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Emerson Siimer

Hello, I'm Emerson, a travel specialist. Originally from Tartu, Estonia, I've had the privilege of calling Australia and New Zealand my home.

With a master's degree in nature-based tourism, I'm passionate about responsible travel. I've shared my love for nature through wild food workshops, guided hiking expeditions, and assisting fellow travelers.

My favorite part of the world is North Finland, where I've experienced the magic of snowboarding, hiking, husky sledding, reindeer encounters, and thrilling snowmobile adventures.

I'm here to craft unforgettable travel experiences that blend adventure, nature, food and culture. Let's embark on incredible journeys and create lasting memories together.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Baltic states and Finland. Food, adventure, nature and culture."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My travel journey began at the age of 17 with a thrilling hitchhiking adventure across Europe, setting the stage for a lifetime of exploration. I've since explored diverse destinations, from Europe to South Africa, Japan, Iran, and Southeast Asia, enriching my understanding of the world's cultures and landscapes.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My trip to Iran turned into an incredible adventure filled with unique experiences. Initially, I went there for a snowboarding trip and, quite unexpectedly, crossed paths with two Iranian girls. To my surprise, it turned out that these girls were living and studying in Estonia, just like me, a rare and serendipitous encounter.

Our journey in Iran went far beyond the slopes. We explored the local culture by visiting the homes of the welcoming Iranians, indulged in the extraordinary experience of diving in the Persian Sea, and embarked on a one-of-a-kind desert adventure with the locals. We also trekked through stunning mountain landscapes, savored a variety of unconventional local dishes, and discovered places that I might not have ventured to otherwise.

As fate would have it, we managed to leave Iran just a day before the onset of the global COVID-19 lockdowns, making it a remarkable and fortunate experience, filled with luck and a touch of craziness that will stay with me forever."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Emerson

KimKim, Emerson (our local agent) and Finnish Lapland were equally amazing - thank you all!!!
Finland | Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025

A
Alison N.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025
This was my 1st trip booked through KimKim and I could not recommend it more highly ! Our local specialist, Emerson (based in Estonia) was extremely knowledgeable about Finnish Lapland, and incredibly helpful. He listened to our every concern and adjusted the itinerary accordingly - and he even anticipated things like late night trips which meant avoiding early morning tours the next day. He was unbelievably responsive, always getting back to me within 24 hrs of my every question. When our... Read more

This was my 1st trip booked through KimKim and I could not recommend it more highly ! Our local specialist, Emerson (based in Estonia) was extremely knowledgeable about Finnish Lapland, and incredibly helpful. He listened to our every concern and adjusted the itinerary accordingly - and he even anticipated things like late night trips which meant avoiding early morning tours the next day. He was unbelievably responsive, always getting back to me within 24 hrs of my every question. When our flight on a Saturday was cancelled, he immediately stepped in to rearranged transport, even though it was a weekend. And then he kept checking in on us to see if everything was OK. My travel companions joked that we are going to miss his friendly messages now that we are home! I honestly can't think of a single thing I would change about the final itinerary - it was perfect. The local companies he booked were all fantastic - on our 2 snowshoe trips we even had just the 3 of us plus a guide, which made it SO personal. And Emerson was clearly genuinely pleased to hear that we were having such a good time.
I am going to recommend both Finnish Lapland and KimKim to all my friends! My only complaint? Typing this review on the App doesn't allow me to go to the top and check for any spelling mistakes, so forgive me if there are any!🤣

Hotel Review
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

Wow!!!! What a gorgeous place - I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven... superb cabins, amazing restaurant and dinner, gorgeous reindeer to feed, and watching the Aurora from our private hot tub. It just doesn't get any better than that!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 25, 2025

Your review absolutely made my day—thank you so much! It was such a pleasure planning this trip for you, and I’m thrilled to hear it all went so smoothly. You were fantastic to work with, and if you ever plan another adventure—whether in Lapland, the Baltics, or beyond—I’d love to help again!

Oh, and about that “only complaint”… I did spot one little typo: rearranged should be rearrange (but honestly, that’s pretty impressive for not being able to scroll back! 🤣).

