Farewell to Finland – Between Rain, Sauna, and Sámi Culture

The next day we reach Inari. Rain greets us, but also a beautiful camp right by the lake with a fire hut and sauna. We stay for two days, spend the evenings in the fire hut, and finally cook over an open flame again. We hike in the drizzle along the shore to the Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center. The Sámi Museum is the national center for Sámi culture and the regional museum for the cultural landscapes of Sápmi. The exhibition is lovingly designed, interactive, and truly fascinating – we spend several hours there.

At night, we see our first small aurora. Completely unprepared, we manage only a few shaky videos. We’ll practice again. Promise!

The evening ends once more in the sauna, and then straight to bed. With 5 degrees outside, there’s hardly any other option.

Our last morning in Finland is dry. Leisurely, the van rolls north until we arrive in Nuorgam in the afternoon. There, we bid a wistful farewell to Finland – and cross the border into Norway.

Goodbye Finland – you’ve found a place in our hearts.