Finland is located in Northern Europe and shares borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia. The country is a magical winter wonderland, packed with clean air, snow-capped landscapes, Arctic adventures, and the Northern Lights. However, traveling north of the Arctic Circle in the middle of winter is not everyone’s idea of a dream winter vacation. You have to deal with frigid temperatures, incredibly short days, as well as challenging snow-covered terrain. But don’t let the tough conditions deter you. If done correctly, the Arctic wonderland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re chasing the elusive Aurora, racing through snowy forests on a husky sled, tobogganing down ice slides, visiting Santa Claus, or spending one night in a cozy igloo, this trip promises an unparalleled blend of adventure, culture, and scenic splendor. Get ready to fall in love with Finland’s Arctic charm. From the charming suburbs of Helsinki to the breathtaking Finnish Lapland, this 5-day itinerary provides an exciting opportunity to explore unfamiliar regions and go on a spectacular tour across Finland’s winter highlights. Helsinki, Finland

Day 1 – Helsinki

Almost all trips to Finland begin in Helsinki, the country’s capital and home to its main international airport. Furthermore, since all flights to Lapland originate in Helsinki, a stopover in Helsinki makes sense. One day in Helsinki is enough to get a sense of the Finnish capital and visit its highlights. Helsinki’s city center is pretty compact, and public transportation and walking can take you almost anywhere. Take a leisurely stroll across the city and soak in the sense of place. It has unique architecture, wonderful food, interesting culture, and fascinating museums. Visit the city’s main sights, including Senate Square, Helsinki Market Square, Old Market Hall, Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, Sibelius Monument, Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki Central Library, Helsinki Design District, and Kamppi Chapel of Silence. If you go in December, before Christmas, you must visit the Christmas markets, which are full of vibrant stalls and vendors selling traditional foods and drinks. Many museums in the city cover a wide range of interests, including architecture, design, photography, and contemporary art. If you have time, you can visit the ones that interest you. Finish your day at some elegant spa to experience authentic Finnish sauna culture. The two preferred options are Allas Sea Pool and Löyly Sauna. The latter is an indoor sauna that allows you to dip in the ocean’s icy waters, provided you are up for the challenge. In case you have a day to spare, you may also take a day trip to nearby Tallinn by ferry (2 hours one way). Snowmobiling Finnish Lapland

Day 2 & 3 – Ivalo

We will next visit Ivalo, one of Finland’s oldest ski resorts and the world’s northernmost holiday destination. The tiny village with an airfield is located 300 km above the Arctic Circle. You may fly to Ivalo Airport from Helsinki. We picked Ivalo since it is the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland. The region is not touristy, delivers more authentic experiences, and offers better chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. We’ll be staying at Saariselkä, a tourist town located 30 minutes from Ivalo. During the winter months, the area has a very convenient bus schedule. Bookings are not required in advance, and you can pay the driver with a card on the bus. You can also hire a car from the airport itself or take a taxi. With the spectacular Urho Kekkonen National Park nearby and ice-laden hills all around, Saariselkä is a perfect location for experiencing the snowy wilderness. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice-karting, reindeer-sledding, fat tire biking, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, northern lights tours–the list is extensive, and it all depends on your adrenaline rush and ability to embrace snowy conditions. Saariselkä, Finland Miles of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes make Saariselkä the perfect destination for snowmobiling.  You can get to remote spots that would normally be difficult to get, providing you unparalleled access to the Arctic wilderness. Saariselkä is also an excellent place to hunt for the Northern Lights. The quaint village is known for having aurora displays 200 nights a year, so your chances are quite good here. Therefore, enjoy winter activities during the day and go Northern Lights chasing at night. Saariselkä is also the location of the popular igloos of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Staying in the glass igloos is a unique experience that should not be passed up if it is within your budget. When the night sky is illuminated by the aurora, the resort sounds an alarm in each igloo, and you can witness the Northern Lights dancing overhead from the comfort of your warm bed. Given how expensive the heated igloos are, you can spend one night there and another elsewhere. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Day 4 & 5 – Rovaniemi

