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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland

From the northern lights to the legendary sauna culture, this arctic destination has it all. Here's what you won't want to miss.

lapland day trip what to take

Milamai / Getty Images

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is the place to go to check more than a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list — like seeing the northern lights and experiencing the midnight sun. The arctic destination has stunning nighttime skies, wide-open landscapes, and air so fresh it can make you happier. Here’s how to plan a trip to Finnish Lapland that you’ll never forget. 

When to Go to Finnish Lapland

Here’s the good news about Lapland: It’s always beautiful out — well, depending on how you define “beautiful.” The region's peak travel season falls between December and February thanks to a natural phenomenon we’ll get to in a moment. During this period, the region’s average temperature ranges from 3 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can get down to as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit with added wind chill. 

By contrast, temperatures in the summer can be much milder, usually ranging from 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a prime time to visit the area for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

How to See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Many visitors travel to Finnish Lapland to take in a few breathtaking natural occurrences — including the aurora borealis, or northern lights. You can see this phenomenon any time between August and April, though it occurs more frequently around the equinoxes in late September and late March. Visit then and look to the sky on clear nights for a chance to witness this incredible celestial light show.

Those looking for a more curated experience can ask their hotel for recommendations, or they can book a guided trip like a  three-hour aurora borealis picnic  in Rovaniemi, which includes a short hike to an outpost with warm drinks and food. You can also take  a snowmobile tour or, the most adventurous of all, an aurora ice floating experience in Rovaniemi . It's just as it sounds — guests don dry suits and set out on a frozen lake to lie back and blissfully gaze up into the night sky.

How to See the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland 

Giles Clarke / Getty Images

If you’re not much of a night owl, that’s okay because Finnish Lapland offers another spectacular show: the midnight sun. From late May until early August, the tilt of the Earth means the sky never gets dark. Make the most of the near-constant daylight by taking a hike, going fishing, or even playing a round of golf when you'd normally be asleep. 

What Else to Do in Finnish Lapland

Andrey-Kobylko / Getty Images

Go for a hike.

Finnish Lapland is chock full of  stellar hiking trails  fit for all levels. The Arctic Circle and Inari hiking areas offer everything from one-hour hikes to all-day wilderness adventures, as well as restrooms and visitor centers. 

Hit the sauna.

Sauna culture has long been an integral part of Finnish life , and there’s no better spot to experience it than in  Tampere , the sauna capital of the world. Come for the public spas, but stay for the arts, culture, and attractions like the Tampere Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Scandinavia. 

Paddle your way through the region.

Explore Finnish Lapland from a different perspective by taking to its rivers for a canoeing adventure. During the warmer months, you can take in the amazing views as you meander along calming waterways. Try this six-hour canoe trip  down the River Kapsajoki, which includes a campfire lunch and opportunities for fishing. 

Visit Santa Claus.

Fun fact: Santa lives in Finland. And you can visit him any time of year at the  Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Kris Kringle and his elves open their famous home and workshop all 365 days of the year. Meet the man himself, cross the Arctic Circle (which passes through the theme park), embark on a snowmobile safari adventure in the Lapland wilderness, and dine in a restaurant made of snow while you're there.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland 

Lingxiao Xie / Getty Images

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

At the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, guests can enjoy a host of creature comforts in a nature-centric setting. Every room comes with fur throws and floor-to-ceiling windows, while some even have soaking tubs, fireplaces, and decks from which to take in the surrounding forest. Book the chic two-bedroom Arctic GlassHouse  to enjoy all the bells and whistles.

Seaside Glass Villas

Need more of a view? Spend a few nights at  Seaside Glass Villas , a collection of box-shaped bungalows in the waterfront town of Kemi. Each one has a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Bothnian Bay, as well as a glass roof through which you can enjoy incredible views of the northern lights while lying in bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

You might recognize Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort's gorgeous glass-domed igloos from your Instagram feed, but even the best photos can't capture the magic of actually staying in one. Book the kelo-glass igloo to combine the privacy of a log chalet with the wow factor of the northern lights dancing over your bed.

Those seeking to stay in the lap of luxury need look no further than  Octola , an exclusive five-star hideaway with just 12 rooms and two chalets. Guests can book a single room or buy out the entire space if they want to bring along family and friends. 

What to Pack 

Packing for a summer trip to Finnish Lapland is relatively easy. Just bring whatever you normally would for any other summer getaway — shorts, T-shirts, a bathing suit, pants, and a light jacket for cooler nights. 

If you plan to visit in winter, you'll need to bust out the big checked bag and pack it with cozy thermal underwear, insulated snow boots with a grip, an insulated jacket, waterproof or snowproof pants , a few wool sweaters, warm gloves and socks, a hat, a scarf, and some instant heat packs to throw in your gloves and boots. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure to pack extra batteries — they will drain quickly in the cold weather. 

How to Get There 

Despite being located in Finland's far north, getting to Lapland isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think. First, fly into Helsinki, then, depending on your final destination, continue to either Kemi or Rovaniemi by regional flight. Finnair and Norwegian Air each offer a 90-minute nonstop to Rovaniemi, or you can board a one-stop Finnair flight to Kemi via Kokkola-Jakobstad Airport in Kronoby.

If you've got the time, a scenic seven-hour train ride will get you from Helsinki to Kemi (the ride to Rovaniemi takes 8.5 hours). You can also travel between Rovaniemi and Kemi by train for a 90-minute intra-Lapland adventure.

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The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

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lapland day trip what to take

Planning out the perfect 2, 3 or 4 days in Lapland itinerary can be a magical, if not overwhelming, experience when you consider all there is to see and do in this unique region of far northern Europe.

There are few more quintessential winter destinations and experiences than Finnish Lapland. Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is the pinnacle and epitome of a winter fairytale. From snow-covered boreal forests, dancing Northern Lights, energetic huskies and reindeer to the monumental moment of crossing into the Arctic circle, you’ll be hard-pressed not to have the experience of a lifetime.

Whether you’re interested in sipping hot chocolate during the winter polar night or forest hiking in the midnight sun, Lapland is the perfect destination for any travel seeker. Read this article to help plan your Finnish Lapland itinerary.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Lapland?

Lapland is a unique destination, and this can make it a bit harder when planning the duration of your trip. This is why many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Lapland.

To begin with, Finnish Lapland is far from a budget-friendly destination and the prices in Finland , in general, are high. With the costs of just about everything being higher than elsewhere in Europe, keep this in mind when you plan a trip to this area.

Taking this into consideration, I’d say that the minimum recommended amount of time to spend in Lapland is 2 full days. With 2 days in Lapland, you’ll be able to briefly experience the magic of the Arctic and do a few activities without taking too big of a chunk out of your budget. 

The next best amount of time to spend in Lapland is 3 days, as you’ll experience everything you’d manage in 2 days but feel a lot less rushed, also with the opportunity to head to another part of the region.

Finally, in my opinion, 4 days in Lapland are ideal. If you’re able to spend 4 days in Lapland, you’re in for a real adventure. A trip of 4 days does the Finnish Lapland region justice as you’ll be able to visit multiple places and soak in what extraordinary Arctic life is like in the northernmost part of Finland.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

Getting To & Around Lapland

Getting to lapland.

The most popular, affordable, and convenient option for getting to Finnish Lapland is by taking a flight into the capital city of Rovaniemi. By passenger numbers, Rovaniemi Airport is the third-busiest airport in Finland and is the main airport to fly into for a Lapland trip and Itinerary.

While there are other options for airports in Lapland such as Ivalo Airport in Northern Lapland, this itinerary begins in Rovaniemi so will be the focal point to start your trip. 

Rovaniemi Airport serves direct routes from Helsinki year-round and seasonal winter routes from several European destinations, making it a pretty straightforward trip, especially for a winter getaway. 

Another popular option to reach Rovaniemi is to take a 12-hour overnight train from Helsinki, whisking you away from the busy city, through snow-dusted forests, Finnish towns and straight into the heart of Arctic Lapland.

There is a noticeable difference in price and journey, but it’s completely worth it if you can afford it and have the time to spare for a long train journey. 

Car rental is also another viable transportation option if you’re flying into Helsinki and would like to drive to Lapland. Summer is a great time to embark on a Finnish/Lapland road trip as you don’t need to worry about tough weather conditions and you will save money on transportation with a car rental in comparison to other methods.

If you’d like to rent a car to drive to Lapland in winter , make sure you feel confident in case of difficult weather and road conditions, and have the proper gear fitted to your car. You can browse car rental options here.

Reindeer safari in Finnish Lapland

Getting Around Lapland

As for getting around Finnish Lapland, in my opinion, the best mode of transport is by car. Like any other rural and wild part of the world, renting a car gives you the most flexibility for your trip without having to worry about bus times and time crunches.

Lapland is vast and boundless with many different spots and sites being distant from each other, and although there is a great bus system within the region, you’ll have the utmost freedom this way. For example, one of the prime goals for many people visiting Lapland is to get the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

While seeing the Northern Lights in most parts of Lapland is possible, your chances are higher the further away from light pollution and busy tourist areas. You can take a tour that will take you Northern Light hunting, but they can be expensive and give you just one chance. With your own car, you can search extensively to experience the enchanting Northern Lights. 

If for whatever reason, renting a car isn’t an option for you, it’s still possible to have a thrilling Lapland adventure. With public transportation, you can get around Finland and Finnish Lapland in particular quite easily.

You’ll find a few different bus companies such as ExpressBus and Matkahuolto , both with frequent routes connecting different parts of the Lapland region. Prices differ depending on departure and arrival destinations but are generally quite affordable.

Most destinations on this itinerary have bus transport options available, either by the local bus system or by private bus/shuttle companies. 

Husky sledding in Lapland

2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

This Finnish Lapland itinerary will take you through Rovaniemi, the heart and capital of Lapland, through the magical timeless world of Santa Claus village, and to the Northern part of Lapland to further enjoy your fairytale – either by hitting the slopes or mingling with furry and friendly locals.

There are countless winter activities to enjoy on a trip to Finnish Lapland from husky safaris to ice fishing to warming up in a Finnish sauna and this is the perfect region to experience these things.

Day 1 – Lapland Capital, Rovaniemi

Explore the city of rovaniemi.

This itinerary for Lapland begins with 2 nights in the capital city of Rovaniemi. While Rovaniemi is a small city in comparison to other larger cities in Finland, there’s still much to do and discover.

Spending your first day in Lapland exploring the city of Rovaniemi is the perfect way to ease into Lappish life as well as arctic Lappish temperatures. This is also the perfect opportunity to find appropriate Arctic clothing for the rest of your trip if you weren’t already prepared.

If you’re visiting outside of the winter months, regular winter or spring/autumn clothing is acceptable but in the winter months you’ll want warm thermal clothing and boots to protect you from the bitter Arctic air.

If you take part in activities through any of the companies in Rovaniemi, you’ll have winter outerwear included for the duration of your stay. Otherwise, you can rent the same clothing from these companies for a pretty decent price.

Arktikum 

If you’re looking to explore and learn more about Finland’s Arctic culture, science, and history, the Arktikum Museum is the perfect place to educate yourself on Lapland while also getting a break from the cold.

The museum is located on the northern end of Rovaniemi and is about a 15-minute walk from the center point of the city. Arktikum is open every day except Mondays from 10 AM – 6 PM with an adult admission cost of €18 and reduced ticket options available.

Arktikum Museum

Arctic Sunset & Eat a Traditional Lappish Meal

Whether you’re visiting during the winter or the summer, one of the most beautiful experiences of a Rovaniemi itinerary is to walk by the River Kemijoki during “sunset”. The colours that you’ll witness are truly remarkable, as if they were a painting, and are only just the beginning of a fairytale trip to Finland. 

Afterwards, I suggest heading to Nili Restaurant, in the heart of Rovaniemi city to experience delicious, traditional Lapland cuisine. If you want the full experience, I challenge you to try the reindeer, as it’s harder to try this Lapland classic food once you’ve met the adorable reindeer themselves. 

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This boutique hotel makes for the perfect base in Rovaniemi. They have a number of lovely rooms available and countless amenities like free parking, an airport shuttle and an on-site restaurant/bar. Click here to see their availability

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – If you want a unique accommodation option in Rovaniemi then these igloos can be an interesting choice. There are a number of different glass igloos to choose from (some including saunas!) and there are also plenty of other amenities for guests to enjoy. Click here to see their availability

Hostel Cafe Koti – Those trying to save a bit of cash while visiting Rovaniemi will love this hip hostel. There are both dorms and private rooms on offer along with a kitchen, a sauna and breakfast included for guests. Click here to see their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 2 – Santa Claus Village or Exploring Rovaniemi Nature 

Day 2 of this Rovaniemi itinerary will either be spent wandering the famous Santa Claus Village or exploring the incredible nature of the region. If you’re visiting in the winter, I’d undoubtedly recommend heading to Santa Claus Village.

More than just Santa and Christmas activities for children, it’s truly a winter wonderland village with plenty of space, nature, log cabins and activities to explore with something for everyone.

In the summer months, it’s still quite fun and unique to visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle Line, and enjoy the area without the winter visitor numbers. Otherwise, there’s plenty to explore in Rovaniemi under the midnight sun. 

Santa Claus Village

If you have a car to drive on your trip to Lapland, Santa Claus Village is just a quick 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center. Otherwise, you can catch the Santa Express or local bus 8 from Rovaniemi city center with the journey being about 20 minutes.

It is also possible to take a guided tour that includes a visit to the village as well as a visit to a reindeer and husky farm.

Once you reach Santa Claus Village there’s so much to do and enjoy on a day trip here. There’s no cost to enter the village, with costs only for individual activities.

If you’re keen on doing a husky sled ride or reindeer sleigh ride, prices are less than half the cost of tour companies operating outside of Rovaniemi. The ride is a lot shorter, but it’s a special experience to wander through the snow-covered forests under a warm blanket while led by Lapland’s mascots; huskies and reindeer. 

If you prefer to book tours in advance some options include this husky safari or this reindeer farm visit that includes a sleigh ride.

Visiting Santa’s Post Office and taking a picture with Santa is free, with the post office truly being like something out of a Christmas movie – a dream for both children and adults alike. 

The entirety of the Village is a large area consisting not just of the concrete buildings and “town” part of the village but also a wide expanse of forest. Even just getting lost in the snowy forest, making snow angels, and warming up at one of the village’s many fires throughout the area is truly a special experience. 

Once your appetite has opened and you’re ready for some warming food, there are plenty of options at the village; whether you’re looking for more cafeteria-style food or classic Lappish food in a traditional Arctic-style hut.

Santa Claus Village in Lapland

Rovaniemi Nature 

If you’re in Rovaniemi during the warmer months and prefer to skip Santa Claus Village, there’s still plenty to do and explore and I recommend taking advantage of the extraordinary nature of Rovaniemi Lapland. 

Rovaniemi is a dream world for nature lovers and my suggestion is to spend a day on the trails, hiking throughout the Arctic Circle while experiencing the ethereal midnight sun. If you don’t want to walk, you can organise a snowmobile adventure through the forest as an alternative.

A great place to start to plan your time in Rovaniemi nature is at the Finnish National Park authority, where you’ll find ideal hiking trails and paths to take in Finnish Lapland.

There’s no better way to watch the midnight sun than in the lush Finnish forest, with a picnic and a cold drink either by yourself or with close friends/family.

Day 3 – Northern Lapland, Levi  & Samiland Exhibition

In this itinerary, with a 3-day trip to Lapland or 4 days in Lapland, you’ll head out of Rovaniemi and Southern Lapland to Northern Lapland. While Rovaniemi is all about Santa and Christmas joy, Levi , the main resort city in Northern Lapland is all about nature, the Northern Lights, and indigenous Sami culture.

If you’re driving during your Lapland itinerary, the drive from Rovaniemi to Levi is just over 2 hours and is an exquisitely stunning drive. Much of the drive is through Lapland nature and it’s hard to regret making the journey north.

If you don’t have a car, there are a few bus companies with direct transport from Rovaniemi to Levi. OmniBus is a great option as services are frequent, the buses are comfortable and can be pretty affordable for Finland prices. 

Levi is the ski resort in the area and is the biggest ski resort town in Finland. The village that Levi is located in is Sirkka , and there aren’t a lack of things to do, places to stay, things to see, or food to eat.

If you like to be in the center of the action on your travels, I suggest staying in the center of Sirkka. Otherwise, it’s worth spending a little more to stay outside of the town to sleep amongst the magical Lapland wilderness.

Sunrise in Levi

Samiland Exhibition 

If you want to learn more about Sami, the local indigenous culture then make sure to visit the Samiland Exhibition.

The Sami are the descendants of the nomadic people of Northern Scandinavia traced back thousands of years ago and Sami culture is rich in history, mythology, and folklore. The perfect place to learn more about this integral part of Lapland and Finnish culture is to head to the Samiland Exhibition in Levi.

The exhibition does a wonderful and interesting job educating on Sami culture, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits in both winter and summer seasons. Samiland is open every day of the winter from 10 AM – 8 PM, most days of the summer (check hours in advance), and admission tickets for adults cost €13 with reduced ticket options available. 

Northern Light Safari

Other than slope seekers and ski aficionados, the main pull for visitors coming to Levi is easily the famous conquest for the Northern Lights. During the Aurora season, you’re almost guaranteed to see the Northern Lights if you’re visiting Levi.

If you have a car, you’ll have a lot more freedom to follow more remote and forecasted Aurora areas with less light pollution, although it is possible and common to see the dancing Northern Lights in the town itself. With your own transportation, you can come and go as you choose and watch from your car to stay warm! 

The best spots to seek the Northern Lights in/outside of Levi are at the top of KÀtkÀ Fell, Tonttula (Elves Village), and quite honestly, anywhere further from town lights with large areas of open land.

If you don’t have a car, I suggest taking part in a Northern Light safari tour out of Levi. Costs for these are cheaper than in Rovaniemi, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the Aurora if you’re visiting during the Aurora season.

These tours typically pick you up from your hotel/accommodation and bring you to Aurora hot spots either by snowmobile or bus/car transportation. You’ll spend time learning about the area and Lapland with a local guide, while drinking hot chocolate or grilling sausages, and keeping warm by a hot, open fire.

Hopefully, before you know it, you’ll soon witness the out-of-this-world experience and natural phenomenon of the colorful, elegant Northern Lights dancing above your eyes. 

Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Where to Stay in Levi

Break Sokos Hotel Levi – This hotel is an excellent base for exploring Levi and the surrounding area. They have a range of bright, clean and comfortable rooms to choose from, they’re pet-friendly and there is even a restaurant and cafe/bar on site for guests to enjoy. Click here to see their availability

Northern Lights Village Levi – For those after a unique and unforgettable stay in Levi, this hotel is a great option. They have a number of rooms on offer – all with windows over the bed for some cosy Aurora viewings. Rooms are also equipped with fireplaces, breakfast is available and there is an on-site bar. Click here to see their availability

Levi Suites Levi Gold – If you want your own space while exploring Lapland, then these suites in Levi are a good option. They have a number of flats available, all fully furnished with everything you may need. Click here to see their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Levi hotels!

Day 4 – Skiing or Winter Activities

On the 4th and last day of your time in Lapland, you’ll have two different options for enjoying the last day of your Finnish Lapland adventure; skiing the slopes of Levi or taking the time to enjoy more winter activities that you may not have already done in Rovaniemi. Some options include this husky sled ride or a snowmobile safari.

Skiing in Levi

Being the biggest ski resort in Finland, Levi is a great spot to either practice and enjoy as a novice skier or try your hand on the slopes for the first time – under the arctic sky.

Levi has mostly intermediate slopes, with 28 lifts and 48 slopes as well as just about 4 hours of sunshine during the winter. Luckily, the slopes are kept open late giving you enough time to enjoy either an old or newfound activity.

Skiing under the beautifully pink pastel polar night sky is something you’ll likely never experience out of Finnish Lapland, and it truly deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Snowmobile parked in Levi

Apres-Ski/Dinner at Tuikku

There’s no better way to end your trip to Lapland and day on the slopes than at Tuikku, Levi’s oldest restaurant as well as where you’ll find the most extraordinary slope side and Lapland views. In the winter, there’s live music and DJ, offering the perfect closing to a magical trip.

Prices are pretty affordable, whether you’re interested in having a cocktail, hot chocolate, or a long day of skiing and adventuring that has left you hungry for their delicious buffet meals. 

It’s safe to say that Lapland is one of the most magical destinations in the world. Whether you’re an adult or a child, this enchanting Finnish region is undoubtedly going to touch your heart and sprinkle fairy-tale magic into your trip to make it one of the most unforgettable adventures of a lifetime.

Are you planning to visit Finnish Lapland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

lapland day trip what to take

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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The Ultimate Itinerary for Lapland and Arctic Circle, Finland

This article is  Part 1 of our 4 part series on planning the ultimate trip to Lapland, Finland 

Read Part 2 The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Finnish Lapland   (opens in a new tab)

Read Part 3 The Ultimate Guide to Lapland Safaris (opens in a new tab)

Read Part 4  Staring at the Northern Lights in Saariselka   (opens in a new tab)

Most people (us included!) wouldn’t blink an eyelid before planning a trip halfway around the world just for a single once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be it jumping off a bridge in South Africa , watching the sun rise at Angkor Wat (Cambodia) , participating in the Tomatina Festival in Bunol (Spain ), or staying in a villa suspended over water in Bora Bora – we’re all guilty of booking an air ticket just to tick one item off our bucket list.

But what if a trip promises not one or two but over a dozen once-in-a-lifetime experiences at one go? You’d jump right into it, wouldn’t you? Well that’s what we did.  We slept in an igloo, rode on reindeer sleighs, played with husky dogs, tobogganed down ice slides, walked on a frozen ocean, marvelled at the elusive Northern Lights, and even floated in water with icebergs for company. Phew!!

Finnish Lapland is a truly phenomenal corner of the world. We’ve been to over 45 countries and have experienced some crazy things but very rarely have we seen beauty that left us dumbstruck. Literally! I’ll let you into a secret – I carry a travel journal with me wherever I go. I’m perpetually scribbling notes in it. It’s somewhat of a ritual. But for one whole week in Finnish Lapland, I penned nothing in my journal. Yep, nothing, nada, zilch!!

That’s how long it took me to accustom myself to the surreal beauty of Finnish Lapland. This corner of the world, located at the Northernmost tip of Continental Europe is so special that I don’t know where to start. The air is clear (no pollution here!), water is sugary sweet, the sky sparkles with thousands of stars, and the snow-laden landscape seduces people into thinking this is paradise. It could well be!

 Lapland Itinerary Husky Dog Safari

If you want to explore this area for yourself, look no further. Here’s the ultimate itinerary for exploring Finnish Lapland.

Now for the fun stuff. Get ready, ladies and gentlemen, for the virtual ride of a lifetime. Don’t blame us if you’re tempted to book a flight to Lapland as soon as you finish looking at these photos. Here’s a summary of our experiences and our suggestions for planning an itinerary for Lapland 🙂

Day 1 – Fly into Oulu

Oulu is just over an hour away from Helsinki. The two cities are well connected through multiple flights a day. You will find a white landscape, laden with snow, when you land in Oulu. Once you’re in Oulu, you could stay there for the night or take the train to Kemi, a small Finnish city close to a deep harbour.

  • Take bus no. 9 from Oulu Airport to the city centre/train station.
  • You can book your train tickets to Kemi in advance on this website :  www.vr.fi/cs/vr/en/

Days 2 and 3- Float with Icebergs in Kemi

This is when the fun begins in real ernest. On this day, you will witness a castle made entirely out of ice and hop aboard an ice-breaker cruise ship. Ice-breaker sampos are used to transport goods from one port to the other in this part of the world but Kemi’s ice-breaker sampo is one of the very few that allow tourists on board.

A free shuttle bus ferries passengers from Kemi’s train station to the Ice Breaker Sampo. A short drive later, you will see a ship looming large in the distance. Chunky boulders of ice surround it. This is the Gulf of Bothnia, Europe’s largest mass of frozen ice. You might have been on many a cruise but nothing like this one. A loud horn heralds the start of an unforgettable journey – the ship leaves the harbour, cutting through the frozen Baltic Sea.

It might be cold outside but it’s hard to tear yourself away from the surreal sight of a frozen sea stretching out in front of your eyes. Our favourite part? A short pit-stop in the middle of the journey where passengers are given the opportunity to don bright floatation suits and plunge in ice-cold waters with a few other fellow crazies for company. My heart was in my mouth for the first ten seconds of the plunge but I really really enjoyed the rest of it 🙂

The free shuttle bus is waiting for passengers when the cruise ship gets back. It drops tourists at the snow castle of Kemi, which is straight out of the fairytales. You could wander around and walk back to the train station (a pleasant 20 minute walk) or spend the night at one of their unique ice-rooms. Did you ever think you would be sleeping on a bed of ice? Now is the chance to make that dream come true

  • This should be one of the first things you book because cruise tickets get sold out months in advance. The cruise can be booked here :-  www.visitkemi.fi . You could also send an email to  [email protected]
  • The Sampo Icebreaker Cruise costs €270 per person. This cost includes food, polar plunge experience, and the return journey on the cruise ship
  • There is a free shuttle bus that ferries tourists from Kemi train station to the Ice Breaker Sampo and the Snow Castle
  • Entry to the Snow Castle costs €15. If you want to spend a night in the ice hotel, prices start at €155. More information on their website  www.visitkemi.fi/en/snowcastle

 Lapland Itinerary Kemi Sampo Icebreaker Cruise

Day 4  – Settle into Rovaniemi

A short train ride will get you to Rovaniemi, the bustling capital of Lapland situated on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is also famous for being the home of Santa Claus. Did we not say Lapland is straight out of our childhood fantasies? 🙂

Rovaniemi is the perfect base for exploring Lapland and all it has to offer. No wonder it features heavily on most itineraries of Lapland. We stayed at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus and loved it. The hotel’s location is perfect – it’s less than a five minute walk away from most of Rovaniemi’s supermarkets, restaurants, and excursion providers.

Our spacious suite was on the sixth floor, overlooking the river. The room was modern, kitted out with a private Finnish sauna (where Vid spent most of his time 😉 ). Breakfast was plentiful with a wide variety of vegetables, salmon, eggs, meat, fruits, cookies, and cheese on offer.

  • Stay in a centrally-located hotel in Rovaniemi. We stayed at Santa’s hotel Santa Claus and will happily recommend it. You can find the best rates here
  • Make sure you spend time in the Finnish sauna – it’s unique and rejuvenating

 Lapland Itinerary Santa Claus hotel Rovaniemi

Days 5 and 6 – Experience the best of Lapland’s safaris

Once you’ve settled into Rovaniemi, it’s time for the adventures to begin. There are photo opportunities galore. You can spend your days snowmobiling on frozen rivers, driving through stunning Arctic forests, visiting husky dog farms and playing with furry creatures, or hunting for the mysterious Northern Lights. Northern Lights’ excursions in Rovaniemi involve driving out of town, spending hours listening to Sami folk tales and BBQing sausages in a tent in the Arctic Wilderness – SO good 🙂

  • Lapland Safaris offer husky-dog safaris, snowmobiling, visits to reindeer farms, and Northern Lights excursions. Safaris start at €100/person.
  • We recommend pre-booking all your safaris with Lapland Safaris. That way you can keep their Arctic overalls, ski gloves, even snow boots for the length of your stay in Rovaniemi for free. You’ll keep warm and you won’t need to pay a penny. You can thank us later 😉 More information on their website  www.laplandsafaris.com/en/

 Lapland Itinerary snowmobile safari Rovaniemi

Day 7 – Meet Santa Claus on a day trip

Did you know that Finnish folklore has it that the ‘real’ Santa Claus resides in Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village with Mrs. Claus and an army of elves. No wonder it’s Christmas 365 days an year in Lapland 🙂

Santa Claus Village is a short bus ride away from the centre of Rovaniemi. You will hear Christmas carols and festive music as soon as you enter the hallowed gates of this dreamy village. Of course, there’s no better way to arrive at Mr. Claus’ house than on a reindeer sleigh. Now let me tell you something. This might not be your first skirmish with Arctic Safaris but one thing is for sure – it’ll be your favourite one. It belongs in a fairytale, nowhere else.

Once you’ve exhausted yourself by playing in the snow, giggled at the little elves in the village, and hugged snow-men, head to Kotahovi Restaurant  in Santa Claus Village for a warm meal. The restaurant is housed in a traditional Lappish wooden hut. The roaring fire at the centre of the restaurant is comforting and made us feel cosy almost immediately. We devoured the creamy salmon soup with rye bread (€14)  and the sautĂ©ed reindeer with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickled cucumbers (€26) and spent hours looking at the snow falling outside the window.

  • Bus number 8 takes you from the Rovaniemi city centre to Santa Claus Village. Bus tickets cost €2.20/per person.
  • Entry to Santa Claus Village is free. You can meet the ‘real’ Santa Claus for free too.
  • Don’t leave Santa Claus Village without hopping on a reindeer sleigh. It will take you through magical snow-laden trains and Arctic forests. It was one of our favourite experiences on our entire trip of Lapland. The owner at Santa Claus Reindeer, Janne, is a great photographer. Make sure you ask him for a frame-worthy photograph once you’re in the sleigh 🙂
  • Reindeer Sleigh rides start at €22/per person. We opted for the 3 km ride and loved it. You can book it here :-  www.santaclausreindeer.fi
  • More information about Kotahovi Restaurant here :- www.santaclausreindeer.fi

 Lapland Itinerary Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

Day 8 – Devour a traditional Lappish meal and say bye to Rovaniemi

Sampling local food is the easiest way to acquaint oneself with a new culture. If you’re a regular reader of Bruised Passports, you’d know we never leave a new place without trying out all the local delicacies we can get our paws on. We had a fair few Finnish meals in Lapland but Restaurant Nili came out triumphant by a mile (and a half).

The evening we spent at Restaurant Nili made us so happy that we just had to go to the kitchen to give the chef a hug. The unassuming exterior makes it seem like a small neighbourhood eatery but locals swear by Nili’s exquisitely-crafted Finnish food. We loved the fact that the food was modern without being excessively experimental.

We opted for the sensational set menu called The Rovaniemi Menu. The meal kicked off with a delectable Lappish blini, perfectly complimented by whipped sour cream and grainy fish roe. Main course was reindeer rack on a bed of fluffy parsnip purĂ©e, braised root vegetables, and a creamy sauce. We opted for a full-bodied Merlot with the reindeer meat and the two were a match made in heaven. A refreshing scoop of Nili’s black currant sorbet followed – the perfect palate cleaner to prepare our taste buds for the Cheese Plate. We wound up the feast with a glorious panna cotta (the creamiest I’ve ever had!) garnished with apples and wild raspberries. But we didn’t stop there – a couple of shots of Finnish Tar liqueur followed. We could fly back to Rovaniemi just to have a meal at Nili all over again 🙂

Take a bow Chef Marko, you did good 🙂

  • Don’t leave Rovaniemi without trying delectable Finnish food at restaurant Nili.
  • Reserve in advance because Restaurant Nili can get really busy in the evenings.
  • We loved their sensational set menu called The Rovaniemi Menu (€58/per person) but you can go the Ă  la carte route too. More information on their website  www.nili.fi

Finland Lapland Itinerary Rovaniemi

Day 9 – Sleep on a bed of ice at The Arctic Snow Hotel

After you’ve explored Rovaniemi to your heart’s content, it’s time to go to a snow haven 30 kms outside Rovaniemi. Arctic Snow Hotel is built from scratch in November every year. It’s nestled in Lappish wilderness and provides a fairytale experience.

The reception area, communal toilets, and breakfast rooms are heated. However the fun begins when you enter the main building made of ice. The corridors are full of ice-carvings and sculptures and bright LED lights lead visitors to the Ice Bar and Restaurant. Here drinks are served in glasses made of ice and food is served on intricately carved ice plates. Finnish specialities such as creamy soups and elk are on the menu. Stools and benches might be carved out of chunky blocks of ice but they’re covered with Finnish fur rugs that keep guests warm.

Each ice suite has a different theme – we loved the playful Angry Bird themed room. Stunning beds are carved out of ice. Artic-style sleeping bags are provided to guests so they keep warm as they doze off. But doze off you mustn’t. For there is a lot of fun to be had.

Don’t miss the outdoor jacuzzi for the world – there is nothing quite like sitting in a hot tub in the middle of an Arctic forest and feeling warm when it’s -20°C out. You can count stars and if you’re lucky, you can spot the mysterious Northern Lights. Bucket list or not, an open-air hot tub is one experience that NEEDS to feature on your itinerary of Lapland.

  • Arctic Snow Hotel is open to visitors from November to April
  • It is possible to visit only for a meal but we suggest sleeping in an ice room for 1 night for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Prices for overnight stays start at €125. You can compare and book here .

 Lapland Itinerary Arctic Snow Hotel Rovaniemi

Days 10, 11, and 12 – Immerse yourself in Arctic Wilderness in Saariselka and spot the Northern Lights

It’s time to head north to delve deeper into the Arctic wilderness. Frozen slanting trees, ice-laden hills, and fields covered with untarnished snow – the scenery at the northern tip of Lapland is beyond your wildest imagination .

A 3 hour bus ride from Rovaniemi will get you to Saariselka. There is a variety of accommodation on offer in Saariselka – log cabins are a popular choice. But we are partial to the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can sleep in a heated igloo under the Northern Lights. The bus will drop you at the gate of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. To say we had the time of our lives here would be the understatement of the decade. We spotted the Northern Lights ever so often while we were there. We were so taken in by the surreal beauty of this hotel that we decided to extend our stay by 2 days.

