Rovaniemi Winter Experience

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, or explore the vibrant seaside city, its beautiful islands and lush green urban areas. Helsinki has a unique charm, with dynamic food, design, architecture and a rich sauna culture.

Overnight in Helsinki

After breakfast, enjoy a Panorama tour of Helsinki by bus, exploring key landmarks like the historical center, City Hall, Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. The tour includes a 20-minute stop at the Temppeliaukio Church or the Sibelius Monument. In the evening, make your own way to the train station and board the Santa Claus Express for an overnight journey to Rovaniemi.

Overnight onboard

Good morning! Light breakfast on board the train can be booked on the spot (not included) before you reach Rovaniemi. You will be then transferred from Rovaniemi railway station to the hotel for check-in. You can then relax for the day or explore the local sights on your own. Lapland is the ultimate winter wonderland for dreamers. The region's charm lies in its contrasts, with 24-hour sunlight in the summer replacing the enchanting, frozen winter days. Just minutes from the lively towns and ski resorts, you can find the tranquility of the wilderness. In the evening, meet your tour escort in the hotel lobby for an info meeting through which you will get all the necessary information about the flow of your tour. Meeting time to be advised. Enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to a traditional reindeer farm, where you will enjoy a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy landscapes and gain an insight into local Lapland culture. Continue to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, where you will have time to explore this magical attraction. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Christmas House Restaurant or similar. In the afternoon, get ready for an exciting 2.5-kilometre husky safari, where you will travel by sled through the Arctic wilderness led by professional mushers. Later this evening, enjoy a homestyle buffet dinner at the hotel. The day concludes with an unforgettable Aurora hunting excursion in the Ounasvaara area accompanied by your tour leader, offering an opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

In the morning after breakfast, you will depart for Ranua Wildlife Park, the world’s northernmost zoo located near Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. Specialising in Arctic wildlife, the zoo is renowned for its spacious natural forest enclosures that provide an authentic environment for the animals. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the wildlife park, where you will have the opportunity to observe native Arctic species up close in their naturalistic surroundings. Later, savour a delicious buffet lunch including dessert and coffee at Ranua Resort. After returning to Rovaniemi, the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure for you to relax and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a homestyle buffet dinner at the hotel featuring a variety of main courses and seasonal side dishes. For those seeking additional adventure, optional evening activities are available, including a thrilling snowmobile safari with campfire experience or a guided Aurora hunting excursion complete with transfers and marshmallow grilling beneath the Arctic sky.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

Discover the magic of the Arctic night as you ride through snow-covered forests and across frozen rivers on a thrilling snowmobile safari. With a little luck, you may travel beneath a sky illuminated by the moon and stars, while the spectacular Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, dances overhead. During the excursion, stop by a campfire to enjoy warm beverages and light snacks while learning more about the Northern Lights and the natural beauty of Lapland. Each snowmobile is shared by two guests who will take turns driving. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license recognized in Finland. Please note that operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited under Finnish law. Children are accommodated in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children taller than 140 cm may ride as a passenger on the snowmobile behind an adult when paying the adult price. For safety reasons, Lapland Safaris reserves the right to restrict participation of small children depending on weather or trail conditions. As the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Included in the excursion: Thermal clothing, English-speaking guide, snowmobile shared between two guests, fuel, traffic insurance (maximum personal liability of €980), campfire snack, hot beverages and information about the Northern Lights.

Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, a spectacular natural phenomenon visible in the Polar regions of the world. Thanks to our location on the Arctic Circle, you will have an excellent opportunity to witness this breathtaking display of dancing lights across the night sky. Accompanied by your guide, travel away from the city by car or bus to carefully selected viewing locations that offer clear open skies and optimal conditions for Aurora spotting. During the excursion, enjoy a traditional Lappish-style picnic with snacks and hot drinks while surrounded by the peaceful Arctic wilderness.

Included in the excursion:Transfers, winter clothing, snacks, hot beverages and English-speaking guiding services.

