Finland in winter is like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Picture frozen lakes, thick snowy forests, warm wood cabins, and skies that dance with the Northern Lights. From December to March, the country transforms into a true winter wonderland. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker chasing the aurora borealis or a traveler looking to unwind in a cozy glass igloo,
Finland offers a once-in-a-lifetime cold-weather escape. This detailed 7-day Finland winter itinerary blog post is designed for travelers from the U.S. and beyond, highlighting both famous sights and authentic Arctic experiences.
7-day Finland Winter Itinerary
Here’s your 7-day Finland Winter Itinerary packed with the best things to do in Lapland, from husky safaris to unforgettable igloo nights.
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki – Nordic Charm Begins
Land at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the main international gateway to Finland, and transfer to your hotel in the city center via taxi, airport train (I & P lines), or airport shuttle. Helsinki is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate—even in winter.
Morning: Check-In and Orientation
Book a stay at a centrally located hotel like Hotel Kämp, a luxury landmark with spa services, or GLO Hotel Kluuvi, known for modern comfort and proximity to major sites. Drop off your bags and dress warmly in layers before stepping out.
Midday: Explore Helsinki’s Historic Core
Start your sightseeing in the heart of Helsinki, where neoclassical and Eastern Orthodox architecture sit side by side:
- Senate Square: A symmetrical plaza surrounded by the Government Palace, University of Helsinki, and the famous Helsinki Cathedral, a white-domed Lutheran church and national icon.
- Uspenski Cathedral: Just a 5-minute walk away, this red-brick Eastern Orthodox cathedral with golden cupolas is the largest of its kind in Western Europe.
- Market Square (Kauppatori): Visit one of Finland’s oldest open-air markets to sample hot salmon soup, cloudberry pastries, and grilled reindeer meat. Winter stalls often sell local crafts, furs, and Christmas items.
Evening: Authentic Sauna & Finnish Cuisine
Experience Finnish wellness culture with a traditional sauna session. Head to Löyly, a modern design sauna on the Baltic shoreline that offers wood-burning and smoke saunas with a sea view—and even a plunge hole for cold dips.
After relaxing, enjoy dinner at:
- Savotta: Near Senate Square, it offers rustic décor and an authentic Lappish menu.
- Restaurant Aino: A stylish spot for modern Finnish dishes made with wild herbs, Arctic fish, and game meats.
Pro Tip: Helsinki’s daylight hours are short in winter (as little as 5–6 hours), so plan key sightseeing between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Evenings are perfect for saunas, dining, and strolling under festive lights.
Day 2: Santa Claus Express – Train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Begin your morning with a warm Finnish breakfast at your hotel—expect hearty rye bread, berries, cheeses, and strong local coffee. Today, you’ll journey north across the snowy heart of Finland aboard the Santa Claus Express, the iconic overnight sleeper train bound for Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the gateway to the Arctic Circle.
Morning: Light Exploring & Coffee Culture
If you have a few hours before departure, squeeze in one or two final Helsinki highlights:
- Walk along the Esplanadi Park promenade.
- Visit the Oodi Central Library, a modern architectural gem near Helsinki Central Station.
- Grab a cup of artisan coffee and a cinnamon bun at Johan & Nyström or Good Life Coffee.
Afternoon: Departure Preparations
- Head to Helsinki Central Station by taxi or tram (aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure).
- Board the Santa Claus Express in the late afternoon. Trains to Rovaniemi typically depart around 4–6 PM daily.
- Reserve a private sleeper cabin with en-suite toilet and sink for maximum comfort—shared cabins are available but fill quickly in winter.
Evening: Scenic Ride into Lapland
- Relax in your warm cabin, unpack essentials, and enjoy the onboard restaurant car for a casual dinner (options include salmon pasta, meatballs, and vegetarian dishes).
- As night falls, watch snow-covered forests and rural villages pass by through your window. In clear weather, the stars are dazzling, and you might even glimpse the Northern Lights from the train.
Pro Tip: Bring noise-canceling headphones, a water bottle, and snacks for the journey. The train offers power outlets and Wi-Fi in most cabins, making it easy to stay connected.
