12 days in Lapland Itinerary

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

Bring the kids along to Santa Claus Village and Arktikum. Next up on the itinerary: take an exotic tour of a safari tour, find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church.

To find photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi road trip site.

Melbourne, Australia to Rovaniemi is an approximately 26-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a -8 hour difference. Traveling from Melbourne in January, expect Rovaniemi to be colder, temps between -10°C and -17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Fri): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, then explore the striking landscape of Urho Kekkonen National Park, and then join in the after-dark buzz at Saariselka Bowling. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: hit the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort.

For more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Saariselka driving holiday planner.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect slightly colder evenings in Saariselka when traveling from Rovaniemi in January, with lows around -20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Akaslompolo.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sun): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Mon): don't miss a visit to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, look for gifts at Akaslompolo Sportshop, and then hit the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort.

To see maps, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Akaslompolo vacation tool.

Traveling by car from Saariselka to Akaslompolo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. January in Akaslompolo sees daily highs of -11°C and lows of -22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) to allow enough time to 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Tue): hit the slopes at Levi Ski Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, then bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, and finally have fun at Kids' Land.

To find traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Levi online tour planner.

You can drive from Akaslompolo to Levi in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Levi can reach -11°C, while at night they dip to -21°C. You will leave for home on the 10th (Thu).