cheese, Bouillabaisse, fresh mussels and oysters, crêpes, French ciders, Beaujolais Nouveau and other delicacies. For the fine dining restaurant Bon Vivant, the French two-star Michelin Chef Sylvestre Wahid has created a menu serving Provencale style food with a Nordic touch.

For more information : www.tallinksilja.com

The Moomins’ Home Valley comes to life in Moominland’s Winter Magic

Usually, the legendary Moomin trolls hibernate during the coldest months, but this year the magic of the season awakens the Moomin family from their winter’s sleep. Fun-filled days in the land of fairytales await everyone interested in spending a day with the Moomins in beautiful Moomin Valley.

In addition to skating and sledding, guests can meet the Moomin family and have lunch at Moomin Mama’s Kitchen, enjoy snacks in a Finnish cabin, and visit the famous Moominhouse.

Moominworld, a theme park for children and families based on the books of beloved Finnish artist and storyteller, Tove Jansson, is open February 20-28. The park is located on the southwest coast of Finland on a small island facing the Old Town of Naantali, just 16 km from Turku and a couple hours’ drive from Helsinki, Tampere or Pori.

Sokos Hotels offers a package which includes accommodation for 1 night at Sokos Hotel Seurahuone in a double room with two junior cots (children under 2 years old are free), buffet breakfast and entrance to Moominworld for 2 adults and 2 children.

For more information visit the Moominland website http://www.muumimaailma.fi

For accommodations visit http://www.sokoshotels.fi/

Outdoor Activities: Wild Taiga – winter as nature intended

The Wild Taiga, a Destination of European Excellence 2008, is a place for people to enjoy winter activities in a peaceful, picturesque and quiet environment. The Wild Taiga offers a variety of small hotels and tours in the wilderness just next to the Russian border.

Tours here feature fun and action-packed activities such as snowmobiling, husky safaris and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also horseback ride, go on a reindeer sleigh, fish, snowshoe or watch a wide variety of animals in their natural habitats. . <
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