Lapland

[BasementIdeas]

Anyone going to Lapland this year? Anyone been previously that can give us some tips?

I'm flying out on the 7th, going with Canterbury for the 2 night Sparkle trip. We're staying in Suomu which I believe is a new location this year. I can't bloody wait to tell the kids!

All excitement is gone for me now after today's announcement. Anyone else?

Surely Finland would be foolish not to implement testing upon/prior to arrival?

In fact, Helsinki airport has announced plans to test arrivals today.

We are flying to Finland on 21st to spend Christmas with our son who lives there. Not feeling optimistic.

It’s suddenly looking very grim isn’t it. We are due to go this Wednesday, back on Sunday. Best case scenario with the new UK rules means another 2 days off school. Worst case is we don’t go at all as quarantine is re-introduced in Finland as looks the case for Helsinki.

Finland had very strict entry rules before I will be very surprised if they don't impose restrictions again.

We went to saariskella a few years ago. It was amazing! We booked the trips before we went. The only thing that I would say wasn’t great was the food so take plenty of snacks! You will have an awesome time!!

raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic

This looks like it's up to date ...

Apparently Finland are having an emergency meeting this afternoon to discuss further restrictions. Just hoping it’s testing prior to arrival rather than quarantine. Surely Lapland can’t afford to miss a second season?!

@BasementIdeas, that's what I'm hoping, they're all set up for the season to begin.

I'd more than happily to test pre entry, but I'd rather not test upon arrival and risk having to quarantine over there.

intermin.fi/en/-/finland-to-restrict-entry-from-southern-africa-due-to-new-virus-variant

Only affecting travellers from African countries, thank GOD

Looking at Krista Mikkonen’s latest tweet (the Finnish Minister of the Interior) the Finnish government are this afternoon looking at restrictions on entry for those living in Southern Africa. Her tweet is quite specific.
Here’s hoping they don’t digress, but I’d happy with testing on arrival. I’m struggling to do anything useful today, this is so unsettling.

@MaraScottie what a wonderful cross post, you are ahead of me. Woohoo (for now).

Great news. However we’re going in 3 weeks so plenty of time for things to change!

@basementideas. 3 weeks on Tuesday. I haven't seen my son & DIL for so long.

We were in Finnish Lapland when Corona started. Were hoping to go back this winter, but not sure of the risk. However it is just beautiful.

We went independently and had our own snow gear. Saw that you can also rent the all-in-ones if you're independent. Most organised activities actually have them included in the price to.

Lots of cross country skiing which we love. I'm not sure I could do that in a suit though - once you're moving you do get warm.

As an idea of the cold: DH went skiing one night (lit pistes) and he really struggled. He couldn't get the skis to move properly and was exhausted when he got back (v unlike him he's super fit). Turned out it was so cold that the snow was freezing onto the skies, so they couldn't glide!

We didn't go out looking for the northern lights. It's cold during the day but it's a dry cold so we found it ok. Night time though is different and no chance I was going outside, even for that!