Ultimate 7-Day Lapland Itinerary: A Winter Adventure in Finnish Lapland

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Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Sarah Puckett

Lapland in winter is pure magic — and here’s our 1 week Finland Lapland itinerary to prove it! Experience snow-covered forests, huskies racing through the tundra, and the northern lights dancing overhead. Our one-week itinerary to Finnish Lapland was packed with bucket list experiences, from staying in an ice hotel to meeting Santa’s reindeer. But what made it truly special for me and Tim was learning about Lapland’s culture, history, and traditions along the way.

Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland escape or planning your own Arctic adventure, this 7 day Finnish Lapland itinerary has everything you need for an unforgettable Lapland trip—plus our personal experiences and tips!

A person in a blue coat walks down a snowy path surrounded by tall, snow-covered pine trees. In the background, wooden cabins with steep roofs evoke images of a Lapland itinerary. The clear sky suggests a cold, serene winter day perfect for adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Finland – Fly to Helsinki

Our journey to the Arctic started with a flight into Helsinki, Finland’s capital city. Since most international flights route through Helsinki before heading to Lapland, we decided to spend a night in the city to explore before heading north.

A person in a white coat stands with arms outstretched beneath a large, illuminated sign that says "Helsinki" in pink letters, as if embracing the start of their Lapland itinerary. The scene is outdoors, on a cloudy day, with grassy areas and buildings in the background.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi – A Lapland-inspired hotel in the city, perfect for getting in the Arctic mood!
Hotel St. George – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Helsinki. This is where we stayed and we truly loved it. Our bathroom had heated floors, which were so cozy when stepping out of the shower. The spa was stunning, with an indoor pool, cold plunge, a wet and a dry sauna. And the location can’t be better, perfectly situated near the Design District and Helsinki’s historic heart.

Luxurious bathroom with marble tile flooring and walls, reminiscent of a Lapland itinerary's serene vibes. Features a bathtub, double sink with illuminated mirrors, wall-mounted toilet, and a window. Includes neatly arranged towels, a robe, and decorative items. Subtle recessed lighting adds warmth.

A neatly made bed with white and gray bedding, featuring a decorative pillow and a patterned runner at the foot, resembles a dreamy Lapland retreat. Two small bedside tables with lamps flank the bed. A soft, patterned rug is on the wooden floor, and a framed picture is on the wall.

We used Marriott Bonvoy points to stay for free. Click our referral code here to get bonus points when you sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy Chase card.

Day 2: Exploring Helsinki Before Heading to Lapland

Helsinki is a city that blends Nordic modernism with deep-rooted history, and while we were eager to get to Lapland, we made the most of our full day in the capital before heading north. What we loved most about Helsinki was how walkable, stylish, and effortlessly cool it felt—modern architecture and trendy design shops mixed with historic cathedrals and cozy cafes.

Breakfast at Cafe Pacifico

We started the day at Cafe Pacifico, a small but lively breakfast spot with delicious coffee and a great selection of egg drop sandwiches and brunch options. Tim got a breakfast burrito, while I got the Pacifico egg drop sandwich. We both got the brunch meal option which came with coffee, granola, and a pancake.

A breakfast spread to kickoff your Lapland itinerary: a burrito, tortilla chips with salsa, a small bowl of yogurt with granola and berries, and a pastry topped with powdered sugar and a mint leaf, all elegantly served on a plate.

Things to Do in Helsinki:

Visit Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks in the city, Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral. The cathedral sits atop a grand staircase, offering a beautiful view over the square below.

In front of the large, white Helsinki Cathedral, a bronze statue stands as part of many travelers' Finnish journeys. With green domes contrasting a clear blue sky, people wander up the steps beneath ornate street lamps—a fitting start to any Lapland itinerary.

Helsinki Cathedral stands majestically under a clear blue sky, its white neoclassical architecture with green domes and tall columns captivating visitors. A perfect addition to any Lapland itinerary, it invites people to relax on the broad steps leading up to its entrance.

