Join the unique celebration of Happy New Twice and live the moment of the year changing two times. HaparandaTornio is a twin city on Swedish and Finnish border. With us you will be celebrating in two countries, in two time zones. In two cultures, in the cities and in the countryside.
This winter cross–border package example includes 3 nights and days by the frozen sea and river in Finnish and Swedish Lapland. Get into the spirit of the Torne Valley slow life culture. Stop and listen. You will only hear the sound of the nature. Time to relax and unwind.
DAY 1:
In the small fisherman´s village in Swedish Kukkola by the Torne River you will be accommodated in a rustic cottage. After your lunch prepared by the local chef with local ingredients, you will enjoy and explore the white and snowy winter landscape with the local guide by snowshoeing along the river. By crossing the frozen river, you will cross the border to Finland and find your Zen in our way. Ice fishing is a way of meditation to many in Torne valley. After a day out in the crispy wintry weather there is no better way to relax than sauna. Kukkolaforsen is known for its sauna academy, so this is the place to feel the heat and let it purify and do its magic. This is what wellness is all about, combining the cold and hot, peace and quiet, nature and culture.
DAY 2:
After a good night sleep and healthy breakfast it is time to break the ice. As the sea is frozen for half of the year here, we need ice breakers to keep the way open to the harbors. You have the opportunity to climb aboard the majestic vessel and experience the cruise across the frozen sea. You will be floating also in the icy water wearing a rescue suit. It does not get more exciting than this! After the cruise you will enjoy lunch in Finnish restaurant Aino and check into the historical Haparanda Stadshotel. It has been the hub for transactions in trade after the first world war and remained as an important place to meet. It has retained its ‘ glory and welcomes tourists from all over nowadays too. You will have time for shopping this afternoon. There is a small shopping mall on the border, IKEA and local shops in both city centers in Haparanda and Tornio. In the evening it is time to dress up and enjoy the celebratory dinner in the hotel´s atmospheric restaurant. In the midnight you will join the local celebration on the border square to make a toast for the year to come – twice!
DAY 3:
Sleep late and enjoy late breakfast before the day´s adventure. Time to get out from the city again and this time with in a snow train. Journey across the winter forests takes you to a local Sámi village where you will spend time with the reindeer herder and feed the reindeers. Here you will definitely get the insight of the way of life here in the woods on the nature´s terms. Lunch is served in the country side, on a local farm. Your host in Hulkoffgården might teach you couple of words in meänkieli which is a unique language spoken here in Torne Valley. After a day out you definitely need some pampering. It’s time to hit the world´s largest sauna in Cape East Hotel & Spa and encounter ancient traditions in a modern form. After the sauna experience the dinner is served in the hotel´s restaurant where the northern nature meets modern cooking. Overnight in Haparanda Stadshotel.
DAY 4:
Breakfast in the Haparanda Stadshotel and check out. Journey continues to a cute Husky Park in the middle of nowhere, where you will enjoy the husky ride in the wilderness. After the exhilarating adventure it is time to say good bye and continue to new adventures.
Note: Package can be modified from December to April without the New Year celebration.
Package includes:
Overnights: 1 night in Kukkolaforsen, 2 nights in Haparanda Stadshotel.
Food: 3 x Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snack and / or hot drink in outdoor activities
Activities: Snowshoeing and ice fishing in Torne river, Sauna experience in Kukkolaforsen sauna academy, Icebreaker cruise, Happy New Twice celebration, Winter safari to the Sámi Village, World´s largest sauna experience, Husky Safari.
Other: Safari clothing for outdoor activities is included
Optional: Local guide and transportation all times, all transportation without a guide