If you are dreaming of the perfect winter wonderland adventure, then this Finnish Lapland itinerary is for you! Our adventure travel family had the joy of exploring Helsinki, Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi and Tallinn. It was pure magic from start to finish. From reindeer and husky sled rides to ice fishing and snowmobiling, every moment felt like stepping into a real-life snow globe. We played for hours in the snow and soaked in the peaceful beauty of the Arctic. The twinkling lights, glass igloos, and warm smiles brought out our childhood wonder and belief in magic. This Finnish Lapland itinerary is filled with unforgettable experiences that brought our family even closer. I cannot wait to share every snowy, sparkling detail with you!
What is Lapland?
Finnish Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland. It sits above the Arctic Circle and is known for its stunning winter landscapes. Snow covers the ground for much of the year. Forests, frozen lakes, and hills stretch as far as the eye can see.
Lapland is famous for its winter magic and Northern Lights that dance across the sky on clear nights. This region is also home to the indigenous Sámi people. Their traditions and reindeer herding are part of daily life.
Many families visit Lapland to meet Santa Claus. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is Santa’s official hometown and home to Santa Claus Village.
The cold is real, but the right clothing makes it manageable! A visit to Finnish Lapland takes some advanced planning, but it is so worth the effort! It feels like you are stepping into a winter fairy tale!!
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland
Our Finnish Lapland itinerary began with a five-hour stopover in Helsinki before boarding our overnight train to Lapland. So of course, we set off on an adventure to explore as much of Helsinki as we could!
At the airport, we grabbed winter gear from checked bags and headed towards the train. The train to the Central Railway Station took 25 minutes. We stored our luggage in lockers downstairs at the station and then took an Uber to our furthest stop. That way we could walk back to the station, taking in the sites along the way.
Our first destination was Senate Square. The majestic white Helsinki Cathedral stood tall against the snowy sky. Snow was falling as we walked. The girls were thrilled! They threw snow into the air, laughing and twirling.
We visited Uspenskin Katedraali next. Its red brick and golden domes were stunning in the fading light. Nearby, we passed the Presidential Palace and admired the beautiful waterfront and historic buildings around it.
We ate dinner at the Old Market Hall. It was cozy and delicious. We tried local reindeer dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Each bite was flavorful and unforgettable. Last, we visited the National Library of Finland. Its classical columns and quiet rooms amazed us.
Though short, this stopover added so much to our Finnish Lapland itinerary. Snow, lights, and history made it magical.
Follow along on our post “5 Reasons Why You’ll Love a Stopover in Helsinki Before Lapland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 1 - Overnight Santa Claus Express Train to Rovaniemi
Our overnight Santa Claus Express train to Rovaniemi was scheduled to depart at 7:30 pm. So we made our way back to Helsinki Central Railway Station after a magical day exploring the city.
Our train was delayed due to weather. We took the time to relax at the station. We enjoyed some hot tea while the girls played quietly. Eventually, the large sign in the station updated with a new departure time. We rolled our bags out to the platform as the train pulled in. The train cars are clearly labeled, so we found our train car easily.
We had booked two cozy sleeper cabins for our family of 4. Each cabin had 2 beds and a private restroom. Having a private restroom made a big difference for our family with kids. It added comfort and convenience. Each sleeper cabin was warm and clean. Each bed had a thin blanket and thin pillow. The bathrooms were expectedly tiny.
The train pulled away slowly as snow fell outside the window. It felt like a dream beginning. The gentle rocking of the train made it easy to fall asleep. The girls settled in quickly and drifted to sleep. Outside, the scenery changed from city lights to snowy forests. It was peaceful and quiet.
Our stay included breakfast and dinner each day at the Restaurant Gallis. The menu highlights local Lapland ingredients like reindeer, Arctic char, mushrooms, and wild berries. Each dish was fresh and prepared with care
By morning, we reached the Arctic Circle. A soft pink semi-sunrise Artic sunrise greeted us as we opened the window covering.
The overnight journey was cozy magical and the perfect way to transfer to Finnish Lapland.
Accommodations in Rovaniemi / Santa Claus Village:
The Glass Resort
Due to the train delay, we arrived in Rovaniemi later than expected. I had arranged a driver through the Glass Resort in Santa Claus Village. They monitored our train schedule and met us right on time. The transfer was smooth and comfortable. Our driver navigated snowy roads and pointed out different sights along the way.
