Cross the Arctic Circle into Finland's far north on this unforgettable five-day winter adventure. Explore the Lapland town of Rovaniemi, where you can dog sled through snowy forests and meet Santa's reindeer. When the skies darken, you'll set out in search of the spectacular northern lights, spending one special night in a heated glass igloo under the stars.

Highlights

  • Discover a winter wonderland in Finland's Lapland region
  • Meet reindeer in the Santa Claus Village
  • Dog sled through Arctic forests
  • Spend the night stargazing in a glass igloo
  • Search for the aurora borealis on a northern lights chase 

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Rovaniemi Rovaniemi
Day 2 Santa's Village & Reindeer Sled Ride Rovaniemi
Day 3 Huskies & the Polar Zoo of Ranua Rovaniemi
Day 4 Glass Igloo Overnight Rovaniemi
Day 5 Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi

A reindeer in the Lapland forest

Welcome to Lapland, a dreamy, snow-covered wonderland that stretches across Finland's Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is the capital of the region and your base for the next four nights, where the hustle and bustle of towns and ski resorts are just minutes away from the quiet of the wild wilderness. 

Day 2: Santa's Village & Reindeer Sled Ride

Rovaniemi is home to the Santa Claus Village

Immerse yourself in the magic of Lapland today with a visit to Santa Claus Village. Send postcards from Santa's post office, get your photo taken with the most authentic-looking St. Nicholas you've ever seen, and go riding with real-life Rudolphs. As you're at the actual Arctic Circle, you might want to get an official certificate to prove you've crossed this most northern of boundaries, too. After a sled ride and hot drinks around the fire, you'll transfer back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Huskies & the Polar Zoo of Ranua

Go sledding with huskies

In remotest Scandinavia, huskies aren't just man's best friend— they also provide a vital form of transport. Your first stop today is a Husky Farm, where you can learn all about these beautiful dogs, then hop on board a dog sled for a short ride through the forest. In the afternoon, take a trip to Ranua, the northernmost zoo in the world. Here you can admire Arctic wildlife like polar bears, elk, wolverines, and arctic foxes in their natural settings.

If the weather looks promising, bundle up warm, grab your camera, and join a Northern Lights Chase this evening. This guided excursion takes you to the area's prime aurora borealis viewing spots in search of the breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Day 4: Glass Igloo Overnight

The northern lights over Rovaniemi

Grab your boots, hats, and scarves for another day exploring the wonders of Lapland. Today you're free to enjoy Rovaniemi and its surroundings at your own pace. Browse the shops around town, visit the magnificent Arktikum Museum to learn about the Indigenous Sami people, or take a walk along the banks of the Ounasjoki River to enjoy the peaceful winter views.

In the afternoon, transfer for your unforgettable stay under the starry skies in a heated glass igloo. In this enchanting forest setting, you'll enjoy dinner and a night of stargazing under the Arctic skies. If you're lucky, you might even get to witness the magnificent northern lights from the comfort of your cozy bed.

Day 5: Depart

Bid Lapland farewell

Enjoy a final morning in Rovaniemi's winter wonderland, then transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Great Finland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Finland? Check out these other Finland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Map

Map of Magical Lapland: Santa's Village, Dogsledding & the Northern Lights - 5 Days
Map of Magical Lapland: Santa's Village, Dogsledding & the Northern Lights - 5 Days
Erika
Written by Erika S., updated Sep 22, 2022