Explore Market Square & Old Market Hall

This historic waterfront market has been around for over 100 years, with stalls selling fresh seafood, Finnish pastries, cloudberry jams, and traditional crafts. Inside the Old Market Hall, you can find some great food counters serving smoked salmon and reindeer dishes.

Waterfront scene along a popular Lapland itinerary with a tall cathedral featuring copper domes on the left, a Ferris wheel on the right, and several low buildings in between. The sky is clear blue, reflecting on the calm water by the dock in the foreground.

Design Museum

Helsinki is a UNESCO City of Design, and if you’re at all interested in Nordic architecture, furniture, and style, the Design Museum is a must. Finland has a long history of functional, minimalist design, and the exhibits here showcase everything from iconic Marimekko prints to classic Alvar Aalto furniture pieces to the popular cell phone video game Angry Birds. We visited during a special Maija Lavonen exhibit, showcasing her unique textile works and fiber optic fabrics!

Art gallery with textile art installations on white walls and suspended from the ceiling. The pieces, reminiscent of a dreamy Lapland itinerary, include textured and colorful designs, with one blue fabric flowing mid-air. Minimalist seating is placed on the floor.

A person in a red plaid shirt and jeans with a backpack, fresh from their Lapland itinerary, observes modern art installations in a gallery. The space features wooden ceiling panels and white walls, showcasing glowing structures made of tubes and glass.

Walk through Esplanadi Park

Even in the winter, the tree-lined Esplanadi Park boulevard is a great place for a quiet city stroll. At the end of the park, we stopped at Kappeli, a historic glass-walled cafe. Kappeli has been a gathering place for artists, poets, and intellectuals for over a century. Famous Finnish writers and composers, including Jean Sibelius, have been known to frequent the café. Try a bowl of creamy salmon soup—a Finnish staple. If you’re visiting Helsinki in colder months, you’ll see locals warming up with coffee and korvapuusti (cardamom buns) here.

A person in a blue jacket sits at a table in a cafe with a travel guidebook on Scandinavia's Lapland itinerary open before them. Flowers in a vase adorn the table, people mingle in the background, and an impressive chandelier illuminates the scene from above.

A cozy café scene unfolds with a guidebook titled "Scandinavia" hinting at a Lapland itinerary beside a glass of creamy coffee and spoon, a glass of water, wrapped candy, and a vase with pink flowers. In the background, people converse under the soft glow of a chandelier.

Experience a Traditional Finnish Sauna at Löyly

Sauna culture is HUGE in Finland, and Löyly is one of the most famous public saunas in the country. Located right on the Baltic Sea, this modern sauna offers a wood-burning steam sauna, as well as access to the water for a traditional ice dip.

Join the locals at Oodi Library

The Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a community hub offering books and SO much more. There are recording studios for podcasters, photography boxes for visual creators, seminars, classes, sewing stations, and a space for any hobby you can think of. There are even 3D printers! Plus, the library’s unique architecture makes it a worthwhile destination in and of itself. Seeing how much the Finnish people love their local library is just the icing on the cake.

A person crosses a street towards a modern building with glass and wooden panels, reminiscent of scenes from a Lapland itinerary. Various cars are parked along the road amidst traffic signs, including a 30 km/h limit, and a blue construction fence stands on the right.

A person stands reading a book in a modern library, resembling a perfect stop on any Lapland itinerary, with white shelves filled with books. The space boasts a curved ceiling, wooden floors, and large windows letting in natural light. People are scattered throughout the area.

Where to Eat in Helsinki:

Cafe Pacifico – Great breakfast and strong coffee.
Kappeli – Beautiful historic cafe for salmon soup or coffee.

Helsinki was the perfect introduction to Finland—a blend of old and new, quiet and vibrant. The next morning, we caught a quick flight to Rovaniemi and officially began our Arctic adventure.

TIP: Anytime we travel in Europe, we buy Rick Steves‘ guidebook for the country we are visiting. He has the best self-guided walking tours and itineraries, packed with fascinating information that puts everything in cultural context! You can get Rick Steves’ Scandinavia guide here!