We arrived at Santa Claus Village feeling very excited. Check-in at the Glass Resort was quick. The staff stored our luggage and later delivered everything to our glass igloo once ready. The igloo was beautiful and modern. There was a bathroom with a private sauna, which we loved. Upstairs, there was a cozy bed with huge glass ceilings for clear views of the sky. Downstairs, the sofa turned into another bed. There was also an outdoor hot tub, which felt amazing after a long day of travel.
Our stay included breakfast and dinner each day at the Restaurant Gallis. The menu highlights local Lapland ingredients like reindeer, Arctic char, mushrooms, and wild berries. Each dish was fresh and prepared with care
The staff were warm, welcoming, and great with kids. The resort is centrally located, so everything in Santa Claus Village is just a short walk away. It took no more than 5-10 minutes to get to any of the main attractions or activities. The Glass Resort was the perfect home base for our Finnish Lapland adventures! It offered comfort, fun, and unforgettable memories.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 2 - Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is a magical holiday destination in Rovaniemi, Finland. It sits right on the Arctic Circle and is a must for any Finnish Lapland itinerary. Santa Claus Village brings the magic of Christmas to life, especially in the winter! The snow-covered buildings sparkle with lights. Soft Christmas music plays in the background. Everything feels like so magical!
The village is open every day, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Opening hours vary slightly by season. During winter, most attractions are open from 10 am to 5 pm. Everywhere you turn, parents are pulling their children on sleds across the snow. Children make use of any snow pile to sled and slide down.
Wooden tepees with warm fires are placed throughout the village. They are perfect for resting and warming up. Many families roast marshmallows over the fire. Hot chocolate is available in all the cafes. Something about having Santa’s official hot chocolate makes it taste better than anything you have had before!
In Santa Claus Village you can meet Santa in his official office, cross the Artic Circle, visit Mrs. Santa Claus, see Santa’s Main Post Office, enjoy reindeer rides, mini snowmobiles husky safaris, snow playgrounds, and so much more! I have included a brief description of each activity below. Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh Ride
We arrived early, around 8:30 am, as Santa Claus Village began to wake. The snow sparkled in the soft morning light. Everything felt peaceful and full of magic. Our first stop was the Santa Claus Reindeer. There were no lines, so we walked right in.
The girls met our reindeer guides and gently patted the animals. Staff helped us into sleighs, tucked warm hides over us, and took photos.
The sleigh glided softly through the snow. Bells jingled with each step. We passed Mrs. Santa Claus’ Cottage and spotted the glowing igloos of the Glass Resort.
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage
After our magical reindeer sleigh ride, we needed a cozy spot to warm up. We walked over to Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage. It looked like it came straight from a fairy tale! Snow covered the roof, and soft lights twinkled in the windows. It felt peaceful and festive, a perfect winter escape.
Once inside, we climbed upstairs and were greeted by a cheerful elf. She helped us hang our coats and guided us into the next room. There, Mrs. Claus welcomed us with a warm smile and sparkling eyes. She spoke to us in a soft voice with a thick European accent.
After our visit, we stopped at Mrs. Claus’ Café. The café was cozy and full of holiday decorations. We ordered the famous hot chocolate. It was thick, rich, and the best we’ve ever tasted!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Santa's Pets / Tallitontun Piha
Recharged by our extra-special Mrs. Claus hot chocolate, we eagerly headed to Santa’s Pets. This charming area, also called Tallitontun Piha, is home to friendly alpacas, ponies, goats, sheep, rabbits, donkeys, and reindeer.
The girls loved feeding the animals, and the animals, in turn, were very eager to eat! The alpacas and goats were very friendly, nuzzling close to eat.
While the reindeer took their time to nibble the moss. The girls couldn’t stop smiling as they pet the animals and watched them interact with one another.
There are sledding hills where the girls raced up and down, laughing nonstop. After hours of pure fun, we had to pull the girls away from all the activities!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Central Square and Crossing the Arctic Circle
After a late lunch at Three Elves Restaurant, we made our way to the Central Square. At one end of the square, there is a giant thermometer showing the chilly Arctic temperatures. Nearby we crossed the famous Arctic Circle line. Standing right on the line feels thrilling and unforgettable. We paused here to take photos and soak in the moment.
A live webcam streams views of the Arctic Circle crossing and Central Square. So our family back home watched the magic in real time! The shops around the square had hand-crafted ornaments, reindeer trinkets, and cozy winter gear. Picking out mementos felt like capturing a piece of the magic!
Before long, it was time to head to the Glass Resort, where we spent the evening enjoying the hot tub and sauna! After an amazing dinner at Restaurant Gallis, we cuddled in our Santa PJs before dozing off for the night.
