The Family Lapland Experience
WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
Journey from the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village to the slopes of Pyhä and the wild forests around Lucky Ranch, tracking huskies, reindeer and the aurora. Winter wonder and Arctic adventure in one.
AVAILABILITY
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Igloo Night
Spend an exotic night inside your own snow igloo, built from the Arctic landscape itself and hushed enough to hear nothing but the cold outside.
Northern Lights
Race across the frozen wilderness by snowmobile after dark, chasing the Northern Lights through the Arctic night for a rush of adventure and awe in equal measure.
Santa's Village
Stay the night in Santa Claus Village, the official home of the Arctic Circle, for a charming and fittingly festive start to your Lapland experience.
Day Skiing
Hit the slopes at Pyhä for a full day of skiing, with forest-lined runs and crisp Arctic air making for a brilliant change of pace mid-trip.
Reindeer Ride
Take a snowmobile tour deep into the Arctic wilderness to a reindeer farm, finishing with a gentle reindeer ride for a taste of old Lapland life.
Husky Sleeding
Meet the huskies at their farm before taking to the trail, driving your own sled through the Arctic forest with the whole team pulling ahead of you.
"Pyhä strikes the balance a family holiday needs, easy slopes for first-timers, gentle enough for kids and parents to ski together, and a small, uncrowded resort that never feels like a queue. It's less about chasing the steepest run and more about spending the day on the mountain, together."
Jackson Cornish - Untravelled Paths
TRIP OVERVIEW
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Lapland is a remote, relatively untouched territory located in the Arctic Circle and offers one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. It's impossible not to be taken in by the natural beauty of the pristine blankets of snow that cover the pine forests and frozen lakes. The temperatures in peak winter can reach very frosty temperatures some way below zero so it's best to wrap up warm and keep yourself busy. Fortunately, there is plenty to keep you occupied whether you're wanting to get active or simply relax.
YOUR EXPERTS
Jackson
James
The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James
NEED TO KNOW
| DESTINATION | Finland |
| DURATION | 4 Nights |
| GROUP SIZE | 2-8 |
| ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
| AIRPORT(S) | Rovaniemi Airport RVN |
| FLIGHTS | For details of flights from the UK please see the Trip Details section. |
| VISA | UK, EU, USA not required |
| VACCINATIONS | None |
TRIP ITINERARY
Touch down in Rovaniemi and head straight into the Arctic, with your first night in Santa Claus Village itself, home to the official Arctic Circle line. Settle in, explore the village, and ease into Lapland time before the adventure begins.
INCLUDED
- Airport Transfer
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Northern Lights Excursion
Transfer out to Lucky Ranch (1.5 Hours), your base for the days ahead. Glide through snowy forest on a traditional optional reindeer sleigh ride, then warm up the Finnish way having a sauna followed by a bracing cold plunge. A proper introduction to Arctic ritual.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Transfer to Ranch
- Sauna & Cold Plunge
- Dinner
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Horse Riding Experience
- Reindeer Sledding
Optional full day on the slopes at Pyhä, one of Lapland's best-loved ski areas, forested runs, wide Arctic skies, and a proper change of pace mid-trip. Whatever your level, it's a highlight in its own right.
Alternatively, choose from the array of activities available for you at the Ranch including cross country skiing, snow shoeing, Ice fishing, horse riding or just relax!
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Return Transfer
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Skiing & Equipment hire
The trip's big day: take the reins on a husky sledding run through the forest, then head out after dark by snowmobile in search of the aurora. Finish under ice, sleeping in an igloo in case the sky lights up overnight.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Husky Sledding
- Northern Lights Ski Mobiling Tour
- Igloo Stay
- Dinner
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Ice Fishing
TRIP ACCOMMODATION
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Snow Igloo
Finland
Spend a night in a snow igloo for a truly unique Lapland experience. Enjoy the silence, the starry sky, and, with luck, the Northern Lights right outside your door.
