Itinerary
- Day 1
Helsinki
You'll land in Helsinki and get settled into your accommodation. Start by walking through Senate Square to see the white cathedral standing in the center, then head over to Uspenski Cathedral where you can look up at the ceiling paintings. After that, you've got options like spending time in Esplandi park or checking out the Design District for drinks and local shops.
Optional Activities
- Visit Senate Square and Cathedral
- Explore Uspenski Cathedral interior
- Relax in Esplandi park
- Visit Design District for drinks
Landmarks/POIs Senate Square Helsinki Cathedral Uspenski Cathedral Esplandi Design District - Day 2
Helsinki to Oulu
Today focuses on Helsinki's waterfront areas. Head to Kaivopuisto to get views of the archipelago and Suomenlinna fortress island in the distance. Stop by the Old Market Hall to browse through local and international food options for lunch or snacks. By evening, you'll board the night train heading to Oulu, settling into your private sleeping compartment as the train moves through Finnish forests overnight.
Optional Activities
- Visit Kaivopuisto for archipelago views
- Ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island (payable on site)
- Explore Old Market Hall
Landmarks/POIs Kaivopuisto Suomenlinna Old Market Hall - Day 3
Oulu to Kuusamo
You arrive in Oulu and pick up your rental car. From there, you'll drive south through dense forests and wilderness toward Kuusamo. By nightfall, you're at your glass villa where you can see out in all directions. The night sky offers chances to spot stars and potentially Northern Lights if conditions cooperate.
Included Activities
- Rental car pickup from Oulu airport
Optional Activities
- Explore nature outside the glass villa
- Day 4
Kuusamo
This day is for exploring around your glass villa with activities suited to your interests. Hike through Oulanka National Park on trails that cross suspension bridges and pass waterfalls through forest. Or try kayaking on rivers and lakes nearby. If you want something more intense, wild water rafting on Oulankajoki River's rapids is another option.
Optional Activities
- Brown bear trekking in Oulanka National Park (entrance fee payable on site)
- Suspension bridge crossings and waterfall hikes
- Kayaking through wilderness rivers and lakes (payable locally)
- Wild water rafting on Oulankajoki River rapids (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Oulanka National Park Oulankajoki River - Day 5
Kuusamo to Rovaniemi
You'll drive north toward Rovaniemi with a stop in Kemijarvi. Climb up to the Kotavaara lookout tower for views over the Lappish lake landscape below. Continuing on, you'll arrive in Rovaniemi and explore spots like Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, Ounaskoski Beach, and Arctic Garden. Northern Lights might show up if you're lucky with the weather.
Optional Activities
- Stop at Kemijarvi
- Kotavaara lookout tower visit
- View Jätkänkynttilä Bridge
- Visit Ounaskoski Beach
- Explore Arctic Garden
Landmarks/POIs Kemijarvi Kotavaara Lookout Tower Jätkänkynttilä Bridge Ounaskoski Beach Arctic Garden - Day 6
Rovaniemi
Start by visiting the Arctic museum to learn about Sámi culture and how Northern Lights work. Later, head to Santa Claus Village, which runs year-round with Christmas decorations and activities. You can meet Santa Claus himself and walk through the elves' workshops to get a feel for the holiday atmosphere.
Optional Activities
- Visit Arctic museum for Sámi culture and Northern Lights information (payable locally)
- Santa Claus Village visit
- Meet Santa Claus
- Explore elves' workshops
Landmarks/POIs Arctic Museum Santa Claus Village - Day 7
Rovaniemi to Oulu
You'll drive from Rovaniemi back toward Oulu, stopping in Kemi along the way. This harbor town on the Gulf of Bothnia has the Sampo icebreaker ship where you can take winter cruises if conditions allow. After reaching Oulu, explore the museums, hike around Koitelinkoski rapids, or relax on Nallikari beach. An optional ferry trip to Hailuoto island is possible if you want to see more natural scenery.
Optional Activities
- Sampo icebreaker ship visit in Kemi
- Icebreaker cruises (winter)
- Museum visits in Oulu
- Hike along Koitelinkoski rapids
- Relax on Nallikari beach
- Ferry island hop to Hailuoto (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Kemi Sampo Icebreaker Koitelinkoski Rapids Nallikari Beach Hailuoto Island - Day 8
Oulu to Helsinki and Departure
Today marks the end of your time in Lapland. Return your rental car in Oulu and head to the airport for your flight home. You'll have time to reflect on the forests, wilderness, and if you saw them, the Northern Lights from your Finnish adventure.
Included Activities
- Rental car return at Oulu
