arrow_back

7 Day itinerary in Finland, Europe

Ultimate Northern Lights Adventure in Finland

Experience the wonders of Lapland as you search for the Northern Lights, visit reindeer and husky farms, and explore Sámi culture. This Finland journey combines Arctic adventure with authentic local experiences, ideal for those eager to witness the Aurora Borealis and enjoy the pristine landscapes o... Read More

1 / 14
All Photos
Moonika

By Moonika

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Rovaniemi

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Indigenous culture

Hiking

Nature & Wildlife

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Float in an Arctic lake under the Northern Lights

2

Meet reindeer and learn about Sámi traditions

3

Drive a snowmobile to a wilderness hut for dinner and sauna

4

Mush your own husky team through snowy forests

Itinerary

expand_more

Day 1

place Day 1: Arrival in Rovaniemi | Welcome to Lapland

You arrive in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, known as the hometown of Santa Claus. The city is surrounded by Arctic nature and offers a glimpse into Lappish culture with many activities available. Upon landing at the airport, you find your driver waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. You are transferred directly to your accommodation, a journey that takes about 10 minutes.


Rovaniemi is situated just south of the Arctic Circle and is a gateway for travelers seeking to experience Finland’s northern wilderness.


Day 2

place Day 2: Arctic Lake Ice Floating | Santa Claus Village Exploration

Begin your day with free time to explore Rovaniemi at your own pace. You may choose to visit Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus and stop at the Official Santa’s Post Office to write and send letters. At the village, you have the opportunity to receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle and browse a wide variety of souvenir shops. Since entry to Santa’s Village is free and the area can be crowded during winter, you are encouraged to visit independently so you can spend as much time as you like and focus on your preferred activities.


In the evening, you take part in an ice floating experience on an Arctic lake. After arriving at the lake, you receive safety instructions and put on a high-quality rescue suit that keeps you dry and protected from the cold. Once suited up, you float in the icy water and look up at the sky, hoping to see the Northern Lights. Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.


The Arctic Circle, which runs through Rovaniemi, marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours during solstices.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

place Day 3: Rovaniemi to Saariselkä | Northern Lights Hunting

Today you travel from Rovaniemi to the Inari-Saariselkä region, an area known for its strong Sámi cultural presence and pristine natural landscapes. Your driver collects you from your accommodation in Rovaniemi and brings you directly to your new lodging in Saariselkä. The drive takes approximately three and a half hours.


In the evening, you set out on a Northern Lights hunting excursion. This driving tour allows you to cover longer distances in search of clear skies and optimal Aurora viewing conditions. Your guide checks the weather and determines the best locations to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. You can relax and enjoy the experience as your guide leads the way.


The Inari-Saariselkä region is one of the best places in Finland for observing the Northern Lights due to its northern location and minimal light pollution.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

place Day 4: Sámi Culture Day | Reindeer Experience and Museum Visit

Today you immerse yourself in Sámi culture and learn about traditional reindeer husbandry. You visit a Sámi family's home, where you have the opportunity to feed semi-wild reindeer and observe them in their natural environment. To ensure a successful interaction, you are advised not to wear perfume and to avoid sudden movements. During the visit, your guide takes photos of you, which will be shared with you after the tour.


Later in the day, you visit the Sámi museum, where you gain insight into the life, nature, and cultural traditions of the Sámi people in Lapland. At the museum, you can have lunch at the cafeteria at your own expense and explore exhibitions featuring Sámi artists.


The Sámi are the only recognized Indigenous people of the European Union, with a rich heritage in northern Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Day 5: Inari-Saariselkä to Äkäslompolo | Snowmobile Wilderness Adventure

You depart the Inari-Saariselkä region and travel to Äkäslompolo, a village set amid the serene winter landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Your journey brings you into an area known for its tranquil beauty and opportunities for Arctic activities.


Upon arrival, you prepare for an evening snowmobile excursion to a wilderness hut. The adventure begins with a 15-kilometer snowmobile ride through snowy forests to reach the remote hut, which sits beside a quiet lake. At the hut, you enjoy a candlelit dinner, followed by a traditional sauna and the chance to try ice swimming. The hut is heated by a fireplace and meals are prepared on a gas stove, with no electricity or running water available. After a cozy evening, you return to Äkäslompolo by snowmobile.


Snowmobiling is a popular form of winter transportation and recreation in Lapland, allowing access to remote areas that are otherwise difficult to reach during the snowy months.


Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

place Day 6: Husky Safari and Aurora Snowshoeing | Arctic Wildlife Encounters

Today you experience a husky safari, starting with a driving introduction before you set off with your own team of 4 to 6 dogs. The route covers a 20-kilometer track through snowy forests and Lappish wilderness, taking about one and a half hours depending on weather and trail conditions. After the ride, you gather in a tepee tent to warm up with hot drinks and small snacks.


In the evening, you join your final Northern Lights tour, this time on a snowshoeing adventure. The walk is designed to be easy, focusing on watching the sky for the Aurora Borealis. Your guide leads you through a dark, snowy forest, sharing stories about Lapland, native wildlife, and the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. During a break, you grill sausages and enjoy hot drinks while hoping for a sighting of the Aurora.


Huskies have played a vital role in Arctic communities for centuries, serving as reliable sled dogs for transportation across snowy landscapes.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks

Day 7

place Day 7: Departure from Äkäslompolo | Farewell to Lapland

Your Northern Lights holiday in Finland comes to an end today. Your driver picks you up from your hotel in Äkäslompolo and transfers you to the airport in Kittilä for your departure.


The Kittilä region, located in Finnish Lapland, is a popular gateway for travelers exploring the Arctic Circle and nearby winter destinations.


Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (6)
  • Dinner (1)
  • Snacks (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Private airport transfer on arrival in Rovaniemi
  • Private transfer from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä
  • Private transfer from Saariselkä to Äkäslompolo
  • Private airport transfer from Äkäslompolo to Kittilä airport
  • Snowmobile transport to and from the wilderness hut during the snowmobile excursion

Activities expand_less

  • Float in an Arctic lake during the Aurora ice floating experience
  • Visit a Sámi family home and feed semi-wild reindeer
  • Explore the Sámi museum and view local art exhibitions
  • Mush your own husky team on a 20km safari
  • Snowshoe through Lappish forests while searching for the Northern Lights
  • Search for the Northern Lights on a small group driving tour

Extras expand_less

  • Snacks and hot drinks during activities
  • Personalized itinerary planning
  • 24/7 support from local staff
  • English-speaking local guides

Not Included expand_less

  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visas
  • Winter overalls and boots (can be rented for an additional fee)
  • International flights to and from destination

About Moonika

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (4 reviews)

Expertise: 

Kayak & Canoe

Indigenous culture

Hiking

Skiing/Snowboarding

Visit markets

Cycling

Culture & History

Meet local people

Nature & Wildlife

Food & Culinary

Culture & Heritage

I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I got the travel bug. I have been to over 50 countries and travel plays a big role in my life, both professionally and personally. I wish to share my passion and knowledge about travel.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,735.00 USD