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 3 - SantaPark
The next morning, we visited SantaPark in Rovaniemi. SantaPark an underground Christmas wonderland that feels like stepping into another world! Everything from the twinkling lights to the pine-scented air instantly wrapped us in festive cheer.
We had a Private Elf Guide named Crafty. She met us at the entrance and stayed with us for hours, making every part of the visit feel personal and magical. She knew our kids’ names, played games with them, and guided us to each activity with ease.
Elf School was a big hit for the girls! They learned how to laugh, dance, and think like real elves. At the end, we each received our official Elf Diploma!
After that, we made crafts in the Elf Workshop and decorated cookies in Mrs. Gingerbread’s Bakery. The warm gingerbread smell still makes me smile.
Meeting Santa was truly special. Crafty brought us straight into Santa’s Office. He took time to talk with the girls and made them feel so important. We got a beautiful photo and small gifts. The whole moment felt very special!
We also crossed the Arctic Circle in a special underground location, saw the Elf Show, and visited Santa’s Post Office. It wasn’t just another tourist stop. It felt like a cozy, enchanted world built just for families!
Follow along on our post “Why SantaPark Finland is the Top Pick for a Santa Experience” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 4 - Reindeer Farm Experience in Rovaniemi
One of our favorite moments on our Finnish Lapland itinerary was an morning visit to a reindeer farm in Rovaniemi. The sky was still a dark blue haze when we arrived at SieriPoro Reindeer Farm. Everything was covered in a fresh layer of snow with think, fluffy snow falling around us. It felt like a real-life snow globe!
We were warmly greeted by the family who runs the farm. They are part of the local Sami community and shared beautiful stories about life with reindeer. We started our visit with a sleigh ride around a snowy track on the farm. The reindeer moved at a calm, steady pace. The ride circled through a path surrounded by snowy landscape.
After the ride, the girls ran into the deep snow and started building a snowman. We joined in, shaping snowballs and throwing a few at each other.
Next, we got to feed the reindeer. It was pure magic!! We entered the large wooded paddock and were face-to-face with the gentle animals. We were given lichen and the reindeer came trotting over. They gently nibbling from our hands. We had plenty of time to meet them all and take photos.
The longer ride was too icy that day, but the farm had excellent communication and helped us adjust the plan. Honestly, the shorter ride and feeding experience turned out to be a better choice for us!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Reindeer Farm in Rovaniemi Finland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 4 - Santa Claus Village
Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park Mini Snowmobiling
The mini snowmobile ride at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park quickly became one of the girls’ favorite activities! From the moment they spotted the snowmobiles zipping around the track, their eyes lit up. The girls could hardly contain their excitement as we waited in line. They played on a small snow hill nearby and roasted marshmallows by the fire in the wooden tepee.
When it was finally their turn, they stepped up eagerly for the safety talk. Once on the snowmobiles, they rode off with wide grins, navigating the track like little pros. The loop was just long enough to give them a taste of adventure.
We stood at the edge of the track snapping photos and laughing along with the other parents. Watching them beam with pride. The girls talked about this experience non-stop, wanting to do it over and over again!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 4 - Northern Lights Wilderness Tour
After an afternoon rest, we departed on our wilderness adventure in search of the auroras! The weather during our time in Rovaniemi was very cloudy with frequent snow showers. Not the perfect conditions for seeing the auroras, but we had to at least try! Our guide made the late night adventure as fun for the girls as possible.
I picked this Northern Lights tour because it included photos and was not an all-night adventure. This way, I could enjoy the experience without having to worry about trying to capture photos of the auroras. The next day I received a link to download all the photos taken during our adventure. This Northern Lights tour offered by the same company is longer and still includes the photos.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
Our guide taught us how to build a camp fire without a lighter and how to cook reindeer sausages.
Then we had fun taking crazy night photos while playing with the lighting to create an angelic and devilish glow. The girls had a blast coming up with new photo ideas and laughing about the silly photos they created.
Even though we only caught a brief glimpse of the auroras, it was still a fun adventure! Of course the day we left Lapland, the weather conditions cleared up and the auroras came out with all their glory!
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 5 - Ice Fishing Excursion
After a late night chasing the Northern Lights, we let the morning unfold slowly. Everyone slept in, enjoyed a quiet breakfast, and took their time getting ready. Around lunch, we set out for our next adventure on our Finnish Lapland itinerary … ice fishing in Rovaniemi. It was a peaceful yet exciting way to spend time together in the Arctic outdoors.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
We made our way to Apukka Resort via a shuttle bus. After checking in and getting suited up in warm gear, we rode across snowy fields in a snowmobile-pulled sled. The ride alone had the kids grinning ear to ear. When we arrived at the frozen lake, the view was breathtaking. Everything was white, quiet, and still.
