Couples looking for an alternative Valentine's break can head to Finland for an abundance of romantic and exciting activities from sipping champagne in a hot tub to being pulled in a sled by a reindeer. The Finnish call Valentine's Day 'Ystävänpäivä', meaning 'Friend's Day', so not only is it a day for couples but for friends too. Finnish people mark the day by sending each other cards and gifts.

For a city break Helsinki is a great option for young couples as its vibrant atmosphere and array of contemporary and traditional restaurants are more than enough to keep busy. Finnish National Opera in Helsinki offers numerous operas, ballets and concerts throughout the year, tickets for operas and ballets start from €19 per person. www.opera.fi/en After a show head to Michelin starred restaurant A21 for a romantic meal for two, the exclusive venue has separate dining areas to mirror the Finnish landscape. The restaurant specialises in traditional Scandinavian dishes inspired by Finnish nature. http://www.a21.fi/dining/en/index.html

The opulent Hotel Kamp in Helsinki, the city's only five star hotel, is the perfect base from which to explore this enigmatic city. The luxurious hotel features a Michelin starred restaurant and its very own spa. Stays are from €259 per person per night based on a double room. www.hotelkamp.com

For those looking for an alternative way to spend this Valentine's then Finnish Lapland is ideal; scientists have said the winter of 2013/14 is the best winter in 50 years to see the magical northern lights, and Finnish Lapland is perfect for active couples to enjoy skiing, husky sledding and night expeditions in search of the aurora borealis.

Guild Travel is offering three night Northern Lights trips to Harriniva in Finnish Lapland costing from £1139 per person, the exciting itinerary includes a night snowmobile safari, a husky safari, a day spent taking in the culture with the locals and a night snowshoe trip. Price includes return flights between the UK and Kittilä, three night's accommodation on a half board basis, activities stated on itinerary, thermal clothing, airport transfers and taxes. Trips are available throughout February. For bookings: www.guildtravel.com / 0207 388 4158

For those wanting something different from their accommodation a stay at the Igloo Village Kakslauttanen is a must, the resort features glass igloos with luxury beds where couples can spend the night gazing up at the stars with a chance of seeing the northern lights. The resort offers an extensive programme of activities for couples including a ride in a sled pulled by a reindeer, winter safaris exploring the snow-capped mountains and glaciers, cross-country skiing, and for those brave enough, ice swimming. Guests can dine in a snow restaurant with tables made from crystal clear ice. www.kakslauttanen.fi/en/ Five-day trips with Nordic Experience are from £1599 per person, including return flights from Heathrow to Ivalo, three night's accommodation in a log cabin, one night's accommodation in a glass igloo, meals stated in itinerary and reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris as detailed in itinerary. Trips are available throughout February. For bookings: www.nordicexperience.co.uk/finland/winter/snow-adventures / 0120 6708 888

Another option for those looking for something special is the Eagles View Suite in Hotel Isö Syöte, the ceiling and walls of this exclusive suite are made entirely of glass, giving spectacular, unobstructed views of the snow crusted fells of the Syöte national park. Comfortably ensconced in the suite, couples can relax in each others' company with nothing but the sound of the crackle of the open fire. Relax in the suites own private sauna and Jacuzzi and take in the spectacular views of the winter wonderland that is the southernmost fjell in Lapland. Guests can sip champagne before retiring to the luxurious bed to gaze up at the star spotted night sky and, if they're lucky, take in the magical views of the northern lights. Departures with Escape2Scandinavia's Romance on Ice holiday are from £1560 per person including four nights' half board accommodation at the Eagles View Suite, return international flights and transfers, a full day husky safari including lunch, a visit to a reindeer farm and a northern lights evening snowmobile safari (full driving licence required). Trips are available until March 2014. For more information or to book visit http://bit.ly/17up5r0

-Ends-

For further information on Finland please visit www.visitfinland.com or call Jules Ugo, Georgina Oakley or Kate McWilliams at Lotus UK on 0207 953 7461 or email firstname@lotus-uk.co.uk

Twitter: @ourfinland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitfinland
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/visitfinland
Check out the Your Tube channel for more inspiring Finnish ideas: http://www.youtube.com/user/VisitFinland