Globetrotters from Helsinki discovered Rovaniemi

– We are so taken with Rovaniemi atmosphere that we will from now on, return at least for one weekend every winter. We still have many hotels, exotic accommodations and restaurants left to discover, Sami reveals. 

Last winter a sudden change in their travel plans occurred when the duo was heading to Bangkok for an annual visit. Instead the Corona propelled the globetrotters to Rovaniemi. The duo had heard the reputation of Rovaniemi beeing highly praised as a travel destination, and it was love at first sight.

– We were smitten right away, in the quality and chilled unique atmosphere. Might sound as a cliché but Lapland sure offers exoticism for Finns, Kimmo praises.

Health-safe travel is highly valued by Sami and Kimmo, for they both work as medical doctors.

– Traveling during corona is not dangerous in itself, it all comes down to personal choises and personal behavour, states Sami who works as an insurance company Medical Adviser.

Finnair’s Medical Director Kimmo wishes to emphasize the safety of air travel, and how unlikely it is to catch a virus during a flight. Therefore staying home in fear of getting corona during travel is no excuse.

In year 2020 less than 50 SARS-CoV-2- air travel infections were reported. During that period however 1,2 billion air travelers were globally transported. Even tenfolded the infections would still be highly unlikely.

Once the corona situation allows travel, the duo plans to head for the island of Santorini in Greece and later in the summer New York. Journey continues!

We asked the globetrotters for a Rovaniemi TOP5 and also for a world-wide TOP5.

5 reasons to fall for Rovaniemi

1. Style & quality. Truly world-class hotels and restaurants in terms of quality and style. Particularly Arctic Light Hotel delighted us. Restaurants that stole our hearts were city center Gustav Kitchen & Bar and  Sky Kitchen & View located in Ounasvaara with stunning views.
2. People. Truly equipped with great sense of humor, friendly and easy-going people, that will sart a chat with you even from a neighbouring restaurant table – positively non-Finnish!
3. Food. For Finnish people outside Lapland the tastes of Lapland are truly exotic. Food is better and more authentic then “Lappish food” served in Southern Finland.
4. Unique Surroundings & Unique Vibes. For travelers from Helsinki Rovaniemi feels like a different country, like we are abroad.
5. ”Rose & gin”. Sky Kichen & View Lingonberry & sweet grass drink made by Anneli.

TOP 5 -destinations world-wide

1. Buenos Aires and Argentina, regular winter destination – this year partly replaced by Rovaniemi.
2. Hong Kong
3. London
4. Austria
5. San Francisco