7 DAY LAPLAND NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR: HELSINKI, ROVANIEMI, KEMI AND ICEBREAKER CRUISE WITH ICE SWIM

7 day icebreaker tour
Tour Code: 20526
from € 2750

Price varies by season and number of travellers in your party

7 Days / 6 Nights
Helsinki, Kemi, Rovaniemi
Start: Helsinki
End: Helsinki

Availability:

January, February, March, April, December

Tour Highlights

With this tour, you’ll experience the best of Finnish adventures and create unforgettable memories. Visit Helsinki, admire its neoclassical architecture, and explore modern art at a famous museum. Enjoy fantastic shopping, take an overnight train to Lapland, try husky safaris and reindeer rides, and don’t miss a swim in the icy waters of Bothnia!

🏛️ Panoramic Helsinki Sightseeing: Explore Finland’s capital on a guided tour of Senate Square, Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall, Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church.
🚂 Overnight Train to Lapland: Board a modern double-decked sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, complete with private sleeping cabins for a comfortable night’s journey.
🎅 Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle Lunch: Spend free time in the magical village—meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, send postcards with a special postmark and enjoy a hearty lunch.
🐕 Husky Safari & Optional Winter Excursions: Dash through the wilderness on a husky-led sled tour, then choose from ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more via our Outdoor Activities collection.
🧊 Icebreaker Cruise & Polar Dip: Break through the Gulf of Bothnia’s ice aboard the legendary Sampo icebreaker, tour the vessel and experience an optional icy swim in the Arctic waters.
❄️ Visit Kemi’s Snow Castle: Discover the world-famous Snow Castle—carved entirely of ice and snow—in the quaint seaside town of Kemi.

Tour Program

Day One – Welcome to Helsinki

This day you start your individual northern lights tour to Lapland. Arrive in Helsinki under own arrangements. Accommodation in this modern city will be at one of the best 4* centrally-located  hotel like Scandic, Holiday Inn, Radisson or similar. The private airport transfers are always included.

Day Two – Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Lapland

Following breakfast in your hotel, the day commences with a Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Helsinki. This quality tour, of just under two hours duration, will introduce the city’s most interesting features. Moreover, your friendly host will share much information about Helsinki. Included sights are the Senate Square, Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall, the Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius Monument, and, where possible, the Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church.

The afternoon is at leisure. You can read more about here things to do in Helsinki. Additionally, you may want to check the weather in Lapland to prepare for your journey.

Depart in the evening by a modern and comfortable double-decked overnight train to Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capital. This train ride offers a unique experience as you transition from the bustling city to the serene landscapes of Lapland.

Day Three – Rovaniemi, Lapland on Finland Northern Lights Tour

Arrive by train at Rovaniemi in the morning. Private transfer to hotel (early check-in upon availability). Located in the heart of Lapland, Rovaniemi is a city which lies on the banks of the Kemijoki River, between the Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara Hills. A true winter wonderland, it is but a short distance from the Arctic Circle, and the perfect base from which to enjoy all that Lapland has to offer.
Accommodation will be at one of the modern, 4-star hotels that are conveniently located in the city centre, close to restaurants, bars, and shops.

Discover the Magic of Santa Claus Village on Your Lapland Northern Lights Tour

Upon checking into your hotel, your journey into wonder begins as we whisk you away to the magical Santa Claus Village. Here, you have the opportunity to delve into a world of enchantment at your leisure.

With a minimum of three hours of free time, there’s plenty to explore in this winter wonderland. Meet Santa Claus in person, an unforgettable moment that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Send postcards from Santa’s official post office, where every piece of mail gets a special Arctic Circle postmark. Traverse the Arctic Circle line right through the village, a unique experience that’s perfect for a memorable photo opportunity. Whether you’re indulging in local Finnish cuisine, shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, or simply absorbing the festive atmosphere, the choice is yours.

For more ways to explore Finland, check out our Visit Finland toursAnd if the charm of the village captivates you, feel free to extend your visit.

