Are you visiting Finland in winter? In this article, read about Finland Winter Itinerary 7 days with things to do, activities, Northern lights spots, and all wintery fun.
ALSO READ 👉🏼Best Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days + Nordic (Norway Sweden Denmark Finland)
Finland Winter Itinerary 7 days – Finland Winter Vacation
Finland is worth visiting in winter for its enchanting snow-covered landscapes, where you can witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights and enjoy a range of unique cold-weather activities, from husky sledding to ice fishing, creating an unforgettable winter wonderland experience. Additionally, Finland’s warm embrace of winter, with cozy saunas and hearty Finnish cuisine, offers an authentic taste of Nordic hospitality amidst the stunning frozen beauty.
ALSO READ: 👉🏼Finland Northern Lights Best Itinerary + Best Places To See & Things To Do
Finland winter vacation day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Morning:
- Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
- Check-in at Hotel Kämp or Hotel Haven in Helsinki.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Helsinki Cathedral for stunning architecture.
- Explore Senate Square and its historic buildings.
- Lunch at a local cafe.
Evening:
- Dinner at a traditional Finnish restaurant like Savotta.
- Overnight in Helsinki.
Day 2: Helsinki Highlights
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit the Ateneum Art Museum to admire Finnish art.
- Stroll through Esplanadi Park for some winter charm.
Afternoon:
- Warm up at the Löyly Sauna with ice swimming options.
- Explore the Design District for shopping.
- Lunch at Kappeli, a historic waterfront restaurant.
Evening:
- Take a relaxing sunset walk along the shores of the Baltic Sea.
- Dinner at Zetor, a unique tractor-themed restaurant.
- You can also stay at Hotel Katajanokka, a converted prison hotel.
Day 3: Day Trip to Porvoo
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Drive or take a bus (around 50 km) to the picturesque town of Porvoo.
- Wander around Porvoo’s old city with its colorful wooden houses.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at one of the charming local cafes.
- Visit Porvoo Cathedral and its beautiful surroundings.
- Explore the artisan shops for unique souvenirs.
Evening:
- Return to Helsinki for dinner.
- Overnight stay in Helsinki.
Day 4: Rovaniemi, Lapland Adventure
Morning:
- Check out of your Helsinki hotel.
- Take a flight to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland.
- Check into your hotel, like Arctic Light Hotel or Arctic TreeHouse Hotel.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Arctic Boulevard.
- Visit Santa Claus Village to meet Santa and enjoy winter activities.
Evening:
- Dinner at Rakas Restaurant with Arctic delicacies.
- Northern Lights excursion by snowmobile or reindeer sleigh.
- Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.
Day 5: Winter Wonderland in Rovaniemi
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Husky sledding experience through the snowy forest.
- Visit Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local Lappish restaurant.
- Snowmobile safari adventure.
- Explore the Arktikum Museum to learn about Lapland’s culture.
Evening:
- Dinner at Nili Restaurant, known for traditional Lappish cuisine.
- Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.
Day 6: Saariselkä, Lapland Wilderness
Morning:
- Check out of your Rovaniemi hotel.
- Drive or take a bus to Saariselkä (around 250 km).
- Check into your Saariselkä hotel like Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos & Chalets or Santa’s Hotel Tunturi.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the hotel.
- Relax in your glass igloo or log cabin.
- Enjoy the Arctic wilderness surroundings.
Evening:
- Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant with traditional Lapland cuisine.
- Overnight stay in Saariselkä.
Day 7: Saariselkä Adventures, Northern Lights, and Departure
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the pristine wilderness.
- Visit Siida, the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the hotel or a local cafe.
- Enjoy a last-minute winter activity like ice fishing or snowmobiling.
Evening:
- Dinner at the hotel.
- Join a Northern Lights safari for the chance to witness this natural phenomenon.
- Return to Helsinki by flight if needed.
This 7-day winter itinerary in Finland includes the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, offering a truly magical experience in the Finnish winter wonderland. Enjoy your unforgettable winter journey in Finland!
Finland Winter Itinerary 7 days – Useful Tips
Read the Finland Winter Itinerary 7 days with valuable tips on winter festivals, events, snowy activities, and not-to-be-missed stuff.
Things to do in Finland in Winter – Must Do Activities.
