11 days in Lapland Itinerary

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Take a break from Rovaniemi with a short trip to Ranua Zoo in Ranua, about 1 hour away. There's much more to do: get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, enjoy some diversion at Santa Claus Office, hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church.

For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Rovaniemi online trip builder.

Tokyo, Japan to Rovaniemi is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Japan Standard Time (JST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a -7 hour difference. Traveling from Tokyo in December, expect Rovaniemi to be colder, temps between -6°C and -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can drive to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Step out of Levi to go to Kittila and see Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, which is approximately 46 minutes away. Spend the 15th (Tue) on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. The adventure continues: bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, make a trip to Giewont Husky Adventures, find something for the whole family at Levi Huskypark, and visit Inghams Mini Husky Experience.

For other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Levi tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Levi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to -6°C, and evening lows to -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Fri): fly down the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and then stop by Hippupuoti Gift Shop. Keep things going the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, see the interesting displays at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then get in on the family fun at Angry Birds Activity Park.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Saariselka trip planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Levi to Saariselka takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Saariselka are -7°C, while nighttime lows are -17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can go by car to Luosto.

Nestled among vast forests and fells, Luosto represents a small idyllic resort village set on the edge of Pyha-Luosto National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): discover the riches below the earth's surface at Amethyst Mine Lapland.

To see ratings, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Luosto vacation website.

You can drive from Saariselka to Luosto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Luosto are -8°C, while nighttime lows are -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 20th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.