Winter Land – Finnish Lapland in 7 Days
Winter Land – Finnish Lapland in 7 Days
7 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Rovaniemi, Finland
Visiting: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Lapland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
130765
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
3-90
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical 7-day journey through Finnish Lapland with the "Winter Land" tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki with a guided walking tour, then board a night train to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Experience the enchanting Arctic Circle with activities like snowshoe trekking, ice fishing, and Northern Lights hunting. Visit the Ranua Zoo, hike the scenic Ounasvaara hill, and meet the iconic reindeers of Lapland. Enjoy a thrilling husky forest safari and another chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and all activities included, this tour promises an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Helsinki Walking Tour And Sightseeing - Night Train To Rovaniemi
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Night Train
Get to know Helsinki with a guide who will show you the city's hidden gems and also help you experience this popular destination like a local.
Explore Helsinki with our professional guide who is passionate about the city and excited to share all the tips and hints that will help you make the most of your trip.Â
Meet your guide at your accommodation and head out to get familiar with the neighborhood together. Learn about the best places to eat and shop, find out what the capital city of Finland can offer and get ready to be amazed.Â
By the end of the tour you'll feel more comfortable navigating the city and to explore more. Your day concludes with an overnight train to Rovaniemi - hometown of Santa Claus awaits !
Day 2 : Welcome To Rovaniemi - The Official Hometown Of Santa Claus
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rovaniemi is the capital of Christmas spirit and the hometown of Santa Claus. Fulfil your childhood dreams of meeting Mr. Santa Claus in his Santa Office! Located in the Arctic Circle, you will also receive a certificate for crossing into the Arctic Circle and will become a true Arctic trekker!
Follow our professional guide to explore the Santa Claus Village together, to get to know all the authentic Finnish brands and culture, at lunch, we will also enjoy the traditional Finnish buffet at the restaurant in the village. You will also have your own free time to explore the village by yourself, don't forget to shop for all the memorable souvenirs!Â
Day 3 : First Impression In The Winter Land
Location: Lapland
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Now that you have become a certified Arctic trekker, try out your newfound skillset with a snowshoe trek through the forest. Snowshoes distribute your weight over a larger area, allowing you to walk through deep snow without falling in. We continue through the frozen wilderness until we reach the ice fishing location. Depending on the time of year, the lake could be frozen up to 30 cm down; use your ice drills to get down to moving water. If luck is on your side, you can try your hand at catching a trophy. As the day starts coming to an end, you will settle down near a campfire and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Once darkness arrives, follow us to a Northern Lights viewing location and go hunting for the Aurora together.
Day 4 : Visit Ranua Zoo And Ounasvaara Hiking
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will drive to the Ounasvaara hill first, where you will hike up to the hill to meet the spectacular scenery. Ounasvaara is a hill right at the Polar Circle. It's next to the town of Rovaniemi and is easy to climb, with many walking trails. The Ounasvaara Nature Trail goes around the southern edge of the hill eastward to a lean-to. At the start, the trail passes through herb-rich forests and a wetland area. After the lean-to, it climbs over outcrops and dry pine forests to the northern side of the hill, where there is a vantage point with fantastic views over Saarenkylä and the River Kemijoki. Â
The day trip continues with a tour to Ranua. Ranua Wildlife Park is one of the most popular attractions in Lapland. Open every day of the year, Ranua provides its lovely Arctic animals with an authentic environment to live in. The park has roughly 50 wild animal species and over 200 arctic animals; including polar bears. Enjoy the tour with our professional guide together who will explain everything you need to know about the arctic animals.
Day 5 : Meet The Reindeers
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rovaniemi is one of the largest cities in Europe, with much of the city being forestland. Within this forestland live many different animals and critters - today we will introduce you to the most popular arctic animals we have: the reindeers. Did you know that reindeer roam free in the summertime? They are set free in the summer and will return to their farms by themselves in the winter. Today we will take you to the reindeer farms for a chance to meet and feed these iconic animals of Lapland.
Day 6 : Husky Forest Safari & Hunting The Northern Lights
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Most of the husky farms are located in the middle of the Arctic Circle forests, away from central and downtown Rovaniemi. Get to know our lovely dog friends today with us, take the opportunity to feed them, and take a picture with them together!Â
You will receive a sled driving instruction from the farmer and staff, and you will be taken to embark on this enjoyable sleigh ride along with the stunning views from the snowy trails - together with the adorable huskies!
At night, you will continue your tour with another Northern Lights hunt on the sleigh, ride under the moonlight over the surface of the lake, let's get ready and hope for the aurora to appear!Â
Day 7 : Departure Day
Location: Rovaniemi
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the last day of your stay, you will have some free time after breakfast at your hotel to explore and walk around the city of Rovaniemi, get some souvenirs, and send out some postcards to your loved ones before we take you to the airport or train station for your return journey.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
5 nights accommodation in a twin room is included.
-
Professional Guide
A professional guide in English is included. Other languages may be available upon request.