We spent our days trying to absorb the immense beauty of Finnish Lapland. Reindeer safaris provide a glimpse into the life of Sami people (indigenous people living at the very northern tip of Europe) and will convince you that you’re in a fairytale. Just when you’re drifting into your dream world, the reindeer will stop in the tracks to pee or grace the ground with perfectly-shaped reindeer droppings 😉

  • The bus journey from Rovaniemi to Saariselka is gorgeous. The bus has wifi and is extremely punctual. Bus tickets can be bought in person or booked online on this website :-  https://www.matkahuolto.info/lippu/en/
  • Read our detailed review of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort with photos, tips, and more before you flesh the itinerary for your trip to Lapland.
  • We suggest staying in the glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort for 1-2 nights and their rustic log cabins for 2-4 nights depending on how much time you have. You can compare prices and book here .

Northern Lights over our igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Day 12 Take the flight back from Ivalo

Ivalo airport is close to Saariselka and Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers regular transfers to the airport. Take the flight back to Helsinki – we promise you’ll spend the flight thinking about all the surreal panoramas you saw on your trip to Lapland and counting the crazy experiences you had. One thing is for sure – it’ll be hard to pick favourites. After all, how often does one get to pick between petting a reindeer and sleeping in an igloo 🙂

Planning your trip to Finland – The Essentials

Lapland Itinerary Kemi Sampo Icebreaker Cruise

If you’re there for winter sports and the Northern Lights, then visit Lapland between December and March. If you want to drive around, then summer is a good time since Finnish Lapland boasts of sunlight 24*7. Winter Wonderland transforms to the Land of the Midnight Sun during the months of June, July, and August.

Length of the trip

We suggest setting aside at least 10-12 days for a trip of your lifetime to Finnish Lapland. A rough breakdown is as follows (scroll down for the detailed itinerary 🙂 ) :-

  • Fly into Rovaniemi/Oulu from Helsinki
  • Kemi: 2 nights
  • Rovaniemi and surrounding areas: 4-5 nights
  • Saariselka: 3-4 nights
  • Fly back from Ivalo to Helsinki

Finnish Lapland is not the place for backpackers. Scandinavia is infamous for being notoriously expensive and Finnish Lapland is no exception. Moreover it’s an extremely remote corner of the world. Consequently transport, hotels, food, and excursions can get pricey here. Try to set aside approximately €200 per person/day when budgeting for your trip. This includes the  hotel rooms, excursions, food, and transportation within Lapland but excludes flights from your hometown. [box]

Don’t come back without trying these typical Finnish things

  • Finnish Sauna (Finnish people are obsessed with it and with good reason!). We love Visit Finland’s introduction to the Finnish Sauna
  • Reindeer meat – a local delicacy, Finns sure know how to dish up the perfect reindeer steak. Ok you can skip this and opt for creamy salmon soup if you’re a bit squeamish about devouring Rudolph’s li’l red nose 🙂
  • Spending a lazy evening in a Sami lavu/teepee making pancakes, BBQing sausages or just acquainting yourself with Sami Folklore.
  • Sipping on dozens of glasses of warm lingonberry juice – this local speciality the perfect antidote for Lapland’s Arctic winter.
  • Spending an evening in an outdoor hot tub while it’s -20°C outside. It’s a surreal experience to watch your drink freeze as you lounge comfortably in warm water and stare at Lappish sky, coloured green by the Northern Lights. Words can’t do justice to such an experience, can they?!

[/box] That’s it – our itinerary and favourite things to do in Finnish Lapland. You need to put this corner of the world on your travel bucket list – it will leave you spellbound and you will come back, wanting more.

Leave us a comment below if you enjoyed reading about our journey or if you have any questions about planning a trip to Lapland – we’ll make sure we get back to you as soon as possible 🙂

Want to include some more offbeat places in your winter trip to Lapland? Check out this article on 10 Must Dos In Lapland for pointers 

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213 thoughts on “ the ultimate itinerary for lapland and arctic circle, finland ”.

That’s like the trip of dreams come true!!! So beautiful.. I have to find someone to go along with me . M saving up!!

Now you’ve found Madhuri 😉 Go, go, go. PS It really was the trip of our dreams

Sound amazing!! can I ask where you found the outdoor hot tub? or accommodation you would recommend with this.

OMG this is insanely awesome. I would love some dessert served on a carved piece of ice! The Northern Lights are definitely a bucketlist, along with a loooong list of thing! :-p

xox head2heels.co

I know right?! I want to have food on those plates everyday 😉 The Northern Lights were amazing, definitely the highlight of the trip

this is one of the most beautiful post !!! this seriously seems some magical stuff!!! i could not even imagine that something like this existed !!!! so so so beautiful !!!!

Thanks Kushagr – we couldn’t believe our eyes when we first saw the scenery at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort 🙂

hey could you guys please connect.Travelling this year with my girls.

We want a budget trip to Lapland & Estonia in January 24 – 1st or 2nd week for 10- 11 days.

Rashmi, can i tag along =p I LOVED this post. trip of dreams indeed. thanks for this post. this definitely goes on my bucket list.

hehehe!! Sure :P:P The more the merrier 😉

Love the sound of this 😉

Thanks Madhuri – this was a dream trip indeed! Rashmi and you better make it there quickly 😉

Hey can u plz suggest where is the best Sauna in rovenamemi …we leaving in 2 days for Finland for my birthday ?

Hi Harleen,

A belated happy birthday and hope you had a great time in Lapland 🙂

Wow, what an epic trip! Yes, I’d love to tick off all those things, except the reindeer meat (I’m a veggie)! I’m obsessed with Finland and I was there in December but not more northern than Tampere, I didn’t have the time or the money to head up to the

sorry! that cut out and posted unfinished!

I didn’t have time or enough budget to head to the arctic north and centred my trip in the south. I’m hopefully heading back in the summer to drive down from Norway to Helsinki and I can’t wait to experience the light nights and the far north!

I also can’t wait to get back to saunas! Oh how I miss them, absolutely the must do for Finland!

Such a great post guys!

Rachel I hear you – it’s so easy to fall completely in love with Finland 🙂 I hope you manage to make it to the North soon, Lapland is straight out of the fairytales

I decided to visit Finnish Lapland for my honeymoon as soon as I saw your first Facebook post on the Icebreaker Cruise in Kemi. Then when you posted about the Northern Lights, there was no looking back. I was looking forward to reading this post. It’s answered most of my questions and I will be following your itinerary. I have 1-2 questions about budgeting and flights- can I email you for that?

Sure Sher – drop us an email. Lapland is the perfect place for a honeymoon 🙂

What an awesome writeup – watching the northern lights has been on the bucket list for a while – had a couple of questions ?

– WHats the probability of seeing northern lights during the stay ? What are the best months for the same ? – I understand from the pictures that its cold – how cold does it actually feel ? At any ;point did u experience the feeling of unbearable cold ? – Availability of vegetarian food in the northern hinterlands ?

Hey Maulik – The chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland, especially in a place like Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort are very high between November & March. Vegetarian food is never a problem. One never feels unbearably cold because of snug Arctic jumpsuits which can be rented from a number of shops 🙂

Finnish Lapland looks like quite the chilly place – but it looks like you enjoyed yourself. Hope to do it myself soon!

We really loved it there Elaine – you must plan a trip to Lapland soon 🙂

One of the places we really enjoyed was a Thai Cultural Theme Park – Phuket FantaSea. Every service area there was beautiful and neat. We enjoyed watching their beautiful, costumed parade culminating at an outdoor stage with a Bangok theme show. The place is really somewhat like Disneyland of Thailand! The highlight their main show held at a beautiful Palace of the Elephants Theater. I must say it was pretty amazing, I left overwhelmed by their beautiful culture. International buffet dinner was good, particularly the noodle soup. We remember it as one of our nicest outings in Phuket and do recommend it for a quality evening-into-the-night entertainment. Don’t miss it!

Loved reading about your Lapland adventures! It was very inspirational so we are planning a trip for March next year. I’m hoping this will be a good time to go. How far in advance do you recommend booking? Is it worth staying in Oulu?

Hey Michelle,

March should be a good time to go. We booked 3-4 months in advance. We flew into Oulu and spent the night there – didn’t really see much there. You should try and go to Kemi from there to try out the Sampo ice-breaker cruise. It’s an amazing experience.

Straight out of my dreams!! I hate you guys hahhaha…so jealous!!! But on a serious note, thank you for sharing all this info!! Its a wonderfully written blog, and I can totally feel your excitement 🙂 Great stuff

Thanks a lot Pallavi 🙂

Your travel plan look really nice!! Can you please share me what is the destination from Kakslauttanen Artic resort stop name and Rovaniemi bus station (toward Santa Claus village) to take?

If you take the bus from Kakslauttanen towards Rovaniemi, it will stop at the Santa Claus Village. Just inform the driver that you wish to get off at the Santa Claus village 🙂

Awesome blog !!! I am from Norway,live in California.Go home to Norway quite often,and this trip is definitely on top of my bucket list. Thank you for great information…..and I have to tell you…..I love reindyr kjĂžtt og tyttebĂŠr syltetĂžy. Have a great day…?

Thanks for that. You should take a trip to this part of Scandinavia – I’m sure you’ll love it!

Hi guys, well written travel experience. quite inspiring. We are planning a trip this year in dec 15, we live in dubai and have children age 2 and 5, a little concerned to see if our kids can adjust to such severe weather conditions while living in a hot place like dubai. On your trip, did you see kids of similar ages? do you foresee any challenges that we may face?… any suggestions?

Given that its Santa’s hometown, we saw LOTS of kids in Rovaniemi and around. Just make sure that you wrap your kids warm (thermals are a must). I’m pretty sure your kids will love these experiences.

What an amazing read. I have been surfing for weeks but found everything I needed right here. I am staying at the Hotel Santa Claus with my daughter and widened how far the bus stop is from the Hotel to visit Santas Holiday Village. Also, I am going to book the 3km reindeer ride. The excursion states almost 2 hrs plus but only 40 mins ride, did you experience this? They only have 9am or pm and I wondered which would be the best time to ensure the most magical … I thought possibly the afternoon. I had so hope to arrange a private meeting with Santa but this isn’t possible unless staying much further North…. But maybe next time. :-). Could you tell me how expensive the meals are at the Hotel for the evening, the breakfast looks amazing. I am hoping we may sleep well there, but expect noise due to the location. Your trip looks truly perfect and I am glad you had such a wonderful experience. 🙂

Dear Debbie,

The stop from where you get the bus to the Santa Claus village is a straight 5 minute walk from the hotel. As for the excursion, not sure where you have booked but we were told the exact time of the ride – perhaps they have added the transfer times from Rovaniemi to the excursion time? Yes, afternoon will be amazing 🙂

We didn’t have evening meals at the hotel in Rovaniemi. We used to step out to try restaurants around the hotel. If you get a chance, have a meal at Restaurant Nili (not far from the hotel) – the food was really nice. Say hello to them from us 🙂

this is actually want I’m planning to do from years…just 2 questions – Is it doable in 7-8 days ? If yes, what can be shortened ? Is Dec a right time ?

Hello Upender,

December is a great month for this 🙂

You can certainly do it in 7-8 days – we’d cut out a day or two in Rovaniemi and a day and a half in Kakslauttanen!

Hope that helps

Ok so my husband and i are headed to the northern lights for 10 days max end of march. help us plan an itinerary. we will be staying here Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Dear Lauren,

You’ll have a great time 🙂 Not sure what exactly you need help with but you could drop us an email with any specific questions that you have and we’ll get back to you asap. Pretty much everything we did is documented in this article itself 🙂

Am looking at web page for sampo cruise and lowest rate is €385.00 for March 2016! With entrance to ice castle. We are Four and frankly I think it’ s too much! Could it be that rates went up since your blog? As you mention €270 per person – which is ” reasonable” can you help me with info where I can find costs you mention? Thank you

Thanks Toni- you’re right, €385.00 is extortionate for a family of 4 but we were told by another reader that prices have increased in the past year. Perhaps you could choose just the ice-breaker cruise and transfer package, which is for €339.00? I will update prices on our website now

I don’t seem to be able to search info about getting to Ivalo airport from Kakslauttanen Resort. On bus travel website it stop at the junction not at the airport. Any advice? And at the city of Rovaniemi where do I board the bus to Kakslauttanen? Lots of thanks!

In Rovaniemi, just go to the Rovaniemi coach station to board the bus to Kakslauttanen. It’s a short taxi ride from the centre.

As for Ivalo, you might have to change the bus i.e. take a bus from Kakslauttanen to Ivalo and from Ivalo take the airport bus to Ivalo Airport.

Which bus company have you checked?

This is really dreamy! If I plan a trip say in May/June, will I still have an opportunity for the husky safari, reindeer ride etc?

You might get to experience those activities in early May but June will be difficult. However, it’s best to drop an email to the activity provider to confirm 🙂

You guys have done a fantastic job of summarizing your entire itinerary and including all necessary details with the series of posts on your Lapland trip. Super exhaustive resource for planning my honeymoon. Quick questions for you – where can I find the following experiences in Lapland (we are staying in Rovaniemi for 3 nights, Kakslauttanen for 3 nights and Muotkan Wilderness Lodge for 6 nights)?

1. Spending a lazy evening in a Sami lavu/teepee making pancakes, BBQing sausages or just acquainting yourself with Sami Folklore. 2. Spending an evening in an outdoor hot tub while it’s -20°C outside. It’s a surreal experience to watch your drink freeze as you lounge comfortably in warm water and stare at Lappish sky, coloured green by the Northern Lights. Words can’t do justice to such an experience, can they?!

These sounds like lovely experiences and it’ll be great to know exactly what we should be looking for and where. Thanks a ton!

Hey there – you’ll love Lapland. It’s the perfect honeymoon destination 🙂 Here are the answers to your questions: 1) The perfect places for this is in Kakslauttanen – opt for the reindeer sleigh excursion to Penti’s farm and you will get an opportunity to make pancakes, BBQ sausages, and learn more about Sami folklore. We covered this excursion in our video on Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Just check it out on our Youtube channel 🙂 2) Most hotels and lodges in Lapland offer outdoor hot tubs, so this shouldn’t be tough to find. Arctic Snow Hotel, just outside Rovaniemi, has a magical outdoor hot tub. But just email the hotel you’re staying at in Rovaniemi and Muotkan Wilderness Lodge to confirm whether they have outdoor hot tubs too.

Awesome, thanks a lot! Can’t wait to experience the wilderness of Lapland. Hope you guys are enjoying Fiji.

Anytime 🙂 Do send us photos from Lapland

Dear Savi, It was lovely reading your post, as we were looking into finland and happend to step onto your blog.It just gave us a good itinerary of our trip. I have a couple of questions if you dont mind which can help us for our trip in march.

We will be visiting rovaniemi on march and we would like to do some excusrions but considering our 3 nights stay there iam a bit confused on this.

1. Firstly do we do the Reindeer and the snowbike in Rovaniemi or at the resort of Kakslautten ? as we are spending three nights there as well ? ( in terms of northern lights and experince )

2.I know you have suggested lapland safaris but what do you think of the tour company laplandwelcome ( the reason i ask is cz the snowmobile excursion in lapland safaris ends by 11, whereas the laplandwelcome starts at 11 and ends at 1 am.

3.can you explain the route for the bus as we are going to have suitcases with us ? is that okay to travel from rovaniemi to kakslautten ?

Great to know you found our posts helpful. You’ll have an amazing time in Lapland. Here are the answers to your questions: 1) You should go on the reindeer safari at Kakslauttan – you’ll be deeper in the countryside and the scenery is a lot prettier there 🙂 2) I can’t comment on Lapland Welcome because we don’t have personal experience with them – however you can read other reviews on Tripadvisor or another dependable forum and make a decision 🙂 Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful but I find it hard to recommend something unless we haven’t tried it out for ourselves 3)You can take the bus from Rovaniemi to Ivalo and get off at Kakslauttanen – just let the driver know you’re headed to the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort as well 🙂

Thank you so so much for such a detailed info.. I am planning a trip for my fam n having difficulty figuring out until I stumbled upon your blog, so much helpful info. Will be following your itinerary and am pretty sure we gonna have as much fun as you both. Keep posting! Am definitely going to be your obsessive follower from now. 🙂

Thank you so much Vic 🙂 So happy to hear that. Have a great time in Lapland – it’s one of the most magical places we have been to.

Great article, thanks so much! We are planning to travel there in late Jan 2017 – just made the award ticket booking – and as our route is pretty much like yours i was wondering if you could answer 1-2 questions.

we only have short time 6 might 7 days invluding overnight trip back to our country, but due to award booking condition due to availability of award ticket, seems like we’ll only have 1 night each, 1 at helsinki, 1 at kakslauttanen, 1 rovaniemi, 1 kemi, and 1 at Oulu. If we cough up extra 450 euro or so for plane ticket for 2 of us, we can probably add 1 night in kakslauttanen instead of Helsiinki.

My question is:1) how high is out chance of catching aurora with our current achedule? Should we pay more to spend 1 more night in kakslauttanen? 2) what about ouliu? Is there any chance for catching aurora there? I’ve been trying to find info but there isn’t much…

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey Karen –

It’s hard to predict whether or not you’ll spot the Aurora, so it’s probably not worth paying so much jut for 1 extra night. Oulu isn’t particularly noteworthy for spotting the Northern Lights. Hope you have fun in Lapland 😀

Thank you very much for your wonderful post. It makes me more excited 😉 I would like to ask did you booked all the activities one by one or all from one tour operator? Coz i found one tour package it is for EUR 1600 and its for 5 days only. it includes ice breaker in kemi, santa clause village, 1 night stay at the ice hotel, safaris, accommodations and bus transfer you think the price is reasonable enough? or it will be better to booked it separately. This price doesn’t include the igloo arctic resort.

Thank you so much

Hey Vanessa – we booked all our activities with Lapland Safaris but booked the hotels and the Icebreaker Cruise individually. Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Savi, This is Manish from Mumbai, Read your experiences ,very refreshing.we r planning to go to Finland in the month of June ,is this the right time to go ,thnx.

Hey Manisha – June is summer season, so it isn’t the best time if you want to experience winter activities and the Northern Lights

Hi Savi, how long in advance should i book the train tickets from oulu to Kemi and from Kemi to Rovaniemi? I am planning to go next year march but when I try to search for the tickets it showed no result 🙁

Hey Daphne – the tickets usually go on sale 3 months before the travel period in question. You should check back around November/December 🙂

Hey Savi!!!

What a great article!!! It almost inspires one to book tickets immediately and travel to Finland! My husband and I are planning on travelling in January 2017 and i was looking at the Kakslauttanen Resort booking website and its already sold out!!!! However i managed to reserve two nights (only!) at the cottage. that is not the same as the igloo right? Any idea if the igloo will become available later maybe due to any cancellation? How can i book the same?

Thanks and cheers! 🙂

Thats a great post and a very detailed account of your travels! Thanks for inspiring us to book our tickets for Finland! 🙂 Had a quick question- I was looking at the Kakslauttanen Resort booking website and most of it is akready booked!!! However i managed to reserve two nights (only!) in January 2017 in a cottage.. that is not the same as the igloo right? Any chance the igloo might become available due to any cancellations? ca How can i ensure atleast one night stay in the igloo?

Hey Munira – the cottage isn’t the same as the igloo. It’s best to ask the hotel about availability of igloos in case of cancellation. Unfortunately advance booking is the only way of ensuring a night in the igloo. PS Do send us photos from Finland. We’d love to share them with our readers and tag you.

Hey! Sounds like an amazing place and trip. I just have one question – would you recommend this for a couple and their 10month old? Thanks in advance!

Hey Pieta – we did see a lot of people with young kids but I’d wait for your baby to be a bit older – it can be TOO cold for a 10 month old 🙂

Thanks for the very nice input. We’re a family of 5 – 4 adults and a 4 year old – and we do hope to spend Xmas in Lapland. We tried checking the Sta. Claus Village but it is not available anymore during our intended trip in December. What other hotel is best recommended that is very near the Village? Do we have to provide our snow shoes before embarking on the journey?

Hey Angie – unfortunately we don’t know of any other hotel nearby. Snow shoes are available for rent everywhere in Lapland, so you needn’t invest in them if you don’t already own some 🙂

I love your itinerary. I’ planning a family trip this December and would like to follow your itinerary. Do you know of any travel agents that can arrange this trip for us?

We planned this trip on our own so don’t really know any travel agents 🙁

Have a great time in Lapland 🙂

This is amazingly awesmmmm…I wish I cud find u guys earlier before visiting Finland…for more experiences…

Hey Ina – now you have a reason to go back to Finland, which is never a bad idea 😉

Hi Savi and Vid,

I have always wanted to go to this place and this is very helpful information. May I ask how much was the total cost of the trip including the glass resort stay and all activities(excluding flights since that would be different for me , I will fly from US) ? Also I believe, to see the northern lights winter is the time to go. so is christmas – new year time a good time? when did you guys go?

Hey Ananya – yep, the total cost depends on where you fly from and how many days you stay for. The glass igloos cost $450/night and good mid-range hotels in Finnish Lapland cost about $120/night 🙂 Winter is the only time to go for Northern Lights – December and January are perfect

Amazingly informative post. I am planning a trip for this December and would be obliged if you can help me with a few questions.

1. Can I copy paste this itinerary and avoid Tromso and Ice Hotel? 2. Any recommended agencies that dont overcharge and have experience of booking these? 3. Iceland or This trip? Which would be your recommendation.

Thanks, Govind

Hey Govind,

-Sure you can definitely avoid Tromso and Ice Hotel -Lapland Safaris are great to book day trips and other such in the area -If you’re keen on watching the Northern Lights, then Lapland is great. If you enjoy roadtrips, go for Iceland

Hi! I am planning a 10 day trip to Finland end of November. Given the temperatures and snow, did you guys use backpacks or a suitcase for your luggage? Any suggestions?

Thanks Shree – We took a suitcase but we’d strongly recommend taking a backpack because it’s so much easier to carry a backpack than drag a suitcase on snow laden roads and alleyways 🙂

Thanks for the amazing video and article! We are staying at Kakslauttanen in a few weeks and I wanted to ask what camera settings you used to capture the Northern Lights? I have a Samsung digital camera that I love but am debating also packing my DSLR so I have lens options. Any advice would be great! Could you see the Northern Lights with your GoPro? Your video was a great reminder to pack a tripod!

We are only staying 2 nights at the resort. With limited time, which safaris do you think are the best? Thank you so much!!

Apologies for the late reply. Definitely take your DSLR, your widest lens, and your tripod if you want to get great shots of the Northern Lights. I normally did a 10-15 sec exposure (depending on how intense the lights were) at f2.8 / f3.5 with the widest focal length possible. We could not see the lights with our GoPro but not sure if the newer GoPros have a better low-light performance.

As for the safaris, you should definitely go for the Reindeer safari at Penti’s farm (you can book through the resort) – he is quite a character and you’ll have a great time 🙂

Hey guys, big fans!!

Inspired by your blog, we have booked tickets for a 11 day trip in Feb’17 (arriving in Helsinki on the morning of day 1 and leaving from Helsinki the night of day 11). But now feels like a bit too long? Is there enough stuff to do for 11 days?

We are planning for 2 nights in Kemi, 3 in Rovaniemi, 1 in Arctic Snow hotel and 4 in Saariselka. Does it make sense? Considering the Sampo ice breaker is 4 hour cruise, what else can we do in Kemi on day 2/3? Also, whats a good place to stay in Kemi?

Much appreciate your inputs. Thanks a lot !!

Happy to hear that our blog has been helpful for you to plan your trip. Everything else looks great except for 2 nights in Kemi – you’d be better off making that 1 night and spending an extra night in Rovaniemi. Other than the ice-breaker cruise you can spend a few hours in the Kemi snow castle.

Have a great trip 🙂

Hi Your blog is amazing !! Thank you so much. I am planning a trip based on your itinerary . We live in Australia so would love a white Christmas. I was just wondering what your budget was for the entire 10 days. I’m looking at trying to do it for $10,000 Australian dollars. Thanks again for your tips!

Happy to hear about your upcoming trip to Finland and Lapland. If $10,000 includes flight to and back from Finland, then it might be short. However, if it’s just for the expenditure while you are in Lapland, it should suffice (on an average for 2 people).

Hii Guys, Thats an amazing trip. We are planning out Finnish getaway from 26th March to 31st March this year. Helsinki is just to get in and out and exploring the city. Not staying over. Then heading to Rovaniemi for 4-5 nights. Planning igloo for one nights and log cabins for remaining nights. Ice breaker cruise and arctic snow hotel from Rovaniemi. Husky, reindeer safari,snowmobiling as well as santa claus village and how can we forget one night is for Aurora hunting. All are morning activities except the Aurora hunting which is one night. Should we do more night tours for aurora hunting? So basically our base is only Rovaniemi. Also, we do not have snow shoes/boots – do we need to buy the same or renting is good enough. Then back to Helsinki. Do you suggest any changes? Also, we are based in Mumbai, need to buy good warm hats and scarves for me as well as my husband, can you suggest some places. Hope we have a good holiday, considering I feel very very cold gemerally – any tips for that?

Hey Priya – renting snow shoes works perfectly. You needn’t buy them 🙂 Also more than one aurora hunting trip shouldn’t be needed – if you’re lucky you’ll see Northern Lights at the Ice Hotel or Rovaniemi itself 🙂

Thats one beautiful trip. We are planning Finland from 25th March to 31st March. In and out from Helsinki. Helsinki to Rovaniemi and back in overnight train. We have 5 nights in Rovaniemi, which we have made our base. We are planning to do husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride, santa village, snow mobiling, arctic snow hotel, ice breaker cruise, northern lights hunting and a night in the igloo, all in Rovaniemi. Would you suggest anything on the same. Also, I am based in Mumbai and looking to buy some good warm caps and scarves, can you suggest where i can find one.

Hey Priya – that sounds like a great itinerary. We would suggest picking up woollens from a reputed brand like North Face or Jack Wolfskin online 🙂

Hi. your blog on finland trip is very nice. i wanted to ask you what month of the year did you go to finland. i am planning a trip in january and was thinking of tromso in norway and rovaniemi in finland. could you suggest me if january would be good and also how best to travel about from norway to finland in your opinion. thank you

We went in Feb. January is a great time to visit especially if you are interested in seeing the Northern Lights. The best way to get from Norway to Rovaniemi will be to fly – Norwegian has regular and reasonably priced flights 🙂

What are your thoughts on visiting Finland in December to see the northern lights? Do you suggest Feb to be a better time?

Yes Feb will be better because there’ll be more daylight as compared to December so that you can do other things too â˜ș

Just back from our trip !!! What a amazing one n truly once in a lifetime trip. I was searching for an itinerary for Finnish Lapland when I came across your blog and I had to look no further. We visited Santa, did husky safari , slept in an ice hotel , saw the northern lights in d forest while on a reindeer sledge etc etc…everything was so surreal….!!! A big thank you for penning down such a detailed itinerary…was truly helpful.

Keep travelling…keep inspiring!!!

Love Vanessa

Hey Vanessa we’re well and truly grateful that you stopped by to leave a comment AFTER your trip – it means the world. Do send us some photos from your trip – would love to share them with our readers 🙂 So happy you enjoyed Lapland as much as we did

Hey! Thanks for sharing. Is like an amazing place and trip. Planning to bring my dad and mum to Lapland this December as they loved to see snow and northern light. My concern is it may be too cold for them. Would you recommend this for a couple and their parents at the age of beginning 60? Thanks in advance!

Dear Lilian,

Apologies for not replying sooner.

It does get really cold up there, but if you’re wearing the right clothes, we don’t see why it’ll be a problem for your parents. We met plenty of elder people and they all seemed to be having the time of their lives 😀

Hope you have a great trip.

Hi, can I know how much you spent on this trip throughout Finland excluding international flight?

We spent around 2000 GBP per person including the hotels, meals, activities (which end up being expensive), and internal transport.

Hope that helps 🙂

v r planning during late october for 1 week only. what do you suggest? primary interest is northern lights and snow. any suggestions for self drive in the lapland.

Self-drive is always an option, but we chose to use the public transport when we went. You could spend 4 days in Rovaniemi and 3 in Kakslauttanen/Saariselka

Have a great trip!

Hi Guys, great trip and pics/description. Thank you !!!

I am taking the family in Novemeber for 8 days to Rovaniemi and Saariselka. What activities do you recommend in Rovaniemi and what do you receommend in Saariselka? I dont want to do the husky ride, reindeer farm etc at both locations and I am trying to determine what activities in what area. Thank you!!

To be honest, you can pick either place for the tours and they’ll be equally gorgeous. We did the reindeer ride and husky ride near Rovaniemi and really enjoyed both. Perhaps you could do these 2 just like us and do a Northern Light chasing snowmobile tour in Saariselka?

Yes ! Thank you. Saw pictures of you guys in ALberta. We were in Switzerland this summer – it was amazing up in the Oberland/Jungfrau region. I think you will love it. Thanks again for the blog, I always wanted to travel to the area but had a hard time with an itinerary, no I have one. THANK YOU !!!

That’s great 🙂 We’re sure Jungfrau is amazing – can’t wait to go there 🙂

Happy to hear you enjoyed our article on Alberta!

This is gorgeous!! Thanks for all the great info. I’ve been sharing this post with so many friends and family. Definitely on my wish-list! 🙂

Thank you so much for all the love Shruti 🙂

Hey I needed some suggestions regarding this trip. I am going to Finland in November and we are staying at kakslauttanen but we don’t know how to go to roveneimi from kakslauttanen? Also, I would like to know a few brands where to shop from for the thermal inners, jackets, hats and gloves and all the other things that we would require. Waiting for a reply soon. Thanks.

Hey there – we took a bus from Rovaniemi to Kakslauttanen. Inform the driver and he will drop you at the door of the hotel. Please look at our guides for packing for Finland and Iceland. Brands don’t matter as much – just choose 100% merino wool thermals, skiing gloves, and good quality down jackets. If you live in a hot place and don’t want to invest in those things, you can get them for rent in Rovaniemi. https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wears/packing-for-lapland-finland-staying-warm-in-the-arctic https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wears/packing-for-iceland-road-trip

Hey Guys, great information. In which month you traveled there because we are planning to go there in Feb so wanted to know if it is good time to go.

Hey February is a great month to visit (we visited at the same time too!)- All the best for the Northern Lights 🙂

hey guys…. i have been planning to go to the kakslauttanen resort for almost an year.i just love the place !!! was looking at some videos and came across yours ,you guys are so cute .i loved the video and i cant wait to go there and explore it myself.any clue how late October or november will be??(any snow?? and northern lights?)

Hey there – thanks for the kind words. The place gets snowed under only by late November 🙂 Northern Lights are unpredictable of course but there’s a good change of you catching them in November

Hey savi and vid. Your itineraries are to die for. I mean how can anyone not get tempted to travel to such mind blowing locations. Reading your Finland itinerary my husband was more than convinced to travel to the Lapland. Now the confusion is here we wanna do iceland Finland and norway together with in 15 days. I am really confuse where should I start from. We plan to go in mid of november. We are keen for northern lights ofcourse. Can you please help me just to plan where should I start from and where should I end. Rest details your itinerary has already done it for me. Thanks. Much love from India. Keep travelling and keep making memories. You inspire world to travel. Best wishes.

Hey Khevna – just choose whichever destination offers better connectivity from your hometown as the first stop followed by the next one. You can do Tromso and Lapland for a combination of winter activities and Northern Lights

Hello, your blog post is awesome. We are planning a trip to Finland this December and your list looks like the absolute bucket list for it!

Can I ask what is the difference between Rovaneimi and Saariselka? Rovaneimi seems to be the more popular and major place to go – are there things to do in Saariselka that are not available in Rovaneimi? And would u recommend an equal length of stay in both places?

Hi Rovaniemi is a bit more crowded and touristy wherease Saarisielka is more peaceful. You can visit Reindeer farms etc in Saarisielka and experience the Finnish countryside in its full glory

Such an amazing post summing up your experiences. I already feel like I am in the Lapland. Few quick suggestions needed.

I have booked a 8 nights trip to and from Oslo for me and my wife in Jan, 2018. Main moto is to enjoy the northern lights and the chilly northern winters. Our itinerary is sumdn like 1 night in Oslo… 2 in Kakslauttanen.. 2 in tromso and 2 in bergen and last night in Oslo again. do u think we should tweak it a bit in terms of your experience and change Tromso or Bergen with any Finnish place? Also, how is d internal road transport from Finland to Norway as we could not see much direct flights from Kakslauttanen to Tromso. Do u suggest self drive in snow considering that we have never really driven in snow. Also, reading that you have been in both Artic snow hotel and Kakslauttanen, which is a better place to stay? Thanks

You could look at replacing one of those places with Rovaniemi if you like. Not so sure about road routes between Norway and Finland. If you have never driven in snow then it might be a better idea to take public transport.

My, my wife and my daughter are planning a trip to the paradise land of Finland between Jan 11-18. I have been reading reviews about Lapland and yours stand out as the best one written. A hearty congratulations!

Now the question: You are advising to set aside 12 days or so for this experience but unfortunately we don’t have that many days. Could we still enjoy the trip with say 6 – 7 days if we “cut corners”? (Sadly 🙁

Any tips you could offer will be greatly appreciated.

Hey Omer – thank you for the kind worlds. 6-7 days are great for Lapland. We’d suggest spending 3 days in Rovaniemi and 3 in Saarisielka/surroundings and you’ll be good 🙂

Hey Guys! thank you so much for sharing such an informative itinerary. Much helpful 🙂 Could you please advise how you traveled from one place to another? car or bus? We were planning to rent a car and travel from Rovaniemi to Akaslompolo and the to Saariselka.. But car is not being possible now coz of license issues. Could you advise if you are aware of any bus services that could assist us with such itinerary? Thank you so much. – Niharika

Hey Niharika – we flew to Rovaniemi and took a convenient bus (specified in the article) to Saariselka 🙂

Hey what months were these?? Dates ? I am planning Finland this year December and your itinerary is just perfecto !

