My girlfriend showed me this picture of glass igloos in the snow. It was a brochure to a glass igloo hotel deep in the arctic circle. We started talking about how cool that would be and how much I wanted to see the Northern lights. We ( my girlfriend and me) flew in to Helsinki on the 12th of Feb.
Helsinki was the best. We stayed in the Hilton located right here next to the ocean. It was amazing to see as the sea would freeze people would walk out onto it. According to one of our cab drivers "crazy" people.
We took a ferry to Suomenlinna, which is this island fortress. It is so pretty and the museums are as fantastic as their restaurants. The sunset was just jaw dropping. The ferry ride back as it was becoming night time was incredible. The ice on the water being broken and pushed aside as the lights of the city started to come on.
We continued our journey up north, way up north. We landed in Ivalo. Oh my word you should go to this hotel they have glass igloos so you can watch the Aurora at night. It was snowing on that night for us but, the following night as we were on a reindeer sleigh ride when the sky cleared for a display of the northern lights. It was magical. We went on a dog sled excursion which was fantastic. I got to drive first then my girlfriend. We were allowed to pet the dogs at the end. The smile was on my face despite the cold. Oh and protip when they tell you to take the extra heavy clothing do it. I had on so many layers of high quality snow gear on that I didnt think I would need it. The staff politely insisted and so many thanks that they did. I could feel the cold thru all their equipment and mine.
We went back to Helsinki for another day before the return trip home. We went to a grocery store there and quickly learned how different things are even as they are the same. This was a once in a lifetime journey for me, spending it with my girlfriend made it epic. If you have are planning a once in a lifetime trip go to Ivalo and see the Northern lights. The people there are the friendliest it was contagious. I wish I could thank each person I came across they made it special. Oh and the guy that runs the Northern Lights Tank excursion, awesome dude you have to meet him.