Finland Winter Wonderland
Bangkok → Helsinki → Rovaniemi
The Beginning of a Journey in Search of Winter
If someone asked us where a trip to Finland should begin…Our answer would be, “Choose the right flight.”
Because choosing the right flight means more time to explore, less time feeling exhausted, and a much smoother start to your journey.
For this trip, we chose Finnair AY142, a direct flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Helsinki Airport (HEL). The flight departs Bangkok at 7:05 AM and arrives in Helsinki at 3:25 PM local time, with a flying time of approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes.
The biggest advantage of this schedule is that arriving in Helsinki in the afternoon still leaves enough time to catch a domestic flight to Rovaniemi on the very same day. There’s no need to spend an extra night in the capital, making it an ideal choice for travelers whose real destination is Lapland.
After clearing immigration and collecting our luggage, we walked over to the domestic terminal for our connecting flight. Another 1 hour and 20 minutes in the air would take us to Rovaniemi, a small town in northern Finland known as the Gateway to Lapland and, for many people, the hometown of Santa Claus himself.
As the aircraft continued flying north, the view outside the window slowly began to change.
The busy city faded into endless snow-covered pine forests.
Small wooden houses appeared quietly among the white landscape.
Frozen lakes stretched beneath us like sheets of glass.
At that moment, we quietly realized…
our journey had truly begun.
At around 8:30 PM, we arrived at our hotel in Rovaniemi.
The temperature outside was already well below -10°C.
The moment we stepped out of the car, every breath instantly turned into mist.
Our boots pressed gently into the snow with a soft…
“Crunch… crunch…”
Just an ordinary sound.
Yet somehow, it became our very first memory of Finland—one that still stays with us today.
On the drive into town, what impressed us wasn’t the size of the city.
It was its simplicity.
Small wooden houses glowing with warm orange lights.
Thin streams of smoke drifting slowly from chimneys.
Almost no cars on the road.
Everything felt so peaceful that it seemed as though time itself had decided to slow down.
Tonight, we chose to get a proper rest.
After flying across continents for more than twelve hours, our bodies needed time to adjust—not only to the time difference, but also to the freezing temperatures.
Starting the trip without rushing made us feel ready for tomorrow…
the day we would finally visit one of the places so many people dream of seeing at least once in their lives.
Many people think that the first night in Finland should be spent chasing the Northern Lights.
But for us…there was no need to rush.
Sometimes, simply sitting by the window…
watching the snow fall while holding a warm drink in your hands…
is the moment that truly makes you feel,
“We’ve finally arrived in Finland.”
Tidpae Tips
Recommended Flight: Finnair AY142 departs Bangkok at 7:05 AM and arrives in Helsinki at 3:25 PM, making it perfect for connecting to Lapland on the same day.
During February, Finland is approximately five hours behind Thailand. Adjust your watch as soon as you land to help reduce jet lag..
If your international and domestic flights are booked under the same reservation, your checked baggage will usually be transferred automatically to Rovaniemi. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm the baggage tag when checking in at Suvarnabhumi Airport..
We don’t recommend planning any demanding activities on your first night. Your body still needs time to adapt to both the local time and the sub-zero temperatures. A good night’s rest will make the rest of your Lapland adventure much more enjoyable.
The Day We Crossed the Arctic Circle for the First Time
Our first morning in Lapland didn’t begin before sunrise.
In February, the sun in Rovaniemi doesn’t rise until after 9:00 AM, leaving the early morning wrapped in soft blue light known as the Blue Hour.
It’s one of the most beautiful times of day for photography, and a kind of beauty that’s almost impossible to experience back home in Thailand.
Today’s destination was Santa Claus Village, located only 8 kilometers from the city center, about a 10–15 minute drive away.
Many people imagine it as a theme park built for children.
But once we arrived…we realized that the adults were smiling just as brightly.
The very first thing we did wasn’t rushing to meet Santa Claus.
