18 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 the city and head to Ranua Zoo and Syvasenvaara Fell. Get out of town with these interesting Rovaniemi side-trips: Ski Resort Ritavalkea (in Pello) and Korouoma Canyon (in Posio). Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Santa Claus Village, have fun at Santa Claus Office, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and admire the sheer force of Auttikongas.

For ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Rovaniemi vacation planner.

Seattle, USA to Rovaniemi is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 10 hours. Traveling from Seattle in October, things will get colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around 37°F and lows about 30°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) 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.

Visiting Levi Ski Resort and Torassieppi Reindeer Farm & Cottages will get you outdoors. Change things up with these side-trips from Levi: Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park (in Muonio) and Konijanka Petting Zoo (in Akaslompolo). There's still lots to do: wander the streets of Ounasjoki - River for activities, bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, fly down the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort, and look for all kinds of wild species at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm.

To find ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, read our Levi trip builder app.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Levi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October in Levi, expect temperatures between 37°F during the day and 27°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) 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.

Visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park and Nature & Wildlife Tours will get you outdoors. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Saariselka: Inari (Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center & Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church). The adventure continues: hit the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort, trek along Ruijanpolku Trail, stop by Hippupuoti Gift Shop, and get a taste of life in the country at Saariselka Reindeer Farm.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Saariselka trip planning website.

You can fly from Levi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Saariselka are 37°F, while nighttime lows are 28°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) so you can travel to Pyhatunturi.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Pyha-Luosto National Park and then get out on two wheels at Luosto Adventures. On the 23rd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: discover the riches below the earth's surface at Amethyst Mine Lapland and then explore the striking landscape at Isokuru.

To see where to stay, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Pyhatunturi trip maker.

Getting from Saariselka to Pyhatunturi by car takes about 2.5 hours. In October, daily temperatures in Pyhatunturi can reach 37°F, while at night they dip to 28°F. On the 24th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.