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  4. Finnish Lapland in Winter

Explore Finland like never before on this journey through snow-covered Lapland.

Lapland, home of the indigenous Sami people, is a magical place of pristine peaks and snow-dusted woodlands. In this Arctic wonderland, the cold air is cut only by the sound of rushing rivers and panting huskies as they prepare to rush across this impossibly vast, white wilderness. Strap on your hiking boots and crunch a path through Finland’s spectacular taigas, get cosy with the locals over a glass of salmari and experience the rush of a real dog-sled. From the docks of Helsinki to mountainous Yllastunturi and Santa’s workshop in Rovaniemi – witness a beautiful part of the world where Christmas feels always close.

Start
Helsinki, Finland
Finish
Rovaniemi, Finland
Destination
Finland
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
BMXF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Be pulled across the landscape at high speed on the back of a dog sled. These incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before rushing along sprawling trails

  • Visit a traditional Sami family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. Samis are known for their rich cultural heritage and a close connection to the land they live on, shown through their skills in reindeer herding, fishing and foraging for foods.

  • The aurora borealis is the best lightshow on Earth, and this trip is your ticket. Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions)

Is this trip right for you?

  • Lapland can be extremely cold at this time of year. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.

  • Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.

  • The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a natural display of coloured lights in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. While Northern Light displays can never be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, you have a higher chance of seeing them in locations at high latitudes, such as Northern Finland. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies during your visit.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. A single supplement is not available on this trip due to the small size of the accommodation we use in Yllastunturi. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Please also be aware that many guesthouses offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities. Rooms in Finland can be small, and at times you may be accommodated a short walk away from the main building.

  • Finland can be an expensive destination in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Please stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant.

Map of Finnish Lapland in Winter including Finland
A herd of reindeer in Finland
The Northern Lights in Finland
Get up close with the Huskies in Finland
Visit snow covered Helsinki in Finland
Beautiful snowy lapland in Finland
Reindeer in the snowy woodland of Finland
Witness the breathtaking Northern Lights in Finland

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2018 to 31 March 2019. View the itinerary for departures between 01 October 2019 - 31 March 2020

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. If you’re in the city early, maybe check out the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Your leader will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have these ready.

Join your leader on an orientation walk around Helsinki in the morning. Once you get the lay of the land, the rest of the day is completely free for you to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the Design Museum. Don't miss the historic harbour-side market and market hall for local oddities. If you didn’t have time yesterday make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city and often referred to as the Gibraltar of the North. Later in the day, you’ll board an overnight train to Kemi, a quaint town in Finland’s far north, sitting close to the border with its neighbour Sweden. The cabins on the train are very comfortable, with 4 berths to a cabin.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Train (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • National Museum of Finland - EUR10
  • Museum of Cultures - EUR9
  • Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR14
  • Design Museum - EUR10
  • Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
  • Mannerheim Museum - EUR12
  • City Museum - Free
  • Ateneum Art Museum - EUR15
  • Cathedral - Free
  • Rock Church - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The train arrives at Kemi early this morning, from where you will connect to a bus to Kolari. In Kolari you’ll have some free time to explore the town and take in some of the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding the area. The town sits close to the Torne River, the longest free flowing river in all of Europe. The modern Church of Kolari is worth a visit for its unique architecture. Maybe round out your time in town with some excellent local gingerbread cookies or blinis. In the afternoon, board a local bus to Yllästunturi, a popular cross-country and downhill skiing location. Perhaps sweat out the rest of the day in a sauna before turning in for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Sauna Visit - EUR170
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Our hotel is situated in the forest about 3km from the town centre of Yllästunturi, in quiet surroundings. Catering is available for purchase at the hotel's cafeteria, and the hotel offers a variety of optional activities. Alternatively, there are restaurants and supermarkets a short taxi ride away.

Make sure you rug up for today’s adventures, as you’ll be pulled across the landscape at high speed on the back of a dog sled. These incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before rushing along sprawling trails. With the wind in your hair, ride through the snow as your new four-legged friends pull you onwards in a truly memorable experience. You’ll get a stop at lunch for a picnic, where you’ll warm yourself by the bonfire, chow down on sausages, pulla (Finnish sweet rolls) and drink some coffee or tea. If you’re lucky, you might get to give the dogs a pet and a cuddle – just be sure to ask the sledmaster first!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dog Sledding
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your next adventure in Yllästunturi takes you on a visit to a traditional Sami family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. Known as the northernmost indigenous people of all Europe, the Sami are the only native group in Scandinavia to be recognised and protected by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDIP). They’re known for their rich cultural heritage and a close connection to the land they live on, shown through their skills in reindeer herding, fishing and foraging for foods such as mushrooms and the rare golden cloudberry. You’ll also get to explore one of their traditional lavvu tents. In the evening, head outside for the opportunity to see the famous aurora borealis – flickering majestically with shades of red, green, yellow, violet and blue.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Saami Reindeer Farm
Optional Activities
  • Northern Light Viewing Opportunity - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Yllästunturi turns off their street lighting at 10pm from November to mid-February, so the Northern Lights can be seen better. Please note that while there is a good chance of seeing the lights of the aurora this far north, there is no guarantee, as they are a natural phenomenon.

Yllästunturi is home to the largest skiing resort in all Finland, boasting some of the longest downhill skiing runs through it’s rolling snow parks. Today you’ll have a free day to explore this winter wonderland with plenty of optional activities that your leader can help organise for you. There’s plenty of options on hand – you may want to explore the snow-dusted wilderness with a snow-shoeing expedition. Alternatively ice fishing is also an option for anyone who’s after a more relaxing experience, with the added bonus of a self-caught dinner to boot.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Snowshoe Hire - EUR15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart in the morning to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Known also as the official home of Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle, this city is an urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, full of culture and stunning scenic hikes. With a free afternoon to explore the city and its surrounds, you have the option of visiting Santa’s workshop, or taking part in the numerous activities that the city has to offer. Maybe meet Siberian huskies at the Arctic Circle Husky Park, go hiking and witness spectacular rapids and aapa mires, or even trek down to Auttikongas to witness one of Finland’s most magnificent waterfalls in the depths of the taiga forest. Make the most of your time here as tomorrow is your departure day – perhaps meet up with your group afterwards for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Santa Claus Workshop - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your adventures through Lapland come to an end today after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in the region we are happy to book additional nights for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Overnight train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Tram

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Dog Sledding
  • Saami Reindeer Farm

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is not available on this trip.

NEW TRIP
Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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