A Winter Journey to Remember – Oulu & Rokua Geopark, Finland

My recent visit to Oulu for the Winter Fun Workshop 2026 turned into a truly memorable journey through Northern Finland’s winter magic.

A highlight was exploring the stunning Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, a unique Ice Age landscape of frozen lakes, pine forests, and ancient dunes. It is a perfect example of sustainable tourism in Finland.

Staying at Hotel Rokuanhovi offered a peaceful lakeside escape, blending comfort with untouched nature. Experiences like snowmobiling on the frozen Lake Oulujärvi and snowshoeing in Rokua National Park made the Arctic winter feel both exciting and calming.

Evenings were just as magical, with a traditional Finnish sauna, star-filled skies, and even a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

The journey also brought authentic cultural moments, from enjoying local Nordic cuisine with Oulujärvi Luxury Hideouts to making traditional Karjalanpiirakka at Nature Dream Days, where I also had one of the best vegan meals I’ve experienced.

What makes this region special is not just the landscape, but the feeling. Pure nature, silence, and genuine Finnish hospitality make it truly unique.

I leave inspired and grateful, excited to share these authentic experiences with travellers. Northern Finland truly stays with you, fingers crossed you will experience it too.

/Lucky

Summer Fun Workshop Pre-Tour – Porvoo

One of a kind destination, plenty of reasons to visit.

Porvoo is one of Finland’s most charming and historic destinations, just under an hour from Helsinki or direct from the Airport. It is the country’s second-oldest city, but what makes it truly special is how naturally history, art, and everyday life still blend.

The Old Town is instantly recognisable with its reddish riverside warehouses, colourful wooden houses, and cobbled medieval streets leading up to the iconic Porvoo Cathedral. But beyond the postcard views, the city has a quiet depth that stays with you.

This visit also brought a new perspective to Porvoo’s cultural roots. Walking through the Albert Edelfelt Atelier created a strong reflection on how artists like Edelfelt, Runeberg, Ville Vallgren and others were part of the same era, shaping early Finnish art and identity within the same city. It almost feels like Porvoo holds the early footsteps of Finnish cultural history.

There is also something thought-provoking about places like Linnamäki. Standing there, it is easy to imagine how the city may have started forming from 8th to the 14th century as a small merchant settlement. Today, those same riverbanks and red houses still carry that long history in a very natural and living way.

The programme itself offered a well-balanced experience across nature, culture, and hospitality. From the coastal setting of Pellinge Marina, to the elegant atmosphere of Haikko Manor & Spa, and the boutique design feel of Hotel Runo, each stop added its own character to the journey. Combined with guided cultural visits, museums, galleries, and local food experiences, it gave a complete view of Porvoo’s identity.

In the end, Porvoo is not just a destination you see, but one you feel. A place where heritage and creativity quietly continue side by side, and where every visit adds a slightly different layer of understanding.

/Lucky