Polar Safari Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki and enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure. Our suggested top ten list includes: The Temppeliaukio Church (The Rock Church), Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanade Park, The Sibelius Monument, Havis Amanda Fountain, Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Presidential Palace (Presidentinlinna), Kiasma Art Museum and Suomenlinna Maritime Sea Fortress (outside the city centre).

Accommodation at the Cumulus Hotel Kaisaniemi or similar

Day 2: Overnight train Helsinki – Kemi

After breakfast enjoy your remaining hours in the delightful capital – you have enough time to continue exploring. Departure from Helsinki is at approximately 19h30. Meals are available on board the train.

Accommodation on board the train.

Day 3: Kemi – Sampo Ice Breaker

At 06h30 you arrive to Kemi. Proceed to the hotel Merihovi - Today you will create lasting memories as you enjoy a 4 hour excursion onboard the *Sampo Ice breaker. *(please note Sampo Ice breaker departure dates as detailed at the end of the itinerary). At about 11:25 you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the ice breaker. Depart Kemi at 12h00, with a traditional lunch (either reindeer or salmon) served on board. During the ice breaker excursion you will have the opportunity for ice swimming – definitely recommended. Return to Kemi at approximately 16h00 and transfer back to the hotel. If you are still feeling adventurous, we recommend a dinner in the snow castle, located within close proximity of your hotel. (not included)

Overnight at the hotel Merihovi or similar 

Day 4: Kemi – Rovaniemi by train

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and the rest of this day is at your own leisure. This afternoon your departure by train will be at 15h10. Journey time to Rovaniemi is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Enjoy the scenery that passes on board this short train journey. Arrive in Rovaniemi and check in at the Rantaisipi Pohjanhovi hotel

Accommodation at the Rantaisipi Pohjanhovi hotel (2 nights)

Day 5: Rovaniemi

The day is free to explore the 'capital‘ of Finnish Lapland. Activities such as reindeer safaris, husky safaris and snow mobile safaris are available. Please see the activity options in our Rovaniemi city break. Don‘t miss the opportunity to visit the Santa Claus village! There is a lot to see and do in Rovaniemi, all from simply enjoying your surroundings to partaking in fun filled adventures.

Day 6: Departure from Rovaniemi

After breakfast, say good bye to this magical country.

Optional Activities In Rovaniemi

These activities can be pre-booked and included in your package. Minimum 2 participants required for each departure. The equipment for outdoor activities - thermal outfits, shoes, gloves, helmets/hats, fuel, meals and/or coffee breaks, as well as a guided tour in English, are included in the prices (800 EUR personal liability for damages to snowmobile excluded). The snowmobile safaris are operated with 2 persons per snowmobile. Children 4-14 years will receive a 50% discount when sitting in a sledge. Please note: 01.12. - 09.01. child discount -25 %. Children under 4 years - free of charge.

Silence of Nature

Excursion days: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
Lapland is the land of the reindeer. This polar animal is very important for the Northern Civilizations! Today you will learn about the reindeer husbandry in the reindeer park in the Arctic Circle. Sitting in the sledges you will enjoy the silence of the nature during a peaceful ride through white Lappish landscape. A cup of traditional Finnish coffee will be served around the campfire. Back at the park a little souvenir is awaiting each of you: A Reindeer Driving Licence! Before returning to the city by car, you will release the reindeer from their harness and feed them.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Departure time: 11:00
Price: TBA

Discover the Arctic Snow Hotel

Excursion days:Tue, Thu Sat (operated from mid-Jan)
If you wish to experience one of the most beautiful and special sights in Rovaniemi, this safari will offer you an unforgettable journey! Hop on your snowmobile, leave the city behind and get ready to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the arctic nature. Steering your snowmobile deep into the forest and along the frozen lakes you will arrive to the Arctic Snow Hotel. After resting awhile and tasting some traditional hot berry juice you will drive back to town.
Duration: 4 hours
Departure time: 14:00
Price: TBA
Supplement: TBA

Aurora Borealis Adventure

Excursion days: Daily
Far away from the city lights, in the cozy old log building, Poro-Pekan Pirtti, you will have the chance to experience the magical phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. Situated 50 km from Rovaniemi, in the peaceful atmosphere of Pirtti you can almost feel time stop as the hundred-year-old clock ticks on the wall. Down by the river you will enjoy hot drinks and fried sausages around the campfire while listening to stories about the past and present lives of the local inhabitants. Return transfer back to town by car.
Duration: 4 hours
Departure time: 21:00
Price: TBA

Snowmobile Safari to the Husky Man's Camp

Excursion days: Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun. We drive by snowmobiles along the frozen rivers and through snowy forests to the Husky Man's Camp. After arrival, we will learn about the many aspects of living with and caring for the husky dogs. Then we take a short ride on sledges pulled by these wonderful animals. We guarantee that you will be thrilled by the speed of the ride! We return back to town by snowmobiles.

Duration: 3 hours
Departure time: 10:30
Price: TBA                                                   
Supplement: TBA

Aurora Borealis Excursion

Excursion days: Daily
In the evening we make our way by car to the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, which is located 20 km north of Rovaniemi. From there we walk to a peaceful location in search of the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights. We will enjoy a hot drink by a campfire and we will also have an opportunity to take a walk on snowshoes. If the sky is clear we may see the Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky! Return to your hotel by car.  
Duration: 2,5 hours
Departure time: 19:00                                  
Price: TBA         

Husky Excursion

Excursion days: Daily   
We will be taken by car to the husky farm. We are greeted by the friendly huskies that will take us on a husky-sledge safari through the frosty forest and over snowy meadows. You will learn how to control your own team of sledge dogs and enjoy the quiet ride once the dogs start to run. The driving time with the huskies is 1h 30 min - 1h 45 min. The safari ends at the farm with a cup of hot juice. Transfer back to town by car.
Duration: 3 hours
Departure times: 9:30 and 13:30         
Price: TBA

This map uses Google Maps, so you can zoom and interact with it as we hope it is familiar to you.

For a larger version of this map which opens in a new window, click here

The lines shown give you an indication of our destinations and are not the exact route used.

You'll see...

• Helsinki »
• Lapland, Finland, activities & information »
• Helsinki Christmas Market »
• Helsinki Design District »
• Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art »
• Northern Lights »
• Photographing the Northern Lights »
• Why you should visit Finland »
• Typical Lapland weather, seasonal climate info »
• Dog sledding in Finland »
• Ice Fishing »
• Reindeer Sledding in Finland »
• Facts on the Sami people: Culture, history & locality »
• Skiing Down Hill & Cross Country »

Will I see the Northern Lights?

Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:

Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.

Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm. 

In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.

Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.

Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:

Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.

Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.

Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.

Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.

Car Rental

You can rent a car, as long as you have a valid EU or international driver's license. Most cars will have manual transmission.