Lapland Finland Itinerary in Winter – 1 week Lapland Trip
Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller
As a Finn who has lived in Lapland for many years, I want to give you the best tips to make the most out of your time in my home country, Finland in winter.
This one week in Lapland, Finland itinerary is for you if you have northern lights, husky safaris and amazing glass igloos and Finnish sauna on your travel bucketlist.
Let’s get to planning your best holiday in winter in Lapland!
7-Day Lapland Finland Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Finland and Journey to Lapland
1 week in Finland - Wherever you live, first you got to arrive in Finland.
There are multiple options to get to Lapland, but the main ones are:
How to arrive in Lapland
flying to Helsinki and continuing by train to Lapland from there, or more time saving option,
flying directly to Lapland either to Kittilä, Ivalo or the arctic capital, Rovaniemi.
To explore the best options to travel to Finland and getting around, I suggest reading this:
If you arrive in Helsinki, I recommend checking the frozen harbour, enjoying warm cinnamon bun with coffee in one of the many cozy cafés in Helsinki and perharps going to sauna at your hotel.
(Pro tip for getting rid of travel weariness is going to sauna or book a massage when arriving.)
You can have a nice meal in many places in the centre: in Finland it is common to have lunch buffet and you can find multiple options in Helsinki.
If you did not fly to Lapland, I recommend taking a night train with a sleeping cabin. The journey is long, yet with the sleeping cabin you get a comfy bed in train and you can arrive fresh to Lapland.
You can book the train directly from the Finnish railway company VR’s website: https://www.vr.fi/en
Day 2: Welcome to Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi is known as the capital of Arctic and it is actually located at the Arcitc circle. Santa Claus lives 16kms away from Rovaniemi centre and there are multiple activities to explore in Rovaniemi.
Activities in Rovaniemi: Museum, landscaping on top of ski slope, Lappish cuisine and Finnish sauna with ice swimming
As a city Rovaniemi is small but in Lapland it is big. Before we get to the bucketlist activities in Lapland, in Rovaniemi I recommend visiting Arktikum museum and eating typical Lappish cuisine in restaurant Nili.
To have a view from the top, I recommend getting up to Ounasvaara. There is also a ski slope if you are into skiing. You can also stay in a nice hotel at the top, called Sky Ounasvaara.
If you want to do it like a Finn, a must-do in Rovaniemi in winter is this WNTR sauna and ice swimming. It is a public sauna and ice swimming place 5kms from the centre of Rovaniemi.
If you can’t make it to WNTR sauna, don’t worry, because most of the hotels have a sauna.
Day 3: Reindeer farm and Santa claus village
As mentioned, Santa Claus lives in Rovaniemi and just 16kms from the centre of Rovaniemi you can visit Santa Claus village.
Activities: Santa Claus Village, Reindeer Sleigh Ride, Outdoor fireplace and Dinner/Board games in city
- In my honest opinion, Santa Claus village is really touristy, and unless you really want to see the Santa Claus, I recommend just popping by at the place for a hot chocolate and then continuing for next activity.
Nice things to do in Santa Claus village are:
· Cross the Arctic Circle which goes directly through Santa Claus Village
· Send cards from Santa Claus’s Main Post Office
· See Santas Reindeer
They do offer Reindeer rides also in Santa Claus village, but it is really touristy place, so I rather recommend continuing to next place for Reindeer farm and a little reindeer sled ride.
You can do this for example in Rovaniemi in Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm
In the evening you can go for a cozy dinner in Rovaniemi, play board games in one of the pubs in centre or enjoy a hot drink by a public fireplace.
In Finland there are many public fire places where you can sit, enjoy the nature and barbeque marshmallow. You can easily find all public fireplaces by searching “Laavu” in google maps which means lean-to public fire place in Finnish.
This would be your last day in Rovaniemi as I highly recommend also discovering more northern parts of Lapland.
- You might feel that Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle is north, yet for Finns it’s just the beginning and southern point of the real Lappish magic.
