Diana Wray
For Adelman Vacation Advisor Diana Wray, the appeal of a winter getaway isn't escaping the cold. It's embracing it. "I love winter," Diana said with a laugh. "I don't like traveling when it's too hot." That love of cold-weather destinations led her on an eight-day journey through Sweden and Finland. The trip offered a mix of sophisticated city experiences, unique accommodations, Arctic adventures, and cultural traditions that few travelers get to experience.
Discovering Stockholm
The adventure began in Stockholm, Sweden, where the group spent two nights at the luxurious Grand Hotel. While Diana knew Stockholm had a strong reputation, she was surprised by how much the city had to offer.
“We toured the Royal Palace, visited the Vasa Museum, and did a walking food tour,” she said.
The Vasa Museum was a particular highlight. The museum is built around a massive ship that sank on its maiden voyage in the 1600s and was recovered centuries later from the seabed. Today, it is one of Sweden’s most fascinating historical attractions.
Into the Arctic
After Stockholm, the group flew north toward Sweden’s Arctic region, where the landscape changed from bustling city streets to icy wilderness. The first stop was at the Tree Hotel, just south of the Arctic Circle. Rather than traditional hotel rooms, guests stay in elevated treehouses.
“They had different architects throughout Scandinavia submit designs for the rooms, so each one is unique,” Diana said. “One looks like a UFO, and another is called the Bird’s Nest. It was really fabulous just to see.” The remote setting and striking designs make the property unlike any traditional resort experience.
Breaking Ice and Making Memories
As the journey continued toward the Swedish-Finnish border, Diana arrived in Haparanda, where she experienced what would become one of her favorite moments of the trip. The group boarded an icebreaker ship that navigated through the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea, breaking ice as it traveled.
“They stopped the ship and let us get out and walk around on the ice,” Diana said. “Then we put on survival suits and got in the water.” Floating among the icy waters between Sweden and Finland was an experience she won’t soon forget.
“We have official certificates saying we sailed and swam in the ice-cold waters between Finland and Sweden,” she said. “Now I can say I’ve done that.”
Following their icy water adventure, the group visited Kukkolaforsen, a riverside retreat known for its deep connection to Finland’s sauna culture.
“Everything there is about the sauna experience,” Diana said. “They had seven or eight different types of saunas.”
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Traveling north through Lapland, the group officially crossed the Arctic Circle and stopped at the famous Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi, Finland. Along the way, Diana experienced one of the more unusual moments of the trip.
“The day we left Haparanda, the clocks changed overnight for daylight saving time, so we lost an hour,” she explained. “Then about 10 minutes after getting on the bus, we crossed into Finland and lost another hour because we entered a different time zone.”
In less than an hour of travel, two hours had disappeared. Diana also shared an interesting geographic distinction many travelers don’t realize. “Finland is a Nordic country and part of the Arctic region, but it isn’t considered Scandinavia the way we typically think of it,” she said. “Scandinavia is made up of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.”
Northern Lights and Reindeer Encounters
One of the most unique accommodations of the trip was the Lights of Lapland Resort in Posio, Finland. Guests stay in freestanding cabins called “cubes,” each featuring a floor-to-ceiling heated window facing north.
“The idea is that you can watch for the northern lights right from your room,” Diana said. The resort sits on a ridge overlooking a valley, offering dramatic views of the surrounding wilderness. While in Posio, the group took a reindeer sleigh ride and learned more about the role reindeer play in northern Finnish culture.
“They’re almost like cattle are here in the U.S.,” Diana explained. “We ate a lot of reindeer during the trip.” Initially hesitant, she quickly became a fan. “It’s very lean and doesn’t taste gamey like deer here. It’s actually quite tasty.”
The group also had the chance to meet a sled dog team and learn about the dogs, although warmer weather conditions prevented any sledding.
A Close Encounter with Polar Bears
Another standout experience was a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park. The park is home to brown bears, lynxes, wolves, reindeer and more, but the star attractions are the polar bears living in expansive natural-style habitats.
“I could have stood there for hours and watched the polar bears,” Diana said.
For animal lovers, the opportunity to observe Arctic wildlife in such an immersive setting was unforgettable.
A Taste of Nordic Culture
Food played an important role throughout the journey, with menus reflecting the region’s traditions and climate. On the walking tour in Stockholm, Diana sampled local specialties including bear sausage and regional cheeses.
“In Stockholm, a lot of the meals at the hotel felt almost Michelin-level in presentation,” she said. “And of course you can always find fast food options around the city.” Outside the city, dining options reflected the local region. Swedish meatballs appeared frequently, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
“When you’re staying outside of Stockholm, there’s really nowhere else to eat, so you eat what is served at your hotel,” Diana said. Breakfast was always a standard American-style eggs and bacon buffet, but dinners consisted of hearty meals featuring meat, potatoes, soups, fresh bread, and salads designed to sustain residents through long winters.
Embracing the Nordic Way
Before departing Finland, Diana had one last opportunity to experience a regional tradition. Many guests participated in the classic ritual of moving between a hot sauna and an icy lake plunge. Diana, however, chose a different approach.
“A lot of people were doing the polar plunge. I watched all of that from the comfort of a hot tub,” she laughed.
For travelers seeking something different, Sweden and Finland deliver a truly memorable winter experience. Diana also recommends a summer trip to the region, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and fishing.
To speak with Diana Wray or any of Adelman Vacations’ experienced advisors, contact us at 800-749-7116.
