Now that spring, with it’s glorious flowers and balmy skies, has officially sprung here in Seoul, it caused me actual physical pain to review and post these photos.
Nonetheless…
Frozen Lake Inari
The Inari region of Finland has the country’s third largest lake, and a population density of just 0.45 people per square kilometre. There are probably more reindeer. Seriously.
Aside from skiing, dogsledding, northern lights watching or trekking, there’s not much else to do. And since, everything other than trekking came with a rather hefty price tag, trekking was what we did.
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- Noisy huskies
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- The semi-frozen River Juutua
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- Stillness
Fortunately, Lake Inari in the deep cold of winter is like some kind of deserted icy fairy tale land. The landscape is so still, silent and monochrome, that everything appears as various shades of blue to the eye. Aside from a few vociferous huskies, not a sound was heard, except for the crunch of the snow beneath our feet.
Profoundly peaceful. And cold. 😉
How to Get to Lake Inari
A 1.5 hour flight from Helsinki, brought us to Ivalo, the gateway city to Finnish Lapland. However, there are multiple airports in this region, so it’s best to check which airport is closest to your final destination, because taxi and bus fares are not cheap.
There is no bus service from Ivalo airport to Ivalo town (where the bus terminal is), so a taxi is your only option. The 7km ride costs approximately 22 euros.
Lake Inari is approximately 40 kilometres north of Ivalo, and there is regular bus service. We paid 16 euros each for our tickets. Current prices and bus schedules can be found here.
Views on the bus ride to Inari
If you have to wait for your bus to Inari, there are a few restaurants in Ivalo that serve quality all you can eat buffet lunches for approximately 10 euros. Staff at the bus terminal were more than happy to let us store our bags for free.
Sartenada
Looks very different than our walk in the south in Mikkeli.
Happy and safe travels
Shelley @Travel-Stained
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Sartenada
Thank you for this very clear information. No more comments and visits.
rommel
I’d switch with you right now. I’d embrace the stillness and quietude. I’d be glad to take pictures of the snow and the beauty scenes it creates. I want to wear those layer clothing. And be close to heat at night after a day in the cold.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol well unfortunately we’re back in the middle of crowded Seoul now. Still wanna switch with me?? 😉 But yes, the scenes were incredibly beautiful. So still.
Alina (literaryvittles)
Well, it looks beautiful, but the last thing I want to be reminded of is more winter! haha. Also, how does anyone afford to live in Finland?! The average salary there must be really high!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Haha, I hear you sister! It was really painful to be reminded of how cold it was, but I’m afraid I have more winter-y posts coming at you soon. :p Would you believe that Finland was the cheapest of the countries we visited? THAT was even more painful than the cold!! 😉
Hedgers Abroad
We were hoping for a bit more snow this year in Seoul so we could get some pictures of the palaces in the winter wonderland, but it just didn’t work out. Loving these snow pictures of FInland! It looks so peaceful.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol…you might’ve been the only ones in the whole country wishing for more snow!! 😉 I’m sure you’ll get another chance next year. I have a feeling next winter’s gonna be a doozy.