Day 1: Rovaniemi – The Gateway to Lapland

About Rovaniemi

Your Lapland adventure begins in Rovaniemi, the official capital of Finnish Lapland and the largest city in the region, with a population of approximately 63,000 people. Positioned exactly on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the north. The city has an interesting history: it was almost completely destroyed during World War II, and its reconstruction was led by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who designed the city center to resemble reindeer antlers when viewed from above.

Modern Rovaniemi successfully balances urban amenities with easy access to wilderness. The city center features shops, restaurants, and museums, while vast forests and the Kemijoki River lie just minutes away. Rovaniemi’s claim to fame as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus” has made it a year-round destination, though it offers much more than just Christmas-themed attractions.

Morning Activities

After arriving at Rovaniemi Airport, take time to settle into your accommodation and acclimate to the Arctic environment. Visit the Arktikum Science Centre and Museum, one of Lapland’s premier attractions. This fascinating institution combines a science center focusing on Arctic research with a museum dedicated to Lappish culture and history. The building itself is architecturally stunning, featuring a 172-meter glass tunnel that extends toward the Ounasjoki River.

Inside Arktikum, you’ll discover comprehensive exhibitions about the aurora borealis, Arctic wildlife, climate change in the north, and the changing seasons. The museum section provides invaluable context about Sámi culture, reindeer herding traditions, and life in the Arctic throughout different historical periods. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here, as there’s an enormous amount to learn and experience.

Afternoon Exploration

After lunch at one of Rovaniemi’s downtown restaurants, make the essential pilgrimage to Santa Claus Village, located exactly on the Arctic Circle, about eight kilometers from the city center. While it might seem touristy, Santa Claus Village offers genuinely enjoyable experiences regardless of the season. You can meet Santa Claus himself year-round in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle line marked on the ground, and send postcards from the special Arctic Circle post office with a unique postmark.

The village also houses several shops selling Lappish handicrafts, traditional clothing, and unique souvenirs. Take time to explore the SantaPark underground cavern, especially magical for families with children. As evening approaches, consider taking a snowmobile safari or a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests, both quintessential Lapland experiences that provide your first taste of the region’s winter wilderness.

Day 2: Ranua and Wildlife

Journey to Ranua

Dedicate your second day to exploring Ranua Wildlife Park, located about 80 kilometers south of Rovaniemi. This northernmost zoo in the world specializes in Arctic and northern species, offering a unique opportunity to observe animals native to this extreme environment in spacious, natural-looking habitats.

Ranua Wildlife Park

The park is home to approximately 50 Arctic species, including polar bears, brown bears, lynx, wolverines, moose, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and numerous bird species. Unlike traditional zoos, Ranua emphasizes conservation and education, with enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats as closely as possible. The park covers 2.5 kilometers of walking paths through beautiful pine forests, making it as much a nature walk as a zoo visit.

Winter visits are particularly atmospheric, with snow covering the pathways and animals in their winter coats. The polar bears are especially active during colder months, and watching them play in the snow is truly memorable. The park requires about three to four hours to explore thoroughly, so arrive when it opens to maximize your time.

Afternoon Return to Rovaniemi

Return to Rovaniemi in the afternoon and spend time exploring areas you might have missed on Day 1. Visit the Korundi House of Culture, which combines an art museum with a chamber music hall in a beautifully renovated old post bus garage. The museum features contemporary Finnish art alongside temporary exhibitions.

Alternatively, visit Pilke Science Centre, which focuses on northern forests and sustainable forestry. This interactive museum explains the vital role forests play in Lapland’s ecology and economy, with engaging exhibits suitable for all ages.

Day 3: Transfer to Levi

About Levi

On Day 3, journey to Levi, Finland’s premier ski resort and one of the largest winter sports centers in the country. Located approximately 170 kilometers north of Rovaniemi near the town of Kittilä, Levi transforms into a winter sports paradise from November through May. However, Levi isn’t just a winter destination; it offers year-round activities and stunning natural beauty in every season.

The resort centers around Levi Fell, rising 531 meters above sea level. While this might seem modest by Alpine standards, the Arctic location and terrain quality make Levi a world-class skiing destination, regularly hosting World Cup events. The area includes 43 slopes, 27 ski lifts, and over 200 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails.

Levi village, at the base of the fell, has grown from a small rural settlement into a sophisticated resort town while maintaining authentic Lappish charm. The compact village center features numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodations, all within walking distance or connected by free ski buses during winter.

Arrival and Orientation

The drive from Rovaniemi to Levi takes approximately two to two and a half hours through spectacular Lappish landscapes. If driving yourself, take time to stop at viewpoints along the way. The route passes through endless forests, across frozen rivers in winter, and occasionally through small villages that provide glimpses of authentic rural Lapland life.

Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring Levi village. Visit the top of Levi Fell via the gondola lift, which operates year-round and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness. On clear days, you can see for dozens of kilometers in every direction, with nothing but forests, fells, and frozen lakes.

Evening in Levi

Levi offers excellent dining options, from traditional Lappish restaurants serving local specialties like reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberries to international cuisines. Try Ravintola King Crab House for spectacular seafood, or Restaurant Soihtu for contemporary takes on traditional Lappish dishes.

After dinner, experience Levi’s surprisingly vibrant nightlife. Despite its remote location, the resort town has numerous bars and clubs, especially lively during winter weekends. For a more relaxed evening, visit Levi Spa’s outdoor hot tubs, where you can soak in warm water while surrounded by snow and potentially watching the Northern Lights overhead.

Day 4: Levi Activities

Winter Activities

If visiting during winter, spend the day on the slopes. Levi’s ski area caters to all ability levels, from complete beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The longest run extends 2.5 kilometers, and the resort’s northern location means excellent snow conditions throughout the long season. Rental equipment is readily available, and the ski school offers lessons in multiple languages.

For non-skiers or those seeking variety, Levi offers numerous alternative activities. Take a husky safari through snow-covered forests, one of Lapland’s most thrilling experiences. These tours typically last two to four hours, with participants driving their own dog sled teams through pristine wilderness. The eager huskies and the silence of the Arctic forest create magical moments you’ll never forget.

Snowmobiling is another popular option, with guided tours ranging from one-hour introductory trips to full-day expeditions into remote wilderness areas. You’ll need a valid driver’s license to operate a snowmobile, but passenger seats are available for those who prefer to enjoy the ride without driving.

Summer Activities

Summer visitors can explore Levi’s extensive mountain biking trails, which utilize the ski slopes and surrounding forests. Bike rentals and guided tours are available, with routes ranging from easy family-friendly paths to challenging downhill tracks. The gondola operates in summer, allowing you to ride up and bike down.

Hiking is exceptional around Levi, with marked trails leading through diverse landscapes. The midnight sun during summer months means you can hike at any hour, creating surreal experiences as you walk through forests bathed in perpetual golden light. The nearby Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers more wilderness hiking opportunities, discussed further on Day 5.

Day 5: Ylläs and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Journey to Ylläs

Take a day trip to Ylläs, another major ski resort about 50 kilometers from Levi. The drive takes you through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, one of Finland’s largest and most beautiful national parks. This protected area covers 1,020 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, featuring ancient forests, clear fell streams, and a chain of fells offering spectacular views.

About Ylläs

Ylläs consists of two villages, Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo, connected by Finland’s longest ski area with 63 slopes. The area is less developed and more rustic than Levi, offering a quieter, more traditional Lappish atmosphere. Ylläs Fell itself rises to 718 meters, making it one of Finland’s highest fells and providing even more impressive views than Levi.

Exploring the National Park

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park deserves significant time and attention. The park’s clean air, protected forests, and diverse ecosystems make it a paradise for nature lovers. Well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulties traverse the park. Even a short walk of an hour or two reveals the park’s beauty, with towering pines, crystal-clear streams, and remarkable silence broken only by birdsong and wind through the trees.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including reindeer (both wild and semi-domesticated), moose, brown bears (in summer), wolverines, and numerous bird species. While large predator sightings are rare and bears hibernate in winter, you’ll likely encounter reindeer and possibly see tracks of other animals in the snow.

Visit the Pallas Visitor Centre to learn about the park’s ecology, history, and current conservation efforts. The center features excellent exhibitions about fell landscapes, traditional uses of the wilderness, and the challenges of protecting these fragile Arctic ecosystems while allowing sustainable tourism.

