In September we had the pleasure to organize FAM trip to Pyhä in collaboration with local entrepreneurs & tourism authorities of Pyhä.
Pyhä is a popular ski destination for the domestic market. However, it is also an excellent destination for clients looking for authentic outdoor experiences. Well connected, just 120 km to the North-East from Rovaniemi airport, Pyhä is easy to reach. Although the village of Pyhä has only 300 inhabitants there are several stunning wilderness boutique hotels and amazing activities all year round.
This September six European travel professionals got the opportunity to explore the magical autumn in Pyhä with us during a short, but intensive famtrip. In only two nights in Pyhä the guests experienced one of the oldest national parks in Finland as well as tried multiple activities and services – that can be offered for both individual visitors and small groups. Autumn weather was at its very best. The nature was blooming in red, yellow and orange, and the temperatures were perfect for sporty outdoor activities, around +13°C.
Site visits and nature activities of the first day in Pyhä-Luosto
The group gathered to Helsinki for the first night to be able to catch an early morning flight towards Rovaniemi. After their arrival to Rovaniemi they met Elämys’ hosts: Johanna and Karoliina. Rovaniemi is located only 1,5 hours drive from the Pyhä-Luosto area, so it’s even possible to combine the two different arctic destinations.
The sunny autumn day started with a visit to Kopara Reindeer Park. Lovely, furry reindeer welcomed the guests and the reindeer herder explained interesting facts about the reindeer. As well as about the activities that can be done during the farm visit. A delicious and warming lunch crowned the visit.
Then it was time to do some sports! Pyhä-Safaris had arranged a chairlift ride, Pyhä Express to the top of Pyhä to admire the beautiful autumn foliage and its vivid colors, and a guided hike down from the top. After a hike we took the group for a site visit to Pyhä Igloos and a coffee break served in a cozy Kota – a traditional Lappish hut. Pyhä Igloos offers stylish igloo-type accommodation for guests looking for something special and high-class during their trip. Imagine looking at the Northern Lights and stars straight from your own bed!
Accommodation in northern wilderness
Guests were staying at Sunday Morning Resort by Experience Pyhä. Sunday Morning Resort is a luxury accommodation option for people looking for privacy and peace in the middle of northern wilderness. The resort offers accommodation for 28 people in four hotel rooms and four high-end cottage-like apartments. Experience Pyhä provides also multiple activities and programs for the guests and other groups.
Checked-in and after a short moment to relax, it was time for sauna. In a country of three million saunas for 5,5 million people, it’s a must to try the traditional Finnish sauna. In addition the resort’s lakeside sauna has also hot tubs for the ones searching for full comfort. And if you are brave enough you can take a dip into the Arctic lake! After sauna experience 5-course tasting menu was served for dinner at the resort’s restaurant Aihki. Delicious local and seasonal food. One of the comments given by the guests: The best dinner I ever had!
Nature wonders during the second day
After a good night’s sleep, it was time for a new day and new experiences in Pyhä-Luosto. The group was transferred to a neighborhood village, Luosto, for a e-fatbike ride to Amethyst mine. The activity was offered by Bliss Adventure. The weather was nice and sunny, around +10 degrees, perfect for biking. Arriving to the mine, the guests tried their luck digging for amethysts, and some were lucky! After an active morning, the group headed to Pyhän Asteli Resort for a site visit and for a tasty lunch. Pyhän Asteli Resort offers multiple different kinds of accommodation options from igloos to log cottages and holiday apartments.
The journey continued by Kairankutsu – Call of the Wilderness. The group was taken to a lake to try one of the carefully tailored activities of Kairankutsu – a canoeing excursion. The guides gave excellent instructions for beginners, too, and soon the lake was filled with canoes and lots of laughter. The landscapes from the lake were absolutely stunning.
The activity was followed by a site visit to a beautiful wilderness apartment hotel Kurula´s Resort, opening in January. The resort is surrounded by lakefront views among the beautiful fells. The afternoon ended to a lovely visit to a husky farm to meet the sweet and extremely active dogs. When offering excursions where animals are involved, we always offer farms like the one visited in Pyhä. As we want to be sure that the animals are well treated and appreciated like family members. Happy dogs make everyone happy!
Hunt for the Northern Lights
The day turned to evening and we headed back to the Sunday Morning Resort. There was a time for a little rest before the visit and dinner at Lucky Ranch. Lucky Ranch offers several activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fatbike tours, canoeing & kayaking, and especially horse-riding. Imagine riding a horse to a Lappish fell under the midnight sun – how beautiful that must be! Lucky Ranch also has a cozy lakeside sauna and in wintertime some snow-igloo accommodation. The dinner was served at Lucky Ranch Saloon: turnip soup, open fire blazed salmon and other local dishes in a home-like environment was a great ending to the day.
Although, the day did not end yet. After dinner the night was finished with a trip to hunt for the magical natural phenomenon the Northern Lights. The guide drove to a spot where there was the best chance to see the Northern lights. The guests were also guided how to capture the lights by cameras. Unfortunately this time the group was not that lucky because of the cloudy night sky, but hey better luck next time!
The next morning it was time to return to Rovaniemi. Before the flight back to Helsinki there was one more visit left. Meeting the one and only, real Santa Claus and visit his Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi airport. Santa Claus Village is open year-round and is worth a visit. You can do some last minute souvenir shopping or post a letter with Santa’s stamp.
Leisure or incentive trip to Lapland?
We at Elämys DMC are your one-stop contact to organize different kinds of events. We have years of experience from congresses and seminars to tailored groups and incentives. Finland is such a versatile country offering modern, high-tech cities and pristine nature and wilderness. Not to forget to mention its amazing four seasons. We are here to choose and to suggest the best destination for your event in Finland. If you are considering Finland for a trip or event, contact us to discuss it deeper. Let’s make a great Finnish experience together!
-Elämys DMC team