Wishing you many more amazing travels ahead!

Best,
Emerson

Excellent Trip to Lapland
Finland | Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025

Diane
Diane S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025
Emerson arranged the trip and everything went as planned. Every detail was as described. The drivers arrived on time, the activities were varied and wonderful. Specifically: cross country skiing in Akaslompolo was spectacular...there is nothing like the vast network of trails here, in the USA. We went on a daytime snowshoe trip and two Northern Lights van trips with Beyond Artic. On the first Northern Lights trip, the driver drove an hour and and half trying to get the group to a good viewing... Read more

Emerson arranged the trip and everything went as planned. Every detail was as described. The drivers arrived on time, the activities were varied and wonderful. Specifically: cross country skiing in Akaslompolo was spectacular...there is nothing like the vast network of trails here, in the USA. We went on a daytime snowshoe trip and two Northern Lights van trips with Beyond Artic. On the first Northern Lights trip, the driver drove an hour and and half trying to get the group to a good viewing area...we saw the Lights, but the sky was cloudy. The next night was beyond spectacular. Standing on a frozen lake, we saw the Aurora 360 degrees around us and above.
Two other trips were wonderful: a nighttime snow shoe trek on wood skis with a nature guide. James from Green Trek showed us animal tracks, vegetation and trees. The trip to the Reindeer Farm was alot of fun. We spent alot of time feeding the reindeer, learning about them and each of us got in a sled alone to "drive" a reindeer on a short trip.
Oh--the Northern Lights Ranch in Levi was also outstanding. Alk three of us were thrilled with the whole trip.

Hotel Reviews
Lapland Hotels Äkäshotelli
Äkäslompolo

It was fine for 3 people. No frills, but great breakfast and dinner buffets. And a short walk to 300 km of xc ski trails

Authenticity & Character
Location
We could walk to amazing cross country ski trails
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

Thus was a luxury experience. Beautiful little separate space with a private hot tub. Great restaurant

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lapland Hotels Sirkantähti
Sirkka
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 24, 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like you truly made the most of every moment—chasing the Northern Lights, exploring the trails, and getting up close to nature. You were fantastic guests, and it was a pleasure planning this adventure for you! If you ever decide to return to Finland or explore the Baltics, I’d love to help make it just as unforgettable. Safe travels and until next time!

My husband and I had an amazing honeymoon! Em...
Finland | Mar 9 - Mar 15, 2025

Gabriela
Gabriela G.
Greenacres City, FL | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025
My husband and I had an amazing honeymoon! Emerson had everything planned perfectly, and we never ran into any issues. Emerson was also very responsive throughout the trip and more than willing to help out when needed. Our tour guides were very kind, knowledgeable, and fun to be around. Thanks to Kimkim we had the honeymoon of our dreams! We’re already looking forward to our next trip coordinated by them. We highly recommend kimkim!!! Read more

My husband and I had an amazing honeymoon! Emerson had everything planned perfectly, and we never ran into any issues. Emerson was also very responsive throughout the trip and more than willing to help out when needed. Our tour guides were very kind, knowledgeable, and fun to be around. Thanks to Kimkim we had the honeymoon of our dreams! We’re already looking forward to our next trip coordinated by them. We highly recommend kimkim!!!

Hotel Review
Holiday Village Inari
Inari

The hotel was clean and had a beautiful view to the frozen Lake Inari. We saw the aurora borealis every night that we were there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in front of Lake Inari
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 20, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure planning your honeymoon, and I’m thrilled to hear that everything went smoothly. I’m glad you enjoyed your guides and had such a wonderful experience. Looking forward to helping you plan your next adventure!

Diverse Activities in Beautiful Locations in Lapland, Finland
Finland | Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025

Bianca
Bianca C.
Peru | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025
We had a lot of diverse activities and got to explore beautiful locations in Finland. We made lots of memories and were lucky to see a bit of the northern lights even though weather conditions were not ideal. Read more

We had a lot of diverse activities and got to explore beautiful locations in Finland. We made lots of memories and were lucky to see a bit of the northern lights even though weather conditions were not ideal.

