While folks might not always think of cold temps when it comes to vacation, let me share why Finland is a dream destination you can absolutely book solo.
There’s a certain kind of magic that only exists in a winter wonderland. The hush of fresh snow, the way sound softens under it, the quiet glow of Christmas lights strung year-round against long, dark nights. On an eight-day journey through Finland with The Solo Travel Co., that magic isn’t just something you witness; it’s something you settle into, with the added comfort of knowing everything has been thoughtfully taken care of, even if you’re travelling “solo.”
We started with a quick stop in Helsinki, just enough time to land and reset, before heading north to the Arctic Circle the next day.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland is one of those places that feels special in a way that’s hard to fake. A lot of that comes from its founder, Jussi Eiramo, whose whole vision was rooted in experiencing the Arctic as it is. There’s a story about him falling asleep outside and waking up under the northern lights, and you can feel that sense of wonder carried through the entire property.
It’s not just one type of stay either. There are traditional log cabins, cozy suites, glass igloos made for watching the sky, and these hybrid cabin-igloos that somehow manage to feel both rustic and a little bit luxe. You can go from sitting by a fire to lying in bed looking out at the Arctic sky without stepping outside, which feels very ideal when it’s well below freezing.
What I loved most was that everything kind of happens from there. You’re not trekking across the region trying to piece together activities. It’s all built into the experience, so your days just unfold.
One evening, you’re bundled up on a reindeer sleigh ride, guided by members of the indigenous Sámi people, moving quietly through the forest in a way that feels almost meditative in the dark. Another day, you’re out on a husky safari, flying through snowy trails, then immediately afterwards crouching down to say hi to the dogs, who are so friendly and gentle it’s actually reassuring.
There’s also a bit of fun woven in. Finland is, after all, the home of Santa Claus, so yes, we went to Santa Claus Village, and yes, we met him. But before that, we were taken around the village by an elf named Sparkle, who may genuinely be the happiest person I’ve ever met. Fully committed to the role, endlessly cheerful, and somehow completely convincing, she set the tone in a way that made it impossible not to get swept up in holiday cheer, even if it was March. If Finland is often called one of the happiest places on earth, I’m pretty sure she’s at least part of the reason why.
If you’re someone who likes options, there are plenty. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even horseback riding with Finnish horses through the snow. Or you can just go for a walk and take it all in. Also, a quick note for anyone from Vancouver, the cold hits differently here. It’s dry, not damp, so it doesn’t seep into your bones the same way. As long as you’re layered properly, you can actually enjoy being outside for hours.
One of the biggest highlights, though, ended up being something I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. A traditional Finnish sauna, followed by a cold plunge cut directly into a frozen river. What made it special was the group. We were all standing there in the snow, hyping each other up, half-laughing, half-questioning our life choices. One woman in our group, in her 60s, was absolutely set on not doing it. And then, with all of us cheering her on, she went for it. The reaction afterwards, the cheering, the pride, it felt like such a small moment that turned into something bigger. It wasn’t about the plunge; it was about what happens when you feel supported enough to try, and that seems to be unique to travelling with women.
I’ll be honest, I went with one main goal in mind: seeing the northern lights. And during my stay, the nights were too cloudy for them to show up. But here’s the thing, it didn’t feel like a loss.
My misconception before actually experiencing Finland is that if it weren’t for the Northern Lights, why would I subject myself to winter weather? Turns out experiencing the Arctic goes beyond what a camera can capture. The stillness, the pace, the way your days feel full without being overwhelming. Watching snowfall from inside a glass igloo is still impressive, lights or no lights.
And honestly, a huge part of what made the trip what it was came down to the people. Travelling with a group of women across different ages and stages of life adds a layer you can’t really replicate. You get different perspectives, different stories, and this underlying sense that everyone is there for themselves, in their own way. Some women in the 60s who were still eager to try new things, women in their 30s and 40s who were carving out time for themselves and trying to shift out of mom-mode for a moment.
It’s the kind of environment where you can connect deeply, or take a step back and just be, without feeling any pressure either way. With everything centred around the resort and handled for you, it’s easy to just drop in and experience it. No overthinking, no constant planning, just being there.
Finland in winter isn’t about chasing a perfect moment. It’s about everything that happens while you’re there. And even when things don’t go exactly as planned, it still ends up being exactly what you needed. —Vicki Duong
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