Lapland

About the destination: Located just below the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland in Finland. It's situated at the meeting point of Lapland's powerful Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. Rovaniemi is known for its beautiful colors throughout the year, relatively warm summers, snowy winters, Santa Claus, numerous sports resorts, excellent hotels and services, making it a must-visit destination in the north. Additionally, it's an ideal location to explore the Lapland region and witness the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Lumberjack Candle Bridge, or Jätkänkynttilä, has become a symbol of Rovaniemi. The bridge features a tall pylon with a bright yellow light at the top and a large bronze lumberjack statue. The Arktikum museum is a comprehensive cultural center dedicated to all things Arctic, with exhibits on Lapland's geology, climate, flora, fauna, and cultures. Apart from the exhibits, the Arktikum's standout feature is its long glass corridor offering views of the river behind the building. Outside the Arktikum, there's a garden filled with arctic plants. Rovaniemi is famously known as Santa Claus's hometown. At Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa Claus, send greetings from the Arctic Circle at the Santa Claus Post Office, and visit the Christmas Exhibition, which explains various Christmas traditions from around the world. Rovaniemi is the perfect place to create a Christmas wishlist and experience the awe-inspiring wilderness, traditional Sámi culture, and enjoy a variety of activities amidst a stunning natural landscape.

About the destination: Tromso serves as the administrative, commercial, and educational hub of northern Norway. It ranks as the seventh largest city in Norway in terms of population and houses the world's northernmost university, brewery, and botanical garden. The city is situated approximately 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, experiencing both the midnight sun and polar night. Tromsø is renowned as one of the prime locations in Europe to witness the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The city's stunning cathedral, one of the largest wooden churches in Norway, is nestled in the heart of the city in a quaint square adorned with intriguing statues and sculptures. A stroll down Storgatan leads to the marketplace, filled with the soothing sounds of music and the enticing aroma of coffee, fresh bread, and strawberries. The Tromso museum showcases ethnographic exhibits highlighting the unique cultures of Lapland. Adjacent to it, the Polar Museum displays exhibits narrating the history of the Arctic region, focusing on the lives of early hunters, trappers, and explorers. Tromsdalen Kirke, colloquially known as the “Arctic Cathedral”, is not actually a cathedral, but the parish church of the Tromsøysund area of Tromso. Constructed in 1965 primarily from concrete, its design resembles slabs of ice. The church stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Tromsø. Tromso is a compact, welcoming, and vibrant town, beautifully situated on an island. The city boasts an abundance of restaurants, pubs, clubs, and theaters to entertain both locals and tourists. Tromso is undoubtedly the cultural heart of northern Norway.