Our next destination is Rovaniemi. You could fly, but I would recommend taking the bus from Ivalo (Inari). The three-hour bus trip is comfortable, convenient, and affordable. Furthermore, while you traverse the Arctic region, you can take in the dreamy splendor of untarnished snow-covered landscapes and frozen pine trees, making the ride a visual feast. You can board the bus from right outside the main gate of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort as well as many other spots nearby. You can book the tickets here Rovaniemi is centrally located in Finnish Lapland and serves as an excellent starting point for Lapland excursions. It’s no surprise that it appears on almost every Lapland itinerary. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try any of the winter activities available in Saariselkä, now is your time. There is a wide range of winter sports available in the breathtaking frozen landscape that surrounds the city. Ride huskies through the wilderness, float in icy-cold water, slide down a snow-laden canyon, experience the excitement of snowmobiling, engage in a snowball fight, pose with reindeer, hike the waterfall, play with the furry creatures, or go on a hunt for the enigmatic Northern Lights. If you are into hiking, you must trek the Kourouma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls The 5-kilometer hike will take you through the frozen wilderness of the Arctic forests, crossing cliffs, icicles, and waterfalls, each more majestic than the last. The trip takes roughly 7 hours, including 2 hours driving time. Reindeer Sleding, Roveneimi Rovaniemi is also the official home of Santa Claus. You can travel to Santa Claus Village by driving, taking a taxi, or riding the Santa Express bus. It is only a 10-minute ride from Rovaniemi’s center. The Santa Claus Village is a winter wonderland, and you will feel the festive vibes as soon as you enter the enchanting village. You will get a chance to meet the ‘real’ Santa Claus for free, though a photo with him will incur a cost. There is a lot to do in Santa Claus Village, including reindeer sleigh rides, visiting Mrs Claus, snow tubing, husky rides, reindeer sledding, ice skating, and even a snow restaurant and ice bar. In fact, there is also the Sant Claus Post Office, where you can send letters and postcards with a distinctive Arctic Circle postmark. The Arctic Circle’s official boundaries pass through the village, and even though it’s only a line, you can always take a picture for the Gram. To be honest, everything is touristy, but you can spend a few hours in the village if you have kids or want to relive your childhood. After spending two days in Rovaniemi, you can either fly back to Helsinki for your next connection or take an overnight sleeper train to the capital city. Santa Claus Express takes 12 hours and is very comfortable. Santa Claus Village, Finland

Best Time to Visit Finland?

The best time to visit Finland depends on the experience you’re looking for. While the winter tourist season begins in late November, some regions of Finland still do not have enough snow to start winter sports. If you want to enjoy winter to the utmost, the period between mid-December and March is good. There is enough snow for popular sports such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice-karting. However, in December and January, the days are short, with just 3-4 hours of sunlight, leaving little time for activities unless they can be completed in the dark. Since most nights are cloudy, it’s not the best time to witness the Northern Lights, but there is still a very good chance of sighting them. One of the most appealing aspects of December is the festive decorations. And what could be better than meeting Santa Claus around Christmas? The most perfect period of the year to visit Lapland for winter activities and the Northern Lights is between February and March. There are ample sunlight hours, and plenty of snow for winter activities, and the weather tends to be clearer and warmer for Aurora hunting. From September to November, you can enjoy spectacular autumn landscapes, photography, and the Northern Lights (early season). The months of June, July, and August are good for Midnight Sun (24-hour daylight), outdoor activities, national parks, and lake cruises. There isn’t much for visitors to enjoy between April and May. Dog Sledding, Finland

How to Travel in Finland?

