Winter in Lapland is such a bucket list travel experience; from chasing the Northern Lights and staying in a glass igloo to going on a husky safari, this region of Finland is the ultimate winter getaway.
In this guide, I'm sharing a 4-day Lapland itinerary based in Rovaniemi - I'll be including where to stay, the best winter activities and top things to see.
Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi & transfer to resort
The first day of this Lapland itinerary is focused on settling in, soaking up the snowy scenery and easing into the arctic lifestyle with some authentic Finnish experiences.
Morning: Arrive in Rovaniemi & Transfer to Your Accommodation
Touch down at Rovaniemi Airport and make your way to your accomodation for the next couple of nights. We stayed at Apukka Resort for two nights and absolutely loved it, so we highly recommend staying here.
Just a short 15–20 minute drive from the airport, the resort is surrounded by snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, an ideal base for this Lapland adventure.
Chloe Butcher
Once you arrive, check into your cabin or glass-roof igloo and get settled in. We recommend staying in a glass igloo for at least one night of your Lapland trip, it's such a bucket list experience!
Afternoon: Reindeer Farm Visit or Sleigh Ride
If you arrive early enough and want to make the most of your day, head out on a reindeer farm visit or sleigh ride.
Apukka Resort offers reindeer safaris, or there are plenty of reindeer experiences around Rovaniemi where you learn about their importance in Sámi culture and even take a peaceful ride through the snowy forest.
Evening: Traditional Finnish Sauna & Ice Dip
In the evening, try a Finnish sauna experience, one of the most iconic things to do in Lapland. We booked a private sauna and ice dip experience at Apukka, it was absolutely freezing and I struggled to dip into the frozen lake, but it's one of the most memorable things we did in Lapland!
Many resorts in Lapland offer their own sauna experiences, but you don’t have to be a guest to book one. Or you can head to Rovaniemi Sauna World, where you can try out six different sauna types and three pools for a more varied (and slightly less extreme) experience.
Day 2: Husky Safari & Northern Lights Hunting
Day two of this itinerary is all about discovering Lapland's iconic adventure activities and chasing the Northern Lights under a starry sky.
Morning: Husky Safari Through the Arctic Wilderness
We suggest starting your second morning with one of the most unforgettable experiences in Lapland, a husky safari.
We did a husky safari with Bearhill Husky, which was honestly incredible. Although it was freezing cold, being pulled through the snowy forest by the huskies was such a unique and fun experience.
With most husky safaris, you'll get to meet the huskies and learn about their training, then set off through snow-covered forests and over frozen lakes, and finally warm up in a traditional tipi tent with a hot berry juice.
Afternoon: Relax at the Resort or Try a Snow Activity
After husky sledding, head back to your resort for some downtime. You can relax in your cabin with a warm drink or try one of the resort’s winter activities like snowshoeing or sledding. Read our activities guide if you're wondering what other activities you can do in Lapland!
Chloe Butcher
Evening: Northern Lights Hunting Tour
After dinner, it's time to chase the magical Northern Lights (providing it's good conditions). We highly recommend booking a guided aurora tour, as the guides will take you to the best viewing spots based on the forecast and weather conditions.
If you're staying in Rovaniemi, it's best to head out into the wilderness to get optimal conditions for seeing the lights, which are clear, dark skies away from light pollution.
This is why we recommend joining a tour, as they will take you out into the wilderness and find the best spots! If you want some more tips on how to see the northern lights, read our full guide here 👇
Rory Watson
Day 3: Snow Activities & Santa Claus Village
Day three is a mix of more fun winter activities and a visit to one of Lapland’s most famous attractions, Santa Claus Village.
Morning: Snow Activities at the Resort
Start your day with some relaxed snow activities around your resort, or a relaxed morning in your accommodation! Many places, like Apukka, offer free use of toboggans, snowshoes, kick sleds and fat bikes, which is a great way to explore the snowy trails that surround Rovaniemi.
If you're up for something a little more active, consider booking a snowmobile safari or ice floating experience, where you'll get to experience the arctic landscapes.
Afternoon: Visit Santa Claus Village
In the afternoon, head to Santa Claus Village, just a short drive from Apukka or central Rovaniemi. While it can be a little touristy, it's still a good place to visit, especially if it's your first time in Lapland or if you have kids.
You can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle, send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, and browse souvenir shops filled with Nordic gifts and local treats. There are also reindeer sleigh rides and cosy cafés where you can warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine.
You don’t need long here, 2 to 3 hours is usually plenty unless you're booking specific activities.
Evening: Optional Night Tour or Relaxation
After a busy day, you might want to wind down with a relaxed dinner and an early night. But if the aurora forecast is looking promising and you haven’t had luck yet, this is a great night to book one more Northern Lights tour.
You can even change up the northern lights tour and book one that includes an activity or special feature, like a snowmobile northern lights tour or a photography guided tour.
Day 4: Ice Hotel Experience & Departure
On your final day (or night) in Lapland, we'd recommend visiting the Ice Hotel for a day trip or spend the night in one of its frozen suites. We couldn't do this on our visit as we were there too early (november - it opens in december), but we would have loved to!
Morning: Check Out & Transfer to the Ice Hotel (Optional Overnight Stay)
After checking out of your resort, head to the Arctic SnowHotel, located about 30 minutes from Rovaniemi. If your schedule and budget allow, spending a night here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
You'll be sleeping on a bed made of ice, wrapped in thermal sleeping bags, with beautifully carved snow art all around you.
If you're not keen to stay overnight, you can still visit during the day for a guided tour of the SnowHotel, explore the ice bar, dine in the ice restaurant, or even try ice fishing or snow sculpting workshops.
Afternoon: Guided Tour of the Ice Hotel + Activities
Use this last afternoon to soak in any final winter activities you may have missed, like a relaxing lunch in the Ice Restaurant, a walk around the frozen grounds, or fun winter activities like ice fishing.
If you're staying overnight, you'll have time to settle into your room and enjoy the novelty of the experience. If you're heading home today, make your way to Rovaniemi Airport or central station in time for your departure.
Evening (if staying): Ice Bar Drinks & Overnight in a Snow Room
If you’re staying the night, end your Lapland trip with drinks at the Ice Bar, served in glasses made of ice of course, and get ready to sleep surrounded by snow in one of the most unique accommodations in the world.
Where should I stay for 4 nights in Lapland?
We stayed at Apukka Resort and had an amazing time in their Kammi Suite, so we highly recommend a stay here. We'd also suggest spending your final night at an Ice Hotel like Arctic SnowHotel (if you’re visiting between December and March). Some other incredible options around Rovaniemi include:
Kammi Suite at Apukka Resort
- Aito Igloo & Spa Resort – A luxurious option offering modern glass igloos with private outdoor hot tubs and spa amenities.
- HAAWE Boutique Apart Hotel – A stylish and centrally located mid-range hotel, perfect if you want a unique & comfortable base in the city.
- Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets – A more affordable option with cosy cabins near nature and easy access to ski slopes and trails.
Do I need a car for 4 days in Lapland?
Not necessarily! If you're staying at a resort like Apukka or near Rovaniemi, you can easily join guided tours that include transport. Most experiences, like husky safaris, Northern Lights tours and reindeer farms, offer pick-ups from popular accommodations or the city centre.
If you plan to go off-the-beaten-path or want more freedom to explore, a rental car would be useful, but it’s definitely not essential for a short 4-day trip.
Useful resources for planning your trip to Lapland 👇
Chloe Butcher
Rory Watson
