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8 Day itinerary toLapland
8
days18/12/25 - 25/12/25
Distance by day
Local travel distance per day in km.
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Day 1
Rovaniemi➞Santa Claus Village
Travel time: 0.5 hr| Travel distance: 8 km
Morning
- Visit the Arktikum Science Museum, exploring the Arctic Circle's history and culture.
- Stroll along the Ounasjoki River, taking in the scenic snow-covered views.
- Explore the Christmas vibes at SantaPark, an underground theme park dedicated to Santa Claus.
Afternoon
- Drop by Santa Claus Village, meet Santa and explore the enchanting village.
- Join an Elf guided tour around the main attractions for families in the Santa Claus Village.
- Try ice fishing at an arranged spot near the village, a iconic Lapland experience.
- Visit Santa's Post Office, and send a postcard home!
Evening
- Witness the Northern Lights from the village's special viewing locations.
- Enjoy a traditional Finnish dinner at Santa's Salmon Place, experiencing a Salmon in a wooden hut.
Accomodation
- Stay at the Santa Claus Holiday Village, family cottages available.
Day 2
Santa Claus Village➞Ranua
Travel time: 1.5 hr| Travel distance: 81 km
Morning
- Depart for Ranua early morning, heading to the Ranua Wildlife Park.
- Take a guided tour of the Ranua Wildlife Park, observing arctic animals like polar bears and lynxes.
- Visit the House of Honey, learning about beekeeping in Lapland.
Afternoon
- Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at the Wildlife Park's restaurant.
- Explore the Christmas fair in Ranua, with local crafts and handmade products.
- Visit the Ranua Church, a beautiful wooden structure built in 1914.
- Opt for a snowmobile safari around the forest areas.
Evening
- Return to Rovaniemi to witness the beautiful Northern Lights by the river.
- Explore the Rovaniemi street-art scene as you navigate self-walking tours.
Accomodation
- Stay at Hostel Café Koti in Rovaniemi, offers budget-friendly family rooms.
Day 3
Rovaniemi➞Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 120 km
Morning
- Early drive to Pyhä-Luosto National Park and start your day with a peaceful morning hike.
- Visit the Amethyst Mine and dig for your own amethyst, a unique experience for kids.
- Explore the Giant’s Kettle, an unusual natural attraction in the area.
Afternoon
- Participate in a guided reindeer safari through the park.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in view of the Luosto Fells.
- Join a guided snowshoeing tour through the breathtaking landscape.
- Take part in 'Gonur', an ice sculpture workshop near the visitor center.
Evening
- Have a warming meal at Huttuhippu Restaurant offering local cuisine in Luosto.
- Engage in group storytelling by the campfire, sharing legends of Finnish folklore.
Accomodation
- Overnight at Santa's Hotel Aurora in Luosto with options for Northern Light views.
Day 4
Luosto➞Saariselkä
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 130 km
Morning
- Drive up to Saariselkä, a popular winter sports destination.
- Begin the day with a visit to the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida.
- Take part in cross-country skiing lessons suitable for families.
Afternoon
- Enjoy lunch with a panoramic view at Star Arctic Hotel restaurant.
- Explore the Saariselkä Urho Kekkonen National Park via guided family ski tours.
- Visit the gold panning area and try your luck at discovering gold.
- Meet the Sámi culture and lifestyles at the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos.
Evening
- Relax with a soak in an outdoor hot tub under the starry sky.
- Indulge in a local delicacy buffet at Teerenpesä restaurant.
Accomodation
- Stay at the Holiday Club Saariselkä, family-friendly with spa facilities.
Day 5
Saariselkä➞Inari
Travel time: 0.5 hr| Travel distance: 40 km
Morning
- Drive to Inari in the early morning.
- Visit the Siida Museum, exploring Sámi culture and Arctic nature.
- Participate in a traditional Sámi handicrafts workshop, perfect for children.
Afternoon
- Enjoy a lunch of reindeer stew at Restaurant Aanar.
- Explore Lemmenjoki National Park, Northern Europe’s largest national park.
- Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Inari for some stunning winter views.
- Attend a dog sledding lesson, learning how to mush a team of spirited huskies.
Evening
- Return to Saariselkä and enjoy dinner and storytelling from a local elder.
- Capture the magic of a winter night on a guided Northern Lights chase.
Accomodation
- Overnight at Wilderness Hotel Inari, with family rooms available.
Day 6
Inari➞Kittilä
Travel time: 2.5 hr| Travel distance: 190 km
Morning
- Depart Inari heading towards Kittilä.
- Stop by the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park en route for a small hike to catch sunrise.
- Visit the Snow Village in Lainio, a breathtaking architecture where everything is made out of snow and ice.
Afternoon
- Have lunch at the village's ice restaurant offering signature cold environments.
- Participate in an igloo building workshop, a family-bonding experience.
- Explore the Levi area for snowboarding and other winter sports activities.
- Walk through Levi Markt, a spot to buy local goods and crafts.
Evening
- Experience Levi's vibrant nightlife with a visit to Tuikku Salsa's local entertainment.
- Enjoy a hearty dinner at Restaurant Pihvipirtti focused on grilled specialties.
Accomodation
- Stay overnight at Levi Hotel Spa, offering family options and wellness facilities.
Day 7
Kittilä➞Äkäslompolo
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 52 km
Morning
- Drive in the early morning to Äkäslompolo, known for natural beauty and trails.
- Explore the Finnish Forest Park with a guided nature walk led by a local ranger.
- Visit the Konijänkä Petting Zoo located in Äkäslompolo, great for children.
Afternoon
- Lunch at Café Kuksa, known for its cozy ambiance and hearty meals.
- Try a short family kick-sledding activity for fun in the snow.
- Tour the local Äkäslompolo Gallery showcasing Nordic-inspired artworks.
- Take a horse sleigh ride through the forest, a peaceful way to explore the surroundings.
Evening
- Attend a winter festivity event, featuring local music and choreography.
- Enjoy a traditional Finnish Sauna experience in a wood-burning sauna place.
Accomodation
- Stay overnight at L7 Luxury Lodge in Äkäslompolo, family-friendly options.
Day 8
Äkäslompolo➞Rovaniemi
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 170 km
Morning
- Head back to Rovaniemi for your final day in Lapland.
- Visit the Pilke Science Centre, which is known for interactive exhibitions about forests.
- Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Revontuli Shopping Centre.
Afternoon
- Stop for lunch at Buffet House Rovaniemi, an affordable place with varied cuisines.
- Visit Rovaniemi Church, known for its architecture and spiritual ambiance.
- Explore the Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, one of the iconic symbols of Rovaniemi.
- Take a family photo opportunity at the Arctic Circle marker.
Evening
- Wrap up with a farewell dinner at Nili Restaurant, known for Lappish delicacies.
- Let the children enjoy the Santa Claus Village park before concluding the trip.
Accomodation
- None, last day.
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Tags
early-risers
active
adventure
city-urban
festival-events
history
local-markets
nature-outdoors
relaxation
religious
street-art
street-food
Time of the year
Expect cold temperatures ranging from -5°C to -20°C. Snowfall is common, providing a perfect winter wonderland.
December is peak tourist season in Lapland due to Christmas and winter holidays, expect some attractions to be busy.
Useful information
- Ensure to pack warm winter clothes and footwear.
- Consider renting a car for convenience in travel between remote locations.
- Book popular activities and accommodations in advance due to peak season.
- Check the predicted Northern Lights activity online for planning evening outings.
Weather forecast - 16 days
Showing forecasted weather for the upcoming 16 days in Lapland.
