Finland, Norway & Sweden Self-Drive: Lappland in Winter - 21 Days

Highlights

• Explore the Arctic wilderness in Finland's northern Lappland region
• Hunt the famous northern lights on foot and reindeer-pulled sleighs
• Go snowshoeing, dogsledding, horseback riding, and skiing in the Arctic
• Overnight in wilderness camps, observatories, and even an ice hotel
• Meet reindeer and experience Indigenous Samí culture in northern Finland

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi (Finland), Ice Hotel & Optional Activities

Welcome to Finland! You couldn't have picked a better country to embark on a grand self-drive road trip through Northern Europe during the colder months. Even better, you'll be arriving in the northern region of Lappland. Located above the Arctic Circle, this is the epicenter for all enchanting winter wonderland experiences—after all, Lappland is the official home of Santa Claus. 

You'll arrive in the region's capital, Rovaniemi. Rebuilt after World War II, this modern city is an excellent base for excursions into the wilderness, national parks, and the Sámi villages of Lappland. The Samí people are the only First Nations group in Europe, and the region reflects their rich culture. A driver will meet you at the airport for the ride 25 minutes outside Rovaniemi to an actual ice hotel—an accommodation befitting this far-north environment. You'll stay in a modern igloo with a glass-domed roof offering panoramic views of the wilderness and (if you're lucky) the aurora borealis (northern lights).

After checking in, you'll have the rest of the day to relax. If you like, unwind after the flight with a soak in the hotel sauna. Later, you can return to town and Santa Claus Village to meet the man himself. Anytime is ideal to visit, as this theme park is open year-round. 

Day 2: Drive to Levi, Northern Lights Safari

Leave this morning on a straight drive north to Levi, a wilderness resort area known for its wild beauty. The drive to get there takes about two hours and is filled with dazzling Arctic scenery like rolling hills and spruce trees draped in blankets of snow. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodation and will have the rest of the afternoon free to relax. 

People flock to Levi for its abundance of winter activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and more. This evening, you'll embark on one of the most famous adventures of all: a night hike in search of the aurora borealis (northern lights). This spellbinding phenomenon only occurs at the Earth's poles, which is why this part of the Arctic Circle is an ideal place to spot it. 

It's a half-day tour that begins with a pick-up by a local guide and a transfer to Kätkätunturi. Upon arrival at this Alpine hill, you'll find a trailhead leading to the top. After a brisk hike, you'll arrive at a high viewpoint offering expansive vistas of the town below and the surrounding forests and lakes. Then, all you have to do is pull up a seat and wait for the borealis to present itself. If conditions are ideal, you'll be treated to marvelous views of this iridescent light spectacle, which you can admire for a time before hiking back down the trail and returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Ski & Sauna Day in Levi

You just knew a ski day would be one of the many adventures on this itinerary. Lucky that you'll be hitting the slopes in Levi, perhaps the best ski destination in all of Finland. It features the country's largest ski resort, which you'll transfer to this morning. Here, you'll have your pick of 43 slopes serviced by 23 lifts, ensuring varied experiences and difficulty levels, whether you're a novice or semi-pro skier. 

After carving your way down blue, red, and black-rated runs, you'll hang up the skis. Then, transfer by sled (yes, a sled) to a remote wilderness area near a rushing river. Located on the banks is one of the thousands of saunas in Lappland. Indeed, Saunas are a rich part of Finnish cultural tradition, and you'll find them throughout the country. At this one, you'll have four hours to relax in the sauna, soak in hot tubs, and generally enjoy the surrounding wilderness scenery. If you have the constitution for it, you can even take a dip in the icy river. 