Äkäslompolo Village

Stop in Äkäslompolo village for lunch. This small community embodies authentic Lappish charm, with traditional wooden buildings, small shops selling local handicrafts, and friendly locals. The village’s location beside Lake Äkäsjärvi creates picturesque views, especially in winter when the lake freezes solid and becomes a vast snow-covered plain.

Day 6: Inari – The Heart of Sámi Culture

Journey to Inari

Day 6 involves a longer journey to Inari, approximately 200 kilometers north of Levi. This drive, taking about three hours, is spectacular, following routes through increasingly remote wilderness. The landscape changes noticeably as you travel further north, with forests becoming sparser and fells more prominent.

About Inari

Inari is a small village with only about 700 permanent residents, but it holds immense cultural significance as the center of Sámi culture in Finland. The village sits on the shores of Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, covering 1,040 square kilometers with over 3,000 islands. The lake’s size and the vast wilderness surrounding it create an overwhelming sense of remoteness and natural beauty.

Inari municipality is enormous, covering 17,333 square kilometers (larger than some European countries) with a population density of just 0.4 people per square kilometer. This extreme sparseness epitomizes what makes Lapland so special: vast territories where nature dominates and human presence barely registers.

Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center

The highlight of any visit to Inari is Siida, an exceptional museum dedicated to Sámi culture and Northern nature. The museum provides comprehensive insight into Sámi history, traditional livelihoods, language, arts, and the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in maintaining their culture in the modern world.

Exhibitions cover traditional reindeer herding, fishing methods, distinctive handicrafts (duodji), and the spiritual beliefs that connected the Sámi people to their environment. The museum also addresses difficult historical periods when Sámi culture faced suppression and forced assimilation, providing important context for understanding contemporary Sámi identity and ongoing cultural revival efforts.

The nature exhibition explores Arctic ecosystems, seasonal changes, and the unique adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive extreme conditions. Interactive displays and films bring these topics to life, making Siida educational and engaging for all ages.

Exploring Inari

After visiting Siida, explore the small village. Visit the Sámi Cultural Center Sajos, the administrative and cultural center for the Sámi Parliament of Finland. While you may not be able to enter all areas, the building’s modern architecture incorporating traditional Sámi design elements is worth seeing from outside.

Walk along the shores of Lake Inari and visit Ukko Island viewpoint for panoramic vistas across the frozen lake (in winter) or open waters (in summer). The sheer scale of the lake and surrounding wilderness is humbling, reminding visitors of nature’s dominance in this extreme environment.

If time permits, visit a local workshop selling authentic Sámi handicrafts. These aren’t tourist souvenirs but genuine works of art created using traditional methods passed down through generations. Items include intricate silver jewelry, carved wooden objects, and beautifully embroidered textiles. While not inexpensive, these pieces represent authentic cultural heritage and support Sámi artisans directly.

Day 7: Return and Reflection

Final Morning in Lapland

Your final day depends on whether you stayed in Inari or returned to Levi. If in Inari, spend the morning enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before beginning the journey back to Rovaniemi for your departure. If you returned to Levi, use the morning for last-minute activities or shopping for souvenirs.

Return Journey

The return to Rovaniemi provides opportunities to stop at places you passed earlier in the week. Consider visiting small roadside cafés serving traditional Lappish pastries and coffee, or pull over at scenic viewpoints for final photographs of the landscape that has enchanted you throughout the week.

Souvenirs and Memories

Before departing Rovaniemi, pick up any final souvenirs. Look for authentic local products like cloudberry jam, smoked reindeer meat, Finnish design items, or traditional Sámi handicrafts. Rovaniemi’s shops offer better variety than airport stores, and you’ll be supporting local businesses.

Reflecting on Your Journey

As you prepare to leave, reflect on the diverse experiences of your week in Lapland. You’ve witnessed extraordinary natural phenomena, learned about unique indigenous culture, experienced thrilling Arctic activities, and explored vast wilderness areas. Lapland’s magic lies not just in its spectacular sights but in how it makes you feel: small yet connected to something vast and timeless, challenged by extreme conditions yet welcomed by warm hospitality, and transformed by encounters with a landscape and culture completely different from anything in the rest of Europe.