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Finnish Lapland in Winter
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: BMXF
Overview
Destination:
Finland,
Start:Helsinki, Finland
Finish:Rovaniemi, Finland
Finish:Rovaniemi, Finland
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
Travel Period
March 2025 - December 2027
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.
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.
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.
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 6 breakfasts.
- Transport: Overnight train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Tram.
- Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night).
- Helsinki to Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Express Overnight Train.
- Helsinki – Helsinki Leader led orientation walk.
- Yllästunturi - Dog Sledding.
- Yllästunturi - Reindeer Farm Visit.
- Yllästunturi - Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna.
- Rovaniemi – Rovaniemi Leader led orientation walk.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Helsinki
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
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.
Day 3: Rovaniemi / Yllastunturi
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.
Day 4: Yllastunturi
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 pulla (a Finnish sweet roll). If you’re lucky, you might even get to give the dogs a pet and a cuddle.
Day 5: Yllastunturi
Your next adventure in Yllästunturi takes you on a visit to a traditional local family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. Their reindeer farm has been operating since 1861 and you may have the opportunity to feed and watch these cute animals go about their daily routine. 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. Then why not experience a traditional Finnish bath on the farm? Finnish sauna has a millennia old history, and is integral to the Finnish national identity. Locals swear by the cleansing, healing and meditative properties of having a steam and a wash in the sauna. There is also an opportunity to try ice swimming afterwards!
Day 6: Yllastunturi
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.
Day 7: Rovaniemi
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 Northern 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!
Day 8: Rovaniemi
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.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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