Nous avons prévu de partir fin février passer une dizaine de jours en Finlande centrale, que nous aimerions principalement découvrir en pratiquant le ski de fond.
Pouvez-vous m'indiquer quels sont les meilleurs centres de ski de fond dans cette région de Finlande, afin que nous puissions réserver un hébergement (chalet) à proximité ? Nous souhaitons disposer de pistes tracées et d'un endroit pour louer les skis, tout en évitant quand même les gros centres trop touristiques et trop fréquentés...
Pour le moment je n'ai pas trouvé de site internet proposant des infos détaillées sur les centres et pistes de ski de fond dans cette région... si vous en connaissez un... je suis preneuse !
Bonjour,
je pars le 18 à Saariselka (plutôt nord de la Finlande) . Sur le site internet de la station, il y a le plan des pistes et tous les hôtels proposent des skis à la location.
Pierre
Merci pour vos messages, Lutins35 et Pierre123, mais nous ne souhaitons pas monter si haut en Finlande, plutôt rester en Finlande centrale (entre Tampere et Jyväskylä environ).
Ukkohalla a l'air surtout orienté ski de descente, saut à ski...
Nous cherchons plutôt un coin tranquille avec des pistes de ski de fond en pleine nature... qui nous permettront de traverser des forêts et des lacs gelés...
Est-ce que quelqu'un a fait ce genre d'expérience et pourrait nous indiquer le coin assez précisément pour que nous puissions louer un chalet à proximité ?
Bonjour Pierre,
J'ai prévu un séjour à Saariselkä en mars (4 jours) et je cherche des infos sur la station (plan des pistes et plan de la station pour voir quels hotels sont bien situés).
Tu dis que tu as trouvé un plan sur le site de la station mais j'ai cherché et rien trouvé. Peux-tu me donner le lien stp ?
Et si quelqu'un connait un hotel sympa, je suis prenneuse (je n'ai réservé que le vol pour l'instant). On hésite encore entre un hotel près du centre (ou des pistes) pour le côté pratique ou un hotel un peu excentré pour pouvoir observer les aurores boréales (car c'est initialement le but de notre voyage).
Merci d'avance pour vos infos !
Bonjour,
j'ai trouvé un plan du domaine de ski nordique. Pour le domaine de ski alpin, une carte est en vente au Tourist Club.
J'ai dormi au Pamino Hotel pour 40 euros la nuit. L’hôtel était situé dans le centre mais il est facile de s'extraire pour observer des aurores que je n'ai pas vues par ailleurs...
Je vous conseille de dormir dans le centre, il est facile de rejoindre la station.
Photos et infos sur mon site http://www.planete-montagne.fr/.
Bon voyage !
Pierre 🙂
Merci pour votre réponse (et rapide en +!)
Je ne sais pas encore si je ferais du ski de fond ou alpin (ou les 2), j'aviserais sur place.
Pour l'hotel, j'avais effectivement repéré le Panimo car il est pas cher et bien situé.
J'espère avoir plus de chance que vous pour les aurores...
En tout cas, votre site est très bien fait, ça donne vraiment une bonne idée de l'ambiance et du climat là-bas.
J'ai maintenant quelques questions sur l'hotel :
Est-ce qu'il y a un sauna commun dans l'hotel Pamino ? (je sais qu'il y a des chambres avec sauna privatif mais elle sont trop chères). Et je trouverais ça dommage d'aller en Finlande sans faire de sauna !
Et j'ai entendu dire que certains hotels prêtait des tennus chaudes mais j'ai l'impression que c'est surtout dans le cas où on passe par un tour operator (ce qui n'est pas mon cas).
Est-ce que le pamino propose ça ? Ou connaissez-vous des hotels qui prêtent ou louent des tenues ?
Bonjour Ameline,
Il y a un Sauna dans l’hôtel d'en face avec accès permis pour les résidents de l’hôtel Pamino.
Pour les tenues, effectivement, je crois qu'il faut passer par une agence. Vous en avez besoin pour quelle activité ?
Pierre 🙂
Merci pour l'info sur le sauna. J'hésite encore entre cet hotel et le Riekonlinna.
Le Riekonlinna est plus cher mais j'ai lu sur un forum qu'ils te réveillent la nuit quand il y a une aurore boréale et tu peux la regarder au chaud derrière leur baie vitrée. Et comme j'ai peur d'avoir trop froid pour guetter les aurores toutes la nuit, je me dit que c'est un bon compromis.
Pour les tenues chaudes, je suis assez frileuse donc j'avais prévu d'en porter dès que je sors dehors. Et notamment pour faire du ski, et surtout pour aller gueter les aurores la nuit.
