Lapland Autumn Magic

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Tuesday: Arrive in Lapland
Upon arrival at Ivalo Airport (IVL), a transfer will take you to your accommodation located by Lake Inari. Drive time about 40 minutes. 

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Wilderness Hotel Inari will be your home for the next five nights. The hotel carries a Green Key eco-label and is currently undergoing Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland –program

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Inari, located above the Arctic Circle in the northernmost region of Finland, is a destination where nature, culture, and adventure converge. Nestled in the heart of Lapland, Inari offers a unique and enriching experience for travellers, especially in September when the autumnal colors begin to paint the landscape with breathtaking hues. The village of Inari is the heart of the Sámi culture in Finland. Authentic handicrafts and artisan shops, genuine small-village feel and astonishing surrounding nature make the village an intriguing and interesting place to visit year-round.

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Enjoy dinner at the resort restaurant before retiring to your cosy hotel room.

Alternatively we suggest for a more unique experience to stay 3 nights in a log cabin with a fireplace and 2 nights in an Aurora Cabin sleeping under the glass roof - and the starry sky, hopefully witnessing the Aurora in the Arctic sky.

Day 2 Wednesday: Inari Village & Aurora Camp Tour
After a leisurely breakfast it's time to explore the village of Inari.

Your day begins with a guided tour of the Sámi Museum and Nature Center Siida, where you'll delve into the rich and vibrant Sámi culture and the wonders of Arctic nature. After the museum visit, enjoy an outdoor lunch by the beautiful Juutua River, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Your adventure continues with a scenic cruise on Lake Inari, during which you'll explore the historical Ukko Island and learn about its cultural significance. At Siida, you'll also have the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts, taking home a piece of Sámi tradition. Duration about 6 hrs.

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After dinner embark on a journey to a carefully selected location, where we will endeavour to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights. Accompanied by a professional Aurora guide, you will be in expert hands as we search for the best vantage point to capture this natural wonder.

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During the evening, you can make your own pancakes over an open fire, adding a cosy and delicious touch to the experience. As you savour your treats, keep your eyes on the sky in the hopes of witnessing the magical dance of the Northern Lights. Duration about 2.5hrs.​

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Day 3 Thursday: Meet Huskies 

Enjoy breakfast with lovely lake views.​

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Then it's time to meet charming husky dogs! These hard working canines are built for the winter, but summer training is equally important to keep them in peak condition.  We will take you to a nearby husky farm, where you will learn all about the life of huskies in the North. The knowledgeable handlers will share insights into their training, care, and the unique bond between the dogs and their mushers. If we're lucky, you might even get to see some adorable husky puppies at the farm, adding an extra layer of joy to your visit. Duration about 1.5 hrs.
 

Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

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Day 4 Friday: River boating, Sámi culture & Felt Art

After breakfast we embark on a captivating tour to the stunning Lemmenjoki region, a must-visit destination during your stay in Inari. The journey to Lemmenjoki takes about one hour from the hotel.

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Your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride along the river to the Ravadas Falls, where you'll marvel at the cascading waters and the surrounding pristine wilderness. Afterward, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch by an open fire, savouring the flavours of the North in a serene outdoor setting.

The tour continues with an immersive experience into the Sámi culture. You'll meet reindeer and learn about their importance to the Sámi way of life, including the traditional practices of reindeer herding. Adding to the cultural tapestry, you'll be treated to Sámi traditional yoiking, a unique form of musical expression. This tour also includes a visit to Art Studio Huopapirtti, where you'll explore local art and crafts, gaining insight into the creative heritage of the region. Duration about 6 hrs.

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Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 5 Saturday: Berry Picking

After breakfast it's time to take part in a berry picking experience.

This trip takes you into the forest and swamps in search of the finest "earth gold" – blueberries and cloudberries. With a bit of luck, we’ll discover a bountiful spot where you can fill your baskets with these delicious and nutritious treasures.  As we explore, you'll experience the joy of berry picking, a beloved local activity that connects you directly with the land. During the excursion, we'll pause for a picnic enjoying simple, tasty snacks while surrounded by the tranquil wilderness. This trip offers more than just berry picking; it provides a glimpse into the local way of life. Enjoy the rewarding practice of foraging, and a day of peaceful connection with the natural world. Duration about 2.5hrs.

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Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

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Day 6 Sunday: Travel to Rovaniemi, the Capital of Lapland

After breakfast catch the public bus to Rovaniemi,  the official hometown of Santa Claus and a vibrant city located right on the Arctic Circle. Travel time about 4 hours.

