As the aircraft descended toward a snowy runway, covered in a thick blanket of sleet and snow, it took me a moment to realise, we made it to Finland, the happiest country in the world.
A whirlwind of thoughts raced through my mind – Should I add another layer under my jacket ? Did I pack my gloves and winter boots in the carry-on? What if my checked in luggage didn’t make it on the conveyor belt , would I freeze at the airport ? And why was it so damn dark outside ? Was a snowstorm about to hit us ? Did I have enough Winter wear and Thermals to survive, How cold could it get ? But even as these worries flashed through my head, they were quickly pushed aside by the excitement of a kid on a Christmas morning.
I was about to experience snowy landscapes as far as the eye could see, reindeer roaming wild and free, the northern lights dancing across a clear sky, huskies sledding in the winter wilderness, and sleeping in an igloo under a blanket of million stars. It was the beginning of my LAPLAND DREAM after all !
Excited max, we made our way through the aircraft aisles with butterflies in the stomach. The luggage arrived and I breathed a sigh of relief finally. Now I have everything to enjoy every second of my time here. Lets Go !
Before I jump into the itinerary that I have been asked a dozen times on my social media, lets understand a few essentials for visiting Finland. If you would rather jump to the itinerary section then Click Here
General Overview & Tips
Finland Visa – Finland is part of the European Union and Indians need a Schengen Visa to arrive. The Visa is facilitated by VFS centers across various indian cities and costs INR 10,000 per head as of 2024. As we all know Schengen Visa is time consuming and its always better to apply at least 3 months in advance to have ample time in hand & be stress free.
Cost & Currency – Euros is the accepted currency. Finland is as expensive as its Nordic neighbours and slightly more than western europe. You can save some costs at accommodations, but in general this trip can’t be done super cheap. Right from internal flights, car hire, winter activities to food one has to shell a certain premium.
Local Commute – Most cities and tourist interests are well connected via both Train & Flight but highly recommend hiring a car when in the Arctic & for Lapland adventures to experience more freedom. Helsinki can easily be covered on foot and via trams so only hire a car for the rest of your trip.
Food & Drinks – I was a little apprehensive about surviving as a vegetarian but everything was available easily including Indian food in the capital city Helsinki to fast food joints in Lapland that serve – Vegetarian Burgers , Pizzas and supermarkets were full of fruits, yum breads and cookies. Be wary of the timing though some places close early.
Weather & Clothing – This is the arctic and if you are travelling there like us in winter, expect it to be utterly bitterly cold. I would say in bold letters DO NOT UNDER ESTIMATE THE ARCTIC COLD. While temperature in Helsinki were comfortable around 0 to 1 degree , the wind makes it feel way colder. And without a second thought, the arctic temperatures drop to minus double degrees and you will constantly feel as if you were living inside a refrigerator. Actually thats way warmer. Pack well and layering is the key to fully enjoy the winter wonderland in all its glory.
Arctic Winter Packing List
- Good quality 100% merino wool Thermals (Both top & bottom)
- Fleece layers and wool sweaters for extra layering
- Wind & waterproof Outerwear – Puffer jacket
- Wind & waterproof Snow pants
- Snow Boots with grip to keep your feet warm and dry
- Multiple wool socks
- Warm Beanies, neck warmers, Mufflers to cover your head
- Waterproof mittens or gloves preferably with mobile sensors to use the phone comfortably
Budget & Trip Cost
We spent a total of 4.78 Lakhs between the two of us for a 7 day trip that covered everything mentioned below. The only winter activities we splurged on was visiting the Husky farms & a 45 minute sleigh ride that are anywhere between 15k to 20k per head. It was a major highlight of our trip and I would highly recommend this specially if you visit during the winter season. If you choose to add more activities like the snow mobile ride , some skiing , aurora hunt with professional guides , and the famous ice breaker cruise then definitely budget more. Each activity is easily upwards of 10k-15k per head. The ice breaker Sampo cruise is way more inflated and costs around INR 30,000 per head. If you choose the ice breaker cruise remember to book it well in advance and look for deals on Get your Guide
- Return Flights From India (Hyderabad ) to Helsinki – INR 125000
- Flights From Ivalo to Helsinki – INR 20000
- Visa – INR 20000
- One way Santa Express – INR 15000
- Car Hire, Tolls & Fuel – INR 80000
- Accommodation & Stay – INR 128000
- Winter Activities – INR 50000
- Food & Shopping – INR 40000
Finland Itinerary
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
Helsinki Day 1 & 2
Helsinki is a city that beautifully balances modernity with tradition, nature with urbanism, As Finland’s capital, it offers a unique mix of Scandinavian minimalism, rich history, and a strong design identity, all set against the backdrop of the Baltic Sea. The city felt both cosmopolitan and relaxed at the same time. Stroll through its parks, soaking in the culture, or enjoy a sauna by the sea or get your caffeine fix at the design district. Did you know ” Finns are credited for the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world “.
