Finland is a winter destination above all: Lapland, the Northern Lights, husky sleds and Santa Claus Village, a completely different experience from the Gulf. This 7-day itinerary combines the capital Helsinki and the city of Rovaniemi in the north. It is written for winter, with summer alternatives and a version for your Schengen visa file.
Best time to visit Finland
To see the Northern Lights and snow, December to March is best, and clear nights are essential for spotting the aurora. In summer (June and July) the sun shines most of the night in the north, and it is the season for lakes and forests. Temperatures in Lapland can fall far below zero in winter, so most tours provide thermal clothing.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helsinki | Arrival, Senate Square and the Cathedral | Flight to Helsinki (HEL), then train | Hotel, Helsinki |
| 2 | Helsinki | Suomenlinna Fortress, Old Market Hall | Ferry | Hotel, Helsinki |
| 3 | Helsinki → Rovaniemi | Transfer to Lapland | Domestic flight (about 1.5 hours) | Hotel, Rovaniemi |
| 4 | Rovaniemi | Santa Claus Village, reindeer farm | Bus | Hotel, Rovaniemi |
| 5 | Rovaniemi | Husky safari, Northern Lights at night | Organised tour | Hotel, Rovaniemi |
| 6 | Rovaniemi → Helsinki | Return | Domestic flight | Hotel, Helsinki |
| 7 | Helsinki | Departure | Flight | — |
Getting around and summer alternatives
Between Helsinki and Rovaniemi you have two options: a quick domestic flight, or an overnight sleeper train that saves a hotel night and arrives in the morning. If you choose the night train, mention it in the accommodation column of your itinerary so no night appears without a hotel booking. In summer, replace the husky sleds with lake boat trips and forest walks, or add a day cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn in Estonia.
Visa and trip documents
All nights are in Finland, so you apply to the Finnish embassy for a Schengen visa. The general documents are in our guide to Schengen visa requirements. The domestic flight to Rovaniemi appears in a multi-city flight reservation, with hotel bookings in both cities.
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, with flight and hotel bookings in Helsinki and Lapland.
Frequently asked questions
Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No. It depends on solar activity and clear skies, so your chances increase the more nights you spend in Lapland.
Is this itinerary suitable for children?
Yes. Santa Claus Village and husky sleds are among children’s favourite activities, with suitable winter clothing.
Can I combine Finland and Sweden?
Yes, with the overnight ferry between Helsinki and Stockholm, as long as you apply to the embassy of the country where you spend more nights.
