10 days in Finland's winter wonderland

Helsinki - Rovaniemi

Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki!

Discover the highlights of Helsinki on this private tour. You will be driven through the city to see places like Senate Square, which was designed in the neoclassical style by Carl Ludvig Engel in the mid-1800s. It is surrounded by the Government Palace, the main building of the University, the enormous Helsinki Cathedral, and Sederholm House, the oldest stone building in Helsinki.

See the Presidential Palace, the Parliament building, and the modern City Hall and Finlandia Hall.

You will also visit the monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and tour Temppeliaukio Church, which was quarried out of the natural bedrock with a design that gives it excellent acoustics.

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 2: Arrive in Santa's Homeland

Feel the festive atmosphere in the Arctic city of Santa Claus Homeland!

You will be taken to the most exciting destination in the Finnish Lapland, located in the Arctic Circle 15 km north of Rovaniemi city center.

The place gives you a jolly and cheerful feeling of Christmas all year round.

Explore the Santa Claus Village with a lot of Christmas and Lappish products to take back, and greet Santa Claus in his office!

Join the elves working in Santa's post office, and send postcards to all your friends with a special stamp on them.

Get the Arctic Circle Certificate for an unforgettable travel memory.

A delicious lunch will be served at Santa’s restaurant, where you will enjoy the taste of the traditional Christmas buffet. You will also have an opportunity to visit the Snowmobile museum and learn about its importance for local life in Lapland.

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 3: Head Out on an Ice Fishing Trip

Hike through the Arctic forest to reach your destination for fishing.

If the snow is deep enough, strap on your snowshoes and experience walking in the Arctic style.

Arriving at the lake you will drill through thick ice with the support of your professional guide. Wait for fish while you enjoy the scenery.

After a while, head for your cookout trip. Gather around a campfire in the snow, taste the Lappish pork sausages and salmon.

Delight in grilling your own fish, if you are lucky enough to catch one!

Ranua - Rovaniemi

Day 4: Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park

You will hike up to the Ounasvaara hill to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

If the snow is deep enough you will get a chance to try walking with your snowshoes on.

When you reach the top, enjoy the view and photograph the breathtaking nature.

In the mid-winter polar night you may even see the Northern Lights dancing above your head at one of the best places in Rovaniemi for spotting the lights.

Hop in your car again for your next destination and prepare to greet the unique Arctic animals in the Ranua Wildlife Park.

Hike through the area to see some exotic animals, including enormous moose, forest reindeer, wolverines, arctic foxes, owls, and polar bear.

Taste the local buffet lunch in a warm restaurant in the zoo. Fulfill your day with a lot of memories and head back to your hotel.

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 5: Ride a Snowmobile and Visit the Sami Reindeer and Husky Farm

Enjoy your snowmobile ride through the snowy and magnificent landscape!

Visit the Sami reindeer and husky farm, where the animals are waiting for you to make two sleigh trips through the fantastic forest.

Enjoy the opportunity to take beautiful pictures and observe the animals as you feed the reindeer following the professional guidance of a Sami farmer.

In addition, the rancher will tell you the story of reindeer husbandry and its lifestyle.

In the end, you will receive a driving certificate from the Arctic Circle Reindeer to certify your performance!

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 6: View the Majestic Northern Lights While Floating on a Crystal-Clear Lake

Embark on a journey to view the majestic Northern Lights while floating on a crystal lake.

The lake lies about 15 km outside the city, where there is no light pollution.

The guide will show you the icy lake surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape, which is the ideal place to observe this natural phenomenon.

Once you are in one of the warm, waterproof survival suits, it’ll be time to float around. If you are lucky, the Northern Lights will appear in the sky overhead. Your tour guide will provide you with the best information about Ice Floating and the Northern Lights.

You will be offered hot blueberry tea and gingerbread during the activity.

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 7: Head to the Posio Virgin Forest to Enjoy the Tranquility and Pretty Snow-Covered Trees

Head to the Posio virgin forest area located in the Southeast of Rovaniemi.

Escorted by professional guides, walk through the magical snow-covered forest that looks like a fairyland.

After mid-November snow starts to cover the trails, getting thicker and thicker.

You will see the sparkling white-coated trees in tranquillity. If the snow is thick enough, the guides will provide snowshoes for your comfort and safety.

Experience the unique and authentic way of traveling in the snow!

In the middle of your hike, gather around a bonfire, where you will enjoy a barbecue lunch in a traditional style with steaming Finnish blueberry tea to warm you up.

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 8: Visit the Arktikum Museum

The best time to learn something new is during the morning!

Today you will set off to the Arktikum Museum to learn more about Sami, Finnish, and Lappish culture.

Arktikum is a science centre and museum where you can experience northern nature, culture, and history up close.

Housing the University of Lapland Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland, Arktikum stimulates thought, encourages debate and provides a deeper understanding of the Arctic.

See, explore, and enjoy the Arctic stories shared through experiential exhibitions and events!

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 9: Eat Traditional Lappish BBQ By a Campfire While Gazing at the Aurora Borealis

The thrill of witnessing the aurora borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

The northern lights dancing up above is a powerful and unique natural phenomenon.

Your guide will take control of the snowmobile and lead you on a journey through the snowy and unforgettable landscape all the way to a frozen lake far from the residential areas and their light pollution.

After arriving, a traditional Lappish BBQ will be prepared for you near a campfire where you can keep warm.

Rovaniemi - Rovaniemi

Day 10: Bye-Bye, Rovaniemi!

It is time to say bye-bye to Lapland, the magical home of Santa!

Take your last deep breaths of fresh clean Arctic air and start your journey back home.

Hope to see you again!