Pre-Christmas Magic in the Finnish Lakeland
Experience the peace and magic of Finnish country life – in complete relaxation before the Christmas rush begins. During this action-packed week, you'll immerse yourself in Finnish Christmas traditions: crafting, baking, sauna sessions, and winter activities amidst snow-covered nature. A crackling fire, fragrant fir trees, crisp winter air, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Travel Dates: 7.-14.12.2026 Women's Tour | 14.–21.12.2026
Group size: 6-12 person
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Pihlajapuu Guesthouse
Welcome to your Finnish home for the next few days!
Dinner together and presentation of the week's program.
Day 2 – Finnish Christmas Traditions
Introduction to Finnish Christmas customs.
Making ice or snow lanterns and a walk on the enchanting Tonttupolku – the Elf Trail through the forest.
Relaxation in the sauna in the evening.
Day 3 – Crafts & Winter Experiences
Crafting Christmas decorations.
Weather permitting, a hike or pedal-sled tour around Lake Viemenjärvi (14 km) with a campfire break and grilled sausage.
Wellness sauna in the evening.
Day 4 – Finnish Christmas Baking
Bake traditional treats: Karelian pasties, Christmas stars, and gingerbread.
If the weather is suitable, a leisurely snowshoe hike.
Soothing honey sauna in the evening.
Day 5 – In Search of the Christmas Tree
A group trip to the forest to find your own Christmas tree.
Along the way, we'll also create a "Christmas for the Animals" – with food for birds and forest creatures.
At dusk, lanterns and candles will be lit.
In the evening, a traditional smoke sauna with Minna.
Day 6 – Christmas Stroll in Nurmes
A trip to the small town of Nurmes – ideal for finding a small gift for Santa Claus.
A visit to the cemetery to light candles for deceased loved ones – an important Finnish Christmas tradition.
In the evening, a soothing foot bath sauna.
Day 7 – Finnish Pre-Christmas Evening
Lunch with classic rice pudding (Riisipuuro) and a Glögi break on the terrace.
Preparing the festive dinner together.
Christmas sauna and a visit from Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus.
A festive meal together.
Day 8 – Departure
Farewell breakfast and transfer for onward travel.
Price: 1500€/person
Single room supplement: 40€/person/night
Includes:
- 7 nights' accommodation at the cosy Pihlajapuu guesthouse
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner – homemade and regional
- All programme items as described in the itinerary, including:
- Introduction to Finnish Christmas traditions
- Making Christmas decorations
- Baking course: Karelian pies, Christmas stars, gingerbread
- Winter activities depending on the weather: snowshoe hiking, hiking, kick sled tour
- Excursion to Nurmes
- Christmas tree tour and "Christmas for the animals"
- Traditional pre-Christmas evening
- An atmospheric Christmas surprise concert organised by Nurmeksen Joulumusiikki and opera singer and artistic director Jussi Merikanto
- Daily sauna moments in various forms: normal sauna, wellness sauna, honey sauna, foot bath sauna and a traditional smoke sauna
- Equipment for winter activities (snowshoes, kick sleds, etc.)
- Entrance to the Christmas world of Finland: lanterns, candles, fire pits and atmospheric experiences in nature
- Tour guide and support by Minna and the local team
Travel information
The shared transfer from Kuopio Airport departs at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the Saturday of arrival (to coincide with the Finnair evening flight, which lands at 5:15 p.m.).
The shared transfer to Kuopio Airport leaves the guesthouse at around 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure (to coincide with the Finnair flight departing from Kuopio at 2:25 p.m.). If you arrive earlier or later, you can book an additional transfer for a fee. If you arrive by train, the transfer from/to Nurmes station is included.
Travel insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.
Pre-Christmas Magic in the Finnish Lakeland Travel Dates: December 12–19, 2026, and December 14–21 Location: Pihlajapuu Guesthouse, North Karelia, Finland Experience the peace and magic of Finnish country life – in complete relaxation before the Christmas rush begins. During this action-packed week, you'll immerse yourself in Finnish Christmas traditions: crafting, baking, sauna sessions, and winter activities amidst snow-covered nature. A crackling fire, fragrant fir trees, crisp winter air, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Pihlajapuu Guesthouse
Welcome to your Finnish home for the next few days!
Dinner together and presentation of the week's program.
Day 2 – Finnish Christmas Traditions
Introduction to Finnish Christmas customs.
Making ice or snow lanterns and a walk on the enchanting Tonttupolku – the Elf Trail through the forest.
Relaxation in the sauna in the evening.
Day 3 – Crafts & Winter Experiences
Crafting Christmas decorations.
Weather permitting, a hike or pedal-sled tour around Lake Viemenjärvi (14 km) with a campfire break and grilled sausage.
Wellness sauna in the evening.
Day 4 – Finnish Christmas Baking
Bake traditional treats: Karelian pasties, Christmas stars, and gingerbread.
If the weather is suitable, a leisurely snowshoe hike.
Soothing honey sauna in the evening.
Day 5 – In Search of the Christmas Tree
A group trip to the forest to find your own Christmas tree.
Along the way, we'll also create a "Christmas for the Animals" – with food for birds and forest creatures.
At dusk, lanterns and candles will be lit.
In the evening, a traditional smoke sauna with Minna.
Day 6 – Christmas Stroll in Nurmes
A trip to the small town of Nurmes – ideal for finding a small gift for Santa Claus.
A visit to the cemetery to light candles for deceased loved ones – an important Finnish Christmas tradition.
In the evening, a soothing foot bath sauna.
Day 7 – Finnish Pre-Christmas Evening
Lunch with classic rice pudding (Riisipuuro) and a Glögi break on the terrace.
Preparing the festive dinner together.
Christmas sauna and a visit from Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus.
A festive meal together.
Day 8 – Departure
Farewell breakfast and transfer for onward travel.
