Finnish Lapland in Winter

Finnish Lapland in Winter

2,623 Views
8 Days From

$4270

$3416

Finnish Lapland in Winter

8 Days Starting in Helsinki and ending in Rovaniemi

Visiting: Helsinki, Helsinki / Overnight Train, Rovaniemi / Yllastunturi, Yllastunturi, Rovaniemi

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BMXF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4270 $3416 Operator discount: -$854 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Visit Lapland – a magical place of Arctic landscapes and snow-dusted woodlands – on this eight-day adventure through northern Finland. Strap on your hiking boots and crunch a path through Finland’s taigas, experience the rush of a real dogsled, then get cosy with the locals over a glass of salmari. From the docks of Helsinki to remote Yllastunturi and Santa’s workshop in Rovaniemi, witness a part of the world where Christmas always feels close.

Highlights

  • Be pulled across the landscape at high speed on the back of a dog sled. These incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before rushing along sprawling trails

  • Visit a local Finnish family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. You will be shown their skills in reindeer herding with the option to get close and personal with some of the animals on the farm

  • The aurora borealis is the best lightshow on Earth, and this trip is your ticket. Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions)

  • Explore Helsinki, then travel on the famous 'Santa Claus Express' overnight train all the way from the cosmopolitan Finnish capital through the frozen Northern wilderness to Rovaniemi

  • Be pulled across the snowy landscape at high speed on the back of a dogsled. The incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before darting along the trails.

  • Visit a traditional Sami family and let them guide you through their daily life and show you around a lavvu (a traditional tent).

  • Snowshoe to a secluded spot to see the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights is the best lightshow on Earth and this trip is your ticket to watch it (subject to weather conditions).

  • Travel on the famous 'Santa Claus Express' overnight train all the way from Helsinki through the frozen Northern wilderness to Rovaniemi.

  • Enjoy lots of free time to explore northern Finland as you wish – this might include skiing, ice fishing or visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna Sea Fortress – it's up to you!

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Accommodation: Hotel

Hei! Welcome to Finland. Your adventure begins in Helsinki with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe head out and pick up some local souvenirs at the lively Market Square or explore the Design District. Finnish architecture is revered around the world for its simplicity and deep connection with nature – just walk around Senate Square and see for yourself! After your welcome meeting, maybe get your group together to sample some traditional dishes, like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies) or Ruisleipa (rye bread).

Day 2: Helsinki / Overnight Train

Location: Helsinki / Overnight Train

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, join your leader on an orientation walk around Finland’s capital city. Once you get your bearings, the rest of the day is free to explore Helsinki as you wish. Maybe check out the UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki. Just a ferry ride away, the fortress was originally built to by the Swedish to protect against Russian expansion. You could also acquaint yourself with the Finnish sauna culture by visiting a public sauna and unwinding. This evening, board the famous 'Santa Claus Express', a comfortable overnight train to Rovaniemi, known to many as the hometown of Santa Claus.

Included Activities:
-Helsinki to Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Express Overnight Train
-Helsinki – Helsinki Leader led orientation walk

Optional Activities:
-Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum
-Helsinki - Design Museum
-Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
-Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum
-Helsinki - City Museum - Free
-Helsinki - Ateneum Art Museum
-Helsinki - Cathedral - Free
-Helsinki - Rock Church

Day 3: Rovaniemi / Yllastunturi

Location: Rovaniemi / Yllastunturi

Accommodation: Guesthouse

This morning, wake up in Rovaniemi – the capital of Finnish Lapland – and depart your train. Continue by private vehicle to a family-run guesthouse deep in the Finnish forest. This location will be your base for the next four nights, situated near Yllastunturi, a popular cross-country and downhill skiing destination. If the skies are clear tonight, take a stroll through the snow and look skywards for the dancing green lights of the Aurora. Far away from the city light pollution, the guesthouse is an ideal base to spot the Northern Lights. The natural display of coloured lights in the night sky is often visible in the high northern hemisphere – there's even an open-top shelter nearby from which to observe them. Grab a hot drink, wrap up and head out into the winter wonderland.

Optional Activities:
-Yllästunturi - Northern Light Viewing Opportunity (subject to weather conditions) - Free

Day 4: Yllastunturi

Location: Yllastunturi

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: breaksfast

Make sure you wrap up for today’s adventures – you'll be racing across the landscape on the back of a dog sled! These incredible huskies are in their element, barking excitedly before darting along sprawling trails. With the wind in your hair, ride through the snow as your new four-legged friends pull you forward. After the ride, warm up by an open fire and enjoy sausages and pulla (a Finnish sweet roll). If you’re lucky, you might even get to give the dogs a pet and a cuddle.

Included Activities:
-Yllästunturi - Dog Sledding

Day 5: Yllastunturi

Location: Yllastunturi

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: breaksfast

Although Lapland is often associated with winter tourism, it’s much more than just a destination for tourists. See how locals live by visiting a traditional Sami family, who’ll guide you through their daily life. These indigenous people have a deep connection to the Arctic environment, and reindeer herding is a central to their culture. Take a look at one of their traditional tents – also known as a lavvu – and then get ready for a snowshoeing expedition. Far away from the city lights, you’ll have a good chance of spotting the aurora borealis this evening.

