Itinerary
- Day 1
Stockholm
You'll arrive in Stockholm and get settled into your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own, starting with Gamla Stan where the old town's colorful buildings line the streets alongside the royal palace. Make your way up to Skinnarviksberget hill in the late afternoon so you can catch the sunset views spreading across the city from up there.
Optional Activities
- Metro ride to historic old town (payable locally)
- Self-guided walk through Gamla Stan
- Climb Skinnarviksberget hill for sunset views
Landmarks/POIs Gamla Stan Stockholm Royal Palace Skinnarviksberget - Day 2
Stockholm
Today you're checking out more of Stockholm's islands. Head to Avicii Arena and ride the glass gondolas up for views over the water, then wander into the SoFo district where you'll find vintage shops and record stores tucked along the streets. Stop at a local café and take a traditional Swedish fika break before continuing around the neighborhood.
Optional Activities
- Avicii Arena glass gondola ride (85 meters, payable on site)
- Walk through SoFo district with vintage and second-hand shops
- Traditional Swedish fika at a café
Landmarks/POIs Avicii Arena SoFo District - Day 3
Stockholm to Helsinki
You'll finish your Stockholm list by heading to Djurgården island. The Vasa museum has the shipwreck on display, or if museums aren't your thing, the Abba Museum is interactive and fun, and Skansen offers the open-air experience with historical buildings. By evening you'll head toward the harbor to board an overnight ferry to Helsinki, watching the islands pass as you settle into your bunk.
Optional Activities
- Vasa Museum - Viking shipwreck exhibit (admission payable on site)
- Abba Museum - interactive exhibit with costumes and karaoke (admission payable on site)
- Skansen open-air museum
- Ferry ride on deck with sea views
Landmarks/POIs Djurgården Vasa Museum Abba Museum Skansen - Day 4
Helsinki
After arriving in Helsinki on the ferry, you'll take the streetcar to drop off your luggage at accommodation. From there, you'll walk through Senate Square and see the white cathedral with its distinctive large dome, then move on to Uspenski Cathedral with its ornate architecture. Later you can relax in Esplandi park or check out the Design District before the evening winds down.
Optional Activities
- Visit Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral
- Explore Uspenski Cathedral with elaborate ceiling paintings
- Relax in Esplandi park
- Visit Design District
Landmarks/POIs Senate Square Helsinki Cathedral Uspenski Cathedral Esplandi Design District - Day 5
Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Start this morning at Kaivopuisto park where you can see the archipelago and Suomenlinna fortress island in the distance. If you're interested, you can take an optional ferry out to the island and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Browse through the Old Market Hall for local foods and treats to try. In the evening you'll board an overnight train heading north to Rovaniemi with your own sleeping compartment, watching the Finnish landscape slip past outside.
Optional Activities
- Visit Kaivopuisto park and granite hills
- Ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island (payable on site, 15-minute journey)
- Browse Old Market Hall for local and international cuisine
Landmarks/POIs Kaivopuisto Suomenlinna Old Market Hall - Day 6
Rovaniemi
You'll arrive in Rovaniemi surrounded by Lapland's snowy landscape. Weather depending, there's a chance to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky tonight. Walk around beautiful spots like Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, Ounaskoski Beach, and Arctic Garden. You'll spend the night in your private glass igloo with views up through the ceiling, hopefully catching the Northern Lights as you fall asleep.
Optional Activities
- Photograph Northern Lights
- Visit Jätkänkynttilä Bridge
- Visit Ounaskoski Beach
- Visit Arctic Garden
Landmarks/POIs Jätkänkynttilä Bridge Ounaskoski Beach Arctic Garden - Day 7
Rovaniemi
Today you'll learn about Sámi culture and find out how the Northern Lights actually form. Head to Santa Claus Village where Christmas happens all year round on their calendar. You'll meet Santa himself and can explore the workshops where the elves do their work. It's worth spending time checking out the different areas and shops around the village.
Optional Activities
- Arctic Centre - learn about Sámi life and Northern Lights creation (payable locally)
- Santa Claus Village - meet Santa and explore workshops
Landmarks/POIs Arctic Centre Santa Claus Village - Day 8
Rovaniemi to Home
Time to leave Lapland behind and head home. Take one last look at the snow-covered forests as you depart the Arctic Circle region. During your journey, you'll have time to go through all your photos and remember the winter adventure you just had up there.
