Magical Northern Lights Escape
Exceptional Finland
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Additional Info
- Similar Tours
What's included
- All Breakfast
- Entry ticket to selected places
- Professionally guided tour
- Travel Buddy
- Flight Tickets
- Medical insurance and emergency insurance
- Other International flights
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to guide and driver
- Visa arrangements
A land of glistening snowfields, serene forests, and the mystical northern lights, Finland is a destination where nature, tradition, and modern innovation blend seamlessly. While its Arctic wonders are well known among travelers seeking the extraordinary, there is much more to Finland than its winter magic. The country’s deep-rooted heritage, warm communal culture, and love for simplicity and wellbeing make it a truly unique place to explore.
Let’s dive into the culture and traditions of Finland so you can get a deeper understanding of this Nordic gem before your trip.
What is Finland known for?
Finland is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes and Endless Forests,” and for good reason—over 70% of the country is covered in forest, and it boasts more than 180,000 lakes. This breathtaking natural environment forms an essential part of Finnish identity.
One of the biggest attractions is the opportunity to witness the aurora borealis, visible on more than 200 nights a year in the northern region of Lapland. Finland is also known for its Sauna culture (with over 3 million saunas for a population of just 5.5 million!), the world-famous Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, reindeer and husky experiences, and a strong focus on sustainability.
Additionally, Finland is consistently ranked as the Happiest Country in the World, thanks to its social systems, connection to nature, and balanced lifestyle.
Is it always cold in Finland?
Finland’s climate varies significantly between the south and the Arctic north.
In winter—particularly from December to March—the temperatures in Lapland can drop to -15°C to -25°C, with colder spells reaching -30°C or below. However, the dry Arctic air often makes the cold feel surprisingly manageable.
In Helsinki and the southern regions, winters are milder, averaging -3°C to -8°C.
Summers in Finland are pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C, and long daylight hours thanks to the famous Midnight Sun.
Finland’s weather can be unpredictable, but with proper winter clothing, it’s extremely enjoyable—especially during snow activities.
What is the culture of Finland?
Finnish culture is deeply shaped by nature, simplicity, and community. Known for their calm demeanor and honesty, Finns value personal space, peaceful surroundings, and an easy-going attitude toward life.
A core part of Finnish culture is the concept of “Sisu”—a unique Finnish word representing determination, courage, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Finland’s Nordic heritage is reflected in its language (Finnish and Swedish), folklore, and traditional celebrations. The country has a vibrant modern culture as well, with world-renowned design brands like Marimekko, an electronic and folk music scene, innovative architecture, and a love for literature.
Sauna is more than a tradition—it’s a way of life. It’s a place to relax, connect, and escape the stresses of daily life. Most Finns grow up with sauna rituals and continue them throughout their lives.
What are some traditions in Finland?
Finland has several unique traditions rooted in seasonal celebrations and folklore:
• Midsummer (Juhannus)
Celebrated in June, Midsummer marks the longest day of the year. Finns spend this day outdoors—lighting bonfires, enjoying saunas, and celebrating with friends and family near lakes and forests.
• Christmas and Santa Claus
Finland is the official home of Santa Claus, and Christmas is celebrated with warmth, family gatherings, traditional foods, and magical Lapland activities.
• Vappu (May Day)
A lively festival to celebrate spring, where people wear student caps, enjoy picnics, and indulge in treats like sima (a sparkling lemon drink) and munkki (sweet doughnuts).
• Kalevala & Finnish mythology
Like Icelanders and their belief in elves, Finns have strong folklore traditions. The national epic, Kalevala, is filled with mythical creatures, spells, and heroic tales that continue to influence modern Finnish culture.
What do people in Finland eat?
Finnish cuisine is simple, fresh, and closely connected to nature. Meals often include ingredients like salmon, reindeer, mushrooms, berries, rye bread, and fresh dairy products.
Some popular foods include:
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Salmon soup (lohikeitto) – a comforting classic.
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Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakka) – traditional pastries served with egg butter.
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Rye bread (ruisleipä) – a staple in every Finnish home.
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Reindeer meat – lean and flavorful, common in Lapland.
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Berry desserts made from lingonberries, bilberries, or cloudberries.
There are also more adventurous traditional dishes like salmiakki (salty licorice), loved passionately by Finns but an acquired taste for visitors.
Modern Finland has an exciting food scene, with cozy cafés, Nordic fusion restaurants, farm-to-table dining, and a strong culture of coffee consumption—Finns drink more coffee per person than any other nation!
- Exceptional Finland
Day 1
Arrival in Helsinki
- Arrive at Helsinki Airport, meet your travel buddy and other explorers.
- Transfer (~35 min) to your central hotel and settle in for the Finnish winter welcome.
- Head out for a relaxed evening orientation walk around Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and Market Square.