February 🙂 Hope you had a great time in Finland

Guys please tell me what is the total cost for spending 4 nights in kakslatunnen artic resort approximately…

Hey Ranjani,

As prices keep changing, it’s best to check the Kakslauttanen website for latest prices and availability 🙂

Hi…. I really love all of your posts and I am a travel freak myself …. I just wanted to know if I can have vegetarian meals there?? Because I am die hard vegetarian and I have no idea if pure veg meals will be available there…

Hey Manika – most resorts do have a vegetarian meal option but there isn’t much variety. would suggest carrying some instant food along 🙂

I love Lapand. I’ll be there next week. I think I’m lucky to be there

Hi, thanks for the itinerary, it’s very helpful. I wanted to know if you have any accommodation recommendations for Saariselka, as Kakslauttanen is booked out for the dates I am planning around Christmas :/ Any other good resorts/hotels which you would recommend?

Thanks Sonali

Hey Sonali,

We haven’t stayed in Saariselka so won’t be able to recommend. You could consult our latest article on a winter road trip in Finland: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wheres/lapland-finland-winter-road-trip-guide for some alternatives to Kakslauttanen 🙂

What time of the year did you guys visit? I plan to tea so with my daughter’s 5 &7. Too cold?

We visited in Feb. Yes it is quite cold but if you’re dressed properly and good woolens, not such a big issue 🙂

What an amazing and a fascinating place to visit. I really didn’t know much about this but after reading this post I will surely visit one day. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post.

I think you mentioned before that you went during February. Do you mind me asking what time of the month? We’re kind of wide open with dates and have been back and forth between a week in February or March. We would love to see the northern lights and take in all the winter activities, but we’re not exactly sure about timing. I read February is the coldest month, but you get more snowy days, with the snowy trees you see in pictures of husky safaris and reindeers. In March, it sounds like you still have the snow beneath your feet to do the winter activities, it starts to warm up a bit, you have more daylight, but you miss out on the snow covered trees. I also read that you have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights near the equinox which is March 20. Any suggestions on deciding between February and March as I continue to overthink the decision 🙂

Hey unfortunately natural phenomenons are hard to predict. You could do the best research and still end up with no northern lights. So it’s best not to overthink and go at a time that suits you best. The beginning of February is a better time as the scenery is prettier! 🙂

Hey! This looks magical. We are planning our honeymoon in Lapland from 1 Jan until 6 Jan. We have 6 days in Lapland. How do you suggest we plan our trip? Do you think 4 days in Rovaneimi and 2 days in Saariselka is ok? Or should we do 3 days each? We are planning to do a day tour to Kemi from Rovaneimi for the ice breaking cruise. Thank you!

Hey Ravina – the first option is great. 4 days in Rovaniemi and 2 in Saariselka 🙂

I wonna go like now. Oh my God. Your story telling is so great.

Hey we are planning a trip to Finland in early feb for our 19th anniversary. You have mentioned a visit to the Santa Claus village while in rovaniemi, which is very much in our plans.. would it be open for visit in Feb or is this only a pre Christmas destination?

Will deeply appreciate your input on this please.

Thanks Sohini

It should be open in Feb – in fact that is the month we visited too so you shouldn’t have any problems 🙂

Hi Savi , I stumbled across your wonderful itinerary, I’m staring to plan my trip for March 2019 , I only have 9 days , how would you suggest spend my time wisely ? Do you also know anything about skiing in Sally ? Thanks so much for your help !!! Chantay

No we don’t know much about skiing in Salla 🙂 We’d suggest spending a few days in Rovaniemi, a few in Saariselka/Kakslauttanen, and then perhaps Levi.

Hey guys, I wanted to search for a Lapland Itinerary post your pictures on Insat for the past few days. And guess what? Yours was the one i ended up reading eventually. And now I am day dreaming about it already. Gosh ! So beautiful. I have to start saving for it right now man. Its gorgeous. And beautiful. Also just so detailed and helpful Savi. Thankeeeee.

Love to you guys.

Enjoy your trip to Lapland Asmita and share photos with us 🙂

Hey savi, was great to read your post, we are 2 families 4 adults and 4 children planning to go in april 3rd week, we plan 1 day for kemi 3 days for rovaniemi and 2 for saariselka, please advice about transport, should we rent a vehicle or should we use bus or train services.

thanks vishal

If you’re travelling to Kemi, Rovaniemi, and Saariselka I’d suggest renting a car 🙂

Hi, would driving in December be possible and travelling in end December feasible? Since we read up that sunlight is rather sparse at this time of the year and was wondering whether it would be a limiting factor during our trip! Thank you!! Awesome itinerary

Yes, daylight is only for a few hours so that would restrict your sightseeing but will also give you more time to hunt for Northern Lights. That said, we always recommend Feb to visit Lapland as it offers the best balance in terms of daylight hours, chances of viewing Northern Lights, and the snow cover 🙂

Hi Savi,, thanks for writing this amazing trip details.. we are planning a trip in dec 2019 and this itinerary is just so amazing that i will be following it like a copy paste ?? Just one question there is a direct flight to kemi from helsinki – is there any particular reason that you have suggested to go to oulu and stay for night there.. kindly let me know.. m traveling with my family with 2 kids Thankssss

Hey not really – we were flying from London so got a good connection to Oulu that’s it 🙂 You can fly to Kemi if there is a flight from Helsinki

Hi , could you let me know when was it that you’ll visited? Sunlight time frame when you’ll visited

It would be great help 🙂

We visited in Feb 🙂

This piece is indeed helpful…I and my husband are planning for Finland next year and we were very curious to know if we will get activities like husky rides, reindeer rides and northern lights in probably a summer month in Finland, we were considering October to travel. Can you kindly give some details. We are quite skeptical to travel in their winter months, thereby planning for summer months. Thanks.

Doubt you’ll get those experiences in summer months. (definitely not the northern lights) We’d say go in October / November.

Thank you, it was really informative, your post ended my search for perfect itineary!!! Thanks

Happy to hear that Keshav 🙂

Hey, is it a good idea to do this is November?

Yes November is just the right time to visit Lapland 🙂

Absolutely – better towards the end of November as in the beginning there might not be enough snow 🙂

Planning to travel between 2nd december to 15th december. Will we able to see northern lights or is it better in Feb?

Hey December is a good time to see Northern Lights in Lapland 🙂 That said, in the end it all depends on the weather 🙂

Greetings Vid & Savi, Firstly, thank you so much for providing such a detailed itinerary of Finland. Looks like ya’ll had time of your lives. 🙂

I have been a fan of you both for the longest of times now 🙂 Loved your Finland itinerary and has inspired me and my fiance to plan our Honeymoon trip in the Month of March to Finland.It might be 11N 12D trip covering Helsinki (2N) Vuokatti (7N) (Since we have an option of RCI booking) and Saariselka (2N).

1) We are working on a tight budget hence we have restricted ourselves only to the Eastern and Central part of Finland apart from Helsinki.

2) How is the public transport service at Finland ? I mean, would you advise a Train or a Bus for inter-city travel (since internal flights are quite heavy on the pocket) ? Is RailEurope a good option to consider ?

3) Would you recommend a rent-a-car and do some of part of the inter-city travel by road ?

4) Open to all kinds of other suggestions as well.

Thanks once again in advance.

Thanks for all the love and support 🙂 Hope you have a great honeymoon in Finland 🙂

Public transport is decent in Finland – both train and bus. However, we’d suggest renting a car for inter-city travel! Otherwise buses are most convenient

You’ll find all our suggestions in our Finland guides and articles on this website!

Have a great trip to Finland

Dear Savi and Vid, absolutely love your work guys. I am planning a trip for 12 days after 15th December . I had a few questions if you can help me out.

1) choose Lapland or Iceland as both look magical (the purpose to visit is to gaze the mother lights and do winter activities) 2) I was very attracted to the Kakslauttanen artic resort , but have seen a lot of negative reviews about the service off lately hence in 2 minds. I cam across The Artic Fox Igloos through your post, is that a better place to stay ? in terms of price and view of northern lights. read about this another property ‘Golden Crown- Levin Iglut’ which have glass rooms. can you please suggest me.

Thank you! Here are our thoughts on your questions:

1) Either will be amazing. Iceland is better if you love rugged landscapes. Finland is better if you prefer doing lots of winter activities like reindeer sleigh, husky safaris etc. You can’t really go wrong choosing either 🙂

2) Yes Arctic Fox Igloos were nice and better priced than Kakslauttanen- the igloos are great to see the Northern Lights (if they appear) and we also loved the kitchenette in there. Not sure about the Golden Crown – Levin Iglut as we haven’t stayed there and so we can’t personally recommend them 🙂

We are planning between January 15 and january 26. Can you let us know if this time is good ? How will be the snowfall during this time ?

That’s a great time to go Abhishek. Most probably you’ll get snowfall in Lapland in January – however since it’s a natural phenomenon it can’t be predicted to the tee

Can you let us know which app can we download to track northern lights? We are 3 nights in Saariselka and 4 nights in Rovaniemi. 1) Can we hire a car from Ivalo airport and park / leave it in Saariselka itself before leaving for Rovaneimi from Saariselka ? 2) Do we need international license for hiring a car ?

Hi Abhishek,

Most of the towns have their own local apps/messaging services for notifications about Northern Light sightings. I also used an app called “Northern Lights” (and there are many similar ones that will tell you the KP number and probability of seeing the lights in your area. I’m not sure what you mean by “leave the car in Saariselka” – you can talk to to the hotel staff or find a parking garage for long term parking perhaps?

We did not need to show International license for hiring a car, only our Indian driving licenses.

This is a great blog. We have booked tickets based on the blog. You have mentioned – there is nothing quite like sitting in a hot tub in the middle of an Arctic forest and feeling warm when it’s -20°C out. Where can we find this hot tub? Do we need to book it? How does it work?

Hey Abhishek – no bookings required. Most hotels & apartments have open-air hot tubs in Finland 🙂

Hey guys, how did you travel from rovaniemi to Arctic snow hotel ? Is there a direct bus ?

We had rented a car. However I do believe that there is a shuttle arranged by Arctic Snow Hotel – best to drop them an email and confirm

This is incredibly helpful!! Thank you for sharing!!

Glad you liked it 🙂 Lapland is such an amazing place to plan a trip to!

A wonderful life in Finland! I hope that I can visit there with my family in the future.

Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you had a great time!

we are planning a 5 days trip to Rovaniemi from Germany. Would you suggest following: 1. Renting a car? 2. Is it (especially The safari’s which you mentioned) safe for kid of 1.8 years old?

Yes renting a car is a great idea. The safaris are safe for kids no problem 🙂

Loved your Lapland post! My husband and I traveled to Levi in Lapland via Helsinki and KittilÀ and spent 5 nights at The Northern Lights House, which we absolutely recommend. We really enjoyed our dining experiences, a midnight pony ride through the forest, some skiing, and sightseeing. Lapland is magical!

That’s exactly what I was looking for, saving me a few hours of research, Thanks for sharing this for travelers.

Great post thanks buddy.

Hello Finland is straight out of fantasy world. I am planning a 8 day trip in jan first week. Can u help me with couple of things 1. Which month u traveled? 2. I have read many articles that march is best time to see northern lights. But many places its written nov to march is good time so I am bit confused here

Hi Savi I read that you have been to Finland in Feb, and recently I am also planning my trip for feb only.

1. However I am bit skeptical about jan or feb as many articles have mentioned that it snows a lot during these months and spotting Northern lights could be a problem. 2. Also I included Ivalo and Inari in my itinerary since these are away from the city crowd and spotting lights could be easier here. What you suggest Ivalo, Inari or Saariselka? 3. This is my itinerary as of now

1 day Helsinki tour[ Can skip this and directly head to Rovaniemi? ] 3-4 days Rovaniemi -[ Santa village, Reindeer safari, snowshoeing, Sami Farm visit, Northern light tour, snowshoeing arctic forest] 1-night Kakslauttanen igloo 1 day Kemi [ Ice breaker] 1 or 2 days Inari —- Should I replace this with Saariselka?

Hey your itinerary looks great. February is actually a great time to visit 🙂

Thats pretty insanely beautiful blog about Lapland, which has let our wanderlust craving for this Finnish adventure more than ever before!! Would be great it you could give us the details of northern light hunting…is there some dedicated package we can book !!

Great blog post.Helpful and informative tips. I like it thanks for sharing this information with us

your post is amazing and awsome. i really like your post. Thanks for all the great info. I’ve sharing this post with my friends family and relatives. thanks for sharing this awsome and amazing blog.

Hi can we plan the same Itinerary in this November 2022

Yes you can as Finland is open without any restrictions from 1 July 🙂

Do they ask and check for driving license for snowmobile riding during safari? I only have two wheeler license Indian license.

They often ask for licences, yes 🙂

Hey, How is Finland in first week of November? how much of daylight is there?

It’s great for seeing the Northern Lights. But day light hours are very limited 🙂

Hello Savi and Vid, looking forward to travel to this beautiful country during this Christmas. I would like to know, where you guys stayed at, during your trip in KEMI.

Looking forwards to hearing from you!

Cheers from a fellow traveller!

Hey there – we did a day trip to Kemi and didn’t end up staying overnight 🙂

This is a very awesome and cool trip. I would like to visit these places.. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful trip plan.

This is a wonderful Place to visit. I like it.

Hi! Can we do this in 7 days? Basically 5 coz the 1st and last are flight days.

Hi Savi/Vid,

Can you please advise if the below itinerary looks ok to visit Finland in feb ? Is ice breaking cruise experience available in any other countries ?

2 Night Helsinki 2 Night kemi 2 Night Salla 2 Night Roveniami 2 Night Saariselka 2 Night Inari

This looks lovely. We haven’t seen the ice breaker day trip in another country

We have been looking for information on how to organize a trip to Lapland, so thank you for the wonderful and informative article. It was a pleasure to peruse this article! For individuals like me who are attempting to learn more about it, it can be really beneficial. This site is excellent.

Hi Vid/Savi I would like to experience the northern lights and staying in an igloo – is august end a good time for these? Are igloo stays operative then?

Hey Pooja – for both those experiences the time b/w September end and March beginning is the best

Thanks for sharing informative article.

1.u had suggested to stay overnight in pulp or kemi -for icebreaker cruise So on reaching Helsinki-would u suggest to stay overnight which of these places for next day cruise -and wgich hotel The snowcastke hotel do not have ice hotel rooms -so do u suggest stay there or anywhere else in kemi or do u suggest to base in rovaniemi and do sampro cruise from there ??- 2. and in December how many hours daylight available?- 3. and do u suggest morning or afternoon icebreaker cruise — 4. secondly how many days u suggest igloo and log cabins each -is the igloo cramped ?there r diff varieties in igloo and which do u suggest – dr mythily

Hello – you can base yourself in Rovaniemi and explore from there! Afternoon Ice breaker cruise is great as there are only a few hours of daylight in December (5-6, sometimes even less depending on the time of the month)

Hello, we are planning to travel here in Feb. Is it safe to rent a car, given no experience in driving on snow roads? (have driven in other countries during summer though). Or using public transport a better bet? Planning to do Helsinki – Kemi – Rovaniemi – Saariselka. Thanks

Hey Pratik,

You should be fine. Roads are cleared of snow regularly so that’s not an issue. Just take it slow in the first few days – you’ll see that you’ll find it quite easy to drive in Finland even in snow. Not much traffic – be careful of reindeer appearing on the roads though 🙂

thank you for the information

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Lapland travel blog — the ultimate lapland travel guide: how to travel & what to do in lapland finland.

lapland day trip what to take

Located in the north of Finland, Lapland is very close to the North Pole, so there are 200 days of cold winter a year. Any visitor, whether a child or an adult, wishes to have a trip to this place to meet Santa Claus , along with the reindeers. Moreover, this place is also an extremely attractive destination with a lot of interesting experiences. Lapland Finland (Finnish Lapland) is world famous as “the Official Hometown of Santa Claus”. In addition to the above nickname, is there anything else that attracts tourists from all over the world? Let’s experience Finnish Lapland through the sharing below. So, what country is Lapland in, what to do in Lapland, how to travel to Lapland Finland and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Lapland for the first-time? Let’s check out our Lapland travel blog (Lapland blog) with the fullest Lapland travel guide (Lapland guide) from how to get to Lapland Finland, best time to come, where to stay, what to see in Lapland Finland, things to do in Lapland Finland as well as what to do in Rovaniemi to find out the answer!

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Lapland travel blog: Where is Lapland Finland and what country is Lapland in?

lapland day trip what to take

Finnish Lapland is a very large region with an area of ​​about 100,367 square kilometers of which 92,667 square kilometers is land, 6,316 square kilometers is freshwater and 1,383 square kilometers is sea. Lapland stretching through 4 countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia’s Kola Peninsula with an area equivalent to 3 countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland combined.

In which the Lapland region in Finland (Finnish Lapland, Lapland Finland) occupies one third of the country’s area and the capital of the entire Lapland – the city of Rovaniemi is also located here. This is the official hometown of Santa Claus, so it is often said that Finnish Lapland (or Rovaniemi Finland) is the hometown of Santa Claus .

lapland day trip what to take

Some interesting things about Finnish Lapland:

lapland day trip what to take

  • Although this entire Lapland region spans 4 countries, the official name is widely known in 2 countries Sweden and Finland. Therefore, when it comes to the place of Lapland, you should often add the country name, so that people can clearly distinguish which region you are talking about.
  • The population of Finnish Lapland is over 180,000 people, mainly concentrated in 4 big cities (Rovaniemi, Tornio, Kemi and KemijĂ€rvi), the population density is about 1.98 people/km2 – the lowest in Europe and less than number of reindeer here (200,000).
  • Reindeer here are popularly raised as a meat producing animal in other countries. Near the village of Santa Claus, there is an Artic Circle – marking the arctic circle of the earth. Therefore, there is a phenomenon of 2 months in the summer when the sun never sets (lighting all day and night).
  • Lapland Finland is also a very large region rather than a specific city or place. So when someone talks about Finnish Lapland tourism, you should understand that they mention to traveling to Rovaniemi city – the capital of the whole Lapland Finland region, where the village of Santa Claus and some remote surrounding areas is upper it, where you can hunting aurora (the Northern Lights) and other winter activities.
  • Rovaniemi was almost destroyed 90% in World War II, but then the great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto redesigned the whole city as it have the appearance as we see today. There is currently a top 2 Finnish university named after his name, Aalto University – the top 7th school in the world in art and design section.

lapland day trip what to take

Lapland travel blog: When should you visit Lapland Finland?

lapland day trip what to take

Tourists often come to Finnish Lapland with the desire to experience aurora borealis hunting and take part in some winter activities. That’s why I think the most suitable time and best time to travel to Finnish Lapland is in the period from November to March. Because this is the time when you have the highest opportunity to seeing the Northern Lights along with this place is completely covered with white snow creating a magical scene comes along with a special and vibrant Christmas atmosphere.

lapland day trip what to take

Personally, I would recommend going from the beginning of November to mid-December because at this time there will be also a Christmas atmosphere here and it is not as crowded as December. Meanwhile, January and February are the peak winter months, the temperature is usually in the range of -20 to -40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, for those who are not used to extreme cold temperatures, coming here in this season is no different from being tortured :). In addition, the aurora often appears when it is cold and clear. If there is too much snow, the opportunity of seeing it is also lower than other times. There are times from September to November when it is very cold but without snow, it is easy to see the aurora borealis.

lapland day trip what to take

Lapland travel guide: How to get and how to travel to Lapland Finland (How to get to Rovaniemi)?

How to travel to lapland finland from other finland’s cities.

lapland day trip what to take

To get to Rovaniemi Lapland, you usually need to get to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Then from here, you can take the train, onnibus or plane to getting here. The distance from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 700-800km.

  • Onnibus: Usually you will need to transfer in Oulu city. Total travel time is about 12 hours (8 hours to Oulu and 3 hours to 4 hours from Oulu to Rovaniemi). Ticket price is around €18-35.
  • VR train (the Finland’s national railway company) often runs 2 trips a day from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Travel time: 8 to 12 hours. Ticket price: €40-90/way. The fare of €40 usually only appears in the summer, when the travel demand to Lapland is less than other seasons.
  • Airplane: Finnair (the Finland’s flag carrier and largest airline) often has quite a few direct flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Ticket price is about €70-100/way.

If you depart from some countries with lot of demands for travel to Finnish Lapland such as the UK, the Netherlands, there are also direct flights from these countries to Rovaniemi. As far as I know, there are currently 7 airlines flying directly to Rovaniemi from 5 European countries which are the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine in which the UK is the country with the largest number of tourists to Lapland Finland.

Lapland guide: Getting around Finnish Lapland

lapland day trip what to take

If you simply visit Rovaniemi, I think the most suitable means of transport is the public bus. Ticket price is €3.2/way and you can catch a bus from Rovaniemi center to Santa Claus village in 15 minutes.

lapland day trip what to take

However, if you want to participate in more winter activities, perhaps renting a self-drive car will be more appropriate. Because Lapland is a very large and extremely sparsely populated region, it will be quite difficult for you to participate in winter activities such as aurora hunting in the north, ice lake fishing, etc. without active means of transport.

lapland day trip what to take

Lapland travel blog: Where to stay in Lapland Finland?

Because Lapland is very large and the attractions are not gather in a single cluster like in other cities, finding a room here is not simple at all. Not only that, Lapland is also famous for various types of accommodation that are rarely found anywhere in the world. So, I will write a detailed article to guide you how to choose a hotel in Lapland later.

lapland day trip what to take

In general, in my travel experience, you should find a room and book it as soon as possible. Quality rooms in Lapland often sell out very quickly because here are few people, the hotel is not too abundant, but the number visitors flocking here from China, Japan, Germany, and Britain is quite a lot… Last time my friend searched for a room 4 months in advance but she still couldn’t find a good place to stay.

However, if you want to stay in upscale hotels, close to Santa Village, you can book hotels right in Santa Claus Village ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

lapland day trip what to take

You can also refer to the two other luxury hotels: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) built in a high hill, offer panoramic windows with beautiful nothern lights view.

lapland day trip what to take

Or Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ). This is a hotel that is extremely suitable for visitors to see and admire the Northern Lights.

At first glance, the Kaklauttanen looks like it just step out of a sci-fi movie. The hotel consists of many rooms like turtles located next to each other. “Tortoise shell” is made of glass, does not absorb water vapor no matter how cold it is, guaranteed, guests can see the Northern Lights anytime it appears. Each room has a comfortable bed and a comfortable bathroom.

lapland day trip what to take

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

  • Santa Claus Holiday Village ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
  • Arctic Light Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
  • Scandic Rovaniemi City ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
  • Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
  • Arctic City Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
  • Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

lapland day trip what to take

Check out more top and best hotels in Rovaniemi on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Lapland travel guide: Things to do in Lapland Finland, what to see and what to do in Lapland Finland

What to do in rovaniemi.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland which is considered the official hometown of Santa Claus . This place is famous for its Santa’s village and many other interesting winter activities such as reindeer riding, husky sledding, skiing, visiting museums…

Some indispensable places, things to do in Rovaniemi Lapland:

Santa Claus Village

Located about 8 km from the center of Rovaniemi city, Santa Claus Village is open all year round regardless of winter or summer. Here you will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, visit the post office where Santa works, send letters to people all over the world


There are 3 most attractive places in this village are Santa Claus Office, Santa Claus Main Post Office and Arctic Circle. Ticket price: free. However, there are some other activities that still cost money. There is also a service to stamp your passport to certify that you have gone through the Arctic Circle for €1, and a service to take pictures with Santa Claus for €20-40. So, fun and interesting!

lapland day trip what to take

Arktikum Museum

lapland day trip what to take

The museum displays artifacts, provides information about people, animals and plants that have lived in the Arctic Circle of the earth during typical historical periods, such as during the World War II and the period that Finland was invaded and took part of the territory by Russia (1939-1940).

Address: Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland Hours: 10AM–5PM/Monday: Closed Ticket price: €9

SantaPark – the Home Cavern of Santa Claus

lapland day trip what to take

As an amusement park built in an underground cave with many recreational activities, especially suitable for families with young children.

Address: Tarvantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland Ticket price: €34.

Visit Raitola Reindeer & Husky Farm, experience reindeer riding and husky sledding

lapland day trip what to take

Near Santa’s village there is Raitola Reindeer & Husky Farm (Address: VĂ€lttikankaantie 11, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland) that offers tours of reindeer sleigh riding sleds or husky safari sledding with various tour packages. Ride a reindeer-drawn sleigh like a horse-drawn carriage, while exprience a husky sledding like a thrilling game.

lapland day trip what to take

Driving in Lapland Finland needs to be careful because the reindeer often roam on the roads. Sometimes if you’re driving and see a couple of them suddenly crossing the road, don’t be surprised. Because the number of reindeers much more than residents living here.

Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Ski Resort

lapland day trip what to take

You can come here to ski or hire a guide if you still don’t know how to ski. Ticket price €20 for 1 hour or day ticket of €40. Hire a guide costs about €30-50.

In addition, if you have children, you can go to the Science Centre Pilke museum (Address: Ounasjoentie 6, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland) and the Angry Birds Playground (Address: Valtakatu 4, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland).

lapland day trip what to take

Some other activities when traveling to Finnish Lapland

Explore the beautiful lakes and ice fishing.

lapland day trip what to take

Lapland is a place full of beautiful lakes. In which, the most beautiful and famous lake is Inari. This is also the largest lake in Lapland with an area of over 1,000 square kilometers. If you come to Lapland on cold winter days, you will see that the surface of Lake Inari is completely frozen to form a giant mirror. You can experience ice fishing.

lapland day trip what to take

In winter when the lake freezes, locals often have a hobby of walking on the ice, skating on the lake or punching holes in the ice for fishing. This is probably an experience that requires extremely high patience for tourists.

Hunting Aurora (Northern Lights)

lapland day trip what to take

According to an old legend, an arctic fox whipped its tail and sent twinkling lights into the sky, creating the aurora borealis. Lapland is located in the Arctic region, so you will have a higher chance of seeing this natural phenomenon than anywhere else. However, Rovaniemi is a city with a dense population and is “polluted” by lights, so it’s best to go to the very remote hills, the darker and less inhabited the better.

In fact, hunting the aurora is a very bad luck. You will have a hard time guessing exactly whether that time will have the aurora or not. Usually the forecast is only accurate within 1 week. If you wait until that date to book tickets for travel and accommodation, I guarantee that the possibility of staying in a “thousand-star hotel” is very high or else the cost will be sky-high.

lapland day trip what to take

In fact, hotel rooms in resorts and convenient locations in Lapland usually need to be booked at least 6 months in advance. So, when traveling to Lapland Finland, if you see the aurora borealis, you are lucky, if not, just unlucky :).

The more you traveling to the north, the clearer the visibility and the higher the chance, so many visitors flocking here because of that. However, there are also many days when the aurora is very visible, so you can see it right in the city of Rovaniemi or even in the southern provinces of Finland. Well, if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights right in Rovaniemi, you should go to the Artikum Science Museum. This is the best spot to see the aurora borealis in the city. You download the “Aurora” app to monitor the possibility of aurora in specific locations.

lapland day trip what to take

Personally, I would not recommend you booking aurora hunting tour, the aurora appears or not depends mainly on the weather, not on people. If you book a tour but there is no aurora on that day, that’s okay. Instead, always monitor the weather and go up as close to the north as possible, especially in forests with less light pollution, the chances of seeing it will be high. Remember to prepare warm clothes, sleeping bags, food and water. It takes a lot of effort to hunt this “super picky girl”.

lapland day trip what to take

Camping in the forest

lapland day trip what to take

This activity is quite popular with nature lovers like Finnish. You should camp in national parks where firewood is available, free kitchens for grilling food, and tents near the lake. Camping in the winter is also quite interesting, but it is necessary to carefully prepare warm clothes, fully equipment as well as find out the places where camping and fire are allowed first.

lapland day trip what to take

As I mentioned in previous posts, sauna is a Finnish initiative and sauna bathing has become an indispensable part of their lives. Winter is probably the best time to try this experience. If possible, you should rent a hotel room with a sauna room, so that after every day of going out to explore the experience, when you return, you will be able to enjoy a body sauna for comfort and relief.

In fact, when bathing in a sauna, Finns often go nude and after each interval they will jump into the icy lakes outside or take a cold shower. You should try this feeling :D. An indispensable experience when traveling to Finland.

lapland day trip what to take

Besides activities such as skiing, husky sledding, reindeer riding
 You can try the feeling of snowmobile in the forest or surrounding areas. Usually, tourists will go on a tour, but if you have experience driving this and are not afraid of getting lost, you can rent it. The price is around €150/basic package and €25 extra per hour you rent. You can refer at this progearmoto website . Regarding tours you can refer to Arctic Circle Snowmobile for €55 per person for 30 minutes — 1 hour with a driver. This is one of the experiences that many thrill-seeking travelers enjoy when traveling to Finnish Lapland on their own.

If you are interested in learning about Såmi culture, you should drive 4 hours from Rovaniemi to Inari. The winter nature here is also very impressive with many interesting sites such as The Såmi Cultural Center Sajos (Address: MenesjÀrventie 2A, 99870 Inari, Finland), Karhu souvenir shop. The Såmi is an ethnic minority of Finland and residents live in Lapland mainly are Såmi people.

lapland day trip what to take

Lapland travel tips

If you go with a few people but still want to experience all kinds of winter activities without spending too much, join the tour group of ESN (Erasmus Student Network) organized by the Finnish schools. Most of the people going are exchange students coming to study in Finland, so you will have the opportunity to meet many people, participate in many recreational activities at a very affordable price. The tour package usually includes accommodation with sauna, transportation, activities such as husky ride, snowmobile… are all included. You can choose to go with ESN with any school in Helsinki . In Helsinki, there are a number of schools such as Laurea, Haaga-Helia, Aalto, University of Helsinki, Arcada, Metropolia
 Tour prices are around €340 for 7 days. The referal link at Timetravels .

What to do in Lapland: Shopping

Coming to Lapland, visitors will be fascinated to see very high quality products that are famous throughout the Nordic region and throughout Europe. All brands are manufactured according to Nordic standards for safety, accuracy, durability over the years, high applicability and smart and traditional designs such as Finnish Knives (Puukkos), Wooden handmade Kuksa Cups, Taigakoru jewelry, Marimekko fashion, Arabia porcelain,…

lapland day trip what to take

How to travel to Lapland Finland: Suggested Lapland itinerary 5 days 4 nights

  • Day 1: Go to Rovaniemi and walk around the city
  • Day 2: Visit Santa’s village, visit husky dog ​​farm, experience reindeer riding, husky safari…
  • Day 3: Visit Santa park, Arkitum museum, aurora hunting
  • Day 4: Snowmobile, ski resort
  • Day 5: Bonfire camping, ice fishing, aurora hunting

Lapland travel blog: What to eat?

lapland day trip what to take

  • Reindeer meat: The most popular livestock in Lapland. People in Lapland will often raise a lot of reindeer for fur and meat. Therefore, reindeer meat is a specialty that you must try!
  • Smoked salmon
  • Muikku fish

These are famous local dishes in Lapland. In addition, you should combine going to the supermarket in Rovaniemi if you want to have a cheap self-sufficient trip.

Lapland blog: Traveling cost

lapland day trip what to take

The cost of a self-sufficient travel, I think it largely depends on each individual. There are many factors that affect the trip costs such as where to stay, whether you rent a car, whether you participate in activities such as husky sledding, reindeer riding
 I give a few basic costs below:

  • Meals: €12/meal. If you buy food from the supermarket to cook, you can comfortably spend about €20 a day.
  • Hotel: The lowest price is about €30 per person. The highest is about €300-400.
  • Traveling: €12/day. If you rent a car, it will increase to €40-50/person/day. Participate in other activities: Each activity costs about €30-40.

I think for comfort, the traveling cost is about €150 a day, all inclusive. Of course, this cost is higher than in the capital Helsinki or other European countries but still lower than Norway, Switzerland…

Lapland travel guide: Some tips before you go

  • The most commonly spoken languages ​​in Finnish Lapland are Swedish and Finnish. However, most people living in the city will speak English fluently. So, you can rest assured!
  • You should exchange money at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. It is best to exchange at legitimate counters for the best and safe exchange rates.

lapland day trip what to take

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Lapland you can refer to

  • Lapland 2 Day Tour from Rovaniemi
  • Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour
  • The Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma Day Tour from Rovaniemi
  • [DISCONTINUED] Lapland Wellness and Relaxation Tour
  • Aurora Borealis Small Group Tour with Free Photos from Rovaniemi
  • Rovaniemi: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ
  • Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle
  • Rovaniemi: Snowman World Entrance Ticket
  • Lapland: Husky Carriage Ride Under the Northern Lights
  • Rovaniemi: Apukka Husky Adventure

lapland day trip what to take

Read more Trip review to the fairy tale Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Lapland – Finland , Where to stay in Lapland Findland and Finland travel guide here .

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The Tourist Checklist

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland

Welcome to the magical realm of Finnish Lapland, where nature’s grandeur meets enchanting folklore. Located within the Arctic Circle, this pristine wilderness captivates with its ethereal beauty and cultural richness.

Imagine vast expanses of snow-covered landscapes adorned with the dancing Northern Lights, painting the sky with hues of green and purple. Explore ancient forests, where reindeer roam freely, and crystalline lakes mirror the splendor of the surrounding peaks. 