Day 3: Welcome to Rovaniemi – Step into the Arctic
Arrive in Rovaniemi early in the morning. Located right on the Arctic Circle, this small but vibrant city is the official hometown of Santa Claus and a hub for winter adventure.
Morning: Arrival and Hotel Check-In
- Upon arrival, take a quick taxi or shuttle to your hotel or lodge. Recommended stays include: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – known for design and forest views. Scandic Rovaniemi City – a central and family-friendly option.
- Freshen up and gear up in winter clothing—temperatures often range from -10°C to -25°C in peak winter.
Midday: Cross the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village
- Head to Santa Claus Village (8 km from the city center; public bus and taxi available).
- Meet Santa Claus in his official office.
- Send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark.
- Visit the Arctic Circle line, and get a certificate to commemorate crossing it.
- Enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest.
Evening: Hunt for the Northern Lights
After a Lappish dinner of reindeer stew or smoked salmon, join a guided Northern Lights tour. Choose from:
- Small group van tours.
- Snowmobile or snowshoe aurora hunting.
- Private photo tours with warm campfires.
Pro Tip: Book aurora tours on your first few nights to maximize chances of seeing the lights—they’re unpredictable but unforgettable.
Day 4: Reindeer Farm & Sámi Culture
Today offers a deep dive into Lappish traditions, focusing on reindeer herding and the Sámi way of life, Finland’s only Indigenous people.
Morning: Visit a Local Reindeer Farm
- Join a half-day tour to a traditional reindeer farm, usually located 30–60 minutes outside Rovaniemi.
- Learn how reindeer are raised and cared for in Arctic conditions.
- Feed the animals, snap photos, and take a guided sleigh ride through snow-covered forests.
Midday: Traditional Sámi Lunch
- Enjoy a warm meal inside a kota (Sámi tent-like hut).
- Typical dishes include poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer), root vegetables, and berry desserts.
- Hear stories about Sámi traditions, music (joik), and nomadic culture.
Afternoon: Ice Fishing & Winter Walking
- Join a guided ice fishing session on a frozen lake; gear and warm clothing are usually provided.
- Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along well-marked trails.
- For families, visit Pilke Science Centre (eco-themed) or SantaPark (an indoor Christmas amusement park).
Evening: Relaxation
Head back to your lodge for a private sauna session or enjoy a hot drink by the fireplace.
Pro Tip: Reindeer tours and Sámi cultural experiences are small group activities—book in advance, especially in December–February.
Day 5: Dog Sledding and Arctic Adventure
Prepare for one of the highlights of Lapland: dog sledding through the Arctic wilderness. This experience combines speed, scenery, and soul-stirring silence.
Morning: Husky Safari
- Choose a 2-hour, half-day, or full-day husky safari from providers like Bearhill Husky or Apukka Resort.
- Ride as a passenger or learn to mush your team through the forest.
- Enjoy a campfire break mid-tour with hot juice and cookies.
Midday: Lunch and Warming Up
- Return to Rovaniemi for lunch in the city—try Ravintola Roka for gourmet street food or Nili for authentic Lappish dishes.
Afternoon: More Arctic Activities
- Try snowmobiling on frozen rivers and remote trails.
- Visit Ranua Wildlife Park (1-hour drive) for a look at Arctic animals like lynx, wolves, and polar bears.
- Families can enjoy tobogganing and sledding at Ounasvaara Winter Park.
Evening: Northern Lights – Take Two
Another night, another chance to see the aurora. Book a different style of tour for a new perspective—some include photography lessons, reindeer safaris, or hot tub viewing under the stars.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget thermal base layers, snow boots, and a power bank—phones die quickly in the cold.
Day 6: Glass Igloo Stay – Sleep Under the Stars
Today’s experience is about pure Lapland magic: spending the night in a glass igloo under the northern sky. Many travelers say this is the most unforgettable part of their trip.
Morning: Transfer to Igloo Resort
- Take a transfer or drive to resorts like:
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (near Saariselkä).
- Levin Iglut – Golden Crown.
- Northern Lights Village in Ivalo or Pyhä.
Midday: Winter Activities & Exploration
- Explore snowshoe trails, build snowmen, or go on a reindeer safari at your resort.
