5 Days in Lapland: Winter Wonderland & Northern Lights
Experience the magic of Finnish Lapland with Northern Lights, reindeer safaris, and Santa Claus Village in this ultimate winter adventure.
Destination Information
Lapland
adventureA magical Arctic wonderland where winter dreams come true. Experience the Northern Lights, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy thrilling winter activities in pristine snow-covered landscapes.
Safety Rating
Safety rating based on current travel advisories and local conditions.
Very Safe
Lapland is extremely safe with very low crime rates and excellent infrastructure for winter tourism.
Updated 02/01/2025
Lapland is one of the safest destinations in the world. Focus on proper winter clothing and following safety guidelines for winter activities.
Daily Budget
Cost breakdown with global price comparison and practical spending insights.
Lapland is a premium winter destination with high-quality services. Activities and accommodation can be expensive, but the unique experiences are worth it.
🍽️ Food & Drink
🚗 Transportation
📍 Activities
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Book activities in advance online for better prices, eat at local cafeterias, and consider visiting in March for slightly lower prices and longer daylight.
Payment Methods
Local Currency
Euro (EUR), 1 USD = 0.92 EUR
Card Acceptance
Cash Usage
Digital Payments
Travel Tips
- • Cards accepted everywhere, even small purchases
- • Cash rarely needed in Finland
- • Contactless payments are the norm
- • Mobile payments widely used
Getting Around
Recommendations
- • Most tours include transportation
- • Rental car recommended for flexibility
- • Public buses connect main attractions
- • Taxis available but expensive
Activities usually include transportation. Rental cars offer flexibility, but winter driving requires experience with snow conditions.
Weather Patterns
Seasonal Events
Travel Trends
Current Period
Peak winter season with optimal Northern Lights viewing. Book accommodations and activities well in advance.
Best Months to Visit
Winter months offer the full Lapland experience with snow, Northern Lights, and winter activities. December is magical for Christmas, January-February best for Northern Lights.
Connectivity
Excellent connectivity throughout Lapland. Finland has one of the best internet infrastructures in the world.
Travel Logistics
Airports
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Include:
flight • transport • accommodation • gastronomy
2025-01-15
Arrival in Rovaniemi & Arctic Welcome
Flight to Rovaniemi
International flight to Rovaniemi Airport (via Helsinki)
Airport Transfer
Transfer to hotel in Rovaniemi city center
Arctic Hotel Check-in
Cozy Arctic hotel with northern lights viewing opportunities
Santa Claus Village Visit
Visit the official Santa Claus Village and cross the Arctic Circle
DAY 2
Include:
transport • activities • gastronomy
2025-01-16
Husky Safari & Northern Lights Hunt
Husky Sledding Safari
Drive your own husky sled through snowy forests
Traditional Lappish Lunch
Warm up with traditional reindeer stew in a kota hut
Arktikum Museum
Learn about Arctic nature and Sami culture
Northern Lights Hunt
Guided tour to chase the Aurora Borealis
DAY 3
Include:
transport • activities • gastronomy
2025-01-17
Reindeer Safari & Ice Hotel
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Traditional reindeer safari through snowy landscapes
Sami Culture Experience
Learn about indigenous Sami traditions and lifestyle
SnowHotel Visit
Tour the spectacular hotel made entirely of ice and snow
Dinner in Ice Restaurant
Unique dining experience in a restaurant made of ice
DAY 4
Include:
transport • activities • gastronomy
2025-01-18
Snowmobile Adventure & Ice Activities
Snowmobile Safari
Thrilling snowmobile ride through frozen wilderness
Ice Fishing Experience
Try traditional ice fishing on a frozen lake
Traditional Finnish Sauna
Relax in authentic Finnish sauna with ice swimming
Aurora Camp Experience
Overnight in heated glass igloo for Northern Lights viewing
DAY 5
Include:
transport • activities • gastronomy
2025-01-19
Wildlife & Departure
Arctic Wildlife Safari
Search for Arctic animals in their natural habitat
Souvenir Shopping
Last-minute shopping for Finnish design and Lapland souvenirs
Farewell Lunch
Final taste of Lappish cuisine
Airport Transfer & Departure
Transfer to airport for departure
Essential Tips for Lapland
Transportation:
Most winter activities include transportation. Book combo packages for better value and convenience
Language:
Finnish is the local language, but English is widely spoken in all tourist areas
Etiquette:
Finns value personal space and quietness. Remove shoes when entering homes, and respect sauna traditions
Food:
Try local specialties like reindeer, salmon soup, and Karelian pastries. Coffee culture is huge in Finland
Timing:
Book Northern Lights tours on your first nights. Weather is unpredictable, so multiple attempts increase your chances
Best Lappish Restaurants & Nordic Cuisine
Nili Restaurant:
Traditional Lappish cuisine in a cozy log cabin atmosphere
Famous for reindeer dishes and local ingredients
Arctic Boulevard:
Modern Nordic cuisine with Arctic flavors
Great for special dinners
Kauppayhtiö:
Historic restaurant serving Finnish classics
Located in a beautiful old building
Santa's Salmon Place:
Casual restaurant specializing in grilled salmon
Great value and authentic atmosphere
Café & Bar 21:
Popular spot for coffee, pastries, and light meals
Perfect for warming up during the day
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation:
$150-400/nightfrom standard hotels to glass igloos
Food:
$40-80/daydepending on dining choices
Transportation:
$30-60/dayfor transfers and local transport
Activities:
$100-200/dayfor winter safaris and experiences
Total per day:
$125-305(excluding accommodation)
Lets2Go Travel Team
Published on February 1, 2024
Related Guides
3 Days in Tokyo: A Culture and Sushi Guide
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. This comprehensive 3-day guide covers everything from historic temples to the best sushi spots...
Ultimate Adventure in Patagonia
Embark on an epic adventure through Patagonia's pristine wilderness. This comprehensive guide covers the best hiking trails, wildlife spotting locations, and essential tips...
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?
Get AI-powered trip planning tailored to your interests and travel style with Lets2Go