Highlights
- Discover a winter wonderland in Finland's Lapland region
- Meet reindeer in the Santa Claus Village
- Dog sled through Arctic forests
- Spend the night stargazing in a glass igloo
- Search for the aurora borealis on a northern lights chase
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Rovaniemi | Rovaniemi |
Day 2 | Santa's Village & Reindeer Sled Ride | Rovaniemi |
Day 3 | Huskies & the Polar Zoo of Ranua | Rovaniemi |
Day 4 | Glass Igloo Overnight | Rovaniemi |
Day 5 | Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi
Welcome to Lapland, a dreamy, snow-covered wonderland that stretches across Finland's Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is the capital of the region and your base for the next four nights, where the hustle and bustle of towns and ski resorts are just minutes away from the quiet of the wild wilderness.
Day 2: Santa's Village & Reindeer Sled Ride
Immerse yourself in the magic of Lapland today with a visit to Santa Claus Village. Send postcards from Santa's post office, get your photo taken with the most authentic-looking St. Nicholas you've ever seen, and go riding with real-life Rudolphs. As you're at the actual Arctic Circle, you might want to get an official certificate to prove you've crossed this most northern of boundaries, too. After a sled ride and hot drinks around the fire, you'll transfer back to your hotel for the evening.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Huskies & the Polar Zoo of Ranua
In remotest Scandinavia, huskies aren't just man's best friend— they also provide a vital form of transport. Your first stop today is a Husky Farm, where you can learn all about these beautiful dogs, then hop on board a dog sled for a short ride through the forest. In the afternoon, take a trip to Ranua, the northernmost zoo in the world. Here you can admire Arctic wildlife like polar bears, elk, wolverines, and arctic foxes in their natural settings.
If the weather looks promising, bundle up warm, grab your camera, and join a Northern Lights Chase this evening. This guided excursion takes you to the area's prime aurora borealis viewing spots in search of the breathtaking natural phenomenon.
Day 4: Glass Igloo Overnight
Grab your boots, hats, and scarves for another day exploring the wonders of Lapland. Today you're free to enjoy Rovaniemi and its surroundings at your own pace. Browse the shops around town, visit the magnificent Arktikum Museum to learn about the Indigenous Sami people, or take a walk along the banks of the Ounasjoki River to enjoy the peaceful winter views.
In the afternoon, transfer for your unforgettable stay under the starry skies in a heated glass igloo. In this enchanting forest setting, you'll enjoy dinner and a night of stargazing under the Arctic skies. If you're lucky, you might even get to witness the magnificent northern lights from the comfort of your cozy bed.
Day 5: Depart
Enjoy a final morning in Rovaniemi's winter wonderland, then transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!
More Great Finland Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Finland? Check out these other Finland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.