Day 4: Free Day in Levi, Arctic Dinner in a Wilderness Hut, Drive to Pyhä

One of the best ways to get to know a culture is through its food, and that's true even at the top of the world. After enjoying a free day around Levi, you'll transfer to a wilderness hut in the evening, where a three-course Arctic dinner awaits. While the menu varies, you can expect fare typical of the region, which includes game meats like elk and reindeer and fish like Arctic char and salmon. Also, the hut is located at a family-run dog-sled farm, so expect some fluffy huskies milling about as you eat.

After eating, you'll drive 100 miles (160 km) southeast to a new accommodation in Pyhä, a wilderness resort area Nestled within Pyhä-Luosto National Park. This unspoiled protected area is famous for its diverse ecosystems and landscapes, including ancient forests, deep ravines, and massive fells.

Day 5: Eastern Lappland Tour, Reindeer Sleigh Northern Lights Safari

Rise early because this morning, you're off to explore the highlights of Eastern Lappland. Kicking off this three-hour excursion is a drive to Suvanto. Located on the banks of the broad River Kitinen, this tiny town, with a population of just 30, is nevertheless one of the most popular villages in the country. That's because it was one of the lucky few that wasn't destroyed during Germany's retreat from Finland in World War II. The charming town is filled with colorful cottages and is officially recognized by the Finnish government as a cultural landmark.

Continue to Pyhä-Luosto National Park, known for its old-growth forests, crystalline streams, and ancient falls. You'll visit some more villages in the area, plus stop in at a local visitor center. Here, you can witness exhibits detailing the geology and cultural history of this national park. Afterward, you'll return to your accommodation and have the rest of the day free.

As evening descends, you'll embark on another borealis safari—this time in a comfortable sled pulled by reindeer. These animals know their way around the wilderness and will pull you along rough trails under a canopy of countless stars. In this remote area, free of light pollution, you'll stand the best chance to spot the northern lights (keep your camera handy!). There will even be a stop to build a campfire and enjoy snacks and hot beverages.

Day 6: Ice-Climbing, Northern Lights Snowshoe Safari 

Before this itinerary is over, you'll have embarked on the most thrilling cold-weather adventures in this part of the world. Today's memorable excursion begins right outside Pyhä, where an icy mountain awaits. Here, you'll meet your guide, gather your safety equipment, and strap on the crampons. After learning a few climbing techniques from your guide/instructor, you'll begin the ascent up the mountain, rising higher with each whack of the ice ax. The best part is it's a safe and exciting activity suited for all abilities‚ including beginners.

Afterward, you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in Pyhä. At night, you'll trade the crampons for snowshoes as you head back into the wilderness for another shot at spotting the northern lights. Your experienced guide will lead the way as you explore backcountry trails by snowshoe, always watching out for that most enchanting of northern spectacles, the aurora borealis.

Day 7: Levi Ski Day, Drive to Muonio

It's another early start (break of dawn) as you transfer back to the ski resort in Levi to enjoy another thrilling day on the slopes. It's around a two-hour drive, and when you arrive, you can choose to race down black-rated runs or opt for a more leisurely cross-country journey. At the end of the day, you'll drive about an hour west toward the northern border with Sweden and Muonio. This charming (and remote) village is surrounded by vast Arctic wilderness, including snow-covered forests, glittering lakes, and frozen fells.

Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day and evening to explore. If you like, stroll around the village and admire the traditional wooden homes and buildings. For dinner, plenty of great restaurants serve local specialties like reindeer, salmon, and Arctic berries. (Don't forget to try the local lingonberry or cloudberry desserts!) Following the meal, you can cap the evening with another relaxing sauna session. Before retiring to bed, take some time to do some stargazing—you don't even have to leave the town of Muonio to spot the northern lights.

Day 8: Drive to Kilpisjärvi & Wilderness Camp, Northern Lights Tour

Now it's time to discover the natural beauty of western Lappland. In the morning, leave Munio on a 2.5-hour drive north to the top of Finland and Kilpisjärvi. Besides its dazzling scenery of fells, lakes, and snowcapped pines, this Arctic village is also a hotbed of Samí Indigenous culture. Upon arrival, you'll check into the wilderness camp, where you'll overnight. And though you'll technically be roughing it, you'll sleep comfortably in a warm cabin/tent in the vast open wild beneath a canopy of northern stars.

