lapland week trip

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 22 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect winter wonderland destination, look no further than Finland.

We’ve had some incredible trips to Finland in winter. It was the first place I saw the Northern Lights , the snowy landscapes are spectacular, and there are loads of fantastic winter activities to choose from.

Finland is a fairly big country though, so you might be wondering how best to spend your time here when visiting in winter. Well, wonder no more. With our detailed 1 week Finland itinerary we’ve got you covered.

This itinerary will have you visiting many of the highlights of Finland, including Finnish Lapland and the capital city of Helsinki. It will take you deep into the Arctic Circle, give you the chance to sleep in a glass igloo, and even have you meeting Santa himself.

We’ve also put this itinerary together to offer you flexible transport options. Whilst we generally prefer to hire a car and self-drive, we appreciate not everyone will be comfortable driving in Finland in winter. So this itinerary can be done with or without a car.

In terms of time, we’ve put this guide together for around a week in Finland. We think this is a good length of time to visit Finland in winter.

Of course, you can visit for as long or short a time as you want, but if you are hoping to experience phenomenon like the Northern Lights, giving yourself a bit of extra time will significantly increase the chances of experiencing them.

Ok, that’s enough preamble. Let’s take a look at our detailed day by day itinerary for visiting Finland in winter.

Finland Itinerary for Winter

This itinerary covers a range of activities and sights in Finland. Obviously everyone’s interests will vary, so do please adjust it to suit your personal preferences.

Also, don’t forget that it can be very cold in Finland in winter, with temperatures likely to be well below freezing throughout your visit. We have a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter , which we recommend taking a look at so you are prepared for your trip.

Day 1: Helsinki

We recommend that you spend your first couple of days in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. There’s a huge amount to do in the city, which has a great many museums, restaurants, a historical sea fortress, and other attractions.

On your first day in Helsinki, we’d suggest getting acquainted with the city center and visiting some of the attractions. The city center of Helsinki is fairly compact, and you can get pretty much anywhere with public transportation and walking.

A great starting point is the Helsinki City Museum . Here, you will learn all about the history and development of the city. It’s free, and open every day.

Just near to the city museum is Helsinki Cathedral . This large white building is one of the more recognizable landmarks of Helsinki. It’s spectacular to view from the outside, but you can also go inside too of course. It’s open every day, and free to visit.

If you want a more in-depth overview of the history, culture and people of Finland, then we can recommend a visit to the National Museum of Finland . This covers a huge time period, from prehistoric times to the present day, and is an excellent way to learn a lot about the whole country. It’s open Tuesday – Sundays, and there’s an entry fee.

We could go on listing museums in Helsinki, as the city has a huge number to choose from, catering for almost every interest. From design , to contemporary art , to photography , to architecture , there’s really an incredible choice. There’s even a museum about hotels !

You won’t have time to visit all of these of course, but we can definitely recommend visiting a few during your time in the city. There are lots of choices, so you can just choose a few that appeal to you.

If you do plan on visiting a number of the museums or other attractions in Helsinki, consider investing in either a museum card or the Helsinki Card (buy the latter here ).

These cover a range of attractions, and the Helsinki card also includes transport around the city, which will save you walking around in the cold. The Helsinki card can be great value for money – see our full review of the Helsinki card to see if it’s worth investing in for your trip.

Of course, there’s also more to do in Helsinki than visit museums. We can suggest taking some time to go Christmas shopping (even if it’s after Christmas, you can stock up for the next one!).

If you do visit in December before Christmas, then you will also definitely want to check out the Helsinki Christmas market and try some traditional Christmas foods and drinks. These include Glögi (a type of mulled wine) and star-shaped Christmas pastries.

Kankurin Tupa would be our recommended destination for Christmas shopping in Helsinki. This is a department store which specialises in Finnish items, and has a whole section dedicated to Christmas.

We can also recommend getting coffee and cake at one of Finland’s best known cafes, Ekberg 1852 . This has been in Helsinki since, you guessed it, 1852, and they have an excellent selection of Finnish delicacies which obviously include baked goods.

Finally, find somewhere for a delicious evening meal, and retire, having gotten your first day of sight-seeing in Finland under your belt.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

We have stayed at a number of accommodation options in Helsinki, including apartment rentals and hotels.

Some options we suggest you take a look at include:

Hostel Diana Park
Hellsten Helsinki Senate
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Hotel Katajanokka .

You can also see listings for Helsinki on Vrbo here .

Day 2: Helsinki

For your second day in Helsinki our suggestion is to head out to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress .

This is a UNESCO world heritage site, and in our opinion is a must-do attraction when visiting Helsinki.

There is a huge amount to see and do on the island, and you could easily spend from half a day to a full day here, depending on what you want to see and do.

First, you can explore the six islands that the fortress spans on foot, admiring the impressive fortress construction. As you’re visiting in winter, you will of course want to wrap up warmly and have good footwear. Be wary of icy ground which can make for slippery conditions.

There are also five museums on the island, although not all of these are open year-round. The ones that are open in winter are the Suomenlinna Museum and the Military Museum. I would definitely encourage you to visit the former at least, as this details the history of the fortress and the island.

Both of these museums have an entry fee, and they are also both included on the Helsinki Card . Holders of this card also get ferry transport to and from Suomenlinna Fortress, which otherwise costs €5. Ferries run every day, and you can see the schedule here .

After Suomenlinna Fortress, you might still have time to fit in a few more sights. Some other attractions in Helsinki we would suggest which are near the ferry point from the island include the Helsinki Skywheel for great views across the city, Uspenski Cathedral and the Old Market Hall for food.

Finally, a really popular activity that you must try while you are in Finland is to take a sauna. This is one of the most traditional Finnish experiences you can have.

There are a few options when it comes having a sauna in Finland. Most hotels and even some apartments will come with a sauna, which will often be the easiest way. There are also public saunas in Helsinki.

You can also take a tour which includes a sauna. From Helsinki for example, take a look at this tour , which includes a traditional smoke sauna and the chance to do a cold icy plunge – if you’re feeling brave!

And that wraps up your second day in Finland and your last day in Helsinki. If you’d like some more ideas for what to do in the city, see our guide to things to do in Helsinki , which has many more ideas.

How to Get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki

Your next destination is Rovaniemi. You have a few options for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The fastest option will be to fly. There are a number of airlines offering flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with the flight time being around an hour. Flights are relatively inexpensive and there are multiple departures a day.

If you fly, you can either depart on the evening of day 2 or early in the morning of day 3. You can check flight times and prices, and book online here .

You can also take the overnight sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This route is known as the Santa Claus Express, and the journey takes around 12 hours. If you choose to do this, you will need to leave on the evening on day 2. You can see timetables and book this train online here .

It’s also possible to take a bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This takes around 13 hours. Just note that taking the bus will eat up quite a bit of your day so is the least time efficient option. Check bus times and prices, and book tickets here .

You can also drive to Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This is around a 9.5 hour drive of 500 miles / 800km. Again, this is a long journey and we’d advise against this as well as it will be a tiring journey that will use up your holiday. However, if you want to do this, you can compare car rental prices across a range of suppliers on Discover Cars here .

If you are planning your own trip and booking your own transport, our recommendation for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi would be to either fly or take the overnight train.

If you’d rather not have to worry about planning your own transport, you might also consider taking a guided tour. These will generally cover your transport and accommodation as well as some meals and activities, leaving you to focus on just enjoying yourself.

There are a few tours we suggest that have similar itineraries and activities to our itinerary, and include Helsinki, Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle. Note that most tours from Helsinki use the overnight train service, and focus on activities in and around Rovaniemi.

this 6 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi, and a number of activities
this 5 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi
this 7 day tour which also includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi

If you take one of these tours, they will arrange all your transport and connections for you during your trip, which is definitely an option to think about.

Day 3: Rovaniemi

Welcome to Lapland! Rovaniemi sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the most northerly of the lines of latitude. Above this line you can experience the Midnight Sun in summer, as well as days in winter when the sun never rises at all!

Rovaniemi makes an excellent base for a wide range of winter activities in Finland . These includes Northern Lights viewing, ice karting, snowmobiling, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, sleeping in a snow hotel, ice fishing – the list goes on!

For this itinerary, which I’ve put together on the basis that you don’t need a car, the plan is to base yourself in Rovaniemi for three days and to do a number of winter activities from the city. There are also several attractions in and around Rovaniemi to visit.

This itinerary will of course also work perfectly well with a car. I’ve visited Rovaniemi in winter with and without a car on my two visits. If you plan to rent a car, you can arrange to pick up a rental car either at the airport or in the town center once you arrive. The only consideration if you do hire a car is to ensure that your accommodation includes free parking.

Now, on with the itinerary. Note that many of the museums and attractions in Rovaniemi are not open every day, with Monday being a popular day for them to close. So depending on your timings you might want to juggle this itinerary around a little bit.

First, I’m going to suggest you head to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This is around a 10-minute drive outside the city. If you’re arriving from the airport, it’s between the airport and Rovaniemi, so makes for a logical first stop if you arrive in the morning.

You can get to Santa Claus Village by driving, taking the S anta’s Express bus , a local bus, or by taxi.

There’s a lot to do at the Santa Claus village, and it’s a great place to check off a few of your winter activities. First though, you’re going to want to actually meet the man himself.

Yep, as the name suggests, the Santa Claus village is actually home to Santa Claus himself. He lives here year round with his elves, planning for the big day, and sorting and reading all the mail he receives.

It’s free to visit Santa, although if you want a photo or video with him there’s a fee for that.

As well as visiting Santa, you can also visit Santa’s post office. A fun thing you can do here is mail a Christmas card that will be kept and posted at Christmas time. So even if you visit Rovaniemi in January, you can get all your Christmas cards mailed!

Beyond Santa, there’s plenty more to see and do at Santa’s Village. You can take a photo of you standing on the Arctic Circle marker, and can also arrange other activities such as a reindeer sled ride, a husky ride, or a snowmobile ride.

Of these, we’d suggest that a husky ride would be a great option. Bear Hill husky is our favourite husky operator in this region, and I actually took a two day husky safari with them. They operate a number of tours with pickup from Santa’s village, including this one .

You can also book an experience like this which includes your visit to Santa Claus and a snowmobile ride to a reindeer farm.

You can also do a longer 7 hour tour if you want a more complete experience.

Assuming you take the shorter tour, our suggestion for the rest of your day is to visit Rovaniemi and familiarise yourself with the town. There’s plenty to do here. We’d particularly recommend a visit to Arktikum .

This museum and science center is perfect for learning all about the people, history and culture of the area. There are a number of permanent exhibits here, with the content on life in the arctic being my favourite.

Once you have explored some of the highlights of Rovaniemi, you will likely want to have your evening meal.

If you’re still feeling adventurous, we can highly recommend scheduling some time to try and spot the Northern Lights. You can do this yourself by finding somewhere away from the city lights. If you don’t have a car, the area by Arktikum is a popular spot.

Alternatively, you can take a dedicated Northern Lights tour. Some of these also include other activities like snowmobiling or a traditional Finnish sauna. These are a good option because the Northern Lights are definitely not guaranteed, so doing another activity will ensure you are occupied and having fun, with seeing the Northern Lights as a bonus!

Some options to consider for seeing the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi are:

This 5 hour tour where you look for the Northern Lights whilst having a traditional firewood sauna experience
This photography-focused Northern Lights tour
There are lots more Northern Lights tours from Rovaniemi to choose from, which you can see here .

If you want to get photos of the Northern Lights, you will need to read up a little in advance as they can be quite challenging to photograph. I have a complete guide to how to photograph the Northern Lights , which I can definitely suggest you take a look at so you are prepared.

I also recommend you download an app for your smartphone that will notify you of aurora activity. I have tried a few of these, and have settled on My Aurora Forecast Pro.

I have found it to be the most reliable app that doesn’t drain my phone battery, but has always reliably alerted me to aurora activity. This is available for both Android and iOS , and is available in both free (ad-supported) and paid versions.

We think that’s enough for your third day in Finland! Of course, you can schedule a Northern Lights tour for any of your days in Rovaniemi, but we recommend popping out every evening if you can to at least try and see them yourself, as they can be fickle. If you have a car, driving a little out of the city will afford you the best viewing experience.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

You’re obviously going to need somewhere to stay for your time in Rovaniemi. We’ve tried a few different accommodation options, and have shortlisted the following as our favourites.

Hostel Cafe Koti – a well rated hostel with a good restaurant on site
Guesthouse Borealis – convenient for the train station and great value
Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus – centrally located well rated 3* hotel
Arctic Light Hotel – boutique hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi
Arctic Treehouse Hotel – unique accommodation just outside Santa Claus village

We can also recommend checking out the options for Rovaniemi on Vrbo here .

Day 4: Rovaniemi

We’re going to suggest a full day trip today out of Rovaniemi and down to the town of Kemi on the coast.

Here, you’re going to take a truly unique trip – a ride on an icebreaker boat!

Launched in 1961, the Sampo is a genuine icebreaker built for serious arctic conditions. She had a long and distinguished career in the Gulf of Bothnia, where for thirty years she kept the shipping lanes clear of ice.

In 1987, the town of Kemi bought the Sampo, and since 1988 she has been operating as a tourist attraction from the town port.

This was one of the most fun experiences that I had in Finland in winter. Riding an ice breaker across a frozen sea is a really amazing adventure that is quite unique. The sound of the breaking as the ship ploughs through it is incredible, and I could have just watched the ice breaking and the bow and the frozen sea stretching off to the horizon all day.

However, there’s more to a trip on the Sampo than just watching the ship do her thing. You can also don a full dry suit, and go for a swim in the frozen sea! The ship creates a hole in the ice, and the passengers then take it in turns to don full dry suits and bob around.

This was a lot of fun, although it was definitely less like swimming and more like floating. During this time, it was also possible to take a walk on the snow covered ice, which was also a unique experience.

All in all, I can highly recommend the trip on the Sampo icebreaker. The ship is also very comfortable, and there’s a restaurant on board. Depending on the ticket you choose, there’s an option which includes a buffet meal on board as well.

It’s worth checking the dates and times for the icebreaker well in advance of your trip as it doesn’t sail every day, so if this is something you want to do you will need to plan your trip around it. It also often sells out in advance. You can see times and prices here .

If you are driving, it’s around 90 minutes each way from Rovaniemi to Kemi. If you want to travel by train you can take the train from Rovaniemi to Kemi, and select shuttle pick-up from the Kemi train station to the harbor.

Or you can book a day tour which includes your round-trip transport directly from Rovaniemi to the ice breaker.

Day 5: Rovaniemi

For your last full day in Rovaniemi I’m going to suggest you have a full day of winter activities. After all, you came to Finland in winter to have a winter adventure!

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to winter adventures, so I’ll just provide some options and let you decide what you might enjoy the most. Some of these activities are shorter, so you could do more than one if you wanted, whilst others are full day trips.

Hiking / Snowshoeing

One of the best way to experience winter in Finland is to get out into the countryside and take a walk!

Of course, walking in snow can be a bit challenging, as we tend to sink in. The solution? Snowshoes! These are large and wide devices which clip onto your shoes, and spread your weight out on the snow. This lets you walk without sinking in.

If you want to explore on your own, you can either buy a pair of snowshoes or rent them.

Another option is to take a tour. For example, this tour has you snowshoeing through the snow covered forests near Rovaniemi, before trying your hand at another popular Finnish winter activity – ice fishing!

There are some other great hiking tours you can take from Rovaniemi. I’d particularly recommend going hiking in the Korouoma National Park. This is found 160km from Rovaniemi, so will take a couple of hours to drive to. However, in winter the park is famed for its frozen waterfalls, of which there 14.

The best way to see these is to take a hike in the park. You can either drive yourself, or you can take a tour from Rovaniemi which should include an experienced guide and the correct outerwear and footwear.

We’d recommend either this half day hike or this full day hike .

Ice Fishing

A really popular activity amongst Finnish people in winter is ice fishing. This sport has you drilling a hole into the ice on a frozen lake or river, and then using special ice fishing equipment to try and catch a fish.

We have tried ice fishing a few times, and to be honest, we have never caught a fish.

That said, other people on the tours we’ve taken have caught fish, as has our guide, so it is definitely possible!

Even though we’ve never caught a fish, we’ve always had a lot of fun ice fishing. It’s a wonderful way to get out into the outdoors, and most tours include some kind of food or at least hot drinks cooked over a fire.

The best way to go ice fishing is definitely to take a tour. Whilst you could hire your own equipment and go yourself, it is definitely a lot safer to accompany a local expert when heading out onto frozen lakes and rivers!

There are a number of ice fishing tours that depart from Rovaniemi, including the following.

A 2.5 hour tour which focuses on ice fishing – great if you just want to get an idea of what it’s all about without committing to a longer trip.
This 4 hour tour includes both snowshoeing and ice fishing
A 7 hour full day tour that includes ice fishing, a traditional Finnish sauna experience as well as a BBQ lunch – which will include your fish if you catch any!

You can also pair up an ice fishing experience with snowmobiling. For example, this is a 5 hour snowmobile and ice fishing day, whilst this is a half day tour with snowmobiling and ice fishing .

Snowmobiling

I love snowmobiling, and every time we’ve visited Finland I’ve done my best to go snowmobiling at least once.

Snowmobiling is, in my opinion, a huge amount of fun. It’s also a great activity to pair with other activities, such as watching the Northern Lights or going ice fishing. You use the snowmobile to get to where you are going, do the activity, and then ride the snowmobile back.

Of course, you can also have a “pure” snowmobiling experience too, where you just ride the vehicle.

Snowmobiles are nearly all for two people, so when you go on a snowmobile tour there will usually always be one person driving, and one person as the passenger. On all the tours I’ve been on the guides have always ensured that people swap so both can have the experience of driving if they want. Additionally, it’s usually possible to pay a supplement to ride on your own if you prefer.

If you are visiting Finland with children, you should be aware that most snowmobiles can’t be operated by children under 15 years of age.

Some children can ride as passengers, but this isn’t universal, so you will want to check the tour details and contact the company to be sure before booking. For example, this is a family friendly snowmobile tour.

Some snowmobiling tours from Rovaniemi to consider include the following.

This tour which just has you snowmobiling and is a good way to get a feel for riding these machines.
This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, a visit to a reindeer farm, and a husky and reindeer sled ride. If you want to experience a number of activities in one tour, this is a great option.
This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, campfire, and lunch.
This evening snowmobile tour to see the Northern Lights which also includes a traditional Lappish BBQ. This tour is family friendly, and would make a great evening out after doing other activities in the daytime. Plus you might catch the Northern Lights!

Hopefully this gives you plenty of ideas for the types of snowmobiling tours you can do from Rovaniemi.

Husky Sledding

If you prefer your snow transport to be bit more traditional but still lots of fun, then husky sledding is likely going to be something you’ll enjoy a great deal.

As the name suggests, husky sledding involves a team of huskies, and a sled. Huskies are a special breed of dog which are well adapted to long periods of intense activity as well as cold conditions. Put more simply, they love running in the snow.

Husky sledding has you harnessing a team of husky dogs to a sled. There are usually between six and eight dogs, and each sled will generally have a driver and a passenger. The driver will stand at the back of the sled to steer and brake, whilst the passenger relaxes and enjoys the view.

Husky sledding is a really popular activity when visiting Finland in winter, and one we highly recommend. I’ve written a whole post outlining my experience dog sledding in Lapland , which you should find useful.

Like most of the other activities on our list, there are lots of operators running husky sledding tours in Rovaniemi. We recommend and have used Bear Hill Husky, they really care about their dogs, and they have a range of sledding experience to suit everyone. Some examples to consider are as follows.

The offer shorter tours which usually include 45 minutes of actual dog sledding over a 2.5 hour visit. As well as the sledding, you also get the opportunity to learn about and meet the dogs – and get plenty of photos. For example, see this morning tour .
If you want a more immersive and complete experience, they also offer a longer full day tour which includes around seven hours of husky sledding as you cover a distance of 30-40km. This also includes a campfire lunch, hot juice, and cookies.

We think one of these options would be great for anyone looking for a wonderful husky sledding experience in Lapland.

Visiting an Amethyst mine

The final option we have on our list of things you could do on your last day in Rovaniemi is to visit an Amethyst mine .

There’s one working amethyst mine in Finland, and it’s found on the top of a hill in the Pyha-Luosto National Park .

This national park is home to the remnants of a mountain chain which is over two billion years old. It’s a popular place for a range of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, hiking and skiing.

However, it’s the amethyst mine that I think you should visit. This is found in Lampivaara, and here you can learn all about amethyst mining, as well as having a go at mining for amethyst yourself!

If you have your own vehicle it’s around a 90 minute ride from Rovaniemi to Lampivaara. Here, there’s a tracked vehicle which ferries people up to the top of the mountain to visit the mine. This experience needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here .

Of course, there’s lots more to do be in Rovaniemi and surrounds beyond everything we’ve listed here, which is why we think it makes for a great base to explore. For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Rovaniemi .

Days 6 & 7: Head North

From Rovaniemi, my suggestion is to head further north into Lapland. This will give you even more chances to see the Northern Lights, as well as stay at some really unique and more remote locations.

You’ll also have more chances to do lots of winter activities including dog sledding, ice fishing, ice karting, seeing Santa, staying in ice hotels, spending time in a Finnish sauna, snowmobiling, and skiing.

As always, you have choices for where you decide to go! Here are our three suggested options for you to choose from, depending on your interests. Of course, if you are driving yourself, you can visit more than one of these options.

The first option you have is to head north to Saariselka. This is found 250km / 155mi north of the arctic circle, making this an excellent place to see the Northern Lights.

You can reach Saariselka by car or public bus from Rovaniemi. There’s also Ivalo airport , 25km to the north of the city, which has services to Helsinki and other European destinations.

When we visited Saariselka, we stayed in the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort . This is one of the most popular places to stay in a glass igloo in Finland, and was where the concept of glass igloos first originated.

I stayed in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen, and it was a night I will never forget.

Naturally there’s more to Kakslauttanen than glass igloos. The resort has a wide range of accommodation options, depending on what you are interested in. I can definitely recommend staying in a glass igloo for one night on your trip just for the experience. There’s also a range of winter activities available here.

You can see our full review of Kakslauttanen here .

Where to stay in Saariselka

Whilst we very much enjoyed our stay at Kakslauttanen, it’s not the only option in Saariselka. You might consider one of the following options:

Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos – A well reviewed and popular option with cottages featuring glass domed ceilings and a private sauna
Log House Kuukkeli – if you’d prefer to stay in a more traditional property, this guesthouse is built in the traditional log cabin style and offers great value accommodation
Northern Lights Village – features glass roofed cabins with private bathrooms and its own reindeer paddock.
Saariselkä Kuukkeli Inn – a well reviewed more budget oriented option. Rooms have free-wifi, and shared bathrooms

During your time visiting Saariselka you’ll find plenty to do to keep you occupied. If there are any winter activities you want to take part in, you can of course do them, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, husky sledding, snowshoeing and more. Naturally, you’ll also want to spend time searching for the Northern Lights!

Most accommodation providers will be able to arrange these activities for you directly.

Another popular area you can visit from Saariselka, either as a day trip or overnight, is Inari. This is a little further north, and is in fact home to Finland’s northernmost holiday resort.

This is a very sparsely populated region, and is a focal point of the Sámi culture. You can learn about this culture and people at Siida , home to the Sámi Museum and the Northern Lapland Nature Centre. This is open throughout the winter on every day except Monday, and there’s a fee to visit.

Another option is to visit the Kittilä region. This is a particularly good option if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, as it’s home to Levi , Finland’s largest ski resort.

So if you want to get some skiing or snowboarding in on your trip to Finland, this would be the best place to do just that.

There’s lots more to do in the Kittilä area than skiing though.

The area is popular for a range of winter activities, with hiking and cross-country skiing in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park being a popular option. You can also go snowshoeing, ice fishing , ice karting, husky sledding and snowmobiling of course!

In Lanio, you’ll find the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage . This village is made every year from thousands of tonnes of ice and snow, and features a hotel, restaurant, bar, and even a chapel. There are also log cabins on site. You can stay here overnight or just visit for the day. The theme varies each year, with 2018-19 having a Game of Thrones focus.

Another excellent attraction that we enjoyed visiting in Kittilä was Samiland . This is found at Levi Summit, which you can reach by taking a lift from the ski resort.

Samiland features an indoor and outdoor exhibit space dedicated to the Sami people, and covers the history, culture and mythology of the people, as well as their traditional building and mythology. There’s a small entry fee which is well worth it.

You can reach Kittilä by car or bus from Rovaniemi. The distance is 150km / 93mi. Kittilä airport serves Kittila/Levi, with flights from Helsinki and a number of destinations across Europe.

Where to stay in Kittilä

There are a range of accommodation options in Kittilä. Some options to consider are as follows.

Design Hotel Levi – perfect for those of you wanting to be able to ski from your door, this hotel is found right at the foot of the Levi resort ski lifts
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage – if you want to live out your dream of sleeping in a snow hotel while in Finland, this is the place to come!
Hotel Kittilä – 15 minutes from the Levi Ski resort, this is a great value option
Guesthouse Golden Goose – found in the centre of Kittilä village, this is a well rated guesthouse with an on-site sauna
Levi Northern Lights Huts – found on an old reindeer farm, this is the place to stay in Levi if you want the glass roof experience

Wherever you choose to go from Rovaniemi, we think that spending your last couple of days deep inside the arctic circle, chasing the Northern Lights and taking part in more winter activities, would be the perfect way to end your trip in Finland.

Then, you can return to Rovaniemi, drop off your hire car if you have one, and fly home. Alternatively, there are flights available from Kittilä or Ivalo airports.

That’s it for our winter itinerary of Finland! Now we want to share some practical advice to help you plan your trip.

Map of 7 Day Finland Winter Itinerary

To help you visualise this itinerary we’ve put together a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Finland Itinerary Overview

Here’s an overview of this itinerary for quick reference:

Day 1: Helsinki – Helsinki City Museum, Helsinki Cathedral, National Museum of Finland
Day 2: Helsinki – Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Skywheel, Uspenski Cathedral, Old Market Hall
Day 3: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, Husky Tour, Arktikum
Day 4: Rovaniemi – Day trip on Sampo ice breaker, Northern Lights
Day 5: Rovaniemi – Snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, husky sledding, amethyst mine
Day 6 & 7: North Finland – Saariselka, Kittilä

How to Get Around Finland in Winter

You might be wondering what the best way to get around Finland in winter is.

Well, you have a number of options.

For longer distances, such as the trip between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, we would recommend either taking the train or flying.

Flying will be the fastest option, and is likely to be the cheapest as well if you book well in advance. You can check flight times and prices, and book online here . For the train, you can see timetables and book online here .

For shorter distances, such as exploring around Rovaniemi and getting between the sights on our itinerary, you have a couple of options.

First, you can rent a car and drive. We prefer to self-drive when we travel where possible as it gives us more flexibility with what we stop to see, where we go and when we leave.

Car rental in Finland is comparable to other parts of Europe. In winter, cars will come with studded tyres, and the roads are well maintained.

If you want to drive in Finland using this itinerary, we’d recommend hiring a car in Rovaniemi for pickup from the airport. You can compare car rental prices and book online here .

Of course, we appreciate that driving in the extreme winter conditions that Finland experiences is not going to be for everyone. With this in mind we have set this itinerary up so you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to.

By combining public transport and a variety of tours which include transport, you can absolutely experience Finland in winter without needing to hire a car or worry about driving.

Tours of Finland in Winter

If you love the sound of the trip I’ve put together, but don’t like the thought of planning it all out, booking activities, hotels and transport, then you might consider taking a tour instead.

There are of many tour options to consider, which we have summarised as follow.

this selection of tours which includes a number of options in Lapland

Hopefully one of these works out for you if you choose to take a tour of Finland in winter.

You can see more tour options for Finland on TourRadar here , they list tours from a wide range of operators at various price points, so you can find the one you want. We have used TourRadar to book tours in destinations around the world and always had a good experience.

There are 22 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Cyndi Puah says

8th March 2024 at 3:22 pm

may i know itinerary and the cost of the package

Laurence Norah says

8th March 2024 at 3:52 pm

The itinerary is laid out in the guide above, and it’s designed for people to follow themselves, it’s not a guided experience. If you’d like a guided tour of Finland, I can recommend checking out the options on TourRadar for Finland here , they have lots of tours at different prices from many operators, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Have a great time in Finland!

19th June 2023 at 3:36 pm

Do you have any suggestions on extending this to Northern Norway. Perhaps a 10-14 day trip?

19th June 2023 at 4:13 pm

You absolutely could extend this trip to Northern Norway and that would make for a wonderful adventure. However as we’ve only visited southern Norway, we don’t have any specific advice for you. We hope you have a great trip though!

17th December 2022 at 2:10 pm

hi, thanks for the detailed blog. do you have any contacts for local private driver that we can engaged to bring us around or see northern lights?

18th December 2022 at 11:51 am

We don’t have any personal contacts for drivers, however, there are plenty of operators who can drive you to see the northern lights. Here is a list of some examples. So this is definitely a service you can book! If you wanted a longer tour, over multiple days, I’d suggest checking on sites like Viator or TourRadar to see what is available.

Pearlyn says

29th September 2022 at 6:00 am

Hi Laurence, this is really a great post that summarises what I need ! I’m planning to head to rovaniemi and lapland for 8 days ,would you recommend signing up tours from websites like nordic visitor etc? Do you have a recommended tour that covers both rovaniemi and lapland ? if the transport is included then that will really make it a lot more fuss free Thank you !

1st October 2022 at 5:47 pm

Hi Pearlyn!

Thanks very much! So I’ve not used Nordic Visitor before but I am aware of them and they get good reviews I believe, so that should be fine. What I would suggest is taking a look at the Finland tours on TourRadar here – they list tours from most of the companies who run tours, and you can filter by duration and price. So that should help you narrow down your options. For example, a tour like this might be an option, but there are quite a few to choose from 🙂

Have a great trip!

Shelly says

30th August 2022 at 1:56 am

Hi, So I’m really interested in the ice breaker tour but if I go in Dec. would the tour be mostly be in the dark? Would we be able to see the ice and things around us?

30th August 2022 at 11:14 am

Great question. So daylight hours in December are definitely limited. A great website is this one , where you can plug in a location and it will show you the sunrise and sunset times, as well as the dawk/dusk times (civil twilight).

For December it shows that you are looking at sunrise between 10am and 10.45 (depending on when in December), and sunset between 2.17pm and 2.50pm. Dawn and dusk add just under two hours to that, so it won’t be totally dark, but it will be definitely be darker.

So yes, you should be able to see the ice around you, and you will also get either a sunrise or sunset from the boat, depending on which cruise you take.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Shelly Mcintosh says

30th August 2022 at 12:19 pm

Thank you so much! In your opinion what is the best time to go? What gives me the best chance to see the northern lights and also do all the wonderful winter activities. I was planning a trip in Nov but I see the ice breaker doesn’t start till dec and I see Dec has Limited daylight. By the way this was by far the best blog I have come across! So useful and informative.

30th August 2022 at 1:01 pm

My pleasure Shelly, and thanks! So we have visited Finland in December and the days are definitely quite short, especially in the northern areas. My favourite time is February, there is more guarantee of snow, the days are already a lot longer and there is still a good chance of seeing the northern lights. My best Northern lights experience was actually in February. So if that’s an option that would be my preference.

Have a wonderful trip, and feel free to ask any more questions as you plan!

20th April 2022 at 2:57 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

This is amazing blog I have never come across. It’s so detailed and to the extend you’d brought me into Finland while reading. Phenomenal!

I am planning to make a December family trip with 3 children from age 11 to 15. Your itinerary definitely suit to my plan. I am wondering how easy of the public transportation like bus from point to point as you’ve mentioned? It’s unlike other EU countries where we can get train easily.

20th April 2022 at 4:36 pm

Thanks very much, we’re glad you found it helpful 🙂 So the public transport is pretty easy to use in Finland. You will just want to check schedules for where you plan on going. If you are following this itinerary, then the easiest option is to take the train (or fly) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. If you plan on going further north, you’ll need to take a bus. We’ve taken a few long distance buses in Finland and they have all been fine. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Samir Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 1:20 am

Dear Laurence,

I am Sameer from Explorus Travel, India. Just read your detailed itinerary for Finland in Winter. It’s a kind of encyclopaedia for me. Amazing!

I have a question: Most of the photos on this page are clicked in daylight (they are bright, sunny pics). But what I read is that Sun almost doesn’t rise at all in Dec / Jan in Rovaniemi. So how can one get an opportunity to click such sunny and bright photos in absence of sun light / day light? Isn’t the stay experience in Dec boring and dull in absence of light? I mean how much can one enjoy darkness without good photos? Or are your photos clicked during those two hours when there’s little day light?

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards

12th October 2021 at 10:53 am

Great to hear from you! So these photos are from a few different visits, some in January and some in February. The experience of how much light there is will vary depending on where you are in Finland. In Rovaniemi, the darkest day of the year is the 22nd December, where there’s only 2.5 hours of sunlight. However, there is still sunlight. If you visit in mid-February, you get 8.5 hours between sunrise and sunset. So there is plenty of light. I would generally suggest not visiting over the very darkest days in December, but it quickly changes and the days get longer if you visit in February or even late January.

Hope this helps!

Sameer Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 11:35 am

Thank you so much for your prompt and satisfactory response.

Would you recommend Northern Norway for Northern Lights in December last week or Rovaniemi Finland? I am asking in terms of maximum available day-light.

Kind regards Sameer Patrawala Explorus

12th October 2021 at 12:25 pm

My pleasure 🙂

So Northern Norway is way inside the Arctic Circle. In the last week of December, or in December at all in fact, you won’t get any sunlight. You can see sunrise and sunset times for a place like Tromso in Northern Norway here: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/norway/tromso?month=12&year=2021

Rovaniemi is on the edge of the Arctic circle, which is why you don’t get the permanent darkness. If you are looking for the northern lights, then usually the further north you go the better your chances. However, I have seen incredible displays from southern Finland too, so it’s all just a question of luck really. If you want some sunlight though, northern Norway in December might not be the best option!

Trizzy says

26th September 2021 at 6:50 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, First off, amazing and detailed itinerary! This is the type of blog I love to read when researching- keep it up! 🙂 Also, would you say early November is a good time to visit Finland and see the northern lights?

Many thanks again!

26th September 2021 at 10:36 am

Thank you very much Trizzy! So yes, November would be a fine month to see the northern lights. The only thing to bear in mind is that there might not be snow everywhere in early November (this changes each year of course), so if you wanted snowy landscapes as well as the northern lights, it’s something to keep in mind. Of course, there could also be lots of snow! But it’s not guaranteed.

I hope this helps!

Jessica says

9th April 2020 at 5:27 pm

I am following your travel blog for a while now. Love your content and photos. I am actually planing to visit Finland later this year as soon as this quarantine is over and I have one question. Do you recommend visiting smaller cities in Finland? For example this town Sastamala – I have friend there and don’t know what to expect as it is small town and there isn’t as much information online.

9th April 2020 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica!

Thanks very much. So the smaller cities in Finland are worth visiting, we have been to places like Oulu, Rauma and so on. There is usually something of interest in each town or city, and if you have a friend there they should be able to give you some advice as to what there is to do and see 🙂 So I would check with them and see what they say!

have a great trip when you get to go, and stay well!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Newsletters
Sweepstakes
Destinations

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland

From the northern lights to the legendary sauna culture, this arctic destination has it all. Here's what you won't want to miss.

Milamai / Getty Images

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is the place to go to check more than a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list — like seeing the northern lights and experiencing the midnight sun. The arctic destination has stunning nighttime skies, wide-open landscapes, and air so fresh it can make you happier. Here’s how to plan a trip to Finnish Lapland that you’ll never forget.

When to Go to Finnish Lapland

Here’s the good news about Lapland: It’s always beautiful out — well, depending on how you define “beautiful.” The region's peak travel season falls between December and February thanks to a natural phenomenon we’ll get to in a moment. During this period, the region’s average temperature ranges from 3 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can get down to as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit with added wind chill.

By contrast, temperatures in the summer can be much milder, usually ranging from 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a prime time to visit the area for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

How to See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Many visitors travel to Finnish Lapland to take in a few breathtaking natural occurrences — including the aurora borealis, or northern lights. You can see this phenomenon any time between August and April, though it occurs more frequently around the equinoxes in late September and late March. Visit then and look to the sky on clear nights for a chance to witness this incredible celestial light show.

Those looking for a more curated experience can ask their hotel for recommendations, or they can book a guided trip like a three-hour aurora borealis picnic in Rovaniemi, which includes a short hike to an outpost with warm drinks and food. You can also take a snowmobile tour or, the most adventurous of all, an aurora ice floating experience in Rovaniemi . It's just as it sounds — guests don dry suits and set out on a frozen lake to lie back and blissfully gaze up into the night sky.

How to See the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland

Giles Clarke / Getty Images

If you’re not much of a night owl, that’s okay because Finnish Lapland offers another spectacular show: the midnight sun. From late May until early August, the tilt of the Earth means the sky never gets dark. Make the most of the near-constant daylight by taking a hike, going fishing, or even playing a round of golf when you'd normally be asleep.

What Else to Do in Finnish Lapland

Andrey-Kobylko / Getty Images

Go for a hike.

Finnish Lapland is chock full of stellar hiking trails fit for all levels. The Arctic Circle and Inari hiking areas offer everything from one-hour hikes to all-day wilderness adventures, as well as restrooms and visitor centers.

Hit the sauna.

Sauna culture has long been an integral part of Finnish life , and there’s no better spot to experience it than in Tampere , the sauna capital of the world. Come for the public spas, but stay for the arts, culture, and attractions like the Tampere Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Scandinavia.

Paddle your way through the region.

Explore Finnish Lapland from a different perspective by taking to its rivers for a canoeing adventure. During the warmer months, you can take in the amazing views as you meander along calming waterways. Try this six-hour canoe trip down the River Kapsajoki, which includes a campfire lunch and opportunities for fishing.

Visit Santa Claus.

Fun fact: Santa lives in Finland. And you can visit him any time of year at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Kris Kringle and his elves open their famous home and workshop all 365 days of the year. Meet the man himself, cross the Arctic Circle (which passes through the theme park), embark on a snowmobile safari adventure in the Lapland wilderness, and dine in a restaurant made of snow while you're there.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland

Lingxiao Xie / Getty Images

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

At the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, guests can enjoy a host of creature comforts in a nature-centric setting. Every room comes with fur throws and floor-to-ceiling windows, while some even have soaking tubs, fireplaces, and decks from which to take in the surrounding forest. Book the chic two-bedroom Arctic GlassHouse to enjoy all the bells and whistles.

Seaside Glass Villas

Need more of a view? Spend a few nights at Seaside Glass Villas , a collection of box-shaped bungalows in the waterfront town of Kemi. Each one has a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Bothnian Bay, as well as a glass roof through which you can enjoy incredible views of the northern lights while lying in bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

You might recognize Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort's gorgeous glass-domed igloos from your Instagram feed, but even the best photos can't capture the magic of actually staying in one. Book the kelo-glass igloo to combine the privacy of a log chalet with the wow factor of the northern lights dancing over your bed.

Those seeking to stay in the lap of luxury need look no further than Octola , an exclusive five-star hideaway with just 12 rooms and two chalets. Guests can book a single room or buy out the entire space if they want to bring along family and friends.

What to Pack

Packing for a summer trip to Finnish Lapland is relatively easy. Just bring whatever you normally would for any other summer getaway — shorts, T-shirts, a bathing suit, pants, and a light jacket for cooler nights.

If you plan to visit in winter, you'll need to bust out the big checked bag and pack it with cozy thermal underwear, insulated snow boots with a grip, an insulated jacket, waterproof or snowproof pants , a few wool sweaters, warm gloves and socks, a hat, a scarf, and some instant heat packs to throw in your gloves and boots. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure to pack extra batteries — they will drain quickly in the cold weather.

How to Get There

Despite being located in Finland's far north, getting to Lapland isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think. First, fly into Helsinki, then, depending on your final destination, continue to either Kemi or Rovaniemi by regional flight. Finnair and Norwegian Air each offer a 90-minute nonstop to Rovaniemi, or you can board a one-stop Finnair flight to Kemi via Kokkola-Jakobstad Airport in Kronoby.

If you've got the time, a scenic seven-hour train ride will get you from Helsinki to Kemi (the ride to Rovaniemi takes 8.5 hours). You can also travel between Rovaniemi and Kemi by train for a 90-minute intra-Lapland adventure.

How to See the Best of Finnish Lapland in 7 Days

Going north of the Arctic Circle in the middle of winter isn’t everyone’s first thought when it comes to the perfect winter holiday. You might even think it sounds a little bit crazy. Prior to my first 1 week trip in Finland , many family & friends were puzzled by my desire to experience the Polar Night and frigid temperatures.

But Lapland was one of the things I came to Finland to experience. I really wanted to feel the winter wonderland vibes.

Embarking on a week-long trip through Finnish Lapland promises an enchanting journey complete with pristine landscapes, unique winter activities, and vibrant cultural offerings. This Arctic paradise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m a Midwestern girl at heart, so the cold temperatures and snowy surroundings don’t really bother me. Winter makes you feel alive.

This comprehensive travel guide shares all my insights from 5 different trips to Lapland. From the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights to the thrill of husky sledding, Finnish Lapland encapsulates a unique blend of nature, adventure, and wintery goodness.

What You'll Find In This Post

The Perfect 1 Week Itinerary for Finnish Lapland

Overview of Itinerary

I designed this itinerary based on my experiences visiting Finnish Lapland multiple times as part of my job as a trip leader. This is a winter itinerary for Lapland. If you’re traveling to Lapland for winter activities and the Northern Lights, the best time of the year is February and March . There is enough (albeit still very little) daylight, and conditions tend to be clearer and warmer for Aurora hunting.

This itinerary is done easiest as a self-driving road trip. If you want to drive in Finland using this itinerary, I’d recommend hiring a car in Rovaniemi for pickup from the airport. Car rental in Finland is comparable to other parts of Europe. In winter, cars will come with studded tires, and the roads are well maintained.

However, I specifically designed this itinerary for folks who DON’T want to rent a car.

I totally appreciate that driving in the extreme Finnish winter conditions is not for everyone. As such, you can easily complete this itinerary using a combination of flights, public transit and organized tours which include transportation. I make suggestions about those transportation options throughout the post.

Day 1 - Helsinki

Nearly every trip to Finland will start in Helsinki, the country’s capital and home to the major international airport (HEL). A surprisingly vibrant and culturally rich city, you can see the highlights of Helsinki in just 24 hours. Although 1 day in Helsinki is enough to get a taste of Finland’s capital, you could easily add on an extra day or two to explore more deeply. And maybe even take a day trip to nearby Tallinn .

Begin your day in Helsinki by immersing yourself in the city's architectural marvels, such as the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and the modern masterpiece, Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Senate Square, surrounded by neoclassical buildings that offer a glimpse into the city's past. Delve into the local culinary scene by enjoying a traditional Finnish meal or international cuisine. Afterward, head to the Helsinki Design District to discover the city's creative side. Close out your day at Löyly sauna, a stylish spa where you can experience the authentic Finnish sauna culture .

Day 2: Travel to Rovaniemi

It is time to begin your journey north to your next destination – Rovaniemi. Known as the official home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is centrally located in Finnish Lapland. In fact, it can trace its history back over 8,000 years. Although the city itself leaves a lot to be desired, it is the perfect jumping off point for Lapland adventures.

There are two good options for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi:

Flying: this is the fastest option. Airport code is RVN and the flight is about 1.5 hours. There are several departures on SAS and FinAir daily.
Train: you can take an overnight sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This route is known as the Santa Claus Express. It takes around 12 hours, but it is comfortable.

I usually take the early morning flight to Rovaniemi, which arrives around 10am. There is a shuttle bus from the airport to the city center . You do not need to book reservations in advance. Tickets are 8€ per person and you can pay the driver by card on the bus. For the arrival day, you’ll probably want to take it easy, in case of any delays or weather issues. I would recommend doing just a few things around town, such as a visit to the Santa Claus Village and the Arktikum Museum .

At Santa Claus Village, visitors can meet the real Santa Claus! Since moving to Germany, I have absolutely fallen in love with Christmas and Christmas Markets , so I was really excited about visiting. It is cheesy, but also very joyful and fun. Visitors can have their photo taken with Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes. There are a number of other activities to try at Santa’s Village including reindeer sleigh rides, gift shopping, and meeting Mrs. Claus. You can also find Santa Claus's Post Office in Santa’s Village, where you can send letters with a special seal.

Arktikum Museum is a science center and cultural museum featuring a range of interactive exhibits, displays, and multimedia installations that explore the Arctic's unique wildlife, indigenous peoples, and stunning natural landscapes. One of the most popular exhibits at Arktikum is the Northern Lights exhibit, which explores the science behind this natural phenomenon and showcases stunning images and videos of the Aurora Borealis.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

If you’re looking for something in the city center, Scandic City is the perfect choice. The hotel features modern and stylish rooms, and there is a large breakfast buffet each morning in the glass atrium in the center of the hotel. Plus, there is a small sauna on the top floor of the hotel for relaxing.

For a more upscale and boutique experience, check out the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel . Unique and luxurious treehouse-style cabins are nestled into the forest with a large window for viewing the natural surroundings and northern lights.

Where to Eat in Rovaniemi

If you're a foodie, you'll be surprised by the number of tasty restaurants in this tiny town. I’ve got to admit, my culinary expectations weren’t high prior to my first trip. But turns out, there are a number of tasty eateries! Sample traditional Lappish cuisine, such as reindeer meat, wild berries, and fresh fish caught from the nearby rivers. I summarize all my favorite Rovaniemi restaurants in a separate blog post . And don't forget to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine!

Day 3 & 4: Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi offers a plethora of winter activities and stunning natural beauty that you won't want to miss. I have a separate guide specifically about planning a trip to Rovaniemi in the winter. There are LOTS of day trip providers based in town, offering a range of activities from ice climbing and ice fishing to Aurora hunting and snowshoeing.

I strongly recommend Safarctica . I’ve had great experiences with them on a number of their excursions. Most of the tours don’t book up super far in advance, so you can visit their office on your first day in Rovaniemi and select a few tours that sound interesting to you.

Two day trip experiences that I think everyone should try on winter trip to Lapland are:

Husky Dog Sledding
Aurora Hunting

There are lots of husky safaris, ranging anywhere from a few hours to a few days. A standard dog sled package includes a 2 hour ride through the wilderness on a 2 person dog sled. One person mushes while the other sits in the sled, and there will be an opportunity to switch off during the trail ride. Most operators offer guests the option to wear a thick snowsuit, but you’ll want to pack appropriate warm layers to wear underneath the suit.

It is important to ensure that you go with a reputable kennel that cares for the health of its dogs. As working dogs, they require thoughtful care, nutrition and veterinary services. I highly recommend Bearhill Husky . This no-kill, no-abandon kennel has a number of animal welfare and sustainability accreditations. Their dogs are very well-cared for. You can sense how connected the guides are to the dog teams, and they are incredibly knowledgeable.

Also known as northern lights, the aurora borealis are a natural electrical phenomenon which occur when solar wind particles from the sun collide with Earth's atmosphere. The Earth's magnetic field deflects the electrically charged particles towards the poles, which is why you can only see them around the Arctic and Antarctic circles.

The particles interact with elements in Earth’s air, creating colorful streaks of purple, red or green waves of light, or aurora, in the sky. I first saw the Northern Lights in Iceland , and it was an incredible feeling. The displays I witnessed in Lapland were next level! There is something awe-inspiring about watching this natural phenomenon dance across the sky. I even cried a little bit – it is just so special!

Auroras happen all year round, but they can only be seen at night in the winter because of low light pollution levels. You can hire a professional guide or photographer who can both teach you about the aurora and take you to particularly good photography and viewing locations. On clear nights in the winter in Lapland, you can also simply walk outside and look up to spot the Northern Lights.

Day 5 & 6: Ivalo

Continuing your journey north, it’s time to go to Ivalo. You can quickly reach Finland's northernmost airport (IVL) on a short 30 minute flight from Rovaniemi airport. However, I think the nicer option is a three hour bus ride . It is cheaper and you can enjoy the beautiful Lapland scenery along the way. It is so picturesque! As we drove, my eyes were glued out the window. I was totally awestruck by the beauty of the dense pine forests covered in thick layers of snow around us. It feels like a true winter wonderland! Once you arrive in Ivalo, there are local public transit options or many of the hotel offer pick-up shuttles from the airport or town center.

One of the main reasons why people travel to Ivalo is to stay at Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo Hotel & Resort.

You can sleep under the stars and Aurora in a glass igloo. It is such a romantic experience, perfect for couples. I stayed in a Kelo cabin glass igloo at Kakslauttanen. You can read my full review of my experience staying at Kakslauttanen here . Naturally there’s more to Kakslauttanen than glass igloos. The resort has a wide range of accommodation options, as well as an in-house activity center, which bring all the arctic activities to you!

Once at Kakslauttanen, you can try out any remaining Arctic activities you haven’t tried yet. Such as snowmobiling! With miles of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, Finnish Lapland is the perfect destination to try snowmobiling. Riding a snowmobile allows you to access areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach, giving you unforgettable access to the Arctic wilderness. You can also typically pair snowmobiling with another activity, such as Northern Lights viewing or traversing the Arctic Circle.

Another thing I can recommend while in Ivalo is a Sami experience. The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland. With a visit to Siida , a Sámi Museum and Nature Center in Inari, you can learn about their rich heritage, traditional clothing, and cultural customs. Additionally, consider a reindeer safari with a Sami guide, where you can experience the joy of gliding through the snow-covered landscapes on a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

Day 7: Return to Helsinki

Similar to the arrival in Lapland, there are daily direct connections from Ivalo Airport back to Helsinki. We booked a round trip ticket from the US to Helsinki, and then two one way tickets to Lapland and back. Make sure to leave enough time to connect to your international flight, and try to accommodate for winter weather disruptions. One extra night in Helsinki is the ideal option.

Have thoughts or questions about planning the perfect trip to Lapland? Tell me in the comments!

Share this story

FIND SIMILAR POSTS

48 Hour Itinerary for the Best of Helsinki

How to See the Best of Guatemala in 1 Week

Southern Spain Travel Guide | How to Spend 1 Perfect Week in Andalucía

Great itinerary – thanks for sharing! We’re planning to catch the aurora this year but we are only available to go at the end of november. Is your itinerary doable at this time as well? I would appreciate your insight/feedback! Happy travels!

Hi Felise! Thanks for the comment. Yeah, you could definitely do this itinerary in November. It’ll already be quite wintery that time of year. The daylight hours will be dropping, which should be good for aurora viewing!

Hi. Thank you for sharing this wonderful itinerary but can we do this itinerary in September?

Is this ITINERARY good to do with 11 years old Kid ?? That too on in early feb.

Early February is a great time to go! Daylight will still be fairly minimal, but the weather is usually clear. I think you could do this itinerary with an 11 year old child. I can’t speak to that personally since I don’t have kids, but I think it seems doable. Some of the activities might not be possible depending on the provider, but I’ve seen families participate in most the activities listed in this itinerary.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Latest Blogs
UAE Insider Scoop

Travel Tips

Bespoke Itineraries

Guest Features

Lapland in winter – the perfect 1-week Finland itinerary

January 20, 2023
No Comments

Lapland in winter is magical – but only if you have an appetite for sub-zero temperatures, thick layers of clothing, immensely short days, and tough snow-laden terrains. But in return, you will experience unrivalled gorgeous landscapes, exciting adventure sports & unique wildlife. There isn’t a better time to visit the Finnish Lapland than the winter months of December & January, specifically around Christmas time when the winter wonderland and home of Santa Claus comes to life in its full glory. Think reindeer rides, snowmobile safaris, husky safaris, Northern lights, igloos, saunas, ice-fishing and other thrilling activities that can only be enjoyed in the Arctic.

Packing appropriately is necessary when you visit Lapland in winter – the weather can be quite adverse, and you wouldn’t want your trip to be ruined because of frost bite or not having thick enough clothes to be able to enjoy being outdoors in -20 degrees C. It sounds, and is, tough no doubt, especially if you grew up in tropical or warm countries like I did. Thermal inners, fleece lined pants, waterproof and snow-resistant boots, woollen socks, down jackets or parkas, beanies, warm winter/ ski gloves, neck warmers, mittens…it’s time to shop!

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to take this trip to the magical winter wonderland for Christmas:

While tourist season starts to pick up late November/ early December, some parts of Lapland still don’t have enough snow for winter activities to start. The best time to experience Lapland in winter to the fullest is between mid-December – mid-March
Contrary to popular belief, while this is a good time to see the Northern Lights, it’s not the best. It’s highly probable that the skies are covered by clouds on most nights and your view is hindered
The days are short – sun rises at around 11 am and sets around 2 pm. This gives you barely 3-4 hours of light in a day, so don’t load up on too many activities unless they can be done in the dark (night skiing is quite popular in the well-lit ski areas of Lapland)
Most activities will provide you appropriate top layers to protect you from the immense, biting cold. However, it’s best to be prepared with your own layers
I always find it helpful to buy a local sim card when visiting a foreign country as it allows you access to GPS and makes it easier to find your way around than constantly asking the people. The DNA unlimited prepaid sim card came cheap and with unlimited data as well as calling minutes within Finland
Buy the 1 or 2-day HSL ticket when in Helsinki to allow you unlimited rides on the public transportation system (trains, buses). While Helsinki has good connectivity, once you’re out into Lapland, the infrastructure is not the same; you would either need to rent a car to drive around and choose your accommodation carefully to give you easy access to the places you need to visit or rely on the taxis.

Day 0: Helsinki

If you’re planning on visiting Lapland in winter, you’re likely to fly into Helsinki, the capital of Finland. While the city itself doesn’t have a lot to see, if you’re travelling around Christmas time, you will find a cheerful vibe with festive markets in the city center. When we visited at the beginning of December, we were lucky to catch the Christmas opening parade on Aleksanterinkatu Street (or Aleksi, as called with love by the locals). The Market Square in Old Town transformed with fairy lights and decorations, into a beautiful festive market on the harbour serving hot wine (or glögi, the traditional Finnish version of mulled wine embellished with almonds, raisins and sometimes vodka). While most years, there’s another popular festive market at Senate Square , we visited during the time when the pandemic was still at its peak, so most markets were cancelled. Nevertheless, the streets were lit up and one could still feel the magic in the air.

As days are short in winter, one must plan their time and activities carefully. If you have the entire day in Helsinki, you could visit the city center later in the evening and take a ferry from the Market Square to Suomenlinna Fort (15 min ride, book here ) during the daylight hours. If you already have the HSL ticket, you can use this ferry for free. While the area itself is interesting to explore from a historical perspective (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the highlight of this trip, especially if you visit after mid-December, is the ferry ride through the icy waters; the sight of the ferry boat breaking the ice during the journey is unique and stunning.

Recommended hotel to stay in the heart of Downtown Helsinki: Hotel Finn

Day 1: Helsinki & Train to Rovaniemi

If you’re visiting Lapland in winter, I would highly recommend choosing Rovaniemi as your destination, for several reasons. Firstly, it is known as Santa Claus’ home and has an entire Santa village which is Christmassy throughout the year but truly comes alive during the festive season. The city is magical – with igloos, ski slopes, reindeer and husky rides, gorgeous hikes through snowy landscapes and what not.

The best way to get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki is by train. One can choose to fly but the trains are cheaper and while they take longer (12 hours appox), the sleeper trains are extremely comfortable and convenient, and will also give you the opportunity to save the costs for staying at a hotel overnight. You can book your train here .

On this day, assuming you have already explored the city center in Helsinki and its festive markets the day prior, take the opportunity to visit Töölönlahti bay , where you will find the famous landmark of Helsinki - Kalevala Monument in the Sibelius Park . While you are here, visit the cosy and charming Café Regatta , an outdoor café in a small, red cottage by the sea in Töölö, with a vintage countryside interior and decoration. Do not miss the opportunity to try fresh cinnamon buns and hot chocolate with marshmallows, as you warm your hands on the bonfire in the outdoor seating area of the café. In the winter, the waters of the ocean would have started to freeze, and the bright red color of the café, set against the grey backdrop of the incessantly cloudy winter skies, make this place totally Insta-worthy.

Töölönlahti bay

Cafe Regatta

Sibelius Park Monument

Enjoying Cinnamon Buns and Hot Chocolate at Cafe Regatta

Another unmissable activity in Lapland in winter is visiting a sauna. Two saunas stand out in terms of popularity when it comes to Helsinki and I would recommend checking this activity off your to-do list while in the city, before you move to Lapland, as it’s easier to find here. The two most popular ones are - Allas Sea Pool, an outdoor hot pool overlooking the ocean; and Löyly Sauna, an indoor sauna with allows you the opportunity to take a dip in the icy waters of the ocean, should you choose to up your adventure quotient and go for an adrenaline-rush activity.

We chose the Löyly Sauna . One word of caution – the Finnish people like their saunas to be immensely hot (they kept adding wood to the steamer until it became almost 50 degrees C!!) and if you’re not used to this, you’re unlikely to be able to spend more than 10-15 minutes at a time. You could, in that case, choose to sit in the outdoor lounge, where you can buy some drinks to enjoy relaxation time. There’s also a restaurant attached to the sauna, in case you want to grab a bite. To be honest, I had not thought that I’d be able to take a dip in the icy ocean while it was -11 degrees C outside but when I was there and saw so many people attempt it, and spending 15 minutes inside the scorching, steamy sauna, along with my FOMO kicking in, I suddenly felt that I needed to do it! I did it, in fact twice, and I highly recommend not missing it.

In the evening, board your train to the heart of Lapland – Rovaniemi. Interestingly, the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is called The Santa Claus express. We took the train at 7.30 pm and reached Rovaniemi, after a wonderful cosy sleep, at 7.30 am the next day.

Ready for a dip in the (almost) frozen ocean!

Santa Claus express to Rovaniemi

Click here to read How to plan to a trip to see the Northern Lights in Iceland .

Day 2 & 3: Santa Claus Village and other activities in Rovaniemi

You’ll arrive in Rovaniemi early in the day if you choose to take the overnight train journey. While in Rovaniemi, I highly recommend spending one night in an igloo hotel. These are expensive, no doubt (they are likely to be upwards of 400 $ a night), but the experience is extraordinary and unique, and absolutely worth it!

Igloo hotels are usually 2 types: the ones which are only shaped like an igloo but not made with snow. These are warm inside and have a glass façade that allows you to view the Northern Lights at night, should you be lucky enough; or the traditional, proper snow igloos. The glass igloos are open throughout the year whereas the ones made of snow only begin to pop up once the snow is thick and hard enough to build them, around mid or end of December. We stayed in Santa’s Igloo Arctic Circle ; these are glass igloo located a short 5 min walk from Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

If you wish to enjoy a more authentic experience of staying in a traditional Snow Igloo, Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos are a fantastic option. Although they’re situated about 30 min away from Rovaniemi in a city called Sinettä, these are the closest snow igloos in this area.

Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle

However, if you find it too expensive to stay in an igloo, you may choose to stay in Rovaniemi City Centre, which is only 15 minutes away from the Santa Claus Village, and can be easily reached by bus no. 8. We spent 1 night at the igloo resort and the remaining 3 nights at Hostel Cafe Koti , a very reasonably priced, excellent hostel in the city center. The hostel has great facilities, and is located not too far from the bus station that will bring you to the Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Village & Santa Park

You can spend the entire day (don’t forget, days are short!) in Santa Claus Village either exploring the area or doing some activities.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride:

You have an option to take a short or a longer reindeer sleigh ride at Santa’s Village. We did the 3-km long safari into the deep forest. Remember to bring warm clothes because it can get cold on this ride. Unfortunately, we did it a bit later in the day and the reindeers seemed tired and out of it, which meant they were moving slow, the opposite of what I had expected from the ride. I ended up feeling sorry for their plight!

You can book online here or just buy the tickets on the spot. A long ride costs about €70 (did I forget to mention that Finland is expensive?).

Husky Farm Visit and Short Ride:

The husky park is also at Santa Claus Village and because we had done the long reindeer sleigh ride, we decided to keep the Husky Ride shorter. However, I would recommend the opposite as I enjoyed the husky ride way more! The ticket includes visit to the husky park, where you can also pet the animals.

Book it online here or buy on the spot (but remember that sometimes the tickets sell out for the day so buy them earlier to be able to get a spot at a preferable hour). The short ride cost me €40.

Visit the ‘original’ Santa Claus and send a postcard back home

Visit Santa Claus’ office (free entrance but he charges for a picture!), watch the elves at work and send a postcard or a special letter from Mr Claus as a Christmas present to someone. Cards, letters, and parcels sent from Santa Claus’ Main Post Office are stamped with a genuine and popular Arctic Circle postmark, a perfect Lapland/ Finnish souvenir!

Snowman World

We were there early December, when the snow igloos of Snowman World were being built right next to the Santa Claus Village and were expected to open by mid-month. If you’re travelling to Lapland in winter, especially late December until February, Snowman World is an excellent place to enjoy activities such as snow and ice slides, snow tube, ice-skating, and even has a Snow Restaurant and Ice Bar. Tickets cost €28 and are valid all day.

Click here to read the Perfect 1-week Itinerary for Austria in Winter .

Day 4: Ounasvaara Ski Resort

Maybe you’re a ski enthusiast or maybe not, but you can’t be in Lapland in winter and not give skiing a shot! Ounasvaara is hardly a 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi City Center. Unfortunately, there is no bus that goes there so your only options are to drive to take a taxi. Taking a ski lesson is not too expensive (39 €/person for 2 or more people) which includes the lift pass; however, if that’s not up your alley, you could enjoy other activities such as tobogganing, or visit the Rendi Snow World for tubing. When we visit at the beginning December, there was not enough snow for tobogganing and tubing, but we did manage to take a ski lesson, a first for us!

You may skip Ounasvaara altogether if it doesn’t interest you and indulge in some other winter activities instead , such as:

Snowmobile Safari: Absolutely recommended! We did a 2-hour safari through the Arctic snow forest, and it was an excellent experience. Click here for prices and booking.
Snowshoeing in the wilderness: This one is for the adventurous souls! You may choose to do this during the daytime or even at night, to catch the Aurora Borealis! Click here for prices and booking.
Aurora Borealis Ice Floating: Once again, this is not everyone’s cup of tea but if you are a daredevil (this was a bit too much for me too, honestly) then why not give this a shot? This is an amazing opportunity to catch some unparalleled, Instagram worthy photos! Click here for prices and booking.

Playing with snow at Ounasvaara

Learning to ski!

Snowmobiling through the forest

Click here to read What to do in Budapest in winter .

Day 5: Korouoma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls

This was, undoubtedly, one of the best experiences of our trip to Lapland in winter. We were given appropriate clothing and shoes to experience this 5-km hike through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Arctic snow forest and a spectacular frozen waterfall. We booked it through a company that does only small group tours, and the trip is of about 7 hours, which includes the 2-hour drive to the Korouoma Canyon (and back), a tour guide for the hike, hot chocolate and a typical Finnish barbecue at the end of the hike. The scenery is breath-taking, as you walk through deep snow, crossing rapids, cliffs, and waterfalls. If you visit late in December or between Jan – Feb, you may even choose to do the ice-climbing on the waterfall (although, it’s really pricey but once-in-a-lifetime experience!).

Click here to book the hiking experience, and here for the ice-climbing experience.

Incredible Hike at Korouoma Canyon

Traditonal Finnish barbecue & hot chocolate at the end of the hike

Day 6: Visit Arctic SnowHotel

While you may choose to stay at the Arctic SnowHotel in an igloo, if that’s not something you end up doing, spending a day as a visitor is not a bad idea either.

Click here to view their packages and visitors options.

Arctic SnowHotel Outdoor Jaccuzi Image Courtesy: Arctic Snowhotel

Day 7 & 8: Kemi (optional)

Visiting Kemi only makes sense if you’re in Lapland in winter but after mid-December until end of March, as there isn’t enough snow before this time to operate the 2 key attractions of this city. A short journey by train from Rovaniemi (1 hr, 20 min), Kemi is known for its Sampo icebreaker cruises which are stunning and a unique experience. The cruise lasts for 3.5 hours on the frozen sea, where the views of its breaking through the ice are unimaginably spectacular. For the adventurous, there’s an option to try the ice floating experience, whereas the others could simply enjoy a hot drink in the Icebreaker bar.

Experience365, the website to book your Sampo Icebreaker Kemi cruise, also provides pick and drop from Rovaniemi at an additional cost, so you may choose that option if its more convenient for you.

Sampo Icebreaker Cruise, Image Courtesy, Young Adventuress

Sampo Icebreaker Cruise, Image courtesy: Young Adventuress

Another advantage of booking your cruise through them is the complementary pass to enter the Kemi SnowCastle Resort. The snow castle is built every year from snow and ice made of sea water. Within the snowy walls, shining white pathways lead you to fairytale-like sceneries with gorgeous snow sculptures. There’s also a sauna in the snow castle and a restaurant to enjoy your lunch.

If you chose to stay back at Kemi for another day, you could explore the town, or head back to Rovaniemi, or even onwards to Helsinki by train (overnight journey, 11 hours) or flight.

Kemi SnowCastle, Image courtesy Young Adventuress

Kemi SnowCastle Image Courtesy: Young Adventuress

You may wish to skip Kemi altogether and extend your stay at Rovaniemi.

Day 9: Return to Helsinki and Fly out

While there are direct flights from both Rovaniemi and Kemi, they’re quite pricey. Unless you’re in a hurry and want to save on the journey time, why not take a train back? I personally love long train journeys, be it overnight (which also saves your cost of staying in a hotel) or a daytime journey where you can savour the beautiful landscapes at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.

Click here to read How to plan the perfect 3 days in Black Forest in Germany .

Medha Verma

Where we are now.

Latest post

City Guides

Summer Travel

Winter Travel

Restaurants

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out the perfect 2, 3 or 4 days in Lapland itinerary can be a magical, if not overwhelming, experience when you consider all there is to see and do in this unique region of far northern Europe.

There are few more quintessential winter destinations and experiences than Finnish Lapland. Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is the pinnacle and epitome of a winter fairytale. From snow-covered boreal forests, dancing Northern Lights, energetic huskies and reindeer to the monumental moment of crossing into the Arctic circle, you’ll be hard-pressed not to have the experience of a lifetime.

Whether you’re interested in sipping hot chocolate during the winter polar night or forest hiking in the midnight sun, Lapland is the perfect destination for any travel seeker. Read this article to help plan your Finnish Lapland itinerary.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Lapland?

Lapland is a unique destination, and this can make it a bit harder when planning the duration of your trip. This is why many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Lapland.

To begin with, Finnish Lapland is far from a budget-friendly destination and the prices in Finland , in general, are high. With the costs of just about everything being higher than elsewhere in Europe, keep this in mind when you plan a trip to this area.

Taking this into consideration, I’d say that the minimum recommended amount of time to spend in Lapland is 2 full days. With 2 days in Lapland, you’ll be able to briefly experience the magic of the Arctic and do a few activities without taking too big of a chunk out of your budget.

The next best amount of time to spend in Lapland is 3 days, as you’ll experience everything you’d manage in 2 days but feel a lot less rushed, also with the opportunity to head to another part of the region.

Finally, in my opinion, 4 days in Lapland are ideal. If you’re able to spend 4 days in Lapland, you’re in for a real adventure. A trip of 4 days does the Finnish Lapland region justice as you’ll be able to visit multiple places and soak in what extraordinary Arctic life is like in the northernmost part of Finland.

Getting To & Around Lapland

Getting to lapland.

The most popular, affordable, and convenient option for getting to Finnish Lapland is by taking a flight into the capital city of Rovaniemi. By passenger numbers, Rovaniemi Airport is the third-busiest airport in Finland and is the main airport to fly into for a Lapland trip and Itinerary.

While there are other options for airports in Lapland such as Ivalo Airport in Northern Lapland, this itinerary begins in Rovaniemi so will be the focal point to start your trip.

Rovaniemi Airport serves direct routes from Helsinki year-round and seasonal winter routes from several European destinations, making it a pretty straightforward trip, especially for a winter getaway.

Another popular option to reach Rovaniemi is to take a 12-hour overnight train from Helsinki, whisking you away from the busy city, through snow-dusted forests, Finnish towns and straight into the heart of Arctic Lapland.

There is a noticeable difference in price and journey, but it’s completely worth it if you can afford it and have the time to spare for a long train journey.

Car rental is also another viable transportation option if you’re flying into Helsinki and would like to drive to Lapland. Summer is a great time to embark on a Finnish/Lapland road trip as you don’t need to worry about tough weather conditions and you will save money on transportation with a car rental in comparison to other methods.

If you’d like to rent a car to drive to Lapland in winter , make sure you feel confident in case of difficult weather and road conditions, and have the proper gear fitted to your car. You can browse car rental options here.

Getting Around Lapland

As for getting around Finnish Lapland, in my opinion, the best mode of transport is by car. Like any other rural and wild part of the world, renting a car gives you the most flexibility for your trip without having to worry about bus times and time crunches.

Lapland is vast and boundless with many different spots and sites being distant from each other, and although there is a great bus system within the region, you’ll have the utmost freedom this way. For example, one of the prime goals for many people visiting Lapland is to get the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

While seeing the Northern Lights in most parts of Lapland is possible, your chances are higher the further away from light pollution and busy tourist areas. You can take a tour that will take you Northern Light hunting, but they can be expensive and give you just one chance. With your own car, you can search extensively to experience the enchanting Northern Lights.

If for whatever reason, renting a car isn’t an option for you, it’s still possible to have a thrilling Lapland adventure. With public transportation, you can get around Finland and Finnish Lapland in particular quite easily.

You’ll find a few different bus companies such as ExpressBus and Matkahuolto , both with frequent routes connecting different parts of the Lapland region. Prices differ depending on departure and arrival destinations but are generally quite affordable.

Most destinations on this itinerary have bus transport options available, either by the local bus system or by private bus/shuttle companies.

2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

This Finnish Lapland itinerary will take you through Rovaniemi, the heart and capital of Lapland, through the magical timeless world of Santa Claus village, and to the Northern part of Lapland to further enjoy your fairytale – either by hitting the slopes or mingling with furry and friendly locals.

There are countless winter activities to enjoy on a trip to Finnish Lapland from husky safaris to ice fishing to warming up in a Finnish sauna and this is the perfect region to experience these things.

Day 1 – Lapland Capital, Rovaniemi

Explore the city of rovaniemi.

This itinerary for Lapland begins with 2 nights in the capital city of Rovaniemi. While Rovaniemi is a small city in comparison to other larger cities in Finland, there’s still much to do and discover.

Spending your first day in Lapland exploring the city of Rovaniemi is the perfect way to ease into Lappish life as well as arctic Lappish temperatures. This is also the perfect opportunity to find appropriate Arctic clothing for the rest of your trip if you weren’t already prepared.

If you’re visiting outside of the winter months, regular winter or spring/autumn clothing is acceptable but in the winter months you’ll want warm thermal clothing and boots to protect you from the bitter Arctic air.

If you take part in activities through any of the companies in Rovaniemi, you’ll have winter outerwear included for the duration of your stay. Otherwise, you can rent the same clothing from these companies for a pretty decent price.

Arktikum

If you’re looking to explore and learn more about Finland’s Arctic culture, science, and history, the Arktikum Museum is the perfect place to educate yourself on Lapland while also getting a break from the cold.

The museum is located on the northern end of Rovaniemi and is about a 15-minute walk from the center point of the city. Arktikum is open every day except Mondays from 10 AM – 6 PM with an adult admission cost of €18 and reduced ticket options available.

Arctic Sunset & Eat a Traditional Lappish Meal

Whether you’re visiting during the winter or the summer, one of the most beautiful experiences of a Rovaniemi itinerary is to walk by the River Kemijoki during “sunset”. The colours that you’ll witness are truly remarkable, as if they were a painting, and are only just the beginning of a fairytale trip to Finland.

Afterwards, I suggest heading to Nili Restaurant, in the heart of Rovaniemi city to experience delicious, traditional Lapland cuisine. If you want the full experience, I challenge you to try the reindeer, as it’s harder to try this Lapland classic food once you’ve met the adorable reindeer themselves.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This boutique hotel makes for the perfect base in Rovaniemi. They have a number of lovely rooms available and countless amenities like free parking, an airport shuttle and an on-site restaurant/bar. Click here to see their availability

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – If you want a unique accommodation option in Rovaniemi then these igloos can be an interesting choice. There are a number of different glass igloos to choose from (some including saunas!) and there are also plenty of other amenities for guests to enjoy. Click here to see their availability

Hostel Cafe Koti – Those trying to save a bit of cash while visiting Rovaniemi will love this hip hostel. There are both dorms and private rooms on offer along with a kitchen, a sauna and breakfast included for guests. Click here to see their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 2 – Santa Claus Village or Exploring Rovaniemi Nature

Day 2 of this Rovaniemi itinerary will either be spent wandering the famous Santa Claus Village or exploring the incredible nature of the region. If you’re visiting in the winter, I’d undoubtedly recommend heading to Santa Claus Village.

More than just Santa and Christmas activities for children, it’s truly a winter wonderland village with plenty of space, nature, log cabins and activities to explore with something for everyone.

In the summer months, it’s still quite fun and unique to visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle Line, and enjoy the area without the winter visitor numbers. Otherwise, there’s plenty to explore in Rovaniemi under the midnight sun.

Santa Claus Village

If you have a car to drive on your trip to Lapland, Santa Claus Village is just a quick 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center. Otherwise, you can catch the Santa Express or local bus 8 from Rovaniemi city center with the journey being about 20 minutes.

It is also possible to take a guided tour that includes a visit to the village as well as a visit to a reindeer and husky farm.

Once you reach Santa Claus Village there’s so much to do and enjoy on a day trip here. There’s no cost to enter the village, with costs only for individual activities.

If you’re keen on doing a husky sled ride or reindeer sleigh ride, prices are less than half the cost of tour companies operating outside of Rovaniemi. The ride is a lot shorter, but it’s a special experience to wander through the snow-covered forests under a warm blanket while led by Lapland’s mascots; huskies and reindeer.

If you prefer to book tours in advance some options include this husky safari or this reindeer farm visit that includes a sleigh ride.

Visiting Santa’s Post Office and taking a picture with Santa is free, with the post office truly being like something out of a Christmas movie – a dream for both children and adults alike.

The entirety of the Village is a large area consisting not just of the concrete buildings and “town” part of the village but also a wide expanse of forest. Even just getting lost in the snowy forest, making snow angels, and warming up at one of the village’s many fires throughout the area is truly a special experience.

Once your appetite has opened and you’re ready for some warming food, there are plenty of options at the village; whether you’re looking for more cafeteria-style food or classic Lappish food in a traditional Arctic-style hut.

Rovaniemi Nature

If you’re in Rovaniemi during the warmer months and prefer to skip Santa Claus Village, there’s still plenty to do and explore and I recommend taking advantage of the extraordinary nature of Rovaniemi Lapland.

Rovaniemi is a dream world for nature lovers and my suggestion is to spend a day on the trails, hiking throughout the Arctic Circle while experiencing the ethereal midnight sun. If you don’t want to walk, you can organise a snowmobile adventure through the forest as an alternative.

A great place to start to plan your time in Rovaniemi nature is at the Finnish National Park authority, where you’ll find ideal hiking trails and paths to take in Finnish Lapland.

There’s no better way to watch the midnight sun than in the lush Finnish forest, with a picnic and a cold drink either by yourself or with close friends/family.

Day 3 – Northern Lapland, Levi & Samiland Exhibition

In this itinerary, with a 3-day trip to Lapland or 4 days in Lapland, you’ll head out of Rovaniemi and Southern Lapland to Northern Lapland. While Rovaniemi is all about Santa and Christmas joy, Levi , the main resort city in Northern Lapland is all about nature, the Northern Lights, and indigenous Sami culture.

If you’re driving during your Lapland itinerary, the drive from Rovaniemi to Levi is just over 2 hours and is an exquisitely stunning drive. Much of the drive is through Lapland nature and it’s hard to regret making the journey north.

If you don’t have a car, there are a few bus companies with direct transport from Rovaniemi to Levi. OmniBus is a great option as services are frequent, the buses are comfortable and can be pretty affordable for Finland prices.

Levi is the ski resort in the area and is the biggest ski resort town in Finland. The village that Levi is located in is Sirkka , and there aren’t a lack of things to do, places to stay, things to see, or food to eat.

If you like to be in the center of the action on your travels, I suggest staying in the center of Sirkka. Otherwise, it’s worth spending a little more to stay outside of the town to sleep amongst the magical Lapland wilderness.

Samiland Exhibition

If you want to learn more about Sami, the local indigenous culture then make sure to visit the Samiland Exhibition.

The Sami are the descendants of the nomadic people of Northern Scandinavia traced back thousands of years ago and Sami culture is rich in history, mythology, and folklore. The perfect place to learn more about this integral part of Lapland and Finnish culture is to head to the Samiland Exhibition in Levi.

The exhibition does a wonderful and interesting job educating on Sami culture, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits in both winter and summer seasons. Samiland is open every day of the winter from 10 AM – 8 PM, most days of the summer (check hours in advance), and admission tickets for adults cost €13 with reduced ticket options available.

