Rovaniemi, the official “Home of Santa Claus” and gateway to the Arctic Circle, is where winter feels like a fairytale and summer stretches with endless light. Five days here gives you the perfect balance: time to chase the Northern Lights, meet huskies and reindeer, explore Sámi traditions, and still slow down for saunas, riverside walks, and local food.
Whether you’re visiting in the snowy glow of December or under the midnight sun of July, this 5-day Rovaniemi itinerary blends the best of Lapland into one unforgettable journey.
Highlights
- Cross the Arctic Circle and meet Santa at his official village.
- Chase the Northern Lights on guided tours — from sleigh rides to snowmobiles.
- Glide through snowy forests on a thrilling husky sled safari.
- Ride with reindeer and learn about Sámi herding traditions.
- Explore the Arktikum Museum and the glass-roofed world of Arctic life.
- Relax in a Finnish sauna, then plunge into icy water like a local.
- Taste Lapland flavors — from sautéed reindeer to cloudberry desserts.
- Spend a night in a glass igloo, falling asleep under the aurora or midnight sun.
Day 1 − Arrival & Arctic Welcome
Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport, just minutes from the city. After settling in, head to the Arktikum Museum, where glass-roofed galleries reveal Lapland’s Arctic landscapes, Sámi culture, and climate stories.
Evening brings your first Lappish dinner — maybe sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys) with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. If skies are clear, join a Northern Lights tour into the wilderness. Guides track weather and solar activity, giving you the best chance to witness the aurora’s green ribbons dancing above the snow.
Food tip: Warm up with lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup), a Finnish comfort dish that pairs perfectly with rye bread.
Day 2 − Santa Claus Village & Reindeer Magic
Morning is for wonder: visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle line, meet Santa, and send postcards from his official post office. Even adults find the village unexpectedly enchanting.
In the afternoon, take a reindeer sleigh ride through snow-laden forests, learning from local herders about the deep connection between Sámi culture and these gentle animals.
Evening means another aurora opportunity — this time swap the minibus for a heated sleigh ride, gliding through silence under Arctic skies.
Wanderlab tip: Book reindeer or husky experiences early if traveling in December or February peak months sell out quickly.
Day 3 —Husky Sledding & Arctic Wilderness
Today is for adventure. Start with a husky sled safari, where the dogs’ eager howls give way to pure silence as you glide across frozen lakes and snowy woods. It’s exhilarating and deeply calming at the same time.
Afternoon options include:
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Snowmobiling across Lapland’s vast wilderness.
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Snowshoeing for a slower, more intimate pace.
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Visiting a local reindeer farm for insight into herding life.
By night, chase the aurora again — maybe on a snowmobile or by snowshoe under starlight. Every night brings a new chance.
Food tip: Try a cloudberry dessert — tart golden berries that capture Lapland’s summer sun in every bite.
Day 4 —Local Life & Arctic Relaxation
Shift gears and slow down. Explore Rovaniemi’s city center, walk along the frozen Kemijoki River, or browse shops for Sámi handicrafts and Arctic design pieces.
Visit the Science Centre Pilke for a hands-on look at Finland’s forests, or return to Arktikum for more depth.
Evening is sauna time — a must in Finland. Choose between a riverside wood-heated sauna or a modern design spa, and if you’re brave, plunge into icy water before warming back up.
Wanderlab tip: Saunas aren’t just relaxation — they’re a way of life in Finland. Locals say many of life’s biggest decisions are made in the sauna.
Day 5 − Farewell Under the Arctic Sky
Spend your last morning soaking up one more Arctic moment:
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Visit Ranua Wildlife Park (1 hr south) to see polar bears and Arctic animals.
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Or head into Ounasvaara Hill for skiing, hiking, or panoramic views.
If you haven’t yet, spend your final night in a glass igloo hotel — falling asleep under the aurora or the midnight sun is the most magical way to say goodbye to Lapland.
