Glass Igloos in Levi, Finland
Get away from the crowds with a stay in Levi igloos. Experience the Arctic nature only 8 kilometres from the bustling holiday ski resort of Levi, Northern Finland.
- Classic
6 days | Independent tour | Jan-Mar | Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Classic Standard – This is a new itinerary 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.
In winter, Finland transforms into a fairytale landscape of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, and this six-day independent tour takes you from the elegant design capital of Helsinki to the wild heart of Lapland. Arriving in Helsinki, you will be orientated to the city on a walking tour, taking in its most iconic streets and landmarks before heading north to Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Arctic.
At the wilderness resort, your days are filled with some of Lapland's most memorable experiences, including a thrilling snowmobile safari through picture-perfect white forests, an unforgettable husky safari where the dogs' excitement is infectious on the trail, and a peaceful evening reindeer sleigh ride guided by a local herder. You'll chase the Northern Lights, with expert guides positioning you away from light pollution to maximise your chances of witnessing this remarkable natural phenomenon.
This tour is designed to balance iconic Lapland highlights with quieter, more immersive moments, all at a considered and unhurried pace.
Highlights include
- Discover the unique charm of Helsinki on a small group walking tour with a local guide
- Visit iconic landmarks including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, and the Design District
- Journey north to Finnish Lapland and stay at a remote wilderness resort surrounded by Arctic nature
- Sleep beneath the northern sky in a glass igloo with the chance to see the aurora from your bed
- Experience the thrill of a snowmobile safari through snow-covered forests
- Glide through the wilderness on a traditional reindeer sleigh ride
- Enjoy an unforgettable husky safari led by an eager team of sled dogs
- Join an evening aurora hunting photo tour to search for the Northern Lights
- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and quiet magic of the Arctic landscape
- Day 1
- Arrival Day
- Day 2
- Small group walking tour of Helsinki
- Day 3
- Private transfer to Wilderness Resort & evening Aurora hunting photo tour
- Day 4
- Morning Snowmobile tour & evening reindeer sleigh ride
- Day 5
- Husky Safari
- Day 6
- Private transfer to Airport
- Start/End Place
- Helsinki, Finland
- Country Visited
- Finland
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Travel Style
- Independent
- Code
- 50DN1620
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.
Details
Transportation
Private transfers in Rovaniemi
Included
- 2 nights in Helsinki including breakfast
- 3 nights in Aurora Cabin Igloo accommodation at the Wilderness Resort including breakfast and dinner
- Private transfers in Rovaniemi
- Helsinki Small Group Walking tour
- Aurora Hunting Photo Tour
- Snowmobile Safari
- Evening Reindeer Sleigh Ride
- Husky Safari - 5km
- Winter clothing for the whole stay while in the Wilderness Resort
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
Not Included
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks including alcoholic beverages, juice, soft drinks and hot beverages
- Gratuities and items of personal nature
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Day
Finland's capital greets you with a distinctive character all of its own, a city shaped by the sea, the forest, and a culture that values simplicity, design, and the quiet pleasures of Nordic life. Settle into your hotel and take the rest of the day to find your bearings, whether that means a stroll along the harbour front, a visit to one of the city's celebrated cafes, or simply watching Helsinki life unfold around you.
Day 2 - Small group walking tour of Helsinki
In the morning, explore Helsinki on a small group walking tour that goes well beyond the surface of this fascinating city. A local guide leads the way through a carefully crafted route taking in Senate Square and the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, the lively harbour front and Market Square, the gilded domes of Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, and the creative energy of the Design District, with hidden courtyards, tucked-away art spots, and lesser-known stories woven throughout. It is a city of layers, and today you begin to uncover them.
Meals
1 BreakfastDay 3 - Private transfer to Wilderness Resort & evening Aurora hunting photo tour
Make your own way to the airport for your flight north to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. On arrival, transfer to Vaattunki Wilderness Resort, your base for the next few nights. Nestled deep in the Arctic wilderness, the resort offers a truly unique way to experience Lapland, with glass igloos allowing you to fall asleep beneath the beauty of the Arctic sky.
This evening, head into the Lapland wilderness in search of the Northern Lights. With an expert guide, travel to carefully selected viewing locations, learn tips for photographing the aurora, and have photos taken to share afterwards. With luck, the lights may appear overhead, but whatever the conditions, the night delivers a memorable Arctic experience.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Dinner
Day 4 - Morning Snowmobile tour & evening reindeer sleigh ride
This morning, set out on a one-hour snowmobile safari through the Arctic wilderness, learning the basics of snowmobile driving as you glide across snowy landscapes. Pause along the way to enjoy hot drinks and the stillness of nature.
