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Lapland is the ultimate winter travel destination with its frozen arctic landscapes, magical igloo hotels and iconic winter activities. If you're planning a trip to this winter wonderland, you've come to the right place.
We spent just under a month exploring this magical region of Finland, so in this guide we're sharing a one week Lapland itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Quick Overview
This guide combines two of the best destinations: Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, and Levi, a charming ski resort tucked away in the Arctic wilderness.
In this 7 day Lapland Itinerary you'll spend 3 nights in Rovaniemi and 3 nights in Levi.
You can expect unforgettable winter activities like husky sledding, Northern Lights hunting, reindeer encounters and relaxing in a Finnish sauna.
You have the option of flying into Rovaniemi Airport and out of Kittilä Airport near Levi (or vice versa) or driving back to Rovaniemi Airport on your final day.
- Day 1 - Arrive in Rovaniemi
- Day 2 - Santa Claus Village & Arctic Wildlife
- Day 3 - Husky Safari + Ice Hotel
- Day 4 - Travel to Levi
- Day 5 - Ski Day in Levi
- Day 6 - Arctic Activites
- Day 7 - Last activities and sightseeing
Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi
This itinerary starts in Rovaniemi, so aim to fly early to make the most of the day, or consider flying in the evening before.
Morning / Afternoon: Arrival & Settle in
Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport, the main airport and capital of Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. After collecting your luggage, transfer to your chosen accommodation and settle in.
We highly recommend staying in a glass igloo at Apukka Resort, we stayed in their beautiful Kammi Suite which was magical!
The Kammi Suite
Once settled in, you can either explore your accommodation or head into Rovanieimi's small but charming city centre, where you can grab a hot drink at a local café, browse the shops or head to the Arktikum Museum.
Evening: Sauna, Ice Dip & Lappish Dinner
Kick off your first evening with a traditional Finnish sauna, a must-do on any Lapland itinerary. Most hotels offer private saunas, or you can visit Rovaniemi Sauna World.
We did our sauna and ice dip experience at Apukka Resort, where we had a private sauna floating on a frozen lake, with a hole cut into the ice for dipping. It was such a unique and memorable experience, so we highly recommend it.
After warming up, head to a cosy restaurant for your first Lappish dinner. Most resorts have their own restaurants serving Lappish dishes (Apukka does), but there are plenty of restaurants in the city centre.
If the skies are clear, keep an eye out - you might catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights!
Top Rated Sauna Experiences
Day 2: Santa Claus Village & Arctic Wildlife
On your first full day in Lapland, you'll explore some of Rovaniemi's most iconic spots, like Santa Claus Village and a local reindeer farm.
Morning: Visit Santa Claus Village
Start your day with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just a short drive from Rovaniemi. This iconic spot is open year-round but feels especially magical in the winter months, with snow-covered log cabins, twinkling lights and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself.
Although it wasn't our favourite thing to do, it's definitely worth a visit, especially if you are travelling with kids and love a festive atmosphere.
Here, you can cross the Arctic Circle line and get an official certificate, send a postcard from Santa’s official post office, browse the shops and take a photo with Santa.
Afternoon: Reindeer Sleigh Ride
After lunch, head out for a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest, one of the most traditional and serene ways to experience Lapland. Many experiences also include a visit to a local reindeer farm, where you’ll learn about Sámi culture, reindeer herding traditions and even get to feed the animals.
It’s a slower-paced, culturally rich experience that contrasts with the more adrenaline-filled days to come.
Evening: Northern Lights Tour
If the Aurora forecasts are good, book a guided Aurora hunting tour to increase your chances of spotting them. Guides will take you to the best viewing spots away from city lights and many tours include warm drinks and photography tips.
If you’re into photography, consider booking a dedicated Aurora photography tour, where guides help you capture that bucket-list shot of the Northern Lights over snowy Lapland!
Top Rated Northern Lights Tours
Day 3: Husky Safari & Ice Hotel
Day 3 is all about experiencing some of Lapland's unique activities; like adrenaline-filled husky sledding and a visit to the unique Arctic SnowHotel.
Morning: Husky Safari
Start your day with one of the most iconic Lapland winter experiences, a husky sledding safari. This was our personal favourite activity, we even did two different tours!
We'd highly recommend Bearhill Husky, a family run husky kennel in Rovaniemi. We learnt about the huskies training, experienced being pulled through snow-covered forests and ended with hot berry juice and ginger biscuits around a fire.
Afternoon & Evening: Arctic SnowHotel & Ice Restaurant Experience
In the afternoon, head out to the Arctic SnowHotel, located about 30 minutes from Rovaniemi. This incredible hotel is rebuilt entirely from snow and ice each winter and features intricately carved suites, icy sculptures and even an Ice Chapel.
You can take a guided tour through the hotel, learn how it's made and step inside the famous Ice Restaurant, where you can enjoy a dinner served on ice tables and even drink from frozen cups.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience this ourselves as we visited in November, before it had opened for the season, but you can bet it’s high on our bucket list!
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even choose to spend the night in an ice room, wrapped up in thermal sleeping bags and blankets.
Day 4: Travel to Levi
On day 4, you'll travel north to the ski village of Levi to experience a quieter and more remote side of Lapland.
Morning / Afternoon: Travel from Rovaniemi to Levi
In the morning, set off to the ski village of Levi, located about 2.5 to 3 hours north of Rovaniemi. You can drive a rental car, book a transfer or catch a bus and enjoy the scenic journey that winds through snowy forests.
