Dogsleds, Sámi Culture, Snowshoeing, and Northern Lights
Winter Adventures in Lapland
Overview
Lapland is a wonderland in winter—and just the place for frosty fun, WT style! In Finland’s north, we’ll bring you unique outdoor experiences, from hiking to fantastic ice formations at Korouoma National Park to snowshoeing through the forests and fells of Pyhä-Luosto National Park, riding a reindeer-powered sleigh, and racing across snowscapes in a dogsled pulled by huskies. We also get an insider’s look into Lappish culture with Sámi reindeer herders, taste Finnish specialties, spend a night in glass-ceiling “igloo” cabins, and if we’re lucky, see the surreal northern lights dance across the night sky. Our hotels keep us warm and comfortable, and we can unwind in toasty Finnish saunas.
Arrive: Rovaniemi, Finland
Depart: Rovaniemi, Finland
Highlights
- Look for the elusive northern lights right from our beds in glass “igloos”
- Meet Sámi people on their remote farms, learn to mush a dogsled, ride a reindeer sleigh
- Experience Finnish and Lappish culture, enjoy relaxing saunas
- Try Nordic skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
- Learn to cook over the fire in a Lappish kota hut
Itinerary
Rovaniemi, capital of Lapland, is where the great rivers of Kemijoki and Ounasjoki converge at the Arctic Circle. Getting right into the spirit of Lapland in winter, we hike a trail through the taiga forests of Korouoma Canyon to discover the fantastic ice formations of the most spectacular frozen waterfalls in Europe.
After taking a celebratory step over 66°33'45.9" north, we have officially crossed to the Arctic Circle! We continue on to Pyhä-Luosto National Park, where we'll strap on snowshoes to venture through arctic fells and forests full of spruce and pine. We then enjoy this Arctic landscape an age-old way—on sleighs pulled by reindeer, the iconic animal that holds such a special place in Lappish life.
These days are for enjoying classic Lapland traditions: ice fishing, a cooking demonstration (and tasting!) of Finnish specialties cooked by a chef over a wood fire, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing up Iisakkipää Mountain for great views, and relaxing the Finnish way, soaking in an outdoor traditional wood-fired hot tub.
The indigenous Sámi of Finland embrace their traditional way of life and we'll be welcomed into a private home to hear about it. We'll learn to mush a dogsled, take a ride by reindeer-drawn sled, and circle Inari Lake by snowmobile (the preferred method of Sámi travel in winter, even for reindeer herding). In hopes of seeing the northern lights, we spend an overnight in “glass igloos” that give us a planetarium feeling right from our cozy beds. Depart on Day 12 via Rovaniemi.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is scheduled for February and March, when there should still be plenty of snow on the ground for our activities (it usually lasts until late May!), and yet the days are getting longer and brighter. This trip involves a wide range of activities, including snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and hiking in a variety of conditions. Other activities include ice fishing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and a traditional Finnish sauna.
Average Hiking Day
- 3-4 miles
- 2-3 hours
- 300' ascent/descent
This trip includes winter walking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing through quiet forests and across gentle Arctic fells. Trails are typically through spruce and pine forests, frozen lakes, and rolling tundra hills. Daily outings are generally short to moderate (2-3 hours), but the weather and cold temperatures can make the terrain feel more adventurous despite the relatively gentle elevation changes.
To get the most out of this trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.
Daytime temperatures in Rovaniemi in March average 25°F, with nighttime temperatures averaging 13°F. In Saariselkä and Inari, the temperatures are colder—around 12°F in the day and -6°F at night. Snowfall is always a possibility in Lapland at this time of year! We suggest you bring thermal undergarments, hiking boots that can accommodate cold conditions, gloves, and socks. A full packing list will be sent to you with your confirmation packet. It may be necessary to alter the schedule based on weather conditions, but we will do our best to do all activities as described in this itinerary.
Client Testimonials
"We had perfect weather throughout, pristine snow, untracked forests, a compatible group that hung together, and a great trip leader who took very good care of us. How can you improve on the perfect alignment of the stars?"
Abby N W.
Woodbury, CT
"We loved this trip! Exceeding all expectations, it provided us a super introduction to Finland in general and Lapland in particular. Well designed, expertly led, and with the right balance between active and passive activities, we only wished it was longer!"
Andrew P.
Belmont, CA
"We chose this trip for the variety of activities, with not every day being all about a hike. The trip met our expectations in this regard with all of the great venues and adventures."
Debbi P.
Rescue, CA
"The trip itinerary was well planned, thoughtful and perfectly executed. It gave us the chance to experience so much of Lapland and the culture. Every day was a different adventure, and we loved every minute of it. The food was excellent, and we had the chance to taste all of the culinary delights of Lapland."
Deborah P.
Mahwah, NJ
"Ingrid was AMAZING! She put together an incredible itinerary that showcased the Lapland culture, cuisine, and landscape beautifully. So very fortunate to have been on this trip with her!"
Dianne B.
Evanston, IL
"This was a trip filled with great variety of new and different experiences for most of us. Really a wonderful time."
Gail L.
Boulder, CO
"The trip was outstanding. I know other travelers will love this trip."
Jeanna F.
Paradise Valley, AZ
"A wonderful trip, beautifully structured and magical."
Jerry M.
Snohomish, WA
"Doe-eyed reindeer, dog sleds, snow-draped trees in hidden forests, tipis, glass-topped igloos, snowshoes, saunas, laughter, and homemade doughnuts are my treasured Lapland Memories...and light, always the light."
Kathryn S.
Mountain Village, CO
"A really fun trip with lots of interesting and challenging active adventures."
Nancy F.
New York, NY
"It was a fun trip, full of wonder and amazement in a new place."
Pat K.
Walnut Creek, CA
"So much fun with so many diverse activities in a beautiful country."
Renee V.
Los Altos, CA
"The northern lights delivered a spectacular show. We were kept busy the whole time and it went by way too fast."
Sandy M.
Prescott, AZ
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.