Lapland Winter Adventure - 7 Days
Highlights
- Ski on fresh powder north of the Arctic Circle
- Go cross-country snowshoeing to an amethyst mine
- Meet a reindeer herder and feed the reindeer
- Ride an electric snowmobile to a northern lights viewing point
- Join the locals in a spot of ice fishing
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rovaniemi | Rovaniemi |
| Day 2 | Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride, Northern Lights Electric Snowmobile Safari | Rovaniemi |
| Day 3 | Authentic Husky & Reindeer Experiences | Rovaniemi |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Pyhä, Skiing at Pyhä Resort | Pyhä |
| Day 5 | Snowshoeing to an Amethyst Mine, Northern Lights Tour | Pyhä |
| Day 6 | Ice Fishing Experience | Pyhä |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Rovaniemi Airport, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi
Welcome to Rovaniemi, the gateway to the winter wonderland of Lapland in northern Finland! On arrival at the airport, your friendly driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. Home of the Sámi people (the only Indigenous tribe in the European Union), most of Lapland lies within the Arctic Circle, and it's known as one of the best places on earth to glimpse the northern lights. Your first evening is free for you to explore at leisure—you might like to check out the shops and attractions of the exceptionally popular Santa Claus Village (you're in the official town of Santa Claus, after all).
Day 2: Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride, Northern Lights Electric Snowmobile Safari
"Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh..." As the song goes, a horse-drawn sleigh ride is a fun way to explore. Travel to the nearby wilderness resort of Apukka, which has been celebrated for its magnificent horses since the early 1900s. Take a step back in time and explore the forests the old-fashioned way; get cozy under a blanket in the sleigh and let the horses lead you through the snow-dusted landscape.
In the evening, there's an altogether more modern approach to traveling as you ride an e-sled (electric snowmobile) to a hilltop far from the city lights where you can hope to spot the swirling greens and purples of the northern lights overhead. Stay warm by the fire in a private cabin and tuck into a Finnish-style barbecue as you appreciate the brightness of the stars and cross your fingers for the aurora to make an appearance.Day 3: Authentic Husky & Reindeer Experiences
Today begins with a visit to a carefully chosen reindeer farm to meet a reindeer herder. You'll learn about the way of life on this traditional farm, discover how reindeer herding has been an integral part of Finnish nature and culture for centuries, and get hands-on with feeding the beautiful reindeer. It's about as far removed as you can get from a touristy experience—you can chat freely with the herder and enjoy a delicious homemade salmon soup and pancakes cooked over the open fire. There's also the chance to add real-life Christmas magic on a short reindeer sleigh safari.
Then it's onto your second authentic animal encounter: a family-run husky park, where you'll get to meet the super-smart dogs. Huskies are born to run and are happy to take you on a little safari, so sit back and enjoy the ride as you glide through Lapland's snowfields on a husky-pulled dogsled! After the safari, spend some time with the dogs: they love a cuddle after all their hard work.Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Transfer to Pyhä, Skiing at Pyhä Resort
Get ready to hit the slopes in Lapland as your driver whisks you north of the Arctic Circle to Pyhä. This reliable winter skiing spot has 8.7 miles (14 km) of wide, quiet runs with a fraction of the visitors of other European destinations. There's a good ski school with English-speaking instructors, so if you've never put on a pair of skis before, this is a great place to learn, while experienced skiers can enjoy swooshing through the deep, powdery snow. If you're comfortable on black runs, taking on Huttu-Ukko—the steepest slope in Finland and used by the national ski team for training—is a must.
Day 5: Snowshoeing to an Amethyst Mine, Northern Lights Tour
Another day brings another new activity! The snowy wilderness of Pyhä-Luosto National Park in the far north of Finland is a great place to discover the pleasures of snowshoeing. For centuries, snowshoeing was the most practical way for locals to hike from place to place. Meet your guide and head into the age-old forests, where you'll strap on snow shoes and set off on a four-hour cross-country trek.
The scenic route ends at Lampivaara, where the experience takes a surprise turn. Here, you can dig your own piece of amethyst at a hilltop amethyst mine. The mine is all about low-impact mining and small-scale production, using these prized purple stones in jewelry.
If you're lucky, the amethysts won't be the only dazzle of purple you'll see today. After dark, venture out on a northern lights tour. Your guide will have covered every aspect to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the aurora and will tell you interesting facts about Sámi nature and history. You'll also be shown the best ways to photograph the northern lights as they appear to dance across the night sky.Day 6: Ice Fishing Experience
It's time to live like a local and try your hand at ice fishing. Lakes and rivers are a primary source of food in Lapland, and fishing has long played a big part in Finnish culture. This doesn't stop in winter; the fishing techniques are simply adapted to deal with the frozen landscape! Your guide will pick you up and take you to an accessible ice fishing location. There, in a beautifully peaceful spot, you'll break the ice and learn the secrets of ice fishing. As is customary, warm drinks will be provided to keep you warm.
Day 7: Transfer to Rovaniemi Airport, Depart
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