- Warm up with hot chocolate at Old Market Hall, a local favourite.
- Evening at leisure with the group — early rest recommended for next day’s adventure.
- Overnight stay in Helsinki.
Inclusions: Airport Transfer
Day 2
Tallinn Cruise – Crossing to a Medieval Gem
- Begin your morning with a refreshing breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy a comfortable transfer to Helsinki Port for your ferry crossing.
- Board the 10:30 AM Helsinki → Tallinn ferry (approx. 2 hours).
- Join a guided walking tour through Tallinn’s UNESCO Old Town medieval alleys.
- Explore landmarks like Town Hall Square, St. Olaf’s Church, and Toompea viewpoints.
- Return on the 4:30 PM Tallinn → Helsinki ferry, reaching Helsinki by early evening.
- Transfer back to your hotel and unwind for the night.
- Overnight stay in Helsinki.
Inclusions: Breakfast, round-trip ferry, guided Tallinn city tour, transfers
Day 3
Flight to Levi & Arctic Snowmobile Adventure
- Begin your morning with breakfast before checking out.
- Transfer to Helsinki Airport for your flight to Kittilä (Levi region).
- Arrive in Levi and enjoy a scenic drive to your experiential Arctic accommodation.
- Check in, have lunch and spend a relaxing early afternoon at the property.
- Later in the afternoon, gear up for your Levi Snowmobile Safari (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
- Ride through snowy forests and shimmering fells with expert guides.
- Return to your property for a peaceful Arctic evening.
- Overnight stay in Levi.
Inclusions: Breakfast, transfers, snowmobile adventure
Day 4
Rovaniemi – Arrival and Northern Lights
- Begin your morning with a warm breakfast at your accommodation.
- Check out and enjoy a picturesque drive to the Rovaniemi accommodation.
- Enjoy a smooth and scenic journey through Arctic landscapes.
- Arrive at your city centre accommodation and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
- Spend your afternoon unwinding or exploring nearby trails.
- Dine early in preparation for your late-evening aurora experience.
- Join an expert-guided Northern Lights Hunt (9:00 PM – 11:30 PM) into remote wilderness.
- After enjoying the magical dance of Green and Purple lights, head back to your hotel in Rovaniemi.
- Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.
Inclusions: Breakfast, transfers, Northern Lights Tour
Day 5
Leisure Day in Rovaniemi
- Begin your morning with a peaceful breakfast.
- Enjoy a full leisure day to explore Rovaniemi at your own pace.
- Suggested experiences:
- Arktikum Museum
- Rovaniemi city walk
- Local cafés and handicraft shops
- Short riverside trail walk
- Return to the hotel and relax.
- Evening, spend at your own leisure preparing for the upcoming adventures..
- Overnight stay in Rovaniemi
Inclusions: Breakfast
Day 6
Huskies, Reindeer & Santa Claus Village
- Begin with hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
- Soon, check-out from the hotel and prepare for a day of festive Arctic adventure.
- Keep your luggage at the hotel and embark on an adventurous visit to the Santa Claus Village.
- Visit a reindeer farm and ride a short sleigh ride.
- Enjoy a traditional salmon soup.
- Make your way to the Alaskan Huskies, and take a long (500 m) sleigh ride in the Arctic Circle.
- After the farm visit, head to the Santa Claud Village crossing the arctic circle, and meet Santa Claus.
- After a joyful day full of adventures, head back to your hotel and collect your suitcases.
- Head towards the Rovaniemi Station and board your comfortable overnight sleeper train to Helsinki (~9:00 PM).
- Overnight stay on the train.
Inclusions: Breakfast, husky safari, reindeer farm, santa claus village tour, overnight train Rovaniemi → Helsinki.
Day 7
Departure
- Arrive early morning in Helsinki, and enjoy a relaxed morning break.
- Depending on flight schedules, enjoy short free time for duty-free shopping before your international departure.
- Bid farewell to your travel buddy and newfound adventurers — ending this magical Arctic chapter.
- Proceed to the terminal and complete departure procedures.
- Carry forward warm memories of your Arctic adventure.
- Trip concludes.
Inclusions: Airport transfer
More about Finland
More about this tour
Helsinki, perched elegantly on Finland’s southern coast, serves as the nation’s capital and cultural hub. This seaside city blends modern Nordic design with a serene natural backdrop of islands, harbors, and lush parks. Iconic landmarks such as the Helsinki Cathedral, the contemporary Oodi Library, and the seaside Suomenlinna Fortress reflect the city’s rich blend of history and innovation. Just beyond the urban charm lies the world of Arctic wonder—Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. Here, snowy forests, reindeer farms, and the chance to witness the northern lights create a magical backdrop that perfectly complements Finland’s warm and welcoming spirit.
