Rovaniemi (December 8 - 10, 2023)
Helsinki (December 10, 2023)
Globetrotters: Philip Zaharie, Ariana Mîndru, Briana Paraschiv
8th December 2023 - TIMIȘOARA - FRANKFURT - HELSINKI - ROVANIEMI
On the 8th of December, 2023, our journey to the Arctic edge took flight, weaving through the skies from Timisoara to the enchanting landscapes of Rovaniemi, Lapland. Our passage involved a series of flights - starting with LH1471 to Frankfurt, connecting through LH850 to Helsinki, and culminating with AY539 directly into the heart of Finnish Lapland. Each flight progressively brought us closer to the winter enchantment that awaited.
As we landed in Rovaniemi at 9:30 pm, we stepped into a world where the winter night was softened by a delicate snowfall, enhancing the magical atmosphere of Rovaniemi. Although the deep darkness of the winter evening enveloped us, it was not the complete polar night but rather a twilight, hinting at the brief appearance of the sun the following day. This soft glow under the snow clouds created a serene yet mysterious ambiance, a prelude to the Arctic winter's beauty.
The drive from the airport to Luxury Villa Lapland was nothing short of magical. As snowflakes danced in the glow of the streetlights, our route through the snow-covered landscape felt like a passage through a hidden world, anticipating the warmth and comfort awaiting us. The villa, nestled in the heart of this winter wonderland, promised a cozy retreat from the Arctic chill.
Luxury Villa Lapland stood as a place of warmth and luxury against the backdrop of the snowy night. Its welcoming lights and the promise of a cozy interior offered the perfect sanctuary after our journey through the skies and the snowy roads of Rovaniemi. This was to be our home base for an adventure in a land where the sun skims the horizon even in the depths of winter, creating a unique blend of twilight and darkness that defines the polar winter days.
9th December 2023 - ROVANIEMI
The second day of our adventure in Rovaniemi was filled with the promise of enchanting experiences, from the mystical depths of SantaPark to the festive ambiance of Santa Claus Village and the exhilarating thrill of a husky sleigh ride through the snow-draped forests. Each moment was a chapter in our winter tale, weaving together the magic, tradition, and breathtaking beauty of Lapland.
SantaPark
Our day commenced with a visit to SantaPark, an underground wonderland that beckons with the allure of Christmas magic hidden beneath the landscape. This subterranean sanctuary was a realm of joy, where every corridor and cavern was infused with the spirit of the holiday season. The enchanting Ice Gallery, with its sculptures shimmering in the dimly lit hall, and the elf workshops buzzing with the sounds of Christmas preparations, were sights that brought the fantasy of the North Pole to life.
Despite our eagerness, the anticipation of meeting Santa Claus himself was met with the reality of a winding queue that snaked through the heart of SantaPark. The wait to see Santa was long, and with time pressing against us, we made the difficult decision not to join the queue, saving the moment for another day, perhaps another journey, and instead immersed ourselves in the other wonders that SantaPark had to offer.
Santa Claus Village
Our spirits undampened, we ventured next to Santa Claus Village (Joulupukin Pajakylä), where the festive atmosphere was palpable in the air crisp with polar chill. The village, a lively hub of Christmas spirit and Lappish culture, was adorned with lights and snow, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a holiday card. We explored the various shops, each a trove of local crafts and souvenirs, from intricate Sami jewelry to cozy reindeer hides.
Amidst this exploration, we took a moment to indulge in a traditional Lappish culinary experience—a savory reindeer steak for lunch. This hearty meal, deeply rooted in the region's culinary tradition, provided not just sustenance but also a meaningful connection to the local culture and the lappish environment. The rich flavors of the reindeer steak, a staple of Lappish cuisine, offered us an authentic taste of the North, further enriching our journey through Lapland.
A highlight of the visit was the Arctic Circle marker, a line that many believe runs directly through the village. However, a quick verification via Google Earth reveals that the true Arctic Circle is actually a few seconds of latitude further north. Despite this geographical minutiae, the symbolic crossing of the Arctic Circle within the village added a sense of adventure and achievement to our visit, marking our passage into the realm of the Arctic.
Husky Sleigh Ride
As twilight approached, we prepared for the much-anticipated husky sleigh ride, an adventure that promised to whisk us through the winter landscape in the company of these remarkable northern canines. The cold was biting, with temperatures plummeting to -14°C, and the sky overcast, shrouding our hopes of witnessing the Northern Lights. Yet, the experience of gliding through the snow, led by a team of eager huskies, was exhilarating, a connection to the wild heart of Lapland that needed no auroral display to be memorable.
Our adventure through the snow culminated in a traditional Lappish barbecue within the cozy confines of a kota, a tent that offered refuge from the cold. Surrounded by fellow tourists, we roasted marshmallows, and savoured the flavors of hot blueberry juice and grilled sausages, a simple yet profound pleasure that encapsulated the essence of Lappish hospitality.
