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Have Some Finnish press trip 22nd-26th of June

Credits: Visit Rovaniemi

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A Dinner Invitation From the World’s Happiest Nation

Finland, the world’s happiest country, has one more secret: its food. Almost entirely unknown to the world, Finnish cuisine is now ready to officially introduce itself. For the first time in history, a nation opens its table to the world – and hosts a dining experience that anyone in the world can RSVP to.

This June the table is set in an epic location in Rovaniemi, and you are invited!

By invitation only, updated 6th of May. 

Credits: Visit Rovaniemi

Quick facts

Transportation

Flights

Sunday, 21st of June

23:05-05:55 Tokyo Narita-Helsinki (AY074) 

Monday, 22nd of June

16:50-10:45 Dallas Fort Worth-Helsinki (AY020)

08:35-11:25 Hamburg-Helsinki (AY1422)

08:50-11:45 Berlin-Helsinki (AY1432)

22:50-14:00 New York JFK-Helsinki (AY016)

21:30-14:15 Chicago O'Hare-Helsinki (AY010)

10:45-14:40 Paris-Helsinki (AY1572)

11:30-14:55 Frankfurt-Helsinki (AY1412)

10:05-15:10 Barcelona-Helsinki (AY1654)

10:20-15:15 London Heathrow-Helsinki (AY1332)

10:15-15:25 Madrid-Helsinki (AY1662) 

16:00-17:15 Helsinki-Rovaniemi (AY535)

Friday, 26th of June

14:15-15:30 Rovaniemi-Helsinki (AY534)

16:10-18:15 Helsinki-Paris (AY1575)

16:20-17:20 Helsinki-Berlin (AY1435)

16:20-16:00 Helsinki-Seattle Tacoma (AY033)

16:25-17:50 Helsinki-Chicago O'Hare (AY009)

16:30-17:30 Helsinki-Hamburg (AY1425)

16:40-20:05 Helsinki-Madrid (AY1661)

16:55-18:35 Helsinki-Frankfurt (AY1415)

17:05-20:05 Helsinki-Barcelona (AY1653)

17:15-19:10 Helsinki-New York JFK (AY015)

17:45-13:05 (+1) Helsinki-Tokyo Narita (AY073) 

19:30-20:40 Helsinki-London Heathrow (AY1339) 

Accommodation
Bring along

Comfortable, waterproof shoes

Layers

Swimwear

Preliminary program

Credits : Ottilia Orenius
Credits: Kota Collective / Visit Finland

Monday 22nd of June

Individual arrivals in Helsinki

16.00-17.15 Flight to Rovaniemi (AY535)

Your Visit Rovaniemi host Pia will meet you at the airport.

Transfer to the hotel

18.00 Check in at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara 

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara is located on top of Ounasvaara hill in the middle of the nature, just a few minutes from the city centre. The northern wilderness unfolds right at the hotel’s doorstep, with hiking and biking paths and sweeping views of the horizon. The rooms combine the finest materials from Lapland with the presence of nature visible through large windows.

19.00 Welcome dinner at Sky Kitchen & View

Sky Kitchen & View has been voted among the best restaurants in Finland many years in a row. No wonder - as the panorama windows allow you to admire the wonderful views of beautiful Ounasvaara that extend to the horizon and the restaurant’s menu is a tribute to the diverse nature of the North and the world’s purest ingredients sourced from the wild. @skykitchenbar @skyounasvaara

You will be welcomed by the Head Chef Joel Manninen, Finnish Young Chefs Champion 2025 and the silver medallist of the Young Chefs World Championship 2026. Joel represents a new generation of leading Finnish culinary talent. His cuisine focuses on northern ingredients and a modern Arctic approach, where refined technical skill meets creativity and a distinct personal vision. Known for his contemporary interpretation of the North, he works at the intersection of flavour, technique, and the 
Arctic environment that shapes his cooking. 

Overnight at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

Tuesday 23rd of June

Breakfast at the hotel with Lappish ingredients and delicacies

9.00 Transfer to Lapland Safaris

9.30 River Boat Cruise with Lapland Safaris

Step aboard the traditional, wooden riverboat, cruise along the river and learn about timber floating and the local history, but also admire the beautiful, verdant views along the riverbanks. @laplandsafaris

10.00 Reindeer farm visit at Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm

Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm is a family-owned farm, located along the naturally picturesque Ounasjoki River. In Rovaniemi there are 15 000-20 000 reindeer, and the iconic horn head has been a way of life here for centuries. Visiting a reindeer farm lets you step into the world of these majestic Arctic animals, learn about their way of life, and feel the deep connection between the people of the North and their reindeer. @konttaniemenporotila

12.30 Riverboat transfer to Rovaniemi city centre and transfer to Artkikum

13.15 Guided Tour in the Museum and Arctic Science Centre Arktikum 

This guided tour highlights the most important facts about Lapland and the Arctic area. Arktikum is the place to get a grasp of local and regional history and culture. Arktikum’s architecture is an attraction in itself, and the museum shop offers the most unique local products to take home @arktikumofficial

15.00 Transfer to the hotel 

Free time

17.00 Transfer to the city centre

17.15 Arctic Gourmet Walk – A Progressive Dinner Through Rovaniemi

The experience begins with some soul food on a Guided Tour in Korundi House of Culture, the home of Rovaniemi Art Museum and world-class Lapland Chamber Orchestra. It houses an inspiring collection of the most influential Finnish contemporary art in the old post bus deposit building. @korundihouse 

18.00 A Progressive Dinner Through Rovaniemi continues

Discover Rovaniemi through its flavours on a guided walking tour combining local culture and cuisine. The experience takes you through the city centre, stopping at carefully selected restaurants for a progressive dining experience. Along the way, your guide shares stories of Rovaniemi’s culture, lifestyle, and food scene – making this a perfect blend of sightseeing and culinary discovery.