Northern Light Safari

Other than slope seekers and ski aficionados, the main pull for visitors coming to Levi is easily the famous conquest for the Northern Lights. During the Aurora season, you’re almost guaranteed to see the Northern Lights if you’re visiting Levi.

If you have a car, you’ll have a lot more freedom to follow more remote and forecasted Aurora areas with less light pollution, although it is possible and common to see the dancing Northern Lights in the town itself. With your own transportation, you can come and go as you choose and watch from your car to stay warm!

The best spots to seek the Northern Lights in/outside of Levi are at the top of Kätkä Fell, Tonttula (Elves Village), and quite honestly, anywhere further from town lights with large areas of open land.

If you don’t have a car, I suggest taking part in a Northern Light safari tour out of Levi. Costs for these are cheaper than in Rovaniemi, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the Aurora if you’re visiting during the Aurora season.

These tours typically pick you up from your hotel/accommodation and bring you to Aurora hot spots either by snowmobile or bus/car transportation. You’ll spend time learning about the area and Lapland with a local guide, while drinking hot chocolate or grilling sausages, and keeping warm by a hot, open fire.

Hopefully, before you know it, you’ll soon witness the out-of-this-world experience and natural phenomenon of the colorful, elegant Northern Lights dancing above your eyes.

Where to Stay in Levi

Break Sokos Hotel Levi – This hotel is an excellent base for exploring Levi and the surrounding area. They have a range of bright, clean and comfortable rooms to choose from, they’re pet-friendly and there is even a restaurant and cafe/bar on site for guests to enjoy. Click here to see their availability

Northern Lights Village Levi – For those after a unique and unforgettable stay in Levi, this hotel is a great option. They have a number of rooms on offer – all with windows over the bed for some cosy Aurora viewings. Rooms are also equipped with fireplaces, breakfast is available and there is an on-site bar. Click here to see their availability

Levi Suites Levi Gold – If you want your own space while exploring Lapland, then these suites in Levi are a good option. They have a number of flats available, all fully furnished with everything you may need. Click here to see their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Levi hotels!

Day 4 – Skiing or Winter Activities

On the 4th and last day of your time in Lapland, you’ll have two different options for enjoying the last day of your Finnish Lapland adventure; skiing the slopes of Levi or taking the time to enjoy more winter activities that you may not have already done in Rovaniemi. Some options include this husky sled ride or a snowmobile safari.

Skiing in Levi

Being the biggest ski resort in Finland, Levi is a great spot to either practice and enjoy as a novice skier or try your hand on the slopes for the first time – under the arctic sky.

Levi has mostly intermediate slopes, with 28 lifts and 48 slopes as well as just about 4 hours of sunshine during the winter. Luckily, the slopes are kept open late giving you enough time to enjoy either an old or newfound activity.

Skiing under the beautifully pink pastel polar night sky is something you’ll likely never experience out of Finnish Lapland, and it truly deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Apres-Ski/Dinner at Tuikku

There’s no better way to end your trip to Lapland and day on the slopes than at Tuikku, Levi’s oldest restaurant as well as where you’ll find the most extraordinary slope side and Lapland views. In the winter, there’s live music and DJ, offering the perfect closing to a magical trip.

Prices are pretty affordable, whether you’re interested in having a cocktail, hot chocolate, or a long day of skiing and adventuring that has left you hungry for their delicious buffet meals.

It’s safe to say that Lapland is one of the most magical destinations in the world. Whether you’re an adult or a child, this enchanting Finnish region is undoubtedly going to touch your heart and sprinkle fairy-tale magic into your trip to make it one of the most unforgettable adventures of a lifetime.

Are you planning to visit Finnish Lapland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

A Guide to Visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Is everything open during 24th to 31st December??

Ultimate Lapland Itinerary – Winter Road Trip in 10 Days (or 7 Days!)

Sharing is caring!

Do you want to see the highlights of Lapland on a 10-day road trip? Do you fancy exciting and interesting winter sports such as cross country skiing or snowshoeing? Are the northern lights on your bucket list? And overnight in an ice igloo ? Lapland offers all of these, and reindeer, huskies, and Santa Claus too! Using our local expertise, we planned a dream Lapland holiday for you in 10 days Lapland. All you need is a car and start driving!

Check out this Lapland – Finland itinerary for the perfect winter vacation if you want to explore southern Finland, such as Helsinki , too! PS. At the bottom, we also suggest how you can do this Lapland itinerary in 7 days only.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Day 1. Arrival to Helsinki

Most likely, your flight arrives in Helsinki, and as the capital of Finland, you don’t want to miss it anyway. The airport train takes you directly to the city in half an hour, or crash one of the airport hotels. We like this with our toddler.

To be honest, winter is the least favorable of the eight Finnish seasons in the southern seaside. It can be cold, windy, and wet, so be prepared and dress already warm . My first visit to Helsinki was on a freezing weekend in February 2011, and it was everything I mentioned above. If you don’t have one yet, think about getting a proper winter jacket that keeps you warm during your trip.

Easy to explore Helsinki’s sight by foot, the Senate Square , the Helsinki Cathedral , and the Church in the Rock ( Temppeliaukio ) do not miss attractions. Depending on the weather and mood, visit the Suomenlinna fortress , or enjoy your first sauna at your accommodation or in the city.

You can find guided Helsinki city tours here. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, our post about Helsinki’s best and unique places will definitely help you out.

Budget accommodation: Omena Hotel – Check availability

Luxury Stay: Hotel Lilla Roberts – Check availability

Near the Airport: Clarion Hotel Helsinki – Check availability

Visiting Santa Claus at his Office on Finland winter tour

It’s time to rent a car for your road trip! The most economical option is to rent already at the airport upon arrival, save on hefty taxi fees, and be flexible from the beginning. The next day you will need a car anyway!

Car rental options: SiXT

Travel Resources

There is nothing better than a relaxed holiday. To ensure your rest, make sure you reserve and book your accommodation and transportation in advance of your trip.

Don’t forget to insure yourself during your travels: SafetyWing . Check out their policies HERE . It also covers several virus-related expenses.
Look for the best prices on flight tickets, hotels, and car rentals: Expedia
Car rental: SIXt
Accommodation: Booking.com , Agoda or Hostelworld if you travel on a budget. Don’t forget that you can search for Apartments also on Booking.
Activities: GetYourGuide
Opinions on hotels and restaurants: TripAdvisor
Was your flight canceled or delayed? Get up to 600€ back with the help of Compansair!

Driving in Lapland in winter

Driving in Finland in winter can be a totally new experience. Especially in Lapland, the snow covers the roads for several months, and you need to make sure you know how to drive in winter conditions before you rent a car. It is handy when it comes to northern lights too.

The speed limits in winter are lower (80 km/h), and the roads are regularly plowed, but the conditions are always ideal. Most locals have studs on their winter tires, and most rental cars have them too. They provide a better grip, especially on slippery icy surfaces.

In case you see cars flashing their headlight at you, it means that animals are on the road (or very close to it), so make sure you safely reduce your speed until you see them. Reindeer are smaller and less dangerous, but moose are huge deers that you definitely don’t want to crash with.

2. Day: Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle

On the next day, take a flight to Rovaniemi, Lapland, in the morning. This is our beloved (current) hometown. Please read our full Rovaniemi guide too! It is possible to see the city’s highlights on a 3 day trip to Lapland as well but recommended to spend a couple of days more in the area. If you are on a one-day trip to Lapland, Santa Claus and the Arktikum are musts!

Meet with Santa Claus (free)

Every kid’s dream of meeting with Santa , and you are lucky. Santa lives near the Arctic Circle in the Santa Claus Village (quite obvious, isn’t it?) in Rovaniemi. Take bus number 8 from the center, and prepare for the holiday mood. He is there the whole year-round so that you can have a free visit every day of the year, but the snowy season is the most special time for this attraction. We recommend visiting the Village when it is already dark to enjoy the experience fully. And it is not that difficult as in December the sunset is before 14 🙂

Other popular activities in the Santa Claus Village involve reindeer and huskies sled rides. Depending on your budget and willingness, you can take a shorter or longer ride with them. When there is no snow, you can travel in a wheeled cart. You can find out more about reindeer and husky visits here .

Time: 3-8 hours

Explore Rovaniemi Center

If you still have energy, you should have a walk around Lordi’s square , check the Lumberjack’s bridge and walk along the river.

Time: 1 hour

Northern Lights Hunt in the Evening

You’ll find many northern lights tours organized by local businesses. Check out some here ! If you want to opt for a tour with us , take a look here or read our Lapland Northern Lights Guide .

Time: 3-4 hours

Where to eat: Nili Restaurant

Budget accommodation: Berry Apartments – Check availability

Lifetime memory: Sleeping in an Igloo – Check availability

For the best hotels and luxury accommodations , check this out!

Read our guide to the best glass igloos in Lapland

Ranua Zoo polar bear cub and mommy - Finland winter itinerary

3. Day: Get to Know the Nature and Culture of Lapland

Meet with arctic animals at ranua zoo.

Ranua Zoo has located about 70 km from Rovaniemi. You can get there by car, bus or take a tour of Wildlife Park. You will spend 2-3 hours in the Zoo to spot moose, reindeer and polar bears, and other animals that live in the region.

Whole trip: 3-6 hours

Visit the Arktikum Museum

My favorite museum in Finland. You will learn about life in Lapland, animals, northern lights, and Sami culture too. There is a separate kids section for the younger generation that includes an ice cave. If you were not lucky to see real auroras, you could see the museum’s northern lights show.

Time: 2-3 hours

Ice Swimming on Wednesdays (optional)

Nothing is more refreshing than dipping into the freezing Kemijoki during the winter! Luckily, afterward (and before too), the sauna will warm you up. Ice swimming is a popular activity among Finns and a not to miss adventure for every visitor. I really liked my first try and every other visit. Make sure it is part of your Lapland itinerary in winter!

Time: 1-2 hours

4. Amethyst Mine and Snowshoeing Day at Luosto National Park

Time to launch your Lapland road trip and start driving.

Drive: Rovaniemi-Luosto (1.5h) (2 hours by bus)

Snowshoeing to the top of Luosto Fell . If you haven’t already, here, you really can feel yourself in a winter wonderland. The trees are covered with thick white snow, and you walk on the top of at least half a meter deep snow using the snowshoes.

And as you are already in the national park, make sure to visit the amethyst mine as well, where you will be able to excavate your own amethyst. Excursions are available from Rovaniemi too. Check availability .

Luxury accommodation in Luosto: Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi & Amethyst Spa – Check availability

Budget accommodation: Holiday Home Kantapää – Check availability

Hotel beds at Lainio Snow Village in Lapland.

5. Lainio Snow Hotel and Bar

Drive from Luosto to Kittilä direction and visit the Lainio Snow Hotel on the way. Every year the hotel looks different (in 2017-2018, it had the Game of Thrones decorations, for example), but always gorgeous. One of our favorite places, we always bring our friends here on their Finland winter tour. Maybe we are biased, though, as it was our wedding venue too 🙂 Remember to have a drink at the ice bar!

Budget accommodation: Drive to Levi

Luxury Stay & Lifetime experience: Lainio Village Snow Hotel – check availability

Riding a snowmobile around Levi, Finland - Finland itinerary winter

6. Day: Bucket List Activities in Levi

You can drive straight from Rovaniemi to Levi if you prefer to spend more time in nature than driving.

Snowmobile Driving

I was excited about our first trip to Levi, where we finally drove a snowmobile for a whole day (!!!) and explored cool places like Valtavaara hill 🙂 Check out our photos of the snowmobile driving day here!

If it is your first time driving one, we highly recommend you to take a tour with an experienced guide. He will do all the navigation. You drive and enjoy the scenery. You can combine the tour with northern lights hunt, reindeer farm visit, ice fishing, and other cool activities!

Reindeer Farm Visit

Not a surprise, you can visit reindeer farms everywhere in Lapland. You can connect the activity with the snowmobile ride.

Guides are available throughout the winter season to find you the best spot for northern lights, or you can try your luck on your own. Remember to find a spot without light pollution.

Budget accommodation: (note: Levi is quite expensive): Polar Star Apartments – Check availability

Luxury Stay: Break Sokos Hotel Levi – Check availability

7. Day: Explore Levi More (& Drive to Pallas)

Downhill skiing.

Downhill skiing, snowmobile riding, and cross-country skiing are all possible. Spend your day outdoors!

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a unique activity that you should try during your trip. Would you like to catch a fish from under the thick layer of ice? That’s how you do it!

Spa in Levi

After a cold day is always good to relax and warm up your limbs in the evening at the spa.

Stay one more night in Levi, or head to Pallas in the evening.

Hotel next to Pallastunturi: Lapland Hotels Pallas – Check availability

Luxury Stay in a Cabin: Lapland Dream Villas – Check availability

Glass Igloo – read our whole guide

8. Day: Cross Country Skiing in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Perfect place to explore the snow-covered fells and ski a bit. There is a downhill skiing resort too, but I’d recommend trying cross-country skiing as well.

If you don’t feel comfortable on skis, you can rent snowshoes and climb to one of the fells or explore on foot around the hotel. This day is for the outdoors! Read more on the different trails and activity options.

Accommodation near Pallas: same as the previous night.

9. Day: Inari

After breakfast time to head to Inari to indulge in the Sami culture more. Siida , the National Museum of Finnish Sami, is the best place to spend the rest of your day.

In the evening, you can hunt for northern lights, enjoy the sauna once more. All other winter activities are available (snowmobile ride, reindeer farms, etc.) in Inari, so choose your favorite!

Budget accommodation: Villa Lanca – Check availability

Luxury Stay: Wilderness Hotel & Igloos Inari – Check availability

10. Day: Inari – Flight Home

Time to say goodbye to mesmerizing Lapland. Fly back to Helsinki.

Finland 1 Week Itinerary Winter

If you have time constraints, you can condense this Lapland itinerary in 7 days if you fly directly to Lapland and shorten your stay in Levi or Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park.

Lapland Itinerary with Kids

Lapland is a perfect destination for families with kids too. If you travel with younger children, spend more time in Rovaniemi . Guaranteed, they will love all the Christmas-themed activities and Santa Claus in the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. Ensure you don’t skip the Arctic Wildlife Park in Ranua and visit at least one of the National Parks. We suggest Pallas.

Finland Lapland Itinerary Winter Checklist from our Finland Travel Guide :

+ See the northern lights

+ Stand on top of a fell

+ Try Finnish sauna and ice swimming

+ Meet with reindeer

+ Shake hands with Santa Claus

+ Jump into the snow

Additional items for trips to Lapland Finland:

+ Watch a reindeer race

+ Drive a snowmobile

+ Try the smoke sauna

Pin for later!

Best Road Trip in Finnish Lapland in 10 Days | Ultimate Winter Road Trip | Best Places to See in Lapland | Lapland Itinerary by Car | Finnish Lapland | #lapland #helsinki #rovaniemi #inari #levi #pallas #roadtrip

Best Things to Do in Finland | Finland Travel Guide

*marked photos are under the copyright of VisitRovaniemi, and thank you for letting us use them

About the Author

Katalin Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV. Read more about her adventures and the blog .

11 thoughts on “Ultimate Lapland Itinerary – Winter Road Trip in 10 Days (or 7 Days!)”

Hi, I’m going to Lapland Finland this December. I have some knee problems. Is snowshoeing ok for me?

Snowshoeing is harder than normal walking. If you are in doubt, consult with your doctor.

Gah! This looks amazing! My question is, how the heck do you manage driving in those conditions? I’m from Arizona myself so I am always scared to plan a winter road trip. XD I really would love to see the northern lights someday though!

Haha, I guess you get used to it. I (Katalin) got my license here, so it feels normal. I prefer snow over anxious drivers and traffic jams.

This itinerary is epic! I’ve always wanted to visit Finland in winter but I’m so bad with the cold! I think reading this though I need to go in the next couple of years, I’ll just skip the ice swimming! Thanks for sharing!

Oh, no! That’s so much fun!

how much time can you be in ice swimming

During one round, we spend usually up to 1 minute in the water. And that is the maximum we still enjoy.

What a gorgeous place! I would freeze there, but it would be worth a visit. Eight seasons? And I’m sure they are all different varieties of cold, like we have different varieties of hot… I’d love to visit Lapland though; thanks for all the tips. Love your photos!

A great guide – this is something Im hoping to do this year or next, so I’ll be saving! 😉

Finnish Lapland is one of the places that keeps climbing higher on my list. It looks beautiful. Wonderful post with some great ideas for a trip!

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lapland, Finland in Winter

Lapland, Finland is the ultimate winter travel destination! This dreamy part of the world has it all… think reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, northern lights, amazing hotels, authentic saunas, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and much, much more!

In this blog post, I’m sharing all the insider tips on everything you need to know for planning your own trip to Lapland, Finland. Including how to get there, which regions to visit, the best things to do, and recommended places to stay.

This trip was in collaboration with Visit Finland. As always, all opinions and reviews are completely my own and truthful. We had such a great time in Finland and I’m excited to share what we got up to!

Lapland Travel Basics

Best time to go: Dec to March Visit time: 5 to 7 days Getting around: rental car Currency: euro

Getting to Lapland

It’s fairly easy to get to Lapland, Finland. The first step is to fly into Helsinki , which has daily flights to/from many major cities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

My husband and I flew with Finnair from Seattle to Helsinki, with a stopover in NYC. We opted to stay one night in Helsinki so we could explore a little of the city and get a feel of southern Finnish culture. In just one afternoon we managed to walk a few miles around the city, seeing places like Market Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, and some of the picturesque residential streets.

We spent the night at Hotel St. George Helsinki , which was conveniently located alongside City Park and a short walk from the train station. Their rooms and customer service were impeccable – would highly recommend it! During your stay in Helsinki, I would also suggest eating at Pizzeria Via Tribunali . A reader recommended it to us and we had the most delicious and authentic pizza… which was not necessarily our expectation for a Nordic trip!

To get from Helsinki to Lapland you can either drive or catch a domestic flight from Helsinki Airport. The flights are fairly affordable with Finnair, so I would recommend that option over driving long hours on potentially icy winter roads.

During winter there are regular flights to destinations such as Kittila, Ivalo, Kuusamo, Kemi, and Rovaniemi. We opted to fly into Ivalo to begin our journey (more information below on how to choose the best Lapland destinations!)

Which region to visit

The Lapland region of Finland is made up of numerous municipalities and towns. Each destination offers different sights, activities, and hotels. Listed below are some of the main winter destinations and what they are best known for. Note that there are more locations than these, but I tried to keep things reasonably condensed!

Levi: skiing, northern lights, beautiful hotels, reindeer excursions, husky safaris, snowshoeing
Inari / Ivalo: northern lights, reindeer excursions, husky safaris, snowmobiling, Sámi museums and cultural experiences
Saariselkä: skiing, northern lights, snowshoeing, reindeer excursions, husky safaris
Ruka / Kuusamo: skiing, snowshoeing, reindeer excursions, husky safaris
Ylläs: skiing, snowshoeing, northern lights
Kemi: sea icebreaker tours, arctic swimming in the Baltic Sea
Kilpisjärvi: northern lights, snowshoeing, solitude
Rovaniemi: Santa Claus and all things Christmas!

lapland finland destination checklist renee roaming

We opted to split our week-long trip into the following destinations and I think it was the perfect mix! I also felt like a week was a good amount of time to explore Lapland, though a couple more days would have been happily welcomed!

1 night in Helsinki
2 nights in Inari
1 night in Saariselkä
3 nights in Levi

This gave us some nice variation and a chance to explore multiple areas. You could also certainly stay one week in a single destination – either option would work and it depends on how you like to travel! The Visit Finland website has some great information about each destination if you want to delve further into the specifics. I will also be posting destination-specific blog posts within the coming weeks – so watch this space!

Where to stay

We’ve all seen those incredible photos featuring the aurora cabins and tree-houses of Lapland, right?! My husband and I were lucky enough to stay in a few bucket-list-worthy hotels during our trip BUT do keep in mind that they aren’t the only options available. There are a variety of lodging options to choose from in Lapland – ranging from more affordable to more pricey.

Traveling as a family or in a group ? You are probably best to rent a large cabin that has multiple rooms, a kitchen, communal areas, etc. This will help keep costs down and allow for more flexibility around meals and travel. In Levi, we stayed 2 nights in one of Polar Star Travel’s beautiful log cabins, which was even fitted with a private sauna!

You can still experience Lapland, Finland on a budget ! In saying that, I am not going to pretend it’s a super affordable place to travel during the winter months. Some more budget-friendly lodging options can be found on Airbnb , ranging from shared accommodation, private rooms, and even entire cabins/homes. You could also look into options such as couch-surfing and house-sitting/swaps.

Best things to do

Lapland, Finland is one of the world’s best destinations for unique winter adventures and activities. I mean, how many places can you take a sunrise husky sledding tour, a midday sauna experience, a sunset snowshoe, and finish the day with a northern lights snowmobiling tour?!

There are countless options of tours and self-guided adventures to take during the winter months in Lapland. I have listed some of the most common below and will go into more depth in my upcoming blog posts!

Visit a reindeer farm and take a sleigh ride/safari
Take a husky dog sledding adventure
Try out skiing or snowboarding down a Finnish “fell” (mountain)
Go on a snowshoe hiking adventure
Enjoy an arctic hammock relaxation tour in the forest
Have an authentic sauna and hot tub experience
Watch the northern lights on a dedicated tour or from an aurora cabin
Take a snowmobiling adventure on a frozen lake
Walk through a man-made ice and snow gallery
Toboggan down a fell under the northern lights
Learn about and immerse yourself in the local Sámi culture
Take a photography tour on capturing Lapland’s unique beauty
Sample Lappish food and learn about local culinary culture
Try out ice fishing on a frozen lake
Take an arctic swim in the Baltic Sea
Experience an icebreaker sea excursion
Visit the home of Santa Claus

I would say my favorite activities of the trip were experiencing the northern lights, snowshoeing up a fell to watch the sunset, taking a reindeer sleigh ride, and being treated to an authentic Finnish sauna… but I LOVED everything we did!

One thing to keep in mind is that it can be quite cold when doing these activities.

For example, we had a cold snap during our visit and it was -35C the morning we took a reindeer sleigh ride and also in the evenings when we were viewing the northern lights. Having adequate winter clothing and gear is imperative – find out what to pack for a trip to the Arctic in this blog post !

I hope this blog post was a nice starting place for your Lapland, Finland trip planning. As previously mentioned, I will be publishing more blog posts on this topic (destination specific guides, how to best experience the northern lights and more) – watch this space! Let me know in the comments if there is something specific you would like me to share.

PIN for later

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lapland, Finland in Winter

Related Guides

11 Incredible Things to Do In Madeira, Portugal

Arctic Expedition on the Seabourn Venture - Greenland and Arctic Canada - Renee Roaming - Croker Bay Glacier

Arctic Expedition on the Seabourn Venture – Greenland and Canada

Incredible Iceland Road Trip Itinerary and Planning Guide

Join our mailing list for exclusive resources, events, and more.

Thank you for subscribing!

16 comments

Great article about Finnish Lapland, thank you! If you are planning to revisit the Ruka area or if Finland is on your bucket list, welcome to our modern and spacious villa at Ruka 🙂

Wow 😲, really a great resources for visiting Lapland.

Hej renee, after reading your article,I have commented that Lapland is in my bucket list, finally I made Dog-sledding trip in Lapland. HUHU

Thank you! I am just beginning to look at planning a winter trip to Lapland for next year. Can you discuss how you traveled between the Lapland cities you visited? Is it possible to do this without a rental car or is it best to rent a car once you arrive in Lapland?

Hi Renee, thanks for an amazing post, actually I was thinking about to travel to Scandinavia, And this article is really helpful for me to find something special from there.

Amazing post Renee and comprehensive description. Lapland is in my bucket list too but I want to combine with Swedish and Finnish at once.

We’re planning. What a wonderful synopsis. We’re also going to be leaving out of Seattle.

Makes me wanna go there asap! 😍 I can’t wait for your more detailed lapland travel guide. 😍😍😍

This is my absolute dream!!!!

Greetings from Kuusamo! Nice blogpost! Next time visit Ruka, Kuusamo??

Thank you 🙂 We would love to next time!

I’m planning a trip to Finland for Winter next year and found this blog post very informative! Thanks Renee 🙂

Did you drive from Saariselka to Levi? How were the road conditions? Your photos from this trip are gorgeous!

I love Lapland!

This looks like an incredible trip! Finland is definitely on my bucket list, and the more I think about it the more I want to visit in winter.

Another wonderful blogpost Renee. I’m certainly putting Finland on my bucket list now I’ve seen all your stunning photos. Looking forward to your more detailed posts.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Follow Along on Instagram

A one week, bucket list Lapland Winter Itinerary

I’m sure we all have ideas in the back of our minds about bucket list holidays that we want to take. Often, there is something holding us back though. Is it the potential cost? Or maybe the fact that because the trip has to be just perfect , it needs a lot of careful planning? I’ve had many of these trips in the back of mind that I haven’t taken (yet). One trip I have been keen to take for a very long time is a Lapland winter holiday. Crisp powdery fresh snow, clear skies and the Aurora Borealis dancing through the sky. It’s been a dream of mine for years. Or at least it was, until I decided to plan a one week, bucket list trip to Finnish Lapland.

The pine forests of a Lapland winter

I’d often seen magazine and online articles of the famed Glass Igloos of Lapland, and dismissed ever staying at such a place due to the cost. The thing is though, I questioned myself, if it was something I really wanted to do, would I be disappointed with the trip if I missed them out? Would I wish I had done things differently? I started doing some research – plotting and planning options, and discussed budgets with my other half. We both agreed that if the price was right for the entire trip, we’d go for it. We’d compromise on some things, but we’d stay in those Glass Igloos!

This post is a breakdown of the itinerary that we put together for our Lapland winter trip. It includes transport, accommodation, activities and most importantly cost. I’ve also thrown in a few tips of what to bring and what to wear to cope with the seriously low temperatures that you may encounter on your trip. We based our trip around the the town of Saariselkä due to it’s vicinity to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, home of the Glass Igloos. So let’s head out on a journey to see frozen forests, cosy log cabins, huskies, reindeer and a search for those elusive Northern Lights.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, where I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As usual, all opinions are my own.

A one week Lapland Winter Itinerary

Our trip to Lapland was booked for early February. We had considered January for our trip, but as the Saariselkä region is located 250km north of the arctic circle there is a six week period of polar night. This means that from mid December to the end of January, the sun stays below the horizon. We wanted long nights, but also the opportunity to see the pastel hues of winter skies during daylight, so opted for February. As a rough guide, in early February, sunrise was at 9.30am with the sun setting at 3.30pm and a fairly long period of twilight late in the afternoon.

The travel day. Our flight from Gatwick was booked with Finnair, * scheduled at 12.00pm and due to arrive at Ivalo Airport at 17.30pm, a 3.5 hour flight time.

A minor glitch

*Our trip didn’t get off to a smooth start. Our flight was cancelled, we had to transfer from London Gatwick to London Heathrow for an evening flight to Helsinki which landed at midnight. A few hours in an airport hotel and a 7.00am flight from Helsinki to Ivalo and we arrived at 8.00am the next morning. Thankfully our airport lounge booking was transferred to Heathrow and Finnair organised all the flight changes and overnight stay. Their service and compensation for this delay was perfectly acceptable. It could have been much worse.

But let’s pretend it didn’t happen

For the purposes of this itinerary, let’s pretend that the flight went smoothly and I’ll tell you how our day should have gone. We had booked the hire car through SixT , who we had used on a previous trip to the Italian Dolomites. Their service was impeccable, so we always try and use them now, provided they do collection and drop off at our airports of choice. Our car for the week was a Volkswagen Polo, complete with winter tyres and ice scrapers etc. With thick snow on the ground, it took a while to get used to the way the car handled the roads, but after a while it was fine.

The journey from Ivalo Airport to Saariselkä is 26km – approximate 40 minutes on the winter roads. Saariselkä is a small town in Northern Finland surrounded by fells and a perfect base for a Lapland winter break. With a number of hotels and cabin rentals, as well as the unique resorts, there is something to suit all budgets. Santa’s Hotel Tunturi (our intended accommodation) is located in the centre of the town with a choice of rooms and suites. It’s a great base for the town with plenty to explore within walking distance. There are a range of restaurants and bars in the town to choose from.

Cost Breakdown

Airport Lounge: Gatwick / Heathrow Number 1 Lounge – £32.00 per person

Return Flight: London Gatwick to Ivalo with Finnair – £267.00 return flight per person

Car hire for eight days: SixT – £150.00 per person

Accommodation: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselkä – £74.50 per person bed & breakfast

Day Two (once we arrived) kicked off with a visit to check in at Northern Lights Village for our two night stay. As we were really early, our cabin wasn’t quite ready so we were asked to return back later. This was absolutely fine, as we had exciting plans. We were off to ride the longest toboggan run in Lapland.

The longest Toboggan Run in Lapland

Saariselkä Ski and Sports Resort is on the outskirts of town and has 15 slopes, as well as the toboggan run. We booked a Winterpark ticket which included a two hour lift pass for the chair lift and toboggan rental, then off we headed to the frozen chairlift. A peaceful lift ride with the cold wind biting our faces, we arrived at the top of the fell for an awesome and exhilarating toboggan run back down to the start. We managed three runs with our two hour lift ticket.

The longest toboggan run in Lapland

For lunch we chose to head into town and to the Pritti Bar and Restaurant within Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, to at least spend some time there (after the missed first night)! I had a great burger and my first local beer, which went down really well. Once done, we headed back to the Northern Lights Village, to see our Aurora Cabin for the first time.

Aurora Cabin

Having booked well in advance, I had requested a cabin looking out onto the forests (for photography purposes). We were given Cabin Number One – the furthest cabin away on the resort. Keys in hand, we loaded up a toboggan with our luggage outside the reception building and headed on our way up the hill to our temporary new home. This is the easiest way to transport luggage on these types of resorts. There are no bellboys available to deliver bags to your room, although if you have mobility issues you can drive to your cabin to drop off your things.

Interior of the Aurora Cabins at Northern Lights Village

Aurora Cabin through a Lensball

The Aurora Cabins were lovely. A modern take on a cosy log cabin, combined with a half domed window looking out towards the forests and up at the Northern Sky. There was a seating area, a mini bar and a full bathroom, although given the relatively small footprint, the shower was kind of above the toilet – more of a wet room (literally) I guess. It was functional though, and with underfloor heating the bathroom floor dried really quickly. The walk from our cabin to the main building was between five and ten minutes.

Ice Restaurant

A quick drink at the main bar (the local beer Lapin Kulta is awesome, by the way) and it was time to head across the way to the Ice Restaurant and Bar. A beautifully lit igloo style room with an ice bar, ice tables and wooden stools covered with reindeer hide. I would say it was cosy, but at -5C it was a little chilly. Thankfully, with the right clothing, this is fine for an hour or so. There are also blankets supplied that you can wrap yourself up in if you get a little chilly. A three course meal of local dishes and delicacies, washed down with Lapin Kulta and warming coffee, it was a really great experience, but we were ready to head back to the log fires of the main building after an hour or so!

Ice Restaurant at Northern Lights Village

Accommodation: Northern Lights Village (Aurora Cabin) – £230.00 per person (per night) including breakfast and three course dinner

Morning Activity: Saariselkä Toboggan Run – £23.00 per person

Lunch: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi – Pirtti Bar & Restaurant £20.00 per person (approx)

Dinner: Ice Restaurant – £39.00 surcharge per person

For a more in depth review of the Northern Lights Village, take a look at my review post here .

A night of cloudy skies (no Northern Lights) and a good sleep, we awoke on Day Three ready for animal related adventures. But first it was time for breakfast. The breakfast offering at Northern Lights Village is a typical European style continental buffet with hot and cold options. There are some local specialities such as the delicious Karjalanpiirakka – google them, they were awesome. We had a short wander around before it was time for our first activity of the day.

A reindeer sleigh ride

The reindeer paddock is on site at Northern Lights Village and just a short walk from the main building. After a brief introduction by the guide about the reindeer, it was time to take our seat in the sleigh, before heading into the forest. Our reindeer safari was the shortest option available at 25 minutes and was a really relaxing experience. We left the paddock and took a circular route around the surrounding forests, taking in the beautiful Lapland winter scenery.

Reindeer Safari through the forest

Reindeer safari done, it was time for lunch. Lunch is not included within the main price of staying at the Northern Lights Village although there is a great soup and salad buffet available for €15.00 in the restaurant. Complimentary hot drinks are also available throughout the day. It’s also worth noting that it takes about 15 minutes to walk from the main building into Saariselkä, where there are numerous alternative lunch options available.

Husky rides through the frozen forests

The afternoon activity was one I was really looking forward to. We were off to meet the huskies! The Husky Farm where the activity took place was approximately 20 minutes away by shuttle bus transfer, deep in the forest outside of Saariselkä. Having been briefed by one of the dog handlers, it was clear this would be more interactive and not quite as relaxing as the Reindeer Safari. With sleighs made for two – one seated while the other stands, steers and brakes the excitable Sibernian Huskies whisk you off in to the forest yelping and barking excitedly. It turns out that five huskies are not really capable of pulling a combined weight of 30 stone up hills, so there is a lot of help required. Exhausting! It was a wonderful couple of hours with some awesome scenery along the way.

A husky safari through the Lapland wilderness

Once back at the resort it was time to freshen up, chill at the cabin for a while before heading out for dinner. The buffet dinner menu was on a rotation and featured a wide range of starters, main courses and desserts. The standard and variety of food was excellent, and the room itself was a lovely space to enjoy the evening, with a selection of comfortable seating areas near the roaring log fires for your after dinner drinks.

Following dinner it was back to the Aurora Cabin to gaze up at the skies in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Aurora. You guessed it, cloudy again.

Northern Lights Village at night

Morning Activity: Reindeer Express 25 minutes (booked via Northern Lights Village) – £62.00 per person

Lunch: Northern Lights Village Restaurant Kota: Soup & Salad Buffett Lunch – £13.20

Afternoon Activity: Husky Safari 1 hour (booked via Northern Lights Village) – £129.00 per person

Dinner: Northern Lights Village: Restaurant Kota (inclusive)

Day Four arrived and it was time to check out of the Northern Lights Village and head for pastures new. We had decided to head out and explore the wilderness of the Urho Kekkonen National Park. A friend who lives in Finland had recommended visiting the Kiilopää Fell if we were in the area, so we made sure to do this. Located about 16km south of Saariselkä, Fell Centre Kiilopää was a great base to get out and explore the wilderness.

With a range of accommodation options as well as winter activities booking, there was access to hiking trails, cross country skiiing and snowshoeing routes. The road to Kiilopää was a slight detour off the main E75 road that we had been used to navigating. I say road, it didn’t really look like a road as it was so snow packed, but it was an interesting drive and the car coped well given the conditions.

The snowy road to Kiilopää

Fell Centre Kiilopää

Hotel Niilanpää at Suomen Latu Kiilopää

Our overnight stay was at the Hotel Niilanpää , which was part of the Fell Centre Kiilopää complex. Only 80 metres away from the main Fell Centre building, the hotel had 34 rooms and a couple of apartments. The majority of the rooms were twin rooms with an en-suite shower room. The rooms were fairly basic, but warm and comfortable. Somewhere to sleep and shower – perfectly acceptable and with lovely views from our room out to the back of the hotel, we were happy. A quick soup and salad buffet lunch at the Kiilopää Restaurant and we were ready to explore.

Hotel Niilanpää

Hotel Niilanpää twin room

The most beautiful winter scenery

Before heading to Lapland, I wondered if I would get bored of the Lapland winter scenery. Snow and pine forests and very little else – would it get to samey? I was so wrong on this. The scenery on the hike to the Ahopää Fell summit was one of the most breathtaking and beautiful scenes I have witnessed. The first section of hike was gentle, along a trail dotted with pine trees laden heavy with snow. An occasional glimpse of some local wildlife and other hikers – but otherwise, pure silence apart from the crunch of powdery snow beneath our feet.

Pete had gone way ahead of me at one point, so it was just me and the wilderness. I’ll admit, I did shed a little tear and it wasn’t because of the bracing cold. Well not that time anyway. If I ever fell in love with a place, this was it. The hike to the summit became steeper and more open, with less trees for shelter. It was colder and there was a chilly wind, but we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset scene that made it worthwhile.

The entrance to the fell trails at Kiilopää

Beautiful Lapland winter scenery at the Kiilopää fell

Stunning sunset at the Kiilopää fell

Once back down at the Fell Centre, we grabbed coffee and cake for warmth before freshening up for dinner. Dinner was (once again) buffet style at the Kiilopää Restaurant. When I say restaurant, this is more of a cafeteria style area which is functional rather than comfortable. The food was good, they served beer and I was happy. There is also a small supermarket and gift shop onsite if you wanted to grab snacks of drinks for the room. There is also an à la carte restaurant on site which looked lovely, but it was only open on selected evenings.

Accommodation: Suomen Latu Kiilopää, Hotel Niilanpää Twin Room – £60.00 per person including breakfast

Lunch: Kiilopää Restaurant Soup Buffet – £9.00 per person

Afternoon activity: Kiilopää Hike

Dinner: Kiilopää Restaurant Dinner Buffet – £20.50 per person

Another cloudy night (you know where this is going don’t you?) with a lack of Northern Lights and we were up and ready for more adventures. Having only spent one evening at Hotel Niilanpää we were moving on to our final and most eagerly awaited accommodation of the trip – Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort . Before that though, we had another exciting activity to do, which took us back to the Northern Lights Village. A quick buffet lunch and we were ready for an exciting two hour Snowmobile Safari.

An epic snowmobile journey

Having been safety briefed and kitted out with the required snow suits and helmets, we followed the guide out of Saariselkä and along the snowmobile routes (marked with red X’s). We were really lucky that there was only one other couple on our trip – there can be a group of up to 30 snowmobiles sometimes. The route took us to the frozen fells, deep into the forests and along open stretches of snow where we could pick up speed and get a real feel for it. We covered about 50 km during the journey, with a couple of stopping points where we swapped drivers. It was an awesome experience.

Snowmobile Safari photo opportunity

Those famous Glass Igloos

The moment we had been waiting for. Time to check into the Kakslauttanen East Village and spend the night in one of the Glass Igloos I’d seen so many photos of during the years. We had only booked one night in an Igloo – I’d done some research and it was clear they weren’t designed for a lengthy stay. Nestled in the forest, the sight of the Glass Igloos was just as magical as I expected it to be. Once again we had to walk to the Glass Igloo’s and bring our luggage by toboggan. A couple of uphill sections were quite tricky, but otherwise it was fine.

The Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

The Igloos are functional in size and space, with a small WC to the right as you enter, storage space to the left and two single beds either side of the sleeping area. Simply decorated and with zebra print throws on the beds, the main selling point of these igloos are the views. A 180 degree domed glass ceiling provides unobstructed views of the northern sky. Perfect for those Aurora sightings. For us – perfect to stare up at the clouds!