Helsinki is relatively small, making it perfect for exploring on foot. The city is compact, with most of the key attractions located within walking distance of each other. If you love observing architecture just walk around it’s neighbourhood to soak in a wide range of styles, from classical and neoclassical buildings to modernist masterpieces.
Day 1 : City Highlights
We started our day quite late with a leisurely & impressive breakfast at our hotel and then headed straight to the iconic Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral. The square is home to the Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), which stands tall with its striking white facade and green domes. You can climb the stairs for a fantastic view of the city and the square, and stop for some photos. If you are visiting around Christmas like us , this is where they have Christmas markets too.
Next on our list of things to see in Helsinki was The National Library of Finland, which is just across the Helsinki cathedral , Spread across 7/8 levels , its a must visit for all Bibliophiles. Featuring vaulted ceilings, grand staircases, and multiple Greek and Roman-inspired statues, the library boasts of the largest collection chronicling the Russian Empire in the world.
From Senate Square, take a short stroll down to Kauppatori, Helsinki’s bustling harbor market. Located at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki’s most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.
Break for a leisurely lunch & head towards the Uspenski Cathedral in the second half of the day , an Eastern Orthodox church perched on a hill. Its striking red brick exterior and golden domes are a stunning contrast to the city’s white-and-green Scandinavian architecture. Unfortunately the church was closed when we visited so we were headed towards the city center to check the Christmas lights and shop at Stockmann for some winter wear for our days ahead.
For Dinner , highly recommend this Italian restaurant Toscanini that was near our Hotel. They have vegetarian options and their Pear Risotto was just the best I have ever had, Also the spinach Ravioli was absolutely spot on.
Our stay : Scandic Helsinki Hub Beautiful Hotel with large comfortable rooms located near the major attractions. They served the most delectable breakfast we have had in Europe so far.
Day 2 : Food & Caffeine Fix
Started with another leisurely breakfast (Helsinki hotels really outdid Europe when it came to Breakfast) and a long walk towards the Toolo neighbourhood led us to Temppeliaukio Church also known as the Rock Church. This stunning church was carved directly into solid rock, and its modern design contrasts beautifully with the natural surroundings. The acoustics inside are incredible, so it’s also worth stopping by if there’s a concert or service happening.
Spend the afternoon wandering around Helsinki’s Design District or Food lovers can visit and sample local delicacies like Salmon Soup , Reindeer meat at Old Market Hall.
For a taste of Finnish cakes, stop by Café Ekberg, the oldest bakery in Finland.
Late in the evening, we made our way back to the hotel to pack for the next leg of our journey – an overnight ride aboard the Santa Express, which would take us to Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus.
Rovaniemi Day 3 to 5
We reached Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus in the morning. The town that features in every single Finland itinerary gave us our first real chills. As soon as we stepped out of the heated train on the platform, we experienced our first double digit minus temperatures -11.
Picked up your rental car at the Rovaniemi train station and headed straight to our lovely Air BNB. Unfortunately the check in time in Finland are quite late and our room wasn’t ready until 1 pm. So we decided to store our luggage with the host, put on a few or many extra layers inside a luggage room and head to Santa’s Village to meet him.
Our stay : Arctic Circle Holiday Homes II One of the best Airbnb stays ever. Tastefully done clean modern nordic interiors with a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine , onsite parking , sauna and enough space for two families. The beds are albeit slightly smaller for tall people.
Day 3 : Santa Claus Village
The iconic Santa Claus Village (Joulukylä) was located a few kilometre away from our stay and is about 8 km away from the city centre. This world-famous attraction is a must-see for many families with kids and for adults alike , basically anyone looking to embrace the Christmas spirit year-round or go back to being a child.