Pyhätunturi
Finland
Private cabins beside Lake Pyhäjärvi, each with its own kitchenette and a cosy loft sleeping space. Typical Accommodation: Lucky Ranch Cabin or similar.
Rovaniemi
Finland
Cosy accommodation set right in Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. Typical Accommodation: Santa Claus Holiday Village or similar.
TRIP LOCATION
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
A winter wonderland straddling the Arctic Circle, Lapland is at its most magical under snow. Reindeer and husky sleds cut through frozen forests, snowmobiles trace the horizon in search of the northern lights, and traditional saunas offer a fiery contrast to a bracing cold plunge. Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village brings a touch of festive wonder for younger travellers, while glass igloos and ranch-style lodges provide a warm retreat from the Arctic chill. It's a destination that rewards families willing to bundle up and chase the light on skis, by sled, or simply looking skyward.
DID YOU KNOW
- Lapland is home to more reindeer than people, around 200,000 reindeer roam the region.
- Finland has more saunas than cars, with over 3 million saunas for a population of just 5.5 million.
- Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, sits right on the Arctic Circle.
- In Finnish Lapland, the Northern Lights can be visible on up to 200 nights a year.
FAST FACTS
| CAPITAL | |
| POPULATION | |
| CURRENCY | |
| TIME DIFFERENCE |
"Lapland's night sky doesn't perform on a schedule, the aurora shows up in its own time, if at all. Step outside, let your eyes adjust to the dark and cold, and take in the silence and stars; that stillness alone makes the igloo worth the trip."
Jackson Cornish - Untravelled Paths
TRIP TIPS
Pack Proper Layers
Thermal base layers, an insulated mid-layer, and windproof, waterproof outerwear are essential. Temperatures regularly drop well below freezing, and the layering system matters more than any single heavy coat.
Use the Aurora App
My Aurora Forecast & Alerts tracks real-time Kp index and local cloud cover, so you know exactly when and where to head out for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Protect Skin & Electronics
Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite in extreme cold, and keep phones and cameras insulated or in an inside pocket, as batteries drain much faster in freezing temperatures.
Sauna Etiquette
Sauna culture is a big part of Finnish life, it's typically done in silence or quiet conversation, and swimwear or nudity norms vary by venue, so check ahead if unsure.
TRIP DETAILS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ALL TRANSFERS
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
- 1 Night in Rovaniemi
- 3 Nights in Pyhätunturi
- MEALS
- All breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Dinner
- ACTIVITIES
- Husky Sledding
- Reindeer Ride
- Sauna & Cold Plunge
- Ski Mobilling
- Northern Lights Tour
- Ski Day
- Igloo Experience
- THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
- UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE
As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Bucharest with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
LONDON TO ROVANIEMI
- Norwegian Air (Gatwick)
- EasyJet (Gatwick)
- Finnair (Heathrow)
- British Airways (Heathrow)
FURTHER INFORMATION
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
For news & offers
HOW IT WORKS
Book your trip in a few easy steps.
FAQs
You can get euros from your bank or a currency exchange provider before you travel, or withdraw them from ATMs on arrival in Finland (widely available at airports and towns). Card payments are very widely accepted throughout Finland, including Lapland, so many travellers get by with minimal cash and just carry a small amount for emergencies or rural areas.
No, tipping isn't expected in Finland. Service is typically included in the price at restaurants and bars, and staff don't rely on tips as part of their income. That said, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for excellent service is always appreciated, especially in more tourist-focused establishments, but it's a nice gesture rather than an obligation.
Yes, Finland is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a strong sense of public order. It consistently ranks among the safest countries globally for both general safety and personal security.
Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip.
Yes, tap water in Finland is perfectly safe to drink and is actually considered some of the cleanest and best-tasting tap water in the world. There's no need to buy bottled water, and you can refill from taps throughout your trip, including in Lapland.