View from the Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Dinner and drinks in evening were at the East Village Kelo Restaurant and Bar. There was an inclusive three course, table service, set menu with a choice of two dishes per course. Mains were generally meat (reindeer) or fish based, and the desserts were fantastic. An à la carte menu was also available as a replacement or supplement to the set menu, at an additional cost. The restaurant was decorated in a rustic log cabin style, with a large roaring fire in the corner. There was also a separate bar area on the lower level.

Accommodation: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village Glass Igloo – £268.00 per person (per night) including breakfast and three course dinner

Morning Activity: Kiilopää Hike

Lunch: Northern Lights Village Restaurant Kota: Soup & Salad Buffett Lunch – £13.20 per person

Afternoon activity: Snowmobile Safari 2 hour (booked via Northern Lights Village) – £102.00 per person

Dinner: Kakslauttanen East Village Kelo Restaurant (inclusive)

If you are looking for more information about the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, check out my review post here .

We fell asleep after gazing up at the clouds from our glass igloo and awoke early the following morning. Frustratingly, the mornings were clear and bright. The skies only seemed to cloud over in the evening when we most wanted them to be clear. We took a walk to breakfast through a beautiful winter wonderland scene. As there are no bathrooms (only a WC and basin) in the East Village Glass Igloos, there is a separate shower block and sauna building where you can freshen up nearby.

Morning views at Kakslauttanen East Village

The gorgeous cosy cabins

After checking out of the Glass Igloo, it was time to check into our Large Cabin for the last couple of nights of our Lapland winter trip. The cabin felt huge in comparison to the Glass Igloo. A large open plan space combining kitchen, seating area and bedroom with a king size bed. With a large stone fireplace in the corner of the sleeping area, it felt cosy and rustic. There was a large bathroom that led through to a private sauna. It was lovely.

The deck of the cabin at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort cabin interior

Exploring Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is separated into two villages, located a couple of miles apart. A shuttle service transports guests between them. The East Village is the original and more ‘rustic’ village, whereby the West Village is larger, more modern with far more facilities. We chose to spend some time exploring the West Village and see what facilities were on offer. As well as the main service building which included reception and the restaurant, there was Santa’s Village to explore, an art gallery and Igloo Tower viewing platform. A Planetarium is due to open late in 2019. The West Village is widely spread out and we spent a couple of hours exploring the area.

Exploring the West Village at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Beautiful Lapland winter scenes at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort West Village

The Glass Igloo Bar and Aurora Restaurant

We chose to dine on our second evening at the Aurora Restaurant in the West Village. You can eat at either village as part of your inclusive rate, but you must book in advance. A great feature at the West Village is the awesome Glass Igloo Bar, built in the same style as the accommodation Igloos. We had a couple of pre-dinner drinks in here, the lighting is low so that you can get the best views out to the night sky

The Glass Igloo Bar at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort West Village

The Aurora Restaurant is far more modern than Restaurant Kota at the East Village. The menus are similar, but it’s a much larger space to accommodate for the higher number of guests at West Village. We enjoyed the meal and finished off the evening with another drink at the Glass Igloo Bar before taking a shuttle bus back to our cabin.

Accommodation: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village Large Cabin – £268.00 per person (per night) including breakfast and three course dinner

Lunch: Kakslauttanen West Village Aurora Restaurant: Soup & Salad Buffet Lunch – £13.20 per person

Afternoon activity: Exploring Kakslauttanen West Village

Dinner: Kakslauttanen West Village Aurora Restaurant (inclusive)

Our final full day in Lapland, and still no sign of the Northern Lights. Another cloudy night and no sound of the Aurora Alert which is installed in all the accommodation to wake us. Following breakfast we spent the morning venturing along the trails outside of East Village to experience some more beautiful Lapland winter scenery, before heading back for lunch.

Cross country ski trails at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village

Smoke Sauna and Ice Pool fun (madness)

Our final activity was the Finnish tradition of a smoke sauna and ice swimming. It’s something I had told myself I was determined to do, but questioned whether I actually would. I’m no a fan of getting into cold water, let alone icy cold water! Nevertheless, we took a drive up to Fell Centre Kiilopää, where they have a traditional smoke sauna which is open on selected days of the week. If I’m really honest, I am not really a fan of being too hot either. Great combination for this activity don’t you think?!

The idea is that you spend around ten minutes in the smoke sauna then head outside and take a dip in the ice cold water, where the average water temperature is approx. -1ºC! The sauna was fine at first, until it got busier. As more water got thrown on the wood, the heat became almost unbearable for me, so it was time. Time to head outside and take the dip in the icy cold water. I bravely walked the pathway to the pool and climbed down the steps. Didn’t hesitate – just had to get it done. Gingerly, I waded down the steps, and dipped in as far as my shoulders before instantly turning around and climbing out! I was proud that I had done it, even if I had spent barely any time in the water. If I’m honest, I didn’t really find it enjoyable, but it was exhilarating.

Smoke Sauna and Ice Pool

Kelo Restaurant

A final dinner at the Kelo Restaurant rounded off our final evening in Lapland, and with a forecast of cleared skies and minor geomagnetic aurora activity, we headed back to our cabin, lit a fire and waited. We stood on the deck of the cabin staring out at the starry skies waiting for a hint of green to appear. But, sadly it didn’t. Not this time anyway. It may seem like a disappointing end to a story, but thanks to everything that we did listed above, we had the most awesome experience. And there’s a very good reason to return now, isn’t there?

Cosy cabin scenes at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Morning Activity: Exploring Kakslauttanen East Village

Lunch: Kakslauttanen East Village Kelo Restaurant: Soup & Salad Buffet Lunch – £13.20 per person

Afternoon Activity: Smoke Sauna at Suomen Latu Kiilopää – £11.50 per person

Take a more detailed look at the activities to do in the Saariselkä area here .

The cost of a bucket list Lapland winter break

So what is the cost of a Lapland bucket list holiday? I guess the answer is that it’s relative to everyone’s actual bucket list. For us, we wanted to experience as many activities as possible, while staying in unique accommodations that provided us with the best opportunities of seeing the Northern Lights. I am the type of traveller where I like to have my creature comforts on hand, so having resorts with lots of nearby facilities is important to my planning. Our trip to Lapland (in February 2019) cost us in the region of £2,500.00 per person. That included all the accommodation and activities listed above, as well as money for fuel and spending money for drinks, snacks and gifts.

This is the most I have ever spent on a single holiday by quite a long way, but I think the experiences and memories we made, make this a worthwhile cost. We saved for the best part of a year to be able to afford it, and I’d make the trip again in an instant. The majority of cost came from staying at Northern Lights Village and Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. These are not cheap options, and there are plenty of other options in the area that are far more cost effective. You should question what exactly you want from the trip and what you consider the value of that to be. When staying in these types of resort, it’s important to remember that you are not paying for a luxury experience – you are paying for a unique experience in a beautiful part of the world.

What to pack for a Lapland winter break

I pondered for ages about what to pack for this trip. I worried I would get too cold and I really don’t like being cold. It makes me sulky and miserable. After much research I went out and did some clothes shopping, most of which was in Trespass or Decathlon. I didn’t buy the most expensive winter clothing, as I didn’t figure I’d get much use out of it afterwards, but it’s now all packed away for the next time I choose to visit the Arctic Circle or try my hand at skiing.

To keep warm when out during the daytime, in temperatures as low as -18C, this is what I would wear.

Thermal base layer including long sleeve round neck top and full length bottoms.
Polyester tracksuit bottoms.
Ski Trousers
Two pairs of woollen socks.
Hiking boots.
Thick woollen sweater.
Ultra Lightweight Down Jacket with Hood.
Woollen Hat
Thick Ski Gloves

That’s a lot of clothing, but it genuinely kept me quite toasty while I was out exploring. It’s important to cover up as much of your face while you are out. Despite it not feeling that cold, if you left your face exposed for too long (maybe 10 minutes) you’d really feel the chill. I also carried a pair of fleece gloves so that I could swap them out to take photos. Have you ever tried using your camera with ski gloves? Not easy. I did pack a couple of pairs of jeans, of which I wore over the thermal base layer a couple of times in evenings but you’d get cold after about ten minutes outdoors. Basically, avoid denim and cotton clothing.

Keeping warm during a Lapland winter break

Like this? Pin for later.

About Dylan Jones

Eurostar tips: How to enhance the travel experience

‘You’re going on holiday again?’

Jet2 holidays from Liverpool: Celebrating Jet2.com’s 11th airport base

14 comments.

Mariola daher

great read, thanks for the tips… this place is on my list to visit, especially staying in an igloo

Sally Akins

A trip to Lapland has been on my bucket list for ages, so this is really useful. I especially like the cost breakdowns, so handy!

Suzanne Jones

Everything here to help plan the perfect lapland trip – just need to book it now! Love the photos too, so dreamy!

alison abbott

What a dreamy winter vacation. I can’t imagine adding anything to this itinerary to make Lapland any more perfect. Definitely money well spent!

Anna Parker

We want to take our little boy here when he’s a bit older so I have loved reading all about it!

I just loved my trip to Lapland earlier this year, and I’d totally go back and do yours too! The igloos look amazing and I could never get tired of that snowy scenery either (and I’ve got to give spotting the Northern Lights a second try too!).

Stefan (BerkeleySqB)

That does sound like a fabulous holiday, though not on the cheap end of the scale. You chose a great selection of activities and accommodations and restaurants and the cost breakdown is very useful and often surprising. The costs just vary so much depending on the level of luxury you choose. Those couple of cheap soup and buffet lunches for a tenner each or so next to big budget items like igloos or ice restaurant…

Dylan Jones

Thanks Stefan. The igloos and cabins were high on the bucket list and that’s where the majority of cost is, but it’s always good to balance with more budget friendly options. Not everything needs to be expensive!

Mitch - VeryTastyWorld

Thank you for this post. This is trip that we have long wanted to undertake. It’s our dream to see the northern lights. It sounds as though you had a terrific time despite the many cloudy night skies. Thanks also for the cost breakdown – that was really helpful.

Wanderingkellers

The toboggan ride and sleigh ride sound like something my family would love. Sounds like a great trip and I love your recommendations on what to pack.

Vanessa Shields

Wow! This looks like the ultimate winter dream trip! Staying in the glass igloo looks amazing waking up to those views. How cool that you got to ride with both reindeers and huskies! I’d want to do both on top of the toboggan run and snowmobiling. It’s a bummer you didn’t get to see the lights. The same happened to me when I visited Alaska in February. Next time!

I’ve been thinking about a trip to Finland and have focused on summer travel but after reading your blog I might reconsider and travel during the winter. It sounds like an absolutely amazing time with so many different outdoor activities. THXS for all the great ideas. Keep writing those blogs in 2022

Peggy Zipperer

Excellent read! The first paragraph sounded like me as I rationalize the splurge I know I’m going to make! I read anxiously through each day, waiting & hoping you were able to see the lights. Lots of other amazing adventures regardless!

This is really thorough Dylan. Such a shame the northern lights didn’t make their appearance. They are fickle. But at least you surrounded the trip with as many activities as you could. It’s a steep trip but worth it.

5 comments on “The Ultimate Lapland Itinerary”

Thank you very much for your detailed information with pictures .This will surely help to our up coming trip to the Lapland. We are doing almost the same trip and hope the weather is kind. Our trip starts from the 20th feb 2019,

Glad you liked the post 🙂 February is a great time too.. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful trip!

You have explained your stay in Lapland in great detail. The sledge ride looks very tantalizing. The food also looks amazing. Your post has ignited in me a sudden urge to visit Finland. Your article is very informative and I learnt a lot from it! It is definitely an experience to cherish!

This is great! Thanks much for detailed information. I am visiting Finland in Feb 2020. This is helping me plan out my trip.

Glad you liked the post 🙂 Have a great trip

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe to comment

Current ye@r *

Leave this field empty

One Week in Finland: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary

So, you’ve got one week in Finland? Great. Get ready to explore one of the true jewels of Scandinavia. Rolling from the cold Baltic Sea in the south to the snow-plumed trees of Lapland up north, this country is a whirlwind of culture, history, thrill-seeking adventures, foodie enjoyments , and more…

Our 7-day guide will take deal with the highlights of Finland one by one. First, you’ll delve into the design-mad capital of Helsinki, to see 1800s palaces and taste roastery coffee in cool cafes. Then, you’ll move onto the wooded Finnish lakes, the wild Baltic coast, and – eventually – to the shiver-inducing deep north.

In just one week in Finland, you can look forward to all manner of bucket-list-experiences. On this trip, you’ll get a chance to meet a certain Santa Claus in the Arctic, spot the Northern Lights dancing on the sky, and sample a traditional Scandinavian sauna. And that’s just scratching the surface…

Table of Contents

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki and explore

There are a few main ports of entry to Finland but Helsinki is the most popular. It could be more expensive to fly into than other airports in smaller Finnish towns, but it is the best connected and starting your Finnish adventure in the capital is certainly the best idea. Alternatively, you could do this guide in reverse and finish in Helsinki (this one week in Finland itinerary works both ways).

Finnair, British Airways, EasyJet, and a host of other airlines fly into HEL airport. Once you have arrived, it is easy to catch public transport into the city center to check into your accommodation. Most of the action is concentrated in the commercial downtown of the city, which is located just east of Mannerheimintie, south of Pikasilta, and west of Unionkatu. That said, any of these neighborhoods are great places to stay.

(We can recommend staying at the Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki ($$-$$$), a super-central stay with real style and noir, NYC-esque rooms, or the Bob W City Centre ($$-$$$), a spacious and more personal aparthotel that even has units with their very own sauna!).

You’ll be dedicating the whole of your first day to getting to know this open-air, fashionable, and friendly city at a slower pace. Helsinki comes alive with outdoor cafes in the summer and it is very walkable. The coffee culture is also super-important, so why not begin at one of the hip roasteries that pepper the town? Our favorite is the Deja Brew on Annankatu. Closer to the center is Cafe Succes, which also serves famous Finnish cinnamon rolls known as korvapuusti .

Caffeine ingested? Good. Now it’s time for the Senaatintori Square. A symphony of Neoclassical design, it’s the beating heart of the Finnish capital. Helsinki Cathedral looms large right above it. The bright facade and blue domes of that Lutheran church have helped earned Helsinki the name of The White City of the North. It was built between 1830-1850, to honor the then-Duke of Finland Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. Behind, you’ll find the grand House of the Estates (the former Finnish Parliament building) and the large central docks.

Later on, you’ll be hitting the pumping Esplanadi district. It’s the most vibrant quarter of the town, coming replete with hipster drinking holes, music bars, and cocktail speakeasies. Those with cash to splash might want to sample the latest in Finnish New Nordic cooking at the exquisite Restaurant Savoy. We also love the more affordable Ravintola Emo that’s just down the street.

Day 2: Museums, culture, and culinary scene (still in Helsinki)

There’s plenty more to see in Helsinki, so kick-start your first full day in Finland by exploring the museum scene in the capital. Enjoy the frescoes of the Kalevala in the National Museum. Or hit the Kiasma Gallery and Amos Rex for contemporary art and strange futuristic exhibitions. Don’t forget the Designmuseo too. Located in Kaartinkaupunki, it celebrates the Finnish penchant for all things design. Inside are collections that showcase clothing, prints, and even furniture,

Next stop: Suomenlinna. Built over eight islands, around four kilometers southeast of the center, Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landmark is a monument of military history and architecture, and a must-see in Helsinki. It takes about 15 minutes to get there on the public ferry. They leave all the time from morning until night.

The grounds of Suomenlinna comprise an extensive nature area that’s totally enclosed by centuries-old defensive walls. There are also plenty of walking trails, spanning two kilometers from the King’s Gate drawbridge to the Suomenlinna Museum. Be sure to check out the restored Submarine Vesikko, a 1930s vessel deployed in the Second World War and one of the most popular attractions on site.

Suomenlinna is even home to a brewery and several waterfront restaurants, so you can enjoy a relaxing mug of local beer and a light lunch. Then, it’s time to head back to the city. Your aim is the legendary Temppeliaukio Church (also known as the Rock Church). It’s the Töölö area of town and is famed for its cutting-edge architecture – the whole thing is carved straight into a plinth of granite! After that, get over to the Chapel of Silence, another of the city’s striking religious buildings. Finish off with a stroll down Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki’s main shopping street

For the evening, the upcoming Kallio neighborhood awaits. It’s Helsinki’s hipster center and has some edgy bars and art cafes. Alternatively, you can follow the food and get down to trendy Punavourit district. That’s home to Skiffer , which serves up traditional Finnish favorites and craft drinks.

Day 3: Finnish Lakeland

You can’t run your finger across a map of Finland without brushing like a billion lakes. Okay, maybe not a billion, but the country is home to a staggering 188,000 bodies of water. They all offer something different, too. Some are good for beaches and sunbathing, others for sledding and ice fishing.

The good news is that many of the lakes are easy to access on Finland’s efficient and cost-effective cross-country trains. They serve the so-called Finnish Lakeland from the capital in just a few hours. However, we would recommend getting your own wheels for this part of the journey. Not only will that mean you’ll be able to travel out to any like that stokes your wanderlust, but the drive in itself is also sure to be a gorgeous one! Plus, you’re going to need to drive even further north in the coming days, so why not hire right away?

Reachable in four hours by train or car from the capital, Savonlinna is a stepping stone between islands and is punctuated with great lakes like Saimaa, Mikkeli, and Vuokalanjarvi. The village is right in the center of Europe’s largest lake district and is home to a 15-century castle (stick around for the July opera festival if you happen to be in town in the early summer).

Alternatively, you could head slightly further north to Kuopio. Summer still boasts some pleasant temperatures and blissful sunshine. It trickles through the spruce forests onto wooded trails and hidden swimming spots. The world’s biggest wood-smoke sauna is also located in Kuopio. It’s a must for anyone hitting this corner of Scandinavia and perfect for evening’s relaxation after a day on the lake.

Aim to spend your night in the city of Tampere. It’s a fun place that thrums with the energy of a big student population. It also has whitewater rapids ripping through the center of town – something you don’t see every day. Get down to the rejuvenated Koskipuisto Park area for the evening to share beers in the open-air cafes (weather permitting). Oh, and true fans will surely want to drop into the Moomin Museum. For hotels, we especially like the Kotimaailma Apartments Tampere ($$). They are clean, bright, and super-close to the center.

Day 4: Turku and the Turku Archipelago

No trip to Finland could possibly miss out on the second-city: Turku. The onetime capital of the country, it has a history that would make Helsinki blush. You’ll notice that right away, as the center of the town is a maze of winding cobbled streets fringed by crooked homes. There’s evidence to show that the spot was first inhabited in the Stone Age. But the venerable buildings seen today mostly date from the 12 th , 13 th and 14 th centuries.

Before you begin, though: Coffee. Turku is famed for its student vibes and liberal leanings. There are cafes of all shapes and sizes to match that rep. Our all-time favorite has to be Bokachá, a bubble-tea outlet that does tasty chocolate cakes and all sorts of hot beverages. Then it’s onto a walking tour of the old core of the town, which should include all the following sights:

Pharmacy Museum – A charming little red-painted house that contains a pharmacy museum with exhibits dating to 1700.
Turun linna (Turku Castle) – This is the historic highlight of Turku. It was once the most important fortress in the country. Later, it became a palace. If you have time, there’s a great local museum inside.
Forum Marinum – An historic shipyard with vintage sailing vessels on show.
Turun Tuomiokirkko – The oldest basilica in Finland, and the only one dating from the Middle Ages, this redbrick church rises above Old Great Square. Notice the handsome Lutheran design and soaring main spire.

The old center of Turku is really just half the story here. There is a whole other side to this city, awaiting out in the fragmented isles of the Turku archipelago. That’s where you’ll head in the afternoon. We actually recommend a guided tour for that, since you can hop on a private boat and see loads more islands. What awaits is a world of salt-washed coves filled with seabirds and islets covered in beech forests.

Day 5: Lapland

There are few places in the world with a reputation like Lapland. The Arctic Region in Finland is something out of a frozen fantasy; somewhere you really have to see to believe – think fells that rise and fall from icy lakes and ice-blasted forests and tundra that roll away towards the Nort Pole.

After exploring Turku, you’re certainly best off flying direct to Rovaniemi. That’s the transport hub of the region and home to the largest airport in the Finnish Arctic. You can also reach by train from Helsinki if you have more time but expect it to be a long ride. That said, the cross-country rail network offers unbeatable scenery, and it’s not too expensive, either.

If you want to experience a true winter paradise with snow-covered polar nights, Lapland is best visited between late-November and mid-February. Then, opportunities for ice activities are at their peak and temperatures dive below zero, draping the Arctic north in a cloak of darkness. Still, summer brings its own unique beauty in the form of the Midnight Sun, when you can partake in wild salmon fishing in the fast-flowing rivers and enjoy great hiking in the national parks.

Lapland covers a third of Finland and there’s so much to see, but choose your base wisely. Rovaniemi is your best bet if you’re pressed for time and don’t want to be too remote, but there’s also Levi for skiing and nightlife.

Getting to Lapland is sure to be an adventure in itself, but your accommodation can be a real highlight when do arrive. Camp out under the Northern Lights in glass pods, rent an alpine lodge, or even spend the night in an ice hotel if you dare, Lapland is the place for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here are just a few of the most amazing hotels in the region:

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos ($$$) – One of the most legendary experiences in the north of Finland, an ice hotel is made and remade every year. They do have year-round rooms, though, in the form of glass-dome igloos with stunning views of the Northern Lights if they happen to make an appearance.
Hotel Levi Panorama & Levi Chalets ($$) – One for the skiers, Hotel Levi Panorama & Levi Chalets sits right at the base of the slopes in the resort of Levi.
Korvala log cabins ($$) – Get away from it all with a stay in one of these pioneer-style wood lodges deep in the forests of the north.

Day 6 and 7: Snow adventures and Northern Lights

Two whole days in Lapland is the perfect way to end your trip to Finland. If you’re staying in Rovaniemi, be sure to get your dose of culture before adventuring into the snow. That means checking out the Arktikum, where visitors can traverse long glass-tunnel shelters exhibiting the remote Sámi culture and their crafts. You can also go and see Santa for free in his village home, a perfect Christmas excursion for families. Then, it’s onto the ice…

On the fringes of town you can do everything from husky sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer-driven sleighing. For more wilderness, it doesn’t get much more remote than Utsjoki, at the furthest northern corner of the country. The village of Utsjoki is where the Sámi people of Finland reside, living in harmony with nature . A fifth of this region is covered in water and national parks, bordering Norway with ancient trails that cross the fells. Research well and never venture off into the wilderness without a guide. Luckily there are plenty of tours you can book in Utsjoki and even a number of different accommodation options despite the small, isolated population.

The Northern Lights are also an undoubted pull to Lapland and if you’re lucky, they might come out to play on your trip. The Aurora Borealis is unpredictable. Winter brings the best long nights and clear skies for viewing them, while in autumn and spring, you are more likely to experience more solar flares. Book a midnight husky sledding experience or hike out to Rovaniemi’s best viewing locations with your experienced Lapland guide to huddle under the stars with flasks of hot chocolate and wait for the displays to show.

One week in Finland – our conclusion

Your one week in Finland will have whisked you from the salty bays of the south coast around Turku, through the amazing cultural sights of Helsinki, through the amazing Finnish lake lands, and up north to the incredible region of Lapland. In that way, it checks off all the major highlights of the country. We will say this, though – a week will be tight. If you can spread this trip out anymore, it’s certainly worth doing, if only to add in the unforgettable train ride from the south to the north. Once you’re finished, you can either fly south from Lapland to Helsinki or carry on your travels over into Arctic Norway.

When is the best time to visit Finland?

The best weather for exploring Finland’s capital and southern coast can be found in the summer months of June, July, and August, when highs reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the days are longest. However, school-holiday crowds hike the prices .

Winter can be dark and bleak in the south but is a much cheaper time to visit , and equally magical around the festive period. However, November until February is the most exciting season in the north, when Lapland becomes a winter wonderland and the ski season is in full swing.

How many days do you need in Finland?

Finland is a vast country with a whole host of different regions and towns to explore and a host of different holidays on offer. If you want to get the most out of every region, at least two weeks is the perfect amount of time to see south and north with enough days in the capital and still time to experience the best of Lapland. Still, if you’re short on time, four to six days in one region, either within the Arctic Circle or Helsinki, will suffice.

Is Finland safe?

Not only is Finland one of the happiest places in the world, but it’s also one of the safest both for travel and daily life. Violent crime rates across the nation are among the lowest globally and effective policing, a fair justice system, a neutral political position, and very abiding citizens help keep it that way. The biggest concern of visiting Finland is the extreme weather, especially in the north. Blizzards and landslides are common in the height of winter in remote areas and it can be easy to get cut off from civilization. Still, tornados, typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity are virtually non-existent in Finland.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

Finnish Outdoors: 7 of Finland’s Best Places For Nature

The 7 Best Party Destinations In Finland To Hit This Year

Is Finland Expensive? The Cost to Visit in 2024

Swedish Lapland Itinerary: the best road trip

In this post I will share with you my Swedish Lapland itinerary. Lapland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe. Sweden’s northernmost and largest province is also the most remote and sparsely populated. To put things in perspective, it’s about the size of Portugal, but with less than 100,000 inhabitants.

Besides the tourist hotspot Kiruna, it is a very off the beaten path destination. Few tourists go that far north, but a lapland roadtrip is nothing less than spectacular. Personally it was a highlight in my travel history. But one that required a lot of homework beforehand.

When making my Swedish Lapland itinerary there wasn’t much information out there. The lonely planet was brief, there were only a few blogs about the region and there were a lot of things to see and do.

Why go on a Swedish Lapland road trip?

Lapland is heaven for those that love the outdoors. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty that includes vast evergreen forests, wild rivers, glittering lakes, marshes, tundras and mountains. On any Swedish Lapland itinerary there will be a huge variety of landscapes.

But Lapland is not only about nature, it is also about culture and food. The region is home to the indigenous Sami people that were once nomadic reindeer herders that travelled through the arctic tundra. Although the Sami have now settled in the cities, reindeers still play an important part in their life.

Swedish Lapland is a great place to learn more about the Sami people that also live in the northern parts of Norway, Finland and Russia . Sweden has excellent museums about their history and culture. Food is also important and there are great restaurants that offer Sami inspired dishes such as reindeer stew, arctic char and elk meat.

The best way to explore this part of the world is on a road trip. Renting a car gives you a wealth of freedom and the opportunity to stop wherever you want. And there are many stops on a Swedish Lapland itinerary that are worthwhile.

On your Lapland itinerary you can see lots of reindeers

Swedish Lapland itinerary

Lapland itinerary day 1: luleå.

Luleå is a great start of your Lapland itinerary. This young student town is the largest city in Swedish Lapland and has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. With its scenic location on the Bothnian coast and surrounded by vast evergreen forests there are lots of outdoor activities year round.

Luleå is close enough to the arctic circle that in winter you have a good chance to see the northern lights or have fun in the snow. Winter activities like ice skating on the Bothnian sea or going on an icebreaker cruise are unique to Luleå. Of course you can also go snowmobiling, snowshoeing or dog sledding like everywhere else in northern Sweden.

In summer it is the midnight sun that takes care for long and sunny warm days. This is the perfect time to go hiking in the forests or go kayaking in the Luleå archipelago where more than 1000 islands are waiting for you.

But Luleå is not all about nature and there are also some cultural things to do here. One example is the historic church town of Gammelstad with its typical red wooden cottages. Another is the Fabodaleden. A hiking trail past the ancient forest pastures where farmers led isolated lifes while herding their cows.

One more reason to include Luleå in your Lapland itinerary is because it is an upcoming foodie destination. Here you can find some of the best restaurants in Swedish Lapland with the chance to taste local specialities such as elk, reindeer, kalix roe and arctic char. I got my first introduction to Sami cuisine in Luleå and I was immediately intrigued by its focus on natural products from the forest.

Where to stay : I stayed at the Amber hotel . A great place that is centrally located in between the train station and city center. Rooms were clean and there was a varied breakfast buffet. Ever dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse in the forests of Swedish Lapland? Then you might want to consider the remote Tree hotel in Harads, 82 kilometers from Luleå. A unique, but costly experience.

Lulea is a great start of your Lapland itinerary

Lapland itinerary day 2: Gammelstad

Gammelstad church town is a popular day trip from Luleå and is one of the most picturesque towns in northern Sweden. Church towns have a long and interesting history. As Lapland was so sparsely populated there were only a few churches. people had to travel from far away to go to church on Sunday. Some so far that they couldn’t travel back the same day.

Small wooden cottages were built around the church that allowed people to stay the night. As a result, church towns also became meeting places. People gathered here on the weekends, not only to attend church, but also to trade, meet family or even find a marriage partner.

Gammelstad is not only one of the best preserved church towns in Sweden, it is also one that is still serving its original purpose. The wooden cottages around the 15th century medieval church are now on the UNESCO World heritage list, but are still privately owned. Residents only come during religious festivals. As a result the town feels abandoned during the week, but comes alive on special occasions.

Gammelstad is an easy day trip from Luleå and is closely connected with the city. In fact, Gammelstad means old city and it was once the old center of Luleå. As sea levels went down, Luleå moved further away to the coast, but the church town remained.

Gammelstad church town in Swedish Lapland

Lapland itinerary day 3: Luleå to Arvidsjaur

It is only 150 kilometers from Luleå to Arvidsjaur. With the vast distances in Swedish Lapland that is not a lot. Yet, this will be a long day in your Lapland itinerary as there are several worthwhile stops to make.

Only 20 minutes away from Luleå lies the Bälingeberget nature reserve. A number of hiking trails lead you from the car park to the top of a 139 meter high mountain. From here you have a spectacular view over the Lule river valley below.

Bälingeberget

The paths go through the forest as well as large rocky areas with boulders that were left behind from the ice age. I spent about 3 hours here following one of the longer treks around the mountain. What I loved about this place is the variety in landscapes and of course the beautiful views.

Balingeberget near Lulea is a great stop in your Lapland itinerary

The Storforsen nature reserve is a bit of a detour on the road from Luleå to Arvidsjaur, but one that is totally worth it. These are one of the biggest rapids in Europe and standing right next to them is impressive.

From the car park it’s a short hike to the observation deck where you can see and feel the force of the water coming down to merge with the Pite river. The Storforsen rapids stretch out over 5 kilometers in which the water drops 82 meters.

I only stopped at the observation deck, but if you have time you can walk from the top of the waterfall to hotel Storforsen below.

Storforsen is worth a stop on your Lapland itinerary

Lapstaden in Arvidsjaur

After Storforsen, I headed straight to Arvidsjaur where I arrived just in time to see Lapstaden before it got dark.

Lapstaden is an example of a typical Sami town with the traditional wooden huts that they used to live in. At first it looked a bit like a small open air museum, which it sort of is. However, at the same time it is still in use, despite being more than 300 years old.

Like Gammelstad in Lulea, Lapstaden was a church town, but for the Sami people. The church was built in the 16th century and played a big role in the christianization of the indigenous population in the region. They too had to go to church on sundays and then stayed the night in one of the huts.

Nowadays the Sami still gather in Lapstaden on special occasions. Some huts are for sleeping and others for storage. When I was there some of the cottages were renovated to get new isolation and it was interesting to see that some used tree barks for this purpose. In general, you can see that they are mostly built from local materials from the forests.

Where to stay : I stayed in the nice and cozy Lapland Lodge that has a free sauna and whirlpool to enjoy.

Lapland itinerary day 4: Arvidsjaur to Jokkmokk

Today it is a 2 hour drive to Jokkmokk . It’s a scenic stretch and you might want to make some picture stops on the way. An almost mandatory stop is the polar circle sign right before Jokkmokk. From now on your Swedish Lapland roadtrip is above the arctic circle. There is a cafe here where you can get a certificate as proof.

I then headed straight to Jokkmokk for an early Sami lunch at Ajtte museum restaurant so that I had enough time to explore the city. This cute little town is considered to be the cultural capital of Swedish Lapland. It has been a natural meeting place for the Sami people for centuries with the annual winter market that is still a major event in town.

Jokkmokk is also the only place in Sweden with a college teaching reindeer husbandry and craft making in the native language. As a result, it is here that you will find the best quality of Sami handicrafts and souvenirs.

I already mentioned the recommended Ajtte museum restaurant that is the best budget option in town for lunch. I spent the rest of my afternoon exploring the Ajtte museum, learning more about the culture and history of the Sami people in Swedish Lapland. The nearby botanical garden and the Sami Duodji store completed my day in Jokkmokk.

Where to stay : I stayed at Skabram camping , 3 kilometers from the centre of Jokkmokk. The self catering cottages (called stugby) are one of the cheapest options in town and good value for money. With its scenic location at the shores of lake Skabram we had a great stay. They now also offer a bed and breakfast option in case you like a bit more of comfort. If you prefer to stay in town you can choose between Hotel Akerlund that gets good reviews for its extensive breakfast buffet or Hotel Jokkmokk with its scenic location on the shores of lake Talvatis.

Jokkmokk is the cultural capital of Swedish Lapland and a must in your Lapland itinerary

Lapland itinerary day 5: Hiking

I found Jokkmokk to be a great place to stay a few days. It might be a small town, but it is surrounded by spectacular nature and there are several easy going hiking trails. You can find some of the available trails on the website of Camping Skabram . I did a short hike around lake Talvatis and a longer hike to the Getbergstigen viewpoint with a spectacular view over Jokkmokk and the surrounding forests and lakes.

Lapland itinerary day 6: Kvikkjokk

Another reason to base yourself in Jokkmokk for some days is because it is the gateway to several national parks that are part of the Laponia World Heritage area, famous for its natural beauty and being one of the largest wilderness areas where the indigenous people still live their ancestral way of life as reindeer herders.

Some of these parks are so remote that they can only be accessed by multiple day hikes. The closest you can get to Sarek National Park and Padjelanta National Park is the small town of Kvikkjokk.

I doubted whether the 2 hour journey to Kvikkjokk was worth it, because I did not have the time to venture into the parks. However, even as a daytrip from Jokkmokk, Kvikkjokk is a great destination. The journey itself was one of the most scenic on my Swedish Lapland road trip and in Kvikkjokk you can do several short day hikes.

The first short hike I made is a 2 kilometer trail that leads to a viewpoint from where you can see the Brudslöjan waterfall. The other one was the 5 kilometer hike to the top of Nammasj mountain that offers beautiful views over Saggat lake and the Kvikkjokk delta. In summer it is also possible to go on boat tours and cross the river to hike to Prinskullen.

Lapland itinerary day 7: Jokkmokk to Gällivare

Jokkmokk to Gällivare is only 100 kilometers, but is full of interesting stops. It is no surprise as you are surrounded by the national parks of the Laponia World Heritage area. I started this day very early to give me enough time at the stops I wanted to make and still arrived in Gällivare once it was dark for a late dinner.

Muddus National Park

One of the most accessible national parks of the Laponia World Heritage Area is Muddus National Park . From Jokkmokk it is only a 35 minute drive to the Skajdde entrance where you can start several hikes. Muttosfallet is a popular 14 kilometer hike to a waterfall that most people do. Because I had a full day ahead, I chose a shorter hike to the Måskosgårsså ravine.

It was a beautiful trail through primeval forests and along the Lule river. It was before the entrance to Muddus National Park that I saw my first elk and first black grouse. The forest sami also let their reindeers graze in the park so you have a good chance to see reindeer too.

If you have the time, there are self catering cabins in the park where you can stay the night. So it is possible to do multi day hikes. I would have liked to stay much longer to see more of the park, but other stops were waiting for me.

Harspranget canyon

After Muddus National Park I made a short stop at the Harspranget canyon. This rocky ravine is the result of the Harspranget hydro power plant. It is now the largest in Sweden. Near the plant is a parking place and a short 1 kilometer trail goes towards a viewpoint where you can see what is left of the once impressive Harspranget waterfall.

Easy Elsie plane

The next stop was the site of a plane crash. After a 3 kilometer hike on wooden planks through the marshes you will see the remains of an english Lancaster bomber plane from the second World war.

It crashed in neutral Sweden on 22 October 1944 after being hit by Germans. Let’s start with the good news that the pilots survived. The remains of the plane were left behind as a memorial and a campfire place was built as well. the crash.

Dundret Nature Reserve

The last stop before Gallivare was Dundret Nature reserve. The barren mountains make you think you are at a high altitude. The summit of Dundret mountain is only 820 meters though. The road leads you all the way up to a ski resort and ski lift, offering wonderful panorama views over Gällivare and the forests.

Where to stay : I stayed in the Grand Hotel Lapland . It is not the cheapest option in Gällivare, but because I was there in the off season I had a good deal. With the free sauna that was included in the price I felt like a queen. Gallivare bed and breakfast also has good reviews and is more budget friendly.

Dundret Nature reserve near Gallivare Sweden

Lapland itinerary day 8: Gällivare to Kiruna

Like Kiruna, Gällivare is a mining town and if this is of your interest I can certainly recommend a mining tour in either one of these cities. They can be booked through the tourism information offices in Gällivare or Kiruna.

I headed straight to Kiruna . The northernmost city in Sweden is honestly not the most beautiful place in Lapland. The mining industry is very present and the ground has become so unstable that Kiruna is in the process of being moved to safer grounds. Furthermore, Kiruna can be expensive and tours like snowmobiling or dog sledding can cost up to 150 euro.

Still there are enough reasons to include Kiruna in your Swedish Lapland itinerary. The tundra landscapes that surround the city are spectacular. In addition there are some interesting free things to do in Kiruna too.

From Gällivare to Kiruna it is a short 1,5 hour drive which gave me enough time to have lunch in Kiruna and explore the city.

Where to stay : Kiruna was definitely one of the more expensive places for accommodation on my Swedish Lapland roadtrip. I ended up staying at Camp Alta that was by far the cheapest option, but it is a bit outside of Kiruna. They have some nice and clean self catering cabins in the woods with a scenic location at lake Alta. If you prefer to stay in Kiruna itself. Good budget options are the Malmfaltens Folkhogskola or the Spis Hotel & Hostel . And if money is no issue you should definetly consider the famous Ice hotel .

Church in Kiruna, the northernmost town in your Swedish Lapland itinerary

Lapland itinerary day 9: Jukkasjärvi

Jukkasjärvi became famous overnight because of the beautiful Ice hotel that is built every year out of snow and ice from the nearby Torne river. At an average of 800 – 1000 Euros a night you can sleep in a beautifully designed ice world. If that is out of your budget you can buy a more reasonably priced day ticket to see the ice art exhibitions and have a drink at the ice bar.

