Visit Santa Claus's hometown (Rovaniemi) and fall in love with winter sports haven Ylläs on this snow-dusted winter wonderland adventure above the Arctic Circle! Snuggle a husky, pose for a selfie with a reindeer, snowshoe through the wilderness, participate in epic snowball fights, and hunt for the elusive, magical northern lights.

Highlights

  • Visit Santa Claus's hometown of Rovaniemi
  • Ski above the Arctic Circle
  • Take a breathtaking, quiet, husky safari through the Arctic wilderness
  • Hunt for the northern lights, camera in hand

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Rovaniemi & Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi
Day 2 Scenic Transfer to Levi, Full-Day Ski & Glass Hotel Levi
Day 3 Transfer to Ylläs, Winter Fun Ylläs
Day 4 Dog Sledding, Snowmobile Tour & Sauna Ylläs
Day 5 Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi & Santa Claus Village

Sleigh rides!
Sleigh rides!

Welcome to Lapland — a dreamy, snow-covered winter wonderland where you'll find reindeer, huskies, and plenty of snowball fights! Arrive early and make your way from the airport to Santa's Village at the Arctic Circle. Send postcards home with Santa's stamps. Take a photo with Santa himself. And if you're here in the winter season, take a ride on a sleigh pulled by one of his reindeer. 

Once you've had your fill of reindeer, sleighs, and village activities, spend the evening in your private sauna beside the frozen river. And if you're feeling particularly brave? Take a (supervised) polar plunge through a hole in the ice! As night falls, grab your camera and bundle up for a night trek outside town to hunt for the northern lights with your guide.

Day 2: Scenic Transfer to Levi, Full-Day Ski & Glass Hotel

A glass igloo under the stars
A glass igloo under the stars

Grab your boots, hats, and scarves for another outdoor adventure on day two in Lapland. Start the day with a scenic drive to Levi, arriving in time for lunch and then gearing up for either downhill or cross-country skiing (your choice). After a full afternoon of skiing, make your way to the gorgeous glass igloo where you'll spend your night under the stars.

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Day 3: Transfer to Ylläs & Winter Fun

There are plenty of activities on offer in this winter wonderland
There are plenty of activities on offer in this winter wonderland

On your third day in Lapland, do as the locals do: snowshoe through the snowy forest, build a campfire, and warm yourself with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and sausages barbecued over the fire (vegetarian options are also available). There are also nearby opportunities for snow-sliding, snowball fights, building snowmen, and ice fishing, depending on weather conditions. Overnight in a snow hotel in Ylläs or an apartment with a private sauna.

Day 4: Dog Sledding, Snowmobile Tour & Sauna

Mushing with huskies
Mushing with huskies

On your last full day in Ylläs, enjoy the quiet of the Arctic wilderness on a husky safari. Then head out on a snowmobile tour through another section of wilderness. And finally, circle back to Ylläs, where an apartment with a private sauna waits to warm you up. 

Day 5: Depart

Reindeer in Lapland
A reindeer in the Lapland forest

Wave farewell to Santa and his reindeer as you make your way to Kittilä or Rovaniemi airport for your departing flight.

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 Lapland Highlights  - 5 Days
Map of Lapland Highlights - 5 Days