Je souhaite partir avec mon mari en laponie finlandaise du 18 au 21 février prochain, pour tenter de voir des aurores boréales, faire du chien de traineau, un peu de sauna, tout ca tout ca.
J'aimerais qu'on soit un peu dans l'authenticité, et j'aimerais donc, si possible des chambres d'hotes ou des petits hotels, un peu comme les ryokan au Japon : quelques chambres, une impression d'intimité plus importante quand dans un grand hotel.
Je n'ai pas encore trop d'idée sur notre destination (qui se fera par rapport aux aeroports, vu le peu de temps dont on dispose, pour réduire au max les temps de trajet) : Kittila ou Ivalo. On m'a un peu déconseillé Rovaniemi, qui, m'a-t'on dit est une ville un peu industrielle et pas tres mignone. Maintenant, si je dois aller à Rovianemi pour aller dans un gite à coté, pourquoi pas !
D'ailleurs, quel est le meilleur point de chute pour la Laponie Finlandaise ? est-ce qu'il y a une grande différence entre ces 3 là ? En existe-t'il d'autres ?
Pour une petite structure, vous pouvez voir cette adresse :
voyage-traineau-finlande.com
pour ce qui est des différentes ville de Laponie, kittila, je ne connais pas mais Ivalo et Rovaniemi sont un peu similaire ; rovaniemi est plus grande et joue de son coté "pere noël". Vous y trouverez les mêmes activités, chiens de traîneau (privilégiez les petites structures, les grandes structures (100, 200 chiens) sont des usines à chiens sans compassion pour ce ci, ils travaillent, ok ; ils travaillent pas, ils dégagent !) ski de piste, ski de fond, il y a aussi le parc animalier de Ranua......
si vous voulez du charme a une distance raisonnable d'un aeroport je vous recommande Saariselka. Ca se trouve a 25 minutes en voiture (ou en bus) de l'aeroport d'Ivalo mais est bien plus charmant qu'Ivalo. Vous y trouverez toutes les commodites (hotels, restaurants, ...).
Saariselka est en bordure du parc national Urro Kekkonen et dispose d'un domaine de ski de fond de 200km, possibilites de rando raquettes, ski alpin, huskys, snowmobile, ... Tout est tres facilement organisable sur place. Toutes les infos concernant les hotels sont sur www.saariselka.com mais si vous recherchez quelque chose de petit et familiale je vous recommande l'hotel Laanihovi. Ambiance chaleureuse et conviviale avec son salon et son grand feu ouvert. L'endroit est egalement parfait pour les aurores boreales car il est en dehors du village donc eloigne de l'eclairage public (ce qui cependant ne vous garantit pas de voir des aurores boreales car ca depend essentiellement de la meteo).
On a reservé mardi dernier notre avion + hotel. On s'en est tiré pour 800€ (2 adultes, 3 nuits d'hotel, 2 vol A/R) ce qui est plutot pas mal !
On va effectivement à saariselka, mais à l'hotel Tunturi. Il est peut etre un peu moins pitoresque, mais pour 3 jours on n'avait pas non plus envie d'éclater le budget :)
J'espere voir des aurores boréales, je sais que ca dépend de la météo mais j'ai fait de mon mieux au niveau timing : on y va presque à la nouvelle lune ! Il n'y a plus qu'a croiser les doigts pour que le ciel soit dégagé.
Comment s'y prend t on pour aller les voir ? A partir de quelle heure le soir ? On prend une voiture et on se trouve un petit coin ouvert sur le ciel, avec un thermos de chocolat chaud et des sandwich au renne fumé ? Quelqu'un a déjà fait ces observations ?
Bonjour,
Je réponds un peu tard pour vous, mais tant pis, ma réponse servira éventuellement à quelqu'un d'autre.
Si vous recherchez des hébergements "authentiques" en Finlande, rien de mieux que de louer un des innombrables chalets du pays : ils sont douillets, très confortables, avec souvent cheminée et sauna.
Bon voyage
Christine
Nous partons nous aussi ma femme et moi du 18 au 22 fevrier 2012 a saariselka a l'hotel tunturi, peut etre nous y croiserons nous!
Je voulais vous demander si vous aviez des renseignements concernant les activites a faire sur place et notemment s'il y a besoin de reserver a l'avance pour les differents safaris( husky, motoneige...)
A tres bientot, en esperant se croiser sous la lumiere des aurores boreales durant cette periode!
En effet, nous partons dans une semaine !
Pour les réservations à l'avance, j'avoue ne pas avoir fait de recherches plus que ca, mais je pense que dès qu'on arrive sur place il faudra se renseigner pour avoir les horaires, les tarifs, ... Il y a aussi des agences de tourismes dans la ville apparement.
Il faudra comparer du coup les prix entre les uns et les autres :)
On m'a conseillé pour les aurores boréales de passer les soirs dans la ville, dans les pubs, de sortir et de tendre l'oreille. Apparement l'info d'une aurore se répend vite et il faut donc suivre le mouvement en général !