Speaking of which, upon arrival, you can spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the area around the camp. In the evening, you'll hop on another sled for a ride around the wilderness, hunting once again for the great ribbons of light painted across the night sky. Get lucky again, and you'll be treated to another borealis spectacle. After the nighttime adventure, you'll return to camp. 

Day 9: Drive to Tromsø (Norway), Kayaking & Ice Bar

Enjoy a hearty camp breakfast, then get back on the road, driving across the border into Norway and Tromsø. This far-flung city may lie north of the Arctic Circle, but it doesn't lack culture and activities. Out of some 65,000 residents, there's a large student population here. That translates to a robust music, film, and nightlife culture. When you arrive, you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to discover the highlights of Norway's "Gateway to the Arctic" on your own.

Perhaps start with a cable car ride up Mount Storsteinen. Its viewing platform is a great place to snap panoramic photos of Tromsø and the surrounding scenery. Later, head to the waterfront for a kayak ride. Tromsø is nestled amid many islands and fjords, and paddling around the glassy Arctic waters is a memorable way to experience them. This half-day excursion begins when you put on a drysuit and hop in your kayak. Then, paddle out to the sounds and islands surrounding Tromsø. Feel the fresh Arctic breeze and watch for wildlife like white-tailed sea eagles and curious seals and otters.

At the end of the ride, you'll return to Tromsø and finish the day with a nightcap at Magic Ice Bar. The name is no gimmick. Everything in this watering hole—from the tables to the chairs to the bar itself—is made of ice.

Day 10: Whale Watching, Aurora Dinner Cruise

It's an early start as you return to the waterfront this morning and board a ship for a whale watching tour. Over the course of the day, you'll cruise around the fjords on a safari to spot the resident marine life. It's also the best time to see whales, as the season is from Nov-Jan. The most common whale species here are humpbacks and orcas, but there are also chances of seeing fin whales and possibly harbor porpoises. And don't worry—the tour company conducts responsible and safe whale watching, aiming never to disturb the animals.

Though the whale tour ends in the afternoon, your day at sea is far from over. Just before 7 pm, you'll board a catamaran for a combined dinner/northern lights cruise. Take a seat in the ship's elegant dining room, where you can start the meal with a craft beer or glass of wine while admiring the scenery from the panoramic windows. Then, enjoy a delicious dinner catered by a local restaurant in Tromsø. As you eat, the captain will keep an eye out for the borealis, and when they give the word, you can head to the deck to capture more photos of the sublime northern lights. 

Day 11: Drive to Senja, Sauna & Northern Lights Observatory

Leave after breakfast on a 3.5-hour drive through the northern fjords from Tromsø to Senja. This island off the coast of Norway is located in Troms County, a region famous for its diversity. Here, you'll find everything from mountains and fjords to Arctic beaches and charming fishing villages. Once in the area, you can enjoy it however you like, whether continuing behind the wheel, on a hike, snowshoeing, skiing, or relaxing at a restaurant overlooking the water. If you want to sample local delicacies, try char from Altevatn Lake, cod from the sea, and goat's cheese from local farms.

Later, you'll make your way to the Aurora Borealis Observatory, a small, family-run resort that's one of the best locations for spotting the northern lights in the world. Of course, seeing the phenomenon is weather-dependent, but you'll have plenty of time to try this evening, as this is where you'll spend the night. The resort offers many other activities, too, including hiking, dogsledding, and horseback riding.

The resort is also famous for its spa. Whatever activity you enjoy during the day, you can relax in the evening with a nice long soak in an outdoor hot tub filled with luxurious 100°F (38°C) water amid winter wonderland views. Continue unwinding with a session in the spa's sauna, or take a dip in the ocean for a vigorous shock to the system.