Lapland is huge, so in 7 days you can’t realistically see all of it. Instead of just randomly choosing you activities for the next 4 days
I want to give you three options that you can choose from based on your interests:
By clicking the options, you can continue your chosen itinerary.
Or just read on and discover all three options and make an informed decision afterwards.
Option A: Levi
- Why Levi? Levi is well-known holiday centre in Lapland providing great amenities for both winter wonderland activities and nightlife and restaurants. In Levi you find great skiing slopes for all levels.
Day 4: Arriving in Levi and skiing/ after skiing
Levi is 171kms Northwest from Rovaniemi, so reserve time for the traveling.
You can rent a car (provided you are comfortable driving in winter conditions) or you can go by bus.
The bus ride in winter conditions takes quite long, but you can explore bus options in these pages:
Activities: Ski and after ski
Levi has awesome ski slopes for skiers of all levels and the mood to ski there is just amazing. Even if you are not skilled skier, you can either rent equipment and stay in easier slopes or booking a skiing class to learn with teachers.
You can explore all the skiing and rental options in Levi here.
- Tip: If you are really into skiing, you should stay in this fantastic Panorama hotel in Levi where you can ski in and out from.
Among the Finns Levi is also known as the after ski place as well, as there are several pubs/bars to go after the slopes to enjoy some music, drinks, dancing and karaoke.
You should check at least these places:
Best after ski places in Levi, Finland
After Ski
- Slope Restaurant Tuikku
at the top of Levi slope which has events, dance, karaoke and some fun competitions
Nightlife at Levi- Best Bars
- Bar Levi Ihku
Well-known nightclub with dance music downstairs and karaoke upstairs. - ·Hullu Poro Areena
This large arena, literally translated as Crazy Reindeer Arena, organizes multiple big events a year with well-known Finnish artists. - Restaurant Wanha Hullu Poro
Also a known nightclub with different kinds of theme nights.
Best pubs in Levi
- Pub Hölmölä
Chill and fun pub in the centre of Levi with board games, beer and cocktails - Pub Old Mates
British pub in Levi - Bar Alakerta
Cozy bar with music, arts and Djs
As for accommodation, in Levi I recommend staying in glass igloo: I recommend this one which includes also own private hot tub outdoors under the stars (and possibly northern lights)
Check all best accommodation options in Levi sorted by accommodation type and budget range here:
Best accommodation in Levi, Finland
Day 5: Husky tour at a daytime, Northern lights tour in the evening
Now that you spotted reindeer already in Rovaniemi, it is time to experience another fantastic experience with other artic soft fellas; huskies.
Activities: Husky or Snow mobile tour and northern lights tour in the evening
In Levi you can book and discover great tours here
Recommendation for Husky tours: this one
If you prefer snow mobiling instead, I recommend this one
- side note:
I’m not going to lie, Lapland can be quite pricey destination.
At the end of this article you find estimated budget breakdown.
Evening Northern Lights Hunt
In Levi consider these Northern lights tours:
Northern lights Tour by Minivan
Aurora Borealis Bus & Snow Shoe Tour
- As humans even in the happiest country in the world, Finland can’t control the weather, it is possible that you do not spot Northern lights during your trip.
However, the tours are an experience by itself, sharing experiences and stories around fire place with hot berry juice in hut in the middle of nowhere.
Of course I hope you get the see the firefox in the sky aka auroras, and that’s why I’ve written you expert's tips: How to spot Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
Day 6: Snow shoeing/cross-country skiing or skiing down the slopes in winter wonderland
Today you can choose from these three activities the one that resonates with you most.
All of these provide amazing views and better opportunities to see the beautiful nature with powder snow – trust me, it is very different to have means to go into the forest than looking at it through a window.
