7-Day Finland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Finland itineraries

Compiled by

NadineFinland travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Finnish Lapland, incl. Helsinki and Rovaniemi

  Five Finnish cities reveal their secrets during this 7-day adventure from Helsinki's Uspenski Cathedral to Inari's Sami Siida Museum. Overnight trains, 4 nights at Hotel Aakenus in Rovaniemi, and visits to Luosto's amethyst mine create an unforgettable journey.

  

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  • Day 1

    Helsinki Exploration & Night Train North

    Start your morning exploring Helsinki's main attractions on foot. Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral before 10 AM to beat the crowds. You can store your luggage at the central railway station for about €6 per locker during your walk. Have lunch at the Kauppatori Market where you'll find excellent grilled salmon and fresh summer berries. In the evening take the Santa's Express night train to Rovaniemi. A recent traveler shared: "The Finnish double-decker night train was surprisingly comfortable, and waking up to the Arctic landscape was magical."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Rovaniemi & Arctic Circle

    You'll arrive in Rovaniemi early morning. This is Santa's official hometown and your entry point to the Arctic Circle. Visit Santa Claus Village later in the afternoon when it's less crowded. Try a traditional Finnish sauna by the lake but remember to bring flip-flops and a quick-dry towel. The lake temperature stays around 15°C (59°F) even in summer so keep your swims brief.

    
  • Day 4

    Reindeer Farm & Nature Experience

    Visit a local reindeer farm in the morning when the animals are most active in the cooler weather. A visitor noted: "The reindeer were surprisingly gentle, and learning about Sami herding traditions from our guide made this much more than just a photo opportunity."

    
  • Day 5

    Luosto & Amethyst Mine Adventure

    Drive 1.5 hours to Luosto. The amethyst mine tour includes an uphill walk so wear shoes with good grip since the path can get slippery. From the mine at 418 meters above sea level you'll see stunning views of Lapland's wilderness. Next stop is Saariselkä for gold panning. Bring waterproof gloves if you have sensitive hands as the water is quite cold.

    
  • Day 6

    Inari & Sami Culture

    Drive 70km north to Inari to explore Sami culture. Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the Siida Museum which opens at 10 AM. Try their traditional reindeer soup at the cafe. Buy some cloudberry jam from local shops while you're here as it costs less than in Helsinki. Head back to Rovaniemi for the evening.

    
  • Day 7

    Scenic Train South

    Take the daytime train back to Helsinki through the beautiful lake district. Choose a seat on the left side for the best views. The 8-hour journey has spotty cell service so download maps and entertainment beforehand.

    

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• 7 Day Finland Itinerary, incl. North Karelia and Helsinki

  

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  • Day 1

    Joensuu to Venejoen Piilo

    Begin your Finnish adventure in Joensuu before heading to the peaceful Venejoen Piilo forest cottage. Pack warm clothes even for summer since Finnish nights get cool. Your first Finnish sauna awaits at the cottage. Make sure to bring flip-flops and a quick-dry towel. The cottage deck is perfect for watching the summer sunset which can stretch until almost midnight.

    
  • Day 2

    Koli National Park

    Start early to make the most of Finland's most famous national park. A 30-minute uphill walk from the Nature Centre takes you to Ukko-Koli peak with stunning views over Lake Pielinen. The quartzite rocks can be slippery so good hiking boots are essential. Plan about 2-3 hours for your evening smoke sauna experience at Korvenkota including cooling breaks.

    
  • Day 3

    Nurmes Cultural Day

    Visit the historic Old Town of Nurmes and Bomba House which showcases traditional Karelian architecture. The Bomba complex is about 2 km from town center. Renting a bike makes exploring easier. You'll spend the night in a welcoming guesthouse where you can try another style of Finnish sauna.

    
  • Day 4

    Ruunaa Rapids Adventure

    Get ready for some excitement with white-water rafting on Ruunaa Rapids. Bring spare clothes and listen to your guide carefully. The water is cold even in summer. You'll stop for a hearty riverside lunch of local fish soup or grilled salmon. Your holiday cottage for the night sits near some great hiking trails.

    
  • Day 5

    Möhkö Border Region

    Explore Möhkö where Finland meets Russia. The old ironworks museum shows off the area's industrial past. Stay at Rajakartano guesthouse for a glimpse of life near the border. Ask about the building's history as a former border guard station.

    
  • Day 6

    Itärajan Helmi Experience

    Sleep in either a traditional granary or glamping tent for a taste of modern Finnish outdoor living. The lakeside sauna offers a classic Finnish evening experience. Pack warm sleepwear since nights can be chilly even in summer.

    
  • Day 7

    Journey to Helsinki

    Take the 5-hour train ride to Helsinki. Book an afternoon departure so you can enjoy breakfast and take final photos. Choose a seat on the left side of the train for the best views of Finland's lakes.

    

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• 7 Days in Finnish Lapland, incl. Rovaniemi and Saariselkä

  

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  • Day 1

    Rovaniemi Arrival & First Northern Lights Hunt

    Arriving at Rovaniemi Airport is straightforward. You'll reach the city center in just 15 minutes from this small but well-organized airport. Take time to rest after check-in before your first Arctic experience. Your evening starts with a traditional Lappish gathering in a kota (Finnish hut) deep in the forest. Bring plenty of warm layers as nighttime temperatures often drop below -20°C (-4°F).

    
  • Day 2

    Ranua Wildlife Park

    Start your day early with an 80km drive south to Ranua Wildlife Park. The scenic drive through snowy forests takes about 1.5 hours. You'll find 50 Arctic species here including Finland's only polar bears. A recent visitor suggested: "Visit the polar bears before noon - they're most active during their morning feeding time."

    
  • Day 3

    Luosto & Saariselkä Adventure

    Visit the unique amethyst mine on top of Lampivaara fell in Luosto. Watch your step near the mine entrance as it can get icy. The drive north to Saariselkä takes about 3 hours. For spectacular northern lights viewing go to Kaunispää fell. At 438m high it offers clear views of the night sky.

    
  • Day 4

    Sámi Culture & Snowmobile Safari

    Take a one-hour drive to Inari to explore Siida the Sámi Museum. Visit in late morning to avoid crowds and get the most from the exhibits. Back in Rovaniemi join an evening snowmobile safari. Bring your driver's license and bundle up well. The wind on snowmobiles gets surprisingly cold.

    
  • Day 5

    Santa Claus Village & Arctic Activities

    Get to Santa Claus Village before 10 AM to avoid tour groups. Take photos at the Arctic Circle line and stop by the famous post office. Try the authentic husky and reindeer rides but remember gloves for the cold sleigh handles. Spend your afternoon learning about Arctic life at Arktikum Museum.

    
  • Day 6

    Winter Activities & Glass Igloo

    Start with morning snowshoeing. It's not too difficult but you'll need some energy. Next up is ice fishing where guides help with hole drilling. Bring hand warmers for the wait. Your night in a glass igloo is a trip highlight. One guest recommended: "Set your alarm for 2 AM - that's when we saw the most spectacular aurora display."

    
  • Day 7

    Snow Castle & Departure

    See the Snow Castle early when sunlight brings out the best in the ice sculptures. Inside stays at -5°C (23°F) no matter the outdoor temperature so dress warm. Book an afternoon flight as winter weather often delays morning departures.

    

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