Finnish Lapland in Winter

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).

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.

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.

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 sausages and pulla (a Finnish sweet roll). If you’re lucky, you might even get to give the dogs a pet and a cuddle.

Although Lapland is often associated with winter tourism, it’s much more than just a destination for tourists. See how locals live by visiting a traditional Sami family, who’ll guide you through their daily life. These indigenous people have a deep connection to the Arctic environment, and reindeer herding is a central to their culture. Take a look at one of their traditional tents – also known as a lavvu – and then get ready for a snowshoeing expedition. Far away from the city lights, you’ll have a good chance of spotting the aurora borealis this evening.

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.

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 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!

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.