5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Lapland Aurora Adventure

This ultimate Lapland aurora adventure itinerary is for travelers who don't mind the cold, enjoy winter weather activities, and are on a mission to find the northern lights. You'll snowshoe, hop on a dogsled, venture on a reindeer safari, try out an eSled, and chase the northern lights across Lapland. 

On Day 1, venture into the dark wilderness of Rovaniemi to catch a glimpse of the brilliant green colors of the northern lights on a guided tour. Day 2 is for visiting the festive Santa Claus Village and crossing into the Arctic Circle before embarking on a nighttime snowshoeing adventure tour. Explore the forests of Lapland by dogsled, visit a reindeer farm, take a sleigh ride, and meet with traditional Sámi herders on Day 3. You'll have another chance to spot the northern lights later that day, as there is no light pollution. 

The following day, visit Arktikum, a science center and museum where you'll learn about the Arctic and its culture. It has exhibitions about the history of the Sámi people, Polar Opposites (about North and South Poles), and the Cold Room so you can see for yourself how cold it feels in the Arctic. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Rovaniemi Winter Adventure

With this Rovaniemi winter adventure itinerary, active adventurers will engage in winter fun, from ice floating to ice fishing. Hunt for the northern lights in the wilderness after days full of activities snowshoeing and walking through an Arctic nature reserve.

Get acquainted with Rovaniemi on Day 1 by exploring the city and having a traditional Lapland dinner in a wilderness hut-inspired restaurant, often with an open fire. The following day, experience Arctic ice floating in a waterproof "rescue suit" before you set out to chase the dancing green hues of the northern lights at nighttime. Visit the snowy forests and frozen waterfalls of Korouoma Canyon on Day 3. Learn about Arctic nature and some interesting survival tips before eating a Finnish barbecue over an open fire. 

Day 4 is for Arctic adventures like snowshoeing to a frozen lake and ice fishing. Afterward, board the Aurora Snow Train, a snowmobile-pulled carriage that will whisk you away from any light pollution for the best chance of catching the northern lights. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Summer in Northern Finland

Canoe along calm rivers, hike in the forest, and learn about Indigenous Sámi people with this discover summer itinerary. Sightseers who enjoy soaking up nature and want to see the phenomenon of the midnight sun will especially enjoy this trip to Lapland.  

While you can visit Santa Claus in his village office all year round, summertime in northern Finland is special because you can see the unique light of the midnight sun, and during June and July, the sun never sets below the horizon. Begin your journey in Rovaniemi by walking around this lovely city and indulging in a traditional Lappish kota dinner. On Day 2, meet Santa Claus and visit the official Santa Claus' Main Post Office before meeting Santa's reindeer, resident huskies, and other animals at the Elf Farmyard. And then have your camera ready for the striking display of colors on the Midnight Sun Tour. 

Paddle down the Ounasjoki and Kemijoki Rivers on Day 3 and glide past Lumberjack Bridge, Rovaniemi Beach, its church, and Arktikum Science Museum. Suit up in a rubber survival suit and float in a freshwater lake, enjoying the forest's serenity. On Day 4, you'll hike through the Arctic wilderness while learning about the surrounding flora and fauna and some handy survival skills. Afterward, enjoy fireside food while you learn about Finnish culture, traditions, and local history and admire the midnight sun. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Finland Arctic Wildlife Adventure

Animal lovers will enjoy this arctic wildlife adventure itinerary for its wintry wilderness scenery and opportunities to meet reindeer and visit a wildlife park. 

On Day 1, get your bearings in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and home to the rich culture and history of its Indigenous Sámi people. Enjoy shopping and restaurants in the city or at one of the nearby resorts. The following day, venture to the woodlands to spot Arctic wildlife and wintry surroundings on a guided photography tour before bundling up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride beneath a sky full of stars.

Day 3 is for visiting a local reindeer farm and a reindeer sleigh safari, where you'll learn about reindeer herding, an integral part of the environment and culture in this area. Animal adventures abound on Day 4 with your journey to Ranua Wildlife Park. Spot polar bears, reindeer, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, owls, and otters, and learn facts about each animal along the way. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Lapland Christmas Vacation

This Christmas-themed itinerary is for festive holidaymakers who want to meet Santa Claus, partake in an authentic Finnish Christmas experience, and learn about Finnish traditions.  

On your first day in Rovaniemi, enjoy the snowy scenery and time to explore the city, perhaps stopping at one of its museums. On Day 2, zip off to Santa Claus Village on an exciting snowmobile ride. Or, visit SantaPark, Rovaniemi's indoor Christmas theme park, where you can ride the Magic Train to another world and get your diploma at the Elf School.

Journey through the forest on a cozy sled ride to meet Santa on Day 3 before enjoying an authentic Finnish sauna once the night falls. You may even spot the greenish waves of the northern lights. Day 4 brings more festivities at a cozy cottage with a Finnish Christmas experience. Try your hand at making traditional decorations and delicious gingerbread cookies. Another option is to visit the SnowHotel, with its ice sculptures, ice rooms complete with ice furniture, and a snow sauna. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Finland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Finland? Check out these other five-day Finland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, winter activities, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.