Explore the Arctic landscape of Lapland on this 10 day adventure. Dog sled, reindeer sleigh, snowshoe, snowmobile, and hike across the landscape experiencing the taiga forest, frozen lakes, and Posio Canyon. Enjoy the chance to see the Northern Lights as you are so close to the Arctic Circle. Journey through the wild and remote region of Lapland on this active itinerary!
Highlights
Snowmobile across Lapland across frozen lakes & past Posio Canyon
Learn about Sami traditions and the importance of reindeer
Hike Korouoma Nature Preserve to view frozen waterfalls
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive to Rovaniemi, Lapland's capital city, located just 6 miles (10 km) south of the Arctic Circle and home of Santa Claus! At the airport exit you will be met by your guide and head out to the safari hut. At the hut your guide will give you a briefing on the adventures that await you in the coming days. You will also be equipped with warm polar gear for the freezing temperatures of Lapland. Once sufficiently bundled up, set out to Vaattunki, a forested nature preserve with extensive hiking trails, for a quick hike to get an introduction into this unique wintry world. Return to Rovaniemi for a warm dinner. Be sure to keep your eyes on the sky for the first chance to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)!
Day 2-3: Snowmobile Safari
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
After breakfast, join your guide for a safety briefing and learn how to operate your snowmobile. Once comfortable head out on a multi-day ride though the frozen arctic landscape. On your snowmobile you can escape the roads and make your own path (with your guide, of course!) through the snowy forests and over frozen lakes to see the best that the Arctic as to show in the winter. Your first day's ride will take you 80 miles (130 km) on snowy, wooded trails to Ranua. In the evening enjoy a Lappish dinner in a Kota, a tradition Sami house. The Sami people are the indigenous people of Lapland, their rich and colorful culture is ever present in the music, handicrafts and food of Lapland
Day two continue exploring as you guide your snowmobile towards Simojarvi Lake, you will pass the spectacular Posio Canyon with it's frozen waterfalls, about 60 miles (100 km). Return to hotel for a warm night's sleep.
Today is your last day on the snowmobile as you further explore the snowy arctic scenery, for about 60 miles (100 km). You'll have a delicious hot meal in the wilds of Lapland, before returning your snowmobile and heading back to your hotel in Rovaniemi.
Start the day learning about an icon of Finnish Lapland, the reindeer. These animals have significant importance to the Sami people throughout Lapland. The reindeer shepherd will teach you about the everyday life and habits of reindeer, as well as some of the traditions of the Sami people. You can also take part in one of the oldest forms of Lapland transportation, reindeer sleigh.
In the afternoon you have the option to take a polar plunge in an icey lake wearing special wetsuits. Return to your hotel to warm up by the fire!
After breakfast, hike down the snowy slopes to the Korouoma Nature Preserve to see the frozen waterfalls in Posio Canyon (approx. 2.5 - 3 hours). If you are feeling brave you can climb up the frozen water a little way for an up close view of the ice. Or with your feet firmly planted on the ground take in the amazing sights of the waterfalls frozen in motion as it pours over the canyon walls from 480 ft (130m) high in some points. Return to the hotel and get ready for dinner and Sami Cultural show.
This morning hike with snowshoes in the forest near Ounasvaara Hill. Along the trial you can admire the beauty of the snowy Spruce forest, you can also get some views of the city, the River Kieijoki, and the surrounding rocky landscape from the top of the hill.
In the afternoon, drive a little ways outside of Rovaniemi to have a very unique stay in the Arctic Snow Hotel. The Snow Hotel on the shores of Lake Lehtojarvi is made entirely of snow and ice. This amazing structure is re-built every year with a special theme. There are some amazing light effects and snow and ice sculptures. Enjoy a tour of the hotel before settling in for the night. Away from the city lights, this is a great chance to see the Northern Lights!
This morning head out for the dog sled safari. After a short introduction to learn about all the training and care that goes into maintaining a team of husky sled dogs, your with by in charge of your own 6-dog team. You can experience how the dogs work together, as they pull you on a sleigh ride through the Taiga wilderness, approximately 22 miles (35km). It will be hard to tell who enjoys sledding more, you or the dogs!
Reach the backcountry cabin this afternoon with time for a refreshing Finnish sauna before dinner. This is another great chance to see the Northern Lights dance in the sky!
After breakfast, prepare your dog teams for the return to civilization. You and your canine team will travel for most of the day through the beautiful scenery of Lapland (Approximately 20 miles/35 km). Enjoy a campfire lunch in the forest. After lunch its time to head back to the kennels, once back unpack your sled and say good by to your lovable, but hardworking dog team. Return to Rovaniemi for your last night in Lapland.
Day 10: Meet Santa - Fly Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, head to Santa’s Village located directly above the Arctic Circle where you can meet Santa and his helpers and stock up on local gifts. Be sure to check the you are on the "Nice" List!
Transfer to Rovaniemi airport where your Lapland adventure comes to an end.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $900, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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