Finland has an efficient and well-connected transportation system, making it simple to explore the country whether you’re in the cities on heading to the Arctic wilderness. For longer journeys, like the one between Helsinki and Rovaniemi/Ivalo, I suggest either taking the train or flying. Flights to Lapland are the quickest option if you have limited time. Finnair and Norwegian offer frequent domestic flights. The trains (VR Rail) are efficient, comfortable, and scenic. The Santa Claus Express (overnight sleeper train) runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and is ideal for Lapland trips. Renting a car is a good alternative for Lapland and road trips. Roads are well-maintained, and cars come with studded tires, but winter driving demands experience because you must deal with icy roads, darkness, and unknown terrain in sparsely populated areas. Driving in harsh weather isn’t for everyone. You can easily avoid driving by using a combo of public transport, tours, taxis, and walking. Even in towns like Rovaniemi and Ivalo, you may find Uber and Bolt. The HSL App makes it simple to buy tickets for public transportation in Helsinki, including trams, buses, metros, and ferries

Know Before You Go

• Download apps like “My Aurora Forecast,” “Aurora Alerts,” “Glendale App” “Aurora Forecast” & Alerts, or “Aurorapp Northern Lights” to track the Northern Lights. These apps collect solar data, monitor real-time auroral activity, and send push notifications whenever the aurora borealis is visible.
• The Northern Lights appear all year, but we need dark nights and low pollution levels to catch a glimpse of this phenomenal light show, which happens only for a few months. It is better to hire a professional guide or go on an organized trip that will take you to great viewing spots and help you click some wonderful pictures of the dancing lights. Few excursions take you on an exciting chase for the Northern Lights, wherever they may appear. They may take you to Sweden and Norway in search of the awe-inspiring phenomenon. On the flip side, during clear winter nights in Lapland, all you need to do is glance up at the sky to spot the Northern Lights.
• The winters in Finland can be extremely frigid. The temperature in Helsinki will probably range from 1 to -7 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in Lapland is between 2 and -16 degrees. Lapland receives up to 225 days of snowfall per year.

Kourouma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls.   Flickr.com

• The number of light hours in Finland during the winter varies depending on the location and month of travel. In winter, Helsinki receives 6 to 12 hours of daylight. In the north, daylight lasts between 2 and 12 hours. The darkest days of the year occur around the 22nd of December, known as the Winter Solstice. At the Winter Solstice, the sun follows the shortest course through the sky, resulting in the shortest day of the year and the longest night. However, the white snow in Lapland makes the day appear lighter than it might otherwise.
• Most people make the mistake of visiting Finland just to see the Northern Lights. This could lead to disappointment because auroras are a natural phenomenon that cannot be guaranteed. Plan a trip for the magnificent landscapes, unusual activities, and the Finnish experience, and you will have a fantastic time.
• Spend at least two nights in northern Finland, as the odds of viewing the Northern Lights are better there than in southern Finland.
• All of the activities listed above can be booked online or in person at the office. During peak season, it is best to book ahead of time.
• Because of its isolated location and harsh conditions, Finland is not cheap and cannot be visited on a shoestring budget. You must pay a hefty price, particularly for lodging, activities, and excursions. Each activity costs roughly €100 per person. Your budget may be easily pushed by unique accommodations like snow hotels or igloos. If you’re considering a trip to Finland, plan for the expense.
• Wearing the appropriate attire is crucial, particularly when traveling to a country like Finland. Many activity organizers will give overalls and other top layers that will shield you from the extreme cold, but it is better to have your own warm clothes. What you need in Finland deserves an article by itself, but here are a few essentials: parkas, fleece jackets, woolen sweaters, thermals, caps, ear muffs, neck gaiters, scarves, waterproof gloves, gloves liner, woolen socks, snow pants, fleece leggings, snow boots, polarized sunglasses, and hand/feet warmers.
• Although the locals speak Finnish, English is commonly spoken and understood across Finland.
• Tipping is not prevalent in Finland, and they do not expect anything in exchange for their services. Finland’s rates include services and taxes by law.
• You do not need to carry any cash in Finland. Everyone has a card machine and accepts payment by card.

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