Finnish Adventures for Moms: Discovering the Magic of Finland
Being a mother is a wonderful yet tiring thing. This is because a mother’s work is a 24/7 thankless job. They never stop caring for their children from the day they are born, even until they are all grown up. Even in this day and age, most women handle all the housework, manage household affairs, and even do the emotional labor to keep the family together on top of working a job. That said, it is understandable why most mothers are overwhelmed, stressed, and overall tired. And that is why it is important for mothers to have a dedicated “me time” so they can recharge and look after their own well-being.
One of the best ways to achieve a stress-free me time for mothers is to go on a Finland guided tour by themselves. Yes, you heard that right—without bringing her children or spouse. Finland is home to some of the most serene and beautiful tourist destinations that will give moms the tranquility and peace of mind they deserve. Here are the best activities you can do in Finland as a mom on vacation:
Arts and Culture Appreciation in Helsinki
Upon touchdown to Finland’s capital city—Helsinki—the first thing you should do after getting enough rest is to roam its streets to appreciate the urban and natural attractions. Arts and culture enthusiasts would have a grand time in Helsinki as it is home to a vibrant arts scene, with lots of museums, art galleries, concert halls, and elegant art nouveau villas to visit. And if you are passionate about arts and crafts, be sure to visit the Design District, where you’ll find plenty of trendy stores and restaurants. You can also roam around market halls where you can shop seasonal bounties and taste local dishes in chic restaurants.
If you want some peace and quiet, go to the city’s numerous serene parks and forests, where you can go on leisurely walks and bike rides. And, if you take a short trip on a ferry, you can hop on to Suomenlinna, an island named as a Unesco World Heritage site featuring a magnificent mid-18th century island fortress where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and explore the historic sites and peaceful gardens far from the civilization.
Skiing in Rovaniemi’s Winter Wonderland
If you’re a nature lover, waste no time and hop on the train to Lapland, Rovaniemi. Home to the Arctic Circle and the famous Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi is the perfect destination for those who want to delight their inner child and meet Santa Claus while learning about Finnish Christmas traditions. You will also get to explore the vast wilderness of Lapland and experience a variety of outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, trekking, ice fishing, and sledding pulled by huskies. You can even sleep in traditional Finnish cottages or snow hotels made of blocks of ice! But if you really want something hardcore, you can camp in the wilderness, join campfires, and sing along as you roast marshmallows for your s’mores. And since you’re already in Rovaniemi, don’t miss the chance to watch the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. You can watch it from your tent, or if you’re feeling fancy, you can rent glass igloos that will allow you to watch the breathtaking phenomenon from the comfort of a soft bed.
Pamper Yourself at a Sauna Gondola in Ylläs
Ylläs is a popular area for folks who like to ski, especially beginners who want a modest slope as opposed to high-peaked mountains. Moreover, skiing resorts in Ylläs are uncrowded, and the piles of snow on the slopes are fresh and powder-like. To top it all off, the panoramic views across frozen tundra and the sight of the northern lights dancing in the night sky will surely take your breath away.
Another great reason to visit Ylläs is that it has the world’s only sauna gondola, where you can strip off and sweat off the stress as you float above the winter wonderland. The trip starts from the top of Ylläs and takes about 20 minutes to get to the destination, where you can dip into the resort’s outdoor jacuzzi after.
Turku
If you head to the southwest coast of Finland, you’ll find the oldest city in the country—Turku. This ancient city is home to Finland’s rich history and culture, as well as a wealth of majestic medieval architecture and gorgeous waterfront promenades where you can sit leisurely and introspect. There are also plenty of contemporary art museums here, such as the enigmatic Turku Castle, Aboa Vetus, and Ars Nova. Turku is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding archipelago. You can even go on boat tours that will take you to the breathtaking islands and coastal towns.
Go Cruising in Kuopio’s Lake
If you’re down for some quintessential Finnish summer experience, come aboard the passenger steamer departing from Kuopio’s harbor, and go on an evening cruise and feel the cool breeze on your skin and hair as you look at the starry skies. The spectacular views of the sapphire waters, forested islands, and skerries will surely uplift your mood. The next morning, be sure to enjoy your morning coffee in the revolving restaurant at the top of Puijon Torni. You can also indulge in admiring Finnish art at the Kuopion Taidemuseo and learn about the town’s local history in Kuopion Museo, which, interestingly, is lodged in a castle-like art nouveau mansion. Also, don’t ever miss the chance to sample the famous local cloudberry liqueur, which is best enjoyed while soaked in Jätkänkämppä—the city’s huge, rustic smoke sauna. And if you come to Kuppio during the summer, participating in their major dance and lively wine festivals is a must-try experience.
