The Finnish Line Filming Locations in Finland & Iceland

The Finnish Line is a 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie that brings a mix of heartfelt storytelling and breathtaking winter landscapes. The story follows Anya, a Finnish-American dog sled racer played by Kim Matula, as she returns to her roots in Finland to honor her late father’s legacy by competing in the 40th annual Joulurauha race. Along the way, she teams up with Cole, a journalist played by Beau Mirchoff, whose sled dog becomes a crucial part of Anya’s race after her lead dog gets injured.

This uplifting film blends themes of love, trust, family and resilience—set against the snowy backdrop of Finland and Iceland. In this guide, we’ll explore all the major filming locations that gave this movie its authentic charm. NetFilming provides a comprehensive overview of the filming locations for this wintry Hallmark favorite.

What Is The Finnish Line About?

The Finnish Line first aired on December 1, 2024, as part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. Kim Matula plays Anya, a dog sled racer who is desperate to win, and Beau Mirchoff plays Cole, a journalist who is following her adventure. The story is about Anya’s goal to race in the 40th annual Joulurauha race, which is a way for her to honor her father’s memory. When her lead dog gets hurt, she has to work with Cole’s dog. Along the way, she has to deal with her father’s opponent, Monty, and learn to trust her new companion. This 84-minute movie, which is classified TV-G, has romance, adventure, and the excitement of dog sledding, all set in the frigid Arctic.

Where Was The Finnish Line Filmed?

The movie was shot in two stunning countries: Finland and Iceland. These places are great for a Christmas narrative since they have snowy scenery, frosty experiences and a festive atmosphere. The movie was shot during February and March 2024, when the Arctic was at its most beautiful in the winter. Let’s examine the main places where The Finnish Line came to life in more detail.

Filming Locations in Finland

Lapland, Finland

Most of the filming took place in Lapland, which is the northernmost part of Finland. This area is known for its lengthy winters, lots of snow and peaceful environment. It is also a popular place to go for winter sports and Christmas tourism. Lapland is a great place for a narrative about dog sledding and seasonal rituals.

❄️ Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Saariselkä

The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä, Lapland, is one of the best places to stay. People come to this resort to stay in glass igloos, where they can enjoy the Northern Lights from their beds. The warm cabins, which are surrounded by trees covered with snow, make for a lovely setting that is suitable for a Christmas movie. The Finnish Line shows off the resort’s wintery appeal in scenes with dog sledding and quiet, reflective moments.

People who go to Kakslauttanen can do things like reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and husky sledding, which fit wonderfully with the movie’s adventurous atmosphere. This place gives the movie a real Arctic flavor, making it seem like a winter vacation.

Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi

Another key spot is Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle. This famous place is a Christmas lover’s dream, with its walks blanketed in snow, dazzling lights and festive energy. The movie shows the village’s charming wooden structures and the busy holiday mood. It’s a spot where people can meet Santa Claus, ride husky sleds, or try snowmobiling. This makes it a perfect fit for The Finnish Line’s festive motif. The Joulurauha race comes to life in the village, which has a happy spirit and beautiful surroundings that make you feel like you’re in Finland’s winter enchantment.

✉️ Santa’s Post Office—Rovaniemi

Santa’s Post Office is another place where the movie was filmed. It is in Santa Claus Village. Santa’s elves sort through hundreds of letters from kids all over the world that come here.

The inside is covered with bright colors, toys, and letters from around the world, which is a great fit for the movie’s plot and look. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a real-life holiday postcard location, this is the place.

Filming Locations in Iceland

In addition to Finland, the filmmakers also captured some dramatic visuals in Iceland. With its lava fields, glaciers, and geothermal features, Iceland brought a sense of wildness and adventure to the film.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Parts of the movie were filmed in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. People recognize this city for its colorful residences, lively streets and easy access to natural beauties. In the movie, you may see well-known places like Tjörnin Lake, which is situated in the midst of the city and the Hallgrímskirkja church, which is very tall.

Reykjavík established the mood for sequences that needed a blend of city comfort and winter charm, which worked well with the more rural areas of Lapland.

⛷️ Skíðaskálinn í Hveradölum – Hellisheiði Region

Another important place to film is Skíðaskálinn í Hveradölum, which is in Iceland’s Hellisheiði geothermal area. The mountains, volcanic landforms and natural geothermal steam vents may all be seen from this mountainous area.

The movie featured outdoor sledding and adventure scenes in this region, which were among its most exciting and beautiful aspects. In the winter, people like to ski and walk there, and the movie’s action sequences looked more authentic because the location is so beautiful.

Why You Should Watch The Finnish Line

Beyond its stunning locations, The Finnish Line is a story of perseverance, love, and honoring family. Kim Matula and Beau Mirchoff have great chemistry and Nichole Sakura does a great job as Anya’s friend Elyse, which makes it a pleasant movie. The dog sled racing scenes are exciting and the Arctic scenery makes it a great place to get away for the holidays. We enjoy how this movie mixes adventure with holiday spirit at NetFilming and we hope you’ll watch it on the Hallmark Channel.

“The Finnish Line” Behind The Scenes

Filming The Finnish Line was a unique experience for the cast and crew, especially since it was the first Hallmark film to be shot on location in Rovaniemi, Finland—right at the Arctic Circle. The production took full advantage of real snow, Northern Lights, and authentic Nordic culture to bring the story to life.

Director Peter Benson shared in an interview,

“Filming in Lapland gave us exactly what we needed—a real sense of wonder. The landscapes weren’t just a backdrop; they were part of the emotional journey.”

Lead actor Beau Mirchoff also expressed his excitement,

“There’s something magical about being in a place where Christmas is more than just decorations. You really feel it in the air.”

It wasn’t easy to shoot in such bad weather. The cast had to deal with frigid temperatures, short days, and rough outdoor terrain. Still, the movie feels real and emotionally strong.

The movie was filmed over the course of many weeks in early 2024. The internal sequences were carefully planned to show how relationships can be warm, while the icy wilderness outside showed how the characters were changing and growing.

The Finnish Line Cast Details

Here’s the full cast of The Finnish Line (2024), showcasing the talented actors who brought this heartwarming Hallmark Christmas movie to life.

This diverse cast, lead by Kim Matula and Beau Mirchoff, gives passionate performances that make The Finnish Line a holiday tradition. Lavi’s funny moments and Monty’s rivalry make the plot more interesting. See them in action on the Hallmark Channel!

The Finnish Line Official Trailer

You can always explore more film locations and travel inspiration at NetFilming.

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