The Perfect 9-Days in Finland During Wintertime
- Savanna Crowell
- Mar 13
- 7 min read
Looking to visit a destination that's the definition of a winter wonderland? Then look no further because Finland in the wintertime is exactly that. In this blog post, I'll talk about my recent winter trip to Finland and a breakdown of the ideal 9-day trip there with everything you need to know before visiting!
Where is Finland?
Finland is a Northern European nation, bordering Sweden to its left, Norway to the north, and Russia to its right. The capital is Helsinki, and that is most likely where you will fly into to start your trip, but you may also fly directly into Rovaniemi if you only way to visit the Lapland region (but I recommend visiting both).
Winter: Best Time to Visit & Weather
Finland is a beautiful country where the locals say every month is a different season and provides different things to do! But winter specifically is a unique time to go if you're looking for activities such as dog sledding, northern lights chasing, saunas and cold plunges, ice floating, picturesque winter landscapes, cozy cabins, and more.
I went towards the end of January and can confidently say this is the best time to go if you want that picture-perfect winter landscape. December can be hit or miss for snowy conditions, but January is close to a guarantee! Although, do expect frigid temperatures. While in Helsinki, the average temperature while I was there was between 10-15F and in Lapland the average was in the negatives with the coldest day going below -20F air temperature. But don't let this scare you! With the right gear, it really won't affect any activities that you want to do.
photos 2-5 from visitfinland.com
What to Pack
The most crucial part of your trip will be packing. Because without the proper gear, you will be freezing and won't be able to make the most out of your trip! Below I have described every layer I wore on a typical day out in Lapland, I recommend bringing a few of most of these items (multiple pairs of socks, base layers, sweaters, and base layer pants). An average day's outfit:
TOP:
BOTTOM:
waterproof winter boots (i got the moon boots, and noticed everyone there wearing these)
OUTERWEAR:
Day 1: Helsinki
You'll start your trip in the capital city of Finland, Helsinki! Here you'll find the most affordable flights in and out of the country, I had found a $350 roundtrip flight from JFK which is why I ended up going here in the first place!
Once you land, you can either take an Uber or public transportation. We did an Uber both ways just for convenience, but there public transportation is quite easy and very safe. I recommend staying at Hobo Hotel Helsinki, it is such a beautiful property!! Since you'll be tired today I just recommend walking around the hotel, or checking out one of the food markets such as Old Market Hall, and ending with some dinner at the delicious local restaurant, Restaurant Savotta.
Day 2: Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Good morning from Finland! Start your morning at the breakfast buffet of Hobo Helsinki, it's one of the best ones you'll have!! Then head out to start your day by doing one of the most unique activities in the area.. ice floating! Yes, floating on the sea which has been completely iced over. We got all dressed up with so many layers to prevent getting cold then hiked onto a frozen lake, got in the water and relaxed. No I wasn't cold, and yes it was so relaxing! Our guide also gave us some Finnish juice and a chocolate bar making it to be the very best experience!
Then later in the evening, it's time to head north to Lapland. You have two options on how to get there: 1. take a 1 hour flight on FinnAir or 2. take the overnight Santa Claus Express train . What we did was take the overnight train there and a flight back, but honestly I'm not sure if the train was worth it. It's 12 hours, I got very little sleep, it's nighttime so you don't see anything and then you may, like myself, get into Lapland very tired. The flight is super easy and after taking that back it made me kind of wish we just did that both times! But if do want a unique experience of the train, you could take it one way like we did.
Day 3: Rovaniemi
Now that you've arrived in Rovaniemi, it's time to start exploring! First stop, head into town to grab a wake up coffee at what ended up being my favorite coffee shop in Finland, Robert's Coffee, then head over to the famous, Santa Claus Village! It's free to enter, you don't need any reservations or anything, just show up and pay as you go. They have reindeer feeding, reindeer sledding, dog sledding (but I don't recommend doing it here), you can meet the REAL Santa Claus, write letters to home, to Santa, and to have sent off at Christmas time, and so so much more. It essentially felt like a winter Disneyland, but honestly so cool and just expect to spend hours here!
Now it's time to check into your hotel. While in Lapland, it's pretty mandatory to stay at a glass igloo.. I stayed at two during my time and recommend Vikajarvi Lake View Experience. For dinner, drive a little north to a local spot I came across from google maps during my time and it was the coziest, cutest vibe! Restaurant Korvalan Komea, a traditional Finnish restaurant where you can try some local delicacies such as reindeer or bear.