A plate with a sandwich, dessert, and yogurt parfait rests next to a cup of coffee and Rick Steves' "Scandinavia" travel guide—ideal for crafting your Lapland itinerary—on a wooden table. Nearby, a glass of water completes the serene setting.

Day 3: Flying to Rovaniemi & Checking into Aito Resort

After breakfast, we took a 1-hour flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland. At the airport, we picked up our rental car, which was essential for getting around. Most accommodations and activities in Lapland are outside the city center, and while there are some tours that include transport, having our own car gave us total freedom to explore.

Instead of flying, you can also take the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki!

Afternoon: A scenic 45-minute drive took us to Aito Resort, where we stayed in one of their Aurora Treehouses—a cozy cabin perched among the Arctic evergreens. The massive panoramic window meant that if the northern lights appeared, we could watch from the warmth of our bed.

A wooden cabin elevated on a concrete pillar stands amidst snowy pine trees in Lapland. It features large front windows and a staircase leading up to the entrance, with snow covering the ground and trees under a pale pink sky, a serene start to your Lapland itinerary.

Two modern, triangular cabins with glass fronts sit in a snowy forest, perfect for any Lapland itinerary. Surrounded by tall, snow-covered trees, the cabins have steep, white roofs. The scene is serene and wintry, showcasing a remote and peaceful cabin getaway.

A modern, cozy A-frame cabin with large windows is elevated on a column, nestled in a snowy forest that's part of your Lapland itinerary. The interior glows warmly, revealing a stylish living area. Snow-covered trees and the serene winter landscape form the perfect backdrop.

Evening: After checking in, we spent the afternoon in Aito’s spa, moving between the hot tubs, swimming pools, and saunas. There is even an ice plunge into the lake, but we never braved it.

A person relaxes in an indoor hot spring with stone flooring and walls. The room's vertical wood and stone design complements a lush floral arrangement and potted plants, while large windows reveal the snowy landscape outside—perfect for any Lapland itinerary.

A person in a robe relaxes on one of several suspended lounge chairs in a spa, surrounded by plants and wooden accents. Large windows on the left offer a view of snow-covered trees, adding to the serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy Lapland itinerary.

Dinner was at Wildwoods, Aito’s on-site restaurant, where we tried reindeer prepared two ways: as a sausage and as a steak. Both were incredible. Tim and I were surprised by how tender the meat was.

🌌 Northern Lights Alert! That night, we had our first sighting of the Aurora Borealis right from our treehouse window! Seeing the sky glow green and ripple with movement was surreal.

A couple stands on a snow-covered landscape, part of their enchanting Lapland itinerary, under a green-tinged aurora borealis. Bundled in winter clothing and holding hands, they're surrounded by snowy trees as the star-studded night sky glimmers above.

A couple stands on a snowy Lapland landscape under a vivid green aurora borealis, bundled in winter clothing. Footprints in the snow trace their path. A forested area glows in the distance, marking yet another highlight of their breathtaking itinerary.

Tip: You may not be able to see much with the naked eye even when the Northern Lights are present. For us, what you see in our photos actually looked more like a dim milky gray to the eye, and only with a long exposure on our camera did we see true green! Hopefully, you will be luckier than we were and be able to see the lights dance with your own eyes.

A modern, elevated cabin with large windows amidst a snowy forest is shown at dusk. Text next to the image reads, "Click here to book your stay at Aito Resort and begin your Lapland itinerary!.

A serene winter landscape in Lapland features a frozen lake under a vivid green aurora borealis. Snowy trees line the right side, and a small cabin is softly illuminated by a light, perfect for any itinerary. Stars twinkle in the dark sky above.

Day 4: Reindeer Farm & Husky Safari

Morning: Learning About Reindeer & Sustainability

Our first stop of the day was a local reindeer farm, where we learned about Lapland’s indigenous Sámi people and their centuries-old tradition of herding reindeer.