Activities: Snow shoeing, cross-country skiing or skiing
Read all 35 Best things to do in Finnish Lapland
Snow shoeing:
My personal favorite, especially if you are into photography, is snow shoeing. With snow shoes you can easily reach remote areas with untouched snow and stunning views, as the shoes carry you over 1-metre deep snow, which would be almost impossible to cross with regular shoes.
If you are able to orient by yourself, you can simply just rent snow shoes and discover by yourself, or better and safer option for inexperienced orienteers is to book a guided tour.
For snow shoeing tour, check this or this option.
Cross country skiing:
Cross-country skiing is an activity every Finnish child needs to learn from young age.
You can hire yourself a teacher and then you get to explore the forest and winter wonderland with completely new means of getting around. This is what a true Finn would do all week long when going to Lapland for a holiday.
Book cross-country skiing teacher in Levi here
Or a cross-country skiing adventure here
Day 7: Morning Gym/Spa session and Departure and Farewell to Lapland
From Levi you can fly directly to Helsinki from Kittilä airport, and I do recommend doing that as it makes your trip much shorter.
As last minute activities on your final day I recommend sending post cards or buying souvenirs if that’s up your alley.
Activities: Hit the gym or enjoy spa
If you are into fitness and sports and want to feel good and not restless during long travels, I can recommend this fitness centre in Levi:
Levi Wellness Club
And this Spa for feeling rejuvenated:
Option B: Pyhä-Luosto National park
- Why Pyhä-Luosto?
This national park is stunning winter wonderland experience where you get to experience untouched nature without too many tourists.
Also, the closest destination to travel to from Rovaniemi of all three options.
Day 4: Arriving in Pyhä-Luosto and Northern Lights tour
Pyhä-Luosto is just 112kms from Rovaniemi, so you have time for Northern lights tour on the day of arrival.
For accommodation options in Pyhä-Luosto, read: Best accommodation options in Pyhä-Luosto National park
- Note: Northern lights tour activity might be moved to another day, depending on the cloudiness and weather conditions. Then you can just switch the activity of the following days here.
Book Northern lights tour in Pyhä-Luosto here
Day 5: E-fat bike tour through snow or snow shoeing and amethyst spa
Fat biking through the snow is your choice if you are into adventure sports and want to feel a bit adrenaline when rushing through icey pathways in forests. Discover more and book tours and rent bikes here
Day 6: Cross-country skiing and reindeer pizza
Both reindeer pizza and cross-country skiing are a must experience bucketlist items in Lapland. Cross-country skiing is awesome in Pyhä-Luosto for skiers of all levels as the network of skiing rails is fantastic.
For reindeer pizza you can head to restaurant Punakettu.
Day 7: Marshmallows by fireplace and travelling back to Rovaniemi
On the last day Pyhä-Luosto, you can still walk or ski to a fire place and enjoy some marshmallows barbequed at the fireplace.
Option C: Saariselkä
Why Saariselkä? Saariselkä is a winter wonderland in the North, providing great cross-country skiing and northern lights spotting opportunities with authentic Finnish vibes.
This is a destination Finnish person would choose to go for their cross-country skiing holiday.
Day 4: Arriving in Saariselkä, snow mobile and longest toboggan run in Lapland
Saariselkä is 257kms from Rovaniemi so you will need some time to get there.
To make it easiest, book your private transfer from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä here.
On the same day I recommend heading to longest toboggan run in Lapland. It is a lot of fun for kids of all ages (read: also kids aged 40+).
Snow mobiling is also a must experience in Lapland, so I recommend booking a tour where you get 2 in 1: this snow mobiling and tobogganing experience.
Day 5: Northern lights tour
No matter where you go in Lapland in winter, I am sure you want auroras in your itinerary. Choose one of these top 3 tours for northern lights hunting:
Day 6: Cross-country skiing or E-fat biking to Kiilopää viewpoint
Kiilopää is a great viewpoint in Saariselkä surrounded by skiing tracks and E-fatbiking routes. Discover your options here:
E-fatbiking tours in Saariselkä
https://www.laplandsafaris.com/activitypage?id=749210
Cross-country skiing in Saariselkä
https://www.laplandsafaris.com/en/?season=2119&location=1876&activityCategory=1886
Day 7: Traveling back to Rovaniemi
Especially if you did not book private transfer back to Rovaniemi airport
you need some time to travel back to Rovaniemi.
