Total Days: 5 days excluding travel | Accommodations: Hotels | Traveled with: Friend | Transportation: Ubers mostly | Type of Trip: Winter adventures | Highlights: Meeting reindeer, snowmobiling and seeking out the Northern Lights
From sightseeing in Helsinki to reindeer rides in Lapland, this five-day guide covers the best of Finland’s winter magic. Perfect for a long weekend getaway, this trip is both efficient and unforgettable. Be sure to book in advance — hotels and one-of-a-kind experiences book up fast!
DAY 1
At a glimpse: A cozy introduction to Helsinki
Travel Agenda: After landing in Helsinki mid-afternoon, take a 30-minute car into the city. Once settled, explore the city on foot, starting with Helsinki Cathedral — an iconic white landmark with stunning views of Senate Square. Wander through Market Square, where you can snack on local treats like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties). Duck into a cozy café or take a brisk walk through Esplanadi Park or “Espa” to locals.
As the evening sets in, embrace Finnish culture with a sauna experience. Löyly is a solid choice, offering a traditional wood-burning sauna with the option to take a dip in the icy Baltic Sea (highly recommended if you’re feeling brave). Afterward, enjoy dinner at Ravintola Nokka, Bistro Bardot or simply follow your instincts and stop at a spot that catches your eye.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: A day trip to Tallinn, Estonia
Travel Agenda: Catch the 10:30am Tallink Ferry for a two-hour journey across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn. Upon arrival, walk 10 minutes to the Old Town, a UNESCO-listed gem with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and gothic towers. Once there, wander along the fortified city walls, meander one of the many towers open to the public, pop into the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and soak in the views from Toompea Hill.
For art lovers, Fotografiska or PoCo (the Museum of Contemporary Art) are great stops. Instead of a full lunch, stop by the cafes – the historic Cafe Maiasmokk, local favorite Rukis or the art-forward Kohvik Lummus. Plan for an early dinner has to be at Restoran Olde Hansa, a medieval-themed spot serving hearty Estonian dishes (embrace the quirkiness!) Then catch the 7:30pm ferry back to Helsinki.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Traveling to the Arctic Circle and chasing the Northern Lights.
Travel Agenda: After breakfast in town at Kanniston Leipomo (get the pastries!), head to the airport for a short flight to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Once you arrive, take a quick Uber to your Airbnb, drop off your bags and set out to explore. Wander through the main town (which can be done in 20 minutes), stop by a local café for a warm drink and enjoy an early dinner at Gustav.
The highlight of the night? A Northern Lights hunting tour likely starting around 7:00pm, where you’ll venture into the wilderness in hopes of catching the elusive aurora borealis. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
Tip: Always book the Northern Lights tour the first night. If the conditions aren’t right, you’ll have time to reschedule. Also, prepare for a late night — my tour took me out to Sweden and lasted until 2am.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: A day in Santa Claus Village, the official home of Santa
Travel Agenda: Start your day with a visit to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa himself year-round and take a photo to capture the moment. There are two locations to do this — the Christmas House is more official but arrive when it opens at 9am to avoid the long line.
Afterward, head over to Santa’s Main Post Office, where you can send postcards stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark — perfect for surprising loved ones back home.
For lunch, stop at Restaurant Kotahovi, quintessential Finnish restaurant with a warm fireplace and locally inspired dishes. Try their smoked salmon soup for a true taste of Lapland.
In the afternoon, embark on a reindeer sleigh ride, gliding through the snowy forest just as the Sámi people have done for centuries. Then, for something more fast-paced sign up for the husky sledding tour. Opt for the longer ride to truly experience the thrill of mushing your own team of eager huskies.
Finally, do some browsing in the shops. My recommendation: stop by Marttiini Knife Factory for a unique souvenir. Their hand-crafted knives, complete with custom engravings make for a special keepsake or gift.
Before leaving, connect to the Arctic Circle webcam and wave to friends and family watching from afar. This live feed is a fun way to share the experience in real time.
Spend the evening back in town with dinner at local hot spot Ravintola Roka Street Bistro.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: Winter adventures continued
Travel Agenda: Get breakfast at Coffee House. The last full day offers endless winter activities — in the morning, go ice karting, visit frozen waterfalls, try ice fishing or take a wilderness survival class. My choice is snowmobiling across a frozen link and through Frozen-esq forests. You can see all local tours here.
For a true Finnish experience, book an afternoon session at Roiske Water Sauna. Take a dip in the lake and then enjoy s’mores after in the campfire tents. After have dinner at authentic spot Nili Restaurant. Try the Rovaniemi Market smorgasbord for an adventurous taste of everything and an appropriate ending to the trip.
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