A reindeer with antlers and a light-colored coat stands close to a wooden structure in a snowy enclosure, resembling a scene from an enchanting Lapland itinerary. The background features a snow-draped forest with trees and a rustic wooden fence.

What surprised us the most? Reindeer are semi-domesticated and roam freely for most of the year!

A group of reindeer with varying shades of fur graze on a snowy forest floor in Lapland, surrounded by tall trees. The scene is tranquil, with patches of snow and the reindeer scattered throughout this idyllic part of your itinerary.

We also learned that the reindeer industry in Lapland is one of the most sustainable because:

The animals naturally shed their antlers each year.
Every part of the reindeer is used (meat, hides, antlers) so nothing is wasted.
Reindeer herding helps preserve traditional Sámi culture.

A reindeer gracefully pulls a sled along a snowy pathway, part of your enchanting Lapland itinerary. Wooden fences line the route, while snow-draped trees stand majestically in the background. Cozy in the sled, you glimpse your boots peeking out from beneath warm layers.

After feeding the reindeer, we bundled up under reindeer hides and took a peaceful sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest. It felt like stepping into a Christmas postcard.

A reindeer pulls a sled carrying two people in winter clothing, smiling as they glide across the snow. Their Lapland itinerary unfolds amidst a backdrop of other reindeer and people, framed by wooden fences and snow-dusted trees.

Click here to book the reindeer farm experience we did!

A traveler glides through a picturesque Lapland itinerary, riding a reindeer-led sled along a snow-covered path framed by wooden fences and dense pine trees. The serene landscape, with its gentle dusting of snow under a cloudy sky, feels like a journey into tranquility.

Afternoon: Husky Safari Through the Arctic Tundra

In the afternoon, we recommend another bucket list activity: visiting a husky kennel to meet some of Lapland’s hardest-working sled dogs. These athletic, high-energy dogs are known for their passion on the trail. While we didn’t get a chance to do this ourselves, if we were to go back to Lapland and Rovaniemi, we’d make sure to hang out with the huskies!

Here are some recommended husky tours in Rovaniemi:

Dinner: We wrapped up the day with leftovers in our Treehouse from last night’s dinner, but if you are looking to go out to eat, we recommend a cozy meal at Restaurant Nili, which serves traditional Lappish dishes like reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberry desserts.

Day 5: Staying at the Arctic SnowHotel

After days of cozy cabins, wood-burning saunas, and warm meals, we were about to flip the script entirely. Tonight, we were sleeping in a hotel made entirely of snow and ice.

A couple in winter attire strolls hand in hand through an icy tunnel at the Arctic SnowHotel in Lapland, Finland. The walls and ceiling shimmer with snow and ice, while a blue illuminated ice sculpture glows majestically in the backdrop.

The Arctic SnowHotel is rebuilt each year, and no two versions are ever the same. Everything—the walls, the furniture, the intricate carvings—is sculpted from ice and compacted snow. The temperature inside stays between 0 and -5°C (32 to 23°F) no matter how cold it gets outside, which somehow makes it sound warmer than it actually felt.

Two people sit on a bed inside an ice-themed room at the Arctic SnowHotel. The walls and sculptures, crafted from ice, exhibit intricate shapes and patterns, including abstract designs. The atmosphere is cool and blue-toned, evoking a winter wonderland in Lapland Finland.

We arrived in the late afternoon, just as a group of day visitors was wrapping up their tours. One important thing to note is that SnowHotel rooms are open to the public during the day. This means you can’t check into your room until 9 PM. Until then, guests have access to the main heated building, luggage lockers, and all of the other hotel amenities.

Dinner at the Ice Restaurant

Dinner at the Ice Restaurant was one of the more surreal meals we’ve had. Everything—the chairs, tables, and even the plates—was made of ice. We had a multi-course meal that included Lappish game, Arctic fish, and seasonal vegetables, all beautifully plated. Dessert even came on frozen dishes.