Instead, we walked straight toward the white line stretching across the square, marked with the words:
Arctic Circle (66°33′N)
This geographical line marks the beginning of the Arctic region.
Many travelers fly halfway across the world simply to stand here—
to cross the line,
take a photograph,
and keep that memory forever.
After that…
it was finally time to meet the true owner of this village.
Santa Claus.
Inside his house, everything felt warm and welcoming, as though we had stepped into a Christmas storybook.
Soft Christmas music played quietly in the background.
A glowing fireplace.
Festive decorations everywhere.
It felt as if Christmas never really ended here.
No matter how old you are,
the moment you walk in and shake hands with Santa Claus…
it’s impossible not to smile.
Another place we highly recommend is the Santa Claus Main Post Office.
Every year, this little post office receives letters addressed to Santa Claus from all over the world.
You can buy a postcard, write a message to yourself or someone you love, and choose to have it mailed immediately—or even have it delivered during the Christmas season.
It’s one of those souvenirs that carries a story, rather than simply becoming another keepsake.
Later in the morning, we slowed things down with a Reindeer Sleigh Ride.
Pulled gently by reindeer—the lifelong companions of the Sámi people, the Indigenous people of Lapland—the sleigh moves at an unhurried pace.
It’s not about speed.
It’s about allowing yourself to absorb the silence of snow-covered pine forests in a way few other experiences can offer.
By afternoon, the mood shifted completely.
It was finally time for our Husky Safari.
Excited barks echoed throughout the kennel.
Every husky seemed far more eager to start running than we were.
Then…the sled began to move.Almost instantly,the world became quiet.
Only the sound of the wind,the snow beneath us,and the rhythmic footsteps of the dogs leading us through endless white forests remained.
It was thrilling.
Beautiful.
And somehow…
almost impossible to describe with words.
Tonight wasn’t meant for sleeping early.
Because everyone was waiting for the same thing.
Aurora Hunting.
No one can promise whether the Northern Lights will appear.
Nature has never made guarantees.
But simply standing in the middle of a snowy field,
looking up at a sky filled with countless stars,
was already enough to make this night unforgettable.
Before coming here,
we thought Santa Claus Village would probably take no more than an hour to explore.
But the truth was…we could easily spend an entire day here without ever getting bored.
Every corner had something worth discovering.
Cozy cafés.
Lovely souvenir shops.
Little details that quietly encouraged us to slow our pace,without even realizing it.
Tidpae Tips
Santa Claus Village is open all year round, but February offers some of the most beautiful snowy scenery.
If you send a postcard from the Santa Claus Main Post Office, it will receive a special Arctic Circle postmark, making it a memorable keepsake that many travelers love to collect..
🦌 Reindeer Sleigh Rides are suitable for visitors of all ages, while a Husky Safari offers a much more exciting experience, with sleds moving surprisingly fast across the snow.
If the Northern Lights don’t appear tonight, don’t be disappointed.
We’re spending several nights in Lapland for exactly this reason—because when it comes to the Aurora, the best strategy is simply to give nature more opportunities.
Tomorrow…
we’ll be checking in to Apukka Resort, one of Finland’s most iconic resorts, where many travelers dream of falling asleep beneath a glass roof while waiting for the Northern Lights to dance across the sky.
Walking Into a World Where an Entire Waterfall… Has Stopped Flowing
If someone asked us, apart from the Northern Lights, what kind of natural wonder in Finland should never be missed…
Our answer would be Korouoma Frozen Canyon.
Located about 110 kilometers from Rovaniemi, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive there.
It is one of Finland’s most famous nature reserves, and every winter, many of its waterfalls transform into enormous walls of ice, earning it the reputation as one of the country’s most beautiful winter landmarks.
We left early in the morning because the sun sets early during winter. If we arrived late, we wouldn’t have much time to explore.
Along the way, both sides of the road were lined with snow-covered pine forests. The entire road was blanketed in white. Yet driving in Finland was remarkably orderly. Every car had its headlights on and kept a safe distance from one another, making the journey surprisingly comfortable, even through the middle of nature.
