7 days | Group tour | Max 30 | Jan-Mar | Tromsø to Rovaniemi
Classic Standard – This is a new group tour that has the same thoughtful route design, trusted local partnerships and carefully paced experiences that define our travel styles, with accommodation centred on comfortable 3-star hotels in convenient locations.
This seven‑day winter journey showcases some of the most memorable highlights of the Arctic. The trip begins in Tromsø in Northern Norway where you settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner before exploring the city on a guided Arctic walk. From there, the route continues into the snowy landscapes of Kilpisjärvi in far northern Finland, where you experience a snowmobile journey to the Border of Three Countries and a nighttime snowshoe adventure under the winter sky.
Your journey then moves to Harriniva Adventure Resort deep in Finnish Lapland, known for its long-standing husky and reindeer traditions. Here you take part in husky and reindeer activities and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The final stop is Rovaniemi, home of the famous Santa Claus Village. You have time to explore the village independently, visit local attractions, or enjoy some independent shopping before gathering for a farewell dinner.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this itinerary using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
Through our Climate Action Plan, we measure our carbon emissions each year and set goals to reduce them. But our responsibility does not end when the journey does. A share of our annual profits goes to our Impact Fund, supporting conservation, restoration and the communities we work in.
By Bus
Arrive in Tromsø and take the airport express to your hotel.
Located in Norway above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is often called the country’s Arctic capital and is widely regarded as one of the most reliable places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. Surrounded by dramatic fjords and snow-covered mountain peaks, the city offers a lively yet compact introduction to life in the far north, blending Arctic wilderness with a vibrant cultural scene.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the journey ahead, a relaxed first gathering as you settle into the atmosphere of the Arctic and prepare for the experiences to come.
After breakfast, join a guided walk through Tromsø to discover its rich history in polar exploration and what everyday life is like in the Arctic today. Once a key departure point for historic expeditions into the far north, the city blends adventure heritage with modern Arctic living. Its compact centre, colourful wooden houses, and scenic harbour framed by mountains and fjords make it an inviting and easy place to explore on foot.
Later, travel by private coach through the striking Lyngen region, one of northern Norway’s most dramatic landscapes, known for its jagged alpine peaks and sweeping coastal views. Along the way, you cross the border into Finnish Lapland, where the scenery gradually opens into vast snow-covered valleys and wide tundra stretching to the horizon. The journey itself is a highlight, offering a true sense of the scale and quiet beauty of the far north.
By late afternoon, you'll arrive in the small Arctic village of Kilpisjärvi, uniquely located near the meeting point of Norway, Sweden and Finland, a remote and peaceful setting surrounded by fells, frozen lakes and expansive wilderness.
Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.
Today brings one of the journey’s most memorable experiences. After breakfast, set out on a guided snowmobile safari across frozen lakes and vast Arctic wilderness to the remarkable point where Norway, Sweden and Finland meet. Travelling through wide, open tundra and snow-covered landscapes offers a real sense of the scale, stillness and remoteness that define this far-northern corner of Europe.
In the evening, head out on a guided snowshoe walk beneath the winter sky. With little to no artificial light in this remote region, conditions are often ideal for spotting the Aurora Borealis when the weather is clear.
Dinner will be served at your hotel tonight.
After breakfast, continue south through Finnish Lapland to the small village of Muonio. As you travel deeper into northern Finland, the landscape gradually shifts from open tundra to quiet, forested scenery, offering a different perspective on the Arctic environment.
Your accommodation for the next two nights is a traditional wilderness lodge set beside a frozen river and surrounded by forest.
After lunch, discover one of Lapland’s most cherished traditions: ice fishing in the quiet beauty of the northern wilderness. Your adventure begins with a snowmobile‑pulled sled ride through peaceful forests to a frozen lake or river. There, you’ll drill your own hole through the thick ice and lower your line into the crystal‑clear water below. As you wait for a bite, enjoy the stillness around you—the gentle crackle of the fire, the hush of the landscape, and the slow, calming rhythm of the moment. Warm drinks will be served by the open fire.
