For some, a ‘honeymoon’ means sun, sea and sand. However, as busy Londoners, all we really wanted was peace, quiet and minimal travel hassle. We’ve done plenty of beach trips before but we knew our honeymoon would need to be extra special. It’s always been our dream to see the northern lights. “Well,” we thought, “if that’s our dream then why not fulfil it on our honeymoon”?

Why We Chose a Nordic Honeymoon in Finnish Lapland

We found Magnetic North online and they presented a few options for a Nordic Honeymoon. Our criteria; firstly, we’re not very hardy but still wanted the feeling of seclusion. Whilst a tent option was out, opting for a cabin with a glass roof. We also didn’t want to travel very far – the thought of a long flight after our large wedding felt tiring. And finally, we wanted to be somewhere where food and travel was accessible as we didn’t want to drive.

Arriving in Helsinki & Exploring the City

The Iisakki Village in Kuusamo met all these needs. Off we flew at a very reasonable hour to our first stop in Helsinki. Here we stayed at the beautiful boutique Hotel Lilla Roberts, and ate at a rooftop restaurant nearby. This meant we got to see most of Helsinki in one evening. We started the following morning with a delicious Finnish breakfast, including Karelian pasties that we fell in love with.

Flying to Kuusamo & Settling into Iisakki Village

Next, we took a short flight north to Kuusamo, just 37 miles south of the Arctic Circle. As we landed, a fresh snowfall transformed the landscape into a magical winter wonderland. Since this was our first time in the Nordics, we were mesmerized by the snow-draped forests and frozen lakes

On arrival we found our cabin with magical views, situated closely to a log fire. Their décor was modern yet homely, with a neat bathroom and kitchen area. Our first meal was in the village’s restaurant, which had delicious Finnish food ranging from reindeer, berries, and fresh fish. We enjoyed every meal we ate there for the rest of our winter honeymoon getaway.

Chasing the Northern Lights & Sauna Experience

It was important to us to have a balance of rest and relaxation combined with fun Finnish activities. We spend the first day getting familiar with our new surroundings in the village. Our second night found us on a late-night northern lights trek. Although we weren’t lucky enough to see the aurora borealis on this occasion, the trek itself was unforgettable. Walking deep into a natural park, passing river rapids and animal tracks (bears and mink). We enjoyed a warming cup of hot lingonberry juice over a warming fire. The local guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and made sure we walked at a pace suitable for us. They also did everything they could to make sure we got a glimpse of northern lights. Checking for us up until the very last minute, when they dropped us back to our cabin.

Another standout was the Finnish sauna experience. We enjoyed a luxury Finnish sauna with a local guide explaining the traditions including the “löyly” and silver birch. We then did something we never thought we would do, and plunged ourselves into an almost-frozen lake! The experience was exhilarating and surprisingly refreshing after the heat of the sauna. It definitely ridded our bodies of some of our London-tension! It was lovely to learn more about the Finnish way of life. We enjoyed getting to know the local customs better – and ended up in a hot tub overlooking the lake. This couldn’t have been any better, the winter honeymoon moment of our dreams!

Final Day: River Floating & Saying Goodbye

On the penultimate day, our last stop was a local lake for a river-floating experience. Again, this is something we never would have thought to do, but is another fantastic experience. Fully suited-up in a warm dry-suit, and under careful guidance floated along a beautiful river. Listening to birdsong and looking up at the trees. To finish this experience, a well received hot lingonberry tea and biscuits. A truly relaxing experience that brought us even closer to nature.

What Made Our Nordic Honeymoon So Special

We highly recommend a honeymoon in the Nordics, which we found to be unique, romantic and convenient. Although we didn’t see the northern lights, the beautiful snow, nature and scenery more than made up for this. Plus, it’s an exciting excuse for another holiday to continue our hunt for the elusive aurora! Whilst on the honeymoon, we started looking into another holiday, this time to Norway. That’s the sign of a good trip! Thanks so much Magnetic North for making our honeymoon magical and memorable.

Plan Your Own Tailor-Made Nordic Honeymoon

Ready to plan your own unforgettable Nordic honeymoon in Finnish Lapland? Explore our tailor-made honeymoon itineraries and experience glass-roof cabins, northern lights treks, and Finnish saunas for yourself.