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Fabulous Lapland

Visit Levi, Haparanda, Kemi and Rovaniemi, 2 nights stay in a Glass Igloo
Northern Lights Village Levi, Finland © Visit Levi

Welcome to Winter in Lapland with time spent in Levi, Haparanda, Kemi and Rovaniemi, plus two nights stay in a Glass Igloo. Excursions include a reindeer farm visit with sled ride, Sampo Icebreaker cruise with ice swimming and Kemi Winter Park, Husky farm visit with dog-sledding and Santa Claus Village visit. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Levi Arrival: Northern Lights Village Glass Igloo + Optional Aurora Hunt by Heated Sleigh

On arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel. Welcome to Levi, Finland, a winter paradise like no other. Nestled in the heart of Lapland, Levi offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in Sirkka Village, approximately 170km north of the Arctic Circle, its natural surroundings are guaranteed to impress. During the next two nights you will stay in a private Aurora Igloo Glass Cabin at Northern Lights Village Levi - a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and some with luck, the dance of the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in your warm bed. Enjoy dinner at the village restaurant.

Evening optional Aurora Hunt by Heated Sleigh 3hrs. Glide through the silent, snow-covered forest, searching for the magical Northern Lights above you. Take a seat in the heated aurora sleigh, a good option if you do not wish to drive a snowmobile and prefer to sit in the comfort of a heated sleigh. Your guide tows the sleigh by snowmobile through the snowy moonlit and starlit landscape, into the forest, far away from light pollution. After arriving, prepare your cameras and take photographs of the northern night sky. If the luck is with you, the Northern Lights may appear. Sit comfortably by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and stories.

Day 2 Levi: Reindeer Farm & Sleigh Ride, Optional Finnish Sauna & Jacuzzi; Aurora Photography; Snowshoeing

From river valleys and frozen lakes up to the fells with their spectacular views over the artic landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. Today you will have the opportunity to get familiar with Lappish animals and the life of the locals. Morning visit to meet the reindeer farmers to learn about the reindeer, and their importance to the Sami culture. Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. Sami and his family have been living in the farm more than 300 years. Visit the café, the museum and enjoy a typical three-course home made lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at the village restaurant.

Afternoon or evening optional Finnish Sauna & Jacuzzi 1hr. A beautiful setting relax and possibly see the Northern Lights. Built in the same style as the Aurora Cabins with a large sky window, the Igloo Sauna offers a perfect combination of viewing the night sky while warming up in the Sauna and relaxing in a hot tub.

Early evening optional Aurora Photography Workshop 1hr. Make the most out of the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights. Learn all the tricks you need to capture the Northern Lights and the night sky. Your instructor has vast knowledge and experience of photographing the Northern Lights. The workshop provides you with just the right tips on how to handle your camera and set the exposure and shutter to be able to share the magic of the Northern Lights with the best possible photos.

Evening optional Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes 2hrs. Snowshoeing is the closest way to experience the nature of Lapland. The deep snow crunching under the shoes, the snow-hooded trees, and the pearly-white willow grouse watching you from afar – the winter nature is a magical world of its own. Hike through the forest in snowshoes to a nearby fell where we will build a fire, enjoy a delicious meal outdoors, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. The guide will provide information on the nature and animals of Lapland, and with any luck we may see a Siberian jay, a willow grouse, or a herd of reindeer wandering by. This trip is especially suitable for nature-lovers, who wish to take great photographs and enjoy the natural scenery in an ecological way.

Day 3 Levi, Finland - Haparanda, Sweden: Optional Ice Fishing

Early departure from Levi. The route to Haparanda is quite scenic, especially during the winter months when the landscape is covered in snow. Travel east and pass through the forests and hills of Finnish Lapland, which are dotted with small towns and villages. As you approach the border between Finland and Sweden, you'll cross the Muonio River, which forms the border between the two countries. The river is quite wide and frozen in the winter, and you may see people ice fishing or skiing. Once you cross into Sweden, you'll notice a change in the landscape, as the terrain becomes flatter, and the forests give way to open fields. Haparanda is located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, so you may be able to catch glimpses of the sea as you approach the town. 

Tonight you will stay at Haparanda Stadshotell, one of the most famous turn-of-the-century hotels in Sweden, restored to its former glory, with the authentic character of the town’s number one establishment: red plush, crystal chandeliers, stucco. The building was designed by the architects Fritz Ullrich and Eduard Hallqvist from Stockholm. The hotel was built in the classical style, the master builder and the carpenters coming from Sundsvall, Sweden, the stucco workers came from Italy, much of the building material was from Silesia. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Afternoon optional Burbut Fishnets & Ice Fishing 2-3hrs. Tornionjoki river is the biggest free-flowing river in Europe in which whitefish and salmon spawn. Kukkolankoski rapids are a crown jewel of Tornionjoki river. It flows unobstructed even in winter. Ice fishing is the activity of catching fish with lines and hooks. Our guide will teach you how to drill a hole in the ice and prepare the ice-fishing rod and baits. Then it’s time to test your skills.

Day 4 Haparanda - Kemi: Sampo Icebreaker - Rovaniemi

Head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. Visit the fabulous SnowExperience365 complex and Winter Park. Built entirely of snow and ice, it has a special snow slide and amazing sculptures. Built entirely of snow and ice, it has a special snow slide and amazing sculptures. Lunch at the Seaview Restaurant. Then embark on the Sampo Icebreaker. Cruise on this remarkable vessel as it breaks through the ice in the northern Gulf of Bothnia. This experience includes a guided tour of the ship and a delicious meal, plus something very special - swimming in Europe's largest ice field. A guide is with you at all times, as you wear a snug survival, floatation drysuit. You will stay dry as you slide into the water and float.

The adventure continues, as you make your way to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, and the official home of Santa Claus. Two overnights at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar. Evening at leisure to explore on your own.

Day 5 Rovaniemi: Husky Farm and Santa Claus Village, Optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile

Morning drive through the white nature to enjoy one of the highlights of the tour, a Husky Farm located right on the Arctic Circle. The happy dogs will welcome you with their barks, while the head musher tells you all about the life of these hard working Arctic dogs. In pairs, you will enjoy a sled ride (one person driving, one person seated), along forest trails. 

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa´s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland. Return to the hotel by bus and afternoon and evening at leisure.

Evening optional Aurora Borealis Safari by Snowmobile 3hrs. Drive through a snow-covered forest wilderness and along a frozen river, to discover the phenomena of a Northern sky. With some luck, a clear sky will prevail and the Northern Lights will appear. Warm drinks and snacks around a campfire. 

Day 6 Rovaniemi Departure

Transfer to Rovaniemi Airport, where your arrangements conclude.


2025 departures: 
13, 27 January
17, 24 February
10, 24 March

Notes:

Maximum Group Size: 25 persons

All optional excursions must be pre-booked. Minimum age and height requirements may apply. All snowmobile drivers must hold a valid driver's licence.

Airport transfers are shared with fellow arriving/departing passengers. Minor waiting times may occur.

Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase plus 1 piece of hand luggage per person.

Services of a bi-lingual tour escort, English and Spanish or Portuguese.

Child policy: children aged under 7 years are not permitted on this tour.

Up to 1 child, 7 years and over can share a room with 2 adults and will sleep on a sofa bed.

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated