When you think about Lapland what associations do you have with this place? Do you think about cold, snow or Santa or maybe northern lights and midnight sun? I think about Finnish Lapland as my home and I will tell you why 10 years ago I have made this decision.
My Lappish journey
My Lappish journey started from the city Rovaniemi. I visited it during Christmas time in 2011 while living in Oulu, Central Finland. I went to popular tourist places such as Santa Clause Village and Santa Park, so it was like immersing in Christmas fairy tales, surrounded by Christmas music, lights, and stories. But even more beautiful was snow and lots of it, the most I have ever seen in my life, peaceful forests, remote places where you can escape the noises of the city and just enjoy nature.
From the visits to settling…
So, after a few visits, we started looking at the properties, they were quite affordable in my opinion, so we found a nice one and made a decision to make Rovaniemi our place to settle. It’s been over 10 years now but I still cannot say that I have adopted a completely Finnish lifestyle and live like a Finn.
What is still amazes me in Finland
I still admire the fact that the most of summer Finnish people can spend in the remote cottages with a minimum comfort in the middle of the forest. The fact that Finns can be quite self-sufficient and use nature gifts for living is quite amazing, like fishing, berry, and mushroom picking while spending lots of time outdoors. There are so many opportunities for it too like hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, and many others, some of them I haven’t tried yet as ice swimming for example. I have to mention everyman’s rights in Finland, which means everyone has a right to move around and enjoy nature and collect natural products.
What I appreciate the most here
I believe Rovaniemi is a safe place to live with my family and I appreciate this fact very much. I have lived in a few places in the world where safety is an issue and some improvements are required. There are many things I value here as well, as clean water and air, peace and quiet, presence of infrastructure but not a heavy one. As to the Finnish language, it is quite unique and you definitely need to learn it if you planning to stay here for a long time, at least basic. Otherwise for a short period of time English works best and the locals are used to the presence of tourists.
What is Finnish Lapland for you? Would you like to share your experience? Write your comment below:)
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