Our guide showed us how to drill through the ice with hand augers. The girls loved this part! Then we baited our lines and dropped them into the icy holes. Dustin caught the first fish, a perch, and it was cooked up right there on the ice with reindeer sausage.
Buttercup stayed completely focused, hoping to reel one in herself. We did not all catch something, but that did not matter. We laughed, snacked, and soaked in the calm around us. Being on that frozen lake with my family felt like stepping into another world. The snow, the silence, the smell of food cooking outdoors, it was unforgettable.
Follow along on our post “Ice Fishing in Rovaniemi – Discover the Best Excursion in Finland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 5 - Santa Claus Village
Arctic Circle Husky Park
We had not yet met the huskies, so we made our way to the Arctic Circle Husky Park. I booked a sled ride excursion for the next morning, so we opted for the Park Tour with Meet and Greet.
The guided tour took us around the husky kennels. But, the highlight of the tour was the meet and greet! Inside a secure fenced area, several young huskies were released to play. The girls fed them small treats and giggled through a flurry of puppy kisses. The puppies were soft, energetic, and full of curiosity.
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 6 - Husky Adventure in Rovaniemi
Today we had an early Husky adventure, so we checked out of the Glass Resort and arranged for them to store our luggage. It was still dark when we were picked up, and the snow made everything feel extra magical. By the time we arrived, the sky had started to cast a soft glow over the trees.
The energy from the dogs was electric! They barked, howled, and bounced with excitement. Our family was split into two sleds. And the girls were bundled up and snuggled deep into the sleds with the biggest smiles on their faces. We started with a quick lesson, then it was time to go!
As soon as we released the brake, the dogs took off like rockets! The trail wound through snow-covered trees and open meadows. The crisp air rushed past our faces while the scenery zipped by. Driving the sled felt like flying. It was so exhilarating. The dogs were incredible to watch, moving in perfect unison. You could feel how much they loved to run!!
After the ride, we got plenty of time to meet and pet the huskies. They were friendly, playful, and loved the attention. Then we got to meet the puppies! The girls were in heaven, cuddling the wiggly, fluffy little ones. It was the sweetest way to end our time Rovaniemi!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Arctic Husky Farm & Husky Rides in Rovaniemi” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 6 - Santa Claus Village
Santa’s Salmon Shack and Santa’s Pizza & Burgers
We returned to Santa Claus Village around 1 pm, so we had a few hours before our transfer to the train station. The girls are not found of eating fish, so I took them to get pizza at Santa’s Pizza & Burgers. Meanwhile, Dustin tried out Santa’s Salmon Shack. Both meals were fabulous, but Dustin’s looked amazing!!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Santa Claus Village Activities in Finnish Lapland” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 6 - Overnight Santa Claus Express Train to Helsinki
After a little more shopping and one final photo at the Artic Circle line, it was time to make our way to the Rovaniemi Train Station. I pre-arranged a transfer through the Glass Resort. Once again, our transfer went seamlessly.
The train station is small, so it is very easy to navigate. You can store your luggage in the station if you wanted to explore Rovaniemi. Instead of doing this, we opted to take in every last moment we could in Santa Claus Village.
Once on the train, we had dinner in the restaurant car. Then it was lights out for some sleep and an early morning arrival.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 7 - Ferry from Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn, Estonia
As our Finnish Lapland itinerary was coming to an end, we decided to fit in one more adventure! The idea of exploring a new city just across the Baltic Sea was too tempting to pass up. So, we spent our last day in Tallinn, Estonia!!
Our train into Helsinki ran about 30 minutes late because of track congestion. Luckily, we had built in a bit of buffer time, so there was no stress. Once we arrived, we stored our luggage right at the Helsinki train station. From there, we grabbed an Uber to the ferry terminal. It is important to know which terminal you are heading to. There are two. We were sailing with Eckero Line, so our departure was from West Terminal T2. The terminal was clean, modern, and easy to navigate. We checked in using the kiosks, got our boarding passes, then headed upstairs to the waiting area. There were food options, shops, and plenty of space to sit.
Getting onto the ship felt a bit like boarding a cruise, just quicker and with no passport checks. The ferry itself was much nicer than we expected. It had restaurants, bars, shops, and even a play area for kids. It was a bit crowded since it was a weekday morning, but everything felt well-organized. The two-hour ride to Tallinn flew by. We were excited to explore one more beautiful city before heading home.
