Pair Helsinki’s winter atmosphere with a deep journey into Finnish Lapland on this six-day Arctic escape. Travel north aboard the overnight Santa Claus Express and wake near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, where snowy forests frame Santa Claus Village, glass-roofed accommodation and traditional winter pursuits. Drive a husky team, meet reindeer herders and head beyond the city lights in search of the Northern Lights. A visit to Ranua Wildlife Park introduces Finland’s Arctic animals, while the Arktikum explores northern nature, climate and culture. Return overnight to Helsinki for a final Finnish sauna and Baltic ice-pool experience before departure. Best suited to December through March, the itinerary uses sleeper trains to preserve more daylight for exploration.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆Two overnight journeys aboard the Santa Claus Express
- ◆Guided Northern Lights search beyond Rovaniemi’s city glow
- ◆Husky sledding through snow-covered Lapland forest
- ◆Reindeer farm visit and a quiet sleigh ride through the woods
- ◆Glass-roofed Arctic accommodation and Helsinki ice bathing
Itinerary & Route
Spend the day exploring Helsinki’s crisp winter streets and warm up inside the Old Market Hall with a bowl of lohikeitto, Finland’s creamy salmon soup with dill. Late in the evening, board the Santa Claus Express at Helsinki Central Station. Settle into a private double-decker sleeper cabin with an ensuite bathroom for the overnight journey towards the Arctic Circle.
Spend the day exploring Helsinki’s crisp winter streets and warm up inside the Old Market Hall with a bowl of lohikeitto, Finland’s creamy salmon soup with dill. Late in the evening, board the Santa Claus Express at Helsinki Central Station. Settle into a private double-decker sleeper cabin with an ensuite bathroom for the overnight journey towards the Arctic Circle.
Dates & Prices
A suggested itinerary
This route is here for inspiration — no fixed pricing or dates. Tell us your dates and group size and we'll build a custom quote around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finland Arctic Winter: Helsinki & Rovaniemi
Pair Helsinki’s winter atmosphere with a deep journey into Finnish Lapland on this six-day Arctic escape. Travel north aboard the overnight Santa Claus Express and wake near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, where snowy forests frame Santa Claus Village, glass-roofed accommodation and traditional winter pursuits. Drive a husky team, meet reindeer herders and head beyond the city lights in search of the Northern Lights. A visit to Ranua Wildlife Park introduces Finland’s Arctic animals, while the Arktikum explores northern nature, climate and culture. Return overnight to Helsinki for a final Finnish sauna and Baltic ice-pool experience before departure. Best suited to December through March, the itinerary uses sleeper trains to preserve more daylight for exploration.
Spend the day exploring Helsinki’s crisp winter streets and warm up inside the Old Market Hall with a bowl of lohikeitto, Finland’s creamy salmon soup with dill. Late in the evening, board the Santa Claus Express at Helsinki Central Station. Settle into a private double-decker sleeper cabin with an ensuite bathroom for the overnight journey towards the Arctic Circle.
Wake as the train approaches snow-covered Rovaniemi. Continue to Santa Claus Village, where you can cross the marked Arctic Circle, visit Santa’s office and send a postcard carrying the official Arctic Circle postmark. Later, check into glass-roofed accommodation surrounded by snowy forest. If the sky is clear and solar activity cooperates, the Northern Lights may appear above your room.
Dress in thermal winter gear and head into the Lapland wilderness for a husky sledding safari, with an opportunity to guide your own team through quiet pine forest. In the afternoon, visit a reindeer farm for a slower sleigh ride and an introduction to the herders’ relationship with the animals. After dark, join a guided outing by snowmobile or heated vehicle to escape the city lights and search for the Aurora Borealis. Sightings depend on weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.
Travel to Ranua Wildlife Park and follow its outdoor boardwalk route through winter habitats occupied by polar bears, Arctic foxes, lynx and other northern species. Return to Rovaniemi for the Arktikum, whose long glass corridor points towards the north and introduces Arctic nature, climate research and the cultures of the region. In the evening, board the overnight sleeper train back to Helsinki.
Arrive at Helsinki Central Station and leave your luggage at the hotel. Spend the afternoon at Allas Sea Pool beside the harbour, alternating between heated outdoor water and the cold Baltic pool for a classic Finnish hot-and-cold wellness ritual. In the evening, seek out hearty winter cooking such as sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes and tart lingonberries.
Enjoy a slow final morning in Helsinki and pick up practical Finnish souvenirs such as woollen hats or jars of local cloudberry preserve. Later, take the direct airport train to Helsinki Airport for your onward flight.
