Imagine colourful streets lit up in the dark, where cosy shops and restaurants beckon you. Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is a winter paradise where you can experience adventures like no other. Mush a dog sled or ride a snowmobile through snowy forests, then spend the night under the stars in a glass igloo. The northern lights might even pass by overhead! Here, you can learn about Sámi culture and try traditional ice fishing in the Arctic wilderness.
Itinerary Highlights
Discover the beauty, history and culture of Lapland
Feel the wind on your cheeks on a sleigh pulled by huskies
njoy a memorable time in the true Arctic north
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Have a chance to glimpse the colourful northern lights in the night sky
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
Travel from December to March
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
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Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Rovaniemi
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN ROVANIEMI
Welcome to magical Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland! When you arrive at Rovaniemi Airport a private driver will meet you to take you to your accommodation in town. Then head out to explore the snowy city centre. It is small but charming, with children ice skating and sledging on the main streets. You’ll also find a shopping centre and lots of restaurants to try the local cuisine.
Tonight, you can join a wintry adventure to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights. Tours range from a family-friendly snow train to a thrilling snowmobile ride in the frosty forest.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi.
Day 2
DOG SLEDDING & AN ARCTIC STAY
This morning, you’ll join a 10-kilometre (6-mile) guided dog sledding excursion. When you arrive at the husky farm you’ll hear the excited huskies waiting for their chance to run through the snow-covered forest trail. Following a brief lesson at the kennel, you’ll drive your own sleigh, pulled by a team of energetic huskies, through the woods and over the snowy plains. There will be 2 people sharing each sleigh, taking turns mushing.
In the afternoon you will head to the Arctic SnowHotel. This complex is built entirely of snow and ice each year. Here you’ll enjoy a guided tour* to see the beautiful ice rooms as well the ice restaurant and ice bar.
After the tour, tuck into a 3-course dinner based on local specialties at the rustic Kota. It is modelled after a traditional Sámi structure for a cosy atmosphere. Before staying the night under the stars in a glass igloo, you could end the evening with a traditional Finnish sauna session.
Day 3
SÁMI CULTURE & THE SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
Start the morning early with a hearty breakfast at the Arctic SnowHotel resort before returning to Rovaniemi. Later that morning you will be joining a tour to a reindeer farm before continuing on to the Santa Claus Village*.
At the reindeer farm, you’ll learn about the Sámi people and their culture. Their way of life includes reindeer herding, so you’ll enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride. You’ll also join your hosts in a special ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle.
Next up you’ll travel to the Santa Claus Village. Here you’ll have some time to do some souvenir shopping, send postcards from Santa’s main post office, and of course meet Santa Claus himself! Afterwards you’ll return to Rovaniemi, where you can spend the evening at your leisure.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi.
Day 4
SNOWMOBILING & ICE FISHING
Today you ride through the white wilderness and enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake in Lapland like a true local!
The tour heads north on a snowmobile trail that takes you along the frozen Ounasjoki river and through snowy forests up into the hills. Admire the surrounding vast woodlands and wild landscape of Lapland and follow the trail through snow-covered fields until you arrive at a small frozen lake. The guide will prepare you to fish in an ice hole, while the silence envelops you in the peaceful darkness. Enjoy this traditional practice and then fry your fresh catch over a campfire. Afterwards, you’ll return to town for a well-earned rest.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi.
Day 5
DAY TO EXPLORE ROVANIEMI
You have the whole day to explore Rovaniemi as you wish. To learn more about the local history, nature and culture, including the Sámi nation, you can pay a visit to the Arktikum museum. Here you can browse interesting exhibits about the Arctic region. If you love wildlife, you might want to tour the Ranua Wildlife Park located about 1 hour south.
If you’d like to take full advantage of your time in the Arctic, you can add more fun winter activities to your itinerary. We highly recommend ending your last night with a thrilling winter activity under the dark night sky.
To keep in the festive mood, you can also head back to the Santa Claus Village. Hop on a reindeer ride, dine at the charming Santamus restaurant or visit the Snowman World. For families travelling with children in December, we recommend a visit to the magical Santa Park, the home cavern of Santa Claus.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi.
