8-Day Itinerary to Experience the Northern Lights in Finland

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Esplanad

Start your journey with a traditional Finnish breakfast in the romantic Esplanade Park, famous for its pastries.
Located walking distance from downtown.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Senate Square

Visit the iconic Senate Square and admire its neoclassical architecture, including the majestic Helsinki Cathedral.
A 10-minute walk from Cafe Esplanad.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Old Market Hall

Grab a bite at this vibrant market filled with local delicacies and enjoy fresh seafood.
10 minutes on foot from Senate Square.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Take a ferry to this UNESCO World Heritage site and explore its remarkable fortress islands.
Ferry terminal is a 15-minute walk from the Old Market Hall.
EUR8 (ferry), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Savoy

Indulge in gourmet Finnish cuisine with a stunning view of the city skyline.
Taxi or tram from the ferry terminal, approx. 15 minutes.
EUR70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Day in Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Robert's Coffee

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and delicious Finnish pastries to start your day.
A short walk from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit to the Ateneum Art Museum

Immerse yourself in Finnish art and culture at this renowned museum.
A 20-minute walk from the café.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Lappi Restaurant

Taste the traditional Finnish Lapland dishes in this cozy eatery.
A 10-minute walk from Ateneum.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Helsinki Zoo

Visit one of the oldest zoos in the world and enjoy its unique Arctic animals.
Take tram 9 to Kumpula, around 30 minutes.
EUR14, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Rosso

Enjoy a warm meal in a casual setting, with a range of pizzas and pastas.
Return to the city center via tram, about 30 minutes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Relaxing in Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Fazer Café

Luxuriate in an exquisite breakfast featuring amazing chocolate and pastries.
Within walking distance from your hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Temppeliaukio Church

Marvel at this unique rock-hewn church, an architectural wonder in the heart of the city.
A 15-minute tram ride from the café.
EUR5, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Shopping at Aleksanterinkatu

Take time to explore Helsinki's main shopping street, filled with boutiques and Finnish design.
A 10-minute walk from the church.
Free (shopping varies), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe Kappeli

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in this charming café under the trees of Esplanadi Park.
Short walk from Aleksanterinkatu.
EUR20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the National Museum of Finland

Discover the history of Finland from prehistoric times to the present day.
A 15-minute walk from Cafe Kappeli.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bistro Jukola

Enjoy a Finnish bistro experience with traditional flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
Take a taxi, approximately 10 minutes.
EUR35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nice breakfast at your hotel before your journey.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Flight to Rovaniemi

Fly to Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Arctic and Santa Claus Village.
Taxi to the airport (30 min flight).
EUR90, 3 hours (including taxi)

12:30 PM

Check-in at hotel in Rovaniemi

Settle into your new accommodation in the heart of Rovaniemi.
Transfer from the airport is about 10 minutes.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at Nili Restaurant

Savour locally sourced dishes at this traditional Lapland restaurant.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Santa Claus Village

Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy unique holiday shopping.
Short taxi ride (10 min) from lunch.
Free (activities vary), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Roka

Indulge in a contemporary take on seasonal Finnish cuisine.
Taxi back to the town center, about 10 minutes.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Northern Lights Tour

Experience the stunning Northern Lights on a guided tour in the surrounding wilderness.
Pickup from your hotel.
EUR120, 4 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventures in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
Included in hotel dining.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Husky Safari

Embark on an unforgettable husky sledding adventure through the snowy landscapes.
Pickup from your hotel.
EUR150, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Café & Bar 21

Enjoy a casual lunch with modern cuisine and great drinks.
Return to Rovaniemi town center, around 20 minutes.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Arktikum Museum

Learn about Arctic culture and history in this stunning museum.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at SantaPark

Unwind in this magical indoor amusement park, themed around Christmas.
A short taxi ride (10 min) from Arktikum.
EUR30, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Monte Rosa

Savor delicious Finnish specialties with a modern twist in a cozy restaurant.
A short taxi drive back to town, around 10 minutes.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Northern Lights Evening Chase

Join another Northern Lights chase for another chance to see the spectacular lights.
Pickup from your hotel.
EUR120, 4 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Snow Adventures in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel for a day full of snow-filled activities.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Snowmobile Safari

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through the beautiful winter landscape.
Pickup from your hotel.
EUR130, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Sirmakko

Refuel with traditional Lapland dishes in this cozy countryside setting.
Transfer back to Rovaniemi (30 min).
EUR35, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Santa Claus Office

Wrap up your day with a magical visit to Santa Claus's office.
A short walk to the Santa Claus Village.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax and Shop at Joulukka

Enjoy a unique shopping experience in this enchanting Christmas village atmosphere.
A few minutes' walk from Santa Claus Office.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Kotahovi

Delight in traditional Lappish cuisine in a rustic setting.
Taxi from Santa Claus Village to Rovaniemi (10 min).
EUR45, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Last Day in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast while taking in the beautiful snowy view outside.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ounasvaara Hill

Take in some of the best views of the Arctic from this beautiful hilltop.
A short taxi ride (10 min).
Free (if hiking), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Family Restaurant Aro

Savor local dishes in a cozy family atmosphere before heading to the airport.
Return to town (10 min).
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Pack and Check Out

Prepare for your departure, ensuring you have all souvenirs packed.
Back to hotel for checkout.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to Rovaniemi Airport for your flight back home.
Taxi from hotel (10 min).
EUR20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure from Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland

Varies

Departure from Rovaniemi

Depart from Rovaniemi Airport back to your home city after an amazing adventure.
Airport details depend on flight.
Varies, Varies
View Hotel Availability