AI CONFINI DELL'ARTICO

Arrival at and collection of rental car, Pernottamento a Oulu.

Pernottamento a Kajaani.

Leave Kajaani by following the road eastwards, running alongside Lake Nuasjärvi. After about half an hour’s drive, you’ll reach Vuokatti, one of Northern Finland’s best-known outdoor destinations: rolling hills, forests and facilities designed for those who love outdoor activities all year round. In winter, skiing (including cross-country) takes centre stage, whilst in summer there’s hiking, cycling, water sports and relaxation in the wellness centres. Continue towards Kuhmo, surrounded by lakes and forests on the border with Karelia. Here the landscape becomes wilder and nature takes centre stage: the area is known for its wildlife, including bears, lynx and wolves, which are protected in the nearby national parks. Kuhmo is also a hub of Karelian culture and the Kalevala, the epic poem that has shaped Finnish identity. If time and the season allow, you can include a detour to Hossa National Park: coniferous forests, crystal-clear lakes and cliffs featuring ancient rock paintings. An excellent setting for a short walk or simply to get in touch with nature at its most authentic. In the afternoon, continue towards Kuusamo, travelling through one of the country’s greenest and least populated areas. Upon arrival, the atmosphere changes once again: Kuusamo is a ‘gateway’ to the vast landscapes of the north-east, a starting point for national parks, hiking and outdoor activities. Recommended experiences: • Outdoor activities in Vuokatti (hiking, cycling, winter sports) • The Karelian Cultural Centre in Kuhmo • A detour to Hossa National Park (weather permitting) • An evening stroll in Kuusamo Pernottamento a Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is considered one of Finland’s nature capitals. A few kilometres to the north lies Ruka, a mountain resort that is open all year round: in winter it is one of the country’s leading ski resorts, whilst in summer it becomes a base for hiking, rafting, jeep tours and family activities. This is also the starting point for the famous Karhunkierros, the ‘Bear Trail’, one of Finland’s most famous hiking routes. After a stop in Ruka or the nearby nature parks, continue west towards Ranua, passing through forests and lakes along the E63. Ranua is home to the Ranua Wildlife Park, an Arctic zoo nestled in the forest where you can observe many species typical of the north: polar bears, wolverines, lynx, arctic foxes and numerous birds. From Ranua, it’s another hour and a half’s drive to Rovaniemi, the official capital of Lapland. The landscape becomes increasingly expansive, with rivers flowing slowly and forests that seem to go on forever. Recommended experiences: • Activities in Ruka (skiing, hiking, rafting – depending on the season) • Walk around Kuusamo • Ranua Wildlife Park • Evening arrival in Rovaniemi and first stroll through the town centre Pernottamento a Rovaniemi.

Situated right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is known throughout the world as the “home of Father Christmas”, but its identity goes far beyond the magic of the festive season. Santa Claus Village, open all year round, remains an unmissable stop: here you can cross the Arctic Circle, visit the famous post office and soak up that fairytale atmosphere that captivates adults and children alike. The heart of Rovaniemi is also modern and cultural: the Arktikum Museum, with its exhibitions on Arctic life and the Sámi people, is one of the most important research centres in the North. Almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War, the city was rebuilt according to a design by Alvar Aalto, who gave it a striking layout shaped like reindeer antlers. The surrounding area is home to endless forests, waterways, profound silence and a natural landscape that changes with the seasons: the Northern Lights in winter, the midnight sun in summer. Lively, welcoming and easy to navigate, Rovaniemi is the perfect gateway to the magic of Lapland. Recommended experiences: • Visit to Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle • Admission to Arktikum, a museum and centre dedicated to Arctic culture • A stroll along the Ounasjoki River or through the city centre • Dinner at a traditional Lappish restaurant serving reindeer and salmon dishes Pernottamento a.

Leave Rovaniemi and head south along the E75, passing through quiet forests, scattered villages and stretches of tundra that gradually give way to the coastal landscapes of the Gulf of Bothnia. After about 120 km, you’ll reach Kemi, a port town founded in the 19th century and famous for its Arctic experiences. Kemi is known throughout Finland for its SnowCastle, the huge snow castle rebuilt every winter with ever-changing designs: carved doors, illuminated corridors, chapels and sculptures that look as though they have stepped out of a fairy-tale kingdom. But part of the complex is open all year round: the SnowCastle Indoor, kept at a constant temperature, allows you to step into a small world of ice even in summer, amidst sculptures, glittering walls and installations dedicated to the Arctic – a perfect alternative for those visiting the region out of season. If you’re passing through Kemi during the colder months, you might also consider cruises on the legendary icebreaker Sampo, which plies the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea and offers the chance to ‘float’ amongst the ice floes whilst wearing a special thermal suit. Whatever the season, a stroll along the harbour is a pleasure: the Baltic Sea here has a unique light, with vast skies and an almost surreal calm. Before setting off again, it’s worth stopping off at the neo-Gothic Lutheran church and the Gemstone Gallery, where rare stones, replicas of historic jewellery and even the crown designed for a Kingdom of Finland that never came to be are on display. Continue on to Oulu (around 105 km), where you can enjoy the final evening of your trip amongst restaurants, cafés and the illuminated waterfront. Oulu is a young and lively city, with a strong cultural spirit and a culinary scene that blends modern Nordic flavours with tradition. Recommended experiences: • SnowCastle Indoor (open all year round) • Winter SnowCastle (January to April) • Cruise on the Sampo icebreaker (in season) • Gemstone Gallery • Walk along the harbour on the Gulf of Bothnia Pernottamento a Oulu.