Here, you can meet The OG Santa Claus himself at the Santa Claus Office, the queue is obviously long and can take you an hour or two to meet him and get the photos clicked. The Photos can then be purchased for 50 euros from the reception if you wish.
While at Santa Claus Village, be sure to step across the Arctic Circle Line which runs through the village. This invisible line marks the point where the Earth’s latitude is 66.5°N, and crossing it is a rite of passage for any Arctic traveler. You can also get an official certificate to commemorate the moment. We preferred our Phones to snap away a few memories rather but gosh my fingers froze and hurt all the time.
Break for lunch in and around the many cozy Restaurants, Cafe’s and food joints inside the Santa Village. The place is crowded and everything would take time, if you visit like us during the winter season note its gets dark by 3 p.m. This is known as the phenomenon of polar nights or ‘Kaamos’ in finnish , where the sun remains below the horizon in the Arctic Circle.
Next one can send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, where you get a special Arctic Circle stamp. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Mrs Santa Claus and her Red Hut. We went twice to see her and she was napping both the times nevertheless her hut was so much nicer and cozier than Mr Santa.
If you have more energy and time left continue exploring more parts of the Santa Village like meeting Santa’s Reindeer. We were travelling with a 4 year toddler who had crashed by now and so had to leave, it was time to get some rest ourselves too and head back to our Airbnb.
Tip: Don’t pack everything into one long day. Its cold and tiring and crowded. Getting some rest in late afternoon/evenings is crucial so you can be awake for your Northern Light hunting expedition later in the night provided the skies are clear.
Day 4 : Santa Park
After a round of snow sledding at our AirBNB, we were headed back to the Santa Claus Village for the things we couldn’t do on Day 1- Meeting Mrs Santa Claus and Santa’s reindeers. The Reindeer ride costs around 25 euros to 40 euros for longer duration and the Sami men give you a little ride around the forests and some insights about the Reindeers. Remember these get sold out quite fast so best is to do them first thing in the morning before more crowds pour in.
Followed by some Souvenir shopping, roasting some marshmallows on the fire and crossing the Arctic line yet again to get some family pictures in the daylight hours.
After your adventure in the Santa Village is done, one can head to Santa Park, an underground Christmas theme park that’s fun for all ages. Explore the magical tunnels filled with elves, visit Santa’s workshop, and even take part in a festive cooking class to learn how to make Finnish Christmas treats. It’s an immersive experience for families and anyone looking to experience Christmas magic.
Day 5 : Winter Activities, Arctic Wildlife & Finnish Culture
I would recommend adding another day at Rovaniemi if you can specially if you are into wilderness and love exploring nature like us.
A short 1-hour drive south will lead you to the Ranua Wildlife Park, one of Finland’s northernmost zoos. Here, you’ll have the chance to see Arctic animals in a natural setting, including polar bears, reindeer, wolves, and lynxes. The park offers guided tours, which provide a deeper insight into the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Another place high up on my list that we couldn’t do was Riisitunturi National park and Oulanka National Park in Kuusamo about 2 hours drive from Rovaniemi. In winter the spruce trees that cover many of National Park’s hillsides are clad with a thick coating of condensed frost, creating a photogenic white forest with stunning frozen rivers alongside its hiking trails. But don’t plan this if you are going with toddlers and young kids like us though.
Adventure seekers can also take a day trip to the port of Kemi about an hour and half drive from Rovaniemi to experience cruising through the frozen Bothnian sea on a legendary vessel ‘The Ice Breaker Cruise and try Ice floating on the frozen sea’.
Finally relax at a Finnish Sauna after a day filled with adventure like the Finns do. Many hotels and resorts in Rovaniemi offer private sauna experiences, and some even offer sauna with a view of the Northern Lights.
Keep a constant lookout for CME & KPI index with Northern Lights tracking apps. Rovaniemi is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. There are several guided tours available that take you out of the city to ideal viewing spots where light pollution is minimal. Or if you are confident enough and have a car like us, you can track it on maby mobile apps yourself with a little knowledge too.
Tip: Sauna is a social and relaxing experience, so don’t hesitate to join locals in a communal sauna if you’re feeling adventurous. The best months to see the Northern Lights is typically from September to March. Dress warmly, as temperatures can plummet.
Saariselka Day 6 & 8
It was time to drive further north for 3 hours to Saariselkä the last leg of the trip and the one I was looking most forward to. Nestled deep in the Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä is a serene winter wonderland offering a range of outdoor adventures, traditional Finnish experiences, and mesmerising landscapes. The drive from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä takes a good 3 hours but with a few scenic pitstops this can easily be 4 or 5 hours even.
Most people come here for winter sports and to experience sleeping inside a heated glass igloo amongst a million stars and the display of magnificent Aurora Borealis, a once in a lifetime experience. We were no different. These igloos are sold out months in advance in peak winter season and booking well in advance is recommended.
Our Stay : We chose to spend two nights in a glass igloo at Wilderness Hotels Muotka Its location in the middle of the wilderness by the fell side makes it ideal for witnessing the Northern Lights. I personally loved their Panorama Log cabins & Riverside Log Cabins but they were sold out for our dates. Highly recommend booking 4 months ahead especially for peak winter season.
Day 6 – Northern Lights Hunt
We had just two major agenda in Saariselkä – Hunting The Northern Lights and Husky Safari.
Saariselkä is considered one of the best places in Finland to see the Aurora Borealis given its remote location, there’s minimal light pollution, making it ideal for spotting the Northern Lights.
After getting some rest and family time in the igloos where each one of us anticipated if the lights would be visible today, we decided to drive further one hour away towards Lake Inari at around 8 p.m. To our surprise we saw a tour guide named Aurora hunters vehicle parked there in the pitch dark of a frozen lake.
We knew we were at the right spot and just had to wait for the magic to happen. Which it did. Running frantically in the cold with our phones and cameras in all directions, all four of us oops 4.5 , the kiddo was equally excited to witness the magic of Northern Lights. This was one of the best days of 2024 and my life without a doubt. I am so grateful it happened.
If you don’t have a car and fly in here, several local companies offer Aurora tours, which take you to the best spots for viewing this natural wonder. Some tours even provide warm clothing, campfires, and hot drinks to make the experience extra cozy. But if you are lucky enough you might witness it from the comfort of a heated igloo like us.
Day 7 – Husky Safari & Winter Activities
Finally the next morning was reserved for an exciting husky safari ! This was the highlight of our trip as much as the northern lights. An adrenaline-filled experience as you embark on a dog sledding adventure through the snowy forests and frozen landscapes that felt every bit of Narnia forests to me. Husky Safari offers various tours, from short rides to longer excursions, allowing you to drive your own sled team. Feel the rush of the Arctic winds as the huskies lead you through the winter wonderland, a true highlight of any Lapland itinerary.
- Tip: Husky Safari’s get sold out months and months in advance, we somehow managed to get a last minute morning spot so highly recommend booking all the activities well in advance during peak season i.e winter months. Choose a tour that provides the snow suit and overalls as it can get brutally cold and temperatures can plummet quite crazy. We booked our safari with Kakslauttanen and totally recommend them.
Post our Husky ride we met the playful dogs, excited and content knowing this experience would stay in our hearts for long. Spent a few minutes under the fire with some warm lingonberry juice learning about the dogs, their diet and life in the arctic before making our way back to the parking lot.
It was time to explore the nearby ski slopes, grab a late burger lunch and stock on some snacks from the super market for mid night snacking on yet another aurora hunt. Remember the super markets and food joints here close early so plan accordingly. Its a small commune with only a handful of options. Many tourists hence choose a full board package at their respective resorts to dine as options are sparse and few outside.
Day 8 – Fly back from Ivalo to Helsinki
On our last day, it was time to bid bye to the arctic, we checked out of the hotel after breakfast and drove to the Ivalo airport about an hour from Saariselkä for our afternoon flight back to Helsinki. Be sure to reach the airport well in advance to keep enough time for returning the car, security and check in as the Ivalo airport is small and can get busy.
Thats a wrap of our fabulous time in Finland. If you have more queries regarding anything feel free to drop in a comment. If you liked reading this blog or found the information helpful leave us a Santa emoji in the comments below.
For those who have more time can add Kemi for the Ice breaker cruise and to experience floating on frozen Bothnian Sea. Or if you love exploring historic European cities, hop onto a short 2 hour ferry ride from Helsinki to Talinn and explore the Baltic countries.
Hei hei for now !
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