Finland's Lapland: A Winter Wonderland Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi
    0 minutes (0 miles) from Rovaniemi Airport

    Welcome to Lapland! Start your adventure by exploring the capital city of Rovaniemi. Check out the Arktikum Museum to learn about the Arctic way of life and culture. Take a stroll along Jätkänkynttilä Bridge and snap some photos with Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village.

  • Day 2: Snowmobiling Safari in Levi
    169 kilometers (105 miles) from Rovaniemi

    Travel to Levi where an exhilarating snowmobiling safari adventure awaits you. Enjoy the beautiful scenic views while riding through the snowy Lapland forests. End the day by warming up in a traditional Finnish sauna and enjoying a cozy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

  • Day 3: Husky Safari in Kittilä
    54 kilometers (33.5 miles) from Levi

    Spend the day in Kittilä mushing through the snowy Lapland wilderness on a thrilling husky safari. Interact with friendly huskies and learn about their way of life. Take a break for lunch at a traditional Finnish Kota restaurant before heading back to Levi for the night.

  • Day 4: Skiing in Ylläs
    74 kilometers (46 miles) from Kittilä

    Take a day off from the safaris and head to Ylläs, the largest ski resort in Lapland. Enjoy the fresh powder on the slopes while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding forests. After a long day of skiing, unwind with a hot cocoa or sauna.

  • Day 5: Ice Fishing in Hetta
    166 kilometers (103 miles) from Ylläs

    Travel to the small village of Hetta for a day of ice fishing. Drill a hole through the frozen lake and wait for the fish to bite while enjoying the quiet Finnish nature. Afterwards, warm up with a hot meal at a cozy restaurant before returning to Ylläs for the evening.

  • Day 6: Reindeer Safari in Inari
    223 kilometers (139 miles) from Hetta

    Discover the traditional Sami culture by visiting a reindeer farm and going on a reindeer safari. Meet friendly reindeer and learn about their way of life. Afterwards, visit the Siida Museum to learn more about the Northern Lapland culture and history.

  • Day 7: Snowshoeing in Saariselkä
    311 kilometers (193 miles) from Inari

    Enjoy a day of snowshoeing in Saariselkä, a scenic winter wonderland. Traverse through snow-covered forests, over frozen lakes, and admire the tranquil scenery. End the day by relaxing in a hot sauna and indulging in a traditional Finnish Lappish dinner.

  • Day 8: Northern Lights Hunt in Luosto
    140 kilometers (87 miles) from Saariselkä

    The perfect way to end your trip is by hunting the elusive Northern Lights in Luosto. Take a guided tour to witness the breathtaking aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Enjoy a celebratory drink before returning back to your accommodation.

  • Day 9: Departure
    7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Rovaniemi

    Head back to Rovaniemi for your departure flights. Use this time to do some souvenir shopping or to revisit your favorite locations on your trip before saying goodbye to Lapland.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Arktikum Museum (2-3 hours, €15)
  • Snowmobiling Safari (3 hours, €165)
  • Husky Safari (4 hours, €160)
  • Ski pass for Ylläs Ski Resort (€49)
  • Ice Fishing at Hetta (4 hours, €90)
  • Reindeer Safari (2 hours, €79)
  • Snowshoeing in Saariselkä (4 hours, €88)
  • Northern Lights Tour (3 hours, €105)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €751

Transportation

To fully experience Lapland, it’s recommended to rent a car. Alternatively, you can take public transportation or use private transfer services. Be mindful that driving conditions can be challenging. It is important to check the weather forecast and consider renting a 4-wheel drive car for snowy conditions. Total driving distance for this itinerary is approximately 1,239 kilometers (770 miles). Costs for car rentals start at approximately €42 per day, and gas varies between €1.5 - €1.7 per liter. Keep in mind that some activities include transportation from your accommodation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending a day in Kemi visiting the famous snow castle and doing a day trip to Norway to visit the stunning North Cape. If you have less time, consider trimming down the itinerary by skipping some activities or visiting fewer locations. Remember to pack warm clothing and layers, as well as a good camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Airports

The main airport in Lapland is Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), located in the city of Rovaniemi. It is the gateway to Lapland and the busiest airport in the region. RVN is located approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the city center. Other airports in the region include Kittilä Airport (KTT), Ivalo Airport (IVL), and Kuusamo Airport (KAO).

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