Follow along on our post “Make the Most of Your Day Trip From Helsinki to Tallinn Estonia” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 7 - Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn was like stepping straight into a fairy tale! The moment we arrived, we were swept up in the magic of Old Town. It was absolutely breathtaking! Cobblestone streets curved through rows of medieval buildings, each more charming than the last. Towers rose above the rooftops, and colorful facades lined the squares. It was absolutely breathtaking! The city felt like it had been frozen in time.
When we entered through the iconic Viru Gate, we wandered into a world of medieval charm! The Town Hall Square was alive with holiday cheer. A giant Christmas tree stood tall, surrounded by glowing Christmas market stalls. We browsed the Christmas market stalls, nibbled sweet snacks, and listened to holiday music. The girls were enchanted!
From there, we explored some of the city’s most iconic sights. We strolled along the towering medieval walls and imagined archers defending the city. Then we wandered through St. Catherine’s Passage, a quiet, storybook alley lined with artists’ studios.
We continued exploring Tallinn’s ancient wonders, including the Holy Spirit Church with its iconic clock. The stunning domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral contrasted with the medieval buildings that surround it. Nearby St. Mary’s Cathedral and Parliament building added even more charm to our day.
Dinner at Peppersack was a cozy and fun way to wrap up our day trip. Tallinn was full of surprises, beauty, and family-friendly adventure!
You Don't Want to Miss This Guided Walking Tour!
The Best Guided Tour of Tallinn!
Follow along on our post “Make the Most of Your Day Trip From Helsinki to Tallinn Estonia” to learn more.
Finnish Lapland Itinerary:
Day 7 - Ferry from Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki, Finland
After a full day exploring Tallinn, we made our way outside the old city walls. Here we met our Uber and head back to the ferry terminal. It was a beautiful walk through the cobblestone streets as the sun began to set. Just like before, we had to double-check which terminal to go to. There are two in Tallinn, and this time we were sailing with the Tallink Line on the MyStar ferry. That meant departing from the D Terminal. The terminal was easy to find and everything ran smoothly. We checked in at the kiosk and made our way toward the boarding area.
We honestly didn’t think a ferry could get nicer than the one we took that morning. But the MyStar completely surprised us! It was even bigger and more modern. The kids’ area was massive. There was also a gaming room, lounge spaces, and bathrooms that were larger and easier for families.
The girls had so much fun playing and exploring the ship. They were genuinely disappointed when it was time to disembark!
Accommodations in Helsinki: Hilton Airport
Once we arrived back in Helsinki, everything went smoothly. We were off the ferry and into an Uber within minutes. Our first stop was the train station to grab our luggage from storage. From there, we had a couple of options. We could have taken the train out to the airport and walked to the Hilton. But after a full day in Tallinn and knowing we had an early flight, we decided to order a large Uber and make things easy.
The Hilton at the Helsinki Airport was exactly what we needed. It is only about a five-minute walk from the terminal. There is a covered pathway the entire way, which was perfect for our winter gear and rolling suitcases.
We checked in, got settled, and started getting ready for our early morning flight. With a 6:30 am departure, we wanted to make sure everyone got as much rest as possible.
Staying right at the airport made a big difference. It was stress-free and let us enjoy our final night in Finland without rushing.
The Family Verdict
Our one word expression for our time in Finnish Lapland is “wow”!! It we such a magical place that captured each of our childhood innocence and belief in magic. Each experience was so special and will remain part of our core memories. If you are even thinking about journeying to the “North Pole” … just do it!! Sharing this time with the girls was unlike anything we have done before.
Make sure to check out our adventures at Santa Claus Village, a Finnish Husky Farm, Ice Fishing in Rovaniemi, an Artic Reindeer Farm, SantaPark in Finnish Lapland, Helsinki, and Estonia.
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Cold Weather Clothing:
- Women’s Base Layer Socks
- Women’s Wool Socks and These
- Women’s Base Layer Tops
- Women’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Mid Layer Tops and These
- Women’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Jacket
- Women’s Snow Pants
- Women’s Snow Boats
- Women’s Snow Gloves
- Women’s Glove Liners
- Balaclava
- Men’s Base Layer Socks
- Men’s Wool Socks and These
- Men’s Base Layer Tops and These
- Men’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Men’s Mid Layer Tops
- Men’s Jacket
- Men’s Snow Pants
- Men’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Base Layer Socks and These
- Kid’s Wool Socks, These, These and These
- Kid’s Base Layers, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Tops, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Kid’s Jacket
- Kid’s Snow Pants
- Kid’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Glove Liners
- Kid’s Beanie
- Kid’s Snow Boots
For Extra Fun in the Artic:
