To book call us on:

020 7664 2237

Make an enquiry

At a glance…

Get your skates on as you speed through Finnish Lakeland's winter beauty

» 4 day tailor-made tour

» Price from: £1,625 pp incl. flights

Experience the thrill of ice skating on Finland’s Lake Saimaa. Skate rental and tuition are included in the price, and once you’re up and running you’ll have unfettered access to the endless frozen waterways of Finnish Lakeland, including the country’s longest ice trail. You'll then return each evening to the superb Hotel Jarvisdyan for traditional saunas and optional dining, based on the seasons.

New for Jarvisdyan in 2021, the superb Kota Hotel & Spa offers something a little different. Based on traditional fishing and hunting kotas, this delightful offering pair hand-crafted wooden furnishings and cosy log-burning fires with judiciously placed windows designed to let in the light and the views. Speak to your specialist about upgrading your stay.

Day by day itinerary

  • Day 1 » UK to Kuopio

    Fly via Helsinki to Kuopio and transfer to the Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Aside from its excellent spa, homely rooms and vast wine cellar, it’s the aptly named Sauna World that really grabs the headlines. And, despite accommodating up to 70 bathers at once across its two Finnish wood stove saunas, smoke sauna, steam sauna and outdoor hot tub, you’ll find plenty of space to relax and embrace the great customs and traditions of this age-old Finnish pastime. This evening, perhaps dine at the nearby Tepee Restaurant Savon Loitsu where delicious local dishes are served next to a roaring fire. It’s a popular spot so you’ll need to book well in advance.

    Stay: Hotel & Spa Resort Jarvisydan, Finnish Lakeland

    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2 » Lake Saimaa

    This morning you’ll have your first taste of life on the ice as you meet your guide for an hour-long skating lesson. Once you’re finished you’re free to strike out on your own, perhaps tackling Finland’s longest ice trail which, at around 40 kilometres, runs from the hotel to Oravi Village and through the Linnansaari National Park. Spend the afternoon at the hotel, or exploring further on an optional tour; snowmobiling, ice fishing and sled rides are all available. 

    Stay: Hotel & Spa Resort Jarvisydan, Finnish Lakeland

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 3 » Lake Saimaa

    After a hearty breakfast you might want to set off on an ice skating tour, led by an expert guide (optional extra, subject to weather conditions) As you hurtle (hopefully) past striking Lakeland scenery, you’ll learn new techniques that really make the most of your time on the ice. A light lunch is included along the way before returning to your hotel’s spa and the aforementioned delights of Sauna World.

    Stay: Hotel & Spa Resort Jarvisydan, Finnish Lakeland

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4 » Kuopio

    Transfer back to Kuopio and y home, again via Helsinki.

    Meals: Breakfast

To book call us on:

020 7664 2237

Make an enquiry

At a glance…

Get your skates on as you speed through Finnish Lakeland's winter beauty

» 4 day tailor-made tour

» Price from: £1,625 pp incl. flights

Share:

Related articles

Stories inspired by Scandinavia

Stories inspired by Scandinavia

Scandinavia's varied landscapes, icy northern reaches and scenic fjords certainly deliver when it comes to inspiration. Beloved authors have long used them as settings for magical stories, from Dahl's Norwegian summers to Pullman's far-away Svalbard.

Where to go in Scandinavia

Where to go in Scandinavia

From Northern Lights to Midsummer festivals, stylish cities to quiet log cabin retreats, there is plenty to see and do on a first holiday to Scandinavia. But which is best for you? Here are our favourite holidays for travellers who want to get a flavour for the region.