Je pense aussi faire une ballade en motoneige ou en traineau mais là normalement ils prêtent ce qu'il faut.
Je crois que le mieux c'est que j'achète ce qu'il faut avant de partir (je vais aller voir au vieux campeur ou à décathlon).
Bonjour Ameline.
Disons que les combinaisons prêtées par les agences sont bien mais:
- elles dispensent pas d'avoir des vêtements chauds dessous
- elles ne sont pas faites pour skier (ski nordique) ou même marcher des heures.
Ce qui est important, c'est de multiplier les couches ( plutôt que d'avoir une ou deux grosses couches).
Le matériel est sensiblement celui utilisé en haute montagne:http://www.planete-montagne.fr/materiel.htm
En gros: pantalon imperméable et résistant (gore tex par ex) + collant. Pour le haut: tee shirt ou col roulé respirant (pas de coton), 1 ou 2 polaires + gore tex (associé pourquoi pas à une doudoune sans manche).
Pour ma part, en février dernier avec col roulé, une polaire et un gore tex, je n'avais pas froid en journée. Pour aller observer les aurores que je n'ai pas vues🤪, j'avais une doudoune en duvet d'oie.
Bonjour Pierre,
Mon voyage approche (je pars mercredi) et j'ai encore une petite question : est-ce que sur place il est facile de se renseigner sur les prévision d'aurores boréales ? Est-ce que le personnel de l'hotel Panimo est au courant (un peu comme la météo) ou est-ce qu'il faut se débrouiller pour trouver l'info autrement (sur internet par exemple, mais c'est pas gratuit à l'étranger!)
Bonjour Ameline,
Concernant les aurores, je peux me tromper mais je crois qu'elles ne sont pas prévisibles. Il faut attendre, s'armer de patience et de vêtements chauds...
Bon voyage !
Merci pour ces infos, je me suis incrite sur un site pour recevoir une alerte en cas de forte probabilité d'aurore boréale : http://aurora.fmi.fi/public_service/english/Revontulialertti.html
on reçoit un mail quand l'activité mangétique dépasse un certain seuil, qui correspond à mon avis à un probabilité quasi certaine.
Mais on peut quand même voir des aurores quand la probabilité est plus faible, la preuve, début mars, il y en avait environ tous les 2 jours et pas d'alerte !
Puis ensuite, de retour en France, on a eu des alertes car la probabilité était super élevée (le weekend dernier). Une chance pour ceux qui étaient au nord du cercle polaire à ce moment, ils ont du en voir des superbes...
Ma copine et moi voulons nous faire une petite virée d'une semaine (pas de dates précises je dirai 1 semaine à caser entre début janvier et fin février) en…
Effet de la crise, un nouveau calendrier et 20 jours de rpos du 4 eu 20 avril...du coup, pourquoi ne pas profiter? J'aimerai savoir si quelqu'un pourrait me…
Je pense aller faire du ski en finlande en novembre: à lévi et yllas. es qu'il y a des témoignage de routard sur cette activitée (et aussi en fonction de la…
J'ai acheté un vol sec Paris-Kittilä du 2 au 7 janvier 2015 avec mon mari, dans le but d'aller observer les aurores boréales mais je ne sais pas encore où…
J'ai 15 jours de vacances du 14 au 28 mai. Je rêverai d'aller en Scandinavie. Mais ma grande question est de savoir si à cette période on peut encore profiter…
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! 😉
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
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...
I’ve found some great deals on flights to two destinations: Menorca in the Balearic Islands and Alghero in Sardinia.
The flights would take us from Bordeaux to Menorca on the evening of 9/07 and return to Bordeaux in the evening on 13/07.
Or to Alghero very early on 10/07 (departure at 6 AM) and return in the mid-afternoon on 13/07.
We love beautiful landscapes, the sea, snorkeling, walks (hiking), and the charm of villages.
We want to spend some quality time as a couple without our kids and mix discovery with relaxation.
I can’t make up my mind. The transport costs are roughly the same when you factor in parking for Sardinia since the early departure means no public transport from home.
We’ve never been to Menorca, Sardinia, or Italy at all. I’ve been to Majorca, though.
Menorca would be 4 nights and 4 days, while Alghero would be 3 nights and 2.5 days.
Also, what itinerary would you recommend for Alghero and Menorca?
Where to stay?
Thank you so much for your insightful traveler tips.
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?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days.
I’m just starting my research.
We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4.
I’m not finding a ton of info on the North.
Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section?
Thanks