Included Activities:
-Yllästunturi - Reindeer Farm Visit
-Yllästunturi - Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna

Day 6: Yllastunturi

Location: Yllastunturi

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: breaksfast

Yllastunturi is home to Finland’s largest skiing resort, featuring some of the longest downhill skiing runs in the country. Today you’ll have a free day to explore this winter wonderland at your leisure. You might want to hit the slopes yourself, either through cross-country skiing or downhill. If that sounds like too much physical activity, ice fishing is also an option – plus, you might reel in your own dinner! If it’s very cold, try tossing boiling water into the air and see if it freezes before it hits the ground. This phenomenon is called the ‘Mpemba Effect’ and is free to try.

Optional Activities:
-Yllästunturi - Snowshoe Hire
-Yllästunturi - Mpemba Effect - Free
-Yllästunturi - Meän Elämää (Our Life) Exhibition - Free
-Yllästunturi - Cross Country Ski Rental
-Yllästunturi - Winter Fatbike Guided Tour from
-Yllästunturi - Guided Snowshoe Hike and Ice Fishing
-Yllästunturi - Arctic Secrets Escape Room

Day 7: Rovaniemi

Location: Rovaniemi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, return to Rovaniemi by private vehicle. With a free afternoon to explore the city, you can stop off at Santa Claus Village or go hiking along the Ounasvaara Winter Trail. If you’re interested in the history and culture of Lapland, check out Arktikum, the Museum of Finland. Or get familiar with modern art from a northern perspective in Korundi House of Culture. Perhaps round your group up for a farewell dinner and toast to your Finnish adventure!


Included Activities:
-Rovaniemi – Rovaniemi Leader led orientation walk

Optional Activities:
-Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Village - Free
-Rovaniemi - Arktikum
-Rovaniemi - Ounasvaara Winter Walking Trail and Observation Tower - Free
-Rovaniemi - Fatbike rentals
-Rovaniemi - Korundi House of Culture

Day 8: Rovaniemi

Location: Rovaniemi

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

  • Helsinki to Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Express Overnight Train

  • Yllästunturi - Dog Sledding

  • Yllästunturi - Reindeer Farm Visit

  • Yllästunturi - Finnish Bath

  • Meals

    6 breakfasts

  • Helsinki – Helsinki Leader led orientation walk

  • Yllästunturi - Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna

  • Rovaniemi – Rovaniemi Leader led orientation walk

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

OVERNIGHT TRAINFinnish overnight trains are a very comfortable way to travel long distances without losing valuable time to explore the destinations. Compartments usually consist of 3 or 4 berths (2 bottom bunks and 1 or 2 top bunks), lockable doors with key-card access, communal bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage (sink and toilet), and plenty of space for luggage. Blankets, pillows and linen are provided, and each berth has a reading light. The exact layout of the cabin depends on the carriage type the group are allocated to. All trains have heating, however please note that windows can't be opened.

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONThe style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.TWIN SHARE BASISAccommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.CHECK-IN TIMEThroughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATIONIf you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.FACILITIESYour accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Included Activities

Yllästunturi - Dog SleddingYllästunturi - Reindeer Farm Visit

Important Information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the night of Day 2 - Overnight Train.Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. Lapland can be extremely cold at this time of year. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. During days 3-6 you will be given additional snowsuits from our local hosts as part of your package. These outdoor outfits are intended to be used on top of your own warm clothes or used to keep your main clothes dry. Please see the Packing section in the Essential Trip Information document for more details on what is available for hire in location and what we recommend you should bring along.

Mode of Transport

OVERNIGHT TRAINFinnish overnight trains are a very comfortable way to travel long distances without losing valuable time to explore the destinations. Compartments usually consist of 3 or 4 berths (2 bottom bunks and 1 or 2 top bunks), lockable doors with key-card access, communal bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage (sink and toilet), and plenty of space for luggage. Blankets, pillows and linen are provided, and each berth has a reading light. The exact layout of the cabin depends on the carriage type the group are allocated to. All trains have heating, however please note that windows can't be opened.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Lapland can be extremely cold at this time of year. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. Please see the Packing section in the Essential Trip Information document for more details. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered. Please also note that even though it will be cold, not always will there be snow cover, especially on the departures earlier in the winter season. In these cases snow dependent activities will be replaced with suitable alternatives.

    The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a natural display of coloured lights in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. While Northern Light displays can never be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, you have a higher chance of seeing them in locations at high latitudes, such as Northern Finland. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies during your visit.

    As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Please also be aware that many guesthouses offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities. Rooms in Finland can be small, and at times you may be accommodated a short walk away from the main building.

    Finland can be an expensive destination in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In Yllastunturi the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at, or alternatively there are cafes and restaurants in the nearby town (approximately 35 minutes on foot, or a short taxi ride away).

    On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight Under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
$5395

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$5330 $5064

Operator discount: -$266

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$4976 $4478

Operator discount: -$498

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$4520 $4068

Operator discount: -$452

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$4635

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$4270 $3416

Operator discount: -$854

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$4270

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$4545

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$5150

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$4665

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$4665

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026
$4900

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
$4900

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$4715

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$4715

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
$4715

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$4715

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026
$4715

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
$4900

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 09, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$4535

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$4900

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 16, 2026 - Dec 23, 2026
$4535

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 30, 2026 - Jan 06, 2027
$4535
Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours