Finland

In April 2023 we went to Finland: three days in Helsinki, then the night train north to Rovaniemi, in Lapland, on the Arctic Circle. It is a very special trip for us: at a reindeer farm in Lapland, Richie asked André to marry him, and we said yes.

This page is the overview of the trip. Helsinki and Rovaniemi each have their own guide, linked below.

Our route

• Porto to Helsinki by plane.
• Helsinki, 3 days: the city and the Suomenlinna sea fortress.
• Night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
• Rovaniemi, 2 days: a full day of huskies, reindeer and snowmobiles, and a day at the Santa Claus Village.
• Night train back to Helsinki, and the flight home to Porto.

Tip: The night train saves you a night in a hotel and half a day of travel. You fall asleep in Helsinki and wake up in Lapland.

Getting around

Helsinki has great public transport: trams, buses, the metro, commuter trains and the ferry to Suomenlinna, all on the same tickets from HSL. The AB day ticket gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours, ferry included.

What to eat in Finland

• Karjalanpiirakka: Karelian rice pies.
• Leipäjuusto: squeaky bread cheese, often with cloudberry jam.
• Korvapuusti: cinnamon buns.

• Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs.
• Graavilohi: cured salmon, and lohikeitto, creamy salmon soup.
• Mustikkapiirakka: blueberry pie.
• Poronkäristys: sautéed reindeer, the classic dish of Lapland.
• Paistetut muikut: fried vendace, small lake fish.
• Salmiakki: salty licorice, if you dare.