Finland’s Winter Wonderland: Aurora Borealis and Huskies
Snow, sledding, and breathtaking experiences shape my dream vacation in Lapland. I feel fulfilled as I embrace the unique adventures on offer.
“Make sure you follow my tracks,” warns our snowmobiling guide, Martti Kiviniemi. “Otherwise, there’s a risk.”
“A risk of what?” I ask, dreading the answer.
“It’s possible to take a bath in minus-20-degree water.”
A sudden rush of panic hits me. We stand on a vast frozen lake in remote northern Lapland, preparing to ride snowmobiles for ice fishing. Having seen a film of a boy trapped under lake ice, I fear this deeply. I almost back out, but remind myself I chose this adventure; for years, I’ve dreamed of witnessing the [translate: Northern Lights (aurora borealis)], riding huskies, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling through pristine snowy wilderness.
I’ve paid well for three days packed with cold-weather excitement in Finland: outdoor fun by day and aurora hunting by night.
After a safety briefing, we don helmets and set off across the flat white expanse of Menesjärvi (järvi means “lake” in Finnish). Although maintaining a steady speed is nearly impossible and the lake’s surface proves uneven, the ride thrills me.
Valuing my chance to live my dream, the exhilarating experience outweighs the occasional bumps. My 22-year-old passenger, August, gets the rougher ride.
“Make sure you follow my tracks,” warns our snowmobiling guide, Martti Kiviniemi. “Otherwise, there’s a risk.”
“It’s possible to take a bath in minus-20-degree water.”
Author's summary: Experiencing Lapland's icy landscapes and chasing the Northern Lights on husky sleds and snowmobiles turns a long-held dream into an exhilarating reality.
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