Hotel Reviews
Glass resort
Rovaniemi

Absolutely wonderful. Great location and amazing amenities in the lodge.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Levin Iglut Glass Igloos
Kitilä

The Northern Lights House was not to our liking. The pictures sent were of the igloos so it seemed a little misleading. The decor on the house in one suite is gold and very out there. The showers for the second room are not very private. We were not satisfied with this option.

Authenticity & Character
Very out there decoration, lights on the ceiling, gold chandeleirs, hand painted ceiling. Just very tacky.
Location
Staff
Particularly one staff that was there for the afternoons was very moody and unpleasant.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Found hair in the bathroom when I first came into the shower.
Activity Reviews
Private Northern Lights Photography Tour
Private Northern Lights Photography Tour
Finland
Private Husky Farm Visit and Safari
Private Husky Farm Visit and Safari
Rovaniemi

Absolutely AMAZING! Just very memorable, beautiful backdrop nad super coool to self-drive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reindeer Herder Day Experience
Reindeer Herder Day Experience
Rovaniemi

Informative tour, but a bit of a long drive. Wonder if there wer herding experiences that were a bit closer.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Riisitunturi Private Photography Expedition
Riisitunturi Private Photography Expedition
Rovaniemi

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LOCATION. Hard to describe in words. The 2h drive is a bit tiring. Would have been good to have had more information regarding the long drive, but it was worth it.

Quality of Experience
Food
Very nice to have a sausage and cook it in a campfire in the middle of the tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Levi Fell Snowmobile Adventure
Private Levi Fell Snowmobile Adventure
Levi

Such an amazing ride over 35km on flat grounds. Super fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Northern Lights Hunting
Private Northern Lights Hunting
Rovaniemi

Poor light show because of weather conditions.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 14, 2025

Thank you so much for your detailed feedback! I'm really happy to hear that you had such a memorable trip and got to experience so many beautiful locations and activities. Seeing even a glimpse of the Northern Lights is always special!

I truly appreciate your honest insights, especially regarding Levin Iglut. Your feedback is very valuable, and I definitely have something to learn from it to improve future trips. I’ll make sure to take this into account moving forward.

It was a pleasure planning this journey for you, and if you ever decide to explore more, I’d love to help again!

Amazing time in Finland and I didn’t have to worry about anything !!!!!
Finland | Feb 23 - Feb 28, 2025

chelsea
chelsea t.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2025
This is my first time using a service line this for booking my trip, all I have to say is amazing. Emerson was a joy to work with he customized our trip to our budget and still gave us the important things we wanted to do while we were In Finland. Services ranged from arranging transportation to all the events he had planned for us to booking all our hotels. This was truly the easiest trip to go on. Didn’t have to worry about a thing and he was always available and quick to respond if we... Read more

This is my first time using a service line this for booking my trip, all I have to say is amazing. Emerson was a joy to work with he customized our trip to our budget and still gave us the important things we wanted to do while we were In Finland. Services ranged from arranging transportation to all the events he had planned for us to booking all our hotels. This was truly the easiest trip to go on. Didn’t have to worry about a thing and he was always available and quick to respond if we needed him. I will definitely be using this service for all our future trips. Couldn’t have been a better experience !!!!

Hotel Reviews
Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel
Rovaniemi

Amazing hotel! Very clean, right in the middle of rovaniemi. One of our favorite hotels we have stayed at.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Center of everything. Walking distance to lots of shopping and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

Beautiful accommodations. Baby reindeer to feed. Sauna with cold water plunge and hot tub available while roaring fire was prepared. Heated floors as well. Truly once in a lifetime experience

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Break Sokos Hotel Levi
Levi

This is one of the more basic hotels we stayed In. Nothing too special but the staff was exceptional and you are in the middle of everything in Levi from skiing, shops, and restaurants for sure you don’t have to go to far

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Family Husky Safari
Family Husky Safari
Rovaniemi

Amazing activity this was our first husky sleigh ride and it was everything we expected and then some. The dogs were wonderful and so friendly. staff was very friendly and informative. We had a wonderful time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sauna Experience at the Northern Lights Ranch
Sauna Experience at the Northern Lights Ranch
Levi

