5-Day Finland Itinerary: Experience Santa Claus Village First in Rovaniemi and Explore Helsinki & Lapland

Day 1: Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Helsinki Airport or Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your flight departure to maximize your first day in Rovaniemi.
Included in stay or EUR12 at airport café, 0h45m

8:30am

Flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi

Take a 1h 30m direct flight to Rovaniemi to start your Arctic adventure right away.
EUR100, 1h30m

10:15am

Visit Santa Claus Village

Arrive at the magical Santa Claus Village, meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and visit the official post office to send postcards.
Free entry, activities extra, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Santa Claus Village Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Lapland dishes like Arctic char and reindeer in the festive atmosphere of the village.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and Refresh

Check-in at your hotel in Rovaniemi to relax after your journey and sightseeing.
Included in stay, 0h45m

4:00pm

Visit Arktikum Museum and Science Centre

Explore Arctic history, science, and northern culture at the Arktikum, open till 6pm, to get a deeper understanding of the region.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Walk along the Kemijoki River

Enjoy a peaceful late afternoon stroll by Finland’s longest river, a scenic spot to relax and take photos.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nili Restaurant

Dine on authentic Lappish cuisine, including reindeer and locally sourced ingredients in a warm and inviting setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Helsinki City Tour

Helsinki, Finland on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your Rovaniemi hotel

Have an energizing breakfast before your flight back to Helsinki.
Included in stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight from Rovaniemi to Helsinki

Fly directly to Helsinki, Finland's vibrant capital, to explore its cultural highlights.
EUR100, 1h30m

10:45am

Check-in and Freshen Up

Arrive in Helsinki and check into your accommodation to prepare for city sightseeing.
Included in stay, 0h45m

11:30am

Lunch at Market Square (Kauppatori)

Taste fresh seafood and traditional Finnish street food at the lively Market Square, open until 6pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

12:45pm

Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Visit these iconic landmarks featuring neoclassical architecture, great for photography and cultural insight.
Free, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tour Uspenski Cathedral

Explore the striking red-brick Orthodox cathedral with panoramic views of the city harbor.
Free, 45m

3:00pm

Ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Catch a 15-minute ferry from Market Square to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO heritage site combining history and nature, open year-round.
EUR5.50 (ferry roundtrip), 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lappi Restaurant

Try northern specialties including reindeer and smoked fish in a cozy Finnish ambiance.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Wildlife and Local Culture

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your Helsinki hotel

Have a nourishing breakfast before your morning flight back north.
Included in stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi

Fly back to Rovaniemi to continue your Lapland adventures.
EUR100, 1h30m

10:45am

Transfer and Check-in

Arrive and check into your Rovaniemi accommodation before heading out for the day.
Included in stay, 0h45m

11:30am

Ranua Wildlife Park

Visit Ranua Wildlife Park, about 1 hour from Rovaniemi, to see native Arctic animals including polar bears. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR18, 3h30m

3:30pm

Lunch at Ranua Restaurant

Enjoy a rustic Finnish meal made from local ingredients right at the wildlife park.
EUR20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Rovaniemi and relax

Unwind at your hotel or explore the local shops and cafés in the town center.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Roka Street Bistro

Savor trendy Finnish bistro cuisine with a focus on fresh, local Arctic ingredients.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Levi Nature & Adventure

Levi, Finland on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Rovaniemi hotel

Fill up on breakfast before a scenic journey to Levi.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Levi (approx. 2.5 hours by car or bus)

Enjoy the landscape as you journey south to the Levi ski resort area known for its outdoor summer activities.
EUR30, 2h30m

11:00am

Hotel check-in and freshen up

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for an active afternoon.
Included in stay, 0h30m

11:30am

Levi Fell Hiking

Explore scenic hiking trails at Levi Fell, boasting great views and tranquil forest landscapes.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Panimo

Relax with craft beers and fresh local cuisine at this brewery restaurant open from noon on.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Levi Zipline Adventure

Experience the thrill of ziplining over beautiful Lapland valleys; booking ahead is recommended. Open in summer.
EUR55, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Savotta Restaurant

Dine on traditional Lapland cuisine featuring reindeer and fresh fish in a rustic atmosphere reflecting local heritage.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Helsinki

Levi to Helsinki, Finland on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Hotel Check-out

Enjoy a relaxed Finnish breakfast before checking out for your journey back to Helsinki.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Kittilä Airport

Travel to the nearby Kittilä Airport (approx. 30 minutes) for your flight south to Helsinki.
EUR20, 0h30m

11:00am

Flight from Kittilä to Helsinki

Fly for approximately 1h 45m to Finland’s capital city to conclude your trip or extend your stay.
EUR120, 1h45m

12:45pm

Lunch near Helsinki Airport

Grab a convenient Finnish lunch at a nearby restaurant before final departure or further exploration.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Optional: Visit Heureka Science Center

If time permits, explore interactive exhibits on science and technology at Heureka, open till 5pm, located about 30 minutes from the airport.
EUR18, 2h0m

5:00pm

Departure or Continue Exploring

Prepare for departure or enjoy additional activities and sightseeing in Helsinki based on your travel plans.
Varies, N/A
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