Close to Nature, Closer to Family: Kaushik’s Finland Trip with Thrillophilia
Hello everyone! I am Kaushik. While I work in the corporate world, there has always been a traveller hidden inside me. My love for exploring the world was sparked by my dad, who travelled often, and over the years, that wanderlust has only grown stronger.
However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that this travel bug really came to life. Since then, I have been passionate about planning trips to discover new countries and immerse myself in their history, food, and culture.
Like many kids, I have always dreamed of taking my parents on a grand vacation—a chance to create lasting memories and spend quality time together.
So, my wife and I decided to plan a special family getaway. Having travelled through Europe before, I was captivated by the cities and cultures there, so it was clear that Europe would be our destination. But as for which country to choose, that was a bit trickier. Since we were travelling with my parents, we wanted the trip to be laid-back and luxurious, allowing us to explore at a relaxed pace.
After a lot of research and discussion, we pinned down this amazing 12 days trip package to Norway and Finland with Thrillophilia, and trust me, it was one of the best vacation decisions of my life.
A Magical Start to Trip
As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, I always dreamed of attending Hogwarts, so when we landed in Helsinki, Finland, I felt like my magical adventure had begun. After settling into our lovely stay, the day was ours to explore. The city's stunning architecture captivated us, and my parents loved the charming European streets and cosy cafes.
We explored the Helsinki Cathedral and Old Market Hall, then took an architectural tour of the city's landmarks the next day. We concluded our visit to Helsinki with a lovely dinner at Pompier Espa in the city centre.
The next stop was Rovaniemi, and when people say enjoy the journey more than the destination, I will always think about the train journey we took from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The Santa Claus Express is the carriage that carries you through the wintry landscapes, passing cities and forests with snow-capped trees. What made it even more special was the heart-to-heart conversation I had with my parents, sharing dreams and aspirations. The cosy atmosphere of the train felt like a familiar comfort but with a new, magical twist.
The Land of Santa Claus - Arctic Circle
After the most mystical journey of our lives, we reached the village of Santa Claus in Finland. The village seemed like a storybook, and all the characters had come alive. My parents were especially enchanted as if we had given them a childhood experience they never imagined. We visited the Red Santa House, sent letters from the post office, and savoured hot chocolate and irresistible cinnamon rolls. The air was filled with winter magic, sweet treats, and festive vibes.
I also got to tick off one of the things from my bucket list - Crossing the Arctic Circle! It was a thrilling moment, marked by a special ceremony and a certificate to prove it. Standing in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once felt like a true adventure.
Cruising Through Beauty
The next adventure took us on a journey through water - Sognefjord Cruise. It was truly an unforgettable experience. My parents, wife, and I were all in awe of the stunning fjord landscapes, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters surrounding us.
"Wow, I feel like we’re in a painting!" my wife said, and we all agreed. We also had a chance to learn about the region’s history and nature from our guide, which added so much to the experience. Definitely one of our trip’s highlights!
In the middle of this scenic beauty, time stood still. All I wanted was to capture the joy on my parents and wife's faces—moments of pure happiness that felt timeless.
A Dreamland of Nature - Lofoten
Lofoten was a huge shift and a surprising element in our trip. The weather was completely different and the scenic backdrop was filled with natural beauty and green, and blue colours. We were to stay at a local fisher’s village in Lofoten named a single letter Å (fascinating!).
What mesmerised all of us was the small cabin in the village where we stayed. The cabin was warm and inviting, with beautiful views of the fjord. The village itself was incredibly charming—small, tight-knit, and full of character. It felt like stepping back in time, yet with modern comforts.
The community was so welcoming, and we enjoyed having a great local restaurant nearby, serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes. We loved the peacefulness of the place and how connected it felt to nature. It was the perfect place to unwind and experience true Arctic life!
My father was taken aback with emotions as he re-lived his village days but in a more breathtaking ambience. Lofoten is now forever etched in our hearts as the most special place.
The Surreal Experience of Norwegian Islands
Our last few stops in Norway were quite surreal and slow-paced. We went to an incredible whale-watching experience in Svolvær. We set out on a boat, and soon, we were surrounded by majestic orcas and humpback whales. It was a surreal feeling, to see these magnificent creatures so close. My parents and wife were quite amazed, and we couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards.
From there, we travelled to Tromso, a small village surrounded by mountains. It was peaceful, with stunning views, and a perfect way place where we got to enjoy a scenic cable car ride, Fjellheisen Cable Car, which took us to the top of Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromsø, the surrounding islands, and the beautiful fjords.
What made me the happiest after our trip was my parents saying, “Beta, this was the most memorable trip of our lives.”
Read more: Thrillophilia Finland Reviews