However, there is much more to Jukkasjärvi than the ice hotel alone. Jukkasjärvi makes for a nice budget day trip from Kiruna. The small town has a scenic location on the Torne river and is dotted with the typical swedish wooden homes. It is also a great place to learn about Saami culture, because it has its origins as a Saami marketplace. The word Jukkasjärvi comes from the Saami word Čohkkirasjávri that means lake of assembly.

Besides the Ice hotel, you can visit the oldest church in Swedish Lapland and the outdoor Sami museum of Nutti Sami Siida. Here you can interact with reindeers and try Sami cuisine. I had reindeer burgers here and was able to try the local cloudberries with vanilla ice cream. Both were absolutely delicious.

Lapland itinerary day 10: Abisko

Abisko National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Sweden and for good reason. In summer it is a hikers paradise. In winter it is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights.

Personally, it was one of my favourite national parks on my trip in Swedish Lapland. When you drive from Kiruna to Abisko the landscapes get more and more spectacular. The mountains, the views over Tornetrask lake and the Abisko canyon.

It makes for a great day trip from Kiruna and there are lots of great day hikes you can make. For me, Abisko Alone makes Kiruna worth the effort to get this far north in Sweden.

Lapland itinerary day 11: Kiruna to Torne valley

Instead of heading straight back to Lulea I decided to return by taking the longer route through the Torne river valley along the Finish border. I decided to take this detour for several reasons.

First of all I was promised a scenic landscape with small villages and fertile meadows. Second of all, as an anthropologist I was interested in this multicultural border land where Swedes, Sami and Finnish people live together. Not only do they speak a unique Finnish dialect called Tornedalsfinska, but they also have their own cuisine. Most famous is the whitefish from the Torne river.

This stretch of my Swedish Lapland itinerary certainly did not disappoint and in one day I saw a huge variety in landscapes. As we left Kiruna we left the barren tundra landscapes behind us, drove a couple more hours through dense pine forests and then saw the scenery change into agricultural fields and meadows dispersed with small towns and reindeer farms. On our way there were several worthwhile stops

Juoksengi Arctic circle

Our first stop of the day was a quick lunch in Pajala, but the town itself was not of much interest. The next place where we stopped was in Juoksengi for another sign of the arctic circle. To be honest, it was a bit of a sad moment for me, because it meant that my Swedish Lapland road trip would almost be over and that from now on I would only go further south.

Kattilakoski rapids

Not far from Juoksengi are the Kattilakoski rapids. This place is worth a quick photo stop for nice views over the Torne river and Finland that is on the opposite side of the river.

Luppio mountain

One of the best viewpoints to see the beauty of the Torne valley is Luppio mountain, just south of Övertorneå. It is only 193 meters high, but you can see far and wide around you. You can reach the top by car where there is a nice cafe. From the car park you can venture farther up climbing over the rocks of Luppio mountain.

Where to stay : Taking this route did mean we had to stay somewhere in the Torne river valley. The question was where and there were several options. I ended up choosing a very nice bed and breakfast at lake Armasjärvi. Villa Armas was one of the best places I stayed at on my Swedish Lapland itinerary and I will never forget the delicious breakfast and super friendly host.

Lapland itinerary day 12: Torne valley to Luleå

The last day of my Swedish Lapland itinerary was mostly about heading back to Luleå in time for the night train back to Stockholm. Luckily there were only a few stops from here on.

Kukkolaforsen

The Kukkolaforsen rapids are famous for its high quality white fish. The Kukkolaforsen turist centre also has a nice and free open air museum that shows the traditional way of fishing used to catch the fish from the river. Of course there is also a restaurant where you can try the white fish. It was unfortunately closed when I was there in the off season, but it looked great with beautiful views over the river.

Haparanda is a large border town with Finland. It makes a great gateway to the spectacular nature around it, but in the city itself there isn’t that much to see. Except that it is home to one of the largest ikea stores in Sweden. And when in Sweden, do like the Swedes. Probably the store looks almost the same as the one in your home country, but it is one of the best budget places to eat.

The last stop I made was at the somewhat difficult to find Bläsberget in the Jämtön area not far from Luleå. This was once an island, but now part of the mainland. There is a 4 kilometer nature trail through the forest that is particularly beautiful in summer when the orchids bloom.

It reminded me a lot of the Bälingeberget as there are fields full of rocks left behind from the ice age that you have to climb through. Honestly, the views weren’t that spectacular, but as a last hike before reaching Luleå it was a nice way to say goodbye to Swedish Lapland.

Swedish Lapland Travel Tips

When to visit swedish lapland.

Swedish Lapland focuses on only two seasons with vastly different activities. The summer season is all about hiking while the winter is all about arctic adventure tours like snowmobiling, dog sledding or hunting the northern lights.

Spring and autumn are the off season when a lot of things close down. A pity, because in reality every time of the year has its own beauty in Lapland’s nature. This far up north the weather changes quickly and the Sami people actually follow no less than 8 seasons.

I visited Lapland in October . Some consider this to be the worst time to visit Lapland, but I absolutely loved it. Besides the autumn colours, other advantages to visit Swedish Lapland off season is the fact that you have nature all for yourself and the lower prices.

In the end, when to do a Swedish Lapland road trip all depends on what you are looking for. If you want to do some of the spectacular multi day hikes in the national parks of Laponia you should stick to the short summer season. However, be prepared for the mosquitoes that come along with it. If you are looking for arctic winter adventures, snow is guaranteed from December till March.

Spring and Autumn are transition months and offer a bit of both. In autumn you might no longer be able to hike the challenging kungsleden, but there are lots of easier treks that are still possible. In fact, Abisko National park is at its most beautiful and it’s a great time to gather berries and mushrooms from the forest.

The northern light season already starts in September and runs into April. In spring the snow melts and migratory birds return. This is a very green time when nature awakens.

How to get to Swedish Lapland

The easiest way to reach Swedish Lapland is to fly into either Luleå or Kiruna. With few international connections you will likely fly through Stockholm.

To make my Swedish Lapland road trip more sustainable I decided to travel by train. There are daily night trains from Stockholm to Luleå as well as Kiruna and Abisko. It is a comfortable journey and it saves you a night of accomodation.

The night train from Stockholm to Lulea is a sustainable way to reach Lapland

Renting a car in Swedish Lapland

Renting a car in Lapland is easy and can be done online. Make use off the platforms that compares prices and you are very likely to find a good deal. There are different pick up and drop off points to choose from, but airports are often cheaper. I saved a lot of money by picking and dropping off my car at Lulea airport rather than the centre of Lulea.

In winter make sure the car has winter tires and snow chains that are required during this time.

Lapland with your own motorhome

Swedish Lapland is also a great place to explore if you have your own motorhome. The advantage of having your own motorhome is that you can save a lot of money on accomodation. There are plenty of campings where you can park your motorhome for a small fee while you can use their facilities.

Because of Swedens Allemansratten, or freedom to roam, you are free to access nature. Therefore, there is a relaxed attitude about wild camping and Swedish Lapland has lots of incredible wild camping spots to put your motorhome.

Road conditions in Lapland

The road conditions in Lapland are very good. In general, the roads are safe and kept clear of snow in winter. What is important to keep in mind are the vast distances in Lapland. You might not see a petrol station or any sign of habitation, for hours. Therefore check your petrol regularly and fill up when you have the chance.

Also make sure you bring some snacks and water. I travelled during off season and a lot of restaurants were closed. As the choice is already limited, this sometimes meant that there were no options at all for lunch when I was on the road. Therefore, I made sure I always had a pack of Swedish knäckebröd and some cheese with me. The local västerbotten cheese that you can buy in the supermarket is delicious.

Another thing to keep in mind is the speed control. Especially, around Kiruna there are a lot of speed checks. In addition, the allowed speed limit might be reduced in winter. Be very attentively and don’t be fooled by the empty roads in Lapland. It is easy to speed up as you drive through the forests with no one in sight. However, there is always the chance to be flashed, even in the most remote places.

Safety on a Lapland road trip

People in Sweden drive carefully and the biggest hazards come from the wildlife around you. You might be excited to see an elk or reindeer for the first time, but you really don’t want them in front of your car. Sadly, every year many reindeers die on the road and these incidents are also not without danger for the driver. When you hit a large elk, the elk might survive, but your car certainly won’t.

Neighbouring Finland already developed a reindeer warning app to prevent road accidents. Without the app, just drive carefully and avoid driving at night if you can. If you see the warning signs next to the road slow down. If there is a reindeer herd on the road make sure not to disturb them. Simply enjoy them from a distance and wait till they have crossed the road.

Sustainable Travel in Swedish Lapland

Like many Arctic regions, Swedish Lapland is affected by climate change that has a huge impact on the local Sami people . The Sami, an indigenous community in Lapland, have faced historical discrimination and challenges related to their land rights and cultural preservation. Climate change is now another challenge to their unique way of life.

Before traveling to Lapland it is good to learn more about their culture. Traveling sustainably in Swedish Lapland therefore involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, and restaurants. To support the Sami there are excellent artisanal handicrafts that you can buy.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned bed and breakfasts to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. You can try to look for guesthouses or hotels that prioritizes sustainable practices.

Leave no Trace principle : Swedish Lapland has lots of natural beauty and mountains. When hiking, stick to designated trails when they are there, avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants, and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about a Lapland itinerary for a 2 week Lapland road trip contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

1 thought on “Swedish Lapland Itinerary: the best road trip”

Another great post Ellis. We were supposed to be in Finland last June…but you know…so when we reschedule I would like to stay in Scandinavia longer and explore Sweden as well. Saving this for reference later.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Kale by LyraThemes.com.

South Africa
Afghanistan
North Korea
Adventure + Outdoors
Amusement Parks
Backpacking Trips
Boating + Cruises
Budget Travel
Bus + Train Travel
Coasts + Islands
Country Trips
Fall Vacations
Family Vacations
Green Travel
Heritage + History
Honeymoons + Romance
Inspiration + Guide
Landmarks + Attractions
LGBT Travel
Markets + Bazaars
National Parks + Reserves
Nature + Wildlife
Parks + Gardens
Pets + Animals
Photography
Airlines + Airports
Budgeting + Currency
Business Travel
Celebrity Travel
Customs + Immigration
Deals + Rewards
Family Travel
Hotels + Resorts
Luggage + Packing Tips
Offbeat News
Photography Tips
Responsible Travel
Solo Travel
Tech + Gear
Travel Etiquette
Travel Warnings
Bars + Clubs
Celebrity Chefs
Restaurants + Cafés
Wine + Vineyards
Beach Hotels
Boutique Hotels
Hotel Openings
Hotel Reviews
Luxury Hotels
Mountain + Ski Resorts
Spa Resorts
Vacation Rentals
Asia Cruises
European Cruises
Festivals + Events
Museums + Galleries
Style + Design
Travel’s Best
Hotel with Agoda.com
Hotel with Booking.com

Taipei blog. The latest guide to Taipei

Where to go in Bali? 19+ must-see & best places to…

The Budget Detailed Bali itinerary 5 Days 4 Nights

Bali itinerary 4 days. Suggested where to go & what to…

The complete Seoul subway guide: How to use, lines, fares for…

How much does it cost to travel to Korea? Tips on…

The ultimate guide to NETS FlashPay Card: What is it, how…

How much will it cost to go to Singapore? Tips on…

What, where to eat in Nha Trang? — 11+ best places…

Must eat in India — 12+ most popular, famous & best…

Langkawi food review — Yummy and cheap junk food at Langkawi…

What to eat in Laos? — 15+ famous, most popular &…

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation…

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly…

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

+7 luxury resorts you must stay in Danang, Vietnam

belmond-la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap-cambodia-prod

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Syrena Cruises, luxury cruises, halong bay, vietnam

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

mekong delta travel blog tips southern vietnam (2)

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Real-life experience-enhance-traveling-things to do at young age

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

tanuki-statue-ratel-symbol of lucky-japan

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

living in cave houses in andalucia southern spain (1)

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

koda-walking-concrete, Tallinn, Estonia, tiny homes

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Lapland travel blog — the ultimate lapland travel guide: how to travel & what to do in lapland finland.

Located in the north of Finland, Lapland is very close to the North Pole, so there are 200 days of cold winter a year. Any visitor, whether a child or an adult, wishes to have a trip to this place to meet Santa Claus , along with the reindeers. Moreover, this place is also an extremely attractive destination with a lot of interesting experiences. Lapland Finland (Finnish Lapland) is world famous as “the Official Hometown of Santa Claus”. In addition to the above nickname, is there anything else that attracts tourists from all over the world? Let’s experience Finnish Lapland through the sharing below. So, what country is Lapland in, what to do in Lapland, how to travel to Lapland Finland and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Lapland for the first-time? Let’s check out our Lapland travel blog (Lapland blog) with the fullest Lapland travel guide (Lapland guide) from how to get to Lapland Finland, best time to come, where to stay, what to see in Lapland Finland, things to do in Lapland Finland as well as what to do in Rovaniemi to find out the answer!

Lapland Finland hotels review — 10 best place to stay in Lapland Finland
What to buy in Finland? — 21+ Top things to buy in Finland & best souvenirs from Finland
Helsinki travel blog — The ultimate Helsinki travel guide for first-timers
Trip review to the fairy tale Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Lapland – Finland

Lapland travel blog: Where is Lapland Finland and what country is Lapland in?

Finnish Lapland is a very large region with an area of about 100,367 square kilometers of which 92,667 square kilometers is land, 6,316 square kilometers is freshwater and 1,383 square kilometers is sea. Lapland stretching through 4 countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia’s Kola Peninsula with an area equivalent to 3 countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland combined.

In which the Lapland region in Finland (Finnish Lapland, Lapland Finland) occupies one third of the country’s area and the capital of the entire Lapland – the city of Rovaniemi is also located here. This is the official hometown of Santa Claus, so it is often said that Finnish Lapland (or Rovaniemi Finland) is the hometown of Santa Claus .

Some interesting things about Finnish Lapland:

Although this entire Lapland region spans 4 countries, the official name is widely known in 2 countries Sweden and Finland. Therefore, when it comes to the place of Lapland, you should often add the country name, so that people can clearly distinguish which region you are talking about.
The population of Finnish Lapland is over 180,000 people, mainly concentrated in 4 big cities (Rovaniemi, Tornio, Kemi and Kemijärvi), the population density is about 1.98 people/km2 – the lowest in Europe and less than number of reindeer here (200,000).
Reindeer here are popularly raised as a meat producing animal in other countries. Near the village of Santa Claus, there is an Artic Circle – marking the arctic circle of the earth. Therefore, there is a phenomenon of 2 months in the summer when the sun never sets (lighting all day and night).
Lapland Finland is also a very large region rather than a specific city or place. So when someone talks about Finnish Lapland tourism, you should understand that they mention to traveling to Rovaniemi city – the capital of the whole Lapland Finland region, where the village of Santa Claus and some remote surrounding areas is upper it, where you can hunting aurora (the Northern Lights) and other winter activities.
Rovaniemi was almost destroyed 90% in World War II, but then the great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto redesigned the whole city as it have the appearance as we see today. There is currently a top 2 Finnish university named after his name, Aalto University – the top 7th school in the world in art and design section.

Lapland travel blog: When should you visit Lapland Finland?

Tourists often come to Finnish Lapland with the desire to experience aurora borealis hunting and take part in some winter activities. That’s why I think the most suitable time and best time to travel to Finnish Lapland is in the period from November to March. Because this is the time when you have the highest opportunity to seeing the Northern Lights along with this place is completely covered with white snow creating a magical scene comes along with a special and vibrant Christmas atmosphere.

Personally, I would recommend going from the beginning of November to mid-December because at this time there will be also a Christmas atmosphere here and it is not as crowded as December. Meanwhile, January and February are the peak winter months, the temperature is usually in the range of -20 to -40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, for those who are not used to extreme cold temperatures, coming here in this season is no different from being tortured :). In addition, the aurora often appears when it is cold and clear. If there is too much snow, the opportunity of seeing it is also lower than other times. There are times from September to November when it is very cold but without snow, it is easy to see the aurora borealis.

Lapland travel guide: How to get and how to travel to Lapland Finland (How to get to Rovaniemi)?

How to travel to lapland finland from other finland’s cities.

To get to Rovaniemi Lapland, you usually need to get to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Then from here, you can take the train, onnibus or plane to getting here. The distance from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 700-800km.

Onnibus: Usually you will need to transfer in Oulu city. Total travel time is about 12 hours (8 hours to Oulu and 3 hours to 4 hours from Oulu to Rovaniemi). Ticket price is around €18-35.
VR train (the Finland’s national railway company) often runs 2 trips a day from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Travel time: 8 to 12 hours. Ticket price: €40-90/way. The fare of €40 usually only appears in the summer, when the travel demand to Lapland is less than other seasons.
Airplane: Finnair (the Finland’s flag carrier and largest airline) often has quite a few direct flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Ticket price is about €70-100/way.

If you depart from some countries with lot of demands for travel to Finnish Lapland such as the UK, the Netherlands, there are also direct flights from these countries to Rovaniemi. As far as I know, there are currently 7 airlines flying directly to Rovaniemi from 5 European countries which are the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine in which the UK is the country with the largest number of tourists to Lapland Finland.

Lapland guide: Getting around Finnish Lapland

If you simply visit Rovaniemi, I think the most suitable means of transport is the public bus. Ticket price is €3.2/way and you can catch a bus from Rovaniemi center to Santa Claus village in 15 minutes.

However, if you want to participate in more winter activities, perhaps renting a self-drive car will be more appropriate. Because Lapland is a very large and extremely sparsely populated region, it will be quite difficult for you to participate in winter activities such as aurora hunting in the north, ice lake fishing, etc. without active means of transport.

Lapland travel blog: Where to stay in Lapland Finland?

Because Lapland is very large and the attractions are not gather in a single cluster like in other cities, finding a room here is not simple at all. Not only that, Lapland is also famous for various types of accommodation that are rarely found anywhere in the world. So, I will write a detailed article to guide you how to choose a hotel in Lapland later.

In general, in my travel experience, you should find a room and book it as soon as possible. Quality rooms in Lapland often sell out very quickly because here are few people, the hotel is not too abundant, but the number visitors flocking here from China, Japan, Germany, and Britain is quite a lot… Last time my friend searched for a room 4 months in advance but she still couldn’t find a good place to stay.

However, if you want to stay in upscale hotels, close to Santa Village, you can book hotels right in Santa Claus Village ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can also refer to the two other luxury hotels: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) built in a high hill, offer panoramic windows with beautiful nothern lights view.

Or Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ). This is a hotel that is extremely suitable for visitors to see and admire the Northern Lights.

At first glance, the Kaklauttanen looks like it just step out of a sci-fi movie. The hotel consists of many rooms like turtles located next to each other. “Tortoise shell” is made of glass, does not absorb water vapor no matter how cold it is, guaranteed, guests can see the Northern Lights anytime it appears. Each room has a comfortable bed and a comfortable bathroom.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Santa Claus Holiday Village ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Arctic Light Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Scandic Rovaniemi City ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Arctic City Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Rovaniemi on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Lapland travel guide: Things to do in Lapland Finland, what to see and what to do in Lapland Finland

What to do in rovaniemi.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland which is considered the official hometown of Santa Claus . This place is famous for its Santa’s village and many other interesting winter activities such as reindeer riding, husky sledding, skiing, visiting museums…

Some indispensable places, things to do in Rovaniemi Lapland:

Santa Claus Village

Located about 8 km from the center of Rovaniemi city, Santa Claus Village is open all year round regardless of winter or summer. Here you will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, visit the post office where Santa works, send letters to people all over the world…

There are 3 most attractive places in this village are Santa Claus Office, Santa Claus Main Post Office and Arctic Circle. Ticket price: free. However, there are some other activities that still cost money. There is also a service to stamp your passport to certify that you have gone through the Arctic Circle for €1, and a service to take pictures with Santa Claus for €20-40. So, fun and interesting!

Arktikum Museum

The museum displays artifacts, provides information about people, animals and plants that have lived in the Arctic Circle of the earth during typical historical periods, such as during the World War II and the period that Finland was invaded and took part of the territory by Russia (1939-1940).

Address: Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland Hours: 10AM–5PM/Monday: Closed Ticket price: €9

SantaPark – the Home Cavern of Santa Claus

As an amusement park built in an underground cave with many recreational activities, especially suitable for families with young children.

Address: Tarvantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland Ticket price: €34.

Visit Raitola Reindeer & Husky Farm, experience reindeer riding and husky sledding

Near Santa’s village there is Raitola Reindeer & Husky Farm (Address: Välttikankaantie 11, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland) that offers tours of reindeer sleigh riding sleds or husky safari sledding with various tour packages. Ride a reindeer-drawn sleigh like a horse-drawn carriage, while exprience a husky sledding like a thrilling game.

Driving in Lapland Finland needs to be careful because the reindeer often roam on the roads. Sometimes if you’re driving and see a couple of them suddenly crossing the road, don’t be surprised. Because the number of reindeers much more than residents living here.

Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Ski Resort

You can come here to ski or hire a guide if you still don’t know how to ski. Ticket price €20 for 1 hour or day ticket of €40. Hire a guide costs about €30-50.

In addition, if you have children, you can go to the Science Centre Pilke museum (Address: Ounasjoentie 6, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland) and the Angry Birds Playground (Address: Valtakatu 4, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland).

Some other activities when traveling to Finnish Lapland

Explore the beautiful lakes and ice fishing.

Lapland is a place full of beautiful lakes. In which, the most beautiful and famous lake is Inari. This is also the largest lake in Lapland with an area of over 1,000 square kilometers. If you come to Lapland on cold winter days, you will see that the surface of Lake Inari is completely frozen to form a giant mirror. You can experience ice fishing.

In winter when the lake freezes, locals often have a hobby of walking on the ice, skating on the lake or punching holes in the ice for fishing. This is probably an experience that requires extremely high patience for tourists.

Hunting Aurora (Northern Lights)

According to an old legend, an arctic fox whipped its tail and sent twinkling lights into the sky, creating the aurora borealis. Lapland is located in the Arctic region, so you will have a higher chance of seeing this natural phenomenon than anywhere else. However, Rovaniemi is a city with a dense population and is “polluted” by lights, so it’s best to go to the very remote hills, the darker and less inhabited the better.

In fact, hunting the aurora is a very bad luck. You will have a hard time guessing exactly whether that time will have the aurora or not. Usually the forecast is only accurate within 1 week. If you wait until that date to book tickets for travel and accommodation, I guarantee that the possibility of staying in a “thousand-star hotel” is very high or else the cost will be sky-high.

In fact, hotel rooms in resorts and convenient locations in Lapland usually need to be booked at least 6 months in advance. So, when traveling to Lapland Finland, if you see the aurora borealis, you are lucky, if not, just unlucky :).

The more you traveling to the north, the clearer the visibility and the higher the chance, so many visitors flocking here because of that. However, there are also many days when the aurora is very visible, so you can see it right in the city of Rovaniemi or even in the southern provinces of Finland. Well, if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights right in Rovaniemi, you should go to the Artikum Science Museum. This is the best spot to see the aurora borealis in the city. You download the “Aurora” app to monitor the possibility of aurora in specific locations.

Personally, I would not recommend you booking aurora hunting tour, the aurora appears or not depends mainly on the weather, not on people. If you book a tour but there is no aurora on that day, that’s okay. Instead, always monitor the weather and go up as close to the north as possible, especially in forests with less light pollution, the chances of seeing it will be high. Remember to prepare warm clothes, sleeping bags, food and water. It takes a lot of effort to hunt this “super picky girl”.

Camping in the forest

This activity is quite popular with nature lovers like Finnish. You should camp in national parks where firewood is available, free kitchens for grilling food, and tents near the lake. Camping in the winter is also quite interesting, but it is necessary to carefully prepare warm clothes, fully equipment as well as find out the places where camping and fire are allowed first.

As I mentioned in previous posts, sauna is a Finnish initiative and sauna bathing has become an indispensable part of their lives. Winter is probably the best time to try this experience. If possible, you should rent a hotel room with a sauna room, so that after every day of going out to explore the experience, when you return, you will be able to enjoy a body sauna for comfort and relief.

In fact, when bathing in a sauna, Finns often go nude and after each interval they will jump into the icy lakes outside or take a cold shower. You should try this feeling :D. An indispensable experience when traveling to Finland.

Besides activities such as skiing, husky sledding, reindeer riding… You can try the feeling of snowmobile in the forest or surrounding areas. Usually, tourists will go on a tour, but if you have experience driving this and are not afraid of getting lost, you can rent it. The price is around €150/basic package and €25 extra per hour you rent. You can refer at this progearmoto website . Regarding tours you can refer to Arctic Circle Snowmobile for €55 per person for 30 minutes — 1 hour with a driver. This is one of the experiences that many thrill-seeking travelers enjoy when traveling to Finnish Lapland on their own.

If you are interested in learning about Sámi culture, you should drive 4 hours from Rovaniemi to Inari. The winter nature here is also very impressive with many interesting sites such as The Sámi Cultural Center Sajos (Address: Menesjärventie 2A, 99870 Inari, Finland), Karhu souvenir shop. The Sámi is an ethnic minority of Finland and residents live in Lapland mainly are Sámi people.

Lapland travel tips

If you go with a few people but still want to experience all kinds of winter activities without spending too much, join the tour group of ESN (Erasmus Student Network) organized by the Finnish schools. Most of the people going are exchange students coming to study in Finland, so you will have the opportunity to meet many people, participate in many recreational activities at a very affordable price. The tour package usually includes accommodation with sauna, transportation, activities such as husky ride, snowmobile… are all included. You can choose to go with ESN with any school in Helsinki . In Helsinki, there are a number of schools such as Laurea, Haaga-Helia, Aalto, University of Helsinki, Arcada, Metropolia… Tour prices are around €340 for 7 days. The referal link at Timetravels .

What to do in Lapland: Shopping

Coming to Lapland, visitors will be fascinated to see very high quality products that are famous throughout the Nordic region and throughout Europe. All brands are manufactured according to Nordic standards for safety, accuracy, durability over the years, high applicability and smart and traditional designs such as Finnish Knives (Puukkos), Wooden handmade Kuksa Cups, Taigakoru jewelry, Marimekko fashion, Arabia porcelain,…

How to travel to Lapland Finland: Suggested Lapland itinerary 5 days 4 nights

Day 1: Go to Rovaniemi and walk around the city
Day 2: Visit Santa’s village, visit husky dog farm, experience reindeer riding, husky safari…
Day 3: Visit Santa park, Arkitum museum, aurora hunting
Day 4: Snowmobile, ski resort
Day 5: Bonfire camping, ice fishing, aurora hunting

Lapland travel blog: What to eat?

Reindeer meat: The most popular livestock in Lapland. People in Lapland will often raise a lot of reindeer for fur and meat. Therefore, reindeer meat is a specialty that you must try!
Smoked salmon
Muikku fish

These are famous local dishes in Lapland. In addition, you should combine going to the supermarket in Rovaniemi if you want to have a cheap self-sufficient trip.

Lapland blog: Traveling cost

The cost of a self-sufficient travel, I think it largely depends on each individual. There are many factors that affect the trip costs such as where to stay, whether you rent a car, whether you participate in activities such as husky sledding, reindeer riding… I give a few basic costs below:

Meals: €12/meal. If you buy food from the supermarket to cook, you can comfortably spend about €20 a day.
Hotel: The lowest price is about €30 per person. The highest is about €300-400.
Traveling: €12/day. If you rent a car, it will increase to €40-50/person/day. Participate in other activities: Each activity costs about €30-40.

I think for comfort, the traveling cost is about €150 a day, all inclusive. Of course, this cost is higher than in the capital Helsinki or other European countries but still lower than Norway, Switzerland…

Lapland travel guide: Some tips before you go

The most commonly spoken languages in Finnish Lapland are Swedish and Finnish. However, most people living in the city will speak English fluently. So, you can rest assured!
You should exchange money at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. It is best to exchange at legitimate counters for the best and safe exchange rates.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Lapland you can refer to

Lapland 2 Day Tour from Rovaniemi
Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour
The Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma Day Tour from Rovaniemi
[DISCONTINUED] Lapland Wellness and Relaxation Tour
Aurora Borealis Small Group Tour with Free Photos from Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ
Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi: Snowman World Entrance Ticket
Lapland: Husky Carriage Ride Under the Northern Lights
Rovaniemi: Apukka Husky Adventure

Read more Trip review to the fairy tale Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Lapland – Finland , Where to stay in Lapland Findland and Finland travel guide here .

Where to travel in Hungary? 35+ best places to visit in Hungary for all kinds of visitors

Phuket blog. The latest completed Phuket guide for all kinds of visitors

Where to travel in Busan? 30+ best places to visit & must-see places in Busan for all kinds of travelers

Where to travel in Sweden? 30+ must-go & best places to visit in Sweden

Tokyo itinerary 5 days. Where to go, what to do, how to spend 5 days in Tokyo for the first-timers?

Where to go in Bali? 19+ must-see & best places to...

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous &...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Popular category.

Inspiration + Guide 1485
Trip Inspiration 468
Food + Drink 217
Thailand 211
Coasts + Islands 195
South Korea 173
Vietnam 172
Travel Photos 144
Work for Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Thank you for sharing this article!

Road Trip! 7 Awesome Lapland Routes

Hop in, buckle up, and let’s travel the most relaxing and rewarding stretches of asphalt in the world. These routes in Lapland are guaranteed to make your road trip unforgettable.

There aren’t many roads in Lapland whose scenery won’t take your breath away. With snow-capped mountains, stony fells, running water, sandy beaches and the chances for a reindeer photobomb, road trips in Lapland are beautiful, epic and utterly Instagrammable.

1. The Most Beautiful Road in Finland

For many, Route 97 0 , hugging the Teno River between the villages of Utsjoki and Karigasniemi , holds the title of most beautiful road in the country. This road was built atop the old footpath between the villages , and it alternates between descending to the river level for intimate access and ascending on high to reveal stunning valley vistas.

Teno Utsjoki, the most beautiful road in Finland Lapland

2. This way to waterfalls

Rovaniemi’s suburbs fade away, and soon you’re coasting along Route 81 , Posio bound, a sparkling river on your right. Half an hour later, you come to a crossroads. You must decide … travel north along Route 9447 or continue on 81. Don’t worry. It’s not a life-altering decision; the drive is about 20 minutes either way. Both routes take you past distant farmhouses, dense thickets of trees, and river inlets that run under the road. Signs point you toward the hiking paths at Auttiköngäs, and the waters of Lake Auttijärvi beckon you for a dip. But hold out just a few minutes longer and you’ll pull into the parking lot for Korouoma, the fabled gorge with endless waterfalls and jaw-dropping lookouts.

3. The Polar Path

E4 will happily carry you from the city of Oulu to the city of Rovaniemi, but it’s not the most peaceful, scenic route in the world. If you veer off E4 toward Pudasjärvi , however, the stress will melt away with every kilometer . Along Route 20 , you’ll go through forest after forest, pine trees cheering you on. Pull over anywhere for a berry or mushroom hunt. In Pudasjärvi , go for a dip in the lake. When you pass through Ranua , be sure to stop by the Wildlife Park and say hello to Finland’s only polar bears.

Ranua, the most beautiful road in Finland, Lapland

4. Welcome to Sámi country

Less than ten minutes from the village of Ivalo , you get your first taste of the Sámi Sea, as the stony shores of Lake Ukonjärvi serve as an appetizer for the grandeur of Lake Inari. Here, H ighway E4 hugs the lake, offering glimpses of forested islands and glistening waterways. Large stones and stunted trees pepper the shore, as uniquely Arctic as the Northern Lights. When you reach Inari, the road veers away from the water to show you what special treats the village offers, such as the Inari Sámi Church, the famous PaPaNa pub, the Sajos Cultural Cener and Siida , the the National Museum of the Finnish Sámi . And don’t be surprised—or afraid—if a reindeer decides to wander along the road with you.

Inari, the most beautiful road in Finland, Lapland

5. Your Constant Companions

The drive is only 50 km from Vuostimo to Sodankylä and can easily take less than an hour to traverse, but in those few dozen kilometres, you’ll skirt Finland’s oldest national park with its grand stony canyons and bald Arctic fells, not to mention marshes, rivers and lakes. Even if you’ve made the trip from Lake Kemijärvi a dozen times, you’ll go quiet at the sight of the fells accompanying you. And of course, when you reach the end of the road, you’re only halfway there, because you still need to experience the trip back.

Pyhä, Luosto, the most beautiful road in Finland, Lapland

6. Off the Beaten Track

Roads 955 and 9552 connect western Lapland with its fells and grand expanses to the tundra vistas of northern Lapland. There’s no better road to experience the epic vastness of Lapland or its intimate solitude. When you reach the village of Pokka, stop and grab a bite from the Tieva-Baari Restaurant, and if you’re in no hurry, visit the holy Sámi Taatsi Seita (about 20 minutes from the village.) From Pokka to Inari, there’s the largest national park in Finland ( Lemmenjoki ) to your left and the Hammastunturi Wilderness Reserve on your right.

Inari-Pokka the most beautiful road in Finland, Lapland

7. Lapland’s Only Ferry

On the way from Kemijärvi to Ruka-Kuusamo , if you take the road less travelled, ( specifically Route s 945 and 9452 ) , you’ll see why Kemijärvi claims the title of the Lakeland of Lapland. Here, it might seem you’re driving on bridges more often than roads , and these bridges are often at water level, bringing you in and out of wooded groves to experience the vast Lake Kemijärvi from every angle. An added bonus on this drive: the Räisälä ferry crosses a southern offshoot of the lake and is the only working ferry in Lapland.

Kemijärvi, Räisälä Ferry, the most beautiful road in Finland, Lapland

Looking for more details on traveling around Lapland?

Land of the midnight sun, driving in winter in lapland, 8 best reasons to visit lapland in the summer, fatbikes & festivals: lapland summer bucket list, 8 best ways to experience the northern lights in lapland, lapland: made for skiing, do the social.

@onlyinlapland
OnlyInLapland

Lapland on a budget

Cheap Travel
Family Travel

A complete guide to planning a magical DIY trip

The Travel Mum

Visiting Lapland on a budget may seem like an impossible dream. With some package lapland prices upwards of £10k, lots of families have been left feeling like a trip to Santas homeland will never become a reality for them. Lucky for us all, budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet have recently changed the game. The introduction of their direct budget flights to Rovaniemi, Finland (From the UK) mean your Christmas dreams can now become a reality. So how much is it to go to Lapland?!

Our mission…

We are strong believers that travel experiences should be available to everyone, regardless of their income. As soon as we heard about these new budget flights, we had to go and check it all out for ourselves. With a maximum budget of £3000 for a 7 nights trip, we had a strict budget. This was for all three of us, and had to cover EVERYTHING. From airport parking, flights, petrol, food, activities… not one penny more was going to leave our pockets (spoiler alert: we kept it below budget even with some more luxury additions!)

In this post I will cover everything you need to plan your trip to Lapland on a budget, as well as detail every penny we spent. It’s a long one, but you won’t need anything else to help you plan your perfect budget trip to Lapland.

To make this post easier to read for our majority UK audience, I have converted prices into GBP. Note exchange rates may vary slightly and prices can change. I have added red text when discussing specifics of what we spent.

Where is Lapland?!

Lapland is a region located in the northernmost part of Europe and spans across multiple countries. The majority of Lapland lies within Finland, with smaller portions extending into Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Lapland is famous for being an enchanting winter wonderland and being the legendary home of Santa. Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is known as the official hometown of Father Christmas and where we will be flying to for this trip.

Flying to Lapland.

First things first you need to research where you can fly to Rovaniemi from . I see a lot of people on our website trying to find trips from airports that don’t offer any direct flights to Rovaniemi. For this winter ( January – March 2024 ) Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Dublin are offering the best prices. Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester are also offering direct routes, but for a much higher cost. Also note what day the flights are scheduled, as they wont be daily. This means although you may want to go away for 3 nights, your closest airport may only offer flights on a Monday and Saturday.

As with all DIY trips, you should be considering flights before you book any accommodation. Flights prices can vary massively from day to day, whereas accommodation prices are much more stable in their nightly rates. If by the end of this article you still feel this is too much effort, we are happy to plan these trips for our premium members who pay £30 for the year . This comes with other benefits such as weekly cheap flights/hotel notifications. Note that we can only do personalised trip plans once the membership is paid, we can’t do this for people using the free trial due to the amount of time it takes.

Our flights were £75pp from London Gatwick travelling 4th – 11th December. We travelled with the free under seat allowance plus one carry on suitcase to share between the three of us. Flight total: £225 for a family of three.

When to travel to Lapland?

November – March are the most popular months for a trip to Lapland, with December naturally peaking in price and popularity due to the Christmas period. That’s not to say Lapland isn’t a beautiful place to explore all year round, but for the purpose of this post we will assume you are looking for the winter wonderland experience.

November is an affordable and popular time to visit, but snow isn’t guaranteed. That being said, the snow came really early this year near the start of November.

January will definitely have snow, and prices are excellent.

We visited in December to show it is possible to get some great prices in the peak Christmas month.

Whenever you decide to visit, Santa Claus village is open all year round. Remind the kids that Santa is a lot less busy after he has delivered all of the presents in December!

We visited on the 4th – 11th December, a peak time to visit but we were able to get decent prices on flights and accommodation by booking our trip early in June. I would recommend looking at flights as early as possible when they are released around March 2024, especially if you are wanting to travel in December / during the school holidays.

If you are limited to the school holidays you can save a lot by setting off a day or two before the holidays start. Alternatively return a day or two after the kids return to school. Most schools wont issue fines for a day or two missed, and you will likely save a lot of money on your flights. We took Leo out of school for the whole trip but he hasn’t reached his 5th birthday yet.

So you’ve found your flights?

Don’t book them JUST yet, we need the whole puzzle to come together before we pay for anything. You may find cheap flights but then discover there are only really expensive accommodation options available on those particular dates. I know a lot of people who snapped up last minute December flights this month, only to then discover accommodation prices are currently extortionate due to the high demand.

When to book?

Ryanair and easyJet often release their flights around 9 months in advance, easyJet have announced they will be releasing their winter flights on the 21st March. Ryanair flights are likely to be released in April.

We booked in June and found a central apartment that was just over £100 per night, it slept up to 4 adults making it just £25 per person per night! This is the type of price you should be aiming for. This is the apartment we stayed in.

You always need to take flight and accommodation prices into consideration together. It may be that it is worth paying £100 more for flights on a different date if this saves you £500 on accommodation and vice versa.

We can help you!

Our websites search feature can help you by finding great flights on dates that also have great hotels available. You can’t use this until the December flights are released. With one search you are looking for a cheap combination, saving you lots of time and effort. Make sure you know the available duration from your chosen airport. For example, last year Manchester to Rovaniemi flights were on a Tuesday and Saturday, so a 1 night overnight trip from Manchester isn’t possible.

Alternatively join our premium membership and let us do it for you!

Where should you stay?