When we arrived at the parking area, it was time to put on all our winter gear. Today’s trail required a hike of around 5–8 kilometers, depending on the route you choose, and takes approximately 3–4 hours to complete. It isn’t too difficult, but wearing shoes with good grip on icy surfaces is essential.
The first part of the trail led us through a quiet pine forest where the only sound we could hear was the snow beneath our feet. The deeper we walked, the wider the canyon gradually became, until the view before us made everyone stop… without saying a word.
The entire waterfall
had completely frozen.
Upon arriving at the parking area, it was time to prepare for the hike.Extra layers.
Warm gloves.
A hat.
And most importantly…
proper winter hiking shoes.
Today’s trail covers approximately 5 to 8 kilometers, depending on the route you choose, and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete.
It’s not considered a difficult hike,but good traction is essential when walking on snow and ice.
Instead of seeing flowing water, we found ourselves looking at enormous pale-blue columns of ice hanging from towering cliffs, like sculptures that nature had spent the entire winter creating.
It is no surprise that this place has become popular among travelers, photographers, and ice climbers from around the world. During winter, these frozen walls become a training ground for climbers who come here specifically to climb the ice.
For those who love photography, every corner is beautiful. Especially later in the morning, when the sunlight touches the frozen ice, it creates soft blue-and-white reflections that hardly need any editing.
But what we loved the most wasn’t the waterfall.
It was… “the silence.”
A silence filled only with the wind blowing through the pine trees, and the sound of travelers’ footsteps slowly moving forward. It made us feel as though we had stepped out of the busy world… and into another one, where time moved a little slower.
By the afternoon, we walked back to the starting point. A little tired, but filled with unforgettable memories, before driving back to Rovaniemi to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s journey.
Many people see a 5–8 kilometer hike and begin to hesitate.
But believe us…
Along the way, you’ll find yourself picking up your camera every few minutes, hardly noticing how far you’ve walked, because every turn along the trail reveals another view worth stopping for.
Korouoma Frozen Canyon is a natural hiking trail. We recommend wearing shoes with good traction or adding a pair of Ice Cleats for extra safety on icy surfaces.
Bring drinking water and some snacks with you, as there are no shops along the trail.
If you’d like to photograph the frozen waterfalls without crowds, arrive early in the morning before the tour groups.
The temperature inside the canyon is often colder than in the town itself. Be sure to bring warm gloves, a hat, and hand warmers with you, especially when the temperature drops below -15°C.
Tomorrow… we’ll leave Rovaniemi behind and head to Levi, one of Finland’s most popular ski resort towns. A small town that many people say you must visit if you truly want to experience the Finnish way of life during winter.
The Little Town That Taught Us the Meaning of “Slow Winter”
After spending several days chasing the Northern Lights, hiking through snowy forests, and enjoying outdoor activities, today we are heading to the town known as Finland’s number one ski resort.
Levi.
The journey from Rovaniemi to Levi is approximately 170 kilometers and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes by car. The entire route is lined with snow-covered pine forests, and if you’re lucky, you may suddenly spot a herd of reindeer crossing the road—a scene that truly happens here in Lapland.
Many people think Levi is just a ski town.
But once we arrived, we realized it was so much more than that.
Levi is a small town where everything moves a little slower. People are never in a hurry. There are no tall buildings and no chaos—only hotels, restaurants, cafés, and ski shops scattered around the village. Everything is comfortably within walking distance.
After checking into our accommodation, we began exploring the town with a walk through Levi Village.
Although the temperature was well below freezing, the atmosphere felt surprisingly warm.
The soft orange glow from cafés shone through their windows.
People quietly sipped coffee and chatted, while skiers walked past carrying their equipment.
It was an ordinary scene of everyday life, yet so charming that we found ourselves slowing down without even realizing it.
Next, we took the Levi Gondola, which carries visitors up to the viewpoint on top of the mountain.