From exhilarating husky sledding adventures to serene moments of solitude in a cozy log cabin, Finnish Lapland offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of winter wonderland fantasies. Prepare to be spellbound.

When to Go to Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland

When planning your trip to Finnish Lapland, timing is everything. The best time to visit is during the winter months, from December to March, when the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland. This period offers the perfect conditions for experiencing quintessential Lapland activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

If you’re a fan of winter sports or dream of a truly magical Christmas getaway, this is the ideal time to go. However, if you prefer milder weather and want to explore the region’s natural beauty without the extreme cold, consider visiting during the summer months, from June to August.

During this time, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and the midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun remains visible even at midnight. Whether you crave winter adventures or summer escapades, Finnish Lapland awaits with its unique charm and breathtaking scenery, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.

How to See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Northern lights

To witness the captivating spectacle of the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, follow these steps for an unforgettable experience. Firstly, choose the right time of year – the best months are typically from September to April when the nights are long and dark.

Next, select a location away from city lights to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras. Consider popular spots like Rovaniemi, Inari, or KilpisjÀrvi for optimal viewing conditions. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim for clear, cloudless nights.

Once you’ve arrived, stay patient and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The auroras can appear suddenly and unpredictably, so be prepared to wait. Finally, be ready to capture the magic with your camera – a tripod and long exposure settings are essential for stunning photos.

By following these tips, you’ll enhance your chances of witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights dancing across the Lapland sky.

How to See the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland

To experience the mesmerizing phenomenon of the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland, follow these steps for an unforgettable adventure. Firstly, plan your trip between May and July, when the region experiences the magical period of continuous daylight.

Choose a location within the Arctic Circle, such as Rovaniemi or KilpisjÀrvi, where the Midnight Sun is most prominently visible. Next, prepare for the unique experience of being surrounded by sunlight even at midnight by adjusting your sleep schedule and embracing the endless days.

Seek out outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or simply basking in the golden glow of the sun. Remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing to stay comfortable during the warm summer days.

Lastly, savor the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape illuminated by the Midnight Sun and create lasting memories of this extraordinary natural phenomenon in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

What Else to Do in Finnish Lapland

Embark on an adventure into the untamed wilderness of Finnish Lapland, where breathtaking landscapes and thrilling activities await your discovery.

Husky Sledding

Husky Sledding

Feel the rush of excitement as you harness the energy of a team of eager huskies, gliding through the snow-covered forests and over frozen lakes. Experience the bond between human and canine while immersing yourself in the exhilarating tradition of husky sledding.

Snowshoeing Expeditions

Embark on a snowshoeing adventure through Lapland’s pristine wilderness, traversing snowy trails and ancient forests. Experience the tranquility of the Arctic landscape while immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Reindeer Farm Visits

Reindeer Farm Visits

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Lapland by visiting a traditional reindeer farm. Learn about the indigenous Sami people and their close relationship with these majestic creatures. Take a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the tranquil wilderness, feeling the rhythmic trot beneath you as you soak in the serene surroundings.

Sami Culture Immersion

Delve into the fascinating traditions and customs of the indigenous Sami people through immersive cultural experiences. Participate in traditional reindeer herding activities, learn ancient handicraft techniques, and savor authentic Sami cuisine around a crackling bonfire under the starlit sky.

Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing

Embark on a serene ice fishing expedition on one of Lapland’s frozen lakes. Drill a hole through the thick ice and patiently await the thrill of a catch while surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Arctic landscape.

Arctic Spa Retreats

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience by unwinding in a luxurious Arctic spa retreat. Rejuvenate your body and soul with traditional Finnish sauna sessions, followed by invigorating dips in icy lakes or soothing hot tubs under the starry skies.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland

Selecting the right place to stay in Finnish Lapland is crucial for an unforgettable Arctic experience. Whether you seek cozy cabins nestled in the wilderness or luxurious hotels with panoramic views, there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Experience the magic of Finnish Lapland with a stay at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. Nestled amidst the Arctic nature, these unique treehouse-style accommodations offer modern amenities and panoramic views of the surrounding forest. Relax in your private sanctuary and marvel at the Northern Lights dancing across the sky from the comfort of your bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Escape to the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort for an unforgettable Arctic getaway. Choose from glass igloos or cozy log cabins, each providing a front-row seat to the natural wonders of Lapland. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Arctic landscape and indulge in unique experiences such as husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides.

Levi Spirit Luxury Villas

Levi Spirit Luxury Villas

Indulge in luxury at the Levi Spirit Luxury Villas, offering spacious accommodations surrounded by pristine nature. Unwind in your private sauna or cozy up by the fireplace after a day of exploring the Arctic wilderness. With modern amenities and personalized service, these villas provide the perfect retreat for discerning travelers.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle

Experience the magic of Lapland with a stay at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle. These charming glass igloos offer uninterrupted views of the Arctic sky, allowing you to witness the enchanting Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed. With cozy interiors and unique experiences like meeting Santa Claus himself, this accommodation promises a truly memorable Arctic adventure.

What to Pack

When preparing for your trip to Finnish Lapland, pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable adventure in the Arctic wilderness. Don’t forget to bring warm layers, including thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and insulated outerwear, to combat the chilly temperatures.

Remember to pack sturdy waterproof boots for outdoor activities like hiking and snowshoeing. Additionally, bring along essentials such as gloves, hats, and scarves to protect against the cold.

Don’t leave behind your camera and binoculars to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings. Lastly, pack a sense of adventure and curiosity to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Finnish Lapland.

How to Get There

To reach the captivating wonders of Finnish Lapland, plan your journey with ease. Consider flying into major airports like Rovaniemi or KittilÀ, which offer convenient access to the region. Alternatively, explore scenic train routes that connect to Lapland from cities like Helsinki.

Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring remote areas, while bus services offer budget-friendly options. Embrace adventure by traveling via overnight sleeper trains or luxury cruises along Finland’s coastline.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, prepare for a memorable journey filled with anticipation and excitement as you embark on your exploration of Finnish Lapland’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.

Final Thoughts

Finnish Lapland beckons with its enchanting blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Whether witnessing the dance of the Northern Lights, embarking on husky sledding adventures, or immersing oneself in the rich traditions of the Sami people, every moment in this Arctic paradise is filled with awe and wonder.

From cozy log cabins to luxurious resorts, the accommodations offer comfort amidst the wild beauty of the landscape. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, a journey to Finnish Lapland promises unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the magic of this unique destination.

Passports and Adventures

The Most Amazing 5-day Lapland Itinerary

In December 2018 we embarked on a trip-of-a-lifetime. Destination: Lapland, Finland. We were going to visit Lapland as a family to enjoy some winter fun and to visit Santa in his hometown. In this post you’ll find details of our amazing 5-day Lapland itinerary with kids to help you plan your own magical family trip to Lapland. This itinerary for Lapland is designed for a winter trip and can be used by families, solo travellers, groups and couples.

*This post may contain affiliate links. To find out more about affiliate links and how they work, please see my Disclosure Policy .

An Amazing 5-day Lapland Itinerary

Our 5-day lapland itinerary with kids, lapland day one, lapland day two, lapland day three, lapland day four, lapland day five, how to plan your visit to lapland, faq about lapland, related posts.

Lapland, Finland is a destination that many families would love to visit with their kids. It is also a destination that is popular with solo travellers, couples and families without kids. While this itinerary focuses on our trip to Lapland with our son, it can easily be adopted for those taking a trip to Finland without kids. We saw many groups without children enjoying all the activities discussed in this post.

This Lapland itinerary is designed for those staying a couple of nights in the town of Rovaniemi, where we chose to base ourselves, during the winter. You can still use this itinerary for other regions of Lapland, tailoring your excursions to those available in your town/area. I advise you to research them before you arrive so you can plan ahead of time.

While we stayed 4 nights and had 5 days in Rovaniemi, you can pick and choose your excursions to suit the amount of time you have in Lapland. If you are travelling without kids, you can easily get most of this itinerary for Lapland done in 3 days instead of 5. So, use it as a guide.

Note that if you are visiting Lapland for the day on one of the Lapland day trips, this itinerary is not for you. Your excursions are pre-organised and to a timetable.

We visited Lapland in December 2018 and before we went, I did some research and planning to ensure we had a good idea of what we wanted to do and when. We had planned some winter activities ahead of time and I had a rough idea of other things we wanted to do.

Learn about what was on our Lapland Bucket List here .

The most important item on our agenda, the whole reason for our trip, was to visit Santa in Lapland. Among the many things to do in Lapland for families, this is probably the top reason they choose to take this trip. Whether you choose to book one of the Lapland packages or book Lapland DIY , Santa is going to play a very important part, especially those travelling with kids. And on a Rovaniemi itinerary that means paying Santa Claus Village or SantaPark a visit.

We also wanted to do a husky safari and pre-booked one before we went. We got advice from Visit Rovaniemi , the tourist office, who suggested a company that has a good ethical policy. The other thing we booked ahead of our arrival was a family photo shoot with a local photographer.

Remember, that the day is extremely short in Lapland during winter, with daylight hours typically from 10am to just after 2pm. While this won’t stop you enjoying yourselves, be mindful of booking excursions that you want to do in day light.

Let’s see how we spent our 5 days in Lapland.

For our family trip to Lapland, we flew from Portugal to Finland. We had looked at direct flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, but they were working out quite expensive, so we chose to take the overnight train, dubbed the “Santa Express”, although at 12 hours, it’s not quite what you’d call express.

So, day one saw us arrive into Rovaniemi at around 10am local time, to a fabulous white, winter wonderland. We immediately went into the station building and stowed our bags in the lockers. If you are going to Lapland and are arriving by train, I suggest you do the same as lockers are at a premium. There are other lockers available at the shopping centre in town.

After stowing your bags, head back outside and get your pictures with the train which should still be on the platform. Enjoy a snowball fight as well. Then, if like us, you cannot check into your accommodation until 3pm, why not walk towards town and head to Arktikum, the Arctic museum and science centre. You can grab lunch in the cafe before enjoying the museum at your leisure. There is a cloak room where you can store your ski jackets, hats and gloves. I highly recommend you visit this museum.

You can explore and learn about the Arctic, its indigenous people and wildlife, and learn about conservation and also how climate change is affecting the region. There is also a chance to learn about Lappish history. You will easily spend a few hours in Arktikum, which is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi with kids .

When you leave the museum, you can either walk back to the train station or shopping centre to collect your bags, or hop a taxi. If you are visiting in December and have spent a good few hours in the museum, you will most likely come out to darkness. This is the Arctic winter time after all.

Check into your accommodation, drop your bags and take a walk into town, stocking up on necessary supplies in the K Market supermarket in the shopping centre, Shopping Centre Revontuli.

You can either have dinner at your accommodation or have dinner in town. We highly recommend Rosso’s, an Italian-type restaurant located just off Lordi Square, opposite the offices of Visit Rovaniemi. They serve good food at a very reasonable price for Finland. Then it’s early to bed ready for your next day.

For our second day in we started with a family photo shoot with local photographer Kaisa Siren . Kaisa picked us up from our AirBnB apartment and drove us to Ounasvaara Forest where we had some amazing shots taken in the snowy forest. Afterwards, we visited a local Husky Park where we got the chance to meet some of the dogs and get some pictures with them, before being dropped off at Santa Village.

So, if you are visiting Lapland in December and want to capture some special moments in Lapland, I highly recommend a photo shoot with Kaisa. She is very friendly, welcoming and produces some amazing pictures. She will also judge the best time of day for your shoot to make the most of the short winter days.

As you will probably finish your shoot just after lunch, you should head to Santa Claus Village , Rovaniemi. Grab lunch in one of the restaurants, or eat a packed lunch if you’ve brought one, and then soak up the atmosphere of the village. As Santa Village is located right on the Arctic Circle in Finland, make sure to visit the Information desk to get your Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate. And, if you’ve got your passport with you, you can also get it stamped for a fee.

At Santa Village, start getting some pictures, allow the kids to do some sledding if there are some free, and play in the children’s playground. Although a word of warning, if there is ice on the big slide, don’t allow very young children to come down it, as my son hit his head off the side of the slide on his way down.

If you are travelling without kids, or your kids are older, this day would be the ideal one to do a Northern Lights tour. If you are doing one, head back to your accommodation in the afternoon for a rest and some food before joining your tour later in the evening. We looked into a Northern Lights tour but as many start around 9pm, we knew our son would not be able for the late time at almost 5 years of age. Maybe next time.

After we finished in Santa Village, we got the number 8 bus back into town and had a nice cuppa and some cake in Choco Deli Oy cafe, before meeting family in Rosso’s for dinner. Be warned, this cafe does the most amazing cakes and has an array of chocolates on offer that are very hard to resist.

For our third day in Lapland, we planned to spend most of our day at Santa Claus Village. There are a host of activities available at Santa Claus Village, Lapland and it is also one of the best places to see Santa in Lapland. To beat the tour group crowds, either arrive first thing in the morning or plan to arrive later and plan your visit to Santa after they have arrived/left.

Start your day at Santa Claus Village with some snowmobiling. The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park is located at the back of the village and charges €20 for 10 minutes for children, although it seems a lot longer than 10 minutes. Our son loved this, so much so he went twice. They also do longer Snowmobile safaris for older children and adults. Pre-booking may be necessary.

After snowmobiling, head to Santa Claus’ Reindeer for a 1km reindeer safari through the forest at the back of the Village. There are 3 different lengths of safaris from here; 400m, 1km and 3km. The 1km lasted about 15 minutes and was more than enough for us and our son. The 400m reindeer safari cost €18 per adult and €14 per child, while the 1km cost €29 per adult and €23 per child.*

Following your reindeer ride, head to the Santa Claus Main Post Office to see all the letters sent to Santa from around the world. Also, you can send your own postcards home to loved ones and organise letters from Santa. This post office gets very busy in the day, so if it’s crowded, wait until later in the day when the tours are gone, and it quietens down.

By now you may be getting hungry, so stop for some lunch. The Napatapuli restaurant does reasonably priced food and my son and I shared the chicken nuggets and chips basket in here.

After lunch you can either visit Snowman World or pay Santa a visit. We spent some time in Snowman World and enjoyed some tubing after marvelling at the ice carvings in the bar/restaurant. Because the snow was late arriving in the year of our visit, the igloo and ice rink were not complete. Just be aware of this. Entry to Snowman World was €25 per person.*

After your visit to Snowman World, browse the shops, let the kids play in the playground or go sledding. On this particular day we met up with family in the afternoon, enjoyed a warm cuppa in the Napatapuli restaurant and then captured our pictures of the village after the crowds had gone.

We missed the last bus back into Rovaniemi so we got the Santa Claus Village Hotel to call us a taxi which cost us €25.

For day four of our Finnish Lapland adventure, we booked ourselves onto a husky sledding tour. We got advice from Visit Rovaniemi about which one to choose and went from there. If you are interested in any Lapland excursions, then Visit Rovaniemi is the place to contact. We booked a morning tour with Bearhill Husky and it was one of our best Lapland experiences.

Read all about our Bearhill Husky Sledding Adventure here .

So, day four should be the day you plan your longer safaris, whether it is a reindeer or husky safari. You will most likely be picked up mid-morning, either from your accommodation or a central location in town. And you will be finished before the sun starts to set. For those who have travelled from afar, by now you should be adjusting and getting over your jet lag.

Once you are finished your longer excursions, I suggest you head to Pilke, the Biodiversity Museum located right beside Arktikum. This museum shows you how important the Arctic forests are to the region. This is included in the Culture Pass and is a great museum and science centre for kids. There are lots of areas for them to explore, build things and even tree felling vehicles to climb up into.

There were also several sections and displays which appealed to the scientist in me. Overall, we loved Pilke and suggest you add it to your Lapland itinerary.

On our last day in Lapland we headed to SantaPark , the underground home of Santa Claus. We first went to the train station before the first train arrived and stowed our luggage in a locker, ready for collecting later for our overnight train back to Helsinki. If you are on the same schedule, do this well before 10am to get the best chance of a locker.

From the train station take the bus to SantaPark and enjoy this underground cavern which has a theme-park feel to it with an Elf School to attend, Mrs Gingerbread’s Kitchen where you can decorate your own gingerbread biscuits, a magical Santa train which reminded me of Disneyland’s It’s A Small World ride. And of course, there is also the opportunity to meet Santa.

We chose not to do this as we had already met him at Santa Village and felt it might confuse our young son. We also did not think anything could top our meeting with Santa the day before. We did have lunch at SantaPark which was a bit chaotic. Ordering lines were not where we thought they were and collection of food in different places. However, it filled our bellies. So, you’ve been warned.

Once you have completed a circuit of SantaPark, let the kids enjoy some free play in the Angry Birds play area before heading back into Rovaniemi to tick off the last museum on your Culture Pass, Korundi.

This museum is a contemporary art museum and while some of the displays and works of art are astounding, be watchful with young kids. We spent most of our time, particularly on the second floor, telling our son to be careful around all the glass pieces. We were glad we visited it, but it is probably more suited to teens. Alternatively, you can swap around the days you visit the Pilke and Korundi Museums.

If you are catching the train back to Helsinki, make your way to the station on foot (it’s not very far), collect your bags and bid a fond farewell to Lapland.

And that completes how to spend 5 days in Lapland. I hope it gives you an idea of how many days in Lapland you’ll need to enjoy yourself and tick most things off your bucket list.

In this section you’ll find a summary of how to plan a Lapland 5-day trip yourself.

I wholeheartedly suggest you book Lapland yourself . It isn’t as scary as you think and by going DIY, you can take things at your own pace, relax and not rush around like a headless chicken in a crowd of other headless chickens.

Firstly, check out flights to Lapland from your starting country using Skyscanner . From the UK, Easyjet fly from both Gatwick and Manchester direct to Rovaniemi. There are flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi which would have negated the need for us to take the train but they were more expensive than our flights from Portugal to Finland. As we were trying to keep the cost of our trip to Lapland down, we decided against these flights. And the train was an experience.

From other countries, you will most likely need to fly to either the UK to catch the direct flight, or into Helsinki to catch either a plane or train to Lapland.

If you are thinking of doing the train, sign up to their newsletter early in the year to get notified of when they released their Saver Tickets. These cost us just €49 per person each way, with our son travelling free of charge as he was under 10 and sharing our bed.

Once transport is sorted, I suggest looking at AirBnB for accommodation close to the city centre. If you are new to AirBnB, sign up via this link to avail of money off your first completed stay.

Alternatively, you can check out hotels.com for accommodation in hotels and other venues around the city and surrounding area.

And finally, once flights, transport and accommodation has been sorted, I suggest you look into your longer excursions and/or photo shoot and book them ahead of arrival. Other things like the reindeer or husky rides at Santa Claus Village and SantaPark do not need to be booked prior to your arrival.

And I would also suggest, if you are using the train to get to and from Rovaniemi, that you consider spending a few days in Helsinki like we did. It’s a great city and has a lot on offer for families.

Read my Helsinki – Things to Do with Kids post here .

Lapland is an area found within Sweden, Finland, Norway and part of Russia’s Kola Peninsula.

Within Rovaniemi, there are two options to meet Santa in Lapland. The first is at Santa Claus Village and the other is SantaPark. We chose to only see Santa at Santa Village. The Santa we met was amazing, very engaging and even knew a few words of Portuguese, much to our surprise and delight. He didn’t rush us and was happy for us to take our time. If you are taking a trip to see Santa in Lapland and are heading to other areas, check out the Santa options available on TripAdvisor for the area you are visiting or consult the tourist boards within the area. You could also see what options are mentioned in the package holidays on offer for the other areas of Lapland.

I have briefly given you an outline in the section above and you can find more details about visiting Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland in this post of mine . For other areas of Lapland, you will need to decide where you want to go and investigate your options both via a package holiday or by doing it yourself.

This firstly depends on what part of Lapland you visit. It will also depend on what you want to get out of your trip. It has been said by some people that Rovaniemi is quite commercialised, but we never thought so. As it is a big town, there is lots of amenities catering for everyone. If you want a more intimate, quieter affair, then perhaps going further north to Levi or Yllas would suit you better. Also, the further north you go, the earlier the snow will arrive and there are more options available should you want to do some skiing.

If you are travelling from the UK, as mentioned, Easyjet fly direct to Rovaniemi. So, yes, there is an option to fly straight to Lapland. If you are taking a package holiday, then the tour operators such as Santa’s Lapland and TUI fly their planes direct to Lapland. However, be warned that the direct flights with Easyjet get booked up quickly.

Yes, in my opinion, if you are going all that way, and especially if you are connecting in Helsinki, then you should add a few days in the Finnish capital onto the end of your trip. A few days is more than enough to enjoy the Helsinki sights. There are a range of Helsinki attractions suitable for those travelling with or without kids and in this post you’ll find some ideas of things to do in Helsinki.

I hope this Lapland itinerary for 5 days has given you some inspiration for how to plan your time in the region and given you an idea of what you can achieve in 5 days during the Lapland winter season. And rest assured that it’s not just for kids, Lapland is for adults as well.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Lapland, ticking off everything from our bucket list including meeting Santa and enjoying an amazing husky safari with Bearhill Husky. We also enjoyed some Helsinki sightseeing after we’d finished in Lapland to top off our trip.

Has this inspired you to consider visiting this magical winter wonderland now?

If you are thinking of going to Lapland and are unsure about what to pack, you’ll find my Lapland packing list here full of details on what clothing to pack for Lapland, with or without kids. And for tips for visiting Lapland, check out my post here . It’s got 30+ practical top tips to ensure your trip is an awesome one.

*Note: Prices are correct for December 2018.

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Her Finland

PyhÀ in Lapland: the Scenic Rovaniemi Day Trip

If you ask me, a day trip in the wilderness is a must if you are visiting Lapland!

Rovaniemi is a popular destination for many travelers, and not too far away from this arctic city, lie the magnificent fells of Pyhä and Luosto.

They are the most southern fells of Lapland and definitely worth a day trip, if not a longer stay!

The area is not only a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts but also hikers, because it includes a famous national park, Pyhä-Luosto national park , which has superb trails on fells and hills of the ripe age of 2000 million.

When I saw how those d eep gorges sliced the scenery of old-growth forests and how those windy, treeless fell-tops caressed the sky, nothing else existed for a moment. It was the most relaxing sensation. 

Pyhä fell is just 1,5 hours from Rovaniemi by car.

However, you don’t need a car to visit the area. You can just take the bus from Rovaniemi to Pyhä Ski Resort. There’s an all year round commuter bus service between Pyhä and Luosto resorts once you are there.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Pyhä in Lapland

Things to do in pyhä in the winter, things to do in pyhä in the summer, magical trails of pyhä and luosto, local delicacies and special things to see in pyhä, the bus connection from rovaniemi to pyhä, bus travel with kids from rovaniemi to pyhä.

The charm of Lapland works in any season! We have visited Lapland in August, September and several times during the winter months.

The most comfortable hiking circumstances are naturally during the summer and autumn months. 

T he cool summer weather spoilt us in August, 10°C (50°F) in the morning and 18°C (65°F) during the day, no rain. The perfect walking conditions.

In September, the fall foliage is spectacular. The golden carpet on the forest floor is amazing! It’s very inexpensive to rent a lovely cabin during the summer-autumn season in Pyhä – Luosto area. 

Winter season is the high peak with all sorts of possibilities to enjoy the snowy nature. Just remember that you need to book early.

Pyhä and Luosto are winter wonderlands with so many things to do. Naturally, they offer traditional activities like reindeer and husky rides.

I also recommend trying back-country skiing and winter biking!

In back-country skiing, you use short, steady skis that are wider than traditional skis. The bottom skin makes climbing effortless and coming down gracefully slow.

Back-country skiing is essentially a mix of gliding and walking. Once you get a hang of it, my bet is that you like the skis more than snowshoes!

Winter biking is so much fun and you can even conquer a fell on a bike! The robust fat bike is surprisingly easy to operate.

Cycling on the beautiful winter biking trails is definitely a wonderful sport. What if you fall down? Don’t worry, the snow is super soft!

This video shows all the winter activities of the area!

I’m also proud to tell you that Pyhä takes climate change very seriously. That’s why Pyhä Ski Resort is carbon neutral.

pyhä lapland

Note that you don’t need to hike to see the Pyhä fell top. You can take the scenic lift. Here you find  the summer timetable . 

There is one thing that you should know when planning a summer day trip. Lapland can be covered with mosquitos in the summertime, especially during July. 

There are no guarantees, but the safest bet is to plan your trip for the first three weeks of June or then from August onwards. In August, we saw only a few mosquitos during our trip, and they were of no harm. 

Mosquitos are like the tide, sometimes there is a lot and sometimes none.

If you are traveling in July, you might want to buy a hat with a net and some Finnish mosquito repellent available at all stores everywhere in Finland.

Finland summer guide by Her Finland blog

Grab the free kit

lapland day trip what to take

Pyhä-Luosto National Park is loved and visited by locals.  The route I recommend the most is “Karhunjuomalammen reitti” route starting and ending at Pyhä Ski resort.

The route is around 10 kilometers, unbelievably beautiful and easily done by walking.

This trail includes the most famous sights of the national park: the waterfall “Pyhänkasteenputous”, Finland’s biggest gorge “Isokuru” and the ridge called “Uhriharju”. 

Laplanders (and nature-lovers) are a friendly bunch, and you can quickly start a conversation by the campfire. Even in Finland, where not disturbing others by talking is highly appreciated.

The upkeep of Finnish national parks is of a high standard, also in Pyhä-Luosto. There are dry toilets, campfire places with wood, lean-to shelters, and open wilderness huts. 

There are many options for day trips on very easy trails with gorgeous views of Lappish open bogs. They are called “aapa” in Finnish.

The day trips you can walk by wearing just regular trainers and sportswear. 

Here you can find a helpful hiking day trip packing list suitable for all hikes in summer Finland!

Pyhä-Luosto national park day trip is Isokuru route

Laplander food is delicious. I think I made a record of how many fresh home-baked donuts (pretty much all cafés serve them) a person can eat during a week.

One café is in the middle of a hiking trail in Luosto. The place is called Lampivaara and you can reach it also by parking your car at the Ukko-Luosto car park and walking the trail for 30 minutes. 

Lampivaara wilderness café is actually next to an amethyst mine which is a cool place to visit!

The mine offers guided international tours and you get to dig an amethyst.

In Pyhä, Café Loimu at Pyhä Luosto Visitor Centre Naava serves excellent home-style cooking and a delicious lunch buffet.

This Visitor Centre is also the best place to get maps, hiking tips and all sort of awesome information about the area from the amazing staff.

Lapland day trip is complete with an afternoon coffee moment. By Her Finland blog

To find Pyhä as a destination, one has to write “Pyhätunturi” (Pyhä fell) in the search box of the Finnish bus site to find the right connection.

You can read more about bus travel in Finland in this post. This post has also the right links to see timetables and make bookings.  

The bus connection takes 2 hours and 20 minutes from Rovaniemi bus station to Pyhä Ski Resort. If you hop in at Santa Claus Village, it takes 2 hours.

The bus connection is excellent in that way that it goes from Rovaniemi bus station to Rovaniemi airport, then Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and then Luosto area (hotel Aurora). The last stop is in Hotel Pyhätunturi.

Hotel Pyhätunturi is where all the walking and activity routes start in Pyhä!

Bus travel is great with kids but some problems may arrive when it comes to the toilet facilities.

So, I called the bus company to be sure. The service is run by Kutilan Liikenne Oy in the year 2019.

They operate this connection either with a big or small bus. The big bus has a toilet.

The small bus doesn’t have a toilet but the friendly staff wanted to let any family know that the driver will be happy to stop for a bathroom break if needed. So you are okay to travel with kids!

So, is a Lapland day trip in Pyhä worth your time?

Yes, yes and yes! My warmest recommendation is that if you are visiting Lapland, you head to the fells. There is magic in the hilly landscapes beyond the Arctic Circle!

What would you like to know about Pyhä and Luosto area? Let me know in the comments!

Looking for more information about Lapland? Check these other posts:

  • How to Do an Unforgettable Day Trip at Oulanka National Park + Hiking Packing List 
  • Lapland Packing List: What to pack for winter Finland!
  • 7 Things to Do in Rovaniemi from Lappish Cuisine to Ice Floating
  • 15 Things to Know about Northern Lights in Lapland
  • Glass Igloos in Finland: Local’s Tips for the Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
  • Pyhä Luosto National Park: Summer Hike tips + Detailed Multi-Day Packing List

lapland day trip what to take

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Sunday 3rd of March 2024

Great article! Where can you get the short skis for hikes? Are there any places that you can ride snowmobiles without being in an orderly line?

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  • Finland and Lapland

Lapland itinerary: the ultimate travel itinerary through Finnish Lapland in winter!

A tour through Finnish Lapland : the ultimate winter experience! In this blog, you will find an itinerary for a five-day trip through the north of Finland: one of the most beautiful parts of Lapland. During this itinerary, you will have the chance to see the northern lights several times or to enjoy the other magical things that Lapland has to offer. We also give you tips on other highlights of Finland. This gives you a good idea of what there is to see in Finland and which destinations you want to include on your Finland itinerary.

Lapland itinerary

A trip to Lapland: the number one thing on Ries’s bucket list before he turned 30. Especially because of the northern lights that you can see well above Lapland in the winter months. But there are many more reasons to take a tour of Finnish Lapland. For instance to visit Santa Claus Village (together with your kids). You can also take a husky ride through the thick snow, or drive a snowmobile. All in all, a winter trip to Finnish Lapland is magical!

Round trip in Finnish Lapland

The northernmost part of finnish lapland.

In this blog, we focus on the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland, the region around Ivalo . A little further south are the cities of Rovaniemi, Levi & Kiitala. Here too you have the real Lapland feeling in winter. With snow-covered lakes and igloos to sleep in. However, here you are in a more southern part of the polar circle, which reduces the chance of seeing the northern lights. These areas are also more touristy.

Ivalo or Rovaniemi / Levi?

Not sure whether you should visit Ivalo (northernmost region of Finnish Lapland) or Rovanimie / Levi (southern region of Lapland)? Then consider what kind of a holiday you would like to have. If you go with small children , and you want to visit Santa’s village ( Santa Clause Village ), to sleep in an igloo or ice hotel, and you don’t mind if the region is touristy, visit Rovanimie or Levi . Also nice, in the surroundings of Levi you can ski and from here you can take a day trip to go out to sea with an icebreaker .

How expensive is a trip to Lapland Finland? Read all about prices and a realistic Lapland budget during your trip in this blog!

5-day itinerary for Lapland

The Lapland itinerary below is based on our own experience in the area around Ivalo (the northernmost tip of Finnish Lapland). And those experiences were great, so we would like to share this Finnish Lapland itinerary with you.

You start your journey (after a short stopover in Helsinki) in the city of Ivalo. Here you will pick up your rental car and then drive to the village of Inari . Inari is located on the beautiful Lake Inari which you can walk on in winter. After two days you drive on to Kaamanen , an even more northern area. Here you are close to the border with Norway. You will stay here for two days.

On the way back to Ivalo , it is nice to make a stopover in SaariselkÀ ! This is a large tourist village with a Christmas atmosphere, an ice bar and shops. Nice to have seen to complete your trip through Lapland.

The 5-day route through Finnish Lapland is as follows:

Ivalo (arrival & departure).

Your itinerary through the north of Lapland starts in Ivalo. This small village with an airport is located 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. If you have rented a car, this village is the place to do some shopping. We cooked in our lodges almost every day, and the supermarket in Finland is not much more expensive than the one in the Netherlands.

An activity that you should definitely not miss here is a snowmobile safari ! The lakes in Finnish Lapland are frozen over from mid-October to mid-April and therefore ideal to drive over with your snowmobile! So special how fast these snowmobiles go! Our snowmobile tour departed from Ivalo. For this, we drove up and down from Inari, the place where we slept. The distance Ivalo – Inari is only 35 km , you are already there in half an hour.

Inari (2 nights)

The snowy lake Inari: really a picture-perfect! We stayed in Inari for 2 nights, and highly recommend this to you too! This is the least populated municipality of Finnish Lapland and therefore perfect for star photography and for photographing the aurora (northern lights). We stayed in a lodge that was on the lake on which we created some snow angels! In the morning when we came out of the lodge, we saw fresh traces of reindeer everywhere. We also saw these beautiful animals in the wild several times around the lake.

From Inari you can do a cool activity: visiting a husky farm and then taking a husky sledge tour ! Seeing these beautiful dogs with their bright blue eyes was truly a highlight of our Lapland trip. Curious about what you can expect from this? Read our tips in the blog about a husky tour in Lapland !

Hotel tip: Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos

Travel time from Ivalo to Inari: 30 minutes by car

Kaamanen / Kielajoki (2 nights)

Kaamanen is a small village, even further north in Finnish Lapland. The village lies on a swamp and is surrounded by rivers and lakes. It’s a peaceful destination, really off the beaten path ! A stay near Kaamanen guarantees an authentic experience. No tour buses here full of tourists, but peace and a lot of space! We stayed near Kaamanen in the village of Kielajoki and the Giellajohka  hotel of the same name.

Activities you can do here include enjoying a Finnish sauna, ice fishing, hiking on the frozen lakes and cross-country skiing. In addition, you are so northern and with little light pollution that the chance of spotting the northern lights is even bigger here!

Kaamanen will always have a special place in our hearts. Here, in the snow on a frozen lake, Ries got on his knees to ask me to marry him ! It was amazing! And as icing on the cake, it was so bright that same evening that we saw the northern lights dance from our bedroom while we were warm in bed.