The most popular area for families looking to book a trip to Lapland on a budget is Rovaniemi. It offers that traditional Christmas experience within a relatively small area that is easy to get around. The city is close to the airport, with easy access to Santa Claus village and Santa park via the Santa bus. We stayed here for three nights and felt that was just enough. On our first full day we visited Santa Claus village, on the next we went to Santa park, and on the morning before we drove north to Levi, we visited Snowman World. I’ll discuss attractions further down this post.

Our thoughts…

Our overall opinion of Rovaniemi was that it is perfect for families wanting a short and cheap trip with lots of magic for the little ones. It offers all the standard experiences (husky’s, reindeer, Santa, sledging) in a small convenient area. At Santa Claus Village you can queue and do activities on the day without pre booking, which is great for families like ours who lack organisation! Rovaniemi also gives you the chance of seeing the northern lights.

We did feel it was a little commercialised and although the big city is a convenient place to stay, it lacked that cozy Christmas atmosphere we were hoping for. That’s not to say it isn’t a wonderful place to stay, thousands of families return home saying their stay there was the best holiday they’ve ever had.

Levi was our second stop during this trip and we stayed there for two nights. It was just over a 2 hour drive north from where we stayed in Rovaniemi and the roads leading there were great. Kittilä airport is only a 19 minute drive to Levi and you may wish to consider flying here if you are staying solely in Levi. Bear in mind these flights are much more expensive.

Where we stayed in Levi.

We stayed at Levi Suites Levin Klubi which was great value. We paid £269 for two nights . Our two bedroom apartment was lovely and even had a sauna. The location was fine with a car, but would have been a little far out from the centre without. A more central option is at Levi Suites Levi Gold which is bang in the centre.

Levi is primarily a ski resort with a lot of the cozy Christmas charm we were looking for. A cute festive village in comparison to the large city we had just driven from. Whether you are a skiing pro or a complete beginner, this is a great option for anyone wanting a more active trip. The traditional Christmas experiences are more spread out than in Rovaniemi, but all are still available.

We didn’t ski but still really enjoyed our time here. ‘Kids Land’ is a great area with a small slope for sledging. There are lots of sledges to use for free and there is a small building with a log fire to pop into and get warm. We had a packed lunch which we ate in there and then toasted some marshmallows for desert.

I’ll list the activities we did whilst here below. Overall we preferred Levi to Rovaniemi, but Leo would tell you he preferred Rovaniemi to Levi! Levi is definitely better suited to older children and adults. We noticed tons of cozy cabins within the forest which we will definitely look into if we visit again.

After our stay in Levi we drove even further north to a small town called Inari. Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland and was the base for our two night stay here. The drive from Levi to Inari takes around 2.5 hours and the roads are beautiful and remote. We barely saw another car the whole time. Make sure you stock up on water and snacks as services along the route are limited. If you choose to drive to Inari from Rovaniemi (or drive straight back for your flight home) it will take around 3 hours 50 minutes.

Where we stayed in Inari.

I found some amazing cabins whilst researching the cheapest way to sleep under the northern lights. Inari Mobile Cabins are pulled out to the middle of the frozen lake at night to get the best views of the northern lights. I’d decided we had to stay there, even though it was pricey. Some experiences are so unique we just can’t miss them! As we had been so tight with our budget up to this point, we had the spare cash to book two nights here. The nightly rate was around £400, you get a 10% discount when booking directly with them (and not through booking.com). We justified this as a normal hotel was coming up at around £200 a night. With northern lights tours around £100 per person, we felt it would be better to stay in the cabins and keep an eye on the sky all night, instead of doing a tour.

The further north we drove, the less commercialised things became and the more authentic it felt. At the same time it also became less catered towards kids (and consequently better for adults travelling without kids). We are lucky that Leo has been travelling from birth, so he is pretty tolerant of long drives, uncomfortable weather and a lack of specific facilities just for him.

Inari is widely known as the capital of Finnish Sámi culture and houses the Sámi parliment of Finland. There is a Sámi museum as well as lots of other activities to enjoy. Whether you fancy husky sledging, reindeer experiences, ice fishing or cross country skiing – you won’t have time to get bored. The owner of Inari Mobile Cabins also helps arrange tours, so contact him through the website linked above if you need help planning your stay.

What to wear

A lot of people worry about how they will keep warm in the freezing temperatures. It was -22C whilst we were there, but we managed to stay toasty. Whether you buy your own items or rent will depend on how long you are visiting and what you already have at home. You can rent snow suits and boots for around £20 a day. Lapland Safaris is a good option and they operate in both Rovaniemi and Levi. If you are only staying for 2 or 3 days, this may be worth doing. If you plan to visit a cold climate again, or are visiting for a week like we did, it ends up being better value to buy your own things and have them to use again. My snow boots are so comfortable I have been wearing them back in the UK!

What we bought and prices

We bought our snow clothes from Aldi, Lidl, Decathlon and Vinted. We already had some things like base layers, hats and my husband had boots. Essentially you need three layers of clothes. A warm base layer, wooly mid layer and a waterproof outer layer. As well as this you want a thin sock like bamboo plus a warm thick wooly sock on top. We had normal gloves with ski gloves over the top. We took hats, scarfs and balaclavas which we had already at home. I’ll list what we each bought and the cost below. The ski ranges at Aldi and Lidl were released in November last year.

Snow coat (Lidl) £25

Snow trousers (Aldi) £12

Snow boots (Aldi) £20

Ski gloves (Aldi) £6

Already had warm mid layers, base layers and socks.

Snow trousers (Aldi) £16

Gloves (Aldi) £6

Already had a coat, mid layers, base layers, socks and boots.

Snow suit (Vinted) £8

Snow boots (Decathlon) £25

3 x base layers (Decathlon) £36

3 x ski socks (Decathlon) £9

Ski mittens (Decathlon) £20

Total spent on clothes: £183 for the three of us

Getting around once in Lapland

For convenience we hired a car. We find with an impatient and unpredictable 4 year old, a car is always a good idea. It also meant we could easily go on our adventure into the north without worrying about public transport schedules. If we were only staying in Rovaniemi a car would have been completely unnecessary.

Car Hire.

Our car hire was £254 for 7 nights and we booked with the controversial company Green Motion. They had the cheapest prices by far but have a lot of complaints about them overcharging for minor damage/scratches. For this reason a lot of car hire excess insurance companies won’t cover them. When you hire a car you are covered for the basics, but you will usually have to leave a deposit which will be used as the excess should you do major damage to the car. This is often around €2000 and is held on a credit card. Excess insurance means that if you write the car off, the car hire company will keep your deposit, but then you can claim the money back through your excess insurance provider. The excess cover offered by Green Motion starts at €10 per day and goes up to €50 a day if you want to be able to reclaim all of your deposit. This adds a hefty sum onto the base price. easyJet car hire offer green motion cars and use AXA as their excess insurance. Leisure guard is another company that will cover Green Motion. (Research done by one of our lovely followers).

As a family we are quite risk averse, possibly too laid back! We meticulously film the car before we set off and on dropping it back off so we have evidence of its condition. We are pretty confident that we won’t damage the car (but also appreciate we don’t have control of all situations). I’d like to think if a hire company tried to scam us, we would be well prepared with evidence! We didn’t cause any damage to the car and luckily we had no issues with returning it. I mention the controversial history of this company as I know many people would rather avoid them and use one of the many other companies operating out there.

Do a search here to find the best value car hire for your dates. Looking at December 2024 you can get lots of similar prices to what we paid.

Public transport

Buses run often in all of the places we visited. Rovaniemi has the Santa bus which is €4 one way or €7 return. It stops at the train station, airport, Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. If you are staying within the centre it is really easy to access a lot of the main attractions.

Lot’s of people choose to use taxis to get around. This will be more convenient than public transport, but will likely cost more (depending on how many people are splitting the fare of course). Personally we found that with the intense cold and having a child with us, we didn’t want to be outside any longer than we had to. We had planned to use some buses for the experience and to get the content for you all, but in the end the convenience of the car being sat outside meant we could never bring ourselves to do it!

Eating and drinking in Lapland on a budget

Self catering.

Lapland is a place where you will definitely benefit from having an apartment with a kitchen. Eating out is pricey whereas supermarket food is quite reasonable. On arriving in Rovaniemi we went to a supermarket near our apartment (K-Supermarket) and spent £66 on food. This included breakfast, things to make packed lunches, snacks and some dinners. Joao bought a few beers to have in the evenings and Leo got a £5 giant kinder egg (just to show we weren’t being completely tight!) We weren’t cooking fancy evening meals, we were eating things like pasta, pizza, salad, chips and fruit. For breakfast we were having cereal and some fruit and coffee. Lunches were sandwiches with some crisps/fruit/protein bars. We were drinking tap water and had brought our own hot chocolate. We did a second £40 shop on arriving in Levi and that covered all of our ‘home cooked’ meals for the trip.

Leo is a very picky eater, so we always take a lot of super noodles away with us (he will only eat one flavour from one brand) just incase we are struggling to get him to eat. This covered a couple of his evening meals along with some fruit. We packed a lot of protein bars to take out and curb our hunger during the day. We also took a flask and some hot chocolate powder to have our own hot chocolate whilst out (this saved us £5 per cup).

Total £106 spent on supermarket food.

We always want to enjoy a few meals out, and the joy of being so budget conscious means you are left with spare money to splash out on a few nicer things.

We would rather provide our own sandwiches than buy expensive sandwiches in a cafe and by doing this a few times you are left with extra money to spend on a nice dinner. It’s not all about being as tight as possible, it’s about spending wisely. We could spend £10+ each on breakfast with a coffee, or we can eat before we go out and save that money. Preparing our own meals isn’t a sacrifice for us; rather, it’s a way to save money for the experiences that are more important to us.

At Snowman world we booked to have lunch in the ice restaurant and have a drink at the ice bar. It is a unique experience that we haven’t had before, so we didn’t want to miss out. You can have lunch or dinner there, lunch being the much cheaper option. It was a two course meal with a main and a desert. Joao and I had reindeer soup for our main and Leo had pasta bolognaise (prices detailed in the attractions section). All of the food was delicious, it was expensive for what it was but you are paying for the experience. We drank tap water so we didn’t spend extra on drinks and we ate a lot of bread! While it’s probably obvious for an ‘ice restaurant,’ it was quite chilly! To be honest, I don’t know what I was expecting, but dining with gloves on isn’t exactly ideal! After lunch we went to warm up in the cafe area overlooking Santa Claus Village. We got two glasses of Golgi (a traditional drink similar to mulled wine but without the alcohol) and this cost £5 for the two.

During our visit to Santa Park, we stuck to our normal routine of bringing our own packed lunch. However, Leo decided he wanted the buffet food. Given his selective eating habits, we never turn down the opportunity for him to enjoy a hearty meal. Consequently, we bought him a child’s buffet lunch priced at £12. This ended up being ideal as he sat and ate it in the central restaurant area just as the Elf show was starting. The adults buffet is £20 but the food didn’t look fantastic so we gave it a miss. Joao and I ate our packed lunches and had prime seats for the show. We also spent £2.60 on a gingerbread cookie for Leo to decorate in Mrs Gingerbreads Bakery.

Whilst in Levi we had heard about a restaurant called Niliporo . Owned by a local reindeer herder, it has a menu full of traditional reindeer dishes. It is located right in the centre so we decided we would have dinner there. The restaurant is cozy with some interesting items on the menu. Leo didn’t fancy anything except mash potato and a hot chocolate. I ordered a reindeer burger and Joao had reindeer meat balls and some local beer. We also had the reindeer tapas as a starter to share. All of the food was amazing, really delicious and although a little expensive, it was worth it to try some traditional dishes. The meal with drinks came to around £82.

Our accommodation in Inari offered free breakfast. They also prepared a traditional grill hut dinner in the evening for around £30pp. We booked to have dinner with our hosts on our last night and Leo ate for free. The food was delicious, we had gingerbread and Golgi for dessert. A lovely end to the trip.

Total spent on food and drink bought whilst out: £199.10

(Relatively) cheap activities when visiting Lapland on a budget.

Rovaniemi .

Visiting Santa – Rovaniemi is a great place to see Santa with Santa Claus Village and Santa Park being the go to spots for most. The Santa at Santa Claus Village is free to visit, but then you have to spend a fortune on the photos. They won’t let you use your own camera to take your own.

Santa Park is a paid attraction currently costing £36.50 for adults and £31 for children (age 3 – 12). Once in there you can see Santa and take your own videos and photos. Overall if you want a photo, this ends up being better value than seeing him for free at Santa Claus village. The park has a variety of other activities, mainly aimed at younger kids. You can ride a magic train, do some crafting, attend elf school, decorate gingerbread cookies, watch the elf show and much more. It is all located inside a cavern and is lovely and warm.

Santa Claus Village – There are lots of things to do here. This outdoor village is free to enter and have a mooch around. You will find sledges with SCHV written on them, these are free to use and provide some free fun for the kids. You can do a husky ride, reindeer sleigh ride, visit the elf farmyard and feed reindeer, visit Santa or Mrs Claus and much more. I will list the current prices for these activities below. You can turn up and queue for these activities without pre booking. The Husky park recommends you book in advance, especially if you want to ride whilst it is still light. Leo enjoyed visiting Santas post office and sending some post cards home. Post cards can be bought for €1 and Lapland stamps are €2.50.

Santa Clause village prices

Visit Mrs Claus – we did this and the session lasted around 10 minutes. We didn’t buy the photo as we felt it was extortionate. €5 per person to visit – €20 digital photo – €30 printed photo – €40 for both Digital and printed.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride – We didn’t do this, but the queue wasn’t too long. People hadn’t pre booked.

400m path – Adults €25 Children €20

1000m forest path – Adults €40 Children €30

3km winter adventure – Adults €99 Children €75

Elf farmyard – We went here and felt it was relatively good value. We really enjoyed seeing the reindeer up close and feeding them. There is a slope for sledging in the farmyard, a little playground and a fire for toasting marshmallows. As well as reindeer there are also alpacas and sheep. You can pay to

€15 per Adult

€10 per Child (age 3 – 15)

Additional €5 for a bag of reindeer food.

Visit plus 15 minute walk with reindeer €38 adults €25 children

Visit plus 1 hour walk with reindeer €70 per person

Husky park prices – We did the 2km ride. It lasts around 8 minutes and it a beautiful route through the forest. Sitting still and being pulled through the cold gets quite uncomfortable really quickly, so we felt this was the perfect duration. You can book your ride here .

Tour of park plus 2km ride: Adults €75 Child €45 (age 4 – 12)

2km ride only: Adults €45 Child €30

Elf hat academy – We were advised not to do this as it is a pricey experience for what it is. It is a 25 minutes session where you get to learn how to be an elf. Elf school is included with your Santa Park ticket.

€39 for a 25 minute session

Mini snow mobiles – suitable for ages 4-13. We didn’t feel Leo would be able to sensibly drive around the track so didn’t do this.

€22 for 10 minutes (so we would have tried to distract him from these even if he was capable!)

Snowman World – This was one of our favourite things to do with Leo. Tickets are £25/person for all day access. This includes the tube snow slides, a snow maze, ice skating, an ice slide plus you can pay extra to get a drink at the ice bar or a meal in the ice restaurant. We booked our tickets in advance which included lunch and we saved a little by doing this. By booking in advance it was £41 per adult for entry plus lunch and £35.50 for Leo . We pre booked 2 non alcoholic drinks in ice glasses too for £9. To book lunch on the day it was £21 for adults (plus the £25 entry – £46 total) and £15 for children (plus £25 entry – £40 total). The ice drinks were £5.20 each to buy at the bar, so we saved a euro each pre booking them. There is a luggage storage room here so it could be a great thing to do on your last day if you fly later in the evening.

Angry birds park – Located in the city centre, this large park is free to enter and offers some great sledging opportunities. We saw a few sledges lying around here but we had bought our own in Santa Claus Village for €15. There is a big slope at the back of the park leading down to the river.

Toast marshmallows – You will find lots of open fires around Santa Claus Village where you can sit and toast marshmallows. We took our own marshmallows along with some hot chocolate, a lovely way to have a rest and warm up plus a novelty for the kids.

We only had two nights in Levi, so we were limited in time for what we could do. As we had already done the Santa / traditional Christmas activities, we were on a mission to fill our day with cheap but memorable experiences.

Drive up to the ‘Panorama hotel’ ( you can also take a gondola up there ) and find the ‘Levi summit’ cafe. This building houses a Sami museum, perfect if you want to learn a little about the culture and history. The museum was £11.20 per adult and came with a free hot drink at the cafe. Leo entered the museum for free.

From here you can then walk to the “Secret cafe” . I show how to get there on my instagram highlight for Lapland, but it is pretty straight forward and people will be able to point you in the right direction. The walk to get there is mainly flat and takes around 5/10 minutes. The cafe is essentially a small shed with an open fire and a great view! Hot drinks are £3. There is an open fire to toast sausages (£3.50), marshmallows (£1.70) or prepare a hot crepe (£5.20). You can also get a Jagermeister for £6.

Kids Land – This small area set aside from the main slopes is perfect for little ones. There are lots of sledges there to pick up and play with. A hut with a little fire to warm up in and eat a packed lunch. It is free to access.

Sledging at the bottom of the main slope is very popular and occupied Leo for a long time. In the evening when the slopes close, kids can use the bottom of the main slope for sledging.

Christmas market – There is a small Christmas market in Levi – worth having a look around.

Find Santas Secret cabin – We were excited about this one. Apparently it is best to book a guided tour but being the forever optimists, with a super tight budget, we decided to go and find it our selves. You need to take Gondola 2000 up to the top, and then head right towards the cabin which is apparently sign posted. Many people told us this was fairly easy, but they clearly hadn’t been up there during the snow storm we encountered! If someone told me it was -50C up there I would have believed them. Our hair froze, Leo’s eyelashes were frozen, Leo was being very dramatic and screaming ‘We need to get indoors!!’ – It was like something from an armageddon movie. So we pretty much called it a day and went back down. The gondola ride was beautiful, but it was not pleasant at the top! Please do let us know if you ever make it successfully!

I have shared A LOT of information above, but in summary.

Find cheap flights and self catering accommodation.
Plan what you will wear (buying vs renting)
Work out how you will get around (Car / Buses / Taxi)
Plan to do budget friendly activities.

Ways to keep costs down:

Buy budget friendly snow clothes (Aldi/Lidl/Vinted)
Pack light and don’t pay for check in luggage.
Do lots of free/cheap activities.
Take your own pics with Santa at Santa park.
Do short experiences rather than long ones.
Bring hot chocolate and marshmallows for toasting.
Cook most of your own meals, but do treat yourself to some nice meals too.

What we spent on our 7 nights budget trip to Lapland:

Lapland prices:.

Flights and Accommodation:

Return flights: £224.87 (£75pp)

Airport Parking £59

3 nights Rovaniemi- £309

2 nights Levi: £269

2 nights inari: £800

TOTAL: £1661.87

Getting around

7 nights car hire – £254.88

£34 excess insurance

TOTAL: £348.88

Food and drink:

Food shopping – £106

Eating out – £199.10

TOTAL: £305.10

Snow clothes – £183

Attractions – £384 (Mrs Claus, 2km husky ride, elf farmyard, reindeer food, 2 x post cards and stamps, Santa park, Snowman World, Gondola 2000, Sami museum, sausage and crepe at secret cafe)

Sledge – £13

TOTAL: £580

So how much is it to go to Lapland?!

Lapland on a budget overall spend for the 7 night trip – £2895.85.

This could be MUCH cheaper by staying for less nights, not hiring a car, not staying in a £400 per night cabin in Inari and eating out less!

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post and that it can help you plan your budget trip to Lapland!

If you would like us to help plan your trip, sign up for our premium membership and get in touch!

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links.

Flying With a Baby – 10 Top Tips

Cinque Terre: On a Budget

Finding Cheap Flights

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Travel Update
Search Suggested Results View All Results
EUR (€)
GBP (£)
Ice & Snow Hotels i
Santa Claus i
Glass Igloos i
Northern Lights i
Christmas i
Family Travel i
Honeymoon & Romance i
Rovaniemi i
Best Sellers
All Lapland Tours
All Types & Themes
Why book with us i
Booking Terms i
Sustainability Policy i
Lapland at a Glance i
Useful Information i
Lapland Attractions i
Lapland Blog i
Scandinavia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Manage Booking
Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

6-Day Tours in Lapland

Explore enchanting Lapland on a winter getaway arranged by the regional travel experts at Nordic Visitor. With 6 days in Lapland you could chase the northern lights or meet Father Christmas himself. Your tour includes accommodation, excursions, and airport transfers.

VISIT LAPLAND ON A 6-DAY TRIP

Want to find out about 5-night Lapland holidays? Read on for tips and ideas on what to do in this winter wonderland on a 6-day tour.

Get set for a magical winter getaway to Lapland , where snow-covered landscapes await you. With 5 nights in Lapland, you’d have time to enjoy a host of activities, including husky sledding, chasing the northern lights and meeting Santa.

Choose between visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your 6-day tour. Below you can find out more about each region and see which one would suit you best.

When you book a trip to Lapland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, airport transfers, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits. You also enjoy personal service from your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our contact form, live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll gladly plan your Lapland getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

All bookings protected by our package travel insurance
Accommodation, activities, transfers & breakfasts included
Professional service from Scandinavian-based travel experts
Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
Flexible & customisable tour options

EXPERIENCE LAPLAND IN 6 DAYS

Come experience a true winter wonderland on a short break of Lapland. 5 nights is ideal for fitting in exciting excursions and allowing plenty of time for spotting the northern lights. You can also add extra days to shorter tours for a tailored getaway.

Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, best of lapland express - rovaniemi, express lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts.

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Super organised

Everything was super organised and detailed, there is nothing to complain well done Nordic Visitor. We enjoyed all tours that were organised for us.

Amazing experience

Having not done a tour like this before, it was comforting to know that someone else had taken the reins and everything was double-checked. Liza was helpful with all my booking questions and all the team members we met on our trip were friendly and knowledgeable. We learnt so much about Swedish life and traditions on our stay, in addition to some amazing experiences.

Trip of a lifetime!

This was a trip of a lifetime and I would do the exact same trip over again! We had a blast and cannot wait to get back to Sweden.

Thanks Nordic Visitor!

Nordic Visitor made booking what could be a potentially complex trip (finding the right accommodation and day trips, etc.) really easy. We booked very last-minute and our consultant Ruzena could not have been more helpful - booking and arranging the package we wanted for the exact dates we requested at short-notice. Thanks!

Unforgettable experience

It was the best decision to book with Nordic Visitor. Juliana, our travel agent, responded quickly and gave us great tips and service when we needed it. The excursion we took, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights, was unforgettable, and the dog sledding was a wonderful experience. The stay at the seasonal ICEHOTEL - wow! Every detail was well planned and scheduled by Nordic Visitor. We are extremely grateful and it exceeded our expectations.

Exactly what we're looking for

This was my second tour with Nordic Visitor, and I will continue to use them as a first choice option when exploring trips in the Europe area. They offered exactly what my wife and I are looking for in planning guided and semi-guided experiences.

We were well looked after

We had a fantastic time. We were well looked after. Our activities were well laid out. Liza our Nordic Visitor agent was really good keeping us informed as well.

We absolutely loved our experience with Nordic Visitor! From our first inquiry to our last goodbye, we had exceptional service and attention. It quite literally was everything we asked for and more! Our travel consultant worked diligently to accommodate our every wish, was always in communication with us, and was simply amazing! This was a trip of a lifetime!

Outstanding experience!

The entire experience was perfection! The dog sledding was outstanding. There are no words to adequately describe how beautiful and peaceful it is out there with the dogs. The reindeer farm was so fun! Everything and everyone was truly outstanding! All of the drivers were prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Starting every day with such a beautiful and thoughtfully prepared breakfast spread was above and beyond. Every excursion/tour was amazing, from the guides to the food to the excursions themselves. We loved everything.

Nordic Visitor thought of everything

I can't say enough about Nordic Visitor. They really thought of everything and handled even real time unexpected issues promptly. We would have definitely not had such a good experience had I tried to plan this all on our own!

Thrilling trip!

We were very pleased with our trip to Lapland, Finland. Quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect, because we had never been there before. The activities we experienced (snowmobiling, dog sledding, reindeer sledding) meant we were thrilled with our trip. Nordic Visitor made the travel very smooth and enjoyable.

Excellent experience!

Cannot fault our experience. Everything was made very easy from start to finish. Thank you so much. Loads included but still had enough time to do other things and explore on our own. Excellent experience. No glitches so no negative memories of the experience. Loved equally by child and adults!

Getting to Lapland

Nordic Visitor tours of Lapland begin in either Kiruna, for Sweden itineraries, or Kemi or Rovaniemi for Finland trips. You can find some direct flights from airports across Europe.

Otherwise, you can reach Lapland with connecting flights from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, or Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Another option is to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark and travel to Lapland from there.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s main air travel hub. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Kemi or Rovaniemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, what to see and do in lapland with 5 nights.

Imagine jetting off to a winter wonderland in Northern Europe, discovering pristine scenery laden with snow. You could find yourself in this spellbinding landscape on a 6-day Lapland holiday.

Lapland is situated in the far north of Sweden and Finland, within the Arctic Circle. It is a region characterised by beautiful forests, lakes and rivers. Here the dark night skies of winter light up with the shimmering colours of the aurora borealis.

Spend your 6-day tour enjoying activities in the snow, soaking up the native Sami culture, and cosying up by the fireplace.

Explore these Lapland winter trips
Discover 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND

Lapland offers opportunities for adventures and indulgent experiences in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you wish on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do in Lapland :

Go mushing through the snow on a husky sled
Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
Explore the countryside by snowmobile
Have a private meeting with Santa Claus
Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
Try cross-country skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
Experience local Sami customs and cuisine
Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
See Arctic animals in their native habitat
Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book a Lapland package with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day tours to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax in the knowledge that we plan our trips for you with the utmost care.

Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND

Where you go in Lapland will largely depend on the activities and sights you want to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel guide to learn more about each area, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

Santa Claus Village
Kemi

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

Abisko National Park
Aurora Sky Station

STAY IN ONE OF LAPLAND’S ICE HOTELS OR GLASS IGLOOS

Forget sleeping in a log cabin, one of the “coolest” things you can do in Lapland is stay in an ice hotel. Marvel at the ice sculptures, imaginative themed rooms, and restaurants and bars crafted from frozen water. Since many of the hotels melt in the spring, artists start from scratch and rebuild them each winter.

Spending the night in an ice suite is on many travellers’ bucket lists. You are kept cosy thanks to thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, with the chance to step into a hot sauna in the morning.

If you’d rather sleep in a warm room, you can take a guided tour of these ice hotels instead.

A great alternative is staying in a glass igloo in Lapland. Snuggle up in your heated dome, looking through the clear glass up to the night sky. You might even be treated to a northern lights show from your bed!

Here are the best ice hotels and glass igloos to visit in Lapland:

ICEHOTEL (Kiruna)
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
SnowCastle (Kemi)
Choose from one of these Lapland ice and snow hotel packages
Learn more about the best ice hotels in Finland and the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

VISIT FINNISH OR SWEDISH LAPLAND

For your 6-day trip to Lapland, take your pick from visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland. Both destinations offer similar experiences, such as aurora hunting, snowmobiling, and riding in reindeer sleighs or dog sleds.

However, Swedish and Finnish Lapland each have particular highlights that you should know about before you decide where to go. Take a look at these itinerary recommendations for a taste of what to expect in Sweden and Finland, respectively.

Find out the top winter getaways in Lapland

6-DAY ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR SWEDISH LAPLAND:

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and snowmobile safari Touch down at Kiruna Airport, where a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation, or stretch your legs and head out to explore the town.

Come evening, it’s time for your first Lapland adventure. Chase the northern lights on a guided snowmobile excursion into the surrounding countryside. Follow your guide through the snow as they lead you to the best spots to look for the aurora. Feel the thrill of the ride as you go.

Round the evening off with a rustic dinner of traditional local food eaten around a log fire in a wooden hut. Afterwards, your guide will return you to your accommodation.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Snowmobile to the ICEHOTEL This morning, hop back on a snowmobile and journey through the white landscape to visit the ICEHOTEL. This extraordinary retreat is situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna.

Famous for being the first ice hotel, it has set a trend that many others around the world have since followed. During your visit you’ll have a guided tour, learning how the hotel is carved from local river ice by artists.

You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy. Once you’ve explored the stunning ice rooms, sculptures, church and bar, enjoy a coffee and light lunch by the fireplace at the hotel’s traditional-style hut.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. You could opt for a northern lights snowshoe walk or another winter activity.

Spend the night in Kiruna or upgrade to a night at the ICEHOTEL.

Day 3 - Dog sledding and Aurora Sky Station Today you can take part in one of Lapland’s most treasured traditions: dog sledding.

Meet an expert guide at the kennels, who will introduce you to the huskies and show you how to drive your sled. Change into a thermal suit and head out onto the trails. Glide through the forests and across snowy plains, soaking up the scenery as you go.

Fuel up after your ride with a hot drink and lunch by the campfire.

Later on, a transfer will take you to Abisko National Park, located around 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Kiruna.

Make the most of your time in Abisko National Park with a visit to the Aurora Sky Station, where the adventure begins with a chairlift ride up the mountain. Here you can take in views of the national park from the window while savouring a Nordic-inspired 4-course dinner in the restaurant.

After dining, take a guided tour through the exhibition and look for the northern lights. The Sky Station’s remote location, and lack of light pollution, make it a great spot for catching sight of the aurora.

Spend the night in Abisko.

Day 4 - Abisko National Park at leisure Spend today as you wish, exploring one of Sweden’s oldest national parks, Abisko, and admiring the area’s stunning natural beauty. Your hotel offers a range of guided excursions to choose from. You can also have a great time by venturing out on your own with a rented pair of skis or snowshoes.

When you get back from your day’s adventures you can take advantage of the hotel sauna. Relax for the rest of the day and perhaps head out to look for the northern lights on an evening stroll.

Day 5 - Train journey to Kiruna and day at leisure This morning, hop on the train back to Kiruna.

On arriving back at Kiruna train station your driver will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to browse for souvenirs or perhaps treat yourself to fika (coffee and cinnamon buns) in a local café.

Day 6 - Departure Today you’ll take a transfer back to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

Explore these Kiruna tour packages to experience Swedish Lapland
Find out the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

6-DAY ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR FINNISH LAPLAND:

Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi and snowmobile safari Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. Take time to rest after your journey or explore the town before heading out on your first adventure in Lapland.

Come evening, it’s time for you to chase the northern lights on a guided snowmobile safari.

Hop aboard a snowmobile and follow your expert guide along the forest trails looking for the aurora borealis. Enjoy the exciting ride through the snow as your guide shows you the best spots for seeing the northern lights.

Later on, warm up by the campfire with a hot drink and tasty snack before returning to your hotel to sleep soundly.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna Today you'll learn about one of the oldest ways to travel in Lapland: dog sledding. First, meet the huskies at the kennel and have a short lesson on mushing. Soon you’ll be following your guide along trails, admiring the snow-draped scenery as you go.

Later, return to Rovaniemi and indulge in a Finnish sauna session to relax after a morning in the snow. You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the sights in Rovaniemi.

Day 3 - Excursion to Santa Claus Village If you love Christmas then today’s excursion to Santa Claus Village shouldn’t be missed. The village is a year-round haven for all things Christmassy.

Learn about Finland’s Christmas traditions and meet Santa Claus and his elves in their workshop. Head to the restaurant for a festive feast, then why not send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office? Before returning to Rovaniemi, make sure to browse the craft shops for souvenirs.

Day 4 - Visit to the Arctic SnowHotel Enjoy a leisurely morning in Rovaniemi, perhaps learning about local history, nature and culture at the Arktikum Museum. Here you can peruse the museum’s interesting exhibits about the region of Lapland.

You’re in for a treat this evening with an excursion to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi.

Take a tour of the hotel with a guide who will share how the hotel is created anew each year from snow and ice. You will be able to check out the impressive ice carvings in the hotel’s rooms, restaurant and bars.

After your tour, sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel. You can choose from sleeping in an ice room or a warm glass igloo.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or upgrade to the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 5 - Snowmobile to a reindeer farm Today you’ll visit a traditional reindeer farm and learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami.

Hop back onto a snowmobile and enjoy an exhilarating ride to the reindeer farm. Here you’ll find out about the important role that reindeer herding plays in Sami culture. Enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride through the countryside and earn a “reindeer driver licence”.

Return to Rovaniemi in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to shop for souvenirs.

Day 6 - Departure Today a driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer back to Rovaniemi Airport. From here you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

Discover Finnish Lapland with one of these Rovaniemi tours or Kemi packages
Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAPLAND

The best time to visit Lapland is between December and March, when you can enjoy the magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow.

Certain activities are available in Lapland year round. For example, in summer you can meet Father Christmas, or even visit certain ice hotels that use solar power to keep some of their rooms frozen. That said, we recommend travelling in winter for the quintessential Lapland experience.

Learn more about visiting Lapland in December or January
Check out Lapland tours in February or March

Thanks to snowfall from mid-October to mid-May, you’ll be surrounded by snow-blanketed scenery between December and March. What’s more, in winter you have the best chances of seeing the northern lights. The long, dark nights provide the ideal backdrop for watching the aurora borealis.

In summer, on the other hand, there are long daylight hours in Lapland – a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. With light skies all night long, it is too bright to see the northern lights.

Find out how to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis with these guides:

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland

What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis explained

Explore these northern light tours in Lapland to hunt for the aurora
Read about Lapland’s daylight hours and climate on the Nordic Visitor travel guide

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND

Perhaps you want to time your Lapland trip for December to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in this winter wonderland?

Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner for Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa’s elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before you tuck into the big feast.

You could then have the ultimate Christmas Day in Santa’s homeland. Whizz through the snow in a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa in his workshop, and taste delicious Christmas food. Think freshly baked gingerbread biscuits and a warm glass of glögg (mulled wine).

Or visit Lapland at New Year for a celebration to remember. You could attend a New Year’s Eve party in a wooden hut in the middle of a Finnish forest, trying local customs and cuisine. And, of course, you’d get to watch a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Don’t forget, you can get into the festive spirit at any time of year when you visit Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland!

Check out these Lapland Santa tours
Learn more about spending 3 days , 4 days or 5 days in Lapland

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your holiday.

Explore places handpicked for you by regional experts
Save time and effort with everything arranged for you
Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

Get social with us

Follow our adventures in the North and share your own with us.

Sign up for our newsletter

We’re here to help, so get in touch with our friendly team to book your package or add extra nights and activities to an existing booking.

Our Swedish phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, a few fun facts about swedish lapland, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, how to eat like a local in lapland.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Search the Site

Accommodation

10 things to do on your winter road trip in Lapland, Finland

A few years ago we visited Finnish Lapland for the first time and from the time we set foot in the icy woodlands at the Arctic Circle, we were smitten. This winter we decided to re-visit Lapland, with a rental car in tow. Over the past few years, areas such as Levi and Ivalo have become increasingly popular, which has led to increased prices and reduced availability. On this winter road trip in Finland, we tried to go offbeat and ended up discovering some real gems along the way.

Couple under Northern Lights in Lapland Finland

Renting a car in Finnish Lapland

Lapland is easy to explore using public transport and on our first visit we did exactly that. However we would highly recommend renting a car if you are comfortable driving in Europe. This will give you the flexibility of exploring little-known areas and offbeat nooks and crannies of Finnish Lapland. It is easy to rent a car at the airport or the city centre in Rovaniemi. Make sure you look up price comparison websites to find the most affordable deals on car rentals in the area. We use this website to compare prices . Rental cars come equipped with snow tyres and heated seats, but we would still recommend checking before booking your car.

Budgeting for your roadtrip in Finnish Lapland

Lapland is a relatively expensive destination and it’s almost impossible to do it on a budget. You can easily cut costs by choosing AirBnB accommodation over hotels and shopping in supermarkets instead of dining out at every meal. However do beware that due to the it being in Scandinavia, Lapland’s remote location, and extreme weather conditions, other things like day trips, car rentals etc tend to be on the expensive side. As a rule of thumb, you should put aside €150-€300 per person per day of stay while budgeting for your roadtrip in Lapland – this includes the cost of car rentals, hotels, safaris, and dining.

Couple on a road trip in Lapland Finland

10 things to do on your road trip in Lapland, Finland

1) start in roveniemi.

Rovaniemi is the most central and accessible part of Finnish Lapland. It is a short flight away from Helsinki.

In fact, if you have just 4 days in Finnish Lapland, we would suggest booking a hotel in Rovaniemi only. From here you can go for reindeer & husky-dog safaris, visit Santa Claus village (famous for being Santa’s hometown on the Arctic Circle), book a Northern Lights tour, and even visit a hotel carved entirely out of ice (more later).

However if you are in Lapland for more than a week, we would suggest spending 2 days in Rovaniemi. Arctic Light Hotel is a luxurious and distinctively Scandinavian hotel with a gorgeous breakfast buffet. It is located in the centre of Rovaniemi with easy access to public transport, restaurants, and the car rental office in case you decide to rent from the city centre. Alternatively you could rent an AirBnB apartment in the countryside around Rovaniemi. There are some incredibly scenic and cheap apartments in the area.

Reindeer sleigh at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi

2) Book yourself a photography session

This is a truly unique addition to your road trip in Finnish Lapland. You will be going on plenty of adventures on this road trip but first how about capturing some memories for a lifetime. Beyond Arctic offer short 2-4 hour photoshoots for couples and families. Their talented photographers will take you to some of the most scenic locations around Rovaniemi and shoot several photographs for you. You can use them to make your friends jealous on social media or simply for photo frames back home.

3) Stay in an igloo hotel

A few years ago igloo hotels were somewhat of a novelty in Finnish Lapland. In fact I wrote an entire article about our surreal stay at Kakslautten Arctic Resort, the hotel that started the craze! However over the past few years Kakslautten has become too expensive for what it is and is mostly sold out. But don’t worry. There are dozens of other igloo hotels that have come up in the area. However don’t be fooled by the name ‘igloo’ in the title as some of these hotels don’t have great views or good facilities.

We tried a few igloo hotels on our recent road trip in Lapland, and did not like most of them. However we found one gem – Arctic Fox Igloos – located in the wilderness near Ranua. Each igloo is heated and comes with its own little kitchenette. Igloos offer gorgeous views, and if you’re lucky enough, you can even see the Northern Lights while lying down in your bed. The breakfast buffet at Arctic Fox Igloos is pretty decent but we’d suggest picking up a few groceries on the way so you can whip up lunch and dinner for yourself in your kitchenette as there aren’t any supermarkets or restaurants around here.

