A brand-new travel option from the United Kingdom to Lapland is set to make it easier for families to visit Santa Claus in his homeland this winter. AirBaltic, a Latvian airline, will kick off flights in December, with bookings already open on their website. The airline will introduce five new routes to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland, including services from London-Gatwick and Manchester.
Finnish Lapland, besides being Santa’s residence, is renowned as a prime skiing and winter sports destination, offering a myriad of snowy activities for adults. Flights from London-Gatwick will commence on December 13 and will operate twice a week, while flights from Manchester will begin on December 10 with once-a-week departures until March.
Kuusamo boasts Pohjolan Pirtti as a key attraction, located around a 30-minute drive from the airport. This spot features Santa’s cozy cottage, providing an immersive Lapland adventure. Visitors can enjoy activities like baking cookies, witnessing the elves craft toys, and engaging in storytelling with Santa next to a crackling fireplace.
A major draw of Lapland is the guarantee of a snowy landscape, offering a quintessential white Christmas experience. From husky-led sleigh rides to snowshoeing and ice fishing, there are numerous ways to relish the wintry scenery. Various rental places offer winter gear such as overalls, boots, and mittens to ensure visitors stay warm in the cold.
For those seeking an active holiday, Kuusamo provides ample opportunities for skiing, with a lengthy ski season lasting from October to May. Ruka Ski Resort boasts 39 slopes, a snow coaster, and cross-country trails, including night skiing for a serene experience under the stars.
Another highlight of Kuusamo is the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, especially between October and March. Travelers can partake in nighttime tours to witness this natural phenomenon from optimal vantage points, with the option of chasing the lights on a reindeer sleigh ride for a truly unforgettable experience.
Kuusamo offers a range of accommodation choices, from cozy ski resorts and lodges to family-friendly hotels. Holiday Club Kuusamo is popular among families for its tropical-themed indoor water park and proximity to the vibrant Angry Birds Activity Park.
Ruka Peak stands out as a boutique hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, featuring traditional wood-paneled rooms, saunas, and balconies for guests to savor the snowy vistas.
For more Lapland travel deals, various companies provide enticing flight and hotel packages tailored for budget-conscious travelers. Platforms like On the Beach, Loveholidays, TUI, and Icelolly.com offer dedicated sections for affordable Lapland offerings, making it easier to compare and select the ideal holiday package.