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Upon arrival at Rovaniemi Bus Station, transfer to a lovely boutique hotel - your home for the next four nights. 

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The Arctic Light Hotel is a multi-award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of Rovaniemi, just steps from the city's main attractions, shopping, and cultural spots. Housed in a converted 1950s building, once Rovaniemi’s City Hall, this family-owned hotel blends Lappish heritage with contemporary design, creating a stylish urban Arctic hideaway.

The Arctic Restaurant at the hotel offers a refined dining experience that celebrates the rich flavours of northern nature. The menu is crafted using high-quality local ingredients, all prepared with ultimate care. The focus is on sustainability, with ingredients sourced from trusted local providers to ensure freshness and authenticity.

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As a proud WWF (World Wildlife Fund) partner, Arctic Light Hotel also raises awareness about climate change and its impact on polar bears - magnificent animals whose survival is threatened by global warming. You'll find polar bear imagery throughout the hotel, reflecting its commitment to this cause. Arctic Light Hotel has also been granted the Sustainable Travel Finland certificate.

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Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

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Day 7 Monday: Rovaniemi Walking Tour & Aurora Cruise

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before meeting your guide in the hotel lobby for an immersive 2.5-hour private tour of Rovaniemi.

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As the capital of Lapland and the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi boasts a unique history and charming cityscape. Nearly obliterated during World War II, the city was meticulously redesigned by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. He envisioned the city in the shape of a reindeer's head, with roads forming the antlers and the local sports stadium as the reindeer's eye.

Your local guide will lead you on a walking tour to explore Aalto’s architectural legacy. Though his main works, including the City Library, Town Hall, and Lappia Hall, are currently closed for renovation, you will still have the opportunity to admire these landmarks from the outside.

The City Library, completed in 1966, was the first of Aalto's projects in Rovaniemi. The Lappia Hall, a multifunctional theatre and congress hall, followed in 1975. The Town Hall, finished posthumously in 1988, completes the trio. These buildings, arranged around a spacious plaza, showcase Aalto's distinct design principles. The library's lending section is adorned with a striking set of upper windows, Lappia Hall features majestic arched roofs over its exhibition space, and the Town Hall is distinguished by its high council tower, shaped like a shard of crystal.

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After your city tour, you will transfer to the Santa Claus Village. Here, you can visit the Arctic Circle Information Centre, where you can purchase an Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate as a keepsake of your journey across this magical line. The village offers a variety of souvenir shops and cafes serving local specialties, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Don't miss the chance to meet Santa Claus himself in his office, a memorable highlight of your visit. Transfer back to your hotel.

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Dinner at the hotel.

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After dinner embark on an unforgettable river cruise in Rovaniemi aboard a sturdy catamaran, designed for optimal viewing of the Northern Lights with its spectacular 360-degree sky views. This steady and comfortable ride provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a traditional local drink while awaiting the mesmerising display of the Aurora Borealis. Although the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed, the experience of an autumn night under the Arctic sky, with winter's chill beginning to creep in, is truly magical in itself.  Duration about 2hrs.

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Day 8 Tuesday: Ranua Wildlife Park Photography Tour

After breakfast you guide will pick you up from your hotel for a day tour to Ranua.​

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We will visit Ranua Wildlife Park, home to over 50 species of Arctic animals, including polar bears, wolverines, grey wolves, and arctic foxes. These animals live in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, surrounded by Nordic forest, providing a superb setting for photography.

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Throughout the day, we will stroll through the zoo, following trails that lead us to various Arctic animals. Our focus will be on capturing exquisite photos of this fascinating wildlife, taking the time needed to get the perfect shot. As we immerse ourselves in the wonders of Arctic nature, our guide will share detailed and intriguing information about the animals and their environments. For instance, did you know that reindeer grow a new pair of antlers every year? Their antlers are the fastest growing bone on Earth.

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We will also learn about conservation efforts for some of the park’s highly endangered species, and how we can help prevent their extinction. Ranua Wildlife Park is dedicated to rehabilitating injured animals and, if possible, returning them to the wild. Some of the animals we encounter may have been rescued from the wilderness after being hurt or abandoned. 

Before we head back to Rovaniemi, you’ll have time to shop for famous Fazer sweets, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs in the charming boutiques near the wildlife park. Duration about 5 hrs.

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Afterwards you will receive 10-15 professional wildlife photos from the tour taken by your guide.

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Dinner at the hotel.

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Day 9 Wednesday:  Time to say 'good bye'

After breakfast, transfer to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) for your flight to Helsinki and further home.​

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