One of our favorite activities it was relaxing and and an unforgettable experience. They had a fire for us already going. The sauna was hot, basically everything you needed they already have prepared for you.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wooden Snowshoe Trek in Levi
Wooden Snowshoe Trek in Levi
Levi

Very informative guide. He had authentic wooden snowshoes which when you experience something like this and for the first time you want authenticity. Couldn’t have been more pleased.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Auroras With Snowmobiles
Auroras With Snowmobiles
Finland

It was cold but an amazing experience my husband loved driving the snowmobile it was probably his favorite part of our trip. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the northern lights but that didn’t take away from the experience at all

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 10, 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad you had an amazing experience. It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I’d love to help with your future travels. Looking forward to the next adventure!

Emerson did a wonderful job of planning my ho...
Finland | Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2025

Corinne
Corinne S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2025

Emerson did a wonderful job of planning my holiday in Finland and Norway. He booked the best tours, specifically catering to my interests: husky ride, dinner at an ice hotel, reindeer farm, ice floating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, Northern Lights tour and an Arctic fjord cruise. The guides were helpful and knowledgeable. The hotel accommodations were great and all of the breakfasts were plentiful and delicious.

Emerson was quick to respond when I contacted him and he stayed in touch with me during the entire trip to make sure everything was going as planned. I highly recommend Kim Kim.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Feb 25, 2025

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I truly appreciated how easy and enjoyable it was to work with you. I’m delighted that everything went smoothly and that you had such a memorable experience. Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead!

Finland: Wonderful Winter Holiday
Finland | Jan 24 - Feb 3, 2025

Peter
Peter K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025
Having traveled to Norway and Sweden in winter, I was looking for a winter excursion this year in Finland, hoping to see the Northern Lights. I often plan my own travel itineraries, but I was intrigued by the Kim Kim approach to planning a bespoke itinerary. My local specialist, Emerson, presented me with an itinerary proposal that was detailed and tailored to what I wanted to see and do. So, I let him do the work for me! It was a good investment. Flying into Kittilä, I was met by a... Read more

Having traveled to Norway and Sweden in winter, I was looking for a winter excursion this year in Finland, hoping to see the Northern Lights. I often plan my own travel itineraries, but I was intrigued by the Kim Kim approach to planning a bespoke itinerary. My local specialist, Emerson, presented me with an itinerary proposal that was detailed and tailored to what I wanted to see and do. So, I let him do the work for me! It was a good investment.

Flying into Kittilä, I was met by a driver (all my transfers to hotels and activities were included) and taken to The Northern Lights Ranch about 10 KM north of Levi. This was my favorite hotel (though all accommodations were great), with a glass cabin to myself and amazing dinners and a breakfast buffet with real scrambled eggs (other hotels "scrambled" eggs were powdered eggs). The hotel also features a reindeer corral, a skating rink, and a snowshoe trail (with free skates and snowshoes to use). Because the forecast was for clouds on the second night, when I was scheduled to go for an aurora hunt, the excursion was changed to my first night. No time for jet lag! And we did see the lights! I was the only one on the excursion, which was nice and appreciated . . . and atypical. As a solo traveler, I was at the mercy of having enough other folks sign up in order for the other excursions to take place. Fortunately, with one exception, that happened. You have to be flexible when traveling alone!

A couple nights in another glass cabin outside of Äkäslompolo at the Arctic Skylight Lodge gave me a chance to see a bit of the Northern Lights again from the comfort of my bed. Other highlights: Snowmobiling to a cabin beside a frozen lake, a reindeer sleigh ride (alas, no flying), an evening snowshoeing through a forest to Bear Stone followed by a traditional Finnish dinner (reindeer stew and squeaky cheese) prepared in a lavuu by our guide, Susanne.

Then on to the big city of the north, Rovaniemi, where I spent two nights at the Arctic Light Hotel and had the chance to drive a husky team, look for the aurora again (unsuccessfully), float in a frozen lake, and tromp through the snow at Riisitunturi National Park.

