Magical doesn’t quite cover it..

In November ( and December) I travelled to Finnish Lapland, with a large group of Gnome and Away Travel customers with our supplier Transun. I flew from Gatwick. The flight takes roughly three hours, with a two hour time difference arriving in Finland.

As such, when we arrived in Enontekio it was already dark. Travelling in Mid-December, you won’t see more than a few hours of daylight. Plus, it is obviously cold. When I was there, it was -3, but a few days later it dropped to -30. So, it was relatively tropical on Saturday!

We flew into Ennotekio, which is a small, but busy airport 150 miles North of The Arctic Circle. Your transfer by coach then takes around 15 minutes overall. It is ten minutes from the airport to the village of Hetta and then you get suited and booted. This is perhaps the busiest part of the day, but the staff will size you up (literally) quickly, then you’re back on your way to the Activities...

 The staff have an elfin appetite for both friendliness and hard work and are incredibly well-organised. You will be divided into teams, with a chance to try every activity and there is a central meeting point If you get lost.

So, what can you do?

Well, I would definitely recommend snowmobiling. This is pure James Bond stuff, across a frozen lake. Much more traditional is Husky sledding and is perhaps more restful than you expected.

. You can also try being pulled in a reindeer sleigh, which is lovely.

Of course, the main event is meeting The Big Man himself, Santa. You walk down a candle-lit path to be met by one of his elves, who will take you (or maybe your kids) in to meet him.

But have you been good? We think so.

At the end of the day, The Transun staff will get you back on the coaches. They will also make sure you’ve tried every activity and ask if you’d didn’t, why not?

A few points to consider…

It is cold, so I got layered up. Thermal vest under your clothes, thermal leggings under your trousers. Sturdy footwear, such as walking boots as getting off the 'plane is snowy. Two pairs of socks (a thin pair under your boot socks) a hat and a heavy coat, preferably with a hood and gloves are ESSENTIAL. Try to remain covered at all times, especially when arriving/departing at Ennotekio as you will have to walk across the tarmac to the plane.

Once in your snow suit, make sure you are all zipped up and the boot toggles are secure.

As it’s dark, it’s very easy to lose stuff. Anything that you need, keep accessible.

The village activity area is a camping site out of season, so look out for stones etc.

Your mobile will lose charge quite quickly in the cold. A good tip is to store it in the breast pocket of your snowsuit, but bring a power pack. Charging options are limited on the plane.

Sometimes Santa might look different (he’s busy and sometimes has helpers). Be aware and handle awkward questions from your kids.

There is a warming station on site, with free tea, coffee, hot apple juice and snacks. If you need a moment to soak up all this beauty, there are lavvus (a Finnish teepee) on site with a roaring fire, I loved that!

There is a souvenir shop on site and two small ones at Ennotekio. The one on the ground floor sells more ‘touristy’ items (especially Christmas decorations). The one on the top floor is a little more bouiji, with local art and jewellery.

You will be given an inflight meal both ways and a meal in the village. The latter is like Santa, basic but comforting. If any of these are not to you or your children’s liking, take snacks.

And finally, it is a long day, so be prepared to be falling asleep on the way home. Our flight suffered a small delay, but we were given extra time there by Transun, who were amazing.

I had an amazing time, really magical and festive. I took two groups for Winter Wonderland days in 2025 and loved it!

To book a magical Lapland Day Break for 2026 or 2027 get in contact, we would love to help you make special festive memories.

Kev.

Gnome and Away Travel

A Hays Franchise

ABTA:L3832

info@gnomeandawaytravel.co.uk