13 days in Lapland Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sun): see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour and then fly down the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Akaslompolo Sportshop, then steep yourself in history at Keimioniemi Fishing Cabins, and then see the interesting displays at Muonion Kotiseutumuseo.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Akaslompolo itinerary maker tool.

Wellington, New Zealand to Akaslompolo is an approximately 33-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone changes from New Zealand Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a -10 hour difference. Traveling from Wellington in January, expect Akaslompolo to be cooler, temps between -11°C and -22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Levi.

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

Attractions like Icekarting Levi and Levi Ski Resort make great kid-friendly stops. Step out of Levi to go to Kittila and see Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, which is approximately 46 minutes away. There's still lots to do: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, look for all kinds of wild species at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, fly down the slopes at Kids' Land, and take an in-depth tour of Samiland.

For ratings, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, use the Levi trip builder site.

You can drive from Akaslompolo to Levi in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January in Levi, expect temperatures between -11°C during the day and -21°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) so you can 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.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Fri): get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then fly down the slopes at Urho Kekkonen National Park, and then join in the after-dark buzz at Saariselka Bowling. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Saariselka sightseeing planning site.

You can fly from Levi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to -11°C, and evening lows to -20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) to allow time to drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Attractions like SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus and Arktikum make great kid-friendly stops. And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and get curious at Pilke Science Centre.

To find ratings, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Rovaniemi tour planner.

Getting from Saariselka to Rovaniemi by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In February in Rovaniemi, expect temperatures between -6°C during the day and -11°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.