It only took a few minutes, but the moment the gondola doors opened, everyone instinctively reached for their camera.
Stretching out before us were endless white pine forests, a small village below, and ski slopes winding down the mountainside.
The view wasn’t as dramatic as the Alps.
But it was beautiful in Finland’s own way.
Simple, peaceful, and wonderfully calming to look at.
Many people may not know that Levi Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Finland.
It features more than 40 kilometers of ski runs and over 20 ski lifts, and has hosted the Alpine Ski World Cup several times. That’s why skiers from around the world travel here every winter.
Although we didn’t plan to spend the whole day skiing, we couldn’t resist stopping to simply enjoy the atmosphere.
The smiles of children learning to ski, couples sipping hot chocolate by the window, and travelers taking photos against the snowy scenery made the town feel effortlessly alive.
In the afternoon, we stopped at a small café and ordered a freshly baked cinnamon bun with a hot cup of coffee.
Sometimes…
The greatest joy of traveling doesn’t always come from famous landmarks.
Sometimes it comes from sitting by a window, watching the snow fall, and letting time pass slowly.
As the sun began to disappear beyond the horizon, warm orange lights gradually illuminated the entire town.
Levi at night isn’t lively like many tourist towns.
Yet it is filled with warmth.
We took one last stroll before returning to our accommodation, because tomorrow we planned to spend an entire day here without rushing anywhere.
Before coming here, we thought Levi was a town where you had to keep yourself busy with activities.
But once we arrived, we realized…
This town is perfect for doing… nothing at all.
Take a walk, sip a cup of coffee, watch the snow fall, and simply let yourself take a break from the busy world.
Perhaps… this is the true charm of Lapland.
Tidpae Tips
The drive from Rovaniemi to Levi is approximately 170 kilometers and takes around 2–2.5 hours.
The roads are well maintained and easy to drive, even during winter.
The Levi Gondola operates throughout both summer and winter.
During the snowy season, it offers beautiful panoramic views and direct access to the ski slopes.
If you’d like to try skiing for the first time, you’ll find ski schools and complete rental services here.
No previous experience is required.
Don’t miss the chance to visit a local café. Finland is one of the world’s highest coffee-consuming countries, with people drinking an average of more than 10 kilograms of coffee per person each year. The tradition of taking a coffee break (Kahvitauko) is an important part of everyday Finnish life.
Tomorrow… we’ll spend an entire day in Levi without rushing, experience the local way of life, enjoy winter activities, and wait to see whether tonight’s sky will once again give us Lapland’s greatest gift.
Sometimes… the best way to travel is not having to rush anywhere.
After several days filled with activities—driving snowmobiles, riding husky sleds, hiking through snowy forests, and chasing the Northern Lights—we didn’t set an alarm for early this morning.
Because today was meant to be our “Slow Day.”
Many people might wonder, if we’ve traveled all the way to Finland, why not pack the itinerary as full as possible?
But for us…
A good journey isn’t about checking off every destination.
It’s about having enough time to truly absorb the atmosphere of each place.
Levi is one of the best places in Lapland to embrace a slower way of life, and today we’ll spend the entire day with this little town.
The morning temperature was around -12°C. Light snow had continued falling throughout the night. We started the day with another walk around the village. Most of the shops had just opened, the streets were still quiet, skiers were making their way to the slopes carrying their equipment, while children were learning to ski with their instructors.
Scenes like these made us realize…
Winter, for Finnish people, isn’t a season for staying indoors.
It’s a season when everyone comes outside to truly live.
We stopped by Levi Panorama, a viewpoint overlooking the entire town.
Endless white pine forests stretched to the horizon, while little wooden houses with smoke rising from their chimneys looked just like a postcard every time we looked at them.
After that, we continued on to the Snow Café.
A café built almost entirely from snow and ice—from the walls, tables, and chairs, to even the glasses used to serve certain drinks.
