Finland · Up-Close Animal Experiences

7-Day Finland Winter Tour from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with Arctic Fun

7 Days Round trip from Helsinki Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover Helsinki on a guided walking tour with local insights and hidden gems
  • 02 Visit Santa Claus Village and receive your Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate
  • 03 Embark on a snowshoe trek and try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen lake
  • 04 Hike Ounasvaara Hill for panoramic views of Lapland's snowy landscape
  • 05 Explore Ranua Wildlife Park and see Arctic animals, including polar bears

Explore Finland on this 7-day guided winter adventure from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Start with a walking tour of Helsinki before boarding an overnight train north to the Arctic Circle. Along the way, visit Santa Claus Village, meet reindeer and huskies, try snowshoeing and ice fishing, and hike Ounasvaara Hill. The journey also includes Ranua Wildlife Park and multiple opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

The journey also includes Ranua Wildlife Park and multiple opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Rovaniemi, Helsinki, Ranua
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Helsinki Walking Tour and Overnight Train North

  • Begin your journey in Finland's vibrant capital, Helsinki.
  • Meet your professional guide at your accommodation for a personalized walking tour.

  • Discover hidden gems, local neighborhoods, and essential city tips.

  • Learn about Helsinki's food, culture, and shopping scenes.

  • After the tour, board the comfortable overnight train to Rovaniemi.

  • Travel north through scenic landscapes as you prepare to enter the Arctic Circle.

2
Day 02

Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle

  • Arrive in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.
  • Visit Santa Claus Village with your guide and meet Santa Claus himself.

  • Cross into the Arctic Circle and receive your Arctic trekker certificate.

  • Explore authentic Finnish shops and brands within the village.

  • Enjoy a traditional Finnish buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Spend your afternoon discovering the village at your own pace.

  • Shop for souvenirs and take photographs in this festive wonderland.

3
Day 03

Snowshoe Trek, Ice Fishing, and Aurora Hunting

  • Begin the day with a snowshoe trek through the Arctic forest.
  • Learn how to walk across deep snow and navigate frozen landscapes.

  • Arrive at an ice fishing site and try your hand at drilling and fishing.

  • Enjoy a barbecue lunch near a crackling campfire in the wilderness.

  • At night, join a guided tour to hunt for the Northern Lights.

  • Visit a viewing point for the best chance to witness the aurora borealis.

4
Day 04

Ounasvaara Nature Trail and Ranua Wildlife Park

  • Travel to Ounasvaara Hill for a scenic nature hike.
  • Walk along the Ounasvaara Nature Trail through forests and wetland areas.

  • Reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Saarenkylä and the River Kemijoki.

  • Continue to Ranua Wildlife Park, home to around 50 Arctic species.

  • Observe polar bears, lynx, foxes, and more in naturalistic habitats.

  • Learn about Arctic animals with your knowledgeable guide.

5
Day 05

Reindeer Encounter in Lapland's Forests

  • Venture into Rovaniemi's forests to meet iconic reindeer.
  • Visit a reindeer farm and learn about these gentle creatures.

  • Feed the reindeer and discover how they roam freely during the summer.

  • Take photos and hear stories about life in Lapland from local herders.

6
Day 06

Husky Safari and Northern Lights Sleigh Ride

  • Visit a husky farm deep in the forests of the Arctic Circle.
  • Meet the friendly huskies and take time to interact with and feed them.

  • Receive sled-driving instructions and set off on a scenic sleigh ride.

  • Glide through snowy trails guided by an energetic husky team.

  • In the evening, embark on a sleigh ride under the stars to search for the Northern Lights.

  • Ride over a frozen lake as you hope to catch another glimpse of the aurora.

7
Day 07

Farewell to Lapland and Departure

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a peaceful morning in Rovaniemi.
  • Take time to walk through the town, visit shops, or send postcards.

  • Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station for your journey home.

  • Depart with unforgettable memories of Finland's winter magic.

Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle, Ounasvaara Hill, Ranua Wildlife Park

Where this trip takes you

Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle, Ounasvaara Hill, Ranua Wildlife Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Helsinki 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • All listed activities

  • Professional English-speaking guides

  • Airport and activity transfers

  • Thermal clothing for the duration of your stay

  • Local on-site support

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance

Know before you go

  • The minimum group size is 2 adults.
  • The itinerary may vary depending on snow conditions.
  • Northern lights are subject to weather conditions and solar activity; therefore, they cannot be 100% guaranteed.
  • Helsinki to Rovaniemi train tickets are round-trip with allocated seats. Upgrades to a sleeping cabin are available for €100 per person.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Helsinki, Finland
Tour start
Helsinki, Finland
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Helsinki.

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