- Chase the Northern Lights: Witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland, particularly in Rovaniemi and Inari, where you can go on guided Northern Lights tours.
- Husky Sledding: Take a thrilling ride through snowy forests with a team of huskies available in various Lapland locations.
- Reindeer Sleigh Rides: Experience the magic of winter by gliding through snow-covered landscapes on a traditional reindeer sleigh.
- Ice Fishing: Drill a hole in a frozen lake, drop your line, and try ice fishing – a relaxing and authentic Arctic pastime.
- Snowmobiling: Explore Finland’s winter wilderness on a snowmobile adventure, available in many Lapland destinations.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding in Finland’s ski resorts like Levi and Ylläs.
- Snowshoeing: Strap on snowshoes and venture into the pristine snow-covered forests for a peaceful winter hike.
- Sauna Experiences: Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna, followed by a dip in an ice-cold lake or a roll in the snow, known as “avanto.”
- Ice Swimming: Brave the icy waters of a frozen lake or the Baltic Sea, a quintessential Finnish winter experience.
- Winter Wildlife Safaris: Go on wildlife safaris to spot Arctic animals like reindeer, moose, and the elusive wolverine.
- Visit Santa Claus Village: Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and enjoy the festive atmosphere, regardless of age.
- Ice Sculpture Festivals: Attend ice sculpture festivals, such as the one in Jyväskylä, where intricate frozen artworks adorn the city.
- Lappish Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Sámi culture, including learning about traditional crafts, music, and cuisine.
- Winter Carnivals: Join local winter festivals and carnivals, like the Ruka Ski Festival, featuring snow sports competitions and lively entertainment.
These winter activities in Finland offer diverse experiences, making the country a fantastic destination for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion during the colder months.
What to pack in clothing for winters in Finland?
Upper Body:
- Thermal Underwear: Long-sleeve thermal tops and bottoms to wear as a base layer.
- Insulated Jacket: A warm, waterproof, water-resistant winter jacket with insulation like down or synthetic materials.
- Fleece or Insulated Mid-Layer: A mid-weight fleece or insulated jacket to provide additional warmth and insulation.
- Waterproof Shell or Parka: A windproof and waterproof shell or parka to protect against snow and rain.
- Sweaters or Hoodies: Layering options for added warmth.
- Turtleneck or Thermal Shirt: Extra warmth for your neck area.
- Scarf: A thick, insulated scarf to protect your neck and face from the cold.
- Winter Hat or Beanie: A warm, insulated hat to keep your head warm.
Lower Body:
- Thermal Underwear: Long thermal pants to wear as a base layer.
- Insulated Pants: Insulated, waterproof, or water-resistant pants or snow pants.
- Fleece or Insulated Pants: A mid-weight or insulated pants for extra warmth if needed.
- Warm Socks: Several pairs of thick, woolen, or thermal socks to keep your feet warm.
- Boots: Insulated, waterproof, and preferably with good traction for icy conditions.
Hands and Accessories:
- Gloves or Mittens: Insulated and waterproof gloves or mittens to protect your hands from the cold.
- Hand and Foot Warmers: Disposable heat packs for extra warmth in extreme cold.
- Winter Boots: Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction for walking in the snow.
Miscellaneous:
- Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the bright snow and UV rays.
- Backpack: A backpack for carrying essentials while exploring.
- Backpack Rain Cover: To protect your belongings in snow or rain.
- Winter Gaiters: If you plan on hiking or walking in deep snow, gaiters can keep snow out of your boots.
Optional Items:
- Snowshoes: These can be rented in some areas if you plan snowshoeing.
- Crampons or Ice Cleats: For added traction on icy surfaces.
- Neck Gaiter or Buff: To provide extra warmth and protection for your face and neck.
- Swimsuit: If you plan on trying ice swimming or using saunas.
Vegan Finnish Dishes – Finland Winter Vacation
Finland offers various vegan food options, especially in larger cities. Here’s a list of Finnish vegan dishes and foods to try when visiting Finland:
- Vegan Karelian Pies (Vegempi Karjalanpiirakka): Traditional Karelian pasties filled with rice porridge or mashed potatoes, typically served with a vegan spread made from margarine and rice porridge.
