Things to see and do in Finland this winter include an international Iceman competition, the opening of one of the world’s biggest snow castles in the Finnish Lapland and a chance go sightseeing in the Arctic Circle in a hot air balloon.
The Iceman Competition in Lapland, Finland
Some of the world’s strongest men compete for the title of Iceman in seriously arctic conditions in Kuusamo, in the Finnish Lapland, in March. The one-day event on the 21st of March 2010 brings together contestants from several different countries to compete in the Arctic Strongman contest in an extremely challenging environment. The competition will also be shown on TV networks around the world.
Ice Marathon Ice Skating Event in Kuopio, Finland
Around 10 000 people are expected to join the annual Ice Marathon ice-skating event in Kuopio in Eastern Finland. The world’s best marathon ice-skaters compete in Finland’s biggest marathon skating event on the frozen Lake Kallavesi from the 18th to the 21st of February 2010. The festival programme also promises attractions and activities for all levels of skaters.
Visit the Snow Castle in Lapland, Finland
The annually built Snow Castle in Kemi is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Construction usually starts in December and the castle is ready for visitors by the end of January. There are ice sculptures, an Ice Restaurant and an Ice Hotel, and several couples from around the world have married in the Ice Chapel. This year’s Snow Castle opens on January 30th and will stay open until early April depending on weather conditions.
Arctic Hot Air Ballooning in Finnish Lapland
Professional teams from several countries have been flying hot-air balloons in Levi, in the Finnish Lapland, every winter since 2007. This year amateurs can join the adventure for the first time.
Those brave enough to try hot-air ballooning in Lapland’s freezing winter temperatures (protective clothing is provided) can join one to two hour trips and enjoy aerial views of Lapland. The Arctic Hot Air Balloon Adventure offers daily balloon rides from the 10th to the 18th February 2010, if weather permits.
Mini Cruises on an Ice Breaker
The Sampo operated as an icebreaker for thirty years and now takes passengers on mini cruises on the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Cruises are offered from mid-December to the end of April. All cruises start from the Kemi port in the Finnish Lapland and passengers are taken to the icebreaker in snowmobiles. In addition to the unique frozen scenery passengers might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, and those who feel brave can swim in the icy sea in a waterproof thermal suit.