Par contre, la météo annonce un temps nuageux donc ca c'est un peu dommage. On verra sur place !
Bonjour,
J'ai vu que vous partiez du 18 au 22.02 à l'hôtel Tunturi,
nous y allons du 22 au 30.12.2012
Pouuriez-vous en rentrant me donner vos impressions et aussi quelques tarifs
des activités à faire là-bas?
En attendant, passez un bon séjour
Cordialement
M.DURAND
Ttine, Alex
La vie n'est pas un long fleuve tranquille, Heureusement! 😉
C'est encore tout frais dans ma tête, alors j'en profite :
Saariselka c'est vraiment pratique. Comme le disait jaybroer, qui sait de quoi il parle, c'est un petit village, et on peut tout faire à pied tres rapidement : aller à la superette, faire le tour de toutes les compagnies de safari pour organiser ses petites journées, checker les restos d'hotel et les pubs, ...
A l'hotel tunturi les gens sont tres serviables, le petit dej est vraiment bien :) La nourriture du resto de l'hotel le soir est bien mais pas top. Tunturi a un autre restaurant un peu plus haut à l'entrée du village, j'ai l'impression que c'est le seul "vrai" resto de la ville d'ailleurs, mais nous n'avons pas pu y aller faute de temps. Ca avait l'air un peu mieux en tout cas.
La biere et le cidre sont un peu bizarre dans ce pays :)
Pour l'organisation, pas de soucis pour les motoneiges ou la location de materiel, vous pouvez le faire du jour au lendemain, par contre prenez vous un peu à l'avance (2-3 jours) pour les rennes et les huskys, car c'est un peu moins disponible.
Pour aller faire du ski, vous pouvez prendre le skibus qui passent devant tous les hotels et vous amene au remonte-pente, sinon il y a la piste de luge (vous pouvez demander à l'hotel qu'on vous prete une luge gratuitement) qui est accessible à pied, ou via le remonte pente si vous n'avez pas envie de vous taper les 1.2km à pied en montée :) (5€ la remontée unique au telesiege + 5€ la journée de skibus)
Pour les aurores boréales, a mon avis si le ciel n'est pas dégagée ce n'est meme pas la peine d'essayer d'en voir. Par contre, si le ciel s'eclaircit et que vous apercevez les étoiles, vous pouvez remonter la piste de luge qui reste ouverte et qui n'est pas éclairée (mais c'est pas trop un soucis). C'est le seul moyen pour aller au sommet à pied. Sinon il y a le snowmobile ou la voiture par la route :). Il ne faut pas qu'il y ait trop de lune, parce qu'avec la neige ca devient vite tres lumineux !
Les activités sont assez cheres sur place : par exemple, 4h de husky incluant un petit lunch 175€/p ; la balade de 2h à traineau de rennes : 90€/p ; motoneige 2h avec guide : 85€/p, ...
Les prix sont sensiblement les memes dans toutes les compagnies (+-3€), les formules varient un peu de l'une à l'autre, mais bon, on sait qu'on vient pour faire ca, alors on le fait malgré tout :)
Petite mention à Top Safari qui a un guide belge très sympa, qui sera peut-etre encore là pour votre saison !
On a eu la chance d'avoir un ciel dégagé pour notre dernier soir, et on a vu une magnifique aurore boréale (on n'a pas de point de comparaison donc bon!), un spectacle qu'on n'oubliera jamais !
Bonjour Cewenn,
Merci beaucoup de m'avoir répondu aussi vite!
Je suis super contente d'avoir fait le bon choix d'hôtel
d'après votre expérience. Je ne vais pas dire vivement Noel,
mais presque!!!
Bonne continuation, et plein de beaux voyages à vous!
Ttine, Alex
La vie n'est pas un long fleuve tranquille, Heureusement! 😉
Je me permet de relancer cette vieille discussion car je recherche un peu la même chose que la personne qui l'a initiée : un endroit pour passer 4 ou 5 jours en laponie cet hiver au mois de janvier pour découvrir les longues nuits noires.
J'ai déjà fait Saariselka en mars dernier pour voir des aurores, c'est un super endroit mais j'aimerais changer.
Nos critères sont : être le plus au nord possible (au moins au nord du cercle polaire), peut importe le pays, être proche d'un aéroport pour ne pas perdre trop de temps, une station de ski histoire de s'occuper la journée et si possible, un endroit propice à l'observation des aurores (comme la colline à Saariselka).
Si vous avez des idées, je suis preneuse, cela ne me dérange pas de retourner près d'Ivalo, simplement pas à Saariselka !
Merci d'avance
Bonjour,
Ma fille part en Islande pour un trek de 4 à 5 jours. Notre réseau belge n'est pas couvert en Islande. Quelle est la meilleur alternative pour être joignable au maximum même en randonnée ?
Merci
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi there, a friend will be visiting Great Britain in August and would like to explore some representative spots in Denmark before heading back to Canada.
What affordable activities could you recommend to him?
He’d really appreciate it, as he has a deep appreciation for Nordic countries—probably because of his own Nordic roots.
Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
