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. Next up on the itinerary: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, see Santa Claus Office, get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, and don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi trip planner.

Kansas City, USA to Rovaniemi is an approximately 20-hour flight. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Kansas City to Rovaniemi due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Kansas City in January, expect nights in Rovaniemi to be a bit cooler, around 6°F, while days are colder, around 16°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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.

To find ratings, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, read Kemi online itinerary planner.

Getting from Rovaniemi to Kemi by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. 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.

To see ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, 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 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.

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 see maps, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Levi trip builder tool.

You can drive from Akaslompolo to Levi in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. 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.

To find photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Inari planner.

You can fly 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.

For where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, 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.

For other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, 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.