Guests may request an upgrade to an Arctic Glass Suite for an additional cost. The suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private sauna and is subject to availability.
Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Today features one of Finnish Lapland’s most iconic winter experiences: a guided husky safari through snow-covered forest trails. Feel the thrill of a true Arctic experience as you meet your husky team at the Husky Farm. Excited barks fill the air as the dogs prepare for the adventure ahead. After a short lesson on handling the sled, you’ll set off in pairs—taking turns as driver and passenger—on a breathtaking 10–12 km journey through untouched wilderness, passing snowy forests and frozen swamplands. It’s a fast‑paced, unforgettable taste of Lapland’s winter magic.
In the afternoon, step into the heart of Lapland’s heritage with a visit to an authentic reindeer farm. Your experience begins inside a traditional farmhouse and museum, where you’ll learn about everyday life in the old days, the culture of the North, and the deep traditions of reindeer husbandry. Hear stories about the reindeer’s yearly cycle, then try your skills with a suopunki—a traditional Lappish lasso. After meeting the reindeer up close, settle into a sleigh for a peaceful 3 km ride through the snowy forest. The reindeer often begin with an eager trot before slowing to a steady rhythm, offering you a genuine sense of how Lappish people travelled through winter landscapes for generations.
Dinner is served at the lodge, with another opportunity to watch for the Northern Lights if the skies are clear.
After breakfast, travel onward to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Set on the banks of the Kemijoki River, this welcoming Arctic city combines snowy wilderness with a cosy small-town feel. Known around the world as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi has a distinctly festive atmosphere in winter, when twinkling lights, snow-covered forests and crisp Arctic air create a truly magical setting.
Visit Santa Claus Village in your free time, where you can cross the clearly marked line of the Arctic Circle and explore the village’s charming shops, cafés and seasonal displays. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Rovaniemi at your own pace and soak up its special winter atmosphere.
This evening, gather for a farewell dinner with your group, a warm and festive final evening together, reflecting on the landscapes, experiences and shared moments of your Arctic journey.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Rovaniemi Airport for your onward journey.
Price per person double/twin share
Note: TWIN bed on request and subject to availability
Upgrade: One night in an Arctic Glass Suite at Harriniva Adventure Resort. Available on request; additional cost applies and is subject to availability
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions, will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. This itinerary travels through some of the most reliable Northern Lights regions in Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland.
Snowmobile driving
A valid full driving licence is required to drive a snowmobile. Drivers must meet local age requirements. Guests without a licence may travel as passengers.
Winter clothing
Thermal outerwear is provided for included wilderness activities such as snowmobiling and husky safaris. However, guests must bring their own suitable winter clothing for travel days, city walks and time at leisure. We recommend warm layered clothing, a windproof and insulated jacket, hat, gloves, scarf and sturdy winter footwear with good grip. See our full recommended packing list.
Activity level
This tour includes outdoor winter activities in cold conditions. A moderate level of mobility is required to participate comfortably.
Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Above the Arctic Circle, many towns and cities offer excellent chances to witness the lights from mid-September 2026 to early April 2027.
How cold is it in Scandinavia during winter, and how should you prepare? This guide explains what winter conditions are really like, how locals live with the cold, and what to consider when planning and packing for a Scandinavian winter holiday.
Packing for Lapland is less about bringing more and more about bringing the right things. This guide shares practical advice on winter travel, luggage and cold-weather comfort, alongside links to detailed snow clothing checklists.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, is one of the best-known places in the world to meet Santa Claus. Located on the Arctic Circle, the village welcomes visitors throughout the year, with festive attractions, Santa's Main Post Office and opportunities to enjoy the snowy landscapes of northern Finland in winter.
Whether you are planning a family Christmas holiday or visiting Lapland at another time of year, Santa Claus Village offers a chance to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle and experience the Christmas traditions associated with Finland's northernmost region.
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the main gateway to the region. Although the village is especially popular in December, Santa is there every day of the year.
There is more to Santa Claus Village than meeting Santa. You can explore its festive attractions, visit the post office, cross the Arctic Circle and find activities and excursions that introduce you to Lapland's winter landscapes.
