AboutJim Coll Expertise I am an expert in traveling in Finland. I am especially interested in Lapland, nature and different activities. I also have a collection of hundreads of Finland internet links. Everyone seeking for good links should contact me.
Experience I am the manager of a free club named Finland Travel Club: http://groups.msn.com/FinlandTravelClub
Expert: Jim Coll Date: 1/31/2008 Subject: Helsinki visit 18-25 jan
Question QUESTION: Dear Jim - I knew I would have another question for you!
Because of the lack of snow in Helsinki, I see from the internet that there are special deals on the overnight train to Rovaneimi. Have you used this service yourself?
If we take the 22.30 train we arrive next morning and then depart at 18.00 back to Helsinki, so sleeping on the train for 2 nights. It sounds very exciting but I wonder if it is worth all the travelling for just a day in Rovaneimi. Your opinion on this would be must appreciated.
I leave for Finland tomorrow.
Your service is excellent and you have been so helpful.
regards
Denise
ANSWER: Dear Denise,
Now the snow situation in Southern and Central Finland is even worse than in the beginning of this week. However, the newest weather forecast says that the temperature will be colder in the next week. There is a small possibility even for snowing in Helsinki - or at least in Tampere (very good train connections from Helsinki), I hope.
I have used overnight trains from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. It is exciting but you won't sleep very well in a train.
I wouldn't travel to Rovaniemi for just a day without any special programmes, e.g. safaris etc. All transfers in Rovaniemi will take time if you are travelling on your own, without any travel package.
Helsinki Expert has a very good package named Santa Claus Safari from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (two nights in the overnight train). The package is quite expensive but you will get exciting experiences. For more details see http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi/tours/ (choose Santa Claus Safari), please.
If you won't book a travel package to Rovaniemi, I recommend booking flights Helsinki-Rovaniemi-Helsinki and staying at least one night in Rovaniemi. I could recommend some reasonable priced hotels in Rovaniemi for you if needed.
I hope that this answer will help you.
Once again, welcome to Finland!
Jim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Jim - I thought you would like to know that we did eventually have some snow during our stay in Helsinki! It was particularly heavy one day, so we went to Seurasarri and were almost the only people there. It was beautiful and we were able to walk on the snow laden paths before anyone else. I also managed to get some lovely photos at Lautasarri, very atmospheric. All the information you gave was very useful and my daughter had a very happy 18th birthday. We will visit Finland again in the summer - so more questions for you then.
best regards
Denise
Answer Dear Denise,
Thank you very much for your kind message. I appreciate it very much. It is so nice to hear that you had a happy holiday and birthday celebration. We have got more snow now.
I am here for your questions about your summer holiday. I will have a summer holiday from mid-June to mid-July. So I will be offline then. But in other times I am waiting for your questions.
