Kaushik’s Wholesome Finland Dream: A Family Trip with Thrillophilia
"The Northern Lights were always a dream for my parents. I had heard them talk about it, over and over again, as a little boy. I never thought it would be something we'd actually experience together. But here we were, about to make that dream come true."
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
The long flight was finally over, and we had arrived in Helsinki, Finland, our first stop on this much-anticipated trip. My parents had always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, and my wife and I wanted nothing more than to make that happen for them.
As we stepped off the plane, the cold Finnish air wrapped around us like a blanket, crisp and refreshing. My mom shivered, but there was a sparkle in her eyes. “We’re really here, Kaushik,” she whispered. I could hear the joy in her voice. My dad, ever the adventurer, was already taking in the city around us, soaking in the Scandinavian charm.
Day 2: A Day to Explore Helsinki
The next day was all about self-exploration. We wandered around the city, taking in the sights, sounds, and small moments that made Helsinki special. Finnish culture was so different from what we were used to, but it was refreshing.
Mom looked around, her eyes wide. “This is where all my dreams are coming true,” she said. It wasn’t just the Northern Lights that brought her here, but the entire Nordic experience. I could tell that every step she took, every street we explored, was something she’d imagined for years.
We spent the afternoon at the Suomenlinna Fortress, walking along the old walls and admiring the view.
Day 3: Rovaniemi - The Magical Land of Santa Claus
We arrived in Rovaniemi, and the excitement was unlike anything I had seen before. Rovaniemi was magical—like stepping into a winter wonderland. My parents had been eagerly waiting for this day, the day they would cross the Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus Village.
“I can’t believe we’re here! It’s like a dream come true,” Mom said as we took in the magical snow-covered landscape. Dad was like a kid in a candy store, taking photos with Santa Claus, posing for every possible picture. It was heartwarming to see them so happy.
We spent the day visiting Santa Claus Village, where we crossed the Arctic Circle, and my parents were filled with childlike joy. "This is a moment I will never forget," Dad said as he placed his feet on the Arctic Circle line. "We’ve made it."
Day 4: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle Crossing
The next day, we returned to Santa Claus Village. The festive atmosphere was overwhelming, with lights everywhere and the spirit of Christmas hanging in the air. For my parents, this was the highlight of their Nordic dream. To them, visiting Santa Claus in the land of the Northern Lights felt like pure magic.
“It feels like we’re in the North Pole,” Mom exclaimed. "Everything here is just so... perfect!" We spent time in the Village, watched reindeer races, and even rode a sleigh pulled by huskies. The joy on their faces was priceless, and I knew this would be a memory that would stay with all of us forever.
Day 5: From Rovaniemi to Oslo
The journey continued, with a short stop in Helsinki before heading to Oslo. The beauty of traveling through Europe was that every place had its own unique charm, and Norway was no exception.
When we landed in Oslo, the energy felt different. The chilly air was refreshing, and the welcoming atmosphere of the city was like a warm hug. We had some free time to explore, and we enjoyed a quiet evening at a local restaurant, sampling Norwegian delicacies and soaking in the beauty of this new city.
Day 6: Norway in a Nutshell - Sognefjord Cruise
The following day, we embarked on one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip—The Norway in a Nutshell Sognefjord Cruise. As we sailed through the fjords, the sheer magnitude of the landscape took our breath away. The towering cliffs, the pristine waters, and the snow-capped mountains seemed to stretch on forever.
My parents were silent, taking it all in. My dad turned to me and whispered, “This is a sight I’ll never forget. It’s more beautiful than I ever imagined.” It felt like nature had given us a gift, and I was grateful to share it with my family.
Day 7: Bergen to Svolvær
The adventure continued as we made our way to Bergen and then to Svolvær. The beauty of Norway was overwhelming, and each new place brought a sense of awe. We spent our days walking through snow-covered streets, admiring the colorful buildings, and feeling the winter air on our cheeks.
Every corner felt like a postcard, but it was the time spent with my parents that made this trip unforgettable. “This trip is like a dream,” Mom said, her eyes glistening with happiness. “I never thought we’d actually be here, seeing all these places together.”
Day 8: Lofoten - Discovering the Arctic Route
The next day we explored the Arctic Route. As we traveled from Svolvær to Å, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning landscape. Snow-covered mountains, dramatic coastlines, and the crisp air made this one of the most memorable days of the trip.
We took in the rugged beauty of Lofoten, where we hiked, explored, and spent time as a family. “This is what life is all about,” Dad said as we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and purple.
Day 9-12: Andenes, Tromsø, and Departure
Our last few days were filled with adventure in Andenes and Tromsø, where we braved the cold to witness the Northern Lights. As we stood under the starry sky, the shimmering lights danced above us, just as my parents had always dreamed.
“This is it,” Mom said, tears in her eyes. “We’ve finally seen it. The Northern Lights.” We held each other close, witnessing the magic of nature unfold before our eyes.
As we said our goodbyes to the Arctic and boarded our flight home, I realized that this trip had given us so much more than the Northern Lights. It had given us time together, memories we would cherish forever, and a dream fulfilled.
"The Northern Lights will always be a symbol of our dreams coming true, of family, and of the places we’ve explored together."
Read more: Thrillophilia Finland Reviews