8 days in Lapland Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Mon): see Santa Claus Office, identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, then see the interesting displays at Christmas House Santa, and finally don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village. Keep things going the next day: look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland, fly down the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, and then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum.

For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi trip itinerary maker tool.

Chicago, USA to Rovaniemi is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. Traveling from Chicago to Rovaniemi, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Chicago in December, expect Rovaniemi to be a bit cooler, temps between 22°F and 11°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Tue) so you can drive to Akaslompolo.

On the 2nd (Wed), stop by Akaslompolo Sportshop, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and then hit the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Akaslompolo trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Akaslompolo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Akaslompolo when traveling from Rovaniemi in January, with lows around -2°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (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.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): explore the landscape on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, then visit Inghams Mini Husky Experience, then get engrossed in the history at Samiland, and finally hit the slopes at Kids' Land.

Plan a trip to Levi easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Getting from Akaslompolo to Levi by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Levi can reach 15°F, while at night they dip to -1°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Sat): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, then fly down the slopes at Urho Kekkonen National Park, and then examine the collection at Gold Prospector Museum.

To see where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Saariselka tour itinerary app.

You can fly from Levi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daytime highs in Saariselka are 15°F, while nighttime lows are 1°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can travel back home.