Along the way, keep an eye out for reindeer on the roadside and stop for a few photo breaks if you're driving.
Once you arrive in Levi, check into your accommodation. You can choose from log cabins and luxury glass-roofed suites to ski-in-ski-out chalets.
We stayed in the Aurora Suite
We stayed at Northern Lights Village Levi, which is just 20 minutes from the main village. We highly recommend a stay here, the aurora cabins are breathtaking; you can read our review below.
Chloe Butcher
Evening: Spa Evening
After a long travel day, it’s time to unwind in the spa. If your accommodation has a private sauna, this is the perfect night to use it. Our aurora cabin at Northern Lights Village had a private sauna which was incredible and a luxurious touch.
There are spas in Levi and surrounding resorts if you're staying somewhere without any facilities, many spots have outdoor hot tubs, saunas, and even the chance to stargaze while soaking in warm water.
Optional: If the skies are clear and you’re not too tired, join a Northern Lights tour or just head outside, Levi is far enough north that the aurora often appears right from your cabin.
Day 5: Ski Day in Levi
Day 5 of this itinerary is dedicated to exploring Levi and experiencing some of its thrilling winter activities.
Morning / Afternoon: Levi Ski Resort
If you're up for a fun winter activity, it's time to do some skiing or snowboarding in Levi! Levi Ski Resort has over 40 slopes for all experience levels, so it's perfect for everyone, even if you've never skied before.
You can rent all the gear you'll need and book lessons in the village if needed. If you prefer something gentler, try the cross-country ski trails that wind through the forests; it’s a peaceful and traditional way to explore Lapland on your own terms!
Evening: Optional Spa or Relax
Relaxing in the sauna and hot tubs is the perfect way to end a full day on the slopes, so head to your hotel sauna or visit the Levi Spa Hotel.
Day 6: Arctic Activites
Day 6 is all about getting active and exploring Laplands wilderness with some adventure-filled activities. You can choose which activities suit you best, there's plenty to choose from!
Morning: Winter activity
It's time to explore some more of Lapland's epic winter activities and snowy landscapes, so pick an activity that suits you best.
One of our top recommendations is a snowmobiling safari, which takes you speeding across frozen lakes and through snowy forests.
If you're looking for something slow-paced, try snowshoeing through the forest. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature and many guided tours include hot berry juice, snacks by a campfire and local stories from your guide.
If you need more activity ideas, check out our guide to the best winter activities in Lapland.
Chloe Butcher
Afternoon: Relaxing
After spending the morning in the snow, spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or at a local restaurant. Grab some lunch and warm up before an exciting tour in the evening.
Evening: Northern Lights Guided Tour
In the evening, join another Northern Lights tour to hunt for the aurora. Levi is a perfect location to hunt for northern lights, as it's further north and more remote.
If you want a bit more adventure, go for a northern lights tour combined with snowmobiling or sleigh rides.
Day 7: Last activities and sightseeing
On day 7, you have the option of taking it slow and doing some sightseeing, or fitting in any last-minute activities that you might have missed.
Morning/Afternoon: Explore Levi Village or do an activity
On your last morning, spend some time wandering around Levi village, to explore the shops and buy any unique souvenirs like handmade Sámi crafts, locally sourced skincare or arctic berry jams.
Or, if you prefer, schedule a last-minute activity like a reindeer sleigh ride or ice fishing. This is the perfect time to fit in one last adventure before leaving Lapland.
Top Rated Tours in Levi
Evening: One last meal in Lapland
Depending on when your flight is, and if time allows, go for one last meal in Lapland. We'd recommend trying a local restaurant if you haven't already to try some authentic Lappish dishes which include lots of reindeer, fish and berries.
Is one week in Lapland enough time?
Yes, one week in Lapland is the perfect amount of time to experience a mix of adventure, nature and local culture without feeling rushed.
With 7 days, you can comfortably split your time between two locations (like Rovaniemi and Levi), try iconic activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling and sauna + ice dipping, and still have time to relax, chase the Northern Lights, or just enjoy the arctic landscapes.
Where should I stay for one week in Lapland?
For a 7-day trip, we recommend splitting your stay between Rovaniemi and Levi to experience the best of both worlds. We stayed at a range of accommodations, but would highly recommend Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi and Northern Lights Village in Levi.
We'd also suggest spending a night in an Ice Hotel like Arctic SnowHotel (if you’re visiting between December and March).
For a full guide on where to stay in Lapland, see our post below! 👇
Chloe Butcher
Do I need to rent a car in Lapland for a 7-day trip?
No, it's not necessary to hire a car, especially if you're staying in or near Rovaniemi and Levi, where most tours include transfers.
However, having your own car does give you more flexibility, especially for visiting lesser-known spots and catching the Northern Lights from remote viewpoints.
If you're comfortable driving in snow and ice, hiring a car for at least part of the trip can add a lot of freedom, just make sure it has winter tires and insurance suited to Arctic conditions.
What should I pack for 7 days in Lapland in winter?
In winter, temperatures can range from -5°C to -30°C so it's important to layer and have winter clothing. You'll need to bring thermal clothing, insulated outer layers, snow boots, hats, gloves and a scarf. For a full winter packing list, see our guide below!
Chloe Butcher
Most tour operators provide extra gear like snowsuits and boots for outdoor activities, but having your own core layers is essential.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Finland travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