Hotel tip: Giellajohka Travel time Inari to Kaamanen: 30 minutes by car

Back to Ivalo via SaariselkÀ

If your journey is almost over but you still have some time to spare, consider heading back from Kaamanen to Ivalo, passing the village of SaariselkÀ . This nice and touristic village is about 30 minutes drive from Ivalo. Surrounded by mountains, SaariselkÀ is a good base for activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and hiking. We made a beautiful aurora night walk in SaariselkÀ where we saw the northern lights dance beautifully above the snow.

Hotel tip: Top Star SaariselkÀ

Travel time Kaamanen to Ivalo Airport: 1-hour drive.

Curious about what we packed and wore to stay warm in Lapland? Then read our Lapland packing list tips !

What are the most special & unique hotels to sleep in Finnish Lapland? Read this blog with the best hotels in Lapland !

Tips itinerary Finnish Lapland

Now that you’ve read the Lapland itinerary above, we have a few more tips to help you create your ultimate Lapland trip!

The Northern Lights in Lapland

It was a big dream of Ries to have seen the northern lights for its 30th year. Unfortunately, he did not succeed, he was 30 years and 3 months. But don’t feel sorry, because, during the 4 nights in Lapland, he was able to see the northern lights not once, but four times. Every night it was spot on! This is not normal, it can just as easily happen that there are clouds every day and unfortunately you do not see the northern lights once. You do have some influence on your chance of seeing the Northern Lights! How? You can read that in our blog about the northern lights in Lapland !

Flying on Ivalo:

Driving a car in lapland.

Although buses run between the villages in Finland, we recommend that you rent a car. We picked up this car immediately upon arrival at Ivalo airport. A rental car gives you all the freedom you want. In the evening, for example, we went for a drive by car to a place where there were no clouds. Because of this we also saw the northern lights that evening. We recommend renting a car through Sunny Cars . We are a big fan of Sunny Cars ourselves because it saves a lot of hassle, as you are always fully insured, and you can easily (and often free of charge) change or cancel your booking.

Driving a car in Lapland is not nearly as scary as it sounds. Cars have good winter tires and the roads are kept free of snow. In the evening there is good street lighting and everyone drives quietly and obeys the traffic rules.

Other destinations in Finland

Finland is not only a nice destination in the winter but also a great destination during summertime. An additional advantage: you are in the north, so you have very long summer days and you will find beautiful nature parks in Finland. A trip to Finland is a great adventure! You can do outdoor activities here such as canoe trips, multi-day treks and (wild) camping. See below a map of Finland with the best destinations.

Read more about Finnish Lapland here! 

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More blogs on Finland

Lapland tips: all you need to know for a winter holiday to lapland in finland, budget finnish lapland: costs and prices of a trip to (finnish) lapland, what to pack for lapland our packing list for lapland in finland.

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Thanks for the great blogposts about visiting Lapland! We are currently planning our trip for March, and we probably only want to stay in the most Northern part (Inari/Saariselka) because we want the least touristy area and highest chances for seeing the Northern lights. In your experience, how different is the Inari area from the Saariselka area? We are debating whether it is worth the hassle to stay in two different places, or just book one hotel and do all activities from there.

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Hi Kirsten, Oooo nice!! Well Saariselka is more touristic (with a whole village focused on tourisme) then Ivalo. So I would recommend Inari or even more north, Kaamanen. It isn't far from Saariselka so you can still do activities there. Northern light chances are highest in the most Northern and less light polluted area so that would also be Inari. Enjoy!

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Best Lapland tours

Get the inside scoop on the best lapland holidays, from snowy trips to see santa to full-on adventures into the high arctic wilderness.

lapland day trip what to take

L apland is often billed as “once in a lifetime”, but once the Arctic bug bites, you’ll be back. The pull of the north is strongest in the dark, Narnia-like depths of winter, when the snow falls thick and fast on the remote fells and forests of Finland , Norway and Lapland . And boy is it cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -30C (making the Alps feel positively tropical by comparison).

You might have come all this way to whisper your Christmas wish list in Santa’s attentive ear, but the festive sparkle of big-hitting resorts such as Rovaniemi really is just the tip of the iceberg. Stray away from the crowds on snowshoes or cross-country skis through the silent white night as northern lights flash overhead, embrace the spirit of Sami reindeer herders with legends told around a hissing fire in a lavvu tent, or feel weightless as huskies pull you on a sleigh ride across the frozen tundra.

Read on for our pick of the holiday companies that wing you straight to the heart of Lapland’s winter action.

Main photo: People on a reindeer sleigh in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland (Getty Images)

Yllas, Finnish Lapland (Intrepid Travel)

1. Finnish Lapland in winter, Intrepid

Best for active couples Diving straight in at the Arctic deep end in Finnish Lapland, this winter classic gives you a whole gleeful week to play in the snow. You’ll kick off with a couple of culture-packed days in the capital Helsinki, before boarding the overnight Santa Claus Express to Rovaniemi, HQ of Father Christmas and his grotto-dwelling elves, in the Arctic Circle. From here, things take a dramatic turn for the wilder, as you’re whisked to a family-run guesthouse snuggled deep in remote forest — your base for the next few nights.

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The outdoor action centres around the 718m fell of Yllas, a wondrous place to ski on uncrowded slopes, with pristine and abundant powder. There are 1,001 ways to go full-on winter wonderland here and you’ll be trying out several: husky rides, northern lights gazing and hanging out with Sami reindeer herders at a 19th-century farm. There’s a free day in the mix, where you can perhaps slip on snowshoes, go ice fishing or sizzle in the sauna. The seven-night trip includes accommodation (twin share), breakfast, transport and most activities. Dates run from December to March.

Group size 1-12 Price ÂŁÂŁ

2. Lapland for adults, Untold Story

Best for luxe-loving grown-ups Who says Lapland holidays are only for kids? Upping the luxury ante, this bespoke tour of the Arctic is strictly for grown-ups, revealing a side to Finnish Lapland beyond the Santa hype. Breathing in the crystal-clear air as you make virgin tracks through ice-sculpted forests, standing in quiet wonder as the northern lights put on a private show and listening to the stories of Sami reindeer herders while huddled around an open fire in the middle of nowhere are moments you will be raving about long after you return.

Each day brings fresh adventures: reindeer and husky sleigh rides into the great white wilderness, say, or bombing across a frozen lake on a snowmobile. The final night is pure magic, as you trek into the frozen hush of the forest with Icelandic horses, dine at the Aurora Sky Restaurant and spend the night in a glass igloo on the slopes of a fell. A six-night sample itinerary includes accommodation, breakfast, private guide, activities and transport. Travel between November and March to see the region at its winter-wonderland best.

Group size private tour Price ÂŁÂŁÂŁ

untoldstorytravel.com

Cross-country skiing, Akaslompolo, Finland

3. Cross-country skiing in Lapland, Exodus

Best for off-the-radar adventure Scientists have proven that the world’s cleanest air is found in the fells, high tundra and old-growth taiga forests of Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, which unfurls in all its wild, peaceful glory close to the Norwegian border in western Finnish Lapland. In summer, Sami reindeer graze these wild lands, while in the blue-pink light of winter, the landscape is a readymade Christmas card, with trees bent heavy with snow and the northern lights blazing in night skies.

On this week-long Lapland trip, you can glide and skate along tracks at your own pace, with 190 miles of signposted trails to explore (25 miles of which are floodlit). You’ll often find yourself alone with nature, with little sign of civilisation, bar the odd kota hut where you can refuel over pulla (sticky cardamom bread) and hot blueberry juice before carving an onward path through the glistening snow. Slip on snowshoes to pad through forest and over fell and frozen lake in quiet exhilaration, returning to the village of Akaslompolo as the aurora lights up the horizon. Fancy a change? Visit the nearby Snow Village, sculpted afresh each winter, or take a cable car to float to the top of Yllas for arresting views and dinner at Finland’s highest restaurant. The eight-day tour including accommodation, use of cross-country ski trails, transfers and all breakfasts and evening meals; ski hire and tuition are available for an extra fee.

Group size 2-30 Price ÂŁ

Huskies in Swedish Lapland (Exodus)

4. Lapland wilderness week, Exodus

Best for solitude seekers Shining a light on a spectacularly unsung, thrillingly forgotten corner of Swedish Lapland, this week-long escapade delivers the big wilderness it promises. At about 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle, you might expect biting cold, waist-deep snow, phenomenal displays of northern lights and off-the-charts scenery. And you’d be right. But what really grabs you is the silence. The kind of silence that only comes in a village such as Rajamaa (population: seven), plonked on a remote island in the Muonio River and gazing wistfully across the white beauty of Sweden and Finland. Hole up in a wooden cabin and let your hosts, the Malmstrom family, organise the rest.

This trip wholly embraces nature and Sami culture, with days spent dogsledding, snowshoeing, forest skiing, learning about reindeer-herding traditions, and slipping into dark nights warmed by saunas, campfires and stirring views of the aurora dancing high above. The holiday ends on an Arctic high, with a two-day forest skiing expedition over pine-stippled hill and frozen lake, and a night in a back-of-beyond logger’s cabin. As you ski back to Rajamaa, keeping an eye out for reindeer, moose and the tracks of wolverine and lynx, you might just want to press the pause button so the moment never ends. The six-night trip including accommodation with shared facilities, all meals, transport, tour leaders and equipment.

Group size 6-16 Price ÂŁÂŁ

5. A polar night, Off the Map

Best for would-be Arctic explorers Turning up the Arctic adventure several notches, this expedition-style trip to the great white wilderness of Svalbard is one you’ll never forget. At 78 degrees north, midway between Norway and the North Pole, this archipelago is a place of bone-chilling cold and soul-reviving beauty, with its dramatic icescapes, pearl-white mountains and wildlife (cue reindeer, snow-white Arctic foxes, walruses lolling on icebergs, whales and, of course, polar bears).

This trip has all the thrill of a mighty expedition, albeit with minimal effort. Kicking off with a night in Oslo, you’ll fly to Spitsbergen and spend a night at Funken Lodge on Longyearbyen, where you can jump on a snowcat for the first flickers of the aurora. A dog sled will then whisk you over the frozen tundra to the new Juva Lodge. With front-row views of ice and rock, this slickly Scandi cabin adds a blast of luxury to the Arctic experience, with comfortable beds, a fireplace and barrel sauna. It’s so remote and dark that the northern lights don’t dance here, they rave. Visit during the polar night in January, when the sun never rises, and you double your chances of seeing them. Spot wild reindeer as you fly across the snow on a husky-drawn sled back to Longyearbyen for a gourmet dinner — and perhaps another light show — before flying home. Departures are from January to May. Tours are generally four nights, including accommodation, private transfers, all activities and meals.

offthemap.travel

Senja Island, Norway (Alamy)

6. Senja — island auroras, Aurora Zone

Best for aurora hunters Everyone raves about the Lofoten Islands, but the dramatically mountainous, fjord-woven, surf-smashed island of Senja, just north, is just as ravishing yet far less busy. This trip is a rare and special one. You’ll stay in a tiny, lighthouse-topped hamlet right by the water’s edge, with optimum conditions for seeing the northern lights cascade in dark night skies. By day, a wildlife boat safari will take you out to spot seals, sea eagles and perhaps even a whale. And you’ll have plentiful chances to glimpse the northern lights — whether snowshoeing through the white wilderness or bubbling in a hot tub. Prices include four nights’ accommodation, meals, transfers, guided activities and cold-weather gear.

Group size private tour Price ÂŁÂŁ

theaurorazone.com

The northern lights in Levi, Finnish Lapland (Getty Images)

7. See the northern lights in Finland, Aurora Zone

Best for bucket-list Lapland The northern lights hold you in their thrall on this eight-night trip to Finnish Lapland. But a well-aimed snowball throw from Sweden, Harriniva, high above the Arctic Circle, is your woody base for the first four days. The family-run hotel is brilliantly placed for snow fun. Civilisation seems far away as you dogsled and snowmobile into the wilderness, or crunch through a frozen forest on snowshoes into Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Stop for a lakeside sauna and — if you dare — a heart-stopping Finnish-style dip in an avanto (ice hole) in subzero temperatures. As darkness falls, all the focus is on the heavens and the northern lights.

The lights also shimmer on thenext leg of your trip at the northern lights Village in Levi. And as you’ll be staying in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin open to the skies, you don’t even have to get out of bed to see them. By day you can hit the village’s ski and cross-country slopes, dash through snowy woods on a reindeer sleigh and discover more about Sami culture, while by night it’s back out into the darkness in search of the aurora’s wizard-wand flashes. Prices include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, cold-weather clothing and guides.

Hang out with Santa’s elves on the Christmas Sparkle trip (Canterbury Travel)

8. Christmas sparkle, Canterbury Travel

Best for families There’s nothing like a massive dump of snow, reindeer and a visit to see Santa in his twinkly, elf-filled grotto to put you in the festive spirit — and Canterbury Travel’s Lapland trips are a kid’s Christmas dream . This three-day break packs in a heck of a lot: reindeer sleigh rides, dogsledding and the chance to sit on Santa’s knee (gift included) in a private family session with the jolly red-robed dude. Children are in heaven at Elf School and visiting Santa’s magic post office (manned by more elves).

The backdrop of frozen fells and forests is pure winter wonderland stuff, and you’ll be staying in a log cabin or lodge in the rustic ski resort of Suomu or Ruka Valley near the Arctic Circle. But what sets this Lapland trip apart is ease of access, with regional departures from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin. The price is for two nights including flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities and cold-weather clothing.

Group size private tour Price ÂŁ

canterburytravel.com

Icehotel

9. Icehotel break, Discover the World

Best for ice magic Nothing says Lapland like snuggling under a reindeer hide on a bed of ice in a chamber of ethereal blue, with the northern lights dancing in the chill night skies outside. The Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi in Swedish Lapland was the first of its kind when it opened in 1989 and it hasn’t lost a jot of its frosty magic. Every year, some of the world’s top ice artists are enlisted to build it from scratch using ice hauled from the Torne River, unleashing their creativity in a fantasy of glittering ice sculptures and chandeliers.

The Icehotel is your bewitching base on this three-night Arctic adventure, where you’ll get to spend a night on ice (as well as two others in warmer digs). Hot lingonberry juice and a pre-breakfast sauna fire you up for a flurry of optional activities, from ice sculpting to husky rides, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. By night the aurora will shine if you’re lucky. Departures are from November to March and it’s well worth booking your activities in advance. The standard tour is for three nights, including accommodation, breakfast, morning sauna and cold-weather clothing.

discover-the-world.com

‱ Staying at the Icehotel: everything you need to know

Take me there

Inspired to visit Lapland but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options with Tui and Expedia . Alternatively, try a tour with one of our preferred partners, here .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

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DIY Lapland Trip: 8 Top Tips To Book Lapland On A Budget

There is no doubt that Finnish Lapland is the ultimate place to see Santa . It is his official home after all! This experience can come at a cost though.

The price of Lapland package holidays can be extortionate and for many people, they are just too expensive. The good news, however, is that you can still visit Lapland by arranging a DIY Lapland trip which will be cheaper than a package deal.

For many people, a DIY Lapland holiday is the most affordable way to visit Lapland.

If you find the idea of booking your own Lapland holiday a little daunting, we hope that this detailed guide will help. It is PACKED with information on how to arrange a DIY Lapland trip that will work out cheaper than package holidays .

Our comprehensive DIY Lapland guide will explain how to book Lapland on a budget, covering the main areas where you can save money with answers to some Lapland FAQs at the end.

But before we get into the hows and whys of booking your own DIY Lapland trip – we need to point out some important information .

This post contains affiliate links. If you book something using one, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

  • This post is written from the point of how to research and book cheap Lapland holidays . It is a diary of the steps we took to book our own Lapland holiday. We have now been to Lapland and you’ll find advice on the best places to stay in Lapland or the best excursions to book in Lapland in our Finland family travel section. This is purely to help give you some guidance to book your own DIY Lapland holiday.
  • You need to be aware that booking a DIY Lapland trip may be cheaper than booking a package holiday to  Lapland, but it does not come with the same protection that you will get with a package holiday . You need to make sure that you are fully aware of the cancellation policies for the flights and accommodation and make sure that you have insurance in place.
  • Most importantly – have don’t forget to organise your Lapland Boarding Pass , Lapland Reveal ,  Lapland invite from Father Christmas or your personalised Lapland hoodie !

Sunrise in winter in Lapland.

Why we booked a DIY Lapland trip vs a Lapland package holiday

We fully intended to book a package holiday for extra security in case of cancellations – but with holidays from 2020 being carried over to 2021, there just wasn’t much availability.

It also seemed that the prices had been increased greatly by the tour operators so we had no option but to book our own budget Lapland holidays.

We wanted to go before Christmas to be able to see Santa which is the most popular (= expensive) time to go. Note that you can see Santa year round in most places but we felt that it was better for the kids to see him before Christmas.

I couldn’t price up a comparable holiday because there was no availability on the dates we booked (close to Christmas).

What I found was a 3 night holiday to SaariselkĂ€ (with transfers and a few taster excursions and a Santa visit) was ÂŁ6300 with Santa’s Lapland flying on 1st December. The difference is quite staggering,

8 Tips for booking a DIY Lapland trip

Here are 8 ways you can make savings when booking a DIY Lapland trip.

1. Choose which Lapland resort you want to visit

You may be wondering which is the best resort in Lapland? But what you should be asking is where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland? or which is the best ski resort in Lapland?

Choosing a resort in Lapland is an entirely personal choice and the resort you choose will depend on what you want to get out of your trip. You may also be swayed by the flight prices (see #2 on how to book cheap Lapland flights).

These are the main resorts in Lapland and each of them offer something slightly different:

  • Rovaniemi – the capital of Lapland and a large, lively resort with lots of bars and restaurants. Home to Santa Claus Village .
  • Levi – the best ski resort in Finland. See here for more information on the ski resorts in Finland. We also wrote a guide to skiing in Levi with kids and family-friendly restaurants in Levi .
  • Saariselka – the northernmost Lapland resort with a better chance of snow. Good for beginner skiers.
  • Yllas – a traditional Lappish village with good skiing and home to the Snow Village if you want to stay in a snow hotel.
  • Luosto – a small traditional village next to the PyhĂ€-Luoston national park .
  • Ruka – a small traditional village – see Santa at his cottage about 30 minutes away from Ruka

The resort you choose depends what you are looking to get out of your DIY Lapland holidays. We wanted to combine a visit to Santa with some skiing in Lapland and a decent sized town so we ended up choosing Levi.

As you are arranging everything yourself, you might want to consider the resort you choose based on proximity to the airport. We chose Levi also because it is only 15 minutes from KittilÀ airport meaning a quick (and cheaper) transfer.

See #5 for links to the tourist offices for each resort where you will find more information on each resort.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi in Finland.

2. How to book cheap Lapland flights

Now that you have chosen your Lapland resort, you can choose your flights. We have some really helpful information in our (bumper) guide to finding and booking cheap flights including which are the best days to book your flights.

The main airports in Lapland are:

Rovaniemi (for Rovaniemi, Luosto) – Rovaniemi airport is 8 minutes from Rovaniemi and 90 minutes from Luosto. KittilĂ€ (for Levi and Yllas) – KittilĂ€ airport is 15 minutes from Levi and less than 60 minutes from Yllas. Ivalo (for SaariselkĂ€) – Ivalo airport is 25 minutes from SaariselkĂ€. Kuusamo (for Ruka) – Kuusamo airport is 10 minutes from Ruka.

Direct flights to Lapland from the UK are the most convenient but can also be more expensive than indirect flights.

You can fly direct to Lapland from the UK with Easyjet flights and Ryanair (to Rovaniemi) or TUI (to KittilÀ, Ivalo or Kuusamo).

The key to grabbing cheap flights to Lapland is to book as soon as the flights are released. Easyjet don’t have a set schedule of release dates now so the best thing is to sign up to Easyjet flights to get email alerts. You can grab flights to Lapland for under ÂŁ100 per person.

**22/23 Easyjet Lapland flights are being released on 3rd March 2022**

There was absolutely no availability on TUI to fly direct to KittilÀ (for Levi) on the days we wanted and we noticed that Easyjet flights to Rovaniemi were £3500 for a family of 4 so we decided to book indirect flights.

If you need to book indirect flights, the best way to do this is on Skyscanner . If you have any flexibility on dates, choose the WHOLE MONTH option which will pull up the fares for each day of the month and you can then pick the most suitable.

It is not straightforward to find the whole month option so here’s how to do it. First, put your flight details in and search for flights. On the results page, you will see ‘Show whole month’ in the top right (circled in pink below).

Whole month selection in Skyscanner for booking flights for a DIY Lapland trip.

Choose the month in which you wish to travel and it will show you the cheapest days of the month (highlighted blue).

Skyscanner whole month function.

You can even book a multi-city flight and have a stopover in another European city. There is bound to be a beautiful European Christmas market to pop into.

Here is an example of the flights we booked but there are so many different options from London to Lapland with airlines like Lufthansa, Air France and KLM.

KLM were offering the best value flights and at good times so we booked through Skyscanner :

LONDON – AMSTERDAM – HELSINKI – AMSTERDAM – LONDON

We had one night in Amsterdam on the way out and on the way home we just had a quick connection in Amsterdam.

We separately booked Finnair flights from Helsinki to Lapland (KittilÀ) on Skyscanner . Even the most basic (cheapest) class allows us to change our flights up to 72 hours before departure (although are non-refundable).

If you are finding that the internal flights to Rovaniemi are quite expensive, you can try looking at the overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (the Santa Claus Express night train or on VR Matkalla ).

3. Lapland accommodation

There is a large choice of accommodation in Lapland ranging from budget to blow-the-budget. We suggest booking your accommodation on Booking.com for two reasons.

We found this was quite a bit cheaper than booking directly with the hotel and often they have a better cancellation policy than the hotel.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite with sauna in the Levi Panorama because it is ideally placed for people who want to ski. We also stayed in an igloo in the Northern Lights Village . You can read our review of the Northern Lights Village in Levi here .

We splashed out because of the once in a lifetime experience argument, but there are some lovely self-catering options on Booking.com for a fraction of the price. This is really where you can make some big savings.

An example of the savings we made on a 2 bedroom suite with sauna at the Hotel Levi Panorama for 5 nights:

Direct booking with the hotel = €407 per night (£1750 for 5 nights with NO breakfast)

On Booking.com = ÂŁ1455 for 5 nights including breakfast. You can read all about our stay at the Hotel Levi Panorama here .

Watching the northern lights from an igloo in Lapland.

4. Book self-catering accommodation

If you are really looking to do Lapland on a budget, we would suggest booking a self-catering apartment or log cabin and take some supplies with you.

This was one of our money saving tips we used in Iceland where it was very expensive to eat out.

You can book self-catering accommodation through Booking.com which is a great travel resource for cheap holidays to Lapland.

5. Book your excursions through the local tourist office

There is usually a big price difference between the tours offered by the tour companies and those offered by smaller independent tour operators.

Take a look on the tourist information sites for recommended tours and then look on Tripadvisor for reviews to confirm.

You can either contact the local tourist information office to help with booking or you can wait until you get there to book (unless you are going peak season).

The main Lapland tourist boards are:

Lapland Safaris also have a good reputation and cover activities in all resorts.

Snowmobiling in Lapland.

6. Choose your Lapland activities wisely

Our kids love fishing and I imagine they would LOVE ice fishing – but after doing some research, it seems that nobody ever in the history of Lapland has caught a fish while ice fishing. OK, they may still love the experience, but they would probably love a bit of free sledging just as much.

The top activities in Lapland with kids and the ones we have booked are:

  • Husky safari (5km should be enough with young kids)
  • Santa visit
  • Northern Lights hunting

Knowing how happy our boys were with all the free things to do in Iceland including playing with snow and ice, we are pretty confident that we don’t need to book any other activities in advance.

Just a note on booking activities, remember that in December there are very few sunlight hours and in mid-December you may not even see the sun.

The days are like a permanent dusk with the lightest part of the day being around noon.

Here are some top rated Lapland activities you might want to take a look at. Most of these tours have flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Levi: Lapland Reindeer and Husky safari .

Rovaniemi: Snowmobile reindeer and husky safari .

Rovaniemi: Snowmobile tour to see reindeers, huskies and Santa Village .

Rovaniemi: 3 hour family snowmobile tour .

Rovaniemi: family friendly snowmobile tour and artic animal adventure .

Rovaniemi: Ice Breaker cruise with lunch and ice floating .

Levi: Snow Castle guided tour .

Husky sledding in Lapland in the winter.

7. Do you need to see Santa before Christmas?

If you are not that bothered when or even if you see Santa, you can save a lot of money just by avoiding the pre-Christmas frenzy.

January and February are better times to visit Lapland because of slightly longer daylight hours and better snow and the prices for flights and accommodation will come down significantly.

8. Book a ski package

If you have the time and like to ski or are interested in learning to ski, why not book a ski trip? There is some great skiiing in Lapland for beginners and intermediates.

A package ski trip to Finland is often cheaper than a package Lapland holiday to see Santa. Have a look at Crystal Ski or Inghams . The Lapland ski holidays are often 7 days as opposed to 3 or 4 days for the Santa breaks.

You can then book local excursions separately (see #5) and it will still be cheaper than the packaged Santa break.

Cross country skiing in Finland.

FAQs on your DIY Lapland trip

FAQs on your DIY Lapland trip that we thought you may find useful:

Where is Lapland?

Lapland is in the Arctic Circle but did you know that Lapland spans Finland and Sweden? When people talk about visiting Santa in Lapland, they are talking about Finnish Lapland. If you are looking for a Lapland experience without visiting Santa, then you can also look at Swedish Lapland .

Where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland?

If you are basing your DIY Lapland trip around seeing Santa, you want to choose the best place to visit Santa in Lapland but this choice is still quite subjective.

We hve only been to Levi and we have not tried all of these experiences so we cannot vouch for them. This is simply to pull the information together to save you time with your research on Santa Claus trips in Lapland.

Here are the main places to see Santa in the Lapland resorts:

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and where you will find the famous Santa Claus Village (and Santa Park ).

Levi –  Northern Lights Village or Santa’s Secret Cabin.

Saariselka –   Northern Lights Village or Kakslauttanen Resort.

Luosto – the nearest place to see Santa is in Rovaniemi (see above).

Ruka – Santa Claus at Ruka Village or at Santa’s Cottage (about 30 minutes from Ruka).

Yllas – the Secret Cabin or you can arrange for Santa to visit you in your cabin .

Santa placing presents under the Christmas tree.

What to wear in Lapland?

If you are wondering what to wear in Lapland in December, make sure to read our guide to what to pack for Lapland .  Temperatures can range from 0 to minus 20 Celsius (and more).

In terms of what to wear in Lapland – it is all about layers. Good base layers / thermals, fleeces and a good quality (warm and waterproof) gloves. Good quality socks like Smartwool also make a big difference and the right footwear is crucial.

If you are booking DIY Lapland holidays, you won’t have the snow suits provided by the travel company so you will either need to hire them yourself.

If you are doing some snow activities, you should be able to hire snow suits from the company operating the activity (included in the price of the activity) or you can hire snow suits for the duration of your stay if you prefer.

If you have skiwear already, you should bring that, especially if you are planning on skiing.

Here are the items we take:

Warm waterproof  jacket 

We took our ski jackets with us which worked well.

We use these jackets:

  • Mountain Warehouse jacket for men .
  • Columbia women’s insulated ski jacket (possibly the warmest jacket I have ever owned).
  • Spyder boy’s ski jacket .

You can find cheaper alternatives at Decathlon or Mountain Warehouse . Mountain Warehouse does good jacket and ski trouser sets for kids.

Waterproof trousers

We use our ski trousers. You can get good, affordable trousers from Mountain Warehouse.

Thermal socks

They are pricey but we LOVE Smartwool socks as they actually work! For a decent, cheaper alternative, we also use Mountain Warehouse thermal socks.

  • Kid’s merino wool socks.
  • Men’s merino wool socks.
  • Women’s merino wool socks.

Thermal layers (top and bottom)

We recommend merino wool thermal layers. You should not use anything with cotton because cotton will retain sweat and cool you down.

We use Mountain Warehouse Merino Wool thermals . What I love about the Mountain Warehouse thermals is that the kids age 13 will fit me (5’5″ – size 10). These dino print thermals are really cute.

We also love Decathlon for thermal layers (not merino). See here for tops and bottoms for kids.

See here for women’s merino wool thermal layers from Mountain Warehouse and men’s thermals .

For a cheaper alternative, you can try the Mountain Warehouse Isotherm thermals ( Men ) and ( Women ).

Fleece tops

It is great to layer and fleece tops are warm, lightweight and dry quickly if you need to wash them.

Good quality snowboots are essential, especially if you want to be out at night searching for the Northern Lights.

We use these snowboots:

  • Sorel kid’s snowboots.
  • Sorel women’s snowboots.
  • Sorel men’s snowboots.

Hat and gloves

You will want waterproof gloves for the kids as they may insist on playing with the ice and snow! We use Decathlon waterproof gloves for the kids.

Winter clothing rental locations Levi and Winterent Rovaniemi and Winterent SaariselkÀ Luosto Ruka YllÀs and Winterent

You can also rent your clothing from  Lapland Safaris which is present in all of the main resorts except Ruka.

Where are the glass igloos in Lapland?

There is a great article on the different types of Lapland glass igloos and where to find them. There are even some budget glass igloo options.

Organise your own Reindeer safari in Finnish Lapland on cheap Lapland holidays.

Can you do a cheap day trip to Lapland?

All of the above information is assuming that you want to spend a few days in Lapland but what if you want to do a day trip to Lapland?

In 2019, I saw an advert on Facebook for incredibly cheap Lapland day trips. The catch was, they were departing the following day.

I don’t have experience in this but would hazard a guess that it is pretty hard to organise your own day trip and for it to be successful and cheaper than the package deal.

You would need direct flights. It wouldn’t be possible to taking a connecting flight. You would need to have everything organised in a military style to be able to get everything done and if it is your first time, this could just all be a bit too much.

Your best option would be to wait until close to your time of departure and see if any of the tour operators are offering last minute holidays to Lapland.

When does it snow in Lapland?

The temperature in Lapland in December varies. There have been reports of very little snow at the beginning of December. This is not ideal at all if you are looking to do all of the winter activities on offer. There is obviously no guarantee of snow, but the later you go in December, the better usually.

The best snow conditions in Lapland are from January to March.

Still not sure about booking DIY Lapland holidays?

If you are really not sure about booking a DIY Lapland trip, then our top tip for booking a Lapland holiday with a travel agent would be to book late. Last minute Lapland holidays can be so  much cheaper IF you are prepared to risk with availability and don’t mind where you stay.

Tour operators start releasing their deals for any unsold holidays around 8 weeks before your intended holiday date and there can be big savings. There are unlikely to be many deals in 2021 because everyone who had a holiday booked for 2020 has been moved to 2021 and there is very little availability.

Here are some of the main Lapland tour operators offering holidays to Lapland – some are dedicated Santa holidays and others are just Lapland holidays:

  • Santa’s Lapland
  • Canterbury Travel Lapland
  • Crystal Ski

More information on Lapland

VisitLapland is a great source of information for booking your DIY Lapland trip and if you are looking to speak to people who have been for unbiased opinions, we would suggest joining Lapland Budget DIY Trips or the Lapland Holiday Chat groups on Facebook.

There is a lot of invaluable advice on there which may help you narrow down your choice of resort and anything you’re not sure about, you can ask.

Can’t wait to get to Lapland? Check out these Lapland webcams for Levi , Yllas and Rovaniemi .

Map of Lapland

How to organise a DIY Lapland Trip.

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Some great tips here, thanks! We are planning our own trip to Lapland over Christmas 2021, we have opted for Rovaniemi. So far we have only booked accommodation, but plan on flying to Helsinki and getting a night train from there. It should be a lot cheaper than a direct flight and will be a bit of an adventure for the kids! We have an Airbnb booked about 40 minutes from Rovaniemi and will hire a car. We are hoping the Northern Lights will be visible from out cabin. Will check out the tourist info site to get some activities booked soon. Thanks again for the tips! Keith (bullsgoglobal.com)

Hi Keith – glad you found it useful. Fingers crossed we’re able to travel in 2021!

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32 tips for visiting Lapland with kids

There really is no trip more magical than visiting Lapland – the snowy landscapes, the chance to meet Santa, to go husky sledding. But that means most of us have never taken a trip quite like it before – which is why I’ve pulled together my top tips for visiting Lapland with kids.

My daugher sits on a hill of snow in Levi with snowy trees and pink tinged clouds in the background - my top tips for visiting Lapland with kids including what to pack

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I’m all prepared for beach breaks but have spent fewer holidays in the snow, and this was my first with my daughter. And while packing lists for Lapland holidays are always handy, there’s more to it than simply remembering your thermals, as I discovered on our four-night break in Levi .

Tips for visiting Lapland with kids: before you go

Contents - click to jump to a section

Choose your dates carefully

The earlier you go, the more light you get and the warmer it’s likely to be. But you do risk there being less snow than usual, if it’s a year with higher temperatures (like in 2018) – while that isn’t yet common, the weather will always fluctuate during the six week season.

Travel later and you might fit it into school holidays (we had to request a leave of absence to get away earlier) or you could even travel over Christmas Day itself, but it will be darker and probably colder.

The location may make a small difference too: Saariselka is the furthest north of the main Santa Break resorts, so it has more chance of early snow. Rovaniemi – the official home of Santa Claus – is the furthest south – with Yllas and Levi in the middle, although all are in the Arctic Circle.

Check what’s provided

If you’re travelling on a Santa break package holiday, as we did, you’ll get a thermal suit included which makes a huge difference.

We also had boots included – but bear in mind that you’ll be walking down snowy steps from the plane to the airport and onto a transfer before you get the boots, so you’ll need something to cope with snow (the same goes for having gloves, hat, ski jacket and warm layers on the plane).

