Winter adventure in Lapland

Day 1. Arrival to Rovaniemi for the Winter adventure in Lapland

This first day of this amazing Finland Lapland trip starts in Rovaniemi. Situated between the Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara Hills, on the banks of the Kemijoki River, Rovaniemi is a metropolis in the heart of Lapland. Just a short distance from the Arctic Circle, it is your gateway to a vast array of Lappish activities and adventures.

Your accommodation in Rovaniemi will be in a modern 4-star, centrally located hotel; close to restaurants, shops, and bars, the city of Rovaniemi is literally at your doorstep.

Day 2. Rovaniemi – visiting famous Santa Claus 

During the evening of Day One, you will be taken on a Campfire Northern Lights Search Tour. You’ll transferred fifty kilometers through the wintry wilderness to an idyllic site by the river. Here, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are premium – a random nature show performed by the gods! You will fry sausages by the cozy campfire as you wait under the Arctic stars. Afterward, visit the historic Makela Reindeer Farm and the peaceful, traditional Poro-Pekan Pirtti. This building dates to 1894, when it was built by Heikki Hotti; today his great-grandson Juha Makela owns the farm, and you’ll receive a warm welcome as you step back in time.

Your adventure-filled day commences with a Reindeer Safari to the Santa Claus Village. This is a fantastic opportunity to see Santa Claus in his home environment, and Rovaniemi is famous for its Santa Village. 

The evening is at your leisure: relax in the hotel bar with a drink, swim in the pool, or unwind in the sauna. The choice is yours.

Day 3. Arktikum Science Centre & Museum & the city for 3 hours

Visit Arcticum Science Centre and Museum. It provides a review of the history of Finnish Lapland spans from Rovaniemi to Upper Lapland and from prehistory to about the 1970s. The Arctic region is examined in light of the Arctic research of today and the future. The exhibitions provide a comprehensive section of the history and culture of Lapland as well as of Arctic knowledge. Also, the temporary exhibitions of Arktikum display Northern and Arctic life.

Optional in the afternoon Husky Safari

After a short drive by car from town, you’ll arrive at the husky ranch, where you’ll receive an enthusiastic barking greeting from dozens of these beautiful dogs. You’ll receive instructions from your guide on how to control the sleds, which will be ridden in pairs. Then you’ll set off for an amazing ride, drawn by these remarkable husky teams. After the ride, you’ll enjoy a hot cup of berry juice back at the ranch, while the head musher chats about the huskies and the amazing working life they lead.

The afternoon is at your leisure; you can relax, or join one of our tour or activity options – see the Outdoor Activities Collection Page on our website.

Northern Lights in Lapland

Day 4. Ranua Wildlife park 

Ranua Wildlife Park is a 1-hour drive away from Rovaniemi in an Arctic forest. It hosts approximately 50 species of animals and altogether there are around 200 Arctic animals such as polar and brown bears, lynxes, foxes, numerous birds species, musk oxen and more.

There is a Fazer sweets factory in the Rovaniemi and Ranua route which you will be able to visit as well if time permits.

Day 5. Free day or Reindeer Safari

You can enjoy a northern serenity on your own or join Reindeer safari.

After car transfer to the Reindeer Farm, make your way through pristine trails in the snowy forest on a reindeer-driven sleigh to the Village. At the Village, you’ll have free time to explore the souvenir and handicraft stores, send mail from the North Pole (Santa Claus Main Post Office), see the elves at work, and meet Santa himself. You’ll also be awarded a Reindeer Driving License and a Certificate of Crossing the Arctic Circle. You’ll be transferred back to your hotel by car.

Lapland Reindeer Trip

Day 6. Rovaniemi – departure home

You can find info about some out the beaten path Lapland attractions on our blog.