The temperature inside the café stays around -5°C throughout the season to preserve its snow structure. It may be cold, but it’s an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Many people might wonder how long you could actually sit inside.
The answer is…
Not very long. (Haha!)
Because no matter how many layers you wear, everyone eventually ends up stepping outside for a cup of hot chocolate.
Later that morning, we stopped at another small café.
Finnish people are known for being among the world’s biggest coffee drinkers, so it’s no surprise that every town is filled with wonderful cafés.
We chose a seat by the window, watching people walk by while enjoying a freshly baked Korvapuusti, Finland’s famous cinnamon roll, filling the café with its warm aroma.
Sometimes…
The moments we remember most aren’t the most exciting activities.
They’re the quiet moments spent sitting still, watching the snow fall before our eyes.
By the afternoon, it was time once again for the activity that many people had been looking forward to.
Snowmobile Safari.
But this time was different from our experience at Apukka.
Levi’s trail takes us across mountains, through pine forests, and over vast open landscapes. The scenery changes constantly, and as the sun begins to sink lower, the golden light reflecting off the snow makes everything look like a scene from a movie.
After returning to our accommodation, we took a short rest before getting ready for another important night.
Tonight… we’ll head out for Aurora Hunting.
One of Levi’s greatest advantages is its distance from major cities, leaving almost no light pollution.
If the skies are clear and solar activity is favorable, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are very high.
We walked out to a quiet viewpoint just beyond the village.
The air was so cold that every breath became visible the moment we spoke.
Everyone looked up at the sky.
No one said a word.
Because we were all hoping to see green curtains dancing above our heads.
Whether we would see them or not…
Tonight was already beautiful enough.
Before this trip, we used to think that a “free day” was a wasted day.
But after planning a trip with a Slow Day…
We realized it was the day that truly allowed us to rest.
We had time to sit and talk, take a walk, admire the scenery, without feeling the need to grab our camera every single minute.
And perhaps…
The best memories are often made on the days when there’s no plan at all.
Tidpae Tips
Finnish people consume an average of more than 10–12 kilograms of coffee per person each year, making them among the world’s top coffee drinkers. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a local café.
If you visit Levi Panorama in the morning or just before sunset, you’ll enjoy the best natural light for photography.
Taking a Snowmobile Safari in the late afternoon offers beautiful golden light reflecting across the snow—a favorite moment for many photographers.
Northern Lights viewing can never be guaranteed. Staying several nights in Lapland gives you a much better chance than hoping to see them in just one evening.
Tomorrow… we’ll continue our journey to Saariselkä, a small town in northern Lapland that many consider one of the best places in Finland to witness the Northern Lights. And tonight… we may spend the night sleeping beneath a sky full of stars inside a Glass Igloo.
The farther north we drove… the closer we came to the world of the Northern Lights.
If someone asked us which destination we had been looking forward to the most on this trip…
The answer might not be Santa Claus Village.
It would be Saariselkä.
A small town in northern Lapland, well known among Northern Lights hunters from around the world.
This morning, we checked out of Levi after spending two wonderful days in the peaceful ski town, then set off for Saariselkä, about 230 kilometers away. The drive takes around three hours, and the entire route is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Lapland.
The farther north we drove, the shorter the trees became.
The pine forests gradually gave way to wide open landscapes covered in snow as far as the eye could see. Houses slowly disappeared, leaving only a straight road stretching endlessly through nature.
At certain moments…
We didn’t see another car for several minutes.
Yet we never felt lonely.
Because the scenery ahead was simply too beautiful to look away from.
Along the way, we came across herds of reindeer walking beside the road several times.
For travelers, it may be an exciting sight.
But for Finnish people, it’s simply part of everyday life.
Many areas of Lapland are reindeer herding regions, and reindeer are free to cross the roads whenever they like. So… if you’re planning to drive yourself, don’t drive too fast, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
Around noon, we arrived in Saariselkä.
This town is much smaller than Levi.
It doesn’t have the lively atmosphere of a ski resort.
Instead, it offers a different kind of peace.