- Sautéed Mushrooms (Sienisalaatti): A popular Finnish appetizer or side dish from sautéed forest mushrooms and onions, often flavored with dill and vegan margarine.
- Vegan Rye Bread (Täysjyväruisleipä): Finland is known for its delicious rye bread, much of which is vegan. It’s a staple and is often served with vegan spreads.
- Vegan Pulla: A vegan version of Finnish sweet cardamom bread, usually enjoyed with coffee or tea.
- Hernekeitto: A traditional Finnish split pea soup that can easily be made vegan by omitting meat and vegetable broth.
- Mushroom Soup (Sienikeitto): Creamy mushroom soup is a comforting Finnish dish that can be made vegan by using plant-based cream.
- Vegan Graavilohi: A vegan version of the Finnish delicacy, gravlax, which typically uses marinated carrots or beets as a substitute for salmon.
- Vegan Silli: A vegan version of traditional pickled herring, often made with marinated vegetables like carrots and onions.
- Vegan Perunamuusi ja Kastike: Mashed potatoes with vegan gravy, a classic comfort food combination.
- Ruispuuro: A vegan version of Finnish rye porridge, often served with berry compote.
- Vegan Sima: A non-alcoholic, sweet lemon-flavored drink traditionally consumed during May Day celebrations.
- Mustikkapiirakka: Blueberry pie.
- Vegan Runebergintorttu: A vegan version of Runeberg torte, a famous Finnish pastry, typically flavored with almonds and raspberry jam.
- Vegan Mämmi: A vegan version of mämmi, a traditional Finnish Easter dessert made from rye flour and molasses, often served with sugar and plant-based cream.
- Kaurakeitto: Finnish oatmeal soup.
- Vegan Rieska: A vegan version of Finnish flatbread, often made with potatoes and barley flour.
- Vegan Korvapuusti: Cinnamon rolls enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee.
Visiting Finland In Winter – Finland Winter Festivals & Events
Finland hosts various exciting winter festivals that showcase the country’s culture, traditions, and love for the season. Here’s a list of must-attend winter festivals in Finland:
- Ruka Ski Festival (Ruka, Kuusamo): This lively winter sports festival in December features international ski and snowboard competitions, concerts, and other entertainment.
- Lux Helsinki (Helsinki): Taking place in early January, Lux Helsinki is a festival of light art, illuminating the city with stunning light installations and projections.
- Sámi National Day (Sápmi Region): Celebrated on February 6th, this event honors Sámi culture and heritage with traditional music, dance, and activities in various Sámi communities.
- Helsinki International Film Festival – DocPoint (Helsinki): A documentary film festival held in January, featuring thought-provoking films from around the world.
- Frostbite International Film Festival (Kuopio): An annual film festival focusing on horror, fantasy, and science fiction films, held in January.
- Ruisrock Winter Festival (Turku): A winter version of Finland’s oldest rock festival, featuring live music and entertainment in January.
- Porvoo Jazz Festival (Porvoo): In February, this festival features jazz and blues performances in a charming, historic setting.
- Arctic Lapland Rally (Rovaniemi): A thrilling motorsport event held in January featuring rally races in the Arctic wilderness.
- Hetta Music Event (Enontekiö, Lapland): A music festival showcasing Finnish and Sámi artists against the stunning backdrop of Lapland’s winter landscape.
- Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference (Rovaniemi): An event focusing on Arctic issues, sustainability, and culture, typically held in November.
- Savonlinna Opera Festival – Winter Edition (Savonlinna): A winter version of the renowned summer opera festival featuring classical music performances in February.
- Tammerfest Winter Festival (Tampere): A winter music festival featuring various genres of live music in December.
- Oulu Music Video Festival (Oulu): An event celebrating music videos and creative filmmaking, held in February.
- Finnish Santa Claus Congress (Rovaniemi): An annual event in November where hundreds of Santas gather to celebrate Christmas and exchange ideas.
In the heart of a Finnish winter wonderland, this 7-day itinerary provides a glimpse into the enchanting landscapes, festive traditions, and thrilling adventures that make Finland a truly magical destination during the snowy season. Whether chasing the Northern Lights, savoring vegan delights, or embarking on Arctic safaris, Finland’s winter charms await your exploration.
After reading this article, save this Finland Winter Itinerary 7 days and plan your Finland winter vacation.
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