This evening, experience the quiet magic of Lapland on a traditional reindeer sleigh ride. Travel in a gentle reindeer caravan beneath the stars, with a chance of spotting the northern lights overhead. Afterwards, warm up by the fire with hot drinks and stories about reindeer and life in the Far North.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Dinner
Day 5 - Husky Safari
Another day, another adventure. Meet a team of eager Alaskan huskies and experience the thrill of mushing your own sled through snowy wilderness landscapes. After a safety briefing and driving instructions from an experienced musher, set out on a memorable husky safari, surrounded by silence and pristine Arctic nature. Back at the kennel, warm up by the campfire with hot drinks while learning more about the huskies and life as a musher.
Between activities, make the most of the resort itself and keep an eye on the skies as darkness falls.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Dinner
Day 6 - Private transfer to Airport
After a final breakfast in the wilderness, a private transfer takes you onward. If you would like to extend your Arctic adventure or add nights in Helsinki on your return, we would be delighted to help with ideas.
Meals
1 BreakfastDates & Prices
All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative.
Note: Activities at the Wilderness Resort are confirmed upon arrival. Timing and order may differ from the outline shown in the itinerary.
Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
1 Jan 2027
14 Mar 2027
14 Mar 2027
1 Jan 2027
14 Mar 2027
USD 3,608
On request
Standard
1 Jan 2027
14 Mar 2027
14 Mar 2027
1 Jan 2027
14 Mar 2027
USD 2,065
On request
Extra for Single
15 Mar 2027
31 Mar 2027
31 Mar 2027
15 Mar 2027
31 Mar 2027
USD 2,692
On request
Standard
15 Mar 2027
31 Mar 2027
31 Mar 2027
15 Mar 2027
31 Mar 2027
USD 1,148
On request
Extra for Single
Important Information
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.
ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY:
At 50 Degrees North, animal welfare is a top priority during all our tours and packages. We carefully select suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards, ensuring that wildlife interactions are respectful and comply with local, national, and international regulations. We avoid offering excursions that involve captive wildlife, except where they are properly regulated, and all activities are designed to minimise disturbance to natural ecosystems. Our travellers are educated on responsible, including responsible animal interactions, through our 'Responsible Travel Tips' for travellers, and our guides are trained to lead by example, promoting ethical conduct towards both wild and domesticated animals. By prioritising animal welfare in every aspect of our tours, we ensure that your travel experience is both enjoyable and ethically sound. Read our article on Animal Welfare to learn more.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
Inspiration
Top things to do in Helsinki: insider tips for your next Finland trip
The best things to do in Helsinki include a Finnish breakfast, a public sauna, the Design District, the city's market halls and galleries, and a day on the islands of Suomenlinna and Seurasaari.
Best time for Northern Lights in Finland
Finland is well known as a 'Northern Lights' travel destination. Above the Arctic Circle, small villages and resorts in the wilderness over unique chances to see the lights between mid-September to early April.
Enquire
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland
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.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
What can you do at Santa Claus Village?
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.
Meet Santa Claus
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.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
Cross the Arctic Circle
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.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
Send a postcard from Santa's Main Post Office
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.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland activities
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.
When is the best time to visit Santa Claus Village?
The best time to visit depends on the experience you want.
- November and December: The village takes on its most festive atmosphere as Christmas approaches. This is also the busiest period, so book accommodation and popular activities well in advance.
- January to March: Winter conditions can provide opportunities to combine a Santa visit with snowy landscapes and Arctic activities. Santa Claus Village remains open beyond Christmas, although individual activities operate according to their own schedules.
- Spring, summer and autumn: You can still meet Santa and cross the Arctic Circle without travelling during the peak Christmas period. The landscape and daylight hours are very different from winter, and snow-based activities may not be available.
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.
How do you get to Santa Claus Village?
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.
What is SantaPark in Rovaniemi?
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.
Photo: SantaPark
Should you visit Santa Claus Village or meet Santa elsewhere in Lapland?
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 waiting for families during our Lapland Winter Magic small group tour in Äkäslompolo.
Plan your Santa Claus holiday in Finland
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.