Travel Buddies: Pete & Joan

Living the Dream, One Trip at a Time

Inari, Finland

Inari

When daughter Kala sent this location map of where she could find us, I realized just how far north in Finland we were!! (And, how close to the Russian border…only @ 20 miles!)

A panoramic view of the Lapland landscape, featuring rocky terrain, colorful autumn foliage, and serene lakes in the distance.

After driving several hundred miles from our arrival at the airport in Rovaniemi, Lapland, we were delighted to discover our lodging… the Inari Wilderness Resort, located on the shores of Lake Inari. It was a most enchanting place to experience the raw beauty of the Arctic.

The resort is surrounded by forests, lakes, and endless sky….a perfect way to enjoy arctic nature while still being warm and cozy. There was a mix of traditional log cabins, glass-roofed Aurora-viewing cabins, and the more traditional wilderness rooms (where we stayed). 

Serene landscape in Lapland, Finland, featuring a calm lake reflecting the sky, surrounded by trees and scattered rocks.
Panoramic view of a serene lake reflecting trees and hills under a clear sky, capturing the tranquil beauty of the Finnish wilderness.
Aerial view of a lakeside resort in Finland, featuring red buildings, a boat dock, and surrounding greenery under a clear blue sky.
Interior view of a cozy dining area with wooden tables and chairs, large windows showcasing a scenic lake and forest outside, and warm lighting from chandeliers.
Interior of a sauna with wooden benches and a metal bucket, showcasing warm lighting and a cozy atmosphere.

Finland is the home of the sauna!, and we had access here, but we unfortunately did not include a bathing suit as we packed for this arctic adventure (I know in Finland the sauna is traditionally taken nude….but…that is not as ‘natural’ to us!)

Aerial view of the Inari Wilderness Resort in Finland, featuring a mix of traditional log cabins and modern Aurora-viewing cabins, surrounded by lush green forests and the serene Lake Inari.
We did not stay in these cabins… but these are “Aurora Cabins” with heated glass roofs. These “sky-view” cabins are designed to provide optimal views of the Northern Lights and night sky.  

Another part of our stay was the hearty Lapland cuisine—a daily buffet of freshly caught fish, wild berries, reindeer, and other yummy dishes.

Aurora Borealis

We knew we had a chance of seeing the breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis while in Lapland!  So when our guide, Marius, knocked on our door (on our first night there!) to wake us up… We sprang out of bed! This would be a first for me and a second opportunity for Pete to observe this astronomical wonder.

WOW!!! This shimmering curtain of green light was dancing across the night sky!

The Aurora’s movements felt almost alive—swirling, pulsing, and sweeping across the sky like nature’s own light ballet.  They were impressive to watch, but even more impressive when captured on the iPhone camera.

Back to Astronomy 101!!

I had to do a bit of research to understand the “why” of what was before our eyes!

The phenomenon we were watching began 93 million miles away, at the Sun. The Sun constantly sends out streams of charged particles, the solar wind. When these particles reach Earth, they are guided by our planet’s magnetic field toward the polar regions. As they collide with gases in the atmosphere—mainly oxygen and nitrogen—they release bursts of energy in the form of light.

  • Green auroras come from oxygen about 100 km above Earth.
  • Reddish and purple hues appear at higher altitudes, where nitrogen plays a role.
  • The intensity and colors often change with solar activity, which follows an 11-year cycle.

Tonight, we saw only the green auroras. But what a show!!! For the Sámi people of Lapland, the aurora has long held spiritual significance. Some saw it as the energy of ancestors or a bridge to the spirit world, while others regarded it with reverence and caution.

Sámi Museum Siida

This Sámi Museum Siida is both a cultural history museum and a nature center, dedicated to preserving and sharing Sámi traditions.  The Sámi are the only recognized Indigenous people of the European Union, with their homeland (Sápmi) spanning across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula.

This Sámi museum has received significant recognition for its excellence and cultural significance, including Finland’s Museum of the Year 2024 and the European Museum of the Year Award 2024. The museum uses a holistic approach—preserving Sámi heritage while actively involving the Sámi community to focus the story on the Indigenous people and the ongoing issues of reconciliation (historical injustices, restoring cultural rights, and ensuring the survival of Sámi languages and traditions) 

We loved this museum and learned a lot about the Sámi people from both the museum and the excellent guide, Salli, who shepherded us through the exhibits. Only Sámi people were involved in the development of the museum.