-
Meals
Breakfasts are included.
-
Activities
All the activities mentioned in the itinerary are included.
-
Transport
Helsinki to Rovaniemi train tickets (round-trip tickets with allocated seats) are included. Upgrade to a sleep cabin is available at a price of 100 EUR per person.
-
Transfers
Pick up and drop off from accommodation to activity locations before and after each activity are included.
What's Not Included
Flight tickets are NOT included.
Please Note
- At least 4 people are required as minimum participants requirement.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by one adult paying full price joining the same trip.
- Please be ready and wait in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time.
- Infants under the age of 3 is complimentary.
- Product may be cancelled or rescheduled if the group size is smaller than 4 persons. Notice will be given prior to the scheduled departure date.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with round-trip train tickets from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, featuring allocated seats and an optional upgrade to a sleep cabin. Local transfers from accommodation to activity locations are also included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of comfortable accommodation in twin rooms, providing a cozy retreat after your daily adventures in the Finnish Lapland.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation in a twin room.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Breakfasts are included in the tour package.
-
Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, a professional guide is available in English, and other languages may be available upon request.
-
What activities are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes a Helsinki walking tour, a visit to Santa Claus Village, a snowshoe trek, ice fishing, a visit to Ranua Zoo, meeting reindeers, a husky forest safari, and Northern Lights hunting.
-
Is transportation between Helsinki and Rovaniemi included?
Yes, round-trip train tickets from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with allocated seats are included, with an option to upgrade to a sleep cabin for an additional 100 EUR per person.
-
What is the minimum group size required for the tour?
The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants.
-
Are there any age restrictions for the tour?
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price, and infants under the age of 3 can join for free.
-
What happens if the minimum group size is not met?
The tour may be cancelled or rescheduled if the group size is smaller than 4 persons, with notice given prior to the scheduled departure date.
-
Where are we located?
Nordic Unique Travels LTD located in the door to the Arctic: Rovaniemi, Lapland. Our office is approachable by walking distance from the major hotels in the city area (Maakuntakatu 29-31 96200 Rovaniemi Finland). We are in the middle of the city centre, next to Subway and in front of Sale Market. Come make us a visit!
-
When to travel to Lapland?
There are four distinctly different seasons as far up north as Rovaniemi. However, locals think the conditions are in a constant state of change and say there are up to eight seasons in the year: midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf colour, first snowfall, and Christmas. Please bear in mind that there is annual fluctuation in weather. Lapland is in the continental climate zone. The winters are cold and rich in snow, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the summers are relatively warm. Rovaniemi is part of the arctic region; its climate, however, is subarctic and temperate, characterised by strong seasonal contrasts of dark versus bright and cold versus warm.
-
Summer in Lapland
The Midnight Sun and white nights in June and July The Midnight Sun period officially lasts from early June until early July, but nights are white throughout the summer in Rovaniemi. The summer in Lapland can offer an interesting variety of weather conditions, with a longer warm spell expected in July. The warmest time of year brings people out in masses, and various events take place in summery Rovaniemi. Prepare to celebrate until the wee hours, as the sun never goes down. There are plenty of things to do in Rovaniemi in the summer, and with 24 hours of light, there’s no limits to time of action.
-
Spring in Lapland
The snow melts, the ice breaks and nature is reborn in April and May April is still considered a snowy month in Rovaniemi and Lapland, but the snow gradually disappears as May approaches. The ice on rivers and lakes starts melting, and big chunks of ice can be seen flowing downstream. In early April, the last of the Northern Lights displays can be seen. Towards the end of April, nights are too light for the Auroras to be spotted. In May, northern nature starts getting ready to blossom once again after a harsh winter. At the end of May, nights are white. In Rovaniemi, winter activities still run in early April, after which it’s time for non-snow stuff.
-
Winter in Lapland
Christmas, the Polar Night and snowy spring from December to March December and January are snowy months shrouded in the darkness of the Polar Night. The sun comes out in February and marks the start of the snowy, light-filled spring. March is often terrific for Northern Lights viewing. In Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, Christmas is a special time, as many flock to the arctic town to meet Santa in person and experience the festive season in magical wintery surroundings. The winter is a great time for a number of activities both in the snow outside and experiencing local culture inside.
-
Autumn in Lapland
First Auroras and first snowfall from August to November Early August is still considered summer by many, but by the end of the month, it’s definitely autumn. The Northern Lights start appearing in late August, and September and October are ideal Aurora viewing months. Temperatures start dropping below zero in October, and first snow usually falls at around the same time period. A permanent snow cover is expected in late November. Autumn leaf colour paints the landscapes in earthy shades, and days are perfect for hiking and other nature related activities, as nights are best reserved for Aurora spotting.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Sunday
Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Monday - Sunday
Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Monday - Sunday
Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Monday - Sunday
Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Monday - Sunday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Monday - Sunday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Nordic Unique Travels requires a minimum deposit of 100% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 1000 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of nordic unique travels charges.
At 1000 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.