Located several hundred kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and close to Urho Kekkonen National Park—the second-largest national park in Finland—the area around the town has almost no light pollution at all.
That’s why many people consider Saariselkä one of the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights.
After checking in, we headed to Kaunispää Fell Viewpoint, the town’s most famous viewpoint.
In Finland, the word “Fell” refers to a low mountain with no trees growing on its summit.
From the top, we could see Lapland’s endless forests stretching to the horizon. There were no tall buildings, no power poles—only an endless white landscape.
Standing here…
Made us realize how small we really are.
And how much bigger this world is than we ever imagined.
In the afternoon, we took a walk around the little village before returning to our accommodation.
Tonight, we’re staying at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä, one of the accommodations many travelers dream of experiencing.
The rooms are designed with a large glass roof above the bed, allowing guests to watch the sky without stepping outside into the freezing air.
Many people think every Glass Igloo is the same.
Around noon, we arrived in Saariselkä.
This town is much smaller than Levi.
It doesn’t have the lively atmosphere of a ski resort.
Instead, it offers a different kind of peace.
Located several hundred kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and close to Urho Kekkonen National Park—the second-largest national park in Finland—the area around the town has almost no light pollution at all.
That’s why many people consider Saariselkä one of the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights.
After checking in, we headed to Kaunispää Fell Viewpoint, the town’s most famous viewpoint.
In Finland, the word “Fell” refers to a low mountain with no trees growing on its summit.
From the top, we could see Lapland’s endless forests stretching to the horizon. There were no tall buildings, no power poles—only an endless white landscape.
Standing here…
Made us realize how small we really are.
And how much bigger this world is than we ever imagined.
In the afternoon, we took a walk around the little village before returning to our accommodation.
Tonight, we’re staying at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä, one of the accommodations many travelers dream of experiencing.
The rooms are designed with a large glass roof above the bed, allowing guests to watch the sky without stepping outside into the freezing air.
Many people think every Glass Igloo is the same.
But in reality, every resort has its own unique design, from the shape and materials to the view of the sky.
The one thing they all have in common is…
Everyone hopes that tonight, nature will be kind.
As the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, the resort staff began sharing the Aurora Forecast with every guest.
We turned off the lights in our room.
Opened the glass roof above our heads.
And let the silence do the rest.
No music.
No phones.
Nothing at all.
Only thousands of stars scattered across the sky.
And one small hope that…
Tonight, Finland might give us its most beautiful gift.
Someone once asked us…
“If I book a Glass Igloo, am I guaranteed to see the Northern Lights?”
The answer is…
No one can answer that.
Because the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. No hotel can guarantee them.
But what a Glass Igloo gives you… is an opportunity.
The opportunity to wake up and discover that the sky above your bed is dancing with green curtains of light.
That alone… makes the journey worthwhile.
Tidpae Tips
The drive from Levi to Saariselkä is approximately 230 kilometers and takes around 3 hours. Fill up your fuel tank before leaving, as there are only a few gas stations along the route.
🦌 If you’re driving yourself, watch out for reindeer, especially in the early morning and after sunset, as they can cross the road at any time.
Saariselkä is regarded as one of Finland’s best Northern Lights destinations thanks to its remote location and exceptionally low light pollution.
Staying in a Glass Igloo doesn’t guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights, but spending several nights in Lapland—especially during February—will greatly improve your chances compared to staying for only one night.
Tomorrow… we’ll return to Helsinki, Finland’s capital city, leaving behind the peaceful wilderness for a city of design, architecture, and culture, before bringing this unforgettable journey to a perfect close.
From the Land of the Northern Lights…to the Capital of Design
This morning carries a quiet sense of reluctance.
After spending several days surrounded by snow, pine forests, and the peaceful little towns of Lapland, today it’s time to say goodbye to northern Finland and return to Helsinki, the capital filled with history, design, and the Scandinavian way of life.