My own pair were also warmer and a better fit than the ones provided, although my daughter wore her two pairs interchangeably.

Consider what’s included

With a few main activity providers and tour operators in locations like Levi, Yllas and Rovaniemi you may find that the excursions are similar whether you’re travelling on a package or independently.

For our Santa Break with Inghams , we had a visit to Santa’s Workshop at the Santa Claus Village and a gala dinner with Santa Claus at the end; you can book any other excursions separately, although our husky sledding and reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobiling were both arranged through the company too.

Other companies include more excursions, while you can always book your own. If you arrange any independently, don’t forget you may also be responsible for your own transfers (either at an extra cost or hiring a car to drive in the snow).

Read more about our activities on our Levi Santa Break here

What age is best?

Lapland is magical at any age (I was in my 30s when I first visited) but when the focus is on visiting Santa in Lapland, it pays to time it right if you can.

Most companies advise you travel with kids aged 4+ and thermal suits and boots aren’t usually included for under-threes. But wait too long and the Santa magic may be gone once they’re too old.

Age 6-7 is ideal, although having said that, we saw families with toddlers and teens too.

How long to go for?  

It depends partly on how much you want to fit in – there’s anything from one day trips to Lapland to week-long breaks.

Most tend to fall somewhere in the middle with three or four-day breaks being the most popular: shorter is cheaper but you’ll need to be prepared for busy days or fewer excursions and any flight delays will have a bigger impact.

We went for four nights, which felt perfect – it gave time for an excursion every day as well as time for ourselves, and we never felt rushed (plus we got back on Sunday rather than midweek), although you could still have fitted everything into a three-night break.

Personally I think a one-day trip would be very full-on with young kids and risks tired meltdowns as you finally arrive and get to meet Santa – flights to Finnish Lapland are three and a half hours, so you’ll have an early start and a long day.

If you’re planning to ski as well as the excursions, or you wanted to venture further afield or try a Northern Lights tour, you might want longer to make the most of the ski resort facilities.

My daughter in stripy merino wool thermals with thermal socks and toy husky dogs at our hotel - my top tips for visiting Lapland with kids including what to pack

Tips for Lapland with kids: what to pack

Choose merino wool.

It goes without saying that you’ll need thermal layers to keep out the chill in the Arctic Circle.

We took two sets of long-sleeved tops and leggings each, mostly of merino wool , which was fantastic – it’s thin and lightweight, dries quickly but also keeps you beautifully warm.

Pack lots of layers

Take lots of layers to stay warm rather than one thick layer, as it’s easier to adapt to the different temperature.

On our first day, the temperature was around -6C, by the end of the trip it was down to -15C and friends who visited the year before were met with -32C, so this way you can layer up or down depending what awaits you.

Click here to see what we packed and to get my downloadable packing list

Pack different weight layers

There’s a limit to just how much can fit underneath a thermal suit (and choosing a bigger size would have swamped my daughter entirely), so I quickly realised that there was no chance that we could zip it up over both her ski jacket and thicker hoody (plus thermals).

Instead, we had some thinner jumpers which went under the ski jacket or could put the thermal suit over the top (again with thermals underneath).

The same went for my own suit, so having a variety meant there was always something which worked.

Double layer your gloves

If possible try them on together before you buy. We had thermal gloves and waterproof ski gloves for my daughter to layer up.

But the original thermal gloves we got were too thick to fit inside, and the replacements still needed some tugging to squeeze the second pair over.

As my daughter’s fingers barely came up half-way, a bigger size wouldn’t have worked any better.

One of my own top buys for Lapland was some silk glove liners to go under my own thermal gloves – I was constantly having to pull my right glove off, to take photos, to fish tickets out of a pocket, to pull my daughter’s gloves back on (again!) and simply could not do any of it with the thermal layer on.

Having the glove liner meant my hand wasn’t constantly in the freezing air but it was thin enough that I could (mostly) even use the touchscreen on my phone.

I bought this pair last-minute from Amazon although if you’re near a Decathlon store, these are  touchscreen compatible .

Pack spare gloves

Having carefully thought through the different glove layers, I managed to forget that my daughter has a talent for losing gloves.

Setting out the first morning to explore, we realised her thermal ones were already missing…

Thankfully they’d just been dropped in the hotel lobby at check-in and scooped into lost property, but I was kicking myself for not having multiple back-ups!

Double layer your socks

Surprisingly, the low temperatures don’t always feel that low, especially when you’re bundled up in layers and thermals, as the air is so dry and we had no or very little wind.

So it’s your toes and fingers which feel the cold first. I layered ordinary socks with thermal socks for both of us, within warm ski boots, but still wished for thicker socks myself several times.

Buy more handwarmers

We had two sets of reusable handwarmers with us, which worked beautifully the first time we used them (just bend to snap the metal disc and they heat up instantly).

I then managed to drop one in a snowdrift where it vanished entirely, and when trying to heat them in boiling water to reuse them, one popped, and the other two flatly refused to go squashy again.

Next time I’d take a lot more and go for disposable air activated ones instead like these .

Get a gaiter

I’ve also heard them called buffs, gaiters and snoods, but whatever name you fancy giving this useful piece of clothing, make sure you’ve got one!

The circle of cosy material is a lot less faff than a scarf, easier to snuggle under a jacket and easy to pull up over your face and nose, especially if you’re husky sledding when we felt the chill of the air far more.

My daughter’s was fleecy and frankly I was jealous enough to try it on to see if it fitted (it did, just – click here to check out the fluffiness) so I have my eye on a similar one like this fleecy one next time.

My daughter lies in the snow, hat pulled down and fleecy snood pulled up over her face against the snow - my top tips for visiting Lapland with kids including what to pack

Make sure your hat covers your ears

Or consider a balaclava (although when I wore one under my helmet for snowmobiling, I thought my daughter would explode with laughter).

And if your kids are like my daughter, who can lose hats as easily as gloves, take at least two. Tassels can come in useful to tie it under their chin too, although it’s worth knowing huskies like to play with longer tassels…!

You can find traditional trapper-style hats as well as some very cute animal versions – everything from a unicorn to a fleecy fox and furry wolf .

Slip in some slippers

Or some comfy shoes. I had my own ski boots and was also provided with another set but there’s nothing like pulling on a comfy pair of slippers after a day clomping around in heavy boots.

Thermal socks can be warm but often tight so I was glad to peel those off and this kept me warm without underfloor heating.

My daughter had her slipper socks (along with some fleecy tracksuit bottoms) for the same reason – I was tempted by this fox pair for her as well and this fleece-lined pair for me!

Have a hot water bottle

The apparently thin duvets on our beds were impressively warm, so we could certainly have managed without our hot water bottles.

But there’s nothing quite so comforting as curling up with one when you’ve been cold – I packed this 1 litre hot water bottle with a fleecy cover for me, and a dinky 0.5 litre version for my daughter.

I also threw in this fleece travel blanket  just in case: in the end we never needed it, but for a fiver it was great as a back-up.

Pack portable snacks

Chocolate biscuits, fruit leather, cereal bars… I came armed with plenty of snacks for both of us which could easily be slipped into a bag when we were out for the day, whenever my six-year-old needed a high-energy boost.

Playing in snow is huge fun, as were all our winter activities, but it can be tiring so a few treats were ideal to keep her going and Finland is not the cheapest place to buy food.

Stick with your own favourites, although the fruit Bear Nibbles and Cadbury Animal Biscuits worked wonders.

You can never have too much hot chocolate

Ticking the high energy box and perfect to warm us up as we relaxed after a day in the snow, I think I lost count of the number of hot chocolates we had between us.

As we were in a hotel rather than self-catering, I grabbed a handful of different sachets which only needed boiling water – Cadbury, Galaxy, Wispa – and sipped through them all. Yum.

For a bit of extra luxury, a lot of fancy hot chocolates need to be made with hot milk but these Charbonnel & Walker Drinking Chocolate flakes and the  Classic hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat can be made with boiling water.

The bottle of red wine I picked up in Duty Free at Gatwick was only a few pounds more than a small glass in one Levi restaurant (and slightly less than a large glass in our hotel).

You can buy wines at the Alko shop but the one in Levi is a little walk from the centre of town and you can’t simply pick up a bottle in a supermarket in Finland.

Take a rucksack

You probably won’t have a huge amount to carry but once you’re in a thermal suit, you have limited accessible pockets, so something to stash the essentials in and keep your hands free to mess around in the snow is useful.

I took my Osprey daylite backpack which had plenty of room for everything, enough pockets to keep it all separate, plus a handy compartment at the back to stuff gloves and hats in when we went inside.

Consider how to carry your phone

Even with my glove liners on, my cold fingers managed to fumble my phone and drop it into a snowdrift on day one.

Thankfully the powdery snow meant it emerged unscathed (although the battery level dropped instantly to 3%) but I regretted not taking the waterproof case I own, which hangs around my neck.

Using the phone with glove liners through the thin case might have been tricky but it would also have made me feel safer holding it on our husky sled.

This case is compatible with any phone up to 6.8 inches, including a Samsung S23 and iPhone 14, this larger case for handsets up to 7.5 inches like a Samsung S30 or iPhone 14 Plus.

Bulk buy batteries

Even if you manage not to drop your phone into a snowdrift (highly advised!), the cold temperatures drain batteries much faster.

Plus you’ll be snapping away at the gorgeous scenery a lot, as well as capturing some fantastic family memories.

So if you’re using a camera, it’s worth having a second battery charged and ready. If you’re using a phone, keep a charged portable battery to hand.

This slimline Anker power bank is ideal as it’s not too bulky but can quickly and completely charge a phone (with power leftover)..

Or keep your phone in the same pocket as handwarmers if it’s starting to get chilled.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

The dry air might mean you don’t feel the cold as much as you expect, but your skin certainly will.

My hands felt as dry as paper, so lots of hand cream is essential – I had my Neutrogena Norwegian Formula hand cream  (apt for a trip to Finland!) and super-moisturising L’Occitane Shea hand cream for an added boost.

Make sure you’ve got plenty of lip balm too: my Elizabeth Arden eight-hour cream  was also great for any particularly sore spots on my hands from pulling stiff zips.

The gondola linking Levi Panorama hotel with the town below - my top tips for visiting Lapland with kids including what to pack

Lapland tips: where to stay with kids

Hotel or self-catering.

There are self-catering apartments and chalets as well as hotels in destinations like Levi, so you can choose which suits you best (along with both half-board and full-board options in the hotels).

It’s worth bearing in mind that food in Finland isn’t cheap, so self-catering may not be as low-cost as other destinations – and that while I’ve had some perfectly nice meals there, you don’t really go to Lapland for the cuisine!

With chips and child favourites like chicken nuggets on the buffet at our hotel, Levi Panorama , there was something for my daughter every evening, plus a couple of stand-out adult options including salmon with dill and a melting beef stew.

If you’re planning to eat out, two big pizzas with drinks at Classic Pizza in Levi cost us around 40 Euros. You can eat more cheaply or easily spend more though.

How far is it to the restaurant?

One thing that’s worth considering is how close your rooms are to the restaurant – some will be in a separate building in the hotel so on cold evenings or if it’s more than a few minutes walk, you might need thermal suits on the way.

The same goes if you’re planning to eat out and will be walking from your hotel. After a fun day out in the snow, I was very pleased to take off some layers and just hop into the lift to get to ours.

Central or secluded? 

Levi itself isn’t huge – and the same goes for many of the other main Santa break destinations – but with snow, thermal suits and cold weather, if you’ve got a 15-minute walk to get anywhere, you’ll quickly get fed up of that with tired kids.

On the plus side, if you’re a little way out of the main town, you get unspoiled snow to explore.

Levi Panorama is linked to the town by a gondola, and I was in two minds whether I’d love it or whether it would be an added faff.

Happily, it was the former – we had snowy woods to wander through, the gondola was only a minute or so away and left us right in the heart of Levi, and my daughter and I loved the views as we were carried up and down the mountain.

We never had to wait more than about a minute for it to arrive and never failed to get a seat either (and tickets are free if you stay in the hotel).

It runs from 9.30am to 9pm which worked well, as we weren’t out exploring earlier or later.

Look for the extras

There are a few bonuses for Lapland hotels which you won’t find in most accommodation – for starters, a drying cupboard is fantastic when you’ve found yourself covered in snow.

Inside a thermal suit, you’ll stay relatively dry but as well as soggy gloves, hats and socks, we ended up with wet cuffs and hems at various points, which this sorted out superfast.

Some hotels even have a mini sauna in the room (not advised for children under 12) as well as communal saunas – men and women’s are separated but you’ll be expected to go in naked in Finland.

After a freezing day, it can be blissful (especially if you’ve got someone else to look after the kids as you gently toast).

Even in freezing temperatures a swimming pool can go down well, especially when it’s too cold to go outside for long or if you’re unlucky enough not to get much snow – although my pool-obsessed daughter managed quite happily without a swim on this Lapland trip.

My daughter in the snow with the gold of sunset at around 2pm - my top tips for visiting Lapland with kids including what to pack

Tips for visiting Lapland with kids: when you’re there

Take it slow.

Allow extra time for everything here. There’s no question of simply grabbing a coat and popping out (not that there usually is with kids!)

In Lapland, you need to factor in extra time to get into thermal suits, to pull gloves over gloves, then to walk through the snow.

Factor in downtime

Having a thermal suit to wear is a huge bonus, keeping the snow out and keeping everyone warm, but they’re not lightweight.

Wearing one can be surprisingly tiring, even for adults, let alone kids, especially when you’re clambering over the snow and fitting in all kinds of fun activities.

At the end of the day, as we got back to the hotel, I was glad to unzip mine, take off my boots and just chill out. (This is where the hot chocolate and slippers comes in too).

This Lapland children’s activity book and journal is great for when you’re kicking back after your day out, and makes a fun memento too.

Remember the dark

When we visited in early December, there’s only about two hours between sunrise and sunset. By mid December, it’s the polar night and officially dark all day.

On the plus side, we had the most beautiful light in the middle of the day, a pinkish gold shade, and the slow dawn and dusk means you do get some daylight before the official sunrise and sunset.

There are also plenty of streetlights and the snow reflects to give a half-light later than you might expect. However, if you are heading off the beaten track, take a torch.

Waking up in the dark and it being full dark by mid afternoon definitely confuses your body clock though, especially on the first day with a two-hour time difference and a very early start for the flight. Be prepared to think it’s bedtime by 5pm!

You might not need all your layers

I was so geared up for the low temperatures and determined the cold wouldn’t stop us that it came as a surprise to discover we didn’t need our thermal suit every day.

On our first day, the temperatures hovered around -6C – not exactly tropical, but thermal layers, a thick hoody, ski jacket and ski trousers, plus ski boots (and hat, gloves etc) kept us toasty warm.

My daughter’s thermal suit was too warm for the heated pods when we went snowmobiling too!

Download an Aurora app

I’ve visited the Arctic Circle three times and have still yet to see those amazing swirling green Northern Lights.

Unfortunately the cloud cover meant I was no luckier this time, but to save hours spent outside staring hopefully at the sky, I downloaded My Aurora Forecast app (click here for Android ) which lets you know your chances and the best times to spot them.

*First published 2018, updated 2023*

Pin for later: tips for visiting lapland with kids.

My top tips for visiting Lapland with kids, from what to pack for a Santa Break in Lapland to how long to spend and where to stay, as well as why extra hot chocolate is always good.

Disclosure: My Santa Break was courtesy of Inghams. All opinions are my own, based on our experiences from our trip, including endless faffing with gloves and fumbling with phones. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Images copyright MummyTravels

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Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

18 Comments

I’d love to take the children to Lapland. My eldest is now twelve, but I think she’d still love it.

Absolutely – I think it’s somewhere that keeps its wonder, no matter how old you are. Perhaps you grow out of the Santa magic but my first visit was in my 30s and it utterly enchanted me.

Love all of these tips Cathy – such a well thought out guide. I would never think of wearing glove liners or taking sachets of hot chocolates x

Thank you! The glove liners were a tip I got for my first trip to Lapland about 8 years ago but it’s so useful. I simply can’t do anything with thick gloves on, so this is a perfect compromise.

Your photos planted the seed, but now this post has made me desperate to take the boys to Lapland! Such good advice here too that I would not have thought of – like a spare pair of gloves and waterproof casing for the phone. Gutted for you that those northern lights were hidden again. I’m yet to see them too. One day…

I just have to keep going back and back until I see them! Loved your Iceland trip but bet your boys would adore the snows of Lapland too (armed with plenty of gloves)

So many tips here, which would work well for any snowy holiday. You’re right, you can’t get enough of those hand warmers. We ran out on our ski trip last year, and our daughter let us know about it 🙂 I’m heading to snowy Ottawa early next year, so I’ll check back to nab these tips for my own trip. x

Thanks! And I can easily imagine… Definitely one to stock up on

Thank you for some really useful tips. Love the idea of taking water bottles and slippers to be cosy in the evening. We go for the first time at the end of this year and are super excited. Do you recommend any footwear to travel in, in particular? Also, did you find your normal iPhone adequate for taking all of your pictures/ videos or did you take (or recommend taking) a compact camera too? How did you get on with a selfie stick? Your tips will be much appreciated x

My pleasure! Really glad they’re useful – and cosy is definitely good after a day of fun in the snow. I wore my own snow boots on the plane (from Mountain Warehouse – https://www.mummytravels.com/packing-list-for-lapland-kids/ ) but otherwise you just need something which can handle snow. We had to walk down the snowy steps from the plane and into the airport, then out to the coach, then from there to the hotel. You’ve then got a short wait to get your boots. I guess it depends what you’d wear if it snowed in the UK, and how snowy it is when you visit.

And I took all my photos on my phone – Samsung S8 rather than an iPhone but it takes better pix than my compact and was easier to slip into a pocket too. I did have my DSLR with me but it spent its time sitting in my rucksack as it seemed too much faff to get it out of the case etc with gloves on! I don’t have a selfie stick so not sure about that I’m afraid. Having a case or eg one of those stick on knobs to hold it would have been useful – cold hands/gloves mean it’s easy to fumble and drop it.

Have a fantastic time!

Thank you for all of this fantastic info.

I am going for 4nights over xmas and was wondering if there are a few excursions anyone would recommend?

Pleasure, really glad it’s useful and hope you have an amazing time! Where are you going to in Lapland? We were in Levi and I’ve got some suggestions of things to do in this post – https://www.mummytravels.com/lapland-santa-break-what-to-do-in-levi-with-kids/ Most were included in our trip but you can easily book them independently as well.

Fantastic – a really good insight into Levi with a family! Thank you 🙂

Thank you! Really glad it was helpful

Thank you for the useful tips. I am planning on taking my girls ages 8 and 9, but we also have a little boy who will be 2 end of January. Any tips or recommendations for having a fun packed day with a toddler? For adventures, where they dont allow kids under 2, or navigating 3 kids to 2 parents (I dont suppose its do-able?)

Glad they were helpful – and I did see families with toddlers there as well as older siblings so it’s definitely doable. I’m not sure about all the activities (so eg meeting Santa would be fine, snowmobiling might be trickier as although they have a trailer for younger/smaller kids, they were all probably about 4+ on my trip).

But there’s plenty that’s fun for little ones too, just playing in the snow, sledging and there are indoor play areas at Levi Hotel Spa as well as the child pools.

We needed to factor in some downtime between activities and exploring in the snow, so I’d expect he’ll need even more. I’d recommend getting one of the cheap disposable sledges from one of the supermarkets anyway, as walking through the snow can be tiring so it would definitely be easier if you can tow your boy along.

If you’re booking with a company that offers snowsuits, they won’t have them available in small sizes so that’s worth knowing too. And lots of treats/hot chocolate went a long way! 🙂

Hi Brilliant list! Thank you so much for putting this out there, it was a great find as we’ve just booked the exact same trip it would appear at the same hotel! I had one question though, with regards to the evening disco with the elves, strange question but did you just wear normal clothes for it? Christmas jumper and trousers maybe? Or was it more dressy?

My pleasure, really glad it’s useful and hope you have a fantastic time – we stayed pretty casual so Christmas jumper and jeans/trousers. I’m sure if you wanted to dress up, you could, but everything was fairly casual and staying warm/comfy (with a few stars and sequins) felt more important!

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Roam the Gnome

ULTIMATE GUIDE ON WHAT TO WEAR IN LAPLAND WINTER

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Complete Guide on What to Wear in Lapland in Winter.

Planning a visit to Lapland in Winter?

It’s COLD.

Be prepared, especially if you are traveling with kids.

The cost to buy extra snow and winter here is outrageous.

Bring what you can. 

Here’s a collection of our tips and suggestions for clothing advice for Lapland to help you and your family stay warm, dry, and happy during this most epic of adventures. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

image - what to wear in lapland santa fun day

THE INSIDE SCOOP: Complete Guide of What to Wear in Lapland in Winter

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome . Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in euro, unless otherwise stated

Wondering what to wear in Lapland in December? 

First up, Lapland is cold.

Really cold. 

Our research had shown temperatures of – 20° to –  25° celsius, but am happy to report that temperatures during our recent visit to Lapland in December ranged from + 2° celsius, down to – 10° celsius.

Not nearly as bad as we’d expected.

Still cold, but not unbearably so unless the snow got INSIDE our snow suits and boots. 

Thank goodness.

Because any colder, and we would have been triple layering our thermals, and tripling our gloves, despite feeling like a puffer fish. 

If you are wondering about the specifics of how many layers to wear in Lapland, or what shoes to wear in Lapland, or what trousers to wear in Lapland, read on. 

RELATED: All you need to know about SANTA CLAUS HOLIDAY VILLAGE

image - walking in snow lapland elves

Things you need in your Lapland Winter Packing List

As family travellers, with just carry on luggage, space is at a premium.

This is what we brought with us for our Lapland winter vacation holidays , the final destination of our six week European winter road trip.  And it all fit into three carry on bags, and one small day pack. 

Check out this warm clothes list of what to park for Finland in winter. 

No.1: Base Layers – Underwear

  • 7 x underwear per person (3 x bra’s for me also) to save having to wash more than once a week
  • 4 x singlets per person 

No.2: Thermal clothing – what layers to wear in Lapland 

  • 2 x thermal underwear sets per person.
  • Can be worn one on top of the other if necessary. 

No.3: Warm tops

  • 3 x thick warm jumpers in a simple style, and in either blue or black – two of these jumpers had padded hoods. Our third jumper/sweater was our matching Christmas Jumper we wanted to wear for our offical Santa photo in the Main Office of Santa Claus. (These Jumpers were from the Museum of Transport Shop in London ) 
  • 3 x roll neck skivvy’s (turtleneck) per person in navy to match jumpers
  • A warm tracksuit top and bottoms, to wear as pyjamas, or as clothes when it was laundry day. 

Hot tip: Stick with plain colours such as khaki and navy blue for the trousers, so you can mix and match the tops to go. 

No.4: Warm bottoms 

  • 3 x robust trousers/pants in soft cotton or terry cloth tracksuit material, or soft denim, ie: not skinny jeans.
  • Make sure all trousers have a little bit of wiggle room as the thermal underwear must go underneath.

My jogger jean pants have a elastic cuff at the bottom and a loose fit for comfort.

I would buy these in charcoal grey next time, to better hide stains as with only three outfits, it’s likely they get worn a few times before washing. 

No.5: Snow jacket or parka

  • A Kathmandu down-filled winter coat per person. (Mine was thigh length. The boys one’s were waist length.) 

Hot tip: How many layers to wear in Lapland?

Layering in Finland attire is vital to stay warm, so on top, we wore singlet, then thermal top, skivvy, and jumper, topped by our Kathmandu jackets when heading outside. 

On our legs, we wore thermals, covered by one pair of pants. 

If you have a snowsuit, you’ll only need one layer of thermals and one layer of clothing underneath, unless the wind is blowing, or it’s below – 10 degrees.

Otherwise you’ll be too hot, and uncomfortable. 

Packing for Europe Winter

This was a perfect amount of clothes for six weeks of Europe road trip, washing everything once a week, and smalls in the sink in between when we were in a hotel for more than three days, and had access to the drying bar heater in the bathroom.  

If you are only going to Lapland for a week, or a few days, adjust as necessary. 

**Check back soon for a PDF printable**

RELATED: The best hotel to book in Lapland is the Santa Claus Village Hotel in Rovaniemi

image - arctic circle snowmobile park rovaniemi snowmobile sled ride

MORE for the Lapland Packing List

Add the winter thermal wear accessories .

Each of us also brought our necessary cold weather accessories. 

No.1: Winter gloves & Snow gloves

  • one pair of lightweight merino gloves for thermal protection underneath our ski gloves, or used on their own
  • one pair of water-resistant ski gloves, one size larger than normal

No.2: Polar Fleece neck warmers

  • a polar fleece neck warmer – the most VITAL piece of clothing in our suitcases 

No.3: Beanies & Scarves

  • a knitted pure wool beanie
  • a knitted pure wool scarf 

No.4: Thermal Socks

  • three pairs of thick thermal-insulating merino socks per person
  • two pairs of cotton socks 

We were given a cotton balaclava to put on during our snowmobile rides to help with keeping the cold off our faces during this outdoor adventure.

Hot tip: Drying clothes in the sauna

In Finland, I washed our singlets and underwear in the sink, and dried them in the sauna overnight.

The sauna was also a fabulous drying rack for our snow gloves, inner gloves, socks and boots once it was turned off for the night. 

Hot tip: I taught the kids early how to put their winter accessories away in the same spot each time after use, so they never went missing, eg gloves in one coat pocket, beanie in the inside pocket.

But we still lost a pair of gloves when Ned left them on the bus.

How to not lose ski gloves! 

Our friend Kym told us a trick they use at home during winter:

  • slip a long piece of narrow rope through the arms of the jacket or snow suit
  • tie each end of the rope to the loop on the glove.

This way, the gloves can’t ever disappear as they are attached to the child’s clothing. 

Lost Glove society

We aren’t the only ones prone to losing gloves – after seeing one too many lost gloves on the train, on the underground, or on the city street, we started taking photos of these random finds, as a tribute to this strange phenomena! 

I now know we’re not the only ones to document lost gloves – there’s even a Flickr group dedicated to these lonely abandoned hand coverings. 

We also lost a beanie somewhere along the way.

Thankfully, it’s possible to buy woollen beanies in most souvenir shops in Lapland to replace one if you need.

They aren’t as cheap as buying one at home, but not overly expensive either. 

image - snow suit hire

What to wear in winter in Lapland? 

Good quality thermal snowsuits are a must for everyone who is going to be out and about during the day or night in the cold. 

Lapland Clothing Hire at Santa Village

If you are staying in Lapland at the Santa Claus Village, you hire the snow suits (and snow boots if you need) for your entire trip. 

If you rent the set, an all-in-one thermal snow suit + winter boots, the price is 20€ for the first day and 5€ for each following day. 

If you need only one thing, eg the snow suit or the snow boots, the cost is 10 euro for the first day, and 5 euro per day after that. 

You don’t need to reserve thermal clothing or snow boots in advance.

It is always better to try upon arrival which size fits the best.

image - Rovaniemi Santa Claus Main Office photo HOME PAGE

What to wear in Lapland in December

Or, what to wear under snowsuit in lapland.

Wear your regular clothes in layers underneath your snow suit.

(eg jeans, singlet, long sleeved thermal top, long sleeve skivvy, and jumper/sweater).

When you head indoors for any length of time, roll the top of the snow suit down and tie the arms round your waist.

You’ll see lots of people doing this during dinner, or breakfast at the Christmas House restaurant and Coffee Bar, and Three Elves Restaurant if you are visiting Santa Village in Rovaniemi.

It’s the done thing.

We took off our snowsuit completely only once during our trip.

This was in preparation for our Santa photo in the Santa Claus Main Office.

The staff there gave us a big red bag to store our snowsuits in during our visit.

We put the snowsuits straight back on before we left the building. 

We met other families throughout the week who didn’t have snowsuits, and were wearing their ordinary thermal down jackets, and jeans or trousers with their snow boots.

Their greatest regret of their vacation was NOT bringing the snowsuit, or hiring one on site. 

Without doubt, snowsuits (or ski pants and jacket) are invaluable when you are out and about in the Northern European Finnish Lapland snow.

image - santa claus village hotel snow boots 800

Lapland Footwear

We brought our own insulated and waterproof snow boots. 

The boys boots from Anaconda sports store were simple, plain black with a velcro side tab.

Mine were black also, but with a lace up feature at the front. 

This was the only footwear we wore in Lapland.

(We also wore the boots for the previous two weeks throughout Scandinavia and Germany when the weather turned colder.) 

Snow boots are a necessity in Lapland.

If you don’t have your own, we recommend hiring or borrowing a pair.

Snow boots have grip on the soles that help you stay upright when you accidentally stumble onto a slick of ice. Not that they prevent every fall, but they definitely help. 

Make sure the snowsuit goes over the top of the boots, to create a barrier, so snow cannot get into the boots easily, even when you are walking in deep powdery snow, or playing on the sleds. 

image - santa fun day snowing

What to wear in Lapland in January?

January is often the coldest month in Lapland, and temperatures can vary between -15° to -30° celsius. 

It’s freezing. 

What to wear in Lapland in this kind of cold weather?

Dress in all the above, a base layer, then more lots of layers, with at least two pairs of merino wool socks doubled up inside the boots. 

The most important thing is to keep dry, especially the hands and feet.

It’s wise to carry a backpack of spares with you:

  • two or three pairs of spare woollen socks
  • spare woollen gloves, and
  • a quick dry towel. 

This way, even if you can’t get back to your accommodation to change outfits, you can at least remove wet socks and gloves before putting on a new set. 

A dry bag (or a reusable plastic shopping bag at least) is also a good idea, so you can store your wet gear away from your dry clothes. 

image - what to wear in lapland winter santa fun day hut warming

What to wear in Lapland in February and March? 

In the colder months, we’d recommend short excursions out in the snowy weather, especially if you have kids in tow.

Just a couple of hours at a time. 

Many of the day tours and attractions do set up a fire of some kind outside, where you can warm up, and toast your marshmallows.

But taking a break from the cold weather inside a hut or shelter , with a fire burning and hot chocolate brewing, or perhaps Finnish sausages cooking, is invaluable. 

The coldest we were was during a late night snowmobile sledge ride to try and see the Northern Lights.

Despite our many, many layers, and blankets, and a reindeer hide on top, both Jack and Ned were frozen stiff.

After 90 minutes, Jack in tears because his feet were hurting, and Ned was not doing much better.

We suffered through the remaining minutes in the sledge by making up a song about wriggling your toes and alternatively arching your feet back and forth, to get the movement going. 

In hindsight, I’m not sure a late night adventure in the cold is a good idea with kids under 12, although there were at least 10 kids aged between 1 year, and 11 years old on the trip with us.

The leader did tell me they refuse to take kids once it gets to -10 ° as it’s miserable for everyone. 

What we quickly learned, what that being able to return to your accommodation quickly is a clever idea, so you can warm up the kids under a shower, and dress them in a new dry outfit before you venture back out.

30 minutes or an hour at ‘home’ can revitalise their spirits too.

Let me tell you from experience.

As fun as snow can be, kids who have experienced extreme cold in Lapland may need this kind of coaxing before they’ll brace themselves for more snow. 

If you are not staying onsite, find someplace warm – a reception area, a lounge, or waiting room, to change them at least, and let them thaw out with a warm drink in hand.  

image - santa fun day ice fishing

Hot tips on what to take to Lapland day trip, or a longer stay

Bring all the snacks & water.

  • Bring snacks , such as small packs of long life crackers & cream cheese, nuts, individual packs of chips, healthy fruit straps, roasted chickpeas, and small chocolate bars as a treat.
  • Snow and the cold makes kids hungrier than usual. Keep them fuelled. 
  • Bring your own bottle of water. Refill it in your hotel room, or sink. One bottle of water here can cost upwards of 4 euro! 

Bring ALL the socks.

  • Pack at least 6 pairs of pure merino (not blend) wool socks per person (not three as we did.)
  • Wear two pairs inside your boots, have a second set of two pairs for the next day when this first pair are drying, and put the extra spare couple in your daypack for emergencies.
  • Take the spares with you in your daypack or carry bag on your tours and excursions.

Bring an Empty Dry Bag

  • A dry bag from a camping store is a reusable waterproof sack with a rollover top that will seal your wet gear inside until you can dry it out. 
  • You can buy them in all sizes. A medium size is enough to carry a bunch of wet mittens, gloves and socks. 

Carry a small waterproof day pack

  • Use a waterproof daypack to carry all of the above.

image - arctic circle husky park 800

Wool Socks as Therapy for Cold Hands and Feet 

  • You can use a pair of new dry wool socks to warm up the kids fingers when they freeze.
  • Gentle movement in the fingers or toes is necessary to warm the blood back to life when the pain of cold hits.

We were shown this tried and true trick when Jack was crying in pain after too much time out on the skidoo in the cold.

  • When the kids won’t move their hands or toes themselves as it’s too painful, pop this pair of dry woollen socks onto their hands.
  • Use the socks to gently rub their hands and warm them back to life.

Emergency mitten gloves

It’s no fun when the kids’ gloves get wet and cold.

  • You need to get the gloves off ASAP, and replace with something warm and dry quickly before the pain starts. 
  • An extra pair of socks can be used as an emergency pair of mitten gloves when you are stuck.

image - helsinki airport

What to wear on the plane to Lapland?

Wondering what to wear to travel to Lapland?

For your winter travel dress, we suggest wearing your regular clothes, as above, in layers, so when you leave the plane at Rovaniemi, you are ready to don your snow suit and go.

Bring your regular thermal jacket along, as you’ll need that during the transfers until you reach your hotel or accommodation. 