At last day you can still shop for souvenirs, enjoy warm coffee with cinnamon bun and write post cards while reflecting on your trip.
Cost breakdown of Lapland trip – 7 day Lapland itinerary
Please note all of these are rough estimates based on average costs per activities, accommodation and food and transportation.
So please do not use this as an absolute truth, but to give you some kind of overview of the costs.
Best way to know the actual prices, which vary per high season and low season as well is to check the exact accommodation, activities and other big costs like flights you are planning to book.
Estimated total costs for the 7 day Lapland trip based on 3 itinerary options provided above
Days 1-3 in Rovaniemi estimated costs
Expense
Cost Estimate (EUR)
Flight to Rovaniemi
700
Accommodation (3 nights)
300
Arktikum Museum Entry
15
Lappish Cuisine Dinner
60
Ski Slope Access
40
WNTR Sauna & Ice Swimming
25
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
80
Santa Claus Village Hot Chocolate
5
Public Fireplace/Board Games
10
Total Estimated Cost (€)
1235
Option A: Levi 4 day itinerary costs breakdown
Expense
Cost Estimate (EUR)
Accommodation - Glass Igloo (3 nights)
900
Accommodation - Hotel (4 nights)
600
Transportation - Flight (Helsinki to Kittilä)
300
Transportation - Bus (Rovaniemi to Levi)
25
Transportation - Car Rental (7 days)
490
Activity - Skiing & Equipment Rental (7 days)
420
Activity - Husky Tour
150
Activity - Northern Lights Tour
120
Meals (7 days)
350
Total Estimated Cost (€)
3355
Option B: Pyhä-Luosto 4 day itinerary costs breakdown
Expense
Cost Estimate (EUR)
Accommodation - Cabin (4 nights)
480
Accommodation - Hotel (3 nights)
450
Transportation - Bus (Rovaniemi to Pyhä-Luosto)
20
Transportation - Car Rental (7 days)
420
Activity - E-Fat Biking
100
Activity - Snowshoeing
50
Activity - Amethyst Spa
60
Meals (7 days)
350
Total Estimated Cost (€)
1930
Option C: Saariselkä 4 day itinerary costs breakdown
Expense
Cost Estimate (EUR)
Accommodation - Hotel (7 nights)
1050
Transportation - Private Transfer (Rovaniemi to Saariselkä)
200
Transportation - Bus (Rovaniemi to Saariselkä)
35
Activity - Tobogganing
40
Activity - Snowmobiling
150
Activity - Northern Lights Tour
120
Activity - Cross-country Skiing
50
Meals (7 days)
350
Total Estimated Cost (€)
1995
Conclusion for 1 week in Lapland Itinerary
A winter week in Lapland is a magical experience, offering everything from husky safaris to chasing the Northern Lights. Lapland provides a unique blend of adventure, after ski and tranquility.
For those interested in a lively après-ski scene, Levi is ideal, while Pyhä-Luosto offers serene, natural beauty.
Saariselkä is perfect for authentic Finnish vibes and outdoor activities. Though Lapland can be pricey, smart planning and budgeting can make it accessible.
Before your trip, check out our guide on how to dress and pack for winter in Lapland, and don't miss out our tips on how to spot the Northern Lights in Finland.
For more inspiration, explore the 35 best things to do in Lapland in winter and our guide on How to photograph Northern lights.
ARTICLES THAT MAY ALSO INTEREST YOU:
WRITTEN BY
Hey there, I'm the Author
I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.
This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.
I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.
I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel. I'm also RYT-500 certified Yoga Teacher.
I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.
You can read more about me here.
GET NOTIFIED FOR NEW POSTS