Day 6
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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If you’re planning to visit Finland, it’s important to consider the weather and time of year. Finland has a temperate climate, with distinct seasons. The best time to visit depends on your interests and activities. If you’re interested in winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, then the best time to visit would be from December to March. However, if you’re interested in exploring the countryside and forests, then the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit. During this time, you can enjoy the long days and mild temperatures, as well as the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, be sure to pack accordingly and enjoy all that Finland has to offer.
The weather in Finland during January can be quite cold, with temperatures hovering around -10 to -15 degrees Celsius. It's important to bundle up and stay warm if you're planning on spending time outdoors. However, it also means that the snow and ice can create some beautiful winter scenery, making it a great time to go skiing or explore the winter wonderland.
In February, the weather in Finland can still be quite cold, with temperatures averaging around -8 to -12 degrees Celsius. It's important to continue to bundle up and stay warm if you plan on being outside. However, the days are starting to get longer and the sun may make an appearance more frequently, providing some relief from the winter chill. It's still a great time to enjoy winter activities like skiing and ice skating.
During the month of March in Finland, the weather can still be quite chilly, with temperatures averaging around -3 to -7 degrees Celsius. It's important to continue to dress warmly if you plan on being outside for extended periods of time. However, the days are starting to get longer and there may be more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without enduring the harsh winter chill.
In April, the weather in Finland starts to warm up a bit with temperatures averaging around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. However, it's still important to dress warmly if you plan on spending time outside, as there may still be some chilly days. The longer days provide more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the milder weather.
In May, the weather in Finland tends to get a bit warmer with temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. However, it's still important to bring layers when going outside as the weather can still be quite chilly at times. The longer days provide a great opportunity to explore the outdoors and enjoy the milder temperatures.
In June, the weather in Finland is generally warmer than in May, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the beautiful scenery that Finland has to offer. However, it is still important to bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable at times. Overall, June is a pleasant month to visit Finland and experience its natural beauty.
July is typically the warmest month in Finland, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, go swimming in the lakes, and soak up the sunshine. However, just like in June, it's still important to bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable at times. Overall, July is a wonderful time to visit Finland and enjoy its summer weather.
In August, the weather in Finland starts to cool down slightly with temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius. While it may not be as warm as July, it's still a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the beautiful Finnish landscape. As always, it's important to bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable at times. Overall, August is a great month to visit Finland and experience its unique weather patterns.
In September, the weather in Finland starts to get cooler with temperatures ranging from 10 to 14 degrees Celsius. It's still a great time to explore the country's stunning natural beauty, but it's important to dress warmly and bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Despite the cooler temperatures, September is still a lovely month to visit Finland and experience its unique climate.
The weather in Finland during October can vary depending on the region, but on average, temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. It's a perfect time to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. However, be sure to pack warm clothing as the weather can change quickly, and colder temperatures are possible. Overall, October in Finland offers a comfortable and pleasant autumn climate for travelers and locals alike to enjoy.
In November, the weather in Finland can be quite chilly with temperatures dropping to around -1 to 5 degrees Celsius. The fall foliage is still present, making it a beautiful time to visit and explore the outdoor scenery. However, packing warm clothing is a must as the temperatures can drop quickly and snowfall is also possible. Despite the colder weather, November in Finland still offers plenty of opportunities for travelers and locals to enjoy the autumn season.
In December, the weather in Finland becomes much colder with temperatures ranging from -6 to -1 degrees Celsius in most areas. Snowfall is also common during this time, making it a winter wonderland for those who enjoy outdoor activities. It's important to pack warm clothing and accessories such as hats, gloves, and scarves to stay comfortable while exploring the beautiful winter landscapes. Despite the frigid temperatures, Finland offers plenty of winter activities and festivals for travelers and locals to enjoy during this time of year.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Finnish itinerary. Several nearby countries could make great additions to your trip. Norway, which is just a short distance away from Lapland. Norway is known for its stunning fjords, picturesque landscapes, and the Northern Lights. You can also visit Sweden, which is another neighbouring country of Lapland. Sweden is home to stunning national parks, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage.
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