Finnish Lapland in Winter

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Description

Summary

Starts
Helsinki
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Medium
Minimum age
15 years

Description

Embark on an enchanting multi-day tour through the captivating landscapes of Finland, where tradition meets modernity. From the vibrant streets of Helsinki to the serene wilderness of Lapland, this journey offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural wonder. Discover the architectural marvels of Helsinki, experience the thrill of dog sledding, and witness the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. Immerse yourself in Finnish culture with visits to reindeer farms and traditional saunas. Whether you're skiing down snowy slopes or exploring historical sites, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us for an extraordinary Finnish escapade that will leave you spellbound.

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Included

6 breakfasts

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All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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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

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OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS:

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME:

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES:

Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Hotel (2 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

hotel: 2 night(s), guesthouse: 4 night(s), sleeper-train: 1 night(s);

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OVERNIGHT TRAIN:

Finnish overnight trains are a very comfortable way to travel long distances without losing valuable time to explore the destinations. Compartments usually consist of 3 or 4 berths (2 bottom bunks and 1 or 2 top bunks), lockable doors with key-card access, communal bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage (sink and toilet), and plenty of space for luggage. Blankets, pillows and linen are provided, and each berth has a reading light. The exact layout of the cabin depends on the carriage type the group are allocated to. All trains have heating, however please note that windows can't be opened.

Overnight train , Public bus , Private vehicle , Tram

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Destinations

Helsinki cityscape with Helsinki Cathedral and port, FinlandHelsinki
Rovaniemi Finland, panorama of the city with Kemijoki river in the back and Ounasvaara fell with the city heart at the left.Rovaniemi

Map

Attractions

Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Rovaniemen seutukunta, Lapland, Mainland Finland, FinlandSanta Claus Village
Suomenlinna Church
Culture House KorundiCulture House Korundi
Puu-Vallila wooden house district
Varkaankuru
Photo of scenic summer panorama of the Market Square (Kauppatori) at the Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland.Helsinki Market Square
Arktikum, Rovaniemi, Rovaniemen seutukunta, Lapland, Mainland Finland, FinlandArktikum Science Museum
Senate Square, Kruununhaka, Southern major district, Helsinki, Helsinki sub-region, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandSenate Square

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

  • Helsinki - Arrival day
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  • Puu-Vallila wooden house district
  • Helsinki Market Square
  • Senate Square
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Helsinki, where your Finnish adventure begins. Arrive in the capital and settle into your accommodation at a centrally located hotel (or similar). At 6 pm, join your tour leader and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting. If you arrive early, explore the bustling Market Square or the creative Design District. Marvel at the architectural beauty of Senate Square, a testament to Finland's renowned design ethos. Conclude your day with a taste of local cuisine, sampling traditional dishes like Karelian pies or rye bread.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Helsinki

  • Helsinki
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  • Suomenlinna Church
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Begin your day with an orientation walk around Helsinki, guided by your tour leader. Discover the city's rich history and vibrant culture. In the afternoon, take a ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the Finnish sauna culture at a local public sauna. As the day winds down, board the 'Santa Claus Express' overnight train to Rovaniemi, the enchanting hometown of Santa Claus.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Arrival in Rovaniemi and Northern Lights

  • Rovaniemi
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  • Varkaankuru
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Arrive in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, and transfer to a cozy guesthouse nestled in the serene Finnish forest near Yllastunturi. This will be your home for the next four nights. As night falls, venture out to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. With minimal light pollution, this location offers the perfect setting to experience the natural wonder of the Northern Lights. Enjoy a warm drink as you gaze at the sky's vibrant display.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Dog Sledding Adventure

Day 4: Dog Sledding Adventure

Prepare for an exhilarating day as you embark on a dog sledding adventure across the snowy landscape of Yllastunturi. Feel the thrill as huskies pull you through the pristine trails, their excitement palpable in the crisp air. After the ride, warm up by an open fire and savor a Finnish sweet roll known as pulla. Take the opportunity to bond with your canine companions before returning to your guesthouse.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Reindeer Farm Visit and Sauna Experience

Day 5: Reindeer Farm Visit and Sauna Experience

  • Varkaankuru
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Delve into the traditional lifestyle of a local family at their reindeer farm, operational since 1861. Learn about reindeer herding and enjoy the chance to feed these gentle creatures. Afterward, indulge in a quintessential Finnish experience with a sauna session on the farm. Embrace the cleansing and meditative properties of the sauna, and for the adventurous, try ice swimming to invigorate your senses.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Leisure Day in Yllastunturi

Day 6: Leisure Day in Yllastunturi

  • Varkaankuru
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Enjoy a day of leisure in Yllastunturi, home to Finland's largest skiing resort. Choose from a variety of activities, including cross-country or downhill skiing. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, try your hand at ice fishing and perhaps catch your own dinner. Witness the Mpemba Effect by tossing boiling water into the frigid air and watch it freeze before hitting the ground. Revel in the winter wonderland at your own pace.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Return to Rovaniemi

  • Rovaniemi
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  • Santa Claus Village
  • Culture House Korundi
  • Arktikum Science Museum
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After breakfast, travel back to Rovaniemi and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city. Visit Santa Claus Village or hike along the Ounasvaara Winter Trail. For a deeper understanding of Lapland's history and culture, explore the Arktikum Museum or the Korundi House of Culture. In the evening, gather with your group for a farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable memories of your Finnish adventure.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Rovaniemi

  • Rovaniemi - Departure day
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Your Finnish journey concludes today after breakfast. Reflect on the incredible experiences and friendships made during your multi-day tour. If you wish to extend your stay, contact your booking agent to arrange additional nights in Rovaniemi or further explorations in Finland.

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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

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