Graham's blog posts

What you need to know about the Midnight Sun before your summer escape to Finland...

Have you ever wondered what summer in Finland is really like? Let me tell you –it's unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. This is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary and witness a natural wonder you will never forget; the Midnight Sun.  

This summer, it’s just you, the locals, and the wild in open wilderness. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden world that’s all yours to explore. No rush, no stress -just pure, unfiltered adventure.

What’s the science behind the Midnight Sun?

It’s one of those things that sounds too magical to be real, but it absolutely is. The sun doesn’t set, instead it hovers just slightly above the horizon, bathing everything in the most incredible warm light and keeping the wilderness alive. 

The endless daylight gives you endless amount of opportunity to explore anything, from midnight hikes, hours' worth of ‘golden hour’ and taking in the mesmerising scenery with the locals.  And it’s not just people who thrive under the Midnight Sun. The land itself comes alive. The forests get greener, the air feels fresher, and of course, the sun is always shining.

When Can You See It?

Here’s the best part: the Midnight Sun isn’t just a fleeting moment. In Finland, it’s in full swing from around mid-June to early July, and the further north you go, the longer it lasts. Imagine having all that extra time to explore and soak up the magic.

We know how to make every moment count, and we want you to experience this first hand. Whether it’s a peaceful evening paddle on a glowing lake or a guided hike through landscapes that look like they’ve been plucked from a postcard, we’ve got you covered. And while you’re at it, dive into the Sami culture. Their traditions, their stories—they’ll stay with you long after the trip is over. So out advice is,start your summer escape to Finland now!

Envision your summer experience in Finland...

Finland is home to some of the most untouched and undiscovered landscapes, due to its amount of Arctic wilderness and dramatic landscapes. During the winter months, Finland is the land of the Northern Lights, with frozen lakes, snow-covered forests and the white scenery that leaves you in a winter dream. But summer in Finland is also just as mesmerizing, and it not as commonly heard of as their winter, leaving it more undiscovered and perfect for travellers looking to escape the crowds and just be among the locals and their nature.

If you have ever dreamed of a place where the sun never sets, and nature glows in golden hues all day and night, then we are here to tell you that such a place exists, and it’s waiting for you in Finland this summer...

Picture yourself surrounded by breathtaking beauty, where endless daylight transforms the typical imagination of an Arctic landscape into something truly magical with 24/7 sun. Spend your summer in Finland hiking through sunlit forests, with the fresh scent of pine filling the air. Every step brings you closer to crystal-clear lakes that mirror the vibrant greens of the trees around them. 

Now, take a moment to breathe in - can you feel the crisp, clean air rejuvenating your spirit? Up in Northern Finland, Lake Inari is a secluded sanctuary of pristine wilderness, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Sami culture and untouched by time. For the adventurers at heart, Finland’s dramatic mountains and landscapes are a dream come true.

Hike to your heart’s content, paddle across tranquil waters, or simply bask in the enchanting glow of the Midnight Sun. And when the day winds down (not that the sun does!), you’ll find warmth and comfort in Finland’s cosy wilderness retreats. Picture yourself unwinding with a smile, knowing you’ve just experienced something truly extraordinary.

This isn’t just a summer getaway; it’s a chance to reconnect with nature and with yourself. Every moment here feels like a gift - an unforgettable adventure waiting to be unwrapped.

As we enter the winter months, it can be tempting to simply wrap ourselves in a blanket and curl up in front of the television. But here at Artisan Travel, we believe that winter is a great season to get out and explore some incredible destinations and experience some wonderful bucket list activities.

Despite it being May I have to say that I was surprised to be greeted in Finland by blazing sun and a nice warm temperature of 21°C! Having got off the plane it was time to jump into the hire car and start our Finnish adventure.

Our Travel Expert, Kat recently visited Manitoba on our Ultimate Wildlife Experience to see the king of the Arctic - the magnificent polar bear. We caught up with Kat to find out more about her unforgettable adventure.

Even before setting off for the Azorean island of Sao Miguel I was filled with anticipation about the prospect of swimming with dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean. I knew that it wouldn’t be a sanitised marine park experience and, as with everything involving Mother Nature, the extent of my contact with these supremely intelligent animals would be very much in the lap of the gods. It was even possible that I wouldn’t see any dolphins at all but regardless, there were a few butterflies dancing in my stomach. After all, it’s not every day you get to tick off another animals item is it?

Originally born and bred in Kent, Jono studied at Newcastle University and now lives in Northumberland. Jono started working here in early 2014, within the Product and Operations Department and is responsible for sourcing new holiday products and managing existing ones.