Seek and find
Think of a winter trip to Finland, and Finnish Lapland probably springs to mind. I get it! With this brand-new travel guide for winter in Southern Finland, I'm going to change that. It's a magical destination thanks to the abundance of lakes and forests. And did you know that Southern Finland is also a great road trip destination with your own car? When Voigt Travel asked me to explore this bucket-list destination, my eyes lit up at the thought that this could be a fantastic alternative to our annual winter sports trip to the Alps. Because skiing is also possible in Southern Finland! Along with many other winter activities that make your holiday just that little bit more special. In this article with travel tips for winter in Southern Finland, I'll break it all down for you.
Throwback: My first winter trip to Finland
16 X travel tips for Southern Finland in winter
I can imagine you're at a loss as to where to begin planning a winter trip to Southern Finland. That's why I've compiled tips for two types of trips in this guide, each focusing on outdoor activities. In one area, you can enjoy beautiful Lake Saimaa, while in the other, you can ski on the slopes of Himos. Want to read along?
Road trip with your own car
Drive to Southern Finland in your own car. No hassle with flights, lost suitcases, and if you're traveling with kids, you'll spend no longer in the car per leg than you would on a winter sports trip to the Alps. Just saying, but this really triggered me! If you're not tied to school holidays, you can take your time and make several fun stops at the beginning or end of the complete car trip booked through Voigt Travel. A winter adventure to a snow-covered fairytale wonderland. What makes this trip different from most road trips? Your adventure begins on the ferry, crossing the Baltic Sea! The big advantage of the trips I recommend in this guide compared to, for example, a trip to Lapland, is that you're traveling in your own car. This gives you plenty of freedom to do all sorts of things at your destination!
TIP: Do you, like me, have school-aged kids? Spring break often includes extra study days, making a winter trip to southern Finland with the whole family possible during this period, even with free days.
Fairytale wonderland during the road trip
Ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki
If you're taking a winter road trip to southern Finland, you'll take the Finnlines ferry from the German port of Travemünde to Helsinki. From Utrecht, the drive to Helsinki takes less than six hours in normal traffic. You can check into your cabin at 21 PM. On the outward journey, you'll spend two nights on the ferry. On the return journey, you'll spend one night, after which you'll stay in a hotel in Germany before driving home, feeling refreshed. So, what exactly does the ferry crossing entail? You can read that here >>
Adventure around Lake Saimaa
Choosing a trip based around the beautiful Lake Saimaa region? Then you'll completely unwind in the natural beauty of Southern Finland. Several daily excursions are included in your trip, the schedule of which you'll receive upon arrival. There's also plenty of time to explore independently or book additional excursions. This allows you to plan your day exactly as you like.
Stay at the Sahanlahti resort with ice sauna
During your trip to Lake Saimaa, you'll stay at the Sahanlahti Resort. Here, you'll spend the night surrounded by snow and can choose from cozy cabins or a hotel room in the main building. After a day of exploring, you don't even have to leave the resort for a delicious meal. You'll stay on a full-board basis, and there are three different restaurants and a cozy bar. If you're looking for a completely carefree holiday with delicious food, this is the perfect place to stay. View the trip to Lake Saimaa here >>
© Sahanlahti Resort
Go skiing in Himos
Want to combine your winter trip to southern Finland with skiing? You can do so in the Himos winter sports resort, just a three-hour drive from Helsinki. The ski area boasts 21 (floodlit) runs and 15 ski lifts. You'll find several perfectly groomed slopes that are also perfect for families and beginners. Little ones can have fun in the Lumila snow park. The village of Himos also boasts several restaurants and a supermarket.
Stay in a bungalow with a private sauna
During this winter sports trip to Himos, you'll stay at Himos Bungalows. Here, you'll enjoy complete privacy, as the bungalows are spread throughout the hilly area. You can park your car right next to your bungalow, and the restaurant, reception, and various ski slopes are all within a 500-1300 meter radius. Sounds idyllic, right? The Himos Bungalows have an eco-label for their efforts to use energy sustainably, among other things.
© skating – Voigt Travel
9 Unique Winter Excursions in Southern Finland
Depending on the area you're visiting in Southern Finland, you can enjoy a variety of wonderful excursions. Some of these winter activities are even included in your trip! Of course, once you've arrived at your destination, you can always plan more fun things to do based on your own interests. One of the biggest advantages of a self-drive holiday to Southern Finland, if you ask me! I've listed a few excursions for you:
- Ice fishing (Saimaa & Himos)
- Electric snow scootering (Saimaa)
- Ice skating (Himos)
- Nikalampi sauna (Saimaa)
- Husky tour (Himos – note: these are short tours and only if there is enough snow)
- Ice floating (Saimaa & Himos)
- Ice kayaking (Saimaa)
- E-fat bike safari (Saimaa & Himos)
- (Night) Snowmobile safari (Himos)
- Snowshoeing (Himos)
- Reindeer at Moose Manor (Himos)
Good to know: you can easily rent equipment for all activities through your accommodation or the organization!
© icefloaten – Voigt Travel
Extend your trip with a city trip to Helsinki
Have you ever been to Helsinki? I was fortunate enough to have worked for a Finnish company for a long time. In my international role, I visited Helsinki at least once a quarter. It's a charming waterfront city with beautiful boutique hotels and excellent restaurants. The Nordic cuisine you'll experience during your trip to Southern Finland remains one of my favorites. If you have the opportunity to extend your trip with one or two nights in Helsinki, I would definitely recommend it!
See Voigt's complete winter trips to Southern Finland here:
- 9 days winter adventure in Sahanlahti >>
- 9-day winter skiing adventure in Himos >>
- Also useful: practical information to prepare for your winter trip to Southern Finland >>
Winter trips to Southern Finland
Reindeer in the 'wild' at Moose Manor
© Voigt Travel
© snowshoeing – Voigt Travel
© Voigt Travel
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𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
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🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
3 x where the entire grill tip is located
Not too big,
everything within walking distance,
But plenty of nice hotspots!!
These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands perfuse for you to tip this line!
I've got massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨
Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway?
Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀
@ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant.
Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations.
Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓!
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
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Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟭 & 𝟮𝟮
It wouldn't be Amsterdam if the weekend wasn't packed with plans. Spring is in the air and I feel like new hotspots are popping up all over the city. HELLO @ottolenghi & @ottolenghi_amsterdam :-)
And yes, market season is officially back. Think vintage finds, design treasures and sunny terrace stops in between.
Plus, plenty of feel-good plans: from a Korean Sunday brunch @nikotin.restobar to a kid-proof pizza nights.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 67 tips straight to your DMs.
Curious… where are you going this weekend? ☀️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
With love,
Anne
In collaboration with Voigt Travel
| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.
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