Travel Guides on Channel 9 – Our Travel Guides are about to embark on a frosty Finnish adventure – get ready for a winter wonderland like no other! From the quirky cities to the rugged north, it’s going to be one heck of an Arctic ride.
First stop: the funky capital city Helsinki. Our Guides aren’t taking a boring old walking tour! They’re hopping onto hobby horses for a wacky ride around the Senate Square, taking in all the famous sites and neoclassical architecture.
When the sun sets at 3pm, our Guides head to the Helsinki Ice Hall to cheer on the local team IFK.As they watch the national sport, it’s fast-paced with a side of shockingly violent action. They get swept away with the crowd’s chants and discover a new favourite sport along the way.
On their last day in Helsinki, our Guides hit up the famous Old Market, Vanha Kauppahalli, where they can try all kinds of Finnish specialties like traditionally smoked reindeer. But does eating Rudolph ruin Christmas?
Next stop: Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland.
They’re staying at the Apukka Resort where you can order a sauna and have it delivered to your room on sleds! Some of our Guides test it out, but when it gets too hot, they quickly embrace the elements to cool down.
To survive the harsh cold outdoors, you need to dress appropriately. Luckily, the resort offers free winter gear to guests, so our Guides head to the gear room to pick up their winter woolies. Once they’re all layered up, they set off into the snow for one of their most thrilling outdoor experiences yet: husky sledding. After a crash course in steering the sled, they’re flying off into the forest and onto a massive frozen lake. Some of our Guides nail the turning corners, while others… not so much.
All that outdoor excitement has got our Guides craving some serious carbs, so they head to the resort’s Kota restaurant for a traditional Lappish feast. On the menu is Finnish Mushroom Soup and Shaved Moose with Lingonberry jam.
Next up is the Santa Claus village where it’s Christmas every day!
They cross the magical Arctic Circle border, feed Santa’s reindeer, and pick up some ridiculous souvenirs along the way. All their dreams come true when they meet the big fella in red and get the perfect pic with St Nick.
A new day, a new arctic adventure, as they head to the frozen lake for a spot of ice fishing. Who knew there fish living under here? And plenty of them. But those wishing to stay inside opt for Irene’s workshop to get their crafternoon on – Finnish style. They’re making traditional amulets out of reindeer antlers and bones, but not all of our Guides have a knack for handicrafts, resulting in some questionable designs.
As our Guides make the Finnish line of their week-long wintery holiday, they’re capping it off with a traditional lakeside sauna and a refreshing arctic bath. After defrosting, they rate their Finnish winter holiday out of five stars.
Travel Guides – Wednesday 7 June, 2023 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now
TV Central Nine content HERE