Here’s a short video from our time at Arctic Fox Igloos:

View this post on Instagram That igloo life ?? The feeling of sleeping to the Northern Lights and thousands of stars over your head, from the comfort of a heated igloo, is second to NONE ?? Would highly recommend doing this for a couple of nights when you’re in Lapland ? ✨ ✨ Till then, join us as we sip on our morning coffee in paradise ? That’s a frozen lake you see and it’s -20°C out but we’re super warm in our little igloo home – mmm ☕️?? ✨ ✨ #bruisedpassports #visitfinland #ranua #igloo #hotel A post shared by Travel & love : Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Mar 7, 2019 at 5:29am PST

4) Visit Pyha Luosto National Park

Now comes the fun part. Renting a car in Lapland is the perfect excuse to go off-the-beaten path. Not many tourists visit Pyha (pronounced Poo-ha) but we definitely suggest spending a day or two in the area. Book yourself a couple of nights at Hotel Pyhatunturi . Spend a day driving through the stunning Phyha Luosto National Park and taking a ski lesson. Spend the next day going on a little Arctic hike or horse ride with a local company called Kairankutsu (translating to “Call of Wilderness”). We really enjoyed our time with them because their guides are so passionate about the Pyha area and know it just so well.

Another activity we’d highly recommend here is Ice Climbing. We booked our Ice Climbing Tour with Bliss Adventures and had a great afternoon trying to scale a wee mountain of ice ideal for beginners. This was followed by warm drinks and a snack 🙂

5) Visit Yllas

Another area you should consider visiting is Yllas . Much like Pyha, it is a ski resort that boasts of stunning views, but is located further North in Lapland giving you better chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Spend a couple of nights at Lapland Hotel Saaga and enjoy their extensive breakfast buffet. Book yourself a Snowmobile Safari – it will take you through Finnish woodlands on snowmobiles.

This is also a great area to hunt for the Northern Lights. You could book a night snowmobile tour but you don’t have to book a tour to spot the Northern Lights. You could just drive away from the city lights if the aurora forecast is good and you’ll see the Northern Lights literally everywhere in the wilderness.

6) Sleep or dine in an Ice Hotel

Sleeping on a bed of ice is literally as unique an experience as it gets. Don’t worry, you won’t feel cold as ice beds have mattresses or thick rugs and guests are given Arctic sleeping bags each night. Still we would recommend it just for a night! If the idea of sleeping in a room carved entirely out of ice doesn’t appeal to you, you could also drop by the Ice Hotel for a meal.

Two of our favourite ice hotels are located in Rovaniemi and Yllas. You could pick any one of them. Arctic Snowhotel in Rovaniemi is accessible and offers a whole host of activities for families, especially those travelling with kids. Here beds, tables, chairs, and even glasses are made out of ice.

Lapland Hotels Snowvillage in Yllas is another option. This is a unique Ice Hotel because it has a theme each year. When we visited, the hotel was made keeping in mind a Game of Thrones theme. However this changes every year. Take a look at our time at the Snowvillage Yllas:

Game of Thrones themed Ice Hotel in Finland

7) Go for a Northern Lights Safari

No road trip in Lapland would be complete without a Northern Lights safari. Safari providers such as Lapland Safaris offer a variety of Northern Lights tours in most towns. You could choose a tour where tourists go hunting for Northern Lights on snowmobiles, in a car, or even on horseback. We would suggest picking any one tour on your road trip in Finnish Lapland. Don’t waste too much money on Northern Lights safaris as you can always drive your car to a quiet area, away from the light and spot them yourself too. We have an entire article with tips for hunting for the Northern Lights here .

Snowmobile tour for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

8) Visit a reindeer farm

Rumour has it that there are more reindeer than humans in Lapland. Chances are you will see plenty of reindeer on your road trip in Lapland. But do try and visit a reindeer farm too! Here you could go on a reindeer safari through the snow-covered woodlands or even try your hand at feeding baby reindeer. Reindeer herders treat the animals as their family – nowhere else in the world have we witnessed such deep bonds between animals and humans as we did in Lapland. On this trip we spent a fair few hours at one such farm besides SnowVillage hotel in Yllas.

View this post on Instagram Feeding the cutest baby reindeer in the Polar North – check ✔️❣️❣️ A post shared by Travel & love : Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Mar 5, 2019 at 8:28pm PST

9) Go on a husky safari or try your hand at horse riding

This has been a pretty active road trip, considering you’ve been on Arctic hikes, gone ice-climbing, and perhaps even skiing. Now it’s time to let someone else do the work for you. You could try booking yourself a husky-dog safari or a horse-riding session in Rovaniemi, Yllas, or even Pyha. It is easy to book a safari wherever you have a free afternoon. Pick a place and time that suits your road trip itinerary and go marvel at snow covered trees, Finnish forests, and frozen lakes. On this particular trip we spent an afternoon with the huskies at Arctic Husky Farm in Pyha.

10) A short stopover in Helsinki

In all probability, you will return your rental car at Rovaniemi Airport and fly to Helsinki before flying back home. Make sure you spend a couple of days in the capital of Finland before you fly out of the country. Helsinki is a truly unique Scandinavian capital and you will relish its urban vibe after spending a week in the Finnish wilderness. We have a great guide to a city break in Helsinki here. Make sure you read it before planning your visit.

Visiting Lapland? Don’t forget to read our 4 Part Guide To Finnish Lapland that we wrote after our first trip to the area

Packing for Lapland, Finland : Staying warm in the Arctic

This article is Part 2 of our 4 part series on planning the ultimate trip to Lapland, Finland Read Part 1 The…

Bruised Passports: How we plan a trip from start to finish

This is that time of the year when we usually head out to Bali to work from our remote office…

Planning a hip city break in Edmonton, Canada

59 thoughts on “ 10 things to do on your winter road trip in lapland, finland ”.

This is such an informative post! Not too mention, super off-beat which is what I’m always looking for! I’ve always had Finland on my list, ever since you guys first wrote about it 🙂 excited to hopefully make the trip soon and follow some of these recommendations!

So good to hear that Mehek 🙂 Hope you make it to this beautiful part of the world super soon !!

We just loved it. We so wish to go there but are confused between Iceland and Finland. We have read both your posts about them.

and is it a good time to experience the places in september?

Hey Gaurav – Iceland is stunning in September but there isn’t much to do in Lapland in September. Hope that helps xx

Wow! Your pictures are just Magical guys! Lapland is truly a must visit place.

It sure is 🙂 Such a beautiful place to drive in too – Love Lapland 🙂

Nice post guys!! I am trying to decide between Normay & Finland for October end or December end 2019. What would you suggest for this time. Our focus is to see northern lights and visit Christmas markets either in these places or another country.

Both are great for Northern Lights. If you want the true Christmas spirit then head to Lapland and spend Christmas in Rovaniemi 🙂

Loved It! When is the good time to plan a Road Trip and experience Northern lights?

Between October and March 🙂

Hey vid and savi its such a good post! I wanted to ask you if December is a good time to go to finland! And if yes starting or mid? Me and my fiancé are planning to go there on our honeymoon??

Congratulations 🙂

Yes, December is a good time to go to Lapland- early December will be better as you’ll have more daylight as compared to end December.

Have a great trip and share photos with us 🙂

Hi Savi can you please tell us December a good time to travel to Lapland? I’ve heard it’s too cold there ? I wish to plan in December 2019 and want to plan it out right from now on Thanks in advance ?

Yes it’s the best time to go there – yes it will be very cold but that’s the beauty and charm of the area 🙂

while i was new to youtube i saw mumbiker nikhil travelling all over the world. he once introduced u both in his instagram stories from that day i started following u on insta seeing ur all posts. everyone wants to know how do u both finance ur trip? i was one of them to search it(yesterday) on the internet . acc to quora there were several ways through wich u both finance ur trips one of them was u write about the places in ur blog. i really thought that u both write blogs really. that day i came to know uhave a website bruisedpassports i searched it today and read ur this blog really awesome u both are just my inspirations i love travelling and after reading this blog i wrote it down in my diary and decided to travell like u both with my partner. cos i m still a student love u sir and mam hope u travell more and more

Thanks! We worked for a long time in corporate jobs in London and saved to travel full-time. Over the years we have worked towards building our career in travel and we now work + travel full-time. You can also read the article titled “Who are Savi and Vid” to get more details about our lifestyle and the way we earn money while travelling

Hope that helps and good luck with your travels 🙂

Hi.. really adore you guys.. actually wanted to know that is it difficult driving in Finland being winter season as there is lot of do’s and don’t for driving in iceland. Being from India Mumbai will it be possible to drive easily in Finland??

Hi Deveshree,

It’s fine driving in Finland in winters as roads are cleared of snow regularly. We have driven there a few times and never had a problem. It obviously goes without saying that you should keep an eye on the weather and not attempt to drive in case of a snow storm or strong winds etc.

I so am inspired by the way you guys lead your life…..I just so am inspired to start living my life of dreams…..and am totally clueless about how to follow….yup I have seen your tedtalks and your question and answer session but ….I quite not able to get the guidence and the answer I neede….the big question how to start leaving the life of passion like you guys do ….and how to sustain a living out of it… P.S would really love to work with you guys if you’re highering anyone??

Watch our videos on IGTV for some pointers 🙂

Hey amazing pics.. what time of year did you visited lapland.. Great Fan of you

Hey hi.. amazing pics.. basically wanted to ask that you visited lapland twice one with the public transport and other being rental car.. wanted to understand if its possible to get both the itinerary done with some moderations in 14 days.. including 2 days in helseinki

Yes absolutely – you can do a combination of both in 14 days easily 🙂 I’d say 2 days in Helsinki, 1 night in Arctic Fox Igloo (Ranua), 3-4 nights in Rovaniemi, 3 nights in Pyha, and 3 in Yllas (or you could also spend a couple of nights in Kakslauttanen)

Where Can I See northern Lights around September end for a short weekend trip

Chances are relatively low in September end but you can always try visiting Finnish Lapland or Norway for Northern Lights

Great article, really inspired me to plan for it. Is November a good time to go to Finnish Lapland. Will all the experiences listed in the article be done in November.

Yes November is a great time to visit Lapland and all these experiences will be available then too 🙂

i will go to it. I like trip. Thanks

Hi, may I ask if non-4×4 car (with winter tires) is suitable to drive from Rovaniemi to Ivalo in November, let’s say for example VW Polo, or any sedan car.

Yes, a non-4X4 should be fine for the drive from Rovaniemi to Ivalo. That said, always check road conditions before you leave your hotel 🙂

Hey, this is too amazing for my eyes??. May I know which is the best time to visit Lapland Nd the estimated cost of the whole trip pls ?♥️

Novemeber- February is the best time to visit Lapland.Cost depends on where you are flying from and the hotels you choose but as mentioned in the “Budgeting for your roadtrip in Finnish Lapland” section of this article, you can expect to spend €300 per day of stay – this includes the cost of car rentals, hotels, safaris, and dining.

Hi Savi/Vid,

I am planning to see Northern Lights this year end (most likely Christmas week). I have gone through your itineraries for Iceland and Lapland. Now I am confused. Which one should I prefer as per the time I am planning to visit. Which one is better with respect to igloo stays and northern lights. Can you please advice. Looking forward for your reply. Loads of love to you both.

Hey Kirti – igloo stays are better in Lapland (Finland) and Northern Lights are gorgeous in both Iceland and Finland. I hope that helps

Hi Savi, Thank a lot for reply. I was waiting for it. As per the timing of my travel (i.e. December end this year), which place would you recommend considering an overall experience ? I see that you have mentioned in comments that you would choose Iceland if you would have to choose between Lapland and Iceland. But I also noticed that you recommended Lapland in one of your comments if its December time. Your reply is appreciated.

Hey Kirti – it’s very hard to pick and choose favourites as they are both stunning. It purely boils down to personal preferences – Lapland is ideal if you want a slightly comfortable experience or if you’re travelling with kids/parents. Iceland is stunning if you enjoy slightly adventurous trips and are comfortable travelling independently

Such a feast for the senses! Such a fun place with so much to do (and the food! And the people!). Thanks for transporting me right back to Lapland! I honestly think Finland is #1 on my list of “Places to visit ASAP”

hi guys, we have planned our trip to Finland in January next year. The site you mentioned for car rentals, Economy Bookings, it has a condition that the IDP must be an year old and it is mandatory to produce at the time of pick up. We have not yet applied for IDP. Please help.

We did not show/use an IDP in Finland. We only presented our Indian driving license – did not face any issues.

Have a great trip 🙂

we are planing a winter trip to Laplands in February (Helsinki- Kemi- Rovaniemi-Ranua- Saariselka ) . How do you manage luggage when taking budget airlines in between cities in Finland as it allows only 7kg hand luggage.As we are going for a winter trip all the cold clothes are going to take up a lot of space.Please help. And is it worth going to up north to Saariselka -Inari? Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks, Tanvi

Hi Tanvi – you can pay a fee and check in a large bag on domestic flights – would definitely recommend that as woollens take up a lot of space. Hope that helps 🙂

Hello Savi/Vid, Thanks for the detailed description. I am confused between November or March ? Most of the comments says Nov but I was checking that there is only 3.5-4 hours daylight in November while in March its 8+ hours of daylight. I want to go in November but limited daylight hours is something I am not sure is good enough. Thanks Gaurav

Hey Gaurav – limited day light in November is great for Northern Lights but longer days in March are better for exploring – you can choose based on your preference 🙂

Hey Savi and Vid! Hope you both are doing well. I and my husband are going to Lapland in Feb ? All our shopping is done, however we are pretty confused about what skin moisturizer should we use? Since it will be insanely cold and skin would tend to dry up. Any suggestions? Also, we read somewhere that applying a moisturizer on face is not recommended in Lapland, i am confused here too. Isn’t that super necessary? Pls help, guys!

Thanks in advance ?

It’s advisable not to put moisturiser right before stepping out in the extreme cold. Best to moisturise once you are back at the end of the day. Any moisturiser with a good SPF should suffice.

Hey!! This is a really great article. I love how you gave us a detailed review of your trip. Keep up the good work!

Thank you 🙂 Finland is all sorts of magical, especially when driving yourself

Hi Savi & Vid,

Thank you for all of this amazing content & information. My husband and I are looking to take my parents (both 61 years of age) to either Norway, Finland or Iceland during Christmas this year. I had a few questions before I start planning please:

1) Amongst Norway, Finland and Iceland, which place would you recommend for the whole experience, scenic landscapes, things to do, chasing northern lights, easy to move about, etc. which are my parents’ age appropriate? 2) Are 10 days sufficient for any one of these countries? 3) If we chose Finland, do we need to rent a car here? Or public transport is easily available for all the sights etc.? 4) We are pure vegetarian so do you think food will be an issue or atleast staples like Pizza, Pasta etc is available everywhere if not many other options? 5) I’m not sure my parents would be able to lug around backpacks, so are suitcases appropriate for that time’s weather? 6) Lastly, in Finland, after doing a random search, I realised that Kakslauttanen is fully booked and even Arctic Fox Igloos is not available for Dec, do you recommend any other such amazing Igloo stays that may be available?

My parents have not travelled internationally for many years now and I would like to take them somewhere special so they can have a memorable experience. I hope to hear from you soon so I can start blocking the flights and accommodation by next week! Thank you

Hi Priya – All three countries are amazing for those experiences – hard to pick! vegetarian options are available at most restaurants but would suggest carrying some ready-to-eat meals too. Public transport is great in Finland. Suitcases are fine as that’s what most people get. Also there are lots of igloo hotels in Finland but few have supremely scenic views, so do check before booking. You can also book log cabins on AirBnb which are a lot more affordable and also an amazing experience in the winter time 🙂

Such an informative blog. Since me and my Fiance are planning our honeymoon in Finland, this blog is super helpful. Could you also guide on the clothing that we need to have for our trip to Finland

hi savi .. i am planning to go to finland for my honeymoon on christmas dec 2022 could you please suggest places ofr 3 – 4 days ? is it expensive in decemebr ?

Hey yes it is expensive – but more than that all hotels often get sold out. Would suggest going in Feb for cheaper rates and better availability

hi im planning Finland in June with kids who are younger than 8 yrs old . pls recommend what all cities I can visit in Finland keeping kids in mind . also how will the weather be in June .

Hey Sonam – weather in June is quite pleasant. You can visit Helsinki and surrounding areas. Would suggest skipping Lapland as that is definitely more magical during winter time

Hey Savi…. Have been following you guys for years now. You guys sowed the seed of visiting Lapland in my heart and this year, i plan to go during X-Mas holidays. Would you suggest staying in Yllas only for 4 days? i could infere from your article that Yllas seems to be THE PLACE where you can get all the activities as well as experience Northern Lights (without booking a tour). I have started planning for it from now only 😉

Hey Harsha – You’ll love Yllas. You can do most activities there. However since you’re going all the way, would also suggest spending a couple of days in Rovaniemi too and checking Santa Claus’ “home” on the Arctic Circle 🙂

This is a really well written piece. This page contains really high-quality and useful information. Yes, I’m going to check it out right away. This site has a great deal of really important information on the subject.

You people have made travelling to this magical land more easy. Thanks again on behlaf of all the abv for all the contents.

I had a few questions before I start planning please:

1) I love doing road trips and had done many such in past 6-7 years across Europe but for Finland i`m little spectical as not sure how weather and road treats back. Need your assistance on how should i plan/route my road tripping in Finland for 8-9 days in November. My thoughts/wishlist to start from Helsinki to Rovanemi and around lapland and then head to Norway for another 6-7 days.

2) So in all 15-17 days road trip route planning is what i wanted to understand.

3) We are 6 people, me,wife, 7yr daughter, father-in-law-mother-inlaw and 30yr sister-in-law and we all have done many roadtrips in past.

4) Should i drive from helsinki to Rovanemi (if yes, then where to brerak the journey as its long) OR should i take overnight train and hire vehicle from Rovanemi or what you suggest.

5) Things to do as per route. SKI and Santa village is what we want to do…pls add others.

6) If i want to go to Norway from Finland and continue self driving how should i plan my route or should i fly from A to B.

7)Lastly, Suggestion on route planning for Norway where my last destination to be Oslo to fly back to Mumbai (Home)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, add me to your mailing list.

The Netherlands
Switzerland
The Philippines
South Africa
The United States of America
New Zealand
French Polynesia
Our destination wedding
Budget tips
Travel photography
Packing lists
Hotel guides
Travel guides
Itineraries
Work with us
Search for: Search Button
Finland and Lapland

Budget Finnish Lapland: costs and prices of a trip to (Finnish) Lapland?

How expensive is a trip through Lapland? And what to budget for a holiday to Lapland in Finland? Many blogs will say Lapland is a super expensive destination. We visited Lapland in Finland and to be honest, many expenses and costs were not too bad at all! In this blog, we will tell you how much money we spend on our trip through Finnish Lapland and what a good budget for Lapland is! We will also share some budget tips, give you an idea of what general travel expenses are in Lapland and indicate a realistic daily budget for Lapland.

Is Lapland in Finland expensive? Or can you travel Lapland on a small budget?

Finland is certainly not cheap. Activities, accommodation and alcohol are expensive. Lapland is hard to travel on a small budget, backpacking is not really an option here. That said, we would have expected Lapland in Finland to be way more expensive than it truly was.

We made this trip together with our friends Thomas and Christine. Because we were travelling with four, some things such as accommodation, car and gasoline were a lot cheaper. However, we were not budgeting as much as usual, this was a more luxurious holiday for us. Especially in terms of activities, we have not looked at prices at all.

Our budget for travelling in Finnish Lapland!

First a disclaimer: during this trip, we were no extreme budget backpackers. By this, I mean that we never stayed in a dormitory and didn’t cut back on activities. On the other hand, we certainly do not travel luxuriously either. Everyone travels in his own way and has different priorities. That is completely fine, but keep this in mind when you read through our expenses. It can always be more expensive or cheaper!

We spend €231,80 per person per day in Finnish Lapland. This is, of course, a big amount, but keep in mind we were only in Lapland for five days. Also, we did all the activities we wanted to do in these five days. Our trip was in the high season ( December – March) meaning prices are up. Finally, we stayed in cool accommodations and lodges, which were not cheap at all. If you want, you can travel for much less money in Lapland in Finland.

What were our total spendings in Lapland in Finland?

Total spend: €2318 / $2628 Spendings per person: €1159 / $ 1314 Daily spendings per person: €231,80 / $262,80

These expenses include airline tickets and are based on two people. I have calculated the prices and exchange rates Euro / Dollar at the time of this trip. The currencies displayed are: Euro (€) and USA Dollar ($).

Curious about what we packed and wore to stay warm in Lapland? Then read our Lapland packing list tips !

What do hotels and accommodations in Lapland cost? – 21,1% of the total budget Lapland

Total spend: €490 / $555 Number of nights: 4 Average price for 2 people per night : €122,50 / $138,85

Accommodation in Finnish Lapland is not cheap. Together with our friends, Thomas and Christine, we rented lodges, which cut the costs somewhat. The first two nights we stayed in the cosy holiday home Inarin Kalakenttä , in Inari, a 30-minute drive from Ivalo. Here we paid € 85 per couple.

Then we went to the luxury cabins of the Giellajohka holiday park . These beautiful lodges are surrounded by nature. This accommodation is slightly more expensive, it costs € 160 per night per couple. There are also budget options here. You can sleep here for as little as € 63 per couple.

What are the most special & unique hotels to sleep in Finnish Lapland? Read this blog with the best hotels in Lapland !

Is transportation in Lapland expensive? – 35,2% of the total budget Lapland

Total spend: €816 / $925 Flight tickets : €632 / $716,40 Car rental: €146 / $165,50 Gasoline: €38 / $43

It is not cheap to fly to Lapland. We flew at Ivalo airport with Finnair and paid € 316 per person for a return trip. There are also last-minute deals where you can fly to Finnish Lapland for as little as € 160.

Looking for a Lapland itinerary ? Read our blog for the ultimate trip to Finnish Lapland!

I divided the cost of the rental car and the gasoline by two because our friends Thomas and Christine were also with us. If you are not with friends, then these costs should be doubled.

What are the prices for food in Lapland? – 12,3% of the total budget Lapland

Total spend: €284 / $321,90 Spendings in restaurants: €210 / $238 Spendings on groceries: €74 / $83,90

The costs of food were doable for Lapland in Finland. We thought in advance that food would probably be very expensive because Finland is a Scandinavian country. However, it soon became apparent that the prices for food are almost the same as in the Netherlands. Only alcohol is a lot more expensive. We have cooked ourselves a number of times in the lodges where we stayed. We went out for lunch twice and had dinner twice in a restaurant.

On our last evening, we went out for dinner to celebrate that Ries and I are engaged . The restaurant where we ate, Laanilan Kievari , had delicious dishes but was not cheap.

Curious on how to spot the Northern Lights in Lapland ? Read our blog full of tips!

What are the prices of activities in Lapland? – 31,4% of the total budget Lapland

Total spend: €728 / $825 Husky sledding: €338 / $383,15 Snowmobiling: €260 / $294,70 Aurora Chasing: €130 / $147,35

Well, this is the real reason why Lapland can be pricy: expensive activities. To a large extent, your trip to Lapland really revolves around these activities. The most expensive one was our four-hour Husky tour, with a price of € 169 euros per person (including lunch).

I found the snowmobile trip at Ivalo Trek Lapland by far the most fun. The price was not too bad, € 130 per person for a three-hour private trip. Read more about this experience here . The Aurora Chasing that we did at Polar Creek was also a great experience, we only paid € 65 per person for this.

Read our tips in the blog about a husky tour in Lapland !

What do things cost in Finland (and Lapland)?

What is the price level in Finland? I answer that question below by displaying the prices of food and travel related expenses.

Kilo apples: €2,19 / $2,48
250 ml Olive oil: €4,49 / $5,09
bag of potato chips: €1,89 / $2,14
Kilo tomatoes: €2,29 / $2,60
Bowl of Yogurt (1L) : €2,75 / $3,12
Loaf of Bread : €2,49 / $2,82
Oreo’s : €1,95 / $2,21
Pack of milk (1L): €1,35 / $1,53
Coca Cola (1,5L): €2,69 / $3,05
Water (1,5L): €1,25 / $1,42
Wine in the supermarket (750 ml): €8,90 / $10,10
Beer in the supermarket €1,69 / $1,92
Bottle of Shampoo: €3,39 / $3,85
Cappuccino: €3,20 / $3,63
Glass wine in restaurant : €7,50 / $8,50
Local beer in restaurant: €4,50 / $5,10
Simpel lunch/dinner (1 pers): €15 / $17,00
Liter gasoline: €1,48 / $1,67

Conclusion: is a trip to Lapland expensive?

A trip to Lapland is certainly not cheap. The airline tickets are costly, the hotels are not cheap and well the activities really increase your spendings. Scandinavia is not a cheap destination, but in our opinion, Finland was not too bad. We expected that the costs for food and drinks would be higher.

Could we have done Lapland cheaper? Probably, if we had not been eating out, had not done any activities and had slept in cheaper hotels. Had I wanted that: absolutely not. This trip was perfect!

What is a realistic daily budget for a trip to Lapland in Finland?

If you have a budget of +/- €180 per person per day, you should be more than fine (excluding flight tickets). That’s a lot of money, however, you won’t stay many days in Lapland. In case you travel with kids, lower this amount to €120 per kid. In case you do fewer activities and will cook every meal, you can definitely lower this amount.

Looking back, I think Finnish Lapland is more than worth the money! It is an incredibly beautiful destination with special activities. A once-in-a-lifetime journey! And the best part is simply free: the northern lights!

Click here for all my other blogs on Lapland and Finland!

Like this post? Pin it!

More blogs on Finland

Lapland tips: all you need to know for a winter holiday to lapland in finland, lapland itinerary: the ultimate travel itinerary through finnish lapland in winter, what to pack for lapland our packing list for lapland in finland.

This was such a beautiful read & amazingly informative! Thank u so much 💥

Happy to hear it helps!!!

Hola :) has this trip happened in 2021? I plan a trip there and speaking about prices I wonder could it be a bit different today due to inflation if few years has passed by :)

Hi Goda, Yes this trip happend before 2021, before covid (2019). Yes indeed, I do think prices might have inflated a bit. Kind regards

we (2 adults 1 child) are due to fly out on 19th dec, all we looking for is spending money for activities (how much are they), shop to buy snacks as we are full board and drinks. We are there for 3 nights 4 days. I was thinking about takings 1500-2000 euros. but on tui they reckon all we need is 500 euro

Hi Will, Thanks for you message and what a Wonderfull trip you are going on! I do think your estimate is fairly right, at least much better then the one from tui. I would say, when you are only spending money on activities and some snacks, for four days with 3 people, 1500 should be enough (of course depending highly on type of activities). But I do think it is a good estimate! Kind regards and have fun!

I love the detail information regarding the price. Lapland is always on my bucket list but I want to combine Sweden and Finland together.

Wauw that sounds amazing, combining them!

Lapland Holidays

Why Lapland

What better way to enjoy the magic of Christmas and make your child’s dreams come true than a trip to see Santa on a Lapland holiday? Think crisp white snow, reindeers, huskies and elves – it’s a place where childhood dreams can become reality. Father Christmas has put some time aside in his busy December schedule to welcome you into his hideaway Lapland home, with the elves on hand to join in the fun – all you need to do is wrap up warm and bring your Christmas list! Experience the thrill of Husky Sledding, Tobogganing or take a ride through the stunning landscape on a magical Reindeer Sleigh. And at the end of the day look out for nature’s very own light show, the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights. We can offer Lapland Day Trips throughout the month of December - flying out early morning and returning late at night. Extend your stay on a 2, 3 or 4 night break staying in 3 or 4 star hotels in various resorts, including Saariselka and Rovaniemi, both a short transfer from the airport.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable last minute Lapland break or a luxury Lapland holiday , you’ll find your perfect snowy escape with Hays Travel. To book yours, chat to one of our travel experts today. Alternatively, take a look at some of our other winter holidays .

Want to know more about our Lapland holidays? Browse our FAQs below to learn more about Santa’s magical home.

You’ll find Lapland in the northernmost region of Finland, bordering Norway and Sweden. The Arctic Circle crosses into Lapland too, which is why Lapland holidays are known for their magical wintery settings.

The flight time from the UK to Lapland is approximately 3 hours. Its short flight time is why Lapland day trips and mini breaks are so popular!

Yes! A chance to spot the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is just one of the things that make Lapland holidays so special.

A day trip to Lapland for a family of 3 usually costs around £1660. At Hays Travel, we offer low deposits and pay monthly options on all our Lapland holidays to help make your trip as affordable as possible.

To book your Lapland holiday, chat to a member of Hays Travel now.

We are currently experiencing technical issues. If you need to get in touch and to book please call us on 01483791945 . View our opening hours here .

Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 5:30pm Sun: Closed

The Ultimate Lapland Holiday

Price Match Promise
Snow Guarantee
ABTA/ATOL Protected
All airports
All durations
All Santa’s Lapland experiences
Santa's Magic
Santa's Aurora
Santa's Hotel Tunturi
Santa's Hotel Holiday Club
Santa's Hotel Riekonlinna
Santa's Saariselka Inn
Santa's Star Arctic Hotel
Santa's Glass Cube Cabins

Choose your Santa’s Lapland experience

Both of our lapland holiday packages include a reindeer ride, sledging with huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities like snow hockey and mini skidoos, and a private visit with santa., on our santa’s aurora package, your activity centre is exclusive to our santa’s aurora families and you’ll have an additional wilderness dinner, a visit to santa's elves workshop, a longer husky ride and a snowmobile safari..

SANTA s MAGIC Your choice of four hotels with everything you've dreamed of for a magical Lapland adventure. Explore Santa’s Magic

Believe your eyes, this is an experience your family will cherish forever. From £1169 per adult See what's included
SANTA S AURORA Enjoy the ultimate Christmas in Lapland with a little extra Aurora magic sprinkled on top. Explore Santa's Aurora

The ultimate Lapland experience for your family, even the elves get jealous. From £1549 per adult See what’s included

Get Inspired

Santa and his elves can't wait for your arrival, but before your trip begins, get inspired! Unlock the magic of Lapland with our Santa's Chronicles, learn how to wrap up warm in Lapland or call our Christmas helpers to book your magical getaway.

Don't Miss Out On This Limited-Time Magic

Tick-tock. The magic's on the clock. We're giving the gift of incredible savings with HALF PRICE child places on our Santa’s Magic package for selected dates in November and December 2024 & 2025.

No one knows how to make Christmas more magical

Flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, a fun-filled activity trip and snowsuits are all included.

A remote spot in the far north of Finland, 200km above the Arctic Circle among the snowy trees of Saariselkä.

If you are yet to book, and you find your Santa’s Lapland holiday cheaper elsewhere, we’ll price match it.

Everything about the holiday was magical. Amazing staff, hotel, organisation of the search for Santa day, the support of the company in the lead up to the trip. Can't recommend this trip and company enough. SANTA'S HOTEL TUNTURI - CHRISTOPHER December 2022

Amazing holiday. Reps were amazing. Programme was well thought through. I loved it as much as the kids. STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - REBECCA January 2022

A once in lifetime trip, magical and full of fun for children and adults. Accomodation practical with everything you needed, staff attentive and organised and the food suited everyone's needs. The adventures were unforgettable and breathtaking! SANTA'S HOTEL TUNTURI - MARY December 2022

We had a truly magical experience enhanced by the enthusiasm of the staff. Our boys 6 and 7 were taken aback by the whole experience and Santa was the icing on the cake. A family trip and memories that we will treasure forever! SANTA'S HOLIDAY CLUB - ALISON December 2021

Fancy more snow fun?

Keep the magic going with an extra day for adventure - the choice is yours. sledding on the toboggan run, the thrill of husky sledding, cruising through the snow by snowmobile or hunting for the northern lights..

An extra day for family time in the snow. Husky and reindeer rides, thrilling snowmobiles, a spot of skiing, or a hunt for the Northern Lights. The choice is yours. Optional Adventures

Explore a little more, make magical memories in this other-worldly wilderness. You're spoilt for choice. See for yourself

WAYS TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY TO LAPLAND

It's time to book your trip to Lapland and we can't wait for your arrival. Whether you're booking online or giving our Christmas helpers a call on 01483 791 945 , we're just as excited as you are for your magical journey to begin!

Snow guarantee
ABTA/ATOL protected
Experts in Lapland for over 15 years

We are currently open, give us a call on:

Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland

A re you heading to Finland and wondering what the best way to travel from Helsinki to Lapland? Did you know that for most visitors to Finland, these are the two most visited areas? It makes sense as most visitors fly into Helsinki, spend a day or two and then head off into the vast wilderness of Finnish Lapland.

In this guide I will help you in your travel research by providing up to date information on how to travel to/from these regions of Finland, whether its by plane, train or even car.

One of the biggest factors in your decision about how to get from Helsinki to Lapland will be the amount of time you have and your budget. Below I go through the practical details on the three main transport options, providing the positives and negatives for each so you can make the most informed decision. Let get into it!

What are the airports in Lapland?

As I mentioned there are currently 5 airports in Lapland. Below are the airports with the main locations serviced from them.

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Rovaniemi is the third busiest airport in Finland and is the most popular of the ones in Lapland. Located in the south of Lapland, just near the Arctic Circle, this airport is seen as the gateway to Santa Claus Village. Given the towns popularity, there are several flights a day between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. This is one of the few that also is international airport accepting flights from several major European cities.

In general, Rovaniemi can feel a quite commercial and crowded, especially during the peak winter season. This airport also serves as the hub for Pyhä and Salla which are popular for their natural beauty and skiing, both downhill and cross country.

Ivalo Airport (IVL)

Two popular destinations with skiers and snowboarders include Inari and Saariselka , which are both serviced by the Ivalo airport. The airport is within 30 minutes of both destinations and is the northernmost airport in Finland.

Kittilä Airport (KTT)

Kittila is one of the main airports in the northernmost region of Finland, and the only other accepting international flights. This airport services the popular ski area of Levi. Levi is a popular spot for families during the festive season, but is smaller and quieter than Rovaniemi. Additionally, the popular Snow Village can be found here.

Our favorite destination serviced by this airport is Muonio which is a laid back destination offering all the popular touristy activities found in Rovaniemi but without the crowds and is excellent for spotting the Northern Lights.

Kemi Airport (KEM)

Kemi-Tornio Airport is located on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, serving travelers heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi has slowly become more popular in the tourist circuits for their magnificent Snow Castle that is built there every winter and for the famous Sampo icebreaker cruise.

Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Lastly, the Kuusamo Airport serves one of Finland’s major holiday destinations Kuusamo, attracting almost a million tourists annually. Many of these arrive for skiing at nearby ski resorts, especially Ruka Ski Resort , one of the largest in Finland.

Flying from Helsinki to Lapland

Domestic flights from the capital Helsinki to Lapland airports are operated by Finnair. While the flights can be reasonably priced if booked well in advance, domestic flights on Finnair do impose an extra fee for checked luggage. Additionally, the new Finnair carry on limits are quite strict with a maximum of 8 kg for all carry on items combined. This means, that for most travelers, it makes most sense to upgrade to the main fare price which includes both carry on and checked baggage. Once you upgrade your flight, a round-trip flight will cost a minimum of €200. Note, if you are looking for cheap flights, sign up for Finnair’s email blast and keep an eye out for flash sales.

That said, this is still the quickest way to travel between Helsinki and Lapland. It can be cost effective if you are a solo traveler and/or traveling with extremely light luggage. However, it can be get expensive if you need to check a bag or are traveling in high season with several people

Traveling by Train from Helsinki to Lapland

Next we will move on to traveling by train from Helsinki to Lapland , which is the second most popular option.

I personally find travelling by train in Finland to be a wonderful experience and the most convenient way to get around the country. The trains are clean and reasonably reliable depending on weather conditions of course. Additionally, it is better for the environment and saves you money on accommodation if you can take an overnight train to travel while you sleep. All long-distance trains in Finland are operated by VR Train.

Day vs. Night Trains

The most popular train that visitors take to Lapland from Helsinki is the Santa Claus Express train which ends in Rovaniemi. It leaves close to midnight and arrives around 11 a.m. the next morning. If you are traveling with children, this train is great as the sleeper cabins are essentially sold as a two person cabin. Prices for an upstairs private compartment sleeper cabin which includes a private toilet run around 300 Euro one way. The train also has a restaurant car for snacks and meals while on the train. Note, Rovaniemi train tickets for the sleeper cars can sell out quickly, so book well in advance to ensure you have a cabin.

Another popular route is to Kolari, which is the northernmost railway station in Finland. Travel here from Helsinki takes approximately 14 hours. Boarding is around 7:45 p.m. in Helsinki with a 10 a.m. arrival. Even though it sounds like a long trip, it goes by quite quickly once you get settled in your sleeper cabin, grab some food from the restaurant car and then hit the sack.

If you are unable to secure a sleeper cabin, you can consider a day train. With free Wifi, power sockets and the ability to walk around, an 8 hour train would actually go quite quickly if you can keep yourself occupied! These tickets run around €75 per ticket during high season.

Take Your Car on the Train

For readers who live in Europe or have a rental car already booked, they can consider putting the vehicle on the train as well! These trains depart from Pasila Station and can be extremely handy if you have brought your car over from mainland Europe, but don’t want to drive all the way to Lapland. This is not cheap, but is a dobale option to ensure you have more access to explore around Lapland.

Train Stations in Lapland

There are many train stations in Lapland that I can’t list them all, but the main ending/starting point for the major lines include Kolari as the furthest north, Rovaniemi and Kemijarvi in the east.

Kolari is in the far north of Finland, northeast of Rovaniemi, and very close to the Swedish border. This station is perfect for those traveling to Levi or Muonio. You can reserve a shared taxi or bus from the station to both locations.

Kemijärvi is located east of Rovaniemi and from here you can easily access Salla and Pyhä.

Overall, I personally feel that if you are traveling with others or even on your own that taking an overnight train to or from Lapland is a great option. Train travel is scenic, cost effective if you have a family or a lot of luggage and you also have the option of taking a vehicle. The negatives are that it does take a long time and there are times that the trains leave late at night making it awkward for families with smaller children.

Driving from Helsinki to Lapland by Car

For many travelers further afield, this would mean renting a car and needing to return it either in Lapland or back to Helsinki which can be quite an expense.

I am not sure I would recommend this option for many, but if you have your car and you are confident on driving on the right hand side of the road, in snow or inclimate weather, you will most likely be fine.

But you must be aware that this journey is at least 800 kilometers and can take around 10 hours. That said, the journey up to Rovaniemi is along one main road and the views will be stunning for much of the way.

In general, I’d only advise driving to Lapland from Helsinki if you’re touring elsewhere in Finland, have your own vehicle and have at least a couple of weeks here to make it worthwhile and cost-effective.

Important Information for Your Finland Trip

When is the best time to visit finland.

