Winter journey from Rovaniemi to Ivalo (7 days)
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Finnish Lapland, travelling from Rovaniemi to Ivalo via Saariselkä. Discover breathtaking Arctic landscapes, authentic local culture, and unforgettable winter adventures as your experienced guide shares the very best the region has to offer.
Route Info
Type: Holiday Package
Departure: Rovaniemi
Arrival: Ivalo
Duration : 7 days, 6 nights
Transportation by Minivan
ITINERARY
Rovaniemi – Luosto Nat. Park – Saariselkä – Inari – Ivalo
Nights
Accommodation in hotel twin rooms (6 nights)
Level
Easy: this trip is accessible to everyone.
BEST SEASON
Available: January – April
Recommended : March
ESTIMATED PRICE*
1950€ / person
*Final pricing will vary depending on your choice of accommodation, selected experiences, and the number of participants.
WHY CHOOSE THIS WINTER JOURNEY?
Experience the best of Finnish Lapland on an unforgettable winter road trip from Rovaniemi to Ivalo. Travel through snow-covered forests, national parks, and Arctic villages while discovering authentic local culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable winter activities. From Santa Claus Village and husky safaris to Northern Lights hunting and Sámi traditions, this carefully designed journey offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and unique Arctic experiences.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Journey through Finnish Lapland
✓ Curated Arctic experiences
✓ Professional guide
✓ Carefully selected accommodation
✓ Scenic winter landscapes
✓ Small & private group
ITINERARY
This is our standard itinerary for this journey. If you would like to adapt the duration, the type of accommodation or the tours included in this package, please contact us. Meals are included when mentioned : (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) Dinner, (S) Snack.
This is our standard itinerary for this journey. If you would like to adapt the duration, the type of accommodation or the tours included in this package, please contact us. Meals are included when mentioned : (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) Dinner, (S) Snack.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ROVANIEMI (D)
PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM ROVANIEMI AIRPORT
Your guide will meet you directly at Rovaniemi Airport or train station. You will receive a presentation of your schedule for the week, be provided with professional winter clothing and boots, and review other practical details and questions with your guide.
Accommodation: twin room in a hotel located in Rovaniemi City Center
Note: the program of this first day may be adapted depending on your arrival time. If you arrive early for example, you may book an additional activity to fill your free time.
PRIVATE NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNTING TOUR
Our holiday package also includes two private Northern Lights Hunting photography tours, which can be scheduled on the first day or rescheduled later during your stay depending on weather conditions, in order to maximise your chances of seeing the aurora.
Depending on where you stay for the night, you will be driven away from the town and its light pollution to locations with open views to the north. The aurora excursion will also give your guide the opportunity to explain this fascinating polar phenomenon in more detail and share the mythology associated with the Northern Lights.
DAY 2 & 3: ACTIVITIES IN ROVANIEMI
On those days, you can choose one or two activities (depending on their duration) departing from Rovaniemi. Here are our favourite options:
- Visit on your own of Santa Claus Village or with a guided tour by Electric Fatbike: you can cross the Arctic Circle, visit the Santa Claus Post Office, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy free time exploring the village, shopping, and soaking up the magical Christmas atmosphere.
- Hike to Korouoma Canyon and its frozen waterfalls
- Visit of a Traditional Reindeer Farm
- Husky Adventure with 6 -10 km safari
- Visit Ranua Wildlife Park
- Finnish Legends & Tales evening
DAY 4: JOURNEY TO PYHÄ-LUOSTO
SNOWSHOEING TRIP TO AMETHYST MINE
Today, we will begin our journey towards Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Upon arrival at the parking area, we will continue the adventure into the heart of the Arctic wilderness, you will set out on a snowshoeing adventure through the pristine Arctic wilderness. Walking approximately 2.5 km (around one hour), you will make your way through deep snow t the foot of Lampivaara Hill, home to the renowned Lampivaara Amethyst Mine. This is a wonderful moment to relax in nature while your guide demonstrates traditional fire-making skills. Without matches or a lighter!
From the base of the hill, you will board the charming “snow train” (locally known as the Pendolino) for a scenic ride to the top. As you ascend, you can admire sweeping views of the horizon, surrounding fells, and the vast Taiga forest stretching in every direction.
The guided tour of the amethyst mine lasts approximately one hour. You will learn about the geology and unique natural environment of the area, the formation of amethyst crystals some 2,000 million years ago, and the fascinating legends associated with this beautiful purple gemstone. At the end of the visit, you will have the opportunity to dig for your very own amethyst. And of course, you can keep the treasure you find as a special souvenir of your Arctic adventure. After the visit, we will warm up and enjoy a well-deserved lunch snack at the famous café.