I took loads of pictures, but had a hard time expressing, either through my pictures or words, how really awesome this place was. So, instead of my pictures, I am including this YouTube video featuring the Sámi themselves!

Especially fascinating is how the museum blends deep tradition with high-tech storytelling. Exhibitions aren’t just about looking at artifacts in glass cases. This museum uses immersive multimedia displays, digital projections, and interactive screens to create a multi-sensory journey through Sámi life. There would be ancient reindeer-hunting tools accompanied by touchscreens to explore how they were used, or oral histories projected onto large walls, with Sámi elders speaking in their own language.

The technology was not flashy for its own sake, but it really gave the Sámi people agency in telling their own story. We learned history by feeling the heartbeat of the culture… ancestral wisdom meeting 21st-century Finnish design!

Another highlight is the open-air museum just outside, where historical Sámi dwellings have been reconstructed. We walked among turf huts, storehouses, and traditional tent-like structures, trying to imagine how the Sámi lived through the harsh Arctic seasons! 

Traditional wooden cabin with a slanted roof, located in a forested area, showing a path leading to the door.
A rustic wooden reindeer feeder perched on a wooden post, surrounded by dense forest and a wooden fence in the background.
Interior of a traditional wooden cabin in Lapland, featuring a bed, table, and a stone fireplace, with a garment hanging on the wall and windows allowing natural light in.
An interior view of a traditional Sámi dwelling, featuring a table with food items, a lamp hanging from the ceiling, and a mannequin dressed in traditional Sámi clothing seated at the table.
Interior view of a wooden structure featuring a traditional wooden staircase leading to a loft area, surrounded by rustic wooden walls.
Interior view of a museum showcasing traditional wooden boats lined against the wall, accompanied by a scenic photograph of a tranquil water landscape.
A traditional wooden canoe with a round container and various items inside, set on wooden flooring in a rustic environment.
A person walking along a dirt path in a forest with a wooden raised storage structure on a post and a pile of logs in the background.
A small, moss-covered structure resembling a traditional Sámi dwelling, tucked among trees in a forest setting.
A traditional log shelter in a forest setting, made from stacked wooden logs with a flat roof covered in branches, showcasing a rustic, natural design.
A traditional Sámi tent, known as a kota, made of fabric and wood, set in a forested area with tall pine trees in the background.

This was a great introduction to our time in Lapland. Despite centuries of outside pressure—from forced assimilation policies to restrictions on language and traditions—they have held onto their identity with incredible strength. This was a window into a world that is both ancient and alive.

Fell Landscape

In Lapland, the fell landscape is one of the region’s most distinctive natural features. A fell is a rounded, treeless mountain or highland plateau, shaped by Ice Age glaciers. They create a landscape that is vast, open, and ancient.

A winding road cuts through a forested landscape with autumn-colored trees, leading to a distant mountain under a cloudy sky.

We stopped for lunch at the Kaunispää fell, where a triangulation tower offered breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. It was a clear day, and in addition to the vast Finnish wilderness, we could even glimpse into neighboring Russia, only @ 20 miles away! (another Sara Palin moment!)

A map showcasing a location in northern Finland, highlighting its proximity to the Russian border.
Observation tower with visitors overlooking a scenic landscape under a cloudy sky.
A sign discussing triangulation as the basis for measurements and maps in Finland, detailing the history of triangulation towers and their role in mapping the country.
A man and woman smiling while sitting on a wooden railing, with a scenic view of rolling hills and a cloudy sky behind them.

For the Sámi people, fells are part of traditional herding lands and spiritual landscapes where reindeer graze on lichen-rich fell slopes.

Bear’s Nest Stone (Karhunpesäkivi)

On our way to the Husky Farm, we made a slight detour to the Bear’s Nest Stone (Karhunpesäkivi) near Inari, one of Lapland’s intriguing natural wonders. At first glance, it looks like an enormous boulder, but it’s actually hollow—a geological curiosity known as a tafoni, formed when rock of varying hardness weathers at different rates. This is Finland’s largest tafone, and it feels almost like nature has carved out a secret room within the stone.