We left our accommodation early in the morning and headed to Ivalo Airport (IVL), located about 30 kilometers from Saariselkä, with a drive of only 25–30 minutes.
This airport serves as the main gateway for travelers visiting northern Lapland. Although it is relatively small, everything is well organized, check-in is quick, and before long, you’re ready to board your flight.
The domestic flight from Ivalo to Helsinki takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
As soon as the plane climbed above the endless white forests, we looked back at Lapland one last time.
From above, everything seemed smaller.
…the scenery before us changed completely.
Frozen lakes, neatly arranged pine forests, and tiny villages scattered across the snowy landscape.
Just a few hours earlier, we had been surrounded by one of the quietest natural landscapes in Europe.
But as the aircraft began its descent toward Helsinki…
Finland’s capital is filled with Nordic architecture, orderly streets, green trams gliding through the city center, and people living life at an unhurried pace.
After checking into our hotel, we began exploring the city by walking to one of Helsinki’s must-visit landmarks.
Helsinki Cathedral
The magnificent white cathedral standing proudly above Senate Square.
Built in the 19th century, it has become one of Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks, admired for its elegant yet understated Neoclassical architecture.
From the cathedral steps, we could overlook the entire city square.
Tourists relaxed on the steps, children ran around happily, and locals simply enjoyed their day.
No one seemed to be in a hurry.
It was a feeling we had grown familiar with throughout this journey.
From there, we continued on to Market Square.
A waterfront market filled with fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, bakeries, and local souvenirs.
If you visit, there’s one dish we highly recommend trying: Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto).
A comforting bowl of hot salmon soup made with potatoes, cream, and fresh dill.
It may look simple, but it’s so delicious that many travelers consider it a must-try dish when visiting Finland.
In the afternoon, we headed to Oodi Central Library.
Many people might wonder…
How could a library possibly be a tourist attraction?
But the moment you step inside, you’ll immediately understand why it has received international architectural awards.
Oodi is far more than just a library.
It is a public space where everyone is welcome to spend time.
Inside you’ll find meeting rooms, recording studios, workspaces, cafés, and beautifully designed relaxation areas.
Even if you don’t read a single book…
…simply exploring the building itself is well worth the visit.
Before sunset, we wrapped up the day with a leisurely stroll along Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki’s famous shopping street.
The street is lined with international brands, Finnish design boutiques, and charming cafés.
The atmosphere in Helsinki is completely different from Lapland.
Yet it has a unique charm all its own.
If Lapland made us fall in love with nature…
…Helsinki made us fall in love with the beauty of simple living.
Many travelers see Helsinki as nothing more than a transit city.
But after spending an entire day here…
…we came to realize something.
This city doesn’t need grand landmarks to impress you.
Because Helsinki’s true charm lies in walking slowly, stopping by a cozy café, watching people pass by, and letting the city quietly tell its own story.
Tidpae Tips
If you’re staying in Saariselkä, the most convenient airport is Ivalo Airport (IVL), located only about 30 kilometers away.
Flights from Ivalo to Helsinki take around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Choosing a morning flight gives you almost a full day to explore the city.
Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square are just steps apart, and you can easily continue on foot to Market Square and Oodi Library without needing transportation.
Don’t miss Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup), one of Finland’s most beloved traditional dishes. It’s the perfect comfort food during winter and something many Finns enjoy regularly.
Tomorrow…we’ll spend one final relaxing morning in Finland, strolling through the Design District, picking up our last souvenirs, before boarding Finnair AY141 for a direct flight back to Bangkok—with our luggage full of gifts, and our hearts filled with unforgettable memories from the Land of the Northern Lights.
Every Journey Doesn’t End at the Airport…It Begins in Our Memories
Every journey doesn’t end at the airport…it begins in our memories.
On the final morning of our trip, we didn’t rush to wake up for a transfer or check the opening hours of attractions.
Because today…
…there was no schedule left to rush through.
We had only half a day left in Helsinki before flying back to Thailand, and perhaps this was the perfect moment to experience life like the Finns one last time.
