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One of our most popular disabled holidays at the moment is to the pristine Scandinavian country of Finland. This is an overlooked country at times due to its northerly position, but it contains truly breathtaking Arctic beauty, crisp fresh air and a handful of charming cities. Crucially, it is also somewhere that is largely accessible – and this is exactly why I recommend this holiday to my nature-loving clients. Arrive in Helsinki (3 Nights) Arriving in the capital, you will immediately notice the contemporary and forward-thinking design and attitude. At the same time, the Finnish heritage that is evident within the art-nouveau buildings scattered around town gives the harbour city a quirky and loveable edge, particularly around the backstreets - here you will find many modern art galleries, workshops and boutiques. Those looking into disabled holidays will be happy to hear that we offer a wide range of accessible excursions in and around Helsinki, as well as accessible transfers. There is an accessible tram system to help you get around on your own. Train to Spa Hotel by Lake Kuopio You may be reluctant to leave Helsinki, but this will soon be forgotten once you see the lovely lakeside harbour town of Kuopio. Boasting azure waters, thick woodland and many cosy pubs and restaurants, it is the perfect destination to indulge in a relaxing spa break and Hotel Kunnonpaikka is an accessible hotel that offers just that. Enjoy the unique sensation of a smoke sauna, soak in one of the whirlpool tubs or swim your way around the seven indoor pools. Train back to Helsinki (1 night) A chance to tick off anything you missed previously. Train through the centre of Finland to Rovaniemi (Lapland) (4 nights) You can't visit Finland without taking the time to see Rovaniemi, which is known as the home of Santa Claus (open year-round). It truly is a magical place as it is located deep in the Arctic wilderness, far, far away from the hustle and bustle of the main cities. This is a place where you can observe the Northern Lights, go on snowmobile safari, ski, hike or simply enjoy the lively town centre. Accommodation recommendation: The accessible Hotel Santa Claus is a great base right in the centre of town and previous guests have spoken highly of the friendly staff and spacious rooms. Our disabled holidays to Finland tend to include a few nights here. Excursions from Rovaniemi Santa Village - This lovely village in the Arctic Circle is an area of great beauty and has a constant lively atmosphere. In addition to Santa themed exhibitions, the village also has many charming shops, restaurants, bars and more. Reindeer Farm - One of the best excursions from Santa Village is to meet his trusty workers at the Raitola reindeer farm. Here you can go on sleigh rides through the wild forest, try your hand at ice fishing, experience the nomad lifestyle and maybe even see the Northern Lights! Husky Park - Husky sled rides are an exhilarating experience and a chance to meet and pet genuine Siberian Huskies (they are very friendly). There are trips of various lengths to choose from, but all will show you the outstanding beauty of Lapland which will stay with you forever. Fly back from Rovaniemi For the outdoorsy traveller, an accessible holiday to Finland will be once-in-a-lifetime experience which is bound to take your breath away. This is one of my clients’ favourite disabled holidays and we can include a multitude of accessible city trips and outdoor excursions for those who need special assistance. You are sure to love Finland from the moment you arrive in its progressive capital city, through to when you leave the picturesque and magical region of Lapland. Philip Scott is the owner and founder of Can be Done, a fully licensed UK tour operator specialising in disabled holidays across the world for individuals and groups who are travelling with a handicap. With over 31 years’ experience organising long and short breaks for disabled travellers, Philip has built a reputation for helping his clients select hotels and accommodation that offer high standards of accessibility to ensure that those with special needs can experience truly relaxing and carefree holidays.
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