Indoor areas are warm everywhere you go. 

PIN what to wear in lapland

More Lapland Tips? 

If you have any other tips on what to wear in Lapland Finland in winter, we’d love to know.

Send us an email to [email protected] and we’ll add them.  

image - santa claus holiday village accommmodation cabins

Visit Rovaniemi with Kids for Christmas in Lapland

If you’d like to know more about things to do in Lapland  check out these posts. 

How to get from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village Finland

The ultimate guide to planning a lapland christmas experience, comparison guide to the best rovaniemi santa to visit (there’s more than 1) , the best things to do in rovaniemi in winter and summer .

Friday 25th of September 2020

Already packed our things and ready to go on our family trip next year. Thanks for this guide!

Amber Greene

Saturday 26th of September 2020

Perfect! Thank you, have bookmarked for our holiday in 2022 :)

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Lapland for Grown-ups: Why Lapland Isn’t Just for Kids

You might have heard about Santa’s home in the North Pole. And yes, Lapland is indeed a fantastic place to go with the kids to meet the man in red. But did you know a Lapland holiday for adults offers you the perfect winter escape?

While Father Christmas has made Lapland famous, there are so many more reasons to visit this northern region in Finland and Sweden. In winter Lapland is an enchanting wonderland draped in snow, with thrilling activities to enjoy and cultural experiences to be had.

If you’re travelling as a couple, expect to be swept off your feet on a romantic Lapland tour . Or bond with friends and family while out on a husky ride or reindeer safari. The great thing about a Lapland holiday for adults is that you can make it as active or relaxed as you like!

Read on to learn why Lapland is such a wonderful winter destination for grown-ups.

  • Explore Lapland holiday packages to start planning your trip

Snowmobiling in Rovaniemi ©Visit Rovaniemi

1. You can enjoy activities in the snow

Snowmobiling.

One of the most thrilling things you can do in Lapland is ride a snowmobile! Carve your way through secluded forests and open landscapes, admiring the sight of snow sparkling in the sunlight. A guide will accompany you but you’ll get to drive a snowmobile yourself for a truly exhilarating experience.

You’ll cover a lot of ground on a snowmobile safari, zipping through pristine national parks dotted with frozen lakes. And, if you like the idea of exploring this wintry scenery at night, you can even embark on an evening snowmobile tour to hunt for the northern lights.

  • Discover Lapland’s magical winter scenery with these snowmobiling tour packages

Northern lights in Finnish Lapland

Chasing the northern lights

Did you know that Lapland is one of the best places you can see the aurora borealis ? This natural phenomenon lights up the night sky with beautiful colours, which are more visible the further north you go. Since Lapland is located in the Arctic Circle, it is a prime location for witnessing the northern lights.

In fact, Swedish and Finnish Lapland are both within the “aurora zone” (or “northern lights belt”). This is a band encircling the Northern Hemisphere between 65 to 72 degrees north, where the aurora occur with frequency and intensity.

You could head out on a snowmobiling or snowshoeing adventure at night to chase the aurora borealis. Or visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland. Here you can enjoy a 4-course dinner followed by a guided excursion to hunt for the northern lights.

  • See the aurora borealis in Lapland with these northern lights tours

Husky dog in Lapland

Dog sledding

Dog sledding is a quintessential Lapland experience and one you’ll never forget. Imagine being pulled along by a group of energetic sled dogs, gliding through the snowy wilderness while cosied up under a blanket.

You’ll get to travel in the traditional way, as the locals have done for more than 1,000 years. The dog sled drivers, or “mushers”, manage teams of Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes that can run at an average speed of 32 kilometres (20 miles) an hour.

On your husky ride, you’ll learn how to drive the sled before taking the reins and setting off. Two people can share one sleigh, so if you’re travelling to Lapland as a couple , prepare for a wonderfully romantic ride through a winter wonderland!

  • Go mushing in the far north with these Lapland dog sledding packages

Snowshoeing in Swedish Lapland

Snowshoeing

Lapland is a haven for winter sports, its snowy plains dotted with ski resorts that beckon active travellers. It’s not just snowboarding and skiing you can try here though.

Immerse yourself in the unspoilt scenery on a snowshoeing excursion. This activity is the closest thing to hiking you can get in these snow-laden landscapes. And although you do need to have good physical health to take part, this isn’t a super strenuous activity so previous experience is not required.

You’ll be geared up with shoes and poles to help you walk through the snow, feeling the crunch beneath your feet and seeing immaculate landscapes. You might even spot some Arctic wildlife!

  • Try snowshoeing and other winter sports on these active Lapland tours

Sami reindeer in Norway

2. You can soak up culture too

Sámi culture.

Although the snowy scenery is indeed pretty, that’s just the start of the story. On your Lapland holiday for adults, you can experience traditional Sámi culture too. The Sámi  are the native people of northern Scandinavia who have lived in this region for thousands of years.

Meet Lapland's local Sámi people and learn about their way of life. Buy some arts and crafts – “slöjd” – to take home for souvenirs. Sample typical cuisine like smoked fish, fried cheese and barley flatbread, as well as moreish desserts served with cloudberry jam.

You could also visit reindeer farms to find out why these animals are so important to the Sámi. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy sleigh rides and hear stories around the fire in a lavvu , a traditional Sámi tent.

  • Soak up Lapland’s heritage on these Sámi culture tours

Santa and reindeer in Rovaniemi ©Visit Rovaniemi

3. Celebrating Christmas and NYE here is hard to beat 

Spend Christmas or New Year in Lapland for the ultimate festive getaway. Lapland has everything you could dream of: snow-blanketed scenery, igloos and ice hotels, Nordic spas , winter activities – the list goes on!

You may be on a Lapland holiday for adults, but that doesn’t mean you can’t unleash your inner child. If you’ve always wanted to meet Father Christmas, you can do just that in the North Pole.

Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, to see Santa in person. You can also shop for souvenirs, explore the Christmas exhibition, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office.

For a New Year’s Eve to remember, Lapland has you covered. You could enjoy a festive dinner in an enchanting setting – a wooden hut tucked away in the forest. Mingle with locals and other visitors while experiencing Lappish traditions such as fortune-telling and Shaman rituals, rounded off with fireworks.

  • Celebrate the festive season in Lapland with these Christmas tours or New Year’s packages
  • Experience Christmas all year round with a trip to Santa Claus Village in Lapland

Snowhotel in Rovaniemi ©Visit Finland

4. There are some really cool places to stay

One of the most special experiences you can have in Lapland is sleeping in a  Nordic ice hotel or glass igloo . Picture cosying up under thick blankets surrounded by snow sculptures carved by hand. Or imagine gazing through domed windows that frame the northern lights dancing above you.

Visit the ICEHOTEL outside Kiruna, Swedish Lapland, to sleep in an ice room surrounded by astonishing sculptures. Or you could stay at the SnowCastle in Kemi, Finnish Lapland, for a fairytale experience in a fortress hewn from snow and ice.

Inside an igloo ©Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Another frozen hideaway in Finnish Lapland is the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos , tucked away in the countryside outside Rovaniemi. Choose between a room made of ice or a glass dome with uninterrupted views up to the sky. Finland also boasts an  Igloo Village , studded in the scenic Urho Kekkonen National Park.

It’s not just the extraordinary accommodation that’s impressive though. On your visit to these hotels, you could sip drinks at ice bars, step inside ice churches, and enjoy dinner in ice restaurants. There are even ice art exhibitions to discover!

  • Stay in the coolest Nordic accommodation on these ice hotel and glass igloo packages

Rukatunturi in winter, Finnish Lapland

Good to know

Visit in winter.

Lapland holidays are ideal if you want a short break in winter, with plenty of fun to be had over a few days. We recommend visiting Finnish or Swedish Lapland between December and March, when you’ll experience snow-laden landscapes and festive activities.

Nordic Visitor’s Lapland tour packages include accommodation, daily breakfast, a selection of excursions and transfers. Our travel experts will take care of all the arrangements for you to ensure you have a seamless and unforgettable trip!

  • Discover  tours to Lapland in January , February , March and  December
  • Related: Best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

Your payment is protected

While Nordic Visitor doesn't have ATOL protection, we do have insurance coverage that safeguards all our customers' payments. The reason ATOL protection does not apply to our tours is because we do not book your international flights.

Nordic Visitor complies with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. For more information about financial protection, read our booking information page.

  • Take a short break with these 3-day or 4-day Lapland trips
  • Or visit  Lapland in 5 days or 6 days

©ICEHOTEL

Lapland really is the ultimate winter destination for grown-ups! Whether you want a short 2-night break or a 6-day holiday, explore all our Lapland packages to find the right one for you. We can tailor your itinerary with extra nights and activities, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Get in touch with us to start planning your dream Lapland trip.

emma blog profile

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

LAPLAND ADVENTURE - AURORA SKY STATION

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BEST OF LAPLAND CLASSIC - ROVANIEMI

Related posts, ice hotels: the complete nordic guide.

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Finland , Guides , Romance , Things to Do

Sweden in Winter: What to Do & Where to Go

7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, in focus: 7 things to do in lavish lapland.

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What to wear in Lapland

What do you wear in lapland.

What should I wear on my Lapland holiday? Layers! Lots of them. 

Santa’s home is tucked away, deep within the Lapland Arctic Circle. Winters here are very cold, so you’ll need to wrap up! Think lots of warm layers, sensible shoes, and cosy hats and gloves.

Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with all the outerwear you need for the arctic weather. We will ensure you’re warm, comfortable, and ready to take on the magic of Lapland.

You will be provided with...

This is an overall to put on top of base layers that has been specially designed for the cold weather. Please note that thermal suits for children under 2 years aren’t always available so we recommend you bring one with you.

These are waterproof shoes that have a special thermal layer to keep you warm. They have been designed to keep you both warm and comfortable! The boots need to be at least one size bigger than your actual shoe size. This is so you can wear two layers of socks - we have to keep those feet toasty!

This thick woolen material will keep your feet warm and comfy inside your thermal boots. Warm feet are happy feet and you’ll need those for your Lapland activities.

No cold hands on our watch! Thermal mittens have a special thermal layer to keep your hands warm and mobile. However, you might need an extra pair of liner gloves to wear underneath. The temperatures can get very cold in Lapland, especially closer to Christmas.

Once you have collected your thermal suits and clothing, please be sure to check everything fits correctly. If anything needs to be changed, a Santa Rep will be happy to assist you.

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It gets very cold

In the Arctic Circle, temperatures can get as low as -30 degrees celsius in November and December so you’ll want to take advantage of the special make clothing we provide. We live by the Nordic saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

Standard ski and winter clothing is unlikely to be as effective, as temperatures can be much colder than they are in the mountains. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun and excitement of SaariselkĂ€!

family laughing together in snow

What Clothes To Pack For Lapland

Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. 

A visit to Santa’s Lapland is a once in a lifetime adventure, so it’s essential you have everything you need to keep you warm so you can truly enjoy the magic.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a complete list of what clothes to take to Lapland when travelling November and December. Don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase for a special early Christmas present from Santa!

Lapland Packing List

Here’s what to pack for Lapland


Long Sleeved tops and trousers. The key to keeping warm in the colder climate in SaariselkÀ is being able to layer up appropriately. Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing beneath your provided thermal suit. Wicking materials, fleece and wool are advised. Cotton and denim should be avoided unless only worn indoors. 

Especially for children, these are great for keeping the wind chill off your face - a must for those exciting activity days. 

The part of your body that retains heat the best is your head so a nice warm hat is a must. The crazier the design the better! With everyone wearing the same thermal suit, a stand out design is a great way to keep tabs on your little ones.

These almost go without saying, cold hands are no good at taking pictures! One of the first things to go cold on your body are your extremities (hands and feet) so keeping these layered up are vital. Don’t worry, you’ll only require some liners as special gloves will be provided.

As with gloves, these are going to be really important to bring with you. You will need to wear these under the provided woollen socks to ensure you go home with the same number of toes that you arrived with!

If you plan to make the most of our indoor pool (in Santa’s Holiday Club) or many saunas, then remember to pack your swimwear! Unless you want to embrace the Finnish tradition of not wearing anything at all. 

You’ll need these for the flight journey. When you arrive, we will provide you with special thermal boots to use for the duration of your stay.

There are so many things to see and do in Lapland, you’ll want to treasure the moments forever. Make sure to bring extra batteries and keep your devices in the pockets of your thermal suits. You won’t want them kept out in the cold for long periods of time!

You won’t be outside all the time, so make sure you pack something nice to wear for your dinners– Christmas jumpers are a great option!

More Lapland inspiration

Interesting facts about Igloos

Discover our Santa's Lapland experiences

family in thermal suits

Half Price Child Places 2024 & 2025

Don't miss out on this limited-time magic.

We're giving the gift of incredible savings with half child places on our Santa’s Magic package for these selected dates in November and December 2024 / 2025.

Call to book:  01483791945

No one knows how to make christmas more magical.

Flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, a fun-filled activity trip and snowsuits are all included.

Seeing Lapland in the snow is all part of the experience, so if we decide that there’s not enough snow, you can change your travel dates, within the same season, or get a full refund.

A remote spot in the far north of Finland, 200km above the Arctic Circle among the snowy trees of SaariselkÀ.

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Lapland Holidays

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Treat the family to the trip of a lifetime with a Lapland Holiday. Meet Santa, take a reindeer sleigh ride and watch your children's faces light up with all the magic this amazing country has to offer.

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lapland day trip what to take

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Lapland Holidays

Winter Wonderland Lapland Day Trip

Why Lapland

What better way to enjoy the magic of Christmas and make your child’s dreams come true than a trip to see  Santa on a Lapland holiday?  Think crisp white snow, reindeers, huskies and elves – it’s a place where childhood dreams can become reality. Father Christmas has put some time aside in his busy December schedule to welcome you into his hideaway Lapland home, with the elves on hand to join in the fun – all you need to do is wrap up warm and bring your Christmas list! Experience the thrill of Husky Sledding, Tobogganing or take a ride through the stunning landscape on a magical Reindeer Sleigh. And at the end of the day look out for nature’s very own light show, the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights. We can offer Lapland Day Trips throughout the month of December - flying out early morning and returning late at night. Extend your stay on a 2, 3 or 4 night break staying in 3 or 4 star hotels in various resorts, including Saariselka and Rovaniemi, both a short transfer from the airport.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable last minute Lapland break or a luxury Lapland holiday , you’ll find your perfect snowy escape with Hays Travel. To book yours, chat to one of our travel experts today. Alternatively, take a look at some of our other winter holidays . 

Want to know more about our Lapland holidays? Browse our FAQs below to learn more about Santa’s magical home. 

You’ll find Lapland in the northernmost region of Finland, bordering Norway and Sweden. The Arctic Circle crosses into Lapland too, which is why Lapland holidays are known for their magical wintery settings. 

The flight time from the UK to Lapland is approximately 3 hours. Its short flight time is why Lapland day trips and mini breaks are so popular!

Yes! A chance to spot the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is just one of the things that make Lapland holidays so special. 

A day trip to Lapland for a family of 3 usually costs around £1660. At Hays Travel, we offer low deposits and pay monthly options on all our Lapland holidays to help make your trip as affordable as possible. 

To book your Lapland holiday, chat to a member of Hays Travel now.

Karilyn Owen

Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland

A re you heading to Finland and wondering what the best way to travel from Helsinki to Lapland? Did you know that for most visitors to Finland, these are the two most visited areas? It makes sense as most visitors fly into Helsinki, spend a day or two and then head off into the vast wilderness of Finnish Lapland.

In this guide I will help you in your travel research by providing up to date information on how to travel to/from these regions of Finland, whether its by plane, train or even car. 

One of the biggest factors in your decision about how to get from Helsinki to Lapland will be the amount of time you have and your budget. Below I go through the practical details on the three main transport options, providing the positives and negatives for each so you can make the most informed decision. Let get into it!

What are the airports in Lapland?

As I mentioned there are currently 5 airports in Lapland. Below are the airports with the main locations serviced from them.

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Rovaniemi is the third busiest airport in Finland and is the most popular of the ones in Lapland. Located in the south of Lapland, just near the Arctic Circle, this airport is seen as the gateway to Santa Claus Village. Given the towns popularity, there are several flights a day between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. This is one of the few that also is international airport accepting flights from several major European cities. 

In general, Rovaniemi can feel a quite commercial and crowded, especially during the peak winter season. This airport also serves as the hub for PyhĂ€  and  Salla which are popular for their natural beauty and skiing, both downhill and cross country. 

Ivalo Airport (IVL)

Two popular destinations with skiers and snowboarders include Inari and Saariselka , which are both serviced by the Ivalo airport. The airport is within 30 minutes of both destinations and is the northernmost airport in Finland.

KittilÀ Airport (KTT)

Kittila is one of the main airports in the northernmost region of Finland, and the only other accepting international flights. This airport services the popular ski area of Levi. Levi is a popular spot for families during the festive season, but is smaller and quieter than Rovaniemi. Additionally, the popular Snow Village can be found here.

Our favorite destination serviced by this airport is Muonio which is a laid back destination offering all the popular touristy activities found in Rovaniemi but without the crowds and is excellent for spotting the Northern Lights. 

Kemi Airport (KEM)

Kemi-Tornio Airport is located on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, serving travelers heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi has slowly become more popular in the tourist circuits for their magnificent Snow Castle that is built there every winter and for the famous Sampo icebreaker cruise. 

Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Lastly, the Kuusamo Airport serves one of Finland’s major holiday destinations Kuusamo, attracting almost a million tourists annually. Many of these arrive for skiing at nearby ski resorts, especially Ruka Ski Resort , one of the largest in Finland.

Flying from Helsinki to Lapland

Domestic flights from the capital Helsinki to Lapland airports are operated by Finnair. While the flights can be reasonably priced if booked well in advance, domestic flights on Finnair do impose an extra fee for checked luggage. Additionally, the new Finnair carry on limits are quite strict with a maximum of 8 kg for all carry on items combined. This means, that for most travelers,  it makes most sense to upgrade to the main fare price which includes both carry on and checked baggage. Once you upgrade your flight, a round-trip flight will cost a minimum of €200.  Note, if you are looking for cheap flights, sign up for Finnair’s email blast and keep an eye out for flash sales.

That said, this is still the quickest way to travel between Helsinki and Lapland. It can be cost effective if you are a solo traveler and/or traveling with extremely light luggage. However, it can be get expensive if you need to check a bag or are traveling in high season with several people

Traveling by Train from Helsinki to Lapland

Next we will move on to traveling by train from Helsinki to Lapland , which is the second most popular option.

I personally find travelling by train in Finland to be a wonderful experience and the most convenient way to get around the country. The trains are clean and reasonably reliable depending on weather conditions of course. Additionally, it is better for the environment and saves you money on accommodation if you can take an overnight train to travel while you sleep. All long-distance trains in Finland are operated by VR Train. 

Day vs. Night Trains

The most popular train that visitors take to Lapland from Helsinki is the Santa Claus Express train which ends in Rovaniemi. It leaves close to midnight and arrives around 11 a.m. the next morning. If you are traveling with children, this train is great as the sleeper cabins are essentially sold as a two person cabin. Prices for an upstairs private compartment sleeper cabin which includes a private toilet run around 300 Euro one way. The train also has a restaurant car for snacks and meals while on the train. Note, Rovaniemi train tickets for the sleeper cars can sell out quickly, so book well in advance to ensure you have a cabin.

Another popular route is to Kolari, which is the northernmost railway station in Finland. Travel here from Helsinki takes approximately 14 hours. Boarding is around 7:45 p.m. in Helsinki with a 10 a.m. arrival.  Even though it sounds like a long trip, it goes by quite quickly once you get settled in your sleeper cabin, grab some food from the restaurant car and then hit the sack. 

If you are unable to secure a sleeper cabin, you can consider a day train. With free Wifi, power sockets and the ability to walk around, an 8 hour train would actually go quite quickly if you can keep yourself occupied! These tickets run around €75 per ticket during high season. 

Take Your Car on the Train

For readers who live in Europe or have a rental car already booked, they can consider putting the vehicle on the train as well! These trains depart from Pasila Station and can be extremely handy if you have brought your car over from mainland Europe, but don’t want to drive all the way to Lapland. This is not cheap, but is a dobale option to ensure you have more access to explore around Lapland.

Train Stations in Lapland

There are many train stations in Lapland that I can’t list them all, but the main ending/starting point for the major lines include Kolari as the furthest north, Rovaniemi and Kemijarvi in the east. 

Kolari is in the far north of Finland, northeast of Rovaniemi, and very close to the Swedish border. This station is perfect for those traveling to Levi or Muonio. You can reserve a shared taxi or bus from the station to both locations. 

KemijÀrvi is located east of Rovaniemi and from here you can easily access Salla and PyhÀ.

Overall, I personally feel that if you are traveling with others or even on your own that taking an overnight train to or from Lapland is a great option. Train travel is scenic, cost effective if you have a family or a lot of luggage and you also have the option of taking a vehicle. The negatives are that it does take a long time and there are times that the trains leave late at night making it awkward for families with smaller children. 

Driving from Helsinki to Lapland by Car

For many travelers further afield, this would mean renting a car and needing to return it either in Lapland or back to Helsinki which can be quite an expense.

I am not sure I would recommend this option for many, but if you have your car and you are confident on driving on the right hand side of the road, in snow or inclimate weather, you will most likely be fine.

But you must be aware that this journey is at least 800 kilometers and can take around 10 hours. That said, the journey up to Rovaniemi is along one main road and the views will be stunning for much of the way.

In general, I’d only advise driving to Lapland from Helsinki if you’re touring elsewhere in Finland, have your own vehicle and have at least a couple of weeks here to make it worthwhile and cost-effective.

Important Information for Your Finland Trip

When is the best time to visit finland.

In reality, you can visit Finland at any time of the year as there are a multitude of activities to suit any weather condition. That said, in my opinion, the best time to visit Finland is definitely during the winter months between December and February. This is when you will see the most beautiful winter wonderland landscapes and you have a great chance to see the aurora borealis. Note, it is also the coldest time of the year, so you will need to prepare for that!

What is the best way to get to Finland?

Finnair offers direct flights to Helsinki Airport from all over the world, including from here in Los Angeles. The international flights are on newer Airbus A350 planes which have ample legroom, flight cameras and more. Subscribe to their newsletter for deals and special offers if this is a trip you are looking to plan far in advance. 

If you are in mainland Europe, you can also make your way overland to Tallinn and take the Viking Express over to Helsinki for a very affordable rate. Note, this is also a great day trip idea from Helsinki.

Where do you recommend to stay in Helsinki?

There are so many amazing options to stay in Helsinki. I think where you stay is dependent on what you want out of your visit. During my stay in the city I was leaving on an early morning ferry and arriving late at night from the airport so I chose the Noli Studio Apartments which were cheap, clean and convenient to everywhere I wanted to go. There are several of them located throughout the city, so pay attention to the neighborhood that you wish to be in! 

If you want a little more luxury and don’t mind being a little further out, consider the Clarion Hotel which is a favorite for repeat visitors to the city. 

What are the best things to do in Finland?

There are so many amazing things to do in Finland that I can’t list them all here. But a start would be to check out our top experiences in Lapland that you can find all over the region. Winter activities are some of the best on offer here in Finland.

What do I need to pack for Finland?

Layers is the short answer. The longer answer will depend on what time of year you are visiting. Assuming you visit during the high season of winter, you will need to pack a lot of warm breathable layers such as merino wool . Overall, I would say to focus on layers, good boots that have room for several pairs of socks, good gloves or mittens and a warm hat.

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The post Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland appeared first on No Back Home .

Credit: YllÀs. Visit Finland, Jordan Herschel.

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6-Day Tours in Lapland

Explore enchanting Lapland on a winter getaway arranged by the regional travel experts at Nordic Visitor. With 6 days in Lapland you could chase the northern lights or meet Father Christmas himself. Your tour includes accommodation, excursions, and airport transfers.

VISIT LAPLAND ON A 6-DAY TRIP

Want to find out about 5-night Lapland holidays? Read on for tips and ideas on what to do in this winter wonderland on a 6-day tour.

Get set for a magical winter getaway to Lapland , where snow-covered landscapes await you. With 5 nights in Lapland, you’d have time to enjoy a host of activities, including husky sledding, chasing the northern lights and meeting Santa.

Choose between visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your 6-day tour. Below you can find out more about each region and see which one would suit you best.

When you book a trip to Lapland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, airport transfers, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits. You also enjoy personal service from your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our contact form, live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll gladly plan your Lapland getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

  • All bookings protected by our package travel insurance
  • Accommodation, activities, transfers & breakfasts included
  • Professional service from Scandinavian-based travel experts
  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options

EXPERIENCE LAPLAND IN 6 DAYS

Come experience a true winter wonderland on a short break of Lapland. 5 nights is ideal for fitting in exciting excursions and allowing plenty of time for spotting the northern lights. You can also add extra days to shorter tours for a tailored getaway.

Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, best of lapland express - rovaniemi, express lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Camilla Thom, Spain

Icehotel winter adventure, january 2017, i will never forget this experience.

The tour guides were excellent. Especially Emile and Maurice. This was a huge adventure for us both, starting with the dog sled picking us up , going to the Ice Hotel and then the fabulous evening on the snowmobile. Even though we weren't lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, it was still wonderful. What good cooks all the guides were too! I will never forget this experience.

George, United States

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, march 2017, experience of a lifetime.

Everything was wonderful. It was the experience of a lifetime. My daughter and I had a blast!

Nilima, India

Lapland - land of the midnight sun, june 2015, lapland is beautiful.

Day tours were excellent, guide and service was excellent

Lapland is beautiful.  We were able to see the midnight sun because of nordic visitor they have planned our tour very well and the local guides were very co operative.

Vandana, United States

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, february 2015, everything went smoothly.

Cicci Erikson customized our trip exactly the way we wanted, every thing went smoothly, the employees at Kiruna tours were very friendly and cordial, I would recommend Nordic Visitor to my friends and will use them in the future.

Arkadiusz, Singapore

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, december 2014, worked perfectly well without any glitches.

My Travel Consultant, Cecilia, was extremely helpful and professional in all aspects of dealing with the customer. Her invaluable assistance allowed me to choose, modify, and combine the existing tours to fulfill all my needs. The hotel locations were excellent and the arrangements made by Cecilia ensured that everything worked perfectly well without any glitches. I would strongly recommend such excellent services to anyone who would like to have an unforgettably pleasant holiday.

Christy, United States

Icehotel winter adventure, january 2015, overall a great experience.

Overall a great experience. Cecilia was very helpful and responsive.

Mariana, Hong Kong, SAR

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, january 2017, excellent time in kiruna.

My daughter and I had an excellent time in Kiruna during the Chinese New Year. I would like to thank Sofia Sundkvist who assisted us throughout the trip. She is very responsive and accomodating. We slightly changed our plans and she always quickly responded to me by email and helped us with what we needed.  Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to meet her in person, but all the people (from Nordic Visitor) whom we met throughout this trip are excellent people. They always carry a smile, happy with what they are doing, experienced and knowledgeable.  

Carla, United States

Lapland - land of the midnight sun, june 2017, outstanding in every way.

Your company is outstanding in every way. The booking agents were responsive when we had questions. The information provided was excellent. The tour guides and the company's you contracted with are without exception outstanding. I would recommend your company to anyone who is planning a Scandinavian trip

Olga, Israel

Husky tour in the wilderness of lapland, march 2015, beyond my expectations.

Thank you so much for being there and helping people to discover those incredible places around the Scandinavia. I've met so many great people and had such a splendid time, that I will never forget. My main purpose was to see the Northen Lights, but I've got so much more and everything was just beyond my expectations!  I would like to thank our Nordic Visitor agent Jennie Elofsson for a great assistance, she's been very helpful and super quick giving us all the answers we need.  Also I would like to thank our amazing guides, who made our tour so very special and intimate: Emil and Jenny.

Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station, February 2015

Made every experience unforgettable.

Genuinely - one of the best trips we have ever undertaken. We received a great welcome in Kiruna, our guides were excellent - and made every experience unforgettable! The Aurora... was glorious!

Sue, Australia

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, january 2014, suggestions were all great for limited time.

Jennie, our agent, was fantastic. She sorted everything out in the limited time we had in Kiruna and her suggestions to fit in as much as we did in three days were all great.

Hwee Hwee, Singapore

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, january 2017, enjoyable beyond our expectations.

Our experience with Nordic Visitor is absolutely delightful! We are very impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the seamless organisation of the tour. Our holiday was enjoyable beyond our expectations! 

Gianguido and Romana

Service was impeccable under all aspects.

A long sought after vacation resulted in a fascinating experience, and this result must also be credited to the careful preparation and to the friendly professional assistance of your consultants. On site, the service was impeccable under all aspects. 

Cold, silence and nature conjure in suggesting me to summarize what we have lived through with words from Sweden’s national anthem. "TYSTA, GLÄDJERIKA, SKÖNA".

Annette, Australia

Custom booking, march 2015, i am very glad to have chosen nordic visitor.

Everything went very smoothly and with great ease! Being greeted by the chauffer and shiny black Mercedes in Copenhagen and driven to the Scandic Palace Hotel right in the city centre was a real treat. Thank you. I am very glad to have chosen Nordic Visitor because you are based in these wonderful Nordic Countries and I wanted to experience local culture. Many thanks to Cecilia for helping us to achieve this.

Icehotel Winter Adventure, February 2015

One of the most amazing trips I've ever done and one of the best in regards of organization.

Geoff and Maria, Australia

Icehotel winter adventure, december 2013, a must for something completely different.

The Ice Hotel was AMAZING, what a concept. The dogsled from the airport was a fun experience. The Scandic Ferrum for the rest of the stay was fantastic. The staff at both places were exceptional. The snowmobile tour, although eventful, was just a hoot. The most fun we have had in ages. All the meals in all locations were just great and good value. Kiruna is a lovely town and the people are terrific. There aren't enough adjectives to describe it all. Just a load of fun. A must for something completely different. Everything was organised beyond expectation. Just do it!!!

Icehotel Winter Adventure, December 2016

Exceeded our expectations.

The overall experience exceeded our expectations and was a truly wonderful experience. The husky sled transfer from the airport was amazing. Every trip we did had helpful, happy and informative staff. 

Irene and Sarah

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, january 2013, a more beautiful place would be hard to find.

We have just got back home after probably the best holiday we have ever had! Everything was superbly planned and the guys at Kiruna Guidetur were fantastic. In fact everyone we met was friendly and so helpful. The hotels were excellent and the food really great - especially at the Abisko Tourist Station and when we went up to the Aurora Sky Station the girl who did the dinner there was world class, especially when she had to prepare the meal in such cramped conditions,

The activities were wonderful - the snowmobiles, the husky sleds, the horse and sleigh ride, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The Ice Hotel was fantastic too. It is such a magical place - the snow, the clear air - all absolutely wonderful. A more beautiful place would be hard to find. Thank you so much for organising the holiday for us. I have been on the phone this morning urging all my friends to go there!

Adam, Italy

Would definitely recommend nordic visitor.

Everything was great. The tour guides and employees were extremely friendly and professional. They accommodated us as best they could whenever we needed something. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor and this package to anyone. Dress warm! 

Once in a lifetime experience! Thank you! It couldn't have gone better.

Paddy, New Zealand

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, january 2015, inside the artic circle at kiruna.

We booked through Nordic Visitor and they organised the activities with Kiruna Tourism and we had an amazing trip, meet at the airport -23 C, deck out in clothing which we kept for the 4 days, transported around, good hotel and had great guides who were welcoming, knowledgeable and communicative. Couldn't ask for anything more, Went snow walking, dog sledding, visited Abisko viewing station, Ice hotel and Sami Village.

C S, Australia

Icehotel winter adventure, february 2013, friendly efficient and very helpful.

We would like to say that our consultant Cecilia was fantastic, we travel widely and she is the best consultant we have dealt with, friendly efficient and very helpful.

Getting to Lapland

Nordic Visitor tours of Lapland begin in either Kiruna, for Sweden itineraries, or Kemi or Rovaniemi for Finland trips. You can find some direct flights from airports across Europe.

Otherwise, you can reach Lapland with connecting flights from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, or Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Another option is to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark and travel to Lapland from there.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s main air travel hub. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Kemi or Rovaniemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, what to see and do in lapland with 5 nights.

Imagine jetting off to a winter wonderland in Northern Europe, discovering pristine scenery laden with snow. You could find yourself in this spellbinding landscape on a 6-day Lapland holiday.

Lapland is situated in the far north of Sweden and Finland, within the Arctic Circle. It is a region characterised by beautiful forests, lakes and rivers. Here the dark night skies of winter light up with the shimmering colours of the aurora borealis.

Spend your 6-day tour enjoying activities in the snow, soaking up the native Sami culture, and cosying up by the fireplace.

  • Explore these Lapland winter trips
  • Discover 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND

Lapland offers opportunities for adventures and indulgent experiences in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you wish on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do in Lapland :

  • Go mushing through the snow on a husky sled
  • Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
  • Explore the countryside by snowmobile
  • Have a private meeting with Santa Claus
  • Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
  • Try cross-country skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
  • Experience local Sami customs and cuisine
  • Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
  • See Arctic animals in their native habitat
  • Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book a Lapland package with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day tours to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax in the knowledge that we plan our trips for you with the utmost care.

  • Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND

Where you go in Lapland will largely depend on the activities and sights you want to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel guide to learn more about each area, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

  • Santa Claus Village
  • Kemi  

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

  • Abisko National Park
  • Aurora Sky Station

STAY IN ONE OF LAPLAND’S ICE HOTELS OR GLASS IGLOOS

Forget sleeping in a log cabin, one of the “coolest” things you can do in Lapland is stay in an ice hotel. Marvel at the ice sculptures, imaginative themed rooms, and restaurants and bars crafted from frozen water. Since many of the hotels melt in the spring, artists start from scratch and rebuild them each winter.