The journey back to Luxury Villa Lapland was a quiet reflection on the day's adventures. Arriving before 10 pm, we were enveloped once again in the warmth and luxury of our Arctic abode. The villa, with its elegant comfort, was the perfect end to a day filled with magic, tradition, and the exhilarating beauty of the Lapland winter. As we settled in for the night, the experiences of the day — from the festive halls of SantaPark to the lively atmosphere of Santa Claus Village and the thrill of the husky sleigh ride — lingered in our minds, a tapestry of memories that we would carry with us long after our departure.
10th December 2023 - ROVANIEMI - HELSINKI - STOCKHOLM - MUNICH - TIMIȘOARA
On the 10th of December, 2023, our journey transitioned from the Arctic wilderness of Lapland to the historical and cultural heart of Finland, Helsinki. This day of travel was punctuated by a poignant visit to Helsinki's Senate Square, an emblematic space that captures the essence of Finnish history and neoclassical architecture.
Our morning began with a departure from Rovaniemi aboard Norwegian Air Sweden flight D8 2521. As we bid farewell to the magical landscapes of Lapland, we carried with us memories of snow-draped forests and the northern lights' elusive beauty. The flight served as a bridge, connecting the serene wilderness of the north to the bustling life of Helsinki.
Upon arrival in Helsinki, we maximized our layover by delving into the heart of the city's festive spirit at the Christmas market in Senate Square (Senaatintori). Surrounded by some of Helsinki's most significant neoclassical buildings, Senate Square is a nexus of Finnish culture and history.
The Helsinki Cathedral, standing majestically over Senate Square, is more than just an architectural landmark; it's a symbol of the city and a testament to Finland's rich historical and cultural fabric. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, a German architect who left a significant mark on Helsinki's cityscape, the cathedral is a pinnacle of neoclassical architecture. Its completion in 1852 marked a defining moment in Helsinki's architectural evolution, embodying the aspirations of the city and nation during that era.
The cathedral's striking white facade, crowned with a series of green domes, creates a visually stunning contrast against the often grey Nordic sky. The central dome, supported by four smaller domes, draws inspiration from neoclassical ideals, emphasizing symmetry, simplicity, and grandeur. The cathedral's front is adorned with a set of grand steps that lead up to a portico flanked by Corinthian columns, a nod to classical antiquity's architectural principles.
Originally dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, the cathedral was named to honor the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, reflecting Finland's political status as an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire at the time of its construction. Following Finland's independence in 1917, the cathedral emerged as a symbol of national identity, severing its ties to Russian imperial influence and embracing its role as a central figure in Finnish religious and cultural life.
Inside, the cathedral's interior is marked by its spaciousness and light, embodying the Lutheran aesthetic of clarity and simplicity. The altar, pulpit, and organ are focal points of the interior, each crafted with attention to detail that speaks to the cathedral's significance as a place of worship and community gathering.
Overlooking Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral not only dominates the physical landscape but also occupies a central place in the cultural and spiritual heart of Helsinki. It has witnessed countless historical events, celebrations, and moments of national significance, making it a living monument to Finland's journey through history. The cathedral continues to be a beacon for both locals and visitors, drawing thousands each year to experience its architectural beauty and to reflect on the enduring spirit of Finland.
The statue in Helsinki’s Senate Square is a tribute to Emperor Alexander II of Russia, recognized for his significant reforms that benefited Finland during the 19th century. Erected in 1894 and crafted by Finnish sculptor Walter Runeberg, the statue honors Alexander II’s role in enhancing Finnish autonomy, including the establishment of the Diet of Finland and the promotion of Finnish language and culture. These actions earned him the title “The Liberator” among Finns, reflecting the gratitude and respect held for his progressive rule. Standing at the heart of the square, the statue not only commemorates these historical contributions but also adds to the cultural and historical landscape of the area, drawing visitors’ attention to the interconnectedness of Finnish-Russian history.
The Christmas market itself was a whirlwind of colors, scents, and sounds. Amidst the backdrop of Senate Square's historic edifices, including the cathedral, we indulged in the warmth of Finnish hospitality, savoring traditional delicacies and marveling at the craftsmanship of local artisans. This festive experience, framed by the square's architectural and historical grandeur, offered a profound connection to Helsinki's spirit.
Our festive interlude in Helsinki concluded as we embarked on the next leg of our journey home, first to Stockholm Arlanda on SAS flight SK 719, and then transitioning through Munich before finally returning to Timisoara. Each segment of our return, marked by brief layovers, was a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences we'd woven together during our adventure.
Arriving home in Timisoara at midnight, we stepped back into familiar surroundings, enriched by the memories of our winter exploration. From the magical realms of Rovaniemi to the historical richness of Helsinki's Senate Square and the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, our journey was a testament to the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Lappish and Finnish heritage. As we settled back into the rhythm of daily life, the experiences of our winter adventure lingered in our hearts, a cherished narrative of exploration and discovery.
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