In reality, you can visit Finland at any time of the year as there are a multitude of activities to suit any weather condition. That said, in my opinion, the best time to visit Finland is definitely during the winter months between December and February. This is when you will see the most beautiful winter wonderland landscapes and you have a great chance to see the aurora borealis. Note, it is also the coldest time of the year, so you will need to prepare for that!

What is the best way to get to Finland?

Finnair offers direct flights to Helsinki Airport from all over the world, including from here in Los Angeles. The international flights are on newer Airbus A350 planes which have ample legroom, flight cameras and more. Subscribe to their newsletter for deals and special offers if this is a trip you are looking to plan far in advance.

If you are in mainland Europe, you can also make your way overland to Tallinn and take the Viking Express over to Helsinki for a very affordable rate. Note, this is also a great day trip idea from Helsinki.

Where do you recommend to stay in Helsinki?

There are so many amazing options to stay in Helsinki. I think where you stay is dependent on what you want out of your visit. During my stay in the city I was leaving on an early morning ferry and arriving late at night from the airport so I chose the Noli Studio Apartments which were cheap, clean and convenient to everywhere I wanted to go. There are several of them located throughout the city, so pay attention to the neighborhood that you wish to be in!

If you want a little more luxury and don’t mind being a little further out, consider the Clarion Hotel which is a favorite for repeat visitors to the city.

What are the best things to do in Finland?

There are so many amazing things to do in Finland that I can’t list them all here. But a start would be to check out our top experiences in Lapland that you can find all over the region. Winter activities are some of the best on offer here in Finland.

What do I need to pack for Finland?

Layers is the short answer. The longer answer will depend on what time of year you are visiting. Assuming you visit during the high season of winter, you will need to pack a lot of warm breathable layers such as merino wool . Overall, I would say to focus on layers, good boots that have room for several pairs of socks, good gloves or mittens and a warm hat.

If You Enjoyed This Post, Sign Up To Receive Posts By Email or…

Join us on Facebook for regular updates and related articles
Check us out on Instagram to see what we are up to in photos
Follow us on Twitter for links to great travel articles curated just for you
Or share this post with others by pinning on Pinterest!

Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland

Watch CBS News

Reporting from China: How this trip was different

By Brit McCandless Farmer

Updated on: June 9, 2024 / 7:02 PM EDT / CBS News

This week on 60 Minutes, correspondent Lesley Stahl reported from Beijing and Shanghai , cities few Western journalists have entered since 2020, when China began to expel some journalists and restrict access to others in the foreign media. Stahl went at the invitation of U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, who spoke about China's economy and its relationship with the U.S.

According to Stahl, the visit was different from previous reporting trips she has taken with 60 Minutes because she was not accompanied by a government minder.

"The Chinese authorities pretty much left us alone, except there were cars following us. We saw them," Stahl said. "But they were not obtrusive. They never interfered."

Stahl has had plenty of interference in previous trips. At times, minders from the Chinese Communist Party attended shoots, occasionally coaching subjects on what to say. Once, a convoy of unmarked police cars arrived on a shoot to stop filming, and another time, a special police unit confiscated the videotapes in 60 Minutes' cameras.

This time, Stahl said, it was more subtle: Stahl and her 60 Minutes crew were told that the government's ubiquitous surveillance cameras were watching them. Stahl also later found out the government had tried to shut down some of the interviews 60 Minutes set up with Chinese businesses.

Finding American companies to open up was just as challenging. Stahl and her team requested interviews with many American firms that do business in China, but the majority would not speak to 60 Minutes, even off the record.

Stahl said the American firms were concerned, both about what may happen to them in China —and of the American reaction at home, including from members of Congress looking for tougher policy on China.

"They're worried about a backlash against their companies just for doing business in China," Stahl said.

But in Beijing and Shanghai, the state of the economy rules decisions right now, according to Burns.

"They're experiencing economic problems that they have not experienced for 40 years," Burns told Stahl. "They're worried that American, and Japanese, and German companies might leave. They're worried about foreign direct investment. I think they want calmer waters."

Photos courtesy of Karen M. Sughrue.

The video above was originally published on February 25, 2024 and was produced by Brit McCandless Farmer. It was edited by Sarah Shafer Prediger.

Brit McCandless Farmer is a digital producer for 60 Minutes, where her work has been recognized by the Webby, Gracie, and Telly Awards. Previously, Brit worked at the CBS Weekend Evening News, CBS This Morning, CNN, and ABC News.

More from CBS News

U.S. resumes delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via repaired pier

Yemen's Houthi rebels detain at least 9 U.N. staffers, officials tell AP

23-year-old sought in deaths of her 3 elderly roommates caught

Body of missing TV doctor Michael Mosley found in Greece, family says

My View My View
Following Following
Saved Saved

New Zealand PM says China Premier Li Qiang to visit this week

Medium Text

Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan announce joint statement after summit

Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sonali Paul and Gerry Doyle

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Far-right advances in EU election, France calls snap national vote

Far-right parties in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and elsewhere performed strongly in a vote that will see the balance of power shift rightwards in the 720-seat parliament that helps shape and approve legislation across the bloc.

Snap parliamentary and European Parliament elections in Sofia

US couple's trip to Brazil turns into 4-month stay after wife gives birth at 28 weeks

A Minnesota couple who traveled to Brazil in February for a two-week vacation have now spent nearly four months there after the wife went into premature labor , delivering their son at 28 weeks.

Chris and Cheri Phillips, of Cambridge, arrived on Feb. 22 in Brazil, where they planned to celebrate the eighth birthday of Chris's daughter from a previous relationship, who lives full-time with her mother in Brazil.

The couple told " Good Morning America " they were also looking forward to spending time relaxing ahead of the birth of their first child together, who was due in May.

Their plans changed on March 8 -- just days before they were scheduled to fly home -- when Cheri Phillips began experiencing labor pains.

"It started off that I just kind of had a backache ... I thought I just need to go lie down and I'll feel better in the morning," said Cheri Phillips. "About 4 a.m., I started bleeding, so I woke Chris up and off to [the] hospital we went."

Once she was admitted to a local maternity hospital in Florianópolis, a city in Southern Brazil, doctors spent the next four days trying to prevent Cheri Phillips from going into early labor, according to the Phillipses.

Chris Phillips said they initially hoped Cheri's labor pains were minor enough that they would be able to fly back home to Minnesota before she gave birth. But soon, he said, it became apparent that their son would unexpectedly be born in Brazil.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that healthy, pregnant women can travel safely until they are 36 weeks pregnant, with the ideal time to travel coming between week 14 and week 28 of pregnancy.

Pregnant women who travel by plane also have to take into consideration restrictions and requirements from airlines, which each have their own set of rules.

Editor’s Picks

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

How a female trucker influencer got stuck in Dubai due to an argument with a rental car agent

Groom gets new passport in time for wedding after dog ate it

ABC News' Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a board-certified OBGYN, has previously said the primary reason pregnant women are warned against travel in the final weeks before birth is more about logistics and care than medical complications from flying.

"Her pregnancy had been perfect until that point," Chris Phillips said of his wife, adding that prior to their trip, the couple had taken precautions, including identifying the hospital nearest them in Brazil and receiving approval from their OBGYN to travel as Cheri Phillips was still in her second trimester. "Every ultrasound showed that Greyson was perfectly on schedule and perfectly on track for each gestation period."

Mother gives birth to baby mid-air on transatlantic United flight

On March 12, doctors in Brazil had to rush Cheri Phillips, then 28 weeks pregnant, into an emergency C-section, the couple said. After what the Phillipses described as a complicated and tense delivery, their son, Greyson Leo Phillips, was born weighing just over 2 pounds.

"For us, wasn’t a moment to celebrate. It was just pure fear and pure panic, for his health, for Cheri's health," Chris Phillips said. "And then, logistically, how are we going to get home in terms of all the bureaucratic stuff on both the Brazilian side and the American side? What are we going to do about health insurance?"

Almost immediately after his birth, Greyson was admitted to the hospital's neo-natal intensive care unit, or NICU, according to the Phillipses.

For the next 51 days, Greyson stayed in the NICU while his parents found places to live during their unexpectedly extended stay in Brazil, first at the hospital during Cheri Phillips' stay and then at multiple vacation rentals.

While spending their days with Greyson in the NICU, Chris Phillips, who speaks Portuguese fluently, translated between his English-speaking wife and the Portuguese-speaking medical staff.

"It was difficult for me to be fully present as a partner and as a father because I was working as a medical interpreter," Chris Phillips said. "I would retain some of the information that was passing through my brain, but a lot of the times, I would just count on Cheri to remember what I had interpreted, and then catch me up to speed afterwards so then we could make decisions as a parenting couple."

Cheri Phillips said the experience left her with fear that something would happen to Greyson and she wouldn't be able to communicate with nurses and doctors. In addition to being born premature, Greyson was diagnosed at birth with patent foramen ovale, or PFO, a hole in the heart that has failed to close after birth.

"I never quite knew what was happening, especially if I went alone, which happened because Chris couldn't always be there," Cheri Phillips said. "There were definitely days I came back [from the NICU] just absolutely defeated."

At the same time the couple was caring for their son in the NICU, the Phillipses were working around-the-clock to get Greyson the paperwork he'd need to be able to leave Brazil and travel to the United States.

The couple said they fought for weeks to get Greyson's birth certificate from officials in Brazil so that he could be issued an American passport. Their fight included hiring a lawyer to help them navigate legal roadblocks in Brazil, working with their U.S. senator's office in Minnesota and the U.S. Embassy in Brazil and sharing their story with local media outlets to raise awareness.

In early May, when Greyson was discharged from the hospital, he still did not have the birth certificate he needed to obtain a passport, according to the Phillipses.

"I struggled quite a bit that first week or two of having him here with us just knowing that the only reason we were stuck here is because we couldn't get his birth certificate," Cheri Phillips said. "I emotionally had a very hard time with that."

She continued, "I was stuck in this Airbnb that wasn't mine, not speaking the language, didn't have my village, no family, no friends."

The couple also had to purchase all the newborn essentials they needed for Greyson, including diapers, clothes and a crib. Their baby shower, they said, had been scheduled for March 30 at home in Minnesota.

As the days and weeks went on, both Chris and Cheri Phillips also had to return to work, each doing their Minnesota-based jobs remotely from Brazil.

The couple said they also completed the sale of their home in Minnesota and closed on a new home nearby during their time in Brazil, a process they had planned on completing in-person after their originally scheduled return date.

"It is truly overwhelming. You just kind of put your head down and get through it the best you can," Chris Phillips said. "What sustains us is the simple fact that there’s no option of giving up ... we have to get home."

It was not until June 5, nearly three months after his birth, that the Phillipses secured Greyson's emergency U.S. passport.

The couple said they are now planning to leave Brazil with Greyson on June 23, and arrive in Minnesota on June 26, where family and friends will be there to welcome them.

"I’m excited to actually bring home. We haven’t been able to bring him 'home' yet," said Cheri Phillips. "I’m excited to be able to relax in our space, in our home, where we’re comfortable, and with our village, to be able to have grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles over."

Both Cheri and Chris Phillips said despite the obstacles, one silver lining of the whole experience has been spending time with Chris's 8-year-old daughter Melory, who has been able to bond with her baby brother. By chance of his early delivery, Greyson was born in the same operating room of the same hospital as Melory.

"She has absolutely taken to the role of big sister more than you can imagine," Chris Phillips. "He's the cutest thing in the world to her."

Added Cheri Phillips, "He’ll always have a special bond with Brazil, being born here and his sister lives here."

Up Next in Family—

US couple's trip to Brazil turns into 4-month stay after wife gives birth at 28 weeks

Naomi Campbell reveals she welcomed both of her children via surrogacy

Mom shares realistic summer reminder for parents: 'It's OK to be in a hard season'

Nike releasing 'Girl Dad' sneakers in honor of the late Kobe and Gigi Bryant

Shop editors picks, sponsored content by taboola.

Privacy Policy —
Your US State Privacy Rights —
Children's Online Privacy Policy —
Interest-Based Ads —
Terms of Use —
Do Not Sell My Info —
Contact Us —

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Fact Sheets

Fact Sheet: Presidential Proclamation to Suspend and Limit Entry and Joint DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule to Restrict Asylum During High Encounters at the Southern Border

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration took decisive new action to strengthen border security, announcing a series of measures that restrict asylum eligibility, and significantly increase the consequences for those who enter without authorization across the southern border. These extraordinary steps, which will be in effect during times when high levels of encounters exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, will make noncitizens who enter across the southern border ineligible for asylum with certain exceptions, raise the standard that is used to screen for certain protection claims, and speed up our ability to quickly remove those who do not qualify for protection.

These actions follow a series of steps that the Administration has taken over the past three years as it prepared for the end of the Title 42 public health Order, and since it was lifted last year, including surging personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the border, issuing the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule, and referring record numbers of noncitizens into expedited removal. Over the past year, we have removed or returned more than three quarters of a million people, more than in any fiscal year since 2010. Despite these efforts, our outdated and broken immigration and asylum system, coupled with a lack of sufficient funding, make it impossible to quickly impose consequences on all noncitizens who cross irregularly and without a legal basis to remain in the United States.

The Administration has repeatedly called on Congress to provide the resources and legal authorities needed to secure our border. The measures announced today will better enable the Department to quickly remove individuals without a legal basis to remain in the United States, strengthening enforcement and change the calculus for those considering crossing our border irregularly. However, they are no substitute for Congressional action. We continue to call on Congress to provide the new tools and resources we have asked for to support the men and women on the frontlines.

President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of noncitizens across the southern border. The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General also jointly issued an interim final rule that, consistent with the Proclamation, generally restricts asylum eligibility for those who irregularly enter across the southern border – including the Southwest land and the southern coastal borders. The rule also limits fear screenings to those who manifest a fear or express a desire to file for protection and heightens the screening standard for statutory withholding and claims under the Convention Against Torture. Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and scope of consequences for those who cross our borders irregularly or who attempt to present themselves at Ports of Entry without authorization, allowing the Departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States. The restriction on asylum eligibility will be discontinued when encounters fall below certain levels but will come back into effect if encounters rise again.

The rule makes three key changes to current processing under Title 8 immigration authorities during periods of high border encounters:

First, noncitizens who cross the southern border unlawfully or without authorization will generally be ineligible for asylum, absent exceptionally compelling circumstances and unless they are excepted by the Proclamation.
Second, noncitizens who cross the southern border and are processed for expedited removal while the limitation is in effect will only be referred for a credible fear screening with an Asylum Officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum.  
Third, the U.S. will continue to adhere to its international obligations and commitments by screening individuals who manifest a fear as noted above and do not qualify for an exception to the Rule for withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protections at a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard – a new, substantially higher standard than is currently applied under the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule.

Like the Proclamation, the rule provides for an end to these enhanced measures following a sustained reduction in southern border encounters. Specifically, these measures are in effect until 14 calendar days after there has been a 7-consecutive-calendar-day average of less than 1,500 encounters between the ports of entry. The measures would again go into effect, or continue, as appropriate, when there has been a 7-consecutive-calendar-day average of 2,500 encounters or more.

During periods of high encounters, the Proclamation will apply across the southern border. Lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied children, victims of a severe form of trafficking, and other noncitizens with a valid visa or other lawful permission to enter the United States are excepted from the Proclamation.

In addition, the suspension and limitation on entry and rule will not apply to noncitizens who use a Secretary-approved process—such as the CBP One mobile app—to enter the United States at a port of entry in a safe and orderly manner or pursue another lawful pathway.

Noncitizens who cross the southern border and who are not excepted from the Proclamation will be ineligible for asylum unless exceptionally compelling circumstances exist, including if the noncitizen demonstrates that they or a member of their family with whom they are traveling:

faced an acute medical emergency;
faced an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety, such as an imminent threat of rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder; or
satisfied the definition of “victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons” currently provided in 8 CFR 214.11.

Consequences

Noncitizens who are subject to the rule’s limitation on asylum eligibility and who manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, express a fear of persecution or torture or an intention to apply for asylum, but do not establish a reasonable probability of persecution or torture in the country of removal will be promptly removed.

Those ordered removed will be subject to at least a five-year bar to reentry and potential criminal prosecution.

The Proclamation and rule will significantly enhance the security of our border by increasing the Departments’ ability to impose swift consequences for individuals who cross the southern border irregularly and do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States. Together, the Proclamation and rule make critical changes to how the Departments operate during times when encounters are at historically high levels—levels that, in the absence of these changes, undermine the government’s ability to process individuals through the expedited removal process. These changes will enable the Departments to quickly return those without a lawful basis to stay in the United States and thereby free up the asylum system for those with legitimate claims.

These extraordinary measures are a stop gap. Even with these measures in place, the Departments continue to lack the authorities and resources needed to adequately support the men and women on the frontlines. The Administration again calls on Congress to take up and pass the bipartisan reforms proposed in the Senate, which provide the new authorities, personnel, and resources that are needed to address the historic global migration that is impacting countries throughout the world, including our own. Until Congress does its part, we will continue to take any actions needed under current law and within existing resources to secure the border.

Border Security
Immigration
Biden-Harris Administration
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Department of Justice (DOJ)

latest in US News

Purpose of centuries-old secret tunnels beneath this Florida city...

Incredible footage shows Florida sniper shoot hostage-holding...

Kamala Harris schools anti-Israel heckler in Michigan: ‘I’m...

Border Patrol memo instructs agents to release migrants from...

14-year-old subway surfer rushed to hospital after striking head...

Man named 'Optimus Prime' caught driving stolen car: Texas police

Millionaire investment banker slugs woman on nyc street during....

Here are the questions ex- NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo could face at...

Champion us baton twirler wins $4.2m verdict after being sexually assaulted during nightmare trip to peru.

View Author Archive
Email the Author
Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A national two-time baton-twirling champion won a $4.2 million jury verdict in Brooklyn last week after suing the US Twirling Association for negligence, claiming she’d been drugged and sexually assaulted by a “creepy” local during a 2019 goodwill trip to Peru.

The victim, identified only as Jane Doe, testified during the nearly three-week week trial in Brooklyn Federal Court against the Nassau County-based USTA’s chaperone Koralea Slagle and president Karen Cammer.

The six teenage twirlers were supposed to visit foster homes and grade schools, and take part in a parade but instead, the victim said, they were left with their host, a man named Jacobo who headed the local Lions Club.

slagle, smiling and looking at the camera, with five young twirlers whose are obscured

Then 17 and originally from Ohio, Doe alleged Slagle turned a blind eye while the teens were kept out til 3 a.m. each night and offered booze, but no water, to drink.

She had told her mother Jacobo was acting “kinda creepy” toward her, adding, “there have been multiple instances where he just wants to take me but I’ve refused,” according to the legal filing.

One night the girl felt sick after being given a “special mojito” — hours later Jacobo used a key to enter her locked room, and sexually assaulted the ill and disoriented girl, she said in court papers.

A criminal investigation was later launched in Peru but its status is unknown.

The jury found Slagle, a Kansas resident, and the USTA negligent, awarding $3 million for past damages and $1.2 million for future pain and suffering, with Slagle personally responsible for $504,000 of the award.

Karen cammer looking at the camera, with grey hair, glasses and a yellow and greyt op, outside with palm trees behind her

“If I stayed silent, the USTA would have never taken accountability for their actions,” the victim, now 22, told The Post. “I have reclaimed my voice by sharing the truth but continue to work towards healing. Athletes are not disposable, and their dignity and safety should never be sacrificed.”

Doe’s lawyer, Andy Goldwasser, added, “After four and half years our client finally received the vindication and rightful outcome she deserved. Maybe now, the USTA will stop prioritizing power over safety.”

“While USTA is disappointed with the verdict and is evaluating next steps, we respect the process and acknowledge the outcome. It is a serious reminder of our imperative to protect and support every athlete in our organization,” the organization said. “USTA remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and supportive sporting environment for all athletes.”

Share this article:

USTR Releases Summaries from U.S. – Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations
Ambassador McKalip to Travel to Singapore for Bilateral Meetings, U.S. Agricultural Stakeholder Engagement and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Meetings
Readout of United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s Call with Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis
United States Announces Successful Resolution of Rapid Response Labor Mechanism Matter to Restore Workers’ Rights at Minera Tizapa Facility
United States Announces Successful Resolution of Rapid Response Mechanism Labor Matter at Servicios Industriales González, S.A. de C.V.
USTR, USDA Announce Appointments to Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee
United States Seeks Mexico’s Review of Alleged Denial of Workers’ Rights at Volkswagen de México, S.A. de C.V.
USTR Extends Certain Exclusions from China Section 301 Tariffs
United States and Kenya to Hold Sixth Negotiating Round Under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
USTR Announces New Action to Improve Emergency Response Collaboration Under the USMCA
United States, Canada, and Mexico Joint Statement of the Fourth Meeting of the USMCA//CUSMA//T-MEC Free Trade Commission
Readout of United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s Meeting with Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development Mary Ng
Readout of United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s Meeting with Mexican Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro
Readout of Fourth Meeting of the U.S.-Vietnam Timber Working Group
USTR Issues Federal Register Notice on Section 301 Proposed Tariff Modifications and Machinery Exclusion Process
Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai Commemorating World Trade Week
United States and Kenya Joint Statement after the Fifth Round of U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations
Readout of Ambassador Katherine Tai’s Meeting With Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Elizabeth Galdo Marín
Ambassador Tai to Travel to Phoenix, Arizona
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Small Business Administration, and Department of Commerce Convene the Third USMCA Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Dialogue
ICYMI: U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai Delivers Remarks on Her Actions to Increase China Tariffs

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to Take Further Action on China Tariffs After Releasing Statutory Four-Year Review

USTR Invites Public Participation in Stakeholder Listening Session During Fifth United States-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiating Round
USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism Panel Releases Determination Regarding Grupo México Mine; Biden-Harris Administration Will Continue Seeking to Enforce USMCA Labor Obligations and Advance Workers’ Rights
Ambassador Tai to Travel to Arequipa, Peru
Week Ahead Guidance for the Week of May 13 to May 17, 2024
United States and Kenya to Hold Fifth Negotiating Round Under their Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
Ambassador Tai to Travel to Los Angeles, California
United States and the Philippines Hold Agriculture and Labor Working Group Meetings Under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
Readout of the U.S.-Iraq Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting
USTR Announces Neil Beck as Acting Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs
Week Ahead Guidance for the Week of May 6 to May 10, 2024
Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai in Recognition of International Workers’ Day
Readout of Negotiating Round Under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade
Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Policy Offices
Press Office
Press Releases

May 14, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai today released the following statement concerning the statutory review of the tariff actions in the Section 301 investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation: “After thorough review of the statutory report on Section 301 tariffs, and having considered my advice, President Biden is directing me to take further action to encourage the elimination of the People’s Republic of China’s unfair technology transfer-related policies and practices that continue to burden U.S. commerce and harm American workers and businesses,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “As the President recognizes in his memorandum, while the tariffs have been effective in encouraging the PRC to take some steps to address the issues identified in the Section 301 investigation, further action is required. “In light of President Biden’s direction, I will be proposing modifications to the China tariffs under Section 301 to confront the PRC’s unfair policies and practices. From the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, I have been committed to using every lever of my office to promote American jobs and investments, and these recommendations are no different. Today, we serve our statutory goal to stop the PRC’s harmful technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices, including its cyber intrusions and cyber theft. I take this charge seriously, and I will continue to work with my partners across sectors to ensure any action complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to expand opportunities for American workers and manufacturers.” The Section 301 statute directs that the four-year review includes a consideration of: the effectiveness of the tariff actions in achieving the objective of the investigation; other actions that could be taken; and the overall effects of the tariff actions on the U.S. economy. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Report addresses the statutory elements of the review, suggests modifications to strengthen the actions, and makes certain recommendations. To encourage further elimination of the PRC’s technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices, Ambassador Tai has recommended that products from the PRC currently subject to Section 301 tariffs should remain. Additionally, in light of the increased burden on U.S. commerce, President Biden is directing Ambassador Tai to take action to add or increase tariffs for certain products. As the Report details, Ambassador Tai will propose the following modifications in strategic sectors:

The Report also makes recommendations for: (1) establishing an exclusion process targeting machinery used in domestic manufacturing, including proposals for 19 exclusions for certain solar manufacturing equipment; (2) allocating additional funds to United States Customs and Border Protection for greater enforcement of Section 301 actions; (3) greater collaboration and cooperation between private companies and government authorities to combat state-sponsored technology theft; and (4) continuing to assess approaches to support diversification of supply chains to enhance our own supply chain resilience. President Biden is also directing Ambassador Tai to establish an exclusion process for machinery used in domestic manufacturing and to prioritize, in particular, exclusions for certain solar manufacturing equipment. Next week, USTR will issue a Federal Register notice announcing procedures for interested persons to comment on the proposed modifications and information concerning an exclusion process for machinery used in domestic manufacturing. Background In May 2022, USTR commenced the statutory four-year review process by notifying representatives of domestic industries that benefit from the tariff actions of the possible termination of those actions and of the opportunity for the representatives to request continuation. In September 2022, USTR announced that because requests for continuation were received, the tariff actions had not terminated and USTR would conduct a review of the tariff actions. USTR opened a docket on November 15, 2022, for interested persons to submit comments with respect to a number of considerations concerning the review. USTR received nearly 1,500 comments. As part of the statutory review process, throughout 2023 and early 2024, USTR and the Section 301 Committee (a staff-level body of the USTR-led, interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee) held numerous meetings with agency experts concerning the review and the comments received. Specifically, the Report concludes:

The Section 301 actions have been effective in encouraging the PRC to take steps toward eliminating some of its technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices and have reduced some of the exposure of U.S. persons and businesses to these technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices.
The PRC has not eliminated many of its technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices, which continue to impose a burden or restriction on U.S. commerce. Instead of pursuing fundamental reform, the PRC has persisted, and in some cases become aggressive, including through cyber intrusions and cybertheft, in its attempts to acquire and absorb foreign technology, which further burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
Economic analyses generally find that tariffs (particularly PRC retaliation) have had small negative effects on U.S. aggregate economic welfare, positive impacts on U.S. production in the 10 sectors most directly affected by the tariffs, and minimal impacts on economy-wide prices and employment.
Negative effects on the United States are particularly associated with retaliatory tariffs that the PRC has applied to U.S. exports.
Critically, these analyses examine the tariff actions as isolated policy measures without reference to the policy landscape that may be reinforcing or undermining the effects of the tariffs.
Economic analyses, including the principal U.S. Government analysis published by the U.S. International Trade Commission, generally find that the Section 301 tariffs have contributed to reducing U.S. imports of goods from the PRC and increasing imports from alternate sources, including U.S. allies and partners, thereby potentially supporting U.S. supply chain diversification and resilience.

600 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20508

Reports and Publications
Fact Sheets
Speeches and Remarks
Blog and Op-Eds
The White House Plan to Beat COVID-19
Free Trade Agreements
Organization
Advisory Committees
USTR.gov/open
Privacy & Legal
FOIA & Privacy Act
Attorney Jobs

IMAGES

The Lapland Guide That Will Inspire You
Lapland Welcome (Rovaniemi)
REISJUNK / Lapland Travel: de ultieme Lapland ervaring in één week
Lapland culture week program package
Lapland daytrip itinerary
2023 Lapland Day Trips

COMMENTS

The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter
Day 4: Rovaniemi. We're going to suggest a full day trip today out of Rovaniemi and down to the town of Kemi on the coast. Here, you're going to take a truly unique trip - a ride on an icebreaker boat! Launched in 1961, the Sampo is a genuine icebreaker built for serious arctic conditions.
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Lapland in Finland
Finnair and Norwegian Air each offer a 90-minute nonstop to Rovaniemi, or you can board a one-stop Finnair flight to Kemi via Kokkola-Jakobstad Airport in Kronoby. If you've got the time, a scenic ...
Ultimate Lapland Aurora Adventure
This week-long trip to Finnish Lapland is packed full of wonderful winter adventures. Ice-climb your way up a cliff and plunge into an icy Arctic lake. Zip around the landscape on an electric snowmobile, go snowshoeing through the forest under the moonlight and travel deep into the snow-dusted wilderness to meet huskies and reindeer—all under a shimmering green glow as the northern lights ...
How to See the Best of Finnish Lapland in 7 Days
Embarking on a week-long trip through Finnish Lapland promises an enchanting journey complete with pristine landscapes, unique winter activities, and vibrant cultural offerings. This Arctic paradise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm a Midwestern girl at heart, so the cold temperatures and snowy surroundings don't really bother ...
Lapland in winter
Day 7 & 8: Kemi (optional) Visiting Kemi only makes sense if you're in Lapland in winter but after mid-December until end of March, as there isn't enough snow before this time to operate the 2 key attractions of this city. A short journey by train from Rovaniemi (1 hr, 20 min), Kemi is known for its Sampo icebreaker cruises which are ...
The Ultimate Itinerary for Lapland and Arctic Circle, Finland
Length of the trip. We suggest setting aside at least 10-12 days for a trip of your lifetime to Finnish Lapland. A rough breakdown is as follows (scroll down for the detailed itinerary 🙂 ) :-. Fly into Rovaniemi/Oulu from Helsinki. Kemi: 2 nights. Rovaniemi and surrounding areas: 4-5 nights.
The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary
Day 3 - Northern Lapland, Levi & Samiland Exhibition. In this itinerary, with a 3-day trip to Lapland or 4 days in Lapland, you'll head out of Rovaniemi and Southern Lapland to Northern Lapland. While Rovaniemi is all about Santa and Christmas joy, Levi, the main resort city in Northern Lapland is all about nature, the Northern Lights, and ...
Winter Road Trip in 10 Days (or 7 Days!)
Lapland offers all of these, and reindeer, huskies, and Santa Claus too! Using our local expertise, we planned a dream Lapland holiday for you in 10 days Lapland. All you need is a car and start driving! Check out this Lapland - Finland itinerary for the perfect winter vacation if you want to explore southern Finland, such as Helsinki, too!
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lapland, Finland in Winter
Posted on February 22, 2019 by Renee Hahnel. Lapland, Finland is the ultimate winter travel destination! This dreamy part of the world has it all… think reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, northern lights, amazing hotels, authentic saunas, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and much, much more! In this blog post, I'm sharing all the insider tips ...
A one week, bucket list Lapland winter itinerary
A one week Lapland Winter Itinerary. Our trip to Lapland was booked for early February. We had considered January for our trip, but as the Saariselkä region is located 250km north of the arctic circle there is a six week period of polar night. This means that from mid December to the end of January, the sun stays below the horizon.
Feel the Magic of Lapland
Welcome to the official travel website for Finnish Lapland, the home of Santa Claus, the last wilderness in Europe, and part of the Sámi homeland.Lapland is a destination above ordinary, full of contrasts and unique natural phenomena: Midnight Sun, Polar Nights, autumn colors, Northern Lights, and Arctic cites nestled among Ice Age fells. Virtual Lapland is your gateway to an Arctic ...
The Ultimate Lapland Itinerary
Since this is not so easy to plan I've put down a detailed itinerary of Lapland including tips, suggestions and all my personal experiences. Day 1- Fly to Helsinki We flew in from Dubai to Helsinki with Finnair. It is the only direct flight from the Middle East to Finland. Upon landing, we took the free shuttle and checked in to Holiday Inn ...
One Week in Finland: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary
Our 7-day guide will take deal with the highlights of Finland one by one. First, you'll delve into the design-mad capital of Helsinki, to see 1800s palaces and taste roastery coffee in cool cafes. Then, you'll move onto the wooded Finnish lakes, the wild Baltic coast, and - eventually - to the shiver-inducing deep north.
Swedish Lapland Itinerary: the best road trip
Luleå Lapland itinerary day 2: Gammelstad. Gammelstad church town is a popular day trip from Luleå and is one of the most picturesque towns in northern Sweden. Church towns have a long and interesting history. As Lapland was so sparsely populated there were only a few churches. people had to travel from far away to go to church on Sunday.
Lapland travel blog
Located in the north of Finland, Lapland is very close to the North Pole, so there are 200 days of cold winter a year. Any visitor, whether a child or an adult, wishes to have a trip to this place to meet Santa Claus, along with the reindeers.Moreover, this place is also an extremely attractive destination with a lot of interesting experiences.
Road Trip! 8 Most Wonderful Lapland Routes
There aren't many roads in Lapland whose scenery won't take your breath away. With snow-capped mountains, stony fells, running water, sandy beaches and the chances for a reindeer photobomb, road trips in Lapland are beautiful, epic and utterly Instagrammable.. 1. The Most Beautiful Road in Finland . For many, Route 97 0, hugging the Teno River between the villages of Utsjoki and ...
Charlotte Plans a Trip » Lapland itinerary: the ultimate itinerary
A tour through Finnish Lapland: the ultimate winter experience! In this blog, you will find an itinerary for a five-day trip through the north of Finland: one of the most beautiful parts of Lapland. During this itinerary, you will have the chance to see the northern lights several times or to enjoy the other magical things that Lapland has to offer. We also give you tips on other highlights of
Lapland on a budget: A complete guide
Lapland on a budget overall spend for the 7 night trip - £2895.85. This could be MUCH cheaper by staying for less nights, not hiring a car, not staying in a £400 per night cabin in Inari and eating out less! I hope you have enjoyed this blog post and that it can help you plan your budget trip to Lapland!
6 Days in Lapland : Tours 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor
6-Day Tours in Lapland. Explore enchanting Lapland on a winter getaway arranged by the regional travel experts at Nordic Visitor. With 6 days in Lapland you could chase the northern lights or meet Father Christmas himself. Your tour includes accommodation, excursions, and airport transfers. view tours.
10 things to do on your winter road trip in Lapland, Finland
2) Book yourself a photography session. This is a truly unique addition to your road trip in Finnish Lapland. You will be going on plenty of adventures on this road trip but first how about capturing some memories for a lifetime. Beyond Arctic offer short 2-4 hour photoshoots for couples and families.
Budget Finnish Lapland: costs and prices of a trip to (Finnish) Lapland?
Total spend: €816 / $925. Flight tickets : €632 / $716,40. Car rental: €146 / $165,50. Gasoline: €38 / $43. It is not cheap to fly to Lapland. We flew at Ivalo airport with Finnair and paid € 316 per person for a return trip. There are also last-minute deals where you can fly to Finnish Lapland for as little as € 160.
Lapland Holidays 2023/2024
We can offer Lapland Day Trips throughout the month of December - flying out early morning and returning late at night. Extend your stay on a 2, 3 or 4 night break staying in 3 or 4 star hotels in various resorts, including Saariselka and Rovaniemi, both a short transfer from the airport. Whether you're looking for an affordable last minute ...
Lapland Holidays 2024 & 2025
Choose your Santa's Lapland experience. Both of our Lapland holiday packages include a reindeer ride, sledging with huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities like snow hockey and mini skidoos, and a private visit with Santa. On our Santa's Aurora package, your activity centre is exclusive to our Santa's Aurora families and you'll ...
Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland
A Finnish Lapland Winter Escape. Flying from Helsinki to Lapland. The quickest and probably one of the most popular ways to travel from Helsinki to Lapland is to fly. Right now there are 5 ...
Reporting from China: How this trip was different
Reporting from China: How this trip was different 05:39. This week on 60 Minutes, correspondent Lesley Stahl reported from Beijing and Shanghai, cities few Western journalists have entered since ...
New Zealand PM says China Premier Li Qiang to visit this week
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Monday that China's Premier Li Qiang would visit the country this week, in the first trip to the nation in seven years by a Chinese premier.
US couple's trip to Brazil turns into 4-month stay after wife gives
A Minnesota couple who traveled to Brazil in February for a two-week vacation have now spent nearly four months there after the wife went into premature labor, delivering their son at 28 weeks.. Chris and Cheri Phillips, of Cambridge, arrived on Feb. 22 in Brazil, where they planned to celebrate the eighth birthday of Chris's daughter from a previous relationship, who lives full-time with her ...
Fact Sheet: Presidential Proclamation to Suspend and Limit Entry and
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking decisive new action to strengthen border security, announcing a series of measures that restrict asylum eligibility, and significantly increase the consequences for those who enter without authorization across the southern border.
Champion US baton twirler wins $4.2M verdict after nightmare trip
A national two-time baton-twirling champion won a $4.2 million jury verdict in Brooklyn last week after suing the US Twirling Association for negligence, claiming she'd been drugged and sexually ...
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to Take Further Action on China
Week Ahead Guidance for the Week of May 6 to May 10, 2024; Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai in Recognition of International Workers' Day; Readout of Negotiating Round Under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade; Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage ...

The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter

Finland Itinerary for Winter

Day 1: Helsinki

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Day 2: Helsinki

How to Get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki

Day 3: Rovaniemi

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Day 4: Rovaniemi

Day 5: Rovaniemi

Hiking / Snowshoeing

Ice Fishing

Snowmobiling

Husky Sledding

Visiting an Amethyst mine

Days 6 & 7: Head North

Where to stay in Saariselka

Where to stay in Kittilä

Map of 7 Day Finland Winter Itinerary

Finland Itinerary Overview

How to Get Around Finland in Winter

Tours of Finland in Winter

Further Reading for Visiting Finland in Winter

There are 22 comments on this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland

When to Go to Finnish Lapland

How to See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

How to See the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland

What Else to Do in Finnish Lapland

Go for a hike.

Hit the sauna.

Paddle your way through the region.

Visit Santa Claus.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Seaside Glass Villas

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

What to Pack

How to Get There

Related Articles

How to See the Best of Finnish Lapland in 7 Days

The Perfect 1 Week Itinerary for Finnish Lapland

Overview of Itinerary

Day 1 - Helsinki

Day 2: Travel to Rovaniemi

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Where to Eat in Rovaniemi

Day 3 & 4: Rovaniemi

Day 5 & 6: Ivalo

Day 7: Return to Helsinki

Have thoughts or questions about planning the perfect trip to Lapland? Tell me in the comments!

FIND SIMILAR POSTS

48 Hour Itinerary for the Best of Helsinki

How to See the Best of Guatemala in 1 Week

Southern Spain Travel Guide | How to Spend 1 Perfect Week in Andalucía

Cancel reply

Bespoke Itineraries

Lapland in winter – the perfect 1-week Finland itinerary

Day 0: Helsinki

Day 1: Helsinki & Train to Rovaniemi

Day 2 & 3: Santa Claus Village and other activities in Rovaniemi

Day 4: Ounasvaara Ski Resort

Day 5: Korouoma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls

Day 6: Visit Arctic SnowHotel

Day 7 & 8: Kemi (optional)

Day 9: Return to Helsinki and Fly out

Related posts:

Medha Verma

Latest post

City Guides

Summer Travel

Winter Travel

Restaurants

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

How Many Days in Lapland?

Getting To & Around Lapland

Getting Around Lapland

2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

Day 1 – Lapland Capital, Rovaniemi