- Optional spa treatments or hot tub sessions are often available.
Evening: Sleep Under the Northern Lights
- Settle into your heated glass igloo with panoramic views of the Arctic sky.
- Many resorts offer an aurora alarm service, which alerts you if the lights appear.
- Enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring regional ingredients like Arctic char, forest mushrooms, and cloudberries.
Pro Tip: Glass igloos are popular and limited—book 3–6 months in advance for peak winter.
Day 7: Return to Helsinki and Fly Home
Say goodbye to the north and return to Helsinki to complete your journey. Depending on your location, you’ll need a short domestic flight from Rovaniemi, Ivalo, or Kittilä.
Morning: Airport Transfer & Flight
- Flights from Lapland to Helsinki take 1–1.5 hours.
- Arrive early at the airport—weather can cause delays.
Afternoon: Final Exploration in Helsinki
If you have time before your international departure:
- Visit the Ateneum Art Museum or the Temppeliaukio Rock Church.
- Grab gifts at Stockmann or Design District Helsinki.
- Warm up with a cinnamon bun and coffee at Café Ekberg or Fazer Café.
Evening: Departure
Head to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport with lasting memories of snowy landscapes, magical nights, and cozy moments by the fire.
Pro Tip: Choose an evening international flight to make the most of your final layover day.
Essential Tips for Your Finland Winter Itinerary
Planning a winter trip to Finland requires more than just booking hotels and activities—weather, clothing, transportation, and daylight all play a major role in your experience. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
1. Dress in Proper Layers
- Start with thermal base layers (top and bottom).
- Add a fleece or wool middle layer.
- Finish with a waterproof and insulated winter jacket and snow pants.
- Wear warm gloves, a wool hat, and thermal socks—hand warmers are a plus.
- Most tour operators provide outer gear for activities like snowmobiling or dog sledding.
2. Book Activities in Advance
- Winter in Finland is peak travel season, especially around Christmas and New Year.
- Book experiences like glass igloos, Northern Lights tours, husky safaris, and reindeer rides at least 2–3 months in advance to secure spots.
3. Mind the Daylight Hours
- In northern Finland, daylight can be as short as 3–5 hours in December and January.
- Plan key outdoor activities between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Embrace the twilight hours for aurora hunting or cozy indoor experiences.
4. Use Public Transport & Local Flights
- VR Trains are clean, warm, and punctual—ideal for routes like Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
- For Lapland towns (Ivalo, Kittilä, Saariselkä), domestic flights save time.
- In Lapland, tour transfers and taxis are often the most efficient way to get around.
5. Prepare for the Cold (and Keep Gadgets Alive)
- Winter temperatures in Lapland regularly drop to -20°C (-4°F) or colder.
- Keep electronics in interior pockets—batteries drain fast in sub-zero temps.
- Pack a power bank and waterproof phone pouch if you’re taking photos outdoors.
6. Embrace Finnish Sauna Culture
- Saunas are a core part of daily life—don’t miss out.
- Many accommodations offer private saunas or access to a lakeside public sauna.
- Some even include a snow or ice plunge for the full experience.
7. Try Local Foods
Finland’s cuisine is hearty and warming, great for winter. Must-tries include:
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies).
- Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer).
- Lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup).
- Cloudberry jam, rye bread, and hot glögi (spiced berry juice).
8. Keep an Eye on the Aurora Forecast
- Download apps like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alert Realtime.
- Check solar activity levels (KP Index) and cloud coverage each evening.
- Stay flexible—your best chance to see the Northern Lights may come unplanned.
9. Use Cards, Not Cash
- Finland is nearly cashless—credit/debit cards are accepted everywhere.
- Apple Pay and contactless payments work even in rural areas.
10. Respect the Quiet and Nature
- Finns value peace and nature. Speak softly in public spaces.
- Leave no trace when hiking or exploring nature reserves.
Final Thoughts
A trip following this Finland winter itinerary is nothing short of magical. It blends adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty—from dog sledding through forests to sleeping under the aurora in a glass igloo. Whether you’re chasing snow or serenity, Finland in winter delivers. Just dress warm, plan smart, and get ready for the Arctic escape of a lifetime.
