13 days in Lapland Itinerary

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

Santa's House of Snowmobiles and Arktikum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier and Rovaniemi Local History Museum. The adventure continues: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, see Santa Claus Office, and find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Rovaniemi planner.

Kansas City, USA to Rovaniemi is an approximately 18.5- hour combination of flight and bus. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of flight, taxi, bus, and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Kansas City to Rovaniemi is 8 hours. When traveling from Kansas City in January, plan for colder days in Rovaniemi, with highs around 16°F, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 6°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can take a train to Kemi.

Kemi is a town and municipality of Finland. Start off your visit on the 11th (Fri): visit Sampo Icebreaker, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Tornio Church, then admire the masterpieces at Kemin Jalokivigalleria (Kemi Gemstone Gallery), and finally admire the landmark architecture of Kemi Church.

For where to stay, photos, ratings, and tourist information, read Kemi online itinerary planner.

Getting from Rovaniemi to Kemi by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 20°F in January, and nighttime lows around 7°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to drive to Akaslompolo.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sat): stop by Akaslompolo Sportshop, look for all kinds of wild species at Konijanka Petting Zoo, and then fly down the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort.

For ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Akaslompolo trip app.

You can drive from Kemi to Akaslompolo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Kemi in January; daily highs in Akaslompolo reach 14°F and lows reach -2°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can take a bus to Levi.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Sarestoniemi Museum and Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm. Do your shopping at LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery and Elan Ski Shop & Rental. Spend the 15th (Tue) on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. There's still lots to do: join the crowd at Icekarting Levi and hit the slopes at Kids' Land.

To find traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Levi trip builder tool.

You can take a bus from Akaslompolo to Levi in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In January in Levi, expect temperatures between 15°F during the day and -1°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) so you can travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 16th (Wed): tour or see a show at The Sami Cultural Centre Sajos, then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Inari planner.

You can do a combination of flight and shuttle from Levi to Inari in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Inari can reach 15°F, while at night they dip to 1°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to travel to Tankavaara.

On the 17th (Thu), see the interesting displays at Gold Prospector Museum.

To see reviews, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Tankavaara road trip website.

Traveling by car from Inari to Tankavaara takes 1.5 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 15°F, and evening lows to 1°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Luosto.

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

On the 18th (Fri), identify plant and animal life at Kopara Reindeer Park, then discover the riches below the earth's surface at Amethyst Mine Lapland, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Sodankyla.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Luosto route maker.

Traveling by car from Tankavaara to Luosto takes 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 12°F in January, and nighttime lows around -2°F. On the 19th (Sat), you're off to home.