To finish my trip, I took the overnight train to Helsinki (the private sleeper car was nice!). I had a good tour of the city with a private guide, which got me oriented and helped me plan for my own wandering around the city time. Emerson arranged for a day trip to Tallinn the following day, which was a real high point! The "ferry" from/to Helsinki is essentially a cruise ship . . . it just cruises for 2 hours at a time. Another private tour guide introduced me to the history of Tallinn and then an unexpected but much appreciated bonus was getting to meet Emerson and his wife for coffee and conversation.

Emerson did a great job filling up my agenda with activities that I enjoyed. Again, it was an investment well worthwhile to have a plan built by someone who knows the territory. It was also nice to know that Emerson was available if needed during the trip. If you're thinking of visiting Finland (and/or Estonia), I encourage you to let Emerson help make your trip as memorable as mine!

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Feb 18, 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed your trip and made the most of every experience, from chasing the Northern Lights to exploring Tallinn. It was great to meet you in person as well! Wishing you many more amazing travels, and if you ever return to Finland or Estonia, I’d be happy to help again. Safe travels!

Emerson rocks!!!!.
Finland | Jan 16 - Jan 22, 2025

Sara
Sara N.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2025
Emerson was very organized. He responded promptly to questions even on his day off. He was very patient and reassuring. There were no surprises. We would go with Emerson again Read more

Emerson was very organized. He responded promptly to questions even on his day off. He was very patient and reassuring. There were no surprises. We would go with Emerson again

Hotel Reviews
Northern Lights Village Pyhä
Pyhä

Loved the cabins. Toasty warm! Beautiful sightings of the Northern lights right from your bed. Gaze upon the beautiful stars from the comfort of a warm cabin as well. The breakfast and dinner were included and was absolutely amazing- great choice of entrees, salads, cheese with jams and breads. The staff were friendly and helpful and the place was very clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Far away from the city lights and so chances of seeing the northern lights are greatly.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel
Rovaniemi

Very cute apartment.it was spacious, modern and located right in the center of the city center. The kitchen was stocked with dishes, cutlery and crockery. The fridge was stocked with an eggs, cold cuts, cheese, jam and butter, yoghurt, assorted fruits, oatmeal, chocolate and candy bars. There were condiments for cooking a quick meal. Cereal, milk and berry juice was also stocked and yummy breads. There was a toaster, a dishwasher and a microwave. Laundry is free and the pods for the dishwasher and laundry were also free. The highlight was the deep white soaking tub!!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Riisitunturi National Park Expedition
Riisitunturi National Park Expedition
Rovaniemi

Just tracked through the snow. Nothing to do- the trees were bare of the snow as the snow had all meted due to the high temps. Very uneventful- there was no historical detail or narrative offered by the guide- we all walked in silence for about 2 miles. Took a couple of photos- very underwhelmed and a waste of time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Smoked sausages and marshmallows.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Be ready with a narrative or educational activities if the weather does not cooperate.
Transport
The van could be a bit more spacious. We were 7 people cramped like sardines.
Reindeer Farm Visit (No Safari)
Reindeer Farm Visit (No Safari)
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ice-Climbing Experience
Ice-Climbing Experience
Pyhä
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guides were fantastic. Max was very encouraging and his colleague from Mexico were both patient and gave very clear instructions.
Transport
Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile
Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile
Pyhä
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Oscar and Ari were great guides.
Transport
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Tour
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jan 30, 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad everything went smoothly and look forward to helping you with future trips.

Perfectly planned
Finland | Jan 9 - Jan 13, 2025

Dan
Dan C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025

All reservations Emerson made were exactly as promised. Every guide showed up on time, and they were all friendly and very helpful. Activities were wonderful, with well-planned times and downtime in between. Overall fantastic experience and will be using this platform for our next trip!

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jan 20, 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear everything went smoothly and that you had such a fantastic experience. I look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!

Emerson planned a fantastic itinerary for our...
Finland | Jan 3 - Jan 10, 2025

Isabelle
Isabelle L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2025
Emerson planned a fantastic itinerary for our family - it was the perfect amount of discovery, exploration, adventure, relaxation and fun, he really nailed it with what was offered and made the area special in Finland. We asked for a winter wonderland filled with lots of activity for my 10 and 7 year old girls and he really delivered. He did a beautiful job piecing the trip together with the perfect location and hotel choices. My girls loved all our accommodations (Snow & Ice Hotel, Glass... Read more

Emerson planned a fantastic itinerary for our family - it was the perfect amount of discovery, exploration, adventure, relaxation and fun, he really nailed it with what was offered and made the area special in Finland. We asked for a winter wonderland filled with lots of activity for my 10 and 7 year old girls and he really delivered. He did a beautiful job piecing the trip together with the perfect location and hotel choices. My girls loved all our accommodations (Snow & Ice Hotel, Glass Igloo, , the transfers and transportation services were always on time and in excellent condition and Emerson's expertise of the area shines through with his offerings of excursions that were so unique that we had not even thought of but enjoyed thoroughly! This trip was fantastic, could not have been better, and planning with Emerson was easy, straightforward and delightful - I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone wanting to experience all the magic that Finland in Winter time has to offer!

Hotel Reviews
Posti Boutique Hotel Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi

A wonderful hotel with helpful, courteous staff. The room was spacious and clean, with all the conveniences one could want, especially with the kitchenette. The complimentary morning breakfasts were very nice and it is conveniently located within 5 minutes walking distance to the train/bus station and across the street from some grocery stories and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
A more rustic design with an old-timey elevator but with some modern touches like the automatic lights for hallways. The rooms were well designed and very comfortable.
Location
5 minutes away from the train/bus station and a convenient market and shopping plaza was across the street, though it was a bit further from the main downtown area.
Staff
Helpful staff that was kind and able to offer good information to all the questions we had.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable - the rooms were warm and well furnished.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Rovaniemi

The experience of staying in the SnowHotel was unique and amazing. The facilities were very clean and everything was carefully maintained. The sauna was very nice to have, though the shower facilities could have been a bit more private. The sculpted ice hotel was so beautiful to walk around and discover and the warm room with the fireplace was a great place to spend time in to warm up. I do wish there were more private places to spend down-time, for example, somewhere comfortable, private and warm to lay down and take a nap since we are not allowed to enter our ice rooms until pretty late in the evening. The buffet breakfast was a very nice spread and we enjoyed our stay here very much - one night is more than enough time to enjoy and take in all offerings of this accommodation if staying in the ice hotel. The ice restaurant was also well done and the ice bar was very fun to visit as well.

Authenticity & Character
An incredibly unique experience!
Location
Great area and setting
Staff
Very helpful folks
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean spaces, could have some warmer private spaces to feel more comfortable and relaxed
Kurula's Resort
Pyhätunturi

This resort was one of my family's favorite places to stay while moving around Finland. It was a cosy cabin atmosphere where the rooms were spacious, inviting and surprisingly warm given that the only heat provided is from the flooring. Our favorite feature of the rooms was the private sauna in the bathroom. We found that we used the sauna every day, sometimes twice a day to warm up from the cold outside. Also, conveniently, the clothing warmer was a very nice feature of the room so that we could dry our clothing quickly. The food was very well done at the restaurant and we enjoyed the complimentary breakfasts. It was also very convenient to have the winter overalls and boots provided so that we were well equipped for excursions nearby. It is not particularly close to anything walkable so plan accordingly but the site itself is magical. My children had such fun riding the complimentary sleds down the hills and playing in the plentiful snow around the property. The room was clean, spacious and modern with all the conveniences, including a full sized refrigerator, water kettle, coffee maker and stovetop/microwave. The staff is also incredibly

Authenticity & Character
Absolutely charming cosy cabin vibes.
Location
It is not walkable or nearby to a lot of conveniences like stores or restaurants so plan accordingly or work with hotel staff to get around or leave the premise.
Staff
Very helpful, very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms and property was clean and very comfortable, we had very restful sleeps.
Northern Lights Village
Saariselkä

This hotel was spectacular, it runs like a well oiled machine and made for a very comfortable stay. The room was very comfortable, though it may take some time to warm up. The convenience of looking up to see the Northern Lights was by far the most valuable aspect of staying here - not having to be cold outside when the lights come to dance in front of you is perfection. The views are picturesque everywhere you look and walk. There are also a plentiful amount of activities on-site to keep everyone entertained. The meal times are organized and there are good diverse offerings.