Day 12: Senja Activities, Northern Lights Observatory

Enjoy day two at the Aurora Borealis Observatory. This morning, you can participate in any adventures you missed yesterday. Horseback rides and dogsledding are popular activities, allowing you to experience the gorgeous Senja countryside like a local. A horseback tour involves transferring to a local ranch in the town. There, you'll hop in the saddle on a Norweigian-bred horse and trot around the remote Arctic landscapes along with an expert guide.

In the evening, grab a table at the observatory's restaurant. The impressive menu features French and Asian dishes prepared with locally sourced meat and fish. Enjoy the meal with a cocktail from the bar while admiring the views from the restaurant's expansive windows. Before heading off to bed, spend one last night at the observatory's viewing station (or in the hot tub), searching for the northern lights.

Day 13: Drive to Narvik, Rombakfjord Cruise, Cable Car to a Mountaintop Restaurant

Continue south this morning on a three-hour drive to Narvik, a town between soaring mountains and a shimmering fjord. Narvik is beloved for its blend of outdoor adventure, winter-wonderland scenery, and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and then experience its famous fjords.

At the harbor, you'll board a boat for a 2.5-hour cruise around the scenic Rombakfjord. The largest body of water in the area was the site of several marine battles during World War II. The boat will then cruise down a narrow inlet to Rombaksbotn, which is rich in naval heritage and surrounded by unspoiled Arctic nature.

At the end of the tour, you'll return to Narvik and have the afternoon free. Later, transfer to a cable car station for the ride up to a mountaintop restaurant sitting at 2,152 feet (656 m) above sea level. You can enjoy a meal here amid grand views through panoramic windows. Then, between 9 pm and 11 pm, try to spot the northern lights, either from the restaurant's windows or outdoor viewing platforms. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 14: Fjord Snowshoe Hike, Free Evening in Narvik

Strap on your snowshoes because it's time for a cross-country Arctic adventure. This half-day excursion begins in the morning at a pre-determined meet-up spot in the countryside near town. After a brief intro from your local guide regarding how to properly walk in this unique footwear, you'll embark. This group hike through the wilderness and along the fjord coast is suitable for beginners, but a decent level of physical fitness is required. There will be a stop for an outdoor lunch before hiking back to the meet-up point and returning to Narvik.

Day 15: Drive to Abisko National Park (Sweden), Snowmobile Tour

It's about an hour's drive east this morning across the border into Sweden and the town of Abisko. After checking into your accommodation, you'll transfer to the nearby Abisko National Park on an adventurous snowmobile excursion. These 30 square miles (77 sq km) are home to mountains, lakes, dense forests, and diverse Arctic wildlife like moose, reindeer, lynxes, wolverines, and bears. During the half-day ride, you can drive your own eco-friendly snowmobile or share one with a friend, and your guide will stop along the way to make a fire so you can enjoy hot drinks amid forest views.

Day 16: Hiking Abisko National Park, Evening Aurora Boat Tour & Campfire

Meet a professional guide early this morning and return to Abisko National Park for a two-hour nature hike. The 2.5-mile (4 km) trail will take you through ancient birch forests along the Abisko River, which snakes through rugged canyons on its way to a delta in a wide valley complete with sandy beaches. Besides the river and forests, throughout the hike, you'll be treated to views of the surrounding mountain peaks. After relaxing by the delta, you'll return to the trailhead on the same route. You can then spend the rest of the day relaxing in Abisko.

In the evening, drive to another nearby river—the Torne—and meet your guide and group, ready to board a boat en route to a frozen island. Keep an eye on the sky, as this is one of the best places in the world to spot the aurora borealis. When you arrive at the island, your guides will start a fire and prepare a two-course meal under the gleam of the northern lights. After eating, everyone will sit around the campfire, sharing stories and hot beverages before returning to Abisko.