A person standing next to a large rock formation in a forested area, with wooden steps leading up to it, surrounded by snow and trees.

Reaching the Bear’s Nest Stone took a bit of adventure of its own: a 300-step timber boardwalk climb through the pine forest.

A woman standing on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush green trees and a staircase leading up into the woods.
A group of six people, including two women and four men, happily waving while standing on a wooden staircase in a forested area in Lapland, Finland.

At the end, we had to drop down and crawl on our knees to enter the cave—a slightly humbling but fun challenge at this age. Inside, we found no bears waiting for us, just the cool, quiet air of this ancient natural shelter.

A person crawling through a narrow opening beneath a large rock, with others observing nearby.
A person crouches entering a cave-like structure beneath a large rock, with a wooden walkway in the foreground and a directional sign that reads 'Go in'.
A woman crouching near the entrance of a rocky cave, with a wooden walkway in the foreground and signage indicating 'Go in' in multiple languages.

The inside walls are etched with a honeycomb-like pattern, created over millennia by erosion. Standing there, it’s easy to see why legends have grown around this mysterious place. Local folklore tells of a man who once sought refuge from a snowstorm inside the stone’s hollow—only to awaken beside a slumbering bear. Terrified, he ran for his life, while the bear simply continued its peaceful nap!

Close-up view of the interior of a rocky cave, showcasing honeycomb-like patterns and various-sized hollow cavities formed by erosion.
A man and a woman smiling inside a hollow rock formation with textured stone walls and natural light illuminating the area.

On our walk back, we encountered a local blueberry picker who eagerly shared his process for picking the ripe, sweet berries that are abundant this season.

Husky Dog Farm

A white Arctic husky perched on a platform, looking out from its wooden enclosure.

Raising huskies in Lapland is both a way of life and a labor of love, rooted in centuries of Arctic tradition. Huskies, especially Siberian and Alaskan breeds, are perfectly adapted to the harsh northern climate, with thick double coats that protect them from freezing temperatures and an almost endless supply of energy. In Lapland, these dogs are not just pets—they are working partners, companions, and ambassadors of the north.

A collage of husky dogs in enclosures, featuring various breeds with distinct fur patterns and colors, showcasing their expressive eyes and playful demeanor.

Today we met Anni, the owner of 37 huskies!  This lady was truly a type of “dog whisperer”…her love, passion, and dedication to these dogs seem “over the top!” This profession is truly a calling for her, and it was an absolute pleasure to meet her and some of the dogs.

A group of people gathered at a husky dog farm, listening to a woman in an orange jacket talking about the dogs, while a husky lies on the ground nearby.
A Siberian husky lying on the ground in a natural setting, with a focused expression and surrounded by earthy tones and fallen leaves.

These dogs are extremely well cared for.  She knows each dog very well, their personalities, habits, and the roles they should play on the team.  Some are born leaders who are always striving to take the lead, while others are happy to simply be part of the team.

Two husky dogs resting on the ground near a wooden pallet, surrounded by earth and fallen leaves.

Their pace is slower in summer/fall, but in six weeks or so, the snow will be back. In the meantime, the huskies still need exercise and stimulation, and sled runs are replaced with lighter training, playtime, and plenty of rest. Every day, however, Annie takes the teams out separately for exercise.  As a former physical therapist, she also massages each one daily!!!

A woman stands beside a traditional dog sled, preparing for an activity in a wooded area with autumn foliage and misty ground.
Visitors interacting with huskies at a dog farm, with a group of people in a fenced area surrounded by trees.

As we learned in both Alaska and Svalbard, Norway, these dogs actually WANT to go to work each day!!  Their stamina is remarkable, fueled by a rich, high-protein diet and the sheer joy of running across snowy landscapes. In winter, Anni takes customers on sleigh rides; she also competes in sled dog races, some short and others lasting for days!

This is a very cool video of Anni and her dogs sledding across the fell landscape.

Other Interesting Parts of Anni’s Property

Anni is getting ready to have a new house “delivered!”  The foundation and underground work are complete, and the house should be “dropped” in within a couple of weeks!  Prefab homes are becoming more common in Lapland these days!

In the meantime, she and her son are “glamping” in this very cute little “cube” which sits on the edge of a lovely pond.

A modern cabin situated by a calm lake, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees typical of the Finnish wilderness.
A cozy interior of a transparent-roofed cabin with a woman standing and taking a photo, surrounded by natural light and picturesque scenery outside.
A serene view of a lake surrounded by trees in a Finnish landscape, with a person standing by the water's edge next to an inflatable boat.

We then dined in her Kota. In Lapland, the traditional grill hut, known as a kota, is a cozy, cone-shaped structure that has been used for centuries by the Sámi people. Originally serving as a temporary shelter for hunting or reindeer herding, the kota centers on an open fire pit that provides warmth and a place for cooking at the heart of the hut.

A small wooden cabin with a black roof and a front porch, surrounded by trees in a forested area.
Interior of a cozy wooden hut with a central cooking area, featuring a round stovetop and a red pot. A person in yellow boots prepares food while others sit nearby.

Smoke escapes through a hole at the top, while benches or seating circle the fire, creating a communal space perfect for grilling and socializing. The design combines practicality with tradition, offering a warm and inviting glimpse into Lapland’s cultural heritage.

A cozy group of travelers sitting around a fire pit in a traditional kota hut, enjoying warm drinks and conversation on a chilly day.
A metal cooking pot with a lid is placed over an open flame inside a wooden building, with smoke rising and warm lighting creating a cozy atmosphere.
A smiling man holding a small glass of liquor inside a cozy wooden hut, surrounded by people seated nearby.

Today, Annie served bread, tomato/lentil soup, grilled sausages, and a cake (made by her mother!). It was all delicious, especially in this cozy environment.  I so love these types of experiences that OAT provides to us!!!

Grilling sausages over an open fire, with flames visible beneath a metal grate.

What a wonderful visit!!  These animals are not only working partners but companions, embodying the spirit of Lapland itself: resilient, wild, and full of life.  Visiting Anni made us appreciate just how much dedication goes into raising huskies. Behind every thrilling sled ride is a lifetime of care, training, and mutual respect.

Mushrooms growing among greenery on the forest floor, surrounded by moss and small plants.

On the way back to our van, we enjoyed more of the fruits of Anni’s land….

Close-up view of small, round red berries nestled among green leaves and moss on the forest floor, creating a rich and vibrant natural scene.

Juican Kota Reindeer Farm

We visited a common site in Lapland…a Reindeer Farm. This farm was originally founded by this Sámi couple. Reindeer herding has long been a vital part of Sámi culture, providing not only food and clothing but also shaping spiritual beliefs and seasonal lifestyles.

Today, our guide, Visa, was an employee who knew a lot about reindeer and Sámi customs.

A group of travelers gathered in a forest clearing, listening to a guide explaining Sámi culture, surrounded by trees and lush grass.
A person standing in a lush green area next to a reindeer, holding a red tote bag and a gift box, with another reindeer grazing nearby and a man observing in the background.

We got to meet and feed the animals “up close” and learn about their central role in Lapland’s heritage. Eventually, every part of these animals is used for survival… meat for food, fur for clothing, antlers for crafts, etc., not to mention their use in pulling sleighs for rides!!

A group of people interacting with a reindeer in a forested area in Lapland, Finland, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A close-up of a reindeer with a person feeding it a tuft of moss in a green field, surrounded by other people observing.
We are feeding them Lichens – reindeer moss (a type of white lichen), which is their favorite and most traditional food. It’s high in energy and easy for them to digest.
A reindeer walking through a grassy area with trees in the background.
Farmers often supplement with pellets and hay in winter, especially for pregnant females or reindeer used in tourism experiences (such as sled pulling). Water is provided if there’s no snow to eat, but reindeer can usually stay hydrated by eating snow.

At one point, we were challenged to lasso a reindeer, just as the herders do! Here is Pete getting somewhat close!

A wooden reindeer statue stands in a gravel area surrounded by greenery and pine trees, with a group of people in the background observing and taking photos.