Authenticity & Character
The rooms here are so special, the layout is also very nice.
Location
Staff
Very helpful and available staff members
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Rovaniemi

We had Antii as our guide and he was very good! The vehicle is very comfortable and the most valuable aspect of this excursion is that there is no time limit. He will literally hunt around all over the place and at all hours of the night to assure that guests will see the lights. Additionally, he provides beautiful photography of your party with the Northern Lights and that is invaluable! As a mom who is always taking photos of her kids, it's nice to be on a tour with someone else taking photos of you and your family with the unforgettable backdrop of the Northern lights! We enjoyed the hot juice and gingersnap cookies that our guide brought and when our toes were too cold, he was quick to offer toe warmers.

Quality of Experience
Antii, the guide, went through great lengths to chase down the lights so we would see them.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was a great driver and photographer!
Transport
Safe, timely and safe driver
Family Husky Safari
Family Husky Safari
Rovaniemi

This operation was very well organized. The huskies were very easy to work with and the environment was immaculate and just magical.

Quality of Experience
Excellent experience, I felt safe and had a magical time - amazing backdrop
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Well educated staff
Transport
Dinner at Ice Restaurant
Dinner at Ice Restaurant
Sinettä

The food was good and it was a very beautiful and unique experience. It is expected to be a cold dining experience but perhaps a bit too long and uncomfortable for younger children.

Quality of Experience
Good food and service
Food
Everything was very tasty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly, good staff
Transport
Reindeer Safari with Wilderness Lunch
Reindeer Safari with Wilderness Lunch
Finland

This was a beautiful experience, super family friendly and enjoyable throughout. We loved feeding the reindeer, taking a very scenic ride with them and then spending some time with lunch in the tent to warm up.

Quality of Experience
Excellent tour guide! He was entertaining and educational. Great activities with the reindeer :)
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent guide
Transport
Searching For Santa
Searching For Santa
Saariselkä

This was a tour that was so special - I thought it would just be more for younger kids but I think everyone really enjoyed it, my older child and myself as well. The elves really brought the energy and it was amazing how so many different activities were able to be included in the hours of the tour. We enjoyed so much of it and the pacing was very good, from the skipping, cookie making and decorating, reindeer rides, elf camp activities (my kids' favorite was the trivia games), the singing of songs to find Santa and then actually sitting and talking with Santa - it was a very touching experience to watch Santa talk with the kids.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amethyst Mine Tour with the Pendolino - Snow Train
Amethyst Mine Tour with the Pendolino - Snow Train
Pyhä

Easily one of my kids' favorite activities. It was extremely cold but they still enjoyed the tour. It was fun to experience the short ride on the Pendolino but the real star is the part where the kids could dig. They really could've stayed for much longer doing just the digging part of the excursion. It was thrilling for them to find the amethyst and the guides were so helpful and uplifting in their efforts.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ice-Climbing Experience
Ice-Climbing Experience
Pyhä

The guides were absolutely phenomenal and really made the experience! Sampo was professional and a great driver. Inessa was a superstar guide, and absolutely magnificent with children, she really made the experience a standout for us. We always felt safe and encouraged, also very proud of our ability to climb the wall with our very capable guides.

Quality of Experience
An amazing experience with expert guides!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Inessa was amazing! She was helpful and so supportive, phenomenal with children! Highly recommend her.
Transport
Aurora Camp by the Lake
Aurora Camp by the Lake
Saariselkä

Although we didn't get to see the lights this evening due to a snow storm, our guide still made it incredibly fun despite the weather. Katie was excellent with children and was so good at sharing such good interesting facts. My kids enjoyed roasting marshmallows with her.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jan 14, 2025

Thank you so much for this lovely review—it’s such a wonderful way to start my birthday morning! 🎉 I’m so happy to hear that your family had an amazing time and that the trip brought the perfect balance of adventure, fun, and winter magic. It was a joy planning it for you, and I’m thrilled everything came together so well. Wishing you many more memorable adventures in the future!