Day 4: Rovaniemi
Today start your day a bit earlier because you'll be taking a day trip south to one of the most beautiful national parks! First stop about an hour and half away at Korouoma to hike to the beautiful frozen waterfall (it's not a strenuous hike but is all incline on the way back up), and then end your day at the star of the show, Riisitunturi National Park! This was probably my favorite place I went to during my trip to Finland because of how naturally beautiful it is in the wintertime! Snow piled so high you can only see the snow dusted tops of trees! Hike all the way to the top of the trail to see the beautiful lakes view and iconic marshmellow-fluff trees. At the bottom of the trail there is a cozy cabin where you can get some hot cocoa or salmon soup, I highly recommend making a little pit stop there!
NOTE: for Riisitunturi National Park make sure to have snowshoes!
Day 5: Levi
Wake up this morning and pack your things, it's time to go north for optimal Northern Lights viewing. Levi is a city about 2 hours and 15 mins north of Rovaniemi in Lapland. It's well known that the more north you go, the better the northern lights you'll see. I actually didn't do this during my time but wish that I had because I talked to people who did and it seemed so worth it, so that's why I am recommend to do this!
Once you arrive, check into tonight's accommodation which of course has to be another property with large glass windows to potentially see the northern lights through! I found the Polaris Igloo which looks absolutely stunning and has amazing reviews! Once you're done obsessing over your room, it's time to end the night with of course, a northern lights hunt. Since you don't have much time here, I strongly advice you to book a Northern Lights Tour for a close to guaranteed chance of seeing them!
Day 6: Levi
Levi is known for two things: the Northern Lights and skiing - so since you already saw the Aurora, time for some skiing! You have two options today: 1. head over to the Oy Levi Ski Resort to go down some slopes on your own or 2: do a unique experience of Cross-Country Skiing on this tour for beginners!
Day 7: Rovaniemi
Start your morning early today because first things first, you have a 2 hour drive back to Rovaniemi town. Once in town, grab some food and explore the town a bit more. Pop into the cute shops, see where you can have pictures with Santa, and if you want to learn more about the Lapland region check out the museum, Arktikum. Now for another highlight of the trip, dog sledding! I strongly recommend booking with this tour: Dog Sledding Tour, that's the tour I did and cannot say enough great things about it! First off, it's ethical, and I sadly found out not all ones in Finland are, second off the dogs love it so so much it was adorable to see, you get free drinks and snacks, professional photos throughout, and a good distance ride on a frozen river and through the forest!
Tonight if you want a cheaper accommodation that is still very nice, I recommend Palojarven Lomakeskus. This was a beautiful property, closer to Rovaniemi town and where you will end the night visiting the iconic, Arctic SnowHotel. This hotel is unique to Rovaniemi because it is completely made out of ICE! Yes, the whole thing. It's a must see spot, even if you don't stay there (although you can book a night and sleep on top of ice if you want). But I just visited the Ice Bar and is was so cool and worth a trip! You can get hot cocoa, or shots that are poured into shot glasses made of ice then you throw it at the wall! Definitely a one of a kind experience.
Day 8: Rovaniemi to Helsinki
Today it's time to head back to Helsinki for one last night in the city. I recommend just taking a Finnair flight on the way back since it's so much easier and will give you more time in Helsinki. Once you arrive, and after you check back into Hobo Hotel Helsinki, go out and explore more of the city! Saunas are a huge part of Finnish culture and it wouldn't be right to leave without visiting one, I went to Allas Pool and really loved it! It has a beautiful city backdrop with multiple different saunas, pools, and a cold plunge.
Make sure to just explore the city, make stops at Senate Square, Helsinki Central Library, and the Art Museum Ateneum. And to end the day, grab dinner at another great restaurant, Marga Restaurant & Bar which is Finnish food but a bit of a fusion. I thought it was great and they had both vegetarian options and lots for meat eaters!
Day 9: Helsinki
Time to say goodbye! Grab a quick coffee and pastry at the adorable Kappeli cafe on your way out of the city (be sure to get their danish... probably the best one I've ever had in my life!!).
In Conclusion...
Finland is a beautiful country with lots to do during every season, but something extra magical in the winter. I hope this inspired you and helped you plan your trip!! Until next time, keep exploring xxx
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