Spending the night in an ice suite is on many travellers’ bucket lists. You are kept cosy thanks to thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, with the chance to step into a hot sauna in the morning.

If you’d rather sleep in a warm room, you can take a guided tour of these ice hotels instead.

A great alternative is staying in a glass igloo in Lapland. Snuggle up in your heated dome, looking through the clear glass up to the night sky. You might even be treated to a northern lights show from your bed!

Here are the best ice hotels and glass igloos to visit in Lapland:

  • ICEHOTEL (Kiruna)
  • Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
  • SnowCastle (Kemi)
  • Choose from one of these Lapland ice and snow hotel packages
  • Learn more about the best ice hotels in Finland and the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

VISIT FINNISH OR SWEDISH LAPLAND

For your 6-day trip to Lapland, take your pick from visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland. Both destinations offer similar experiences, such as aurora hunting, snowmobiling, and riding in reindeer sleighs or dog sleds.

However, Swedish and Finnish Lapland each have particular highlights that you should know about before you decide where to go. Take a look at these itinerary recommendations for a taste of what to expect in Sweden and Finland, respectively.

  • Find out the  top winter getaways in Lapland

6-DAY ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR SWEDISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and snowmobile safari Touch down at Kiruna Airport, where a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation, or stretch your legs and head out to explore the town.

Come evening, it’s time for your first Lapland adventure. Chase the northern lights on a guided snowmobile excursion into the surrounding countryside. Follow your guide through the snow as they lead you to the best spots to look for the aurora. Feel the thrill of the ride as you go.

Round the evening off with a rustic dinner of traditional local food eaten around a log fire in a wooden hut. Afterwards, your guide will return you to your accommodation.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Snowmobile to the ICEHOTEL This morning, hop back on a snowmobile and journey through the white landscape to visit the ICEHOTEL. This extraordinary retreat is situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna.

Famous for being the first ice hotel, it has set a trend that many others around the world have since followed. During your visit you’ll have a guided tour, learning how the hotel is carved from local river ice by artists.

You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy. Once you’ve explored the stunning ice rooms, sculptures, church and bar, enjoy a coffee and light lunch by the fireplace at the hotel’s traditional-style hut.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. You could opt for a northern lights snowshoe walk or another winter activity.

Spend the night in Kiruna or upgrade to a night at the ICEHOTEL.

Day 3 - Dog sledding and Aurora Sky Station Today you can take part in one of Lapland’s most treasured traditions: dog sledding.

Meet an expert guide at the kennels, who will introduce you to the huskies and show you how to drive your sled. Change into a thermal suit and head out onto the trails. Glide through the forests and across snowy plains, soaking up the scenery as you go.

Fuel up after your ride with a hot drink and lunch by the campfire.

Later on, a transfer will take you to Abisko National Park, located around 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Kiruna.

Make the most of your time in Abisko National Park with a visit to the Aurora Sky Station, where the adventure begins with a chairlift ride up the mountain. Here you can take in views of the national park from the window while savouring a Nordic-inspired 4-course dinner in the restaurant.

After dining, take a guided tour through the exhibition and look for the northern lights. The Sky Station’s remote location, and lack of light pollution, make it a great spot for catching sight of the aurora.

Spend the night in Abisko.

Day 4 - Abisko National Park at leisure Spend today as you wish, exploring one of Sweden’s oldest national parks, Abisko, and admiring the area’s stunning natural beauty. Your hotel offers a range of guided excursions to choose from. You can also have a great time by venturing out on your own with a rented pair of skis or snowshoes.

When you get back from your day’s adventures you can take advantage of the hotel sauna. Relax for the rest of the day and perhaps head out to look for the northern lights on an evening stroll.

Day 5 - Train journey to Kiruna and day at leisure This morning, hop on the train back to Kiruna.

On arriving back at Kiruna train station your driver will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to browse for souvenirs or perhaps treat yourself to fika (coffee and cinnamon buns) in a local café.

Day 6 - Departure Today you’ll take a transfer back to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

  • Explore these Kiruna tour packages to experience Swedish Lapland
  • Find out the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

6-DAY ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR FINNISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi and snowmobile safari Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. Take time to rest after your journey or explore the town before heading out on your first adventure in Lapland.

Come evening, it’s time for you to chase the northern lights on a guided snowmobile safari.

Hop aboard a snowmobile and follow your expert guide along the forest trails looking for the aurora borealis. Enjoy the exciting ride through the snow as your guide shows you the best spots for seeing the northern lights.

Later on, warm up by the campfire with a hot drink and tasty snack before returning to your hotel to sleep soundly.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna Today you'll learn about one of the oldest ways to travel in Lapland: dog sledding. First, meet the huskies at the kennel and have a short lesson on mushing. Soon you’ll be following your guide along trails, admiring the snow-draped scenery as you go.

Later, return to Rovaniemi and indulge in a Finnish sauna session to relax after a morning in the snow. You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the sights in Rovaniemi.

Day 3 - Excursion to Santa Claus Village If you love Christmas then today’s excursion to Santa Claus Village shouldn’t be missed. The village is a year-round haven for all things Christmassy.

Learn about Finland’s Christmas traditions and meet Santa Claus and his elves in their workshop. Head to the restaurant for a festive feast, then why not send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office? Before returning to Rovaniemi, make sure to browse the craft shops for souvenirs.

Day 4 - Visit to the Arctic SnowHotel Enjoy a leisurely morning in Rovaniemi, perhaps learning about local history, nature and culture at the Arktikum Museum. Here you can peruse the museum’s interesting exhibits about the region of Lapland.

You’re in for a treat this evening with an excursion to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi.

Take a tour of the hotel with a guide who will share how the hotel is created anew each year from snow and ice. You will be able to check out the impressive ice carvings in the hotel’s rooms, restaurant and bars.

After your tour, sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel. You can choose from sleeping in an ice room or a warm glass igloo.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or upgrade to the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 5 - Snowmobile to a reindeer farm Today you’ll visit a traditional reindeer farm and learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami.

Hop back onto a snowmobile and enjoy an exhilarating ride to the reindeer farm. Here you’ll find out about the important role that reindeer herding plays in Sami culture. Enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride through the countryside and earn a “reindeer driver licence”.

Return to Rovaniemi in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to shop for souvenirs.

Day 6 - Departure Today a driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer back to Rovaniemi Airport. From here you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

  • Discover Finnish Lapland with one of these Rovaniemi tours or Kemi packages
  • Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAPLAND

The best time to visit Lapland is between December and March, when you can enjoy the magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow.

Certain activities are available in Lapland year round. For example, in summer you can meet Father Christmas, or even visit certain ice hotels that use solar power to keep some of their rooms frozen. That said, we recommend travelling in winter for the quintessential Lapland experience.

  • Learn more about visiting Lapland in December or January
  • Check out Lapland tours in February or March

Thanks to snowfall from mid-October to mid-May, you’ll be surrounded by snow-blanketed scenery between December and March. What’s more, in winter you have the best chances of seeing the northern lights. The long, dark nights provide the ideal backdrop for watching the aurora borealis.

In summer, on the other hand, there are long daylight hours in Lapland – a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. With light skies all night long, it is too bright to see the northern lights.

Find out how to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis with these guides:

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland

What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis explained

  • Explore these northern light tours in Lapland to hunt for the aurora
  • Read about Lapland’s daylight hours and climate on the Nordic Visitor travel guide

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND

Perhaps you want to time your Lapland trip for December to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in this winter wonderland?

Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner for Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa’s elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before you tuck into the big feast.

You could then have the ultimate Christmas Day in Santa’s homeland. Whizz through the snow in a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa in his workshop, and taste delicious Christmas food. Think freshly baked gingerbread biscuits and a warm glass of glögg (mulled wine).

Or visit Lapland at New Year for a celebration to remember. You could attend a New Year’s Eve party in a wooden hut in the middle of a Finnish forest, trying local customs and cuisine. And, of course, you’d get to watch a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Don’t forget, you can get into the festive spirit at any time of year when you visit Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland!

  • Check out these  Lapland Santa tours
  • Learn more about spending 3 days , 4 days or 5 days in Lapland

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

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  • Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

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Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, a few fun facts about swedish lapland, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, how to eat like a local in lapland.

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Rovaniemi 2-Day Winter Wonderland Adventure

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February 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Rovaniemi 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a magical 2-day journey to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Your adventure begins at the enchanting Santa Claus Village, where you'll spend a full day immersed in the festive spirit of this unique theme park. Meet Santa himself at the Santa Claus Office, a highlight that brings joy to visitors of all ages. On your second day, delve into the Arctic mysteries at Arktikum, a museum dedicated to the science and culture of the region. Spend a couple of hours absorbing knowledge before heading to the Rovaniemi Art Museum to appreciate the local art scene for an hour and a half. Conclude your trip with a visit to the serene Rovaniemi Church, a place of architectural beauty and peaceful reflection. This compact itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Lapland's wonders, from the joy of Christmas to the allure of the Arctic.

hotelStar

  • Day 1: Enchanting Encounters at the Heart of Lapland

Santa Claus Village

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Begin your magical journey in Rovaniemi with a visit to the Santa Claus Village, the whimsical theme park that captures the spirit of Christmas all year round. Nestled in the Arctic Circle, this festive wonderland is where dreams come to life. Spend your day exploring the charming shops, indulging in traditional Finnish cuisine, and perhaps even crossing paths with Santa himself. The village is not just a place; it's a festive experience that embodies the joy and magic of the holiday season.

Attraction Info

  • 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 day
  • Open 24 hoursThe opening hours of various areas within the attraction are inconsistent, please refer to the official website for details; the specific business status is subject to the opening conditions on that day;

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Santa's Salmon Place

Santa Claus Office

After immersing yourself in the yuletide cheer at Santa Claus Village, make your way to the Santa Claus Office. This half-hour visit offers a unique opportunity to meet the jolly man in red in his official headquarters. Capture the moment with a photo, whisper your holiday wishes, and soak in the enchanting atmosphere. It's a heartwarming stop that adds a personal touch to your Lapland adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Joulumaantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open from 12/1-1/6,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 1/7-2/25,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 2/26-5/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 6/1-8/31,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 9/1-10/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 11/1-11/24,10:00am-6:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Santa claus holiday village, nova skyland hotel, santa's igloos arctic circle, arctic treehouse hotel.

  • Day 2: Cultural Treasures of Rovaniemi

Begin your second day in Rovaniemi with an enlightening visit to Arktikum, a museum that's as much a beacon of knowledge as it is a work of art. Nestled on the banks of the Ounasjoki River, this museum of science and technology offers a deep dive into the Arctic lifestyle and the history of Finnish Lapland. Spend about two hours exploring the exhibits that brilliantly showcase the region's natural environment, indigenous cultures, and the science behind the ethereal Northern Lights.

  • Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Choco Deli

Rovaniemi Art Museum

Continue your cultural journey at the Rovaniemi Art Museum, the city's hub for contemporary art. Located in the heart of Rovaniemi, this art gallery is a canvas for local and international artists alike. Dedicate an hour and a half to immerse yourself in the vibrant expressions and thought-provoking pieces that reflect the spirit of the Arctic and its people. The museum's ever-changing exhibitions ensure that each visit is as unique as the art it displays.

  • Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour

Rovaniemi Church

Conclude your day with a serene visit to the Rovaniemi Church, a place of worship that stands as a testament to the city's resilience and architectural ingenuity. Spend an hour marveling at the church's harmonious blend of modern design and traditional Finnish elements. The church's peaceful ambiance and striking stained glass windows create a reflective space that offers a moment of tranquility amidst your adventurous itinerary.

  • Yliopistonkatu 1, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,11:00am-2:00pm;Open on Sun,10:00am-12:00pm

Wherever Mini Hostel

Hotel golden circle suites, hostel cafe koti, arctic city hotel, top things to do in rovaniemi-2024.

Santa Claus Village

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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A quick guide to summer in Sweden and the best places to visit

lapland day trip what to take

Many of us dream of European vacations filled with sun, history, and unique landscapes. While the typical journey might take you to the crowded streets of Paris or the sunny beaches of Spain , I propose a different direction: head north to Sweden for your summer vacation.

It might seem unconventional at first, but Sweden offers a blend of beauty, adventure, and cultural richness that's hard to match. Read on and discover why Sweden should be your next summer destination, whether you're into relaxing beach holidays or seeking adrenaline-filled experiences.

What to expect from a summer vacation in Sweden

A man jumping into the sea from a wooden diving board.

For many, Sweden may conjure images of IKEA, the Northern Lights , or perhaps the bustling streets of Stockholm. But for me, and soon for you, Sweden is about endless summer days, the allure of the midnight sun, and adventures in untouched wilderness. Every year, I'm on the lookout for the perfect vacation spot, and Sweden consistently captures my imagination.

Situated in the heart of Scandinavia, Sweden shares its borders with Norway, and Finland, and is a bridge away from Denmark, making it a nexus of Nordic culture and landscapes. The country stretches from the sandy beaches of the south to the mountainous regions of the north, offering an array of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you're planning a solo adventure, a family getaway, or a lengthy exploration, Sweden's diversity ensures that you can enjoy sun and warmth or cooler summer evenings, all within the same country.

Things to do on vacation in Sweden

A woman sitting on a staircase in front of their house watching a man walk towards a lake.

Sweden's variety is its strength, catering to all preferences. From idyllic family vacations in the tranquil province of Skåne to rugged backpacking in the northern wilderness, Sweden has it all. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are perfect for those seeking culture and great food.

For a more laid-back experience, consider a cabin by one of the many lakes, where relaxation and nature go hand in hand. For the adventurous, the Swedish landscape offers hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking through its vast natural reserves. Here are some of my favorite things to do:

  • Explore National Parks and nature reserves: Sweden is a haven for nature enthusiasts. National parks like Abisko in the north offer unparalleled hiking opportunities and encounters with pristine natural beauty.
  • Hiking and biking: With well-marked trails and routes, exploring Sweden's landscapes by foot or bike caters to all fitness levels.
  • Water sports and relaxation by the lakes: Sweden's lakes, including the expansive Lake Vänern, offer opportunities for sailing, fishing, or simply unwinding by the water.
  • Cultural riches and summer festivals: Sweden's historical sites, museums, and summer music festivals provide a deep dive into the country's heritage and contemporary cultural scene.
  • Gastronomic delights: The Swedish summer is an ideal time to indulge in the local cuisine. Take a culinary bike tour or visit local producers to savor Sweden's flavors. Some of my favorite Swedish delicacies include meatballs and fried herring.

Summer vacation in Sweden with kids

Sweden is an exceptional destination for families. From educational outings to amusement parks like Astrid Lindgren's World, there's no shortage of activities that promise fun for all ages. The country's clean beaches and outdoor attractions ensure a memorable and enriching holiday for the entire family.

Family-friendly activities and amusement parks

Plan a visit to Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby, Småland, where children can meet characters like Pippi Longstocking. Consider an elk safari in the southern forests or a day at Kolmården Zoo. If you're near Gothenburg and looking for thrills, don't miss Liseberg, Scandinavia's largest amusement park, offering rides and attractions for all ages.

Family-friendly beaches and outdoor activities

A woman and a little boy riding a paddleboard in the sea.

Sweden boasts beautiful coastlines and beaches, especially in the south, reminiscent of gentle summers. The shores near Helsingborg and Malmö, with their soft sand and clean water, are perfect for a relaxing day out with the family. Kayak rentals and beach activities are widely available, making southern Sweden incredibly family-friendly.

City breaks for families in Sweden

For city-based family vacation, Swedish cities offer a wealth of attractions. Stockholm is not only a cultural and historical hub but also home to Djurgården, an island filled with amusement parks and museums that children adore, such as Junibacken, dedicated to Astrid Lindgren's stories. Sweden caters to all tastes and ages, with activities ranging from mountain climbing and cycling to farm visits and canoeing. Many places also offer child-friendly guided tours and events.

How this guide was created

As a frequent flyer and global traveler, I find Scandinavia, especially Sweden, to be my favorite destination. Its versatility offers incredible experiences year-round. This guide, powered by insights and tools from KAYAK, aims to enchant you with Sweden's breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and serene beauty, inviting you to explore its wonders.

For more summer vacation inspiration check out this guide to summer vacation planning and destinations .

About the author

lapland day trip what to take

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These Are the Top Vacation Destinations for 2024

Get packing—travel pros filled us in on the hottest travel spots.

Erica is a personal finance writer and travel expert with a decade of experience. She contributes to USA TODAY, Forbes, CNBC, and many other top-tier media outlets. Erica writes about travel tips, destinations, reward credit cards, and ways to save money on travel. Highlights: * Regular contributor to USA TODAY, covering destinations, trends, and how to save money on travel * Travel insurance expert for Forbes, contributing 50+ articles on travelers' insurance * Freelance writer covering health, real estate, business, and parenting with work published in Oprah Magazine, Reader's Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Parents, and NBC News

lapland day trip what to take

Mark Brodkin/Getty Images

Pent-up demand and a heightened appeal of wanderlust are creating an influx of both domestic and international travel this year. Travelers are ready to take the leap to pursue long weekend getaways, cruises, bucket-list trips abroad and historical vacations that boast enriching and educational experiences. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration this year, we’ve checked with travel pros for some top vacation ideas. So, pack your suitcase, grab your passport, and travel big this year.

Ogunquit, Maine

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

If you don’t want to venture out of North America, this New England town in Maine offers a peaceful charm. Home to miles of scenic sandy beaches, sprawling rocky cliffs, and tree-lined streets, Ogunquit is a vacation spot on the southern coast of Maine. If you're looking for a place to stay, The Dunes on the Waterfront is set to re-open with a complete renovation for the 2024 summer season. The property features 36 cozy accommodations set on 12 acres of oceanfront lawns, including vintage New England whitewashed cottages spaced apart for ultimate privacy, and a two-story hotel-style building, all complete with outdoor sitting areas. And if you'd like to make the vacation into a road trip, after visiting Ogunquit, venture south for stops in Boston or Newport, RI.

U.S. National Parks

Mimi Ditchie Photography/Getty Images

National parks continue to be popular domestic travel destinations and demand is increasing, said Kelly Connor, an AAA travel adviser in Marlton, New Jersey. “The National Park Service reported 325.5 million recreation visits to 400 national parks in 2023,” Connor stated. “The increase in visitors signals a return to more typical vacation travel post-pandemic, as travelers take in the beauty of national parks and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Popular national parks include Grand Canyon National Park (AZ), Yosemite National Park (CA), Yellowstone National Park (ID, MT, WY), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN), and George Washington Memorial Park (DC, MD, VA).

Cruises to Alaska

John Elk/Getty Images

According to Colleen McDaniel, spokesperson with Cruise Critic, Alaska is a hot ticket this spring and summer season. "We're continuing to see growth in interest around cruises to Alaska, particularly as more lines than ever sail the region,” she said. “And because we're seeing such immense demand, the Alaska cruise season is starting earlier and ending later, as cruise lines add sailings to accommodate the interest.”

Cruise lines are making it easier than ever to visit Alaska exactly how you'd like—whether that's on a larger, mainstream ship where kids will be entertained from dawn 'til dusk and entertainment options onboard are plentiful, or a smaller more luxury line, where you can explore the Last Frontier by day, and return to a five-star quality experience onboard in the evening, McDaniel says. “And you can still travel to the region by more rugged, expedition ships, if that's your style, too,” she indicated. 

A trip to Alaska "can be a romantic trip, a family trip, a group trip or an adventure of a lifetime," McDaniel says. For a luxury experience, consider Crystal Cruises to experience Alaska : "The Crystal brand is returning to Alaska for the first time since 2019, and it’s offering a number of seven-night itineraries from Vancouver to Seward, or vice-versa," she adds. “These itineraries visit some of the biggest favorites in the area, including Sitka and Juneau, and also offer scenic sailing.”

Caroline Purser/Getty Images

Whether you’re a fan of the Netlfix series The Crown , or prefer to follow the present-day British Royals, London is a great trip idea for 2024. Several East Coast hubs offer direct flights and with some flexibility in your travel dates you can snag favorable airline fares. “London, typically among the top European destinations for U.S. travelers, is an attractive option,” Connor says, also noting how the city is easy to navigate using public transportation, and boasts history, art, royalty, afternoon tea, and traditional fish and chips. “Must sees include the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Thames River, London Eye, Borough Market, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square,” she adds.

To streamline your visit, consider purchasing the London Pass by Go City ; and book tours through respected local tour operators, like Evan Evans . For lodging, check out the boutique hotel The Londoner , a stylish retreat set in the heart of the of Leicester Square, which makes for an ideal home base for your London trip.

The Greek Islands

Franz Marc Frei/Getty Images

Social-media posts entice visitors across the globe to see the enchanting Greek Islands, which offer temperate climate, leisure, and recreational pursuits on both land and sea, and culinary immersions that are hard to beat. “Our travelers love visiting Greece in the spring and summer months to discover the ancient ruins in Athens, soak up some sun in Mykonos and, of course, indulge in delicious bites in Santorini,” says Adam Armstrong, CEO at Contiki.com . “From the rich culture to the picturesque blue waters and ancient streets, it’s an ideal destination for a group of friends looking to explore charming villages and lounge on white sand beaches by day and dance at lively tavernas at night.” Plus, as one of the more affordable European countries, he says many travelers will choose to visit for a graduation or birthday trip. “And Contiki’s Greek Island Hopping itinerary makes it easy for travelers to visit multiple islands on one trip,” Armstrong adds.

Marvel at the Northern Lights

Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Getty Images

According to a recent survey conducted by Expedia, nearly half of Americans are interested in a bucket-list trip to chase the Northern Lights this year. Christie Hudson, Expedia’s spokesperson said this is due to visibility being particularly strong in the next 12-18 months.  According to Hudson, these are the destinations seeing some of the biggest interest based on Expedia flight searches: Lapland in Finland (+370%); Canada’s Churchill (+110%); and Alta in Norway (+100%).

Quebec City

Posnov/Getty Images

This enchanting city provides visitors the appeal of a European vibe without a transatlantic flight. According to Hudson, Quebec City searches are up 75% year over year and it's just a quick two hour flight from the East Coast. The city offers culinary delights, history and a thriving arts scene. After a day of sightseeing and enjoying your foodie experiences, settle in at the beautiful Fairmont Le ChĂąteau Frontenac for a luxury stay.

Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images

Hudson says one of the destinations that continue to see momentum ever since borders reopened is Tokyo. “Los Angeles to Tokyo was one of the fastest growing routes last year based on Expedia flight data, with demand up 430% year-over-year,” she continued. “Japan is a true year-round destination, with cherry blossoms blooming in the spring and ski resorts beckoning in the winter months.” To plan the best trip, it’s best to choose a tour operator or experienced travel agent who can help create the itinerary of your dreams.

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On The Road: 10-day motorcycle trip from Singapore to Koh Samui

lapland day trip what to take

Jaster Ngui

KOH SAMUI – Budget airline Scoot on March 5 announced direct flights from Singapore to Koh Samui, which will begin in May and take about two hours.

For those who prefer a more scenic route, consider the August 2022 trip taken by The Straits Times executive artist Jaster Ngui and her husband Burn Koh. They rode to the Thai island and back on a 10-day road trip that included Perak and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Hat Yai in Thailand.

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Biden invites Trump to work together to lobby Congress on an immigration bill as both candidates visit border

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump visited the southern border Thursday in a dramatic split-screen moment as the 2024 presidential campaign ramps up over an issue that has confounded administrations of both parties for decades: immigration.

Biden’s briefing from border officials here began just moments after Trump began his remarks in Eagle Pass. Biden thanked border agents and said he would get them more resources “come hell or high water.”

“It’s long past time to act,” he said, adding that border control “desperately” needs more resources.

Biden made a direct appeal to Trump, asking him to join him in telling Congress to pass the bill, which was tanked after Trump rallied his allies in Congress against it.

“You know and I know it’s the toughest, most efficient, most effective border security bill this country’s ever seen,” Biden said. “So instead of playing politics with the issue, why don’t we just get together and get it done?”

Biden touted the bipartisan border bill as “a win for the American people,” calling it a “truly bipartisan initiative.” He called on the Senate to reconsider the bill, asking senators to “set politics aside” and for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to put the bill on the floor.

“We need to act,” Biden said, adding that Republicans in Congress needed to “show a little spine.”

Trump's national press secretary hit back at Biden's appeal.

"Instead of shifting the blame on everyone but himself, Joe Biden should take responsibility for the border crisis, deaths, and destruction that his policies have caused, say Laken Riley’s name, and use his executive power to shut the border down today," Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

In his remarks, Trump said the death of Riley, 22, a graduate nursing student who was killed this month while on a jog near the University of Georgia, was “barbaric” and referred to her as “a beautiful young woman.”

Conservatives across the country have pointed to Riley’s death as an example of migrant crime after an undocumented Venezuelan migrant was charged in connection with her death.

Trump revealed Thursday that he spoke to Riley’s parents Wednesday. “They’re incredible people that are devastated beyond belief,” he said.

Trump also called the migrant crisis a “Joe Biden invasion” and a “vicious violation to our country.”

Texas National Guard troops stop immigrants trying to pass through razor wire

The trip to the border was Biden’s second since he took office. His first was to El Paso in January 2023. This time, he visited Brownsville , a border town in the Rio Grande Valley that has long felt the impacts of migration up close.

Critics of the administration have pointed out that Biden is visiting Brownsville at a time when the direst consequences of the migrant influx have shifted elsewhere. Many more immigrants are now crossing at other parts of the border, such as Arizona and Eagle Pass, according to Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency that includes the Border Patrol.

Trump has visited the border many times before — and he announced his trip before the White House did. Biden said this week that he’d been planning to go but that he didn’t know “his good friend” would be there the same day. Two senior administration officials said the timing of the trip was meant to maximize its political impact a week before the State of the Union address. One of the officials said “we welcome the split screen” with Trump.

"Nice weather. Beautiful day. But a very dangerous border. We’re going to take care of it," Trump told reporters in Texas.

Trump joked of Biden on a radio show this week: “Well, we found out how to get him off his ass. It took me announcing that I’m going down to the border.”

On Wednesday, the White House insisted Biden's trip had already been planned.

“We just can’t all of a sudden put something on the president’s schedule,” Jean-Pierre said, responding to a question about whether Trump’s visit prompted the White House’s announcement. “It takes time to do that.”

U.S. Border Patrol agents guard migrants that crossed into Shelby Park as they wait to be picked up for processing in Eagle Pass, Texa

An NBC News poll from January  found that 57% of registered voters said Trump would handle securing the border better, while 22% said the same for Biden. The poll found that 48% of people said they would trust Biden to treat immigrants humanely, while 31% said the same of Trump.

The Biden administration has been making the case that House Republicans — at Trump’s urging — torpedoed a bipartisan bill that included $20 billion for border security. It was hashed out in the Senate and endorsed by the Border Patrol Union. The White House said it would have added 100 immigration judges, 1,500 Customs and Border Protection personnel and 4,300 asylum officers, as well as more detention beds. It would have also funded the installation of more inspection machines to detect fentanyl at ports of entry.

But Johnson, the House speaker, said the Senate version didn’t go far enough to deal with the border crisis. Democrats accuse the GOP of refusing to compromise to keep the immigration issue front and center during an election year to claim that Biden hasn’t done enough to stop the migrant influx.

With Congress failing to act, Biden  has been considering executive actions  to tighten asylum rules. Migrants' advocates and progressive Democrats have urged him not to do so, arguing that making it harder for immigrants to claim asylum opens them up to dangerous conditions in Mexico.

The Democratic National Committee said Thursday that it would display a mobile billboard in Eagle Pass during Trump’s visit criticizing him over his efforts to kill the bipartisan border bill and his immigration agenda.

The billboard will say Trump "broke the border" during his administration, "and now for pure politics, he's killed the bipartisan border deal," according to the committee.

“If given the chance, Trump would double down on his cruel, chaotic, and inhumane immigration agenda of ripping away children from their parents, rounding up people into detention camps, and using the military to carry out mass deportations,” DNC spokesperson Alex Floyd said in a statement. “When voters head to the ballot box this November, they’ll remember how Trump put himself and his political ambitions ahead of securing the border and delivering for the American people.”

Republicans insist that the Trump administration’s border policies deterred illegal immigration and secured the border. Illegal crossings were lower during most of his term, but they did start to rise in late 2019 before the Covid pandemic. Before that, even Trump himself backed off one particularly controversial hard-line immigration policy — what was known as “zero tolerance” — which led to the forced separation of migrant families at the border in 2017.

When Biden took office in 2021, he promised a return to more “humane” immigration rules and immediately signed executive orders rolling back some Trump-era policies. In 2022, the Biden administration also ended a rule that was known as “Remain in Mexico,” which mandated that asylum-seekers wait across the border while their claims were adjudicated. 

But the White House soon found that its policies didn’t stem the flow of migrants after the pandemic limits lifted. Instead, record numbers of immigrants began arriving at the southern border. The Border Patrol reported 1,659,206 encounters with migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in the 2021 fiscal year, topping the previous highs of 1,643,679 in 2000 and 1,615,844 in 1986. 

Trump and his supporters blamed what they saw as Biden’s lax policies for the influx. The Biden administration argued the migration was due to other factors, including seasonal fluctuations, recent hurricanes in Central America and misinformation promoted by human smugglers.

Regardless, the migrants have kept coming. And coming. Border cities in Texas, such as El Paso and Eagle Pass, have been overwhelmed at times with an unprecedented influx that has stretched local resources thin and prompted frantic calls for federal help. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott escalated the border battle by assigning state troopers to patrol the border in defiance of the federal government. He also started busing migrants to what he called sanctuary cities across the country, which the White House has called a “political stunt.”

Since then, major cities such as New York, Chicago and Denver have struggled to care for tens of thousands of migrants who have arrived. The White House said the stalled bipartisan border bill would have included $1.4 billion for cities and states and expedited work permits for immigrants who qualify.

lapland day trip what to take

Gabe Gutierrez is a senior White House correspondent for NBC News.

lapland day trip what to take

Alexandra Marquez is a politics reporter for NBC News.

lapland day trip what to take

Megan Lebowitz is a politics reporter for NBC News.

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Official City of Portland seal. The image depicts Portlandia holding her trident backdropped by mountain and river, accompanied by the text 'City of Portland, Oregon 1851'

News Release: PBOT offers discounts on taxi, Uber and Lyft rides to encourage Portlanders to take a Safe Ride Home on St. Patrick's Day weekend

Golden yellow letters that say Safe Ride Home with icons of transportation modes, party supplies and confetti on a green background

(March 11, 2024) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will offer discounted taxi, Lyft and Uber rides originating in the city of Portland as part of its  Safe Ride Home  program for Portlanders celebrating St. Patrick's Day. 

PBOT wants you to get home safely from your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. We are providing a limited number of coupons for discounted rides: $20 off a taxi ride, or $10 off an Uber or Lyft ride.

“PBOT is committed to traffic safety and curbing impaired driving as part of our Vision Zero effort to end traffic deaths and serious injuries," PBOT Director Millicent Williams said. "We hope these discounts will encourage partygoers to travel safely by leaving their cars at home. This should serve as a reminder to everyone to travel safely, so we can all do our part to end traffic fatalities in Portland."

Go to the website for St. Patrick's Day 2024 to get the discount codes for Uber and Lyft on March 15, or see the list of participating businesses for taxi coupons

Vision Zero in orange, bolded text in an orange circle split in two at an angle.

Safe Ride Home  coupons are valid for rides starting in Portland between 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024, and 3 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Paper coupons for up to $20 of a taxi trip will be available at many locations in Portland where people are celebrating. Look for flyers when you are out, then ask staff for a coupon. See list of participating businesses at the PBOT Safe Ride Home  website for St. Patrick's Day 2024 .

Discounts on Uber and Lyft rides can be accessed using codes that will be posted at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 15 to the website for  PBOT Safe Ride Home St. Patrick's Day 2024 .

One of the deadliest days on U.S. roads

Impaired driving is a major contributor to death and injury on Portland streets, according to  Portland Vision Zero Action Plan Update  2023-25.

Sixty-nine percent of deadly crashes between 2017 and 2021 involved alcohol and/or drug impairment. In that same period, 430 people died or suffered life-altering injuries due to impairment. In these crashes, 79% of the drivers were impaired. Learn more about  top contributing factors  at the PBOT Vision Zero website.

According to the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days on our nation's roads. During the St. Patrick's Day holiday period, from March 16-18, 272 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes between 2017 and 2021, across the nation. In 2021, 41 of the 47 traffic fatalities involving an impaired driver during the holiday period occurred in the nighttime hours (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). 

PBOT has offered Safe Ride Home travel options on New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo, Brewers Festival, and Halloween. The first Safe Ride Home Event was on New Year's Eve 2017.

The  Safe Ride Home  program is funded by the taxi permit fees and the 50-cent fee charged for every Uber and Lyft ride in Portland. The fee also covers safety inspections and the  PDX WAV  program that makes accessible on-demand vehicles available to people with wheelchairs or mobility devices in Portland.

RSVP to Safe Ride Home at  PBOT's Facebook event page . 

Learn more about the City of Portland’s Vision Zero program at  the PBOT Vision Zero website .

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation

PBOT's Safe Ride Home program

See something we could improve on this page?  Give website feedback .

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    PBOT has offered Safe Ride Home travel options on New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo, Brewers Festival, and Halloween. The first Safe Ride Home Event was on New Year's Eve 2017. The Safe Ride Home program is funded by the taxi permit fees and the 50-cent fee charged for every Uber and Lyft ride in Portland.