Step into the Enchanting World of Santa’s Residence During Your Northern Lights Tour

Dive deeper into the heart of Lapland’s magic with a visit to the charming residence of Santa Claus himself. Nestled in the picturesque Santa Claus Village, this enchanting home is where the magic of Christmas comes to life year-round. Explore the cozy interiors where Santa and his elves prepare for the festive season, offering a rare glimpse into the legendary Christmas preparations.

Engage with the joyful elves, learn about the ancient traditions of Christmas, and feel the warmth of Santa’s welcoming embrace. Overall, a visit to Santa’s residence is not just an experience; it’s stepping into a living fairy tale, creating memories that will be cherished forever. This unique experience is a highlight of our Lapland Northern Lights Tours, promising an intimate encounter with the magic that lies at the very heart of Christmas.

For an alternative itinerary, you might also consider our shorter Rovaniemi Lapland Tour.

When you’re ready, our driver will ensure your comfortable return to the hotel. This magical excursion to Santa Claus Village is a standout feature of our Lapland Northern Lights Tours, designed to create lasting memories in the enchanting setting of Santa’s official hometown.

Day Four - Reindeer Ride and trip from Rovaniemi to Kemi

After breakfast enjoy a reindeer ride. Your adventure begins as you travel by car to an authentic reindeer farm for a reindeer sleigh ride. The traditional winter mode of travel in Lapland, this is a unique experience and passing through pristine, snowy forests this way is enchanting. Following the reindeer-led ride, sit back by the campfire and enjoy a warming cup of hot coffee with a tasty bun, while you listen to learn about the life of reindeer herding.

In the afternoon, you will have a transfer by private car to the central station, from where you will depart in comfort for the town of Kemi, on the Gulf of Bothnia. Accommodation in Kemi will be at a comfortable 3* hotel located in the city center. Evening at leisure.

Day Five - Lapland Tours

A morning to explore an amazing and emotional safari with friendly husky dogs. After this tour you can choose your own itinerary, there is a wide array of Lapland tour options to suit the taste and preference of every guest. All winter safaris are available for booking via our “Outdoor Activities” collection page. Choose from an Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, and much more.

Day Six – Icebreaker Cruise and Overnight Train to Helsinki

The most interesting part of the northern lights tours is ahead!. Following breakfast, you will be transferred for an unforgettable adventure on the Icebreaker.

This majestic vessel cruises though thick ice in the Gulf of Bothnia, and is Kemi’s greatest tourist attraction. Amidst the thundering sound of the Sampo’s steel crushing tonnes of ice, tour the ship, and even you can dip in the icy sea!

When you return from the cruise in the afternoon, you can discover the beautiful, unspoilt town of Kemi at leisure. Visit the Snow Castle. In the evening you will travel via private transfer to the railway station for your return overnight trip to Helsinki.

Day Seven – Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki in the morning, where the tour will end. You can shop before you either depart the city or carry on at leisure. For more adventures, consider exploring our Winter Lapland Tours or join the exciting Santa Claus Summer Safari.

What’s Included in Your Adventure

4-star centrally located Helsinki Hotel accommodation
Private airport transfers
Breakfast daily
Complimentary sauna in hotels
Panoramic Helsinki City Tour (with audio guide)
Comfortable overnight train
Transfers as per tour program
4-star Hotel accommodation in Rovaniemi
English-speaking guide on tours and safaris (other languages available)
Safari outfit
Comfortable bus or train Rovaniemi – Kemi
3-star Hotel accommodation in Kemi
Tours and excursions as per itinerary
Safari campfire with beverages and light snacks
Snowmobile drivers must be aged over 18 and hold a valid driver’s license
Each snowmobile is shared between two guests taking turns driving (solo driving charged extra at 39 Euro)

Things to Plan on Your Own

International or domestic transportation to Helsinki before and after tour
Lunch/Dinner
Optional tours

Price varies by season
and number of travellers
in your party

from € 2750

What Our Travelers Say

FamilyDecember 24, 2024
Great experience!
Dominic P.December 22, 2016
It was great and our liaison person, Aleksi, is very patient and amicable. Approachable and willing to assist us in every way possible! Good job!