Authentic Lapland: Sami culture, snowshoeing, and the Northern Lights

First day

Helsinki, the Heart of Finland
Welcome to Helsinki, the Finnish capital where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. Let’s start the day with a visit to the old covered market, the perfect place to grab a bite and savor traditional Finnish cuisine—hearty and delicious. Next , the wonderful Helsinki Central Library, Oodi, awaits us. Forget everything you’ve ever thought about boring libraries! Here we’re faced with a gem of Finnish design that combines wood and glass, fluid lines, and bright, welcoming interiors. We’ll spend the evening at Loyly, Helsinki’s public sauna: wood-fired saunas, a traditional smoke sauna, direct access for a dip in the Baltic Sea, and a panoramic restaurant.
Feeling rejuvenated, we all head back to the hotel to rest: we need to be energized for tomorrow, when we’ll head to the heart of Lapland, andthe Northern Lights might peek out in the Arctic sky, making this vacation an unforgettable experience. Fingers crossed!

Second day

In the Heart of Lapland
After breakfast, we head to the airport for a short domestic flight to Ivalo.
We pick up the minivan at the airport and drive to Inari, our home in Lapland for the next few days. Inari is the capital of the Sami: an indigenous European people still deeply connected to reindeer herding traditions. We settle into a traditional chalet where sharing is the name of the game. The day is dedicated to Sami culture—Europe’s last indigenous people—and to reindeer. What kind of animal is it? Why does it inspire so much affection? We’ll find out by visiting an eco-sustainable Sami reindeer farm. Through hands-on activities and conversations with the two owners, we’ll discover just how much effort it takes to run a reindeer farm. In the evening, we’ll get ready for another adventure: our hunt for the Northern Lights, which might light up the sky above us. Will we be lucky?

Third day

The Silence of Lemmenjoki National Park
We set out on snowshoes into Lemmenjoki National Park—Finland’s largest—for a hike deep in the heart of the wilderness. We snowshoe among frozen lakes and snow-covered forests, in a landscape that seems frozen in time. We stop for lunch at a self-catering cabin, where a crackling fire warms us as we enjoy the surrounding tranquility. On the way back, hot tea awaits us in a tiny Sami village, offering a unique experience of sharing and discovery: we’ll have dinner right here, in a timeless atmosphere!

Fourth day

Amid Snow and Arctic Magic
Today’s hike will take us into the Nordic silence. Animal tracks are everywhere, reminding us that nature here is still the undisputed star. We can only marvel at its grandeur. We arrive at the Wild Church, a picturesque 18th-century Sami church built entirely of wood, nestled in the forest. Along the way, we stop at a cabin to light a fire and warm up with some hot tea—a perfect moment to listen to the unique silence of Lapland. The return journey runs along Lake Inari, offering fairy-tale views. In the afternoon, we visit the Siida Sami Museum, a modern, interactive space that tells the story of the history, traditions, and resilience of this people who have learned to live in harmony with Lapland’s extreme climate. The Siida Museum was named European Museum of the Year in 2024.
Last night in Inari: keep your eyes on the sky! This journey through the unspoiled nature of Lapland might treat us to (another) Northern Lights display.

Fifth day

It’s time to say goodbye to Inari and begin our journey back to Rovaniemi. Before we leave, we’ll take some time to visit the Sami Parliament—an opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Sami people. The building also houses a bistro and a charming gift shop where you can buy handmade crafts and souvenirs: the shop’s proceeds go directly to the Sami community, making every purchase a tangible way to support their activities. On the way to Rovaniemi, we stop in Pokka, a small village known as the coldest place in Europe, with a record low of -51°C set in 1999! Here, the friendly owner of the village’s only bar welcomes us with local stories and a touch of humor: he claims it doesn’t get that cold anymore… should we believe him? We can then continue on to Kemi, where we can enjoy a coffee at the Snowcastle bistro, which is rebuilt every year with a different theme: it’s our chance to step into a realm of ice. We’ll spend our last evening in Rovaniemi. Perhaps we’ll treat ourselves to a hot cup of tea at one of the downtown cafés to wrap up the day with a touch of Finnish ambiance. Accommodations in an apartment with access to a sauna.

Sixth day

In the morning, free time in the city of Rovaniemi, with the option to visitthe Arktikum, the largest museum dedicated to polar life. This fascinating interactive space offers an overview of the culture, nature, and challenges of the Far North. Here, we’ll begin to understand how humans have adapted to this seemingly inhospitable environment. Alternatively, after a short bus ride, we’ll visit the famous Santa Claus Village! In the afternoon, it’s time to say goodbye to Lapland, taking with us the memory ofa unique experience beyond the Arctic Circle. The unspoiled nature welcomed us with the silence of its forests, the purity of the air, and perhaps even the magical dance of the Northern Lights. We’ve shared snowshoe hikes through the soft snow, the rejuvenating warmth of Finnish saunas, and moments of genuine connection with nature and with the group. This journey has taught us to slow down, listen, and respect the grandeur of the Far North. It’s not just a farewell, but a “see you soon” to this extraordinary land.