Updated on:
The Perfect Lapland, Finland Itinerary
A Lapland winter trip was my bucket list winter trip for years, and when I finally went it lived up to the hype in every possible way. I felt like I was traveling through a snow globe — sleeping in glass igloos, gazing at the Northern Lights, husky sledding through the Arctic wilderness. It really was dreamier than I ever imagined.
Planning a Lapland trip takes a bit of effort because Lapland is huge, with four distinct areas, each with its own personality and highlights. I’ve put together three itinerary options — 5 days, 7 days, and 10 days — so you can plan the perfect trip no matter how much time you have. I’ve also added a bonus day in Helsinki, which I recommend tacking on if you’re flying through (which most people are!)
In This Guide:
- How to Use This Guide
- 5 Day Lapland Itinerary
- 7 Day Lapland Itinerary
- 10 Day Lapland Itinerary
- Lapland Finland Travel Map
- Bonus: A Day in Helsinki
Also check out my full Lapland Winter Travel Guide covering all areas of Lapland and my recommendations — including where to stay, what to do, and how to get around each region!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Planning a Finland adventure? See my full Finland Travel Guide to help plan your wider trip! And my full Lapland Travel Guide here.
How to Use This Guide
Five days is the minimum I’d recommend for Lapland — it’s a long journey for most travelers (especially from the US) and you want enough time to actually settle in and experience it rather than feel like you’re rushing. Here’s how the three itineraries are structured:
5 Days: Levi + Rovaniemi — the best introduction to Lapland covering its top ski town and most well-known stop.
7 Days: Everything in the 5-day itinerary, plus a night in a glass igloo in Ranua and 2 days in Ruka for the national parks.
10 Days: The full Lapland experience — all of the above, plus 3 days in Saariselkä (Lapland’s most remote and beautiful region) at the start of the trip.
5 Day Lapland Itinerary
Five days in Lapland hits the two highlights most visitors come for: Levi (the best all-around ski town and activity hub) and Rovaniemi (home to Santa Claus Village and some of Lapland’s most iconic bucket-list stays). It’s a packed but very doable itinerary!
Days 1–3: Levi (Huskies, Reindeers, Arctic Spa, Ski or Snowmobile) | Days 4–5: Rovaniemi (Arctic Snowhotel Tour, Glass Treehouse, Santa Claus Village)
Day 1: Arrive in Levi
Get yourself settled in Lapland!
Day 1 Overview: Arrive Kittilä → Check in → Explore Levi Town → Sunset drinks at Hotel Levi Panorama Rooftop → Dinner in Levi Town
Getting There
Fly into Kittilä Airport (KTT) — flights connect through Helsinki. The airport is a 20-minute drive from Levi. Rent a car here or arrange a hotel transfer in advance (taxis are available but expensive — my 10-minute ride from the airport was $60!).
Where to Stay
You’ll spend your first 3 nights in Levi!
Hotel Levi Panorama
This ski-in/ski-out hotel on the slopes of Levi is my top recommendation. My room had slopeside views from every window, a private sauna, an enclosed deck, and easy access to Levi Town via gondola. The rooftop bar is an absolute highlight — perfect for that first sunset in Lapland. I paid $1,100 for 3 nights in early March (booking late with only the 2-bedroom suite available — you’ll likely pay less if you book ahead!).
How to Spend Day 1
Afternoon
After arriving and checking in, take some time to explore Levi Town at the base of the mountain. It’s a charming little ski village with great restaurants and bars all within walking distance. Get your bearings and enjoy the magic of arriving in a snowy Lapland town for the first time.
Evening
Take the gondola up to Hotel Levi Panorama and head to thr tooftop bar. The gondola runs after the lifts close late into the night and the rooftop bar is open to non-guests, so you can visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The sunet views are unreal, and as night begins to fall you may even see the Northern Lights over charming Levi Town.
End the evening with dinner in Levi Town. Great options include Pizzeria Via Tribunali Levi, Stefan’s Steakhouse, or Kota Cafe & Bar! The gondola up and down only takes about 3 minutes, so going from the hotel into town and back is not a big commitment!
Day 2: Husky Sledding, Reindeer Farm & Levi Foxfires
Day 2 Overview: Morning husky sledding & reindeer farm combo tour → Afternoon/evening at Levi Foxfires Arctic Spa
Morning
This is the day for the two most iconic Lapland bucket list experiences. I did the combined husky sledding + reindeer farm tour, which was the perfect way to do both without splitting them across two days. The husky sledding is SO fun to drive — terrifying for about 30 seconds, then absolutely exhilarating. The reindeer farm portion covers the incredible relationship between the native Sámi people and their reindeer. This tour was 3 hours and cost $260 per person — book in advance as it sells out!
I think a combined day for these is perfect, a longer husky sledding ride wasn’t necessary. I saw some that were an hour plus of sledding, I liked the shortened experience!
Afternoon / Evening
Levi Foxfires Arctic Spa is a private arctic spa experience I’d seen all over Instagram and knew I had to do. You rent the entire spa for 2.5 hours — an outdoor hot tub, indoor sauna, and a changing room in the most stunning snow-covered setting with twinkle lights everywhere. Book an afternoon/sunset slot if you can — the dusk lighting is absolutely magical. It’s a splurge at 375 euro for the 2.5-hour block (you could split the cost with up to 6 people). Book directly on their website.
Day 3: Ski Levi or Snowmobile Adventure
Day 3 Overview: Full day on the slopes at Levi Ski Resort OR a snowmobile tour of Levi Fell → Apres in Levi Town
Option A: Ski Levi
Lift tickets at Levi are incredibly affordable compared to US resorts — around 58 euro for a day pass. The mountain is small but covers all four sides with a base on each. Highlights include the West Slopes for the steepest runs and Ravintola Palovartija at the top of the Gondola for best views, and the Front Slopes for easy apres access into Levi Town. Trail map here.
Detailed post on Skiing Levi here!
Option B: Snowmobile Levi Fell
If skiing isn’t your thing, a snowmobile tour of Levi Fell is the perfect alternative. You’ll explore remote arctic wilderness not accessible by car, with chances to spot wild reindeer along the way. Note that pricing is per person with two sharing a snowmobile — solo travelers will need to upgrade.
Evening
End the day with apres in Levi Town. Ravintola V’inkkari was the best apres I found — DJ, everyone dancing outside despite the cold, total vibe. Then grab dinner at one of Levi Town’s restaurants before your drive to Rovaniemi tomorrow.
Day 4: Drive to Rovaniemi
Day 4 Overview: Drive Levi → Rovaniemi (~2.5 hrs) → Stop at Arctic Snowhotel → Check into Arctic Treehouse Hotel → Dinner on-site
Getting There
The drive from Levi to Rovaniemi is about 2.5 hours — budget extra time in winter as you’ll be driving slower on snowy roads. The drive itself is beautiful, so enjoy it!
Where to Stay
If you’re doing 5 days in Lapland, you’ll spend 2 nights here (depending on your flight home), but if you’re doing 7 or 10 days, just one night in Rovaniemi is my recommendation, details below!
Arctic Treehouse Hotel
This was a bucket list stay for me — a treehouse with a fully glass front right near downtown Rovaniemi, but remote enough to feel like you’re in the arctic wilderness. The decor is perfect, breakfast is included, and the on-site restaurant served one of my favorite Lapland meals. I paid 760 euro for one night in late February (peak season) — a splurge, but completely worth it.
How to Spend Day 4
Afternoon
On your way into Rovaniemi, stop at the Arctic Snowhotel — a hotel built entirely from snow and ice, rebuilt every winter with a new theme. You can tour for a small fee (17 euro) and visit whichever rooms aren’t occupied — most of them for me! The visit includes entry to the ice bar for a free drink. They also have an ice restaurant with nightly dinner seatings (book ahead!). Website here.
Evening
Check into the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, explore the grounds (there’s sledding and ice skating on-site), and have dinner at the hotel restaurant. The meal was genuinely one of my highlights of the whole trip.
Day 5: Santa Claus Village
Day 5 Overview: Visit Santa Claus Village → Rovaniemi
If doing the 5-day itinerary: fly home from Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) today or tomorrow morning.
If continuing to 7 days: see Day 5 notes below — swap your Rovaniemi hotel night for a night at the Arctic Fox Igloos in Ranua instead.
Morning / Afternoon
A visit to Santa Claus Village is a Lapland must, and it’s free to enter — you pay for specific activities once inside. You can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, see reindeer, take a sleigh ride, visit the husky farm, try the kids snowmobiling track, and so much more. You could do a quick visit in a few hours or easily spend a full day here. A great stop especially for families!
Read my full Rovaniemi Travel Guide for all the details on where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.
7 Day Lapland Itinerary
With 7 days you follow the same 5-day itinerary above, with two additions: after Santa Claus Village on day 5 spend a night in a glass igloo at Arctic Fox Igloos in Ranua, and 2 days in Ruka to explore two of Finland’s most stunning national parks!
Days 1–3: Levi (Huskies, Reindeers, Arctic Spa, Ski or Snowmobile) | Day 4: Drive to Rovaniemi (Arctice Snowhotel Tour) Stay in Glass Treehouse | Day 5: Santa Claus Village → drive to Ranua, Arctic Fox Igloos | Day 6: Drive to Ruka, Riisitunturi National Park | Day 7: Oulanka National Park
Days 1–4 follow the same itinerary as the 5-day plan above. Pick up here from Day 5:
Day 5: Santa Claus Village → Arctic Fox Igloos, Ranua
Day 5 Overview: Morning at Santa Claus Village → Afternoon drive to Ranua (~1 hr from Rovaniemi) → Night in a glass igloo at Arctic Fox Igloos
Morning
Spend the morning at Santa Claus Village as planned in the 5-day itinerary.
Afternoon / Evening
Drive about an hour south of Rovaniemi to Ranua for the ultimate glass igloo experience. Arctic Fox Igloos are completely glass ceiling — the Northern Lights were on fire all night the evening I stayed. The igloos come with a private sauna, a kitchenette, and the most comfortable beds. I paid 650 euro for one night in early March, with breakfast included. It’s a splurge but an absolutely unforgettable night.
Budget note: If the Arctic Fox Igloos are out of budget, you have two alternatives — stay an extra night in Rovaniemi and drive straight to Ruka on Day 6, or head directly to Ruka and stay there (it tends to be a bit cheaper.) Either option works!
Day 6: Drive to Ruka + Riisitunturi National Park
Day 6 Overview: Drive Ranua → Ruka (~2hrs) → Stop at Riisitunturi National Park → Arrive in Ruka, explore Ruka Village → Dinner
Getting There
The drive from Ranua to Ruka is roughly 3.5 hours. Head to Kuusamo Airport (KAO) area — or if you rented your car in Levi like I did, you can return it in Ruka.
Where to Stay
Hotel Scandic Rukahovi
Right in Ruka Village with ski-in/ski-out access — the cheapest stay I had in all of Finland at $500 for 3 nights. Great location for skiing and easy car access for the national parks.
How to Spend Day 6
Afternoon — Riisitunturi National Park
Stop at Riisitunturi National Park on your way into Ruka — it’s one of the most surreal and beautiful places I visited in all of Lapland. The snow-covered trees look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Head to “Riisitunturi Starting Point” on Google Maps — there’s a big parking lot right at the entrance to the most scenic trails. Trails are well worn so it’s more of a walk than a hike. There’s also the cutest little cafe at the entrance, Riisitunturin tupa, for a post-hike coffee and cinnamon roll.
Evening — Ruka Village
Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring Ruka Village. It’s a small but lively ski town with several good restaurants and bars. My picks for dinner: Restaurant Vespino, Pizzeria Ruka, or Restaurant Stefan’s Steakhouse.
Day 7: Oulanka National Park & Myllykoski Rapids
Day 7 Overview: Oulanka National Park + Myllykoski Rapids → Option to ski Ruka in the afternoon → Fly home from Kuusamo Airport (KAO)
Tip: If you want to visit both national parks in one day (Day 6), that’s doable but a busy day. This gives you the full day 7 to ski Ruka if you want!
Morning — Oulanka National Park
Oulanka National Park‘s main attraction is the Myllykoski Rapids — an old mill with a picturesque wooden suspension bridge over the river that gives the best photos. Park for free at Basecamp Oulanka (search this in Google Maps rather than just “Oulanka National Park”) — the trails start right at the parking lot and the rapids are about 10–15 minutes’ walk in on a well-trodden winter path. Easy and absolutely stunning.
Afternoon — Ski Ruka (Optional)
If you have an evening or next-day flight, consider spending the afternoon on the Ruka slopes. At ~58 euro for a lift ticket it’s great value, and the mountain is fun for all levels. Trail map here.
Read my full Ruka Travel Guide for all the details on the national parks, skiing, more options on where to stay, restaurants, and more.
10 Day Lapland Itinerary
Ten days lets you add Saariselkä — Lapland’s most remote, northern, and arguably most beautiful region. With its jaw-dropping glass igloo and treehouse stays, wide-open tundra, and exceptional Northern Lights viewing, Saariselkä deserves its own dedicated chunk of time. For the 10-day itinerary, I recommend starting there before heading south toward Levi.
Days 1–3: Saariselkä | Day 4: Drive to Levi → begin 7-day itinerary | Days 4–10: Follow the 7-day itinerary above (day 4 = day 1 on itinerary above, day 5 = day 2 on itinerary above & so on)
Day 1: Arrive in Saariselkä
Day 1 Overview: Fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL) → Rent a car → Check into accommodation → Settle in and enjoy your property
Getting There
Fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL) — flights connect through Helsinki. The airport is about 20 minutes from Saariselkä. Renting a car here is non-negotiable — Saariselkä is remote and you need your own wheels to get around properly.
Where to Stay
Hotels Aurora Collection — glass treehouses with sky-facing walls perfect for Northern Lights viewing. The ultimate Lapland splurge.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä — ski-in/ski-out with glass-ceiling cabins, breakfast buffet, and stunning grounds.
Wilderness Hotel Kieppi — cozy log cabins right in the village, a 1-minute walk from the ski resort.
How to Spend Day 1
Today is intentionally slow. Arrive, settle in, and enjoy your property — Saariselkä accommodations are some of the most special in all of Lapland and the kind of places you genuinely never want to leave. Spend the evening aurora chasing from your cabin or the hotel grounds. This area is Lapland’s best for Northern Lights viewing — darker skies, less light pollution, wide-open landscape.
Day 2: Ski Saariselkä or Reindeer Farm
Day 2 Overview: Choose your adventure — a dreamy day on Saariselkä’s tiny, magical ski resort OR a reindeer farm visit and sleigh ride
Option A: Ski Saariselkä
Saariselkä’s ski resort is the smallest of the three in this itinerary, but genuinely one of the most beautiful. Think slopes draped in twinkle lights, Arctic golden hour that lasts all afternoon, and snow-covered trees that look like a Christmas card come to life. It’s a slow, peaceful, scenic ski day unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Piste map here.
Option B: Reindeer Farm & Sleigh Ride
A reindeer farm visit sounds like a tourist cliché until you’re doing it — and then you completely understand the hype. Learning about the Sámi people and their reindeer, feeding the animals, and gliding through the snowy forest on a sleigh is genuinely magical. One of the best experiences in Lapland. ~$190 per person. This can also be done in Levi on this itinerary!
Day 3: A Slow Day in Saariselkä
Day 3 Overview: Rest, explore the village on foot, sauna, hot tub, optional afternoon snowmobile safari → Northern Lights in the evening
Saariselkä is made for slow days. This place — more than anywhere else in Lapland — is the kind of destination where doing nothing is genuinely time well spent. Sit in your glass cabin watching the sky, use the sauna, take a short walk through the village. If you want a bit more adventure, the afternoon snowmobile safari is perfect for today — book the afternoon departure for the sunset on the tundra.
Read my full Saariselkä Travel Guide for all the details on where to stay, things to do, and how to get around.
Day 4: Drive Saariselkä → Levi
Day 4 Overview: Drive Saariselkä → Levi (~3 hrs) → Arrive, explore Levi Town → Sunset at Hotel Levi Panorama Rooftop → Dinner
The drive from Saariselkä to Levi is about 3 hours — budget more time in winter. The drive through the Lapland wilderness is genuinely spectacular, so enjoy it as part of the experience. From here, follow Day 1 of the 7-day itinerary above — today counts as your arrival day in Levi.
Days 5–10 (10-day itinerary): Follow Days 2–7 of the 7-day itinerary above. Day 5 = Husky & Reindeer + Foxfires. Day 6 = Ski or Snowmobile Levi. Day 7 = Drive to Rovaniemi, Arctic Snowhotel, Arctic Treehouse Hotel. Day 8 = Santa Claus Village → Arctic Fox Igloos. Day 9 = Drive to Ruka, Riisitunturi. Day 10 = Oulanka National Park, fly home from Kuusamo (KAO).
Lapland Finland Travel Map
Bonus: A Day in Helsinki
Most travelers flying to Lapland connect through Helsinki, and I highly recommend tacking on at least a day — either at the start or end of your trip. Helsinki is a walkable, beautiful Nordic city on the Baltic Sea and a wonderful complement to a wilderness Lapland adventure. It’s understated, peaceful, and filled with cozy cafes, design culture, stunning saunas, and great food.
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Hotel Haven — right on the south harbor, perfect location for exploring downtown Helsinki.
Hilton Helsinki Airport — if you’re on a quick connection, this is walkable from the terminal with a sauna, bar, and restaurant on-site. Easy train access to downtown in 30 minutes.
Top Things to Do in Helsinki
Löyly Sauna — visiting a sauna in Finland is an absolute must, and Löyly is the most stunning in Helsinki. Voted one of the greatest places in the world by Time Magazine, it features a series of indoor and outdoor saunas overlooking the Baltic Sea and Helsinki skyline. 27 euro for a 2-hour pass. Book tickets in advance.
South Harbor & Esplanadi — Helsinki’s most picturesque area. Esplanadi is a long tree-lined street filled with great restaurants and shopping, ending at the stunning South Harbor. Perfect for a morning walk and coffee.
Allas — an outdoor pool and rooftop bar/restaurant overlooking South Harbor. Just head to the rooftop deck for drinks with some of the best views in the city. Especially great at sunset.
Senate Square & Uspenski Cathedral — Helsinki’s most beautiful historic area, home to the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and stunning Neoclassical architecture. The nearby Uspenski Cathedral on the hilltop is also worth a stop.
Read my full Helsinki Travel Guide for all the details!
Ready to Plan Your Lapland Trip?
Check out all of my Lapland Finland guides and recommendations below!
- Ultimate Lapland Winter Travel Guide
- Levi Travel Guide – Lapland’s cutest ski town + ultimate homebase for arctic excursions
- Ruka Travel Guide – gateway to Lapland’s dreamiest national parks + skiing
- Saariselkä Travel Guide – quiet, remote boutique stays + Northern Lights haven in Lapland’s most remote area
- Rovaniemi Travel Guide – Lapland’s capital & Santa’s home