Meeting Santa is the highlight for many visitors. You can visit him at Santa Claus Village throughout the year, making it possible to include a Santa experience in a winter holiday, a summer trip or a visit outside the traditional Christmas season.
December is the busiest time to visit, when families from around the world travel to Rovaniemi for a Christmas experience. If you are travelling with young children, allow time for queues and plan your visit around the other activities you want to enjoy.
For opening information and current visitor arrangements, check the official Santa Claus Village website before you travel.
Santa Claus Village sits on the Arctic Circle, one of the geographical highlights of a visit to Rovaniemi. You can cross the marked line and take photographs to remember the occasion.
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line of latitude around the Earth, marking the southern boundary of the region where the sun can remain above the horizon for 24 hours at midsummer or below it for 24 hours at midwinter. The exact daylight experience depends on the season.
Santa's Main Post Office is a popular stop for families. You can send postcards and letters from the village, including mail that carries a special Arctic Circle postmark. It is a simple way to share your visit with family and friends at home.
Santa Claus Village and the surrounding Rovaniemi area offer a range of seasonal experiences. Depending on the time of year and the operator, these may include reindeer encounters, husky excursions, snowmobile safaris and other guided activities in the surrounding forests.
Winter brings snow-covered scenery and a distinctly festive atmosphere, while summer offers long daylight hours and a different perspective on the Arctic landscape. Check seasonal availability when planning your visit, particularly if you have specific activities in mind.
The best time to visit depends on the experience you want.
If seeing Santa is the main reason for your trip, you do not have to travel in December. A visit at another time of year can make it easier to combine Santa Claus Village with a broader exploration of Finland.
Santa Claus Village is just outside Rovaniemi, approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the city centre and close to Rovaniemi Airport. The short transfer makes it straightforward to include the village in a stay in Rovaniemi or as part of a longer Lapland itinerary.
Rovaniemi can be reached by air from selected destinations, as well as by train and road from elsewhere in Finland. Services and flight schedules vary by season, so check your travel dates before making arrangements.
You can visit Santa Claus Village independently or include it in a planned Lapland holiday. If you are travelling in December, arrange accommodation, transfers and any special excursions ahead of time, as demand is high around Christmas.
For another kind of Christmas experience, visit SantaPark, an underground Christmas-themed attraction built inside a cavern beneath the forests near Rovaniemi. It offers a different experience from Santa Claus Village, with indoor activities and festive encounters designed for families.
SantaPark is a good option for families looking to spend several hours immersed in a Christmas setting, particularly when the weather is cold. Depending on the season and current programme, experiences may include meeting Santa, visiting the elves and taking part in Christmas-themed activities.
SantaPark and Santa Claus Village are separate attractions, so check their opening dates, admission arrangements and activity schedules before planning your visit. If you have time in Rovaniemi, you may wish to include both in your itinerary: Santa Claus Village for the Arctic Circle, Santa's Main Post Office and its wider outdoor setting, and SantaPark for its indoor Christmas experience.
Santa Claus Village is the most recognisable place to meet Santa in Rovaniemi, but it is not the only option in Finnish Lapland.
The village is a busy visitor attraction, particularly in December. If you want to combine Santa with shops, restaurants, the Arctic Circle and a range of activities in one location, it is a convenient choice.
For families who prefer a quieter experience, other parts of Lapland offer private Santa visits in forest cabins and smaller settings. These experiences can include a sleigh ride through the forest, time with Santa away from the crowds and activities arranged especially for your family.
Read our guide to meeting Santa in Finnish Lapland, away from the crowds to explore the alternatives.
Santa Claus Village can be a day trip from Rovaniemi or one part of a longer winter holiday. Staying in the region also gives you time to discover Lapland's forests, meet reindeer, try seasonal outdoor activities and experience the distinctive atmosphere of the Arctic.
For families interested in a more personal encounter with Santa, explore our independent Christmas holidays and small group Christmas tours.
For help choosing the right itinerary, contact our Nordic destination specialists.
