2_9_ScanMag_74_March_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 09/03/2015 23:17 Page 85
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
Kilpisjärvi is an optimal spot for seeing the famous Northern Lights, called ‘fox fires’ in Finnish.
Attraction of the Month, Finland
Clear skies over the tundra: Tundrea – a gateway to the beautiful North The only genuine tundra landscape in Finland. The highest peaks, moulded soft by the Ice Age and covered in pristine powder snow, perfect for sledding, downhill skiing, hiking and fishing, all year round. Oh, and the best air in Europe (yes, really). Tundrea in Finnish Lapland is situated in the middle of a pristine pearl of unspoilt nature. By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Tundrea
Located by the shores of Lake Kilpisjärvi and the foot of the impressive Saana fell, Tundrea is a full-service holiday centre catering to families, groups and single travellers alike. “There is a lot that is unique about this area,” explains CEO Sauli Vanhapiha. “The tundra biome and the fells, for instance. Our skiing season is longer than elsewhere and lasts until early May. The conditions are perfect in spring – the sun is really warm but snow is virtually guaranteed. It’s not unusual to see skiers in bikinis on the slopes!” In the vicinity lies Halti, Finland’s highest peak. The fells are here to be conquered: in winter by sled, ski or snowshoe – in summer by hiking. Snowmobile treks and ice fishing are also popular here, with a large ice fishing competition arranged in mid-May. And for
Midsummer in June, there is – incredibly – a cross-country skiing competition. But summer also brings activities of a more normal variety: there is hang-gliding from the peaks, fishing in Lake Kilpisjärvi and hiking along multiple trails. Tundrea is on the Arctic Trail, covering 800 km and three countries. The beautiful ruska season in autumn, when the landscape turns a fiery red and yellow, is a popular time for longer hikes. Tundrea offers several different types of accommodation, including fully-equipped chalets and apartments. For those looking to fish and hunt, there are also the Luongasloma chalets by the picturesque Muonionjoki River and rapids. And, should you like to bring your home with you, there is a well-equipped caravan park. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, as
well as catering outdoors and takeaway to your rooms. For groups there are special evenings arranged in Sami huts, with dinner cooked traditionally over an open fire. Kilpisjärvi is an optimal spot for seeing the famous Northern Lights, called “fox fires” in Finnish. Ancient myths say the lights are sparks trailing the fire fox as he runs across the sky. “The skies here are often clear, with little interference from street lights. We even get visitors coming over from Norway to see the lights better,” smiles Sauli. Beauty, peace and stunning nature: Tundrea is a gateway to the very best of the North, all in one place.
For more information, please visit: tundrea.com
Issue 74 | March 2015 | 85