Ultimate Arctic Adventure in Finland - 10 Days

Day 2: Snowmobile Tour

In the morning, you'll head just outside of Rovaniemi for a snowmobile ride. This two-hour excursion begins when you meet your guide and receive your safety equipment and instructions. Then, your guide will lead you across the snowy landscapes, passing stunning scenery like lakes, mountains, and forests as you go. This is an environmentally friendly activity, as the snowmobiles are electric. Also, you can choose to embark on this adventure at night in search of the aurora borealis.

Day 3: Transfer to Hetta, Snowshoe Trek (Day 1)

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel for the 3.5-hour ride north into Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. This is Finland's third-largest national park, known for its breathtaking fell (mountain) landscapes, boreal forests, and extensive network of hiking trails. You'll arrive in the village of Hetta, which is the beginning/end point for trips and treks into the park. After a short briefing, you and your group will sit down for a hearty lunch in order to fortify yourself for the upcoming snowshoe trek.

Once you've eaten, you'll gather your gear, strap on your snowshoes, and head out with your guide from Ounasjärvi Lake outside Hetta. Today's leg covers 10 miles (16 km) and typically takes five to six hours to complete. You'll be hiking through the Pallas section of the park (the other being Yllästunturi), which is a group of seven fells, the highest of which stands at 2,654 feet (809 m). At the end of each day, you'll arrive at a wooden cabin where you'll have dinner and stay the night. You might even get lucky and spot the northern lights.

Day 4: Snowshoe Trek (Day 2)

Rise early and enjoy a hot breakfast in the cabin. Today, you'll be hiking to the valley on the other side of Ounasjärvi Lake. The total distance covers 10-11 miles (16-18 km) and involves about six hours of hiking with a break at the halfway point to enjoy some traditional Finnish snacks around an open fire.

When you arrive at the hut on your second night, you're in for a special treat: there's a sauna in this area of the park. Sauna culture has been a part of Finnish identity dating back thousands of years, and people still adhere to the same traditions they did then. For example, in a Finnish sauna, slapping yourself with birch branches is common to increase circulation. Regardless, a nice hot steam session is a great way to relax after the day's strenuous hike.

Day 5: Snowshoe Trek (Day 3)

For the third day of hiking, your guide will choose between two different hiking routes depending on weather conditions and the stamina of the group. One option is a hike up to the tops of the fells, while the other follows a winter ski trail in the valley. Both routes offer beautiful winter scenery and cover about 8-9 miles (13-15 km), taking about five hours to complete. At the end of the day, you'll arrive at a warm cabin nestled between two fells. 

Day 6: Snowshoe Trek (Day 4), Transfer to Rovaniemi

Head out early for the last leg of the hike. The final 6-mile (10-km) stretch will take you to different mountain viewpoints on the way to Pallas Ski Resort, which is located at the bottom of Laukukero Hill (473 ft / 762 m). The whole route takes about four hours to complete, and when it's over, you'll have successfully snowshoed across Pallastunturi, one of the most popular hikes in Finland! Afterward, hop in a vehicle with your guide for the three-hour ride back to Rovaniemi. Along the way, you and the group will stop at a restaurant for a well-deserved lunch to celebrate your epic adventure. 

Day 7: Arctic Ice Floating

Today, you'll take part in another once-in-a-lifetime experience when you go floating in a frozen lake. This three-hour excursion begins in the morning when you transfer to a wilderness lake outside Rovaniemi. Here, you'll change into a full-body rescue immersion suit. This waterproof safety suit uses the latest textile technology to keep the wearer dry in cold-water conditions. Once in the suit, you'll hop in the lake and feel perfect lightness as you float in arctic waters. The suit is so safe you can opt to do this activity at night, under the glow of the aurora borealis. 

Day 9: Husky Safari (Day 2), Transfer to Rovaniemi

Hit the trail again for day two of this unforgettable sled ride around the lakes, fells, and spruce forests of Riisitunturi. Today's route covers about 18 miles (30 km), and you'll stop at the halfway point for lunch. The ride ends right back at the kennel where you began the adventure, and here you'll say a bittersweet goodbye to your canine friends. Then you'll make the two-hour drive back to Rovaniemi.

Day 10: Depart Finland

Your adventure in Finland's Arctic north has come to an end. At the appropriate time, you'll transfer to the Rovaniemi Airport for your flight home. Until next time!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Finland? Check out these other Finland itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Finland, and learn about the best time to visit Finland.