We later relaxed in the kota hut, gathered around a crackling fire.

A traditional log cabin in Lapland, featuring a conical black roof, surrounded by forested land and clear blue sky.

I thought this was a telling thermometer!!

A wooden thermometer mounted on a log cabin, displaying temperature markings from -40 to 50 degrees Celsius.
A cozy kota hut featuring a fire pit with flames, cooking implements, and wooden tables and benches for gatherings.

We enjoyed hot berry juice, coffee, and cookies. 

A cozy wooden table setting featuring a colorful basket filled with various traditional cookies, a silver cup containing a warm beverage, and a small candle providing warm light.

Visa shared information on Sami clothing and on the birds he has handcrafted.

A decorative mobile made of paper birds hanging from a wooden ceiling, with price tags visible on some of the birds.
A man in traditional Sámi clothing stands beside a colorful ceremonial garment, showcasing its intricate patterns and designs.
A man wearing traditional Sámi clothing holds a reindeer fur cap and a red glove while speaking in a cozy wooden interior with a stove in the background.
A person holding two reindeer antlers inside a traditional Finnish kota hut, with a warm fire burning in the background.

Then he sang a Finnish song for us!

A guide speaking in a cozy wooden cabin with a fireplace, surrounded by tables and a warm atmosphere.

This was really like being at a live cultural center… an exposure to an aspect of Sámi heritage and a chance to connect with the Arctic landscape and its animals.

Our Final Hike!!

For our very last walk in Lapland, Marius took 6 of us on a gentle yet rewarding 3-mile loop along the Juutua Trail, which winds along the banks of the Juutuanjoki River.  

A scenic walking path through a lush forest in Lapland, Finland, with three hikers in the foreground enjoying the sunny day.

We followed a wide gravel path through pine forests and alongside rushing waters… the perfect final activity on a sunny, crisp fall day in Lapland. 

A scenic view of a river with flowing water and lush greenery on the banks, surrounded by trees in a Finnish landscape.
A smiling woman in a red vest poses on a wooden bridge in a forested area with greenery in the background.

There were so many berries and mushrooms available….

A hand holding a small branch with blackberries, set against a background of a pine forest with visible greenery and rocks.
Close-up view of several brown mushrooms growing among rocks and pine needles on the forest floor.
A scenic view of the Juutua Trail featuring lush pine trees, a rocky riverbank, and a suspension bridge crossing over rushing waters.

We crossed the suspension bridge at the roaring Jäniskoski Rapids, where the sound of rushing water filled the air.

A person standing on the bank of the Jäniskoski Rapids, overlooking a suspension bridge that crosses the rushing water, surrounded by lush green trees and a scenic landscape.
A scenic view of the Juutuanjoki River with rushing water surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Lean-to shelters and fire pits invite hikers to pause, rest, or enjoy a simple picnic.   Firewood was available….it can be paid for online….a complete honor system.

At the end of our walk was the Sami Parliament Building.  This picture does not show it, but from the air, it is evident that the building has the shape of reindeer antlers!

View of the Sámi Parliament Building in Inari, Finland, showcasing its unique architectural design with a backdrop of blue sky and pine trees.

The Last Supper!!!

We are going to miss this group of travelers, and certainly our guide Marius, but tomorrow we begin our 200 mile drive back to the airport….and begin our individual travels home.

A group of people dining together in a restaurant with large windows overlooking a lake and trees, enjoying a meal with various dishes on the table.
A cozy lodge built from dark wood, set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky, with large windows revealing warm light from inside.
A tranquil lake reflecting the surrounding forest and sky with soft clouds, showcasing the serene beauty of the Finnish wilderness.
A group of people sitting around a fire pit on a wooden bench, enjoying each other's company in a natural setting with log cabins in the background.
A cozy campfire with flames rising from logs, set against a backdrop of a lake and a cloudy sky in the evening.

It has been three and a half weeks since we left home, and we are ready to return — but what a wonderful journey it has been, filled with places, people, and moments we’ll never forget.

A person sitting by a campfire on a sandy shore, with a calm lake in the background, surrounded by trees.
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