21.30 Midnight Sun Photography Tour by Beyond Arctic 

The Midnight Sun is one of the most amazing phenomena in Lapland during the summer months. During the tour you will go to the best locations around Rovaniemi to experience and photograph this unique natural phenomenon. During June and July, the sun does not set below the horizon but slowly settles over the horizon creating dumbfounding displays of colours. @beyondarctic

Transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

Wednesday 24th of June

Breakfast at the hotel with Lappish ingredients and delicacies

9.00 Transfer to Soul of Lapland

9.45 Summer Day in a local way at Soul of Lapland - TBC
Enjoy an authentic summer day in Lapland. Soul of Lapland showcases the local way of life and Lappish hospitality as it’s best. Enjoy lunch and rowing a boat, fishing, swimming, baking etc. depending on the weather of the day. @souloflapland_rovaniemi

12.30 Transfer to the forest

13.00 VÄKI - Forgotten and Mystical Power of the Nature

Step into the forest to gather our natural treasures, the wild herbs. You will hear the mystical stories of Väki, the ancient Nordic spirit of nature, and discover the hidden powers and uses of each herb and ingredient. A meditative practice will take you deeper into the world of senses and you will experience a stronger connection with yourself and the surrounding nature. @vakirovaniemi

16.00 Transfer to the hotel

Free time

17.30 Transfer to the pier

17.45 Riverboat cruise to Kotisaari

18.00 Dinner in Savurafla Restaurant at Kotisaari

Kotisaari, directly translated home island is a small island in the Kemijoki River in the center of Rovaniemi. It is a small and idyllic historical island that turns into a restaurant on summer days and evenings providing you unforgettable experiences and culinary moments. Set in a restored boathouse that once served as a base for lumberjacks, Savurafla restaurant offers a rustic dining experience infused with local history. Accessible only by a scenic boat ride along the Kemijoki River, the journey itself adds to the charm of the visit. Guests can enjoy smoked BBQ dishes prepared on-site, all while surrounded by the island's lush greenery and historical ambiance. @savuraflakotisaari @laplandsafaris

20.00 Riverboat transfer to Erkin Arkki

20.15 Sauna evening at Sauna raft m/s Erkin Arkki TBC
Sauna has been part of Finnish life and culture for centuries. It is a place for the body to recover and the mind to come to rest. Sauna bathing is part of the Finnish identity. At Erkin Arkki, you can experience Finnish sauna truly surrounded by northern nature, as the sauna is floating in the rivers of Rovaniemi. @erkinarkki

22.30 Transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

Thursday 25th of June

Breakfast at the hotel with Lappish ingredients and delicacies

9.30 Transfer to Lapin Martat

9.45 Finnish culinary course with Lapin Martat

The Martta Association is a Finnish non-profit organization well-known for its dedication to educating the public in matters of home economics. Founded in 1899, the Marttas focus on education, cooking, and crafting skills, empowering women to share their knowledge and support local communities. In Rovaniemi the Marttas promote Finnish food culture also to our visitors through various activities and courses, they foster a strong sense of tradition and promote Finnish culture.

12.40 Transfer to Home & Atelier of Irene and Ari Kangasniemi 

13.00 Meet a local handicraft couple & learn about their traditional way of living
Home and Atelier Kangasniemi is a unique and authentic place to discover the traditions & handicrafts of Lapland. Discover the rich world of Finnish and Lappish berries in this hands-on culinary experience. Learn about local superberries, their traditions and health benefits, and create your own delicious treats using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The visit to a local home is also part of the experience. 
@kangasniemihornwork 

16.00 Transfer to the hotel

Free time

18.00 Transfer to a special dinner location
The highlight of the trip, the very special dinner experience prepared by our young master chef Joel Manninen in an epic setup in Rovaniemi.

22.30 Transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

Friday 26th of June

Breakfast at the hotel with Lappish ingredients and delicacies

Check out

8.30 Transfer to Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is Lapland’s best-known year-round attraction where Christmas magic can be experienced every day of the year @santaclausvillageofficial

8.45 Crossing of the Arctic Circle 66°33′45.9″

The magical latitude that has attracted travelers since 1950’s.

9.00 Private meeting with Santa Claus in his office

Meeting with the one and only Santa Claus is a bucket list experience in Rovaniemi. @santaclausoffice

9.45 Visit to Santa Claus’ Main Post Office

Send your postcards from Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, stamped by the Post Elves with the Arctic Circle Postmark and learn that Santa Claus has received almost 25 million letters from about 200 countries. @santaclausmainpostoffice

10.15 Meet & Greet Huskies at Arctic Circle Husky Park

Arctic Circle Husky Park is a fur-riendlies home of purebred Siberian Huskies. Husky Park offers programs and experiences of the furry friends and fluffy tails in Santa Claus village at the Arctic Circle. Step into a world full of wagging tails, happy howls, and arctic magic! @huskyparkarcticcircle

11.00 Lunch at Piparina Day Cabins & Dining

Welcome to Piparina Day Cabins & Dining, a gingerbread village you can truly step into. In the middle of Santa Claus Village, you will find 15 life-sized gingerbread cabins made for private daytime use. Right next to them, our walk-in restaurant invites you to taste Lapland through tasting-sized dishes and sweet treats. @piparina.fi @arcticsnowhotel

12.30 Transfer to Rovaniemi Airport

14:15-15:30 Flight to Helsinki (AY534)

Individual departures to home countries

Regional contact

VISIT ROVANIEMI
Pia Lillberg
Email: pia@visitrovaniemi.fi  
Tel: +358 40 135 4321

Visit Finland contact

Sari Hey
sari.hey@businessfinland.fi
+358 46 923 4745
 

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