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to discover Rovaniemi and its beautiful Arctic surroundings at your own pace. Why not visit the fascinating Arktikum Museum, where you can learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of Northern Scandinavia for thousands of years. Alternatively, you may choose from a variety of exciting optional activities available in the region, including snowshoeing, ice fishing experiences and thrilling snowmobile safaris through the snowy wilderness. For something truly unique, try Ice Karting, an exhilarating activity for both adults and children where you can drive on ice and discover why Finland has produced world-famous Formula One drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen. Feel free to ask your tour escort for recommendations to help you make the most of your Lapland adventure. In the evening, join your group for one final Aurora hunting excursion in the Ounasvaara area guided by your tour leader, offering another chance to witness the magical Northern Lights. Later, enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

Enjoy an exciting snowmobile safari through the snowy Arctic wilderness, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn and master the art of driving a snowmobile. During the excursion, there will be a stop along the route where you can relax with hot drinks and biscuits while experiencing the peaceful silence and beauty of the surrounding nature. All snowmobile drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Category B driving licence. Please remember to carry your driving licence with you during the excursion. Snowmobiles are shared between two guests. For groups with an odd number of participants or for those who prefer to drive alone, a single driver supplement is highly recommended. Please note that the driver is responsible for any damage caused to the snowmobile. The maximum personal liability in case of an accident is €900 per person, per snowmobile. Guests may reduce this liability to a maximum of €150 by purchasing an optional self-liability insurance for €15 before the safari begins. This insurance is personal and valid for one snowmobile safari only. Children aged 0–14 years will travel in a sled pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. For younger children, it is recommended that one parent accompanies them in the sled to ensure additional comfort and safety.

Included in excursion: Winter clothing, snowmobile driving instructions, a guided snowmobile safari with two persons per snowmobile, approximately 1.5 hours of driving time, hot drinks with biscuits, and English-speaking guiding services.

Forest skiing, also known as “skishoeing,” is a traditional winter activity that combines the stability of snowshoeing with the smooth glide of skiing. Using short, wide skis specially designed for deep, ungroomed snow, you will travel through peaceful forests and untouched Arctic landscapes with ease. Unlike conventional skiing, this activity can often be enjoyed while wearing regular winter boots, making it comfortable and accessible even for beginners. Suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness, forest skiing offers a relaxing way to explore Lapland’s snowy wilderness and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Included in excursion: Transfers, hot drinks, equipment, and English-speaking guiding services.

Experience the unique sensation of Arctic ice floating and discover the remarkable lightness of your body as you drift peacefully among the frozen waters. There is no need to worry about the cold, as you will be fully protected by a high-quality thermal rescue suit designed to keep you warm and dry throughout the experience. Worn over your regular clothing, the suit completely insulates your body, allowing you to comfortably float even in near freezing waters. Relax your mind and body as you take in the silence and beauty of the Arctic surroundings — a truly unforgettable Lapland adventure. Floating among the ice in a frozen lake is a one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly captures the magic of the Arctic.

Included in the excursion: Winter clothing, transfers, the ice floating experience, hot drinks, and English-speaking guiding services. Please note that the minimum height requirement for participation is 120 cm.

The traditional Arctic pastime of ice fishing is a popular winter activity enjoyed on the frozen lakes and rivers of Lapland. During this unique excursion, you will learn how to fish through holes drilled into the ice using short fishing rods and traditional techniques under the guidance of local experts. Surrounded by peaceful snowy landscapes, this relaxing outdoor experience offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Arctic wilderness. Warm drinks will also be served during the excursion to keep you comfortable in the cold winter environment.

Included in the excursion: Transfers, hot beverages, and English-speaking guiding services.

Snowshoeing is a fun and accessible winter activity that allows you to walk across snow-covered landscapes using specially designed footwear that prevents you from sinking into the snow. Accompanied by a guide, you will venture through beautiful forests and scenic Arctic terrain while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Lapland’s winter wilderness. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, this outdoor adventure is a wonderful way to connect with nature and admire the region’s snowy beauty at a relaxed pace.

Included in the excursion: Transfers, hot drinks, snowshoeing equipment, and English-speaking guiding services.

After breakfast, depending on your flight details, you can still enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs, stroll through the streets and explore the city of Rovaniemi. Make your own way to Rovaniemi Airport for your return flight home.