Located in Lapland, Finland, the Arctic SnowHotel offers a unique dining experience with tables and walls crafted entirely from ice. Tables are draped with brown animal fur, adorned with plates and glasses. Artistic carvings and colored lighting accents add to the enchanting atmosphere.

Two people in winter clothing sit at an ice table inside an Ice Hotel. The man wears a yellow jacket and beanie, while the woman sports a blue jacket and white beanie. They appear to be enjoying a meal in a cozy, illuminated setting inspired by the Arctic SnowHotel in Lapland, Finland.

Exploring the SnowHotel

Since we still had a few hours before we could check into our rooms, we explored the rest of the hotel. The SnowHotel is essentially an art exhibit you can sleep in. Every room features hand-carved ice sculptures that change every year. Some rooms were simple, with just a bed carved from ice and a few decorative touches, while others looked like something out of a fairytale, with elaborate ice pillars and backlit snow carvings.

Inside the Arctic SnowHotel in Lapland, two life-sized snow sculptures of cows stand majestically within an icy cave. The scene is bathed in ethereal purple and blue lighting, accentuating the intricate textures of ice and snow surrounding the cave's walls and floor.

A room in the Arctic SnowHotel glows with purple light, featuring a bed draped in a dark blanket on an ice frame. The wall displays an engraved winter scene of trees and a person in a hat. The icy floor completes this chilling Lapland Finland retreat.

The hotel also has an Ice Chapel, where couples can actually get married. Standing inside, surrounded by frozen pews, an ice altar, and softly glowing snow walls, it felt like something out of a dream.

Two people stand inside an ice chapel at the Arctic SnowHotel, with blue lighting and intricate ice carvings on the walls. They are surrounded by fur-covered benches and look at each other, creating a serene and ethereal ambiance in this Lapland wonder.

The Sauna Experience: Traditional & Snow Sauna

After walking around the SnowHotel, we had one last experience to check off—the sauna.

Like nearly every hotel in Finland, the Arctic SnowHotel has a traditional Finnish sauna, but what makes this place unique is its snow sauna. A snow sauna works just like a regular sauna—hot steam fills the room, warming you up—but instead of wooden walls, the entire room is made of compacted snow and ice. Watching steam rise from the icy walls was an odd contrast, and after a few minutes, it felt just like a regular sauna – except for the drops of cold water that would kiss our foreheads as the steam slowly melted the sauna around us!

A dome-shaped igloo made of snow glows warmly at night in the heart of Lapland. The igloo's small entrance and an opening at the top emit a subtle icy blue light, creating a serene contrast against the nighttime sky—a true marvel reminiscent of Finland's enchanting Ice Hotel.

Two people in winter clothing walk inside an ice structure, passing an illuminated blue ice arch with "Arctic SnowHotel" engraved. Ready for a magical stay? Click here to book your dream getaway and explore our top snowhotel reviews!.

Day 6: Arctic Adventures & Santa Claus Village

After surviving the night in the SnowHotel, we spent the day checking off a few final adventures.

Morning: Ice Fishing & Arctic Activities

For our last big activity in Lapland, we decided to try ice fishing. A guide took us out onto a frozen lake, where we drilled our own holes in the ice with a massive auger and dropped our fishing lines in.

We didn’t catch anything, but standing in the middle of a frozen lake, surrounded by untouched snow and complete silence, was a moment I won’t forget.

A person bundled up in a blue winter coat with a fur-lined hood and beige mittens kneels in deep snow outside the Arctic SnowHotel. They are smiling and holding a pole. Snow-covered trees and buildings are visible in the background under a gray sky.

Three people on a frozen lake in Lapland, Finland, surrounded by snow. One person in a blue jacket points outward, another in yellow takes a photo, and the third sits on a sled. Snowy trees line the background under a gray sky near the Arctic SnowHotel.

Other guests chose snowmobiling, ice sculpting, and snowshoeing, all of which were available at the same location.

A person in a yellow jacket sits on a snowmobile amidst the snowy expanse of Lapland, Finland. Several other snowmobiles are lined up nearby under an overcast sky, with trees framing this wintry scene.

Lunch at Santamus

Drive or take the shuttle from Arctic SnowHotel to Santamus restaurant, located at Santa Claus Village! This cozy and atmospheric restaurant serves Lappish meals like reindeer and salmon, as well as a great salad and dessert buffet served alongside an indoor river.

Snow-covered entrance to a festive winter village, reminiscent of a Lapland itinerary, with rustic wooden beams and red lanterns. A person stands under the roofed pathway, surrounded by snowy trees and glimmering lights. A charming wooden sign is displayed on the side.

Afternoon: Snowman World & Santa Claus Village

Since we were flying out the next day, we spent the rest of the afternoon in Rovaniemi, visiting Santa Claus Village and Snowman World.

Santa Claus Village is exactly what it sounds like—a Christmas-themed attraction where you can visit Santa’s office, meet reindeer, and cross the Arctic Circle (which runs right through the village). There’s a post office where you can send postcards with an Arctic Circle stamp, and while it’s definitely a touristy experience, it was fun to see.

People standing near tall poles with "Arctic Circle" written on them are part of a magical Lapland itinerary. Set in a snowy area with a large decorated Christmas tree, other adventurers are scattered around, and snow-covered trees fill the enchanting background.

Snowman World, located next to the village, had an ice slide, an ice skating rink, and more ice sculptures. We mostly just wandered around, taking in the festive atmosphere.

In a room with ice walls, a person in a yellow jacket and winter gear sits on an illuminated ice throne. The backdrop features a "Snowman World" sign, with colorful lighting in green and blue tones. This is the enchanting world of the Ice Hotel in Lapland, Finland.

A person in a yellow jacket and red backpack trudges uphill through the snow, pulling an inflatable snow tube. Snow-covered trees paint Lapland, Finland's serene landscape under a cloudy gray sky, reminiscent of the enchanting Arctic SnowHotel nearby.

Late Afternoon: Final Dinner & Stay in Rovaniemi

With a few hours in the late afternoon, we went to Arktikum, a science museum focused on the unique polar environment, its geology, and history of the region. With several interactive exhibits, it’s a fascinating and educational way to cap off a Lapland adventure!

A man stands in a museum exhibit replicating a Lapland itinerary, complete with snowy terrain and wooden structures. A taxidermy animal lies nearby, adding to the authenticity. Another person is visible in the dimly lit background.

For our last night in Lapland, we booked an Elves Cabin Wagon, a cozy mobile home we found on Booking.com. This is by far one of the most budget stays in Rovaniemi, but with an early morning flight and the stay’s close location to the airport, it was an affordable option for just one night.

Inside the cozy camper, a neatly made bed awaits with white sheets, deer-patterned pillows, and a gray blanket. Rolled towels rest nearby. Wooden cabinets and checked curtains complete the Lapland itinerary-inspired retreat's warm and inviting ambiance.

Day 7: Fly home

After 6 incredible days in Finland, we flew home to the US from Rovaniemi, connecting in Helsinki, then Miami, before landing in Denver nearly 30 hours later!

Final Thoughts: One Week Finnish Lapland Itinerary

Is it worth it to visit Lapland even for just 1 week? Absolutely.

Aerial view of a snow-covered forest with tall pine trees, extending toward distant hills under a pastel-colored sky at sunset or sunrise. The landscape is serene and vast, reminiscent of a dreamy Lapland itinerary, with soft pink and purple hues in the sky.

Lapland was one of the most surreal and memorable places we’ve ever been. The landscapes, the northern lights, the mix of adventure and relaxation—it’s everything we hoped for and more.

Would we stay in a SnowHotel again? Maybe not. Once was enough.

Would we return to Lapland? In a heartbeat.

If you’re looking for a winter trip that feels like stepping into another world, Lapland is it.

Ultimate 7-Day Lapland Itinerary: A Winter Adventure in Finnish Lapland