7-Day Lapland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Lapland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaLapland travel expert at TourRadar

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

  An enchanting 7-day route spans 5 Finnish cities, from Helsinki's historic cathedrals to Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village. The journey features 4 nights at Hotel Aakenus, overnight train travel, gold panning in Saariselkä and visits to the ancient Amethyst mine in Luosto.

  

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  • Day 1

    Helsinki

    Head to Helsinki Cathedral first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive around 10 AM. Walk over to Kauppatori Market for breakfast and try local cloudberries if they're in season. The market gets packed with cruise tourists later so earlier is better. Visit the unique Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) and Sibelius Park after. You can store your bags at the central railway station lockers for about €6 while you explore. Take the overnight Santa's Express train to Rovaniemi. "The Finnish double-decker night train is surprisingly comfortable, though bring earplugs as the rails can be noisy."

    
  • Days 2-4

    Rovaniemi

    You'll arrive in Rovaniemi early morning. This Arctic Circle city becomes your home base for the next few days. Start with Santa Claus Village before the tour buses show up. Take your time here to check out the Arctic Circle line and pick up your crossing certificate. Fill your days with lakeside saunas (pack water shoes for the rocky lake bottom) and visits to reindeer farms. A recent visitor said: "The midnight sun sauna experience was surreal. Even at midnight, it was light enough to see clearly across the lake."

    
  • Day 5

    Luosto and Saariselkä

    Drive 115km north to see Luosto's ancient amethyst mines. The mine paths can be slippery so wear good shoes. Head to Saariselkä in the afternoon to try gold panning but bring quick-dry pants since the water stays ice-cold. End your day with a hike up Saariselkä's fell to watch the midnight sun. It's a 45-minute climb and gets steep in spots.

    
  • Day 6

    Inari and Return to Rovaniemi

    Start at the Sámi Siida Museum in Inari before the crowds arrive. Stop at the museum cafe for traditional Sámi food like reindeer soup. Spend time in this special village where they use four official languages. The 3-hour drive back to Rovaniemi offers plenty of chances to spot reindeer.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Helsinki

    Take the day train through Finland's beautiful lake district. Get a window seat on the right side for the best views. The 8-hour journey gives you time to look back on your Arctic adventures before reaching Helsinki.

    

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• 6 Day Finnish Lapland Itinerary, incl. Inari and Arctic Circle

  Hotel Inari serves as the base for a six-day Lapland adventure along Lake Inari's shores. Daily activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and visits to Muddus Lake's reindeer farm, complemented by traditional sauna sessions and evening aurora watches.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Inari

    Take a 50-minute transfer from Ivalo Airport (IVL) to Inari. Book morning flights to make the most of limited daylight hours in winter. You'll stay at Hotel Inari on Lake Inari's shores, which gives you quick access to winter activities. Get settled and rest up before the 7 PM orientation meeting.

    
  • Day 2

    Snowshoeing Adventure

    Get fitted for your winter gear in the morning. You'll keep this equipment for your entire stay. Head out for a 2-hour snowshoe trek through the boreal forest in the afternoon. The ground is mostly flat but deep snow makes it more challenging. Bring hand warmers and wear layers. After your trek, warm up in the hotel's complimentary sauna.

    
  • Day 3

    Sami Culture & Reindeer Experience

    The morning is yours to explore Inari village or try cross-country skiing near the hotel. Visit Tuula's reindeer farm by Muddus Lake in the afternoon to learn about Sami culture, handicrafts, and reindeer herding. Bundle up extra warm near the lake. End your day with dinner at Restaurant Aurora, featuring local dishes like Arctic char and cloudberries.

    
  • Day 4

    Husky Safari & Northern Lights

    Start your day with husky sledding. You'll learn the basics of mushing before leading your own dog team through the forest. Wear your thickest socks as standing still on the sled gets cold. At night, around 8:30 PM, go on a guided snowshoe trek to look for the Northern Lights. Bring a tripod for photos but remember that clear skies don't guarantee aurora sightings.

    
  • Day 5

    Juutua Trail & Cross-Country Skiing

    Take a 3-hour hike along the 9km Juutua Trail in the morning. Stop for an outdoor BBQ with marshmallows provided by your guide. Pack extra snacks if you like. Try cross-country skiing in the afternoon. Don't stress about falling. The snow is soft, and you can focus on learning the basic "push and glide" technique on flat ground.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure

    Have breakfast before taking the shuttle back to Ivalo airport. Try to book an afternoon flight. Morning roads can be icy, and the shuttle leaves 2 hours before flight time.

    

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

  

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  • Day 1

    Helsinki

    The Helsinki Card (around $52) is a smart investment for your first day. It covers public transport and museum entry including Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. The city is easy to walk around but hop on a tram when you need a break. Pack warm clothes as winter temperatures drop below freezing.

    
  • Day 2

    Helsinki to Rovaniemi

    Start at Heureka Science Center when it opens at 10 AM to avoid school groups. Later take the Santa Claus Express sleeper train for the 12-hour ride north. Book a private cabin well in advance since shared spaces fill up fast with families. Remember to bring snacks because the dining car doesn't stay open late.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rovaniemi

    Welcome to Santa's official hometown. Get to Santa Village before 10 AM to skip the longest lines. Take photos at the Arctic Circle line and stop by Santa's Post Office to mail cards. A recent visitor shared: "The elves at Santa's workshop kept the magic alive even for our teenagers - they actually played along!" The husky safari is unforgettable but cold. Wear the provided thermal suits since temperatures can drop to -20°C. You'll spend about 45 minutes sledding. At the reindeer farm you can feed the animals. Remember your camera but keep the batteries warm or they'll die quickly in the Arctic cold.

    
  • Day 5

    Levi and Halipuu Forest

    The forest walk is beautiful but watch your step on slippery ground. Good winter boots are essential. Arctic cocooning lets you experience lying in the snow inside special thermal sleeping bags. It's more comfortable than it sounds. For Northern Lights viewing check Aurora forecast apps and be prepared to go out quickly when conditions look good.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure from Levi

    If you're flying from Rovaniemi instead of Levi book afternoon flights. The 2.5-hour transfer can take longer in winter weather.

    

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