Day 17: Drive to Kiruna, Dog-Sledding & Aurora Spa

Continue exploring Swedish Lappland this morning as you drive about 1.5 hours south to Kiruna. The town has a rich mining history, but these days, visitors come for winter activities and to stay at the famous Icehotel in the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi. Opened as a hotel/art installation in 1989, the structure is rebuilt each winter with actual ice and snow). See for yourself, as you'll be overnighting in an ice room on an ice bed. Beyond that, the hotel features a grand ice hall, an art gallery displaying hand-carved ice sculptures, and an ice restaurant and bar where you can sip cocktails from ice-carved glasses.

After checking into the hotel, you'll transfer to a sled-dog kennel a few kilometers outside the village. Here, you'll make the acquaintance of furry friends who will serve as your guides/transport on a half-day mushing tour. Pulled on a sled by these energetic canines, you'll traverse the snowy wilderness, passing through forests, frozen lakes, and rivers. Pro guides will be on hand to ensure you stay on track, but really, there's no need—your reliable dogs know every inch of this wilderness. Back at the kennel, you can reward your new friends with a tasty treat.

Enjoy a perfect ending to the day with a transfer to Aurora Spa, a natural wellness center built into the frozen tundra. Indulge in a nice long soak in the spa's indoor hot tubs and relax in the sauna while enjoying views of the wintry wilderness through panoramic windows. Get lucky, and you might spot the northern lights overhead. There are also many options for rejuvenating treatments, including birch leaf scrubs, exfoliating coffee masks, a salt and iron foot bath, and more.

Day 18: Sámi Culture & Reindeer Tour

Today, you'll get to know more about the EU's only Indigenous people, the Samí. Leave the Icehotel in the morning and visit Nutti Sámi Siida, an open-air cultural center in Jukkasjärvi. Meet your local Indigenous guide, who will lead you on a tour of Sámi buildings as you learn about their nomadic way of life.

Interestingly, the Sámi have a deep, symbiotic relationship with reindeer, as they've herded these animals for centuries. Of course, part of the tour includes meeting a reindeer or two and learning from the Samí how to herd and care for them properly.

After the tour, you'll have time to browse the center's handicraft shop for Sámi jewelry and traditional art. Then, head to the on-site café, where they serve lunch and fika (afternoon tea) next to a roaring fire. Other activities at the site include reindeer sled excursions, mountain hikes, and fishing trips. Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 19: Northern Lights Dinner Experience

Spend the day enjoying activities around Jukkasjärvi and Kiruna, like dogsledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Or you can simply relax at the Icehotel and enjoy its amenities. In the evening, you'll take a 1.2-mile (2 km) chairlift ride into the Abisko Mountains to the Aurora Sky Station. At the top, enjoy sweeping views of Torneträsk, the largest mountain lake in Scandinavia, and Lapporten, Sweden's most depicted mountain motif.

There's also a mountaintop restaurant where you'll sit down at a table by a crackling fire to feast on Lappland cuisine while searching the skies for the aurora borealis. At the end of the meal, you'll ride the chairlift back down to Jukkasjärvi and return to the Icehotel.

Day 20: Drive to Rovaniemi (Finland), Optional Activities

It's your penultimate day within the snowy splendor of the Arctic Circle! This morning's main activity is a four-hour drive south across the border back into Finnish Lappland and Rovaniemi, where you'll check into your hotel. Then, you can spend the day crossing off any remaining winter activities on your bucket list. Meet Santa Claus, embark on another husky dogsledding safari or reindeer sleigh ride, go snowmobiling, soak in an Arctic sauna—whatever strikes your interest. Be sure to get a good night's rest—it's a big travel day tomorrow.

Day 21: Depart Finland

Your grand Nordic adventure has come full circle, as you'll finish the adventure in Finnish Lappland, the same place you began. In the morning, meet your driver for the transfer back to Rovaniemi Airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Hyvästi!

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