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed out for a leisurely walk around Helsinki’s Design District.
A charming neighborhood filled with design boutiques, cafés, galleries, and more than 200 local specialty shops.
If you love home décor, ceramics, glassware, or Scandinavian furniture, this place is truly a paradise for design lovers.
What we loved most was that most of the shops weren’t large or extravagant.
Yet every single item on display had clearly been designed with great care and intention.
Simple, practical, and built to last.
A philosophy that perfectly reflects Finnish design itself.
We wandered from one shop to another.
Some sold coffee mugs.
Others specialized in handcrafted wooden products.
Some offered everyday household items that looked ordinary at first glance, but the moment we picked them up and noticed the details, we couldn’t help but think, “This is…the beauty of Finland.”
Before noon, we stopped at a café for one last time.
We ordered a hot cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry.
Then simply let time pass by slowly.
No one was talking about work.
No one had a laptop open.
No one seemed eager to leave.
Everyone was simply enjoying their coffee and spending time with the people sitting across from them.
Perhaps…
…this is one of the reasons so many people fall in love with this country.
Because Finland doesn’t try to make everything move faster.
Instead, it teaches us to spend time on what truly matters.
In the afternoon, it was finally time to say goodbye to Helsinki.
We headed to Helsinki Airport (HEL), located about 20 kilometers from the city center. It takes around 30 minutes by car, or you can conveniently travel by the I or P commuter train lines.
The airport is widely recognized as one of Europe’s best transit hubs, thanks to its modern design, convenient layout, and efficient immigration procedures.
Our flight back home was: Finnair AY141
Route: Helsinki (HEL) → Bangkok (BKK)
Departure: 2:15 PM
Flight Time: Approximately 11 hours 15 minutes
Direct Non-stop Flight
Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport: 5:30 AM the following day
This is one of the most popular routes among Thai travelers because its daytime departure makes adjusting to the time difference much easier than overnight flights. Combined with the outbound AY142 service, it allows you to maximize your time in Finland with virtually no time wasted on international connections.
After clearing security and immigration, we spent our final moments browsing the Duty Free shops.
Chocolate.
Tea.
Berry jam.
Even a small coffee mug.
None of these souvenirs were particularly expensive.
Yet every single one carried a memory from this journey.
As the aircraft gently lifted off the runway…
…we looked out the window one last time.
Finland slowly disappeared beneath us.
But everything this country had given us…
…continued to grow bigger inside our hearts.
Before this trip, we thought Finland was simply the country of snow.
But after spending nearly ten days here…
…we realized something.
What makes this country unforgettable isn’t just the Northern Lights.
It’s not the Glass Igloos.
It’s not Santa Claus.
It’s the way people choose to live.
They don’t rush.
They don’t constantly compete.
And they know how to spend time with nature.
It made us start asking ourselves…
When we return to Thailand…
…can we learn to slow down a little too?
Tidpae Tips
Finnair AY141
Route: Helsinki (HEL) → Bangkok (BKK)
Departure: 2:15 PM
Direct flight, approximately 11 hours 15 minutes
Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport: 5:30 AM the following day
For international departures, it’s recommended to arrive at Helsinki Airport (HEL) at least three hours before your flight.
Popular Finnish souvenirs include Fazer chocolates, wild berry products, tea, handcrafted wooden items, and Finnish designer brands.
If you still have some time, don’t forget to enjoy one last cup of coffee in Helsinki. Finland isn’t just one of the world’s biggest coffee-drinking nations—it is also a place that teaches us that slowing down can be its own kind of happiness.
This journey came to an end the following morning at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
But for us…
Finland isn’t a country you visit just once and leave behind.
Because once you’ve seen your first snowfall, looked up at the Northern Lights, and experienced the peaceful silence of Lapland…
…we truly believe…
…one day, we’ll find our way back here again.
Written by Tidpae Journey | Premium Private Travel
Real journeys. Meaningful memories.
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