Accommodation: twin room in a hotel located in Luosto National Park
DAY 5: JOURNEY TO IVALO (B, S, D)
GOLD PANNING EXPERIENCE IN TANKAVAARA
The day begins with a journey north to the spectacular Tankavaara, a small village renowned for its 150-year tradition of gold panning. Here, you will discover the fascinating history of Lapland’s gold rush and learn the techniques and secrets of gold panning for yourself.
Following the activities, you will stay overnight in Tankavaara, giving you more time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Often considered the gateway to Lapland’s gold fields, this tranquil setting offers a true sense of the region’s pioneering spirit and untouched Arctic nature.
SNOWMOBILE SAFARI IN SAARISELKÄ AREA
The experience continues in the spectacular Saariselkä region, home to two of Finland’s largest national parks, Urho Kekkonen National Park and Lemmenjoki National Park. This area offers breathtaking views of untouched Arctic wilderness. You will explore these magnificent landscapes in the best possible way: by snowmobile. Riding across frozen fells, snowy forests, and vast open spaces is an unforgettable way to experience the raw beauty of the North.
Accommodation: twin room in a hotel located in Ivalo
DAY 6: TRIP TO INARI (B, S , D)
TRIP TO INARI & VISIT OF SIIDA MUSEUM
Village of Inari is a heart of the enchanting Sámi culture in Finland. You will then have the chance to visit the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre and learn about the Sami culture, the indigenous people of the North. The exhibitions of the Museum display informative boards, artefacts, and traditional buildings to give you a great insight of Sami lifestyle, mythology, language, interaction with the nature and many other aspects of their culture.
ICE-FISHING ON INARI LAKE
Enjoy a very local activity in the middle of a fabulous landscape! Not only ice-fishing is a fun way to catch your lunch, but it is certainly one of the best ways to properly experience the silence and peacefulness that reign in the Arctic. Like many locals who practice ice-fishing during their free time, you will learn how to drill your own hole through the thick ice and drop your fishing line in the clean waters.
The wilderness lake Inarijärvi stretches out in front of the Inari village. It is the third largest lake in Finland that offers a stunning view to surrounding nature. The scenery, combined with its fishing opportunities, make it an ideal place for ice-fishing parties! A snack lunch around the fire and hot drinks will be prepared by your guide to warm you up if you feel cold. And if you catch a fish of a decent size, your guide will gladly add it to the menu!
Accommodation: twin room in a hotel located in Ivalo.
Suggestion: upgrade this night to a unique overnight stay in a Glass Igloo for an unforgettable Arctic experience
DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM IVALO (B)
PRIVATE TRANSFER TO IVALO AIRPORT
Transfer to the airport will be arranged based on your flight departure time so you can peacefully enjoy your last moments in the city.
INFORMATION
INCLUDED
Activites :
A winter holiday programme organised with a smart and relaxing schedule, fully customised to your wishes. Our favourite suggestions:
- Visit of a traditional reindeer farm
- Visit of Santa Claus Village
- Visit of Amethyst mine with the snowshoe experience
- Gold panning experience
- Snowmobile safari (2h)
- Visit of Sámi museum and Nature Centre in Inari
- Private Ice-fishing experience
Accommodation
- 6 nights in twin rooms
- Extra: Overnight in a Glass Igloo
Others Services
- Professional guide with the #1 Tour Operator in Rovaniemi
- Airport transfers x2
- Meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, S=snack, D=dinner)
- Winter overalls and boots
- Transportation
- All equipment and gear for activities
- All taxes & handling fee
NOT INCLUDED
- Flight tickets
- Gratuities
PLEASE NOTE
We recommend to book in advance, as availability may be limited in peak seasons.
Transportation and most of the activities are private. Participants will be led by their own private professional guide during the whole trip.
A minimum of 2 adult participants is required for the trip to operate. The maximum capacity is 6 people for comfort reasons. For larger groups, please contact us and we can discuss a specific package.
Child rate applies from 5 to 12 years old. Because of long distance trips and the rough winter conditions in Lapland, we do not recommend to bring infants aged less than 5 years old.
Private transportation by minivan. One luggage and handbag per person allowed.
For snowmobile safari, a valid driving license (for cars) is required if you wish to drive the snowmobile. The safari is twin driving, you are 2 participants on one snowmobile (1 driver, 1 passenger). Solo driving (1 per snowmobile) may be possible at extra costs.
You will be provided with professional Winter overalls and boots if needed. However, please dress appropriately with warm inner clothes, two pairs of socks, gloves and hats.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 20% if booking is cancelled 61 days or more before departure;
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 60 days or less before departure.
BOOK THIS TRIP
HOW TO BOOK
Please send us a booking request. Our team will check availability for your dates and will send you a quote with payment instructions.
E-MEET UP
If you wish, we can arrange an online meeting to discuss this package and what it includes, please mention if in your request.
PAYMENT
Payment by bank transfer and credit card are accepted.
An immediate 30% deposit payment is required to confirm the booking. Payment of the remaining 70% is required at least one month before departure.
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