Lapland experiences

Preliminary program

Saturday 15.1.2022

International flights to Helsinki
15:50-17:05 Finnair flight AY 497 from Helsinki to Kuusamo
17:05 Arrival in Kuusamo
Every visit to Ruka-Kuusamo is the beginning of a new adventure
Welcome snack and Ruka-Kuusamo presentation
18:00 Sauna Tour
For Finns, the sauna has always been the place to bathe, and is an integral part of Finnish homes. There are all kinds of saunas, and the smoke sauna is the most traditional. Almost all holiday homes have electric saunas, and sauna crazy Finns have built saunas everywhere, even in a bus! No wonder the sauna culture from Finland has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage! Sauna should be heated suitably, not too hot. Water is thrown on the hot stones to get nice humid warmth ("löyly" in Finnish). Löyly can be boosted by using a "vasta" made of birch tree twigs, for a gentle whipping. After warm löyly you can cool down sitting on the porch or take a refreshing dip in icy water. Swimming in icy water is good for blood circulation. We warmly recommend it and welcome you to enjoy the Finnish sauna culture!
Dinner
Check in hotel accommodation in Ruka Village
The unique pedestrian village is full of services and activities - right next to Ruka slopes!

Sunday 16.1.2022

Breakfast at the hotel
08:30 Scandic Rukahovi site inspection
@scandichotels #scandichotels
A traditional, elegant mountain hotel with all amenities in the best spot in Ruka. Genuine ski-in, ski-out, high-class rooms and apartments, varied restaurant services and popular after ski activities, including a nightclub, guarantee a successful holiday
09:00 Ski Resort Ruka company presentation
@rukaskiresort #rukaskiresort
Rukakeskus Corporation is family business, which has been in charge of slope operations of Ruka ski resort since 1973 and Pyhä ski resort since 1987. It's one of the leading tourism companies in Finland and the market leader in ski resort industry with nearly 20% share of ski pass sales. The companies operate in international and year-round tourism centers. Our core competence is slope business, but we also operate in accommodation, slope restaurant, rental shop and store businesses in both Ruka and Pyhä. Our turnover is approx. EUR 26 million and we employ about 200 people
Scenic gondola ride over the Ruka fell
10:45 Outdoor activity in Oulanka National Park and outdoor lunch
#oulanka #oulankanationalpark
In the rugged landscape of the Karhunkierros Trail, you will observe the power of water. The many trail options and hanging bridges of the Oulanka National Park will take you to the most impressive waterfalls in Finland. The jumps of wild brown trout, the dives of European dippers, the unlimited beauty of the aapa mires and the lovely calypso will challenge even the experienced nature photographer. Nature doesn't recognise any state boundaries: the vast wilderness of the Paanajärvi National Park is to be found on the Russian side of the border. Suitability: Suitable for everyone, all year round. Also accessible services, visitor centre and a trail
14:00 Transfer to Salla
15:00  Welcome to Salla
Salla is a small village in the Middle of Nowhere, in the embrace of wilderness and fells. Here you can find peace and quiet, pure nature and fresh, clean air. Experience the wilderness with a local guide or explore the surroundings on your own. And if you're lucky, you can spot the Northern Lights on the sky illuminating the amazing winter colors. In Salla you can forget your worries and busy lifestyle and just let go and breathe
Check-in to Sallatunturin Tuvat
15:45 Inspection of Holiday Club Salla
16:15 Inspection of Sallainen Cottages
16:45 Inspection of Salla Ski Resort
Possibility to test eFatbikes
17:30 Dinner and inspection at Keloravintola
19:30 Visit to Phenomena of Arctic Nature Observation Point near the accommodation
Weather permitting maybe some northern lights!

Monday 17.1.2022

08:30 Breakfast at the hotel and inspection of Sallatunturin Tuvat and Arctic Circle Safaris
10:00 Reindeer safari and inspection of Salla Reindeer Park with lunch
14:00 Departure to Rovaniemi
16:00 Arrival at Rovaniemi
Check-in Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort is located 16 km north from Rovaniemi City Centre, and just 100 m from the lake Olkkajärvi. The resort is surrounded by forest, rivers, lakes and hills, that provide us with amazing opportunities for activities. Apukka Resort provides accommodation in special aurora cabins and unique Kammi suites, as well as all types of Finnish outdoor activities
Afternoon activity / TBC
Dinner in restaurant Aitta
Restaurant Aitta serves Nordic cuisine with a modern twist and uses locally produced ingredients. The true heart of the restaurant is a huge stone fireplace with an oven, a perfect place to braise a delicious stew. High windows in the dining area give an amazing view to the lake

Tuesday 18.1.2022

Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Transfer to Santa Claus Village
Christmas magic can be experienced year-round Santa Claus Village. This magical latitude has attracted travelers since 1950's and since that crossing the Arctic Circle, 66°33′45.9′′, has been on the bucket list
Santa Claus Office is the official place to meet Santa in the Santa Claus every day of the year
Hotel inspections TBC
12:30 Transfer to Rovaniemi Airport, check-in
Farewell Rovaniemi!
13:40-15:25 Finnair flight AY 534 from Rovaniemi to Helsinki
Transfer by bus to Helsinki city center
Check-in to Hotel Katajanokka
A unique hotel where chic design, uncompromised comfort and personal service meet in a historic former prison setting – a short walk from the city
Free time
18:00 Dinner hosted by your hotel representative

OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF MATKA 2022 STARTS, ENJOY!

Wednesday 19.1.2022

MATKA 2022 Workshop Day

Breakfast at the hotel
07:30 Transfer to Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre
08:20 Check-in
08:55 MATKA 2022 Workshop Day Opening words
09:10-11:30 Meetings: 7 x 15 min meeting with 5 min break in between
11:30-13:00 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Meetings: 6 x 15 min meeting with 5 min break in between
15:00-15:30 Coffee break
15:30-17:30 Meetings: 6 x 15 min meeting with 5 min break in between
Transfer by bus to your hotel
Dinner

Thursday 20.1.2022

Matka Nordic Travel Trade Day

Breakfast at your hotel
Check-out
08:15 Transfer by bus to Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre
Please leave your luggage at the cloakroom
Cloacroom is free of charge for Buyers when you wear your Matka Workshop Day name badge
09:00 Matka Nordic Travel Trade Day
Lunch
Shuttle bus to Helsinki Airport
International flights home