Foto: The meeting with Santa Claus in Rovaniemi (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Finland - Across the road lies Santa Claus Village. This park is located exactly on the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle sits just above the 66th parallel north and marks the boundary where, on the longest day of June, the sun shines for 24 hours a day. This is also the place where Santa Claus lives. In winter, there’s probably a long line to visit him, but we can walk right in. At the door, we’re welcomed by one of his elves: “Step inside!” Santa greets us in Dutch with “goedemiddag” and “hoe gaat het?” (“Good afternoon” and “How are you?”). One of the elves takes photos and a video. Santa asks about our journey to the North Cape and whether we’ve visited Finland before. Back outside, we have the option to buy the photos. Although the price is absurd (40 euros), we go for it anyway. It’s a nice souvenir. Also located on the Arctic Circle is Santa’s post office. All letters addressed to him end up here. Letters from 199 countries have been received. Of course, a passport stamp from this place is a must. We end our visit to Santa’s village with a reindeer meat sandwich. All in all, a very touristy but enjoyable experience.
Lapland the north of Finland
Finland - Contrasts are an important factor in Lapland’s appeal. The hustle and bustle of cities and ski resorts lie just minutes away from the peace and quiet of nature. Snow is guaranteed in Finnish Lapland. Snow remains for up to six months a year. On clear ...
The Helsinki Cathedral
Finland - Helsinki Cathedral is an Evangelical Lutheran church located at Senate Square in Helsinki. The bishop of Helsinki has his seat there. The building was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel in the neoclassical style. Engel designed the entire square. Construction ...
Wooden town center of Porvoo
Finland - Porvoo is one of the oldest towns in Finland. The town is located about fifty kilometers northeast of the Finnish capital Helsinki. When we arrive by boat from Helsinki into the harbor, the large flow of tourists immediately stands out. The old town center ...