【Northern Lights Hunt】7-Day Lapland Tour from Helsinki: Icebreaker Cruise, Santa Claus Village
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Discover Finnish Lapland with visits to Helsinki, Oulu, Kemi, and Rovaniemi, combining Arctic landscapes, culture, and charming northern towns.
• Cross the Arctic Circle and meet Santa at the famous Santa Claus Village, with free time to explore, shop, and send postcards from the Arctic.
• Choose unforgettable Arctic experiences, including an Icebreaker Cruise with ice floating, husky or reindeer safaris, snowmobile adventures, and Northern Lights excursions (seasonal, optional).
7 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Helsinki - Oulu - Kemi - Haparanda
Board the Arctic train from Helsinki to Oulu in the morning. Upon arrival, transfer by coach to visit the [Snow Castle Exhibition Area] (optional). The exhibition includes two venues: the Gemstone Exhibition & SnowExperience365. After the visit, continue to the Sweden–Finland border area for hotel check-in.
Reference train schedule: 8:24 AM Helsinki – 2:24 PM Oulu.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haparanda Stadshotell,Cape East - 2
Day 2 — Haparanda - Icebreaker - Haparanda(Optional:Polar Explorer Icebreaker)
After breakfast, head to the Gulf of Bothnia in the northern Baltic Sea to board the [Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise] (Optional). Enjoy an unforgettable 3-hour icebreaking experience. Guests taller than 125 cm may wear special thermal flotation suits and float in the icy sea, experiencing the unique charm of the Arctic. You may also try walking on the frozen sea, subject to ice conditions. After the tour, proceed to the Sweden–Finland border area for hotel check-in.
Please note: The icebreaker cruise must be booked in advance. Availability is limited and reservations are subject to availability.
[ Polar Explorer Icebreaker](Optional)
Polar Explorer Icebreaker Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure aboard the Polar Explorer Icebreaker! In the 3-hour cruise, feel the true power of the Icebreaker as it crushes through the frozen sea. Explore its fascinating decks with our interactive tour app, walk on the frozen sea(*subject to ice conditions), and float in icy waters wearing a warm, protective survival suit. Learn about the incredible strength and purpose of icebreakers in our onboard cinema, where a short 10-minute film brings their story to life. After your adventure, relax in the cozy saloon with a cup of hot juice and take home your official Cruise & Swim Certificate — a perfect keepsake from an unforgettable Arctic experience.
Meet the local Crew: Visit the bridge and meet the captain and crew.
Multilingual Guides: Friendly assistance in several languages.
Walk on the Frozen Sea: Step safely on the ice and capture amazing photos in front of the ship.
Drone Friendly: Drones welcome for impressive aerial shots.
Arctic Ice Floating: Float effortlessly in the icy sea wearing a warm survival suit.
Family Adventure: Children over 125 cm can join the swimming activity with their parents.
Icebreaker Cinema: Watch a 10-minute film about the power of icebreakers.
Onboard Comfort: Enjoy a complimentary hot drink, buy snacks, and souvenirs in the icebreaker shop.
Audio Guide App: Learn about icebreakers in your own language (16 available).
Professional Photographer: Take home a beautiful souvenir photo of your Arctic experience. (*wtih extra fee 25€)Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haparanda Stadshotell,Cape East - 3
Day 3 — Haparanda - Rovaniemi - Saariselka
In the morning, depart for [Santa Claus Village] in Rovaniemi. You can take a photo with Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy delicious food, and shop for souvenirs or send postcards. After leaving Santa Claus Village, continue to Saarisarka. After a short rest and dinner, join an optional snowmobile Northern Lights safari and venture into the dark Arctic forest in search of the Aurora Borealis. Surrounded by the wilderness of the Arctic night, experience the beauty and tranquility of the far north.
You will stay in traditional cabins on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th nights of the itinerary. Most cabins are shared suites accommodating 3–8 guests, with multiple bedrooms inside the cabin. Each bedroom is typically configured for double occupancy.
Please note that cabin layouts and room types are not standardized like hotel rooms, and the number of twin rooms is limited; therefore, specific room types cannot be guaranteed. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation regarding the room arrangements. We believe this unique cabin stay will become one of the most memorable experiences of your journey.***Due to high demand for Northern Light Village during the winter season, advance payment is required, but room availability cannot be guaranteed. Confirmation of the room will be provided after booking, and if the reservation is not secured before departure, a refund will be arranged.
Optional Upgrade at Your Own Expense: Northern Light Village, Aurora Cabin or Polar Sky Suite
Occupancy: 2 persons (up to 4 persons)
Winter Rates: [14.11–19.12] & [08.01–04.02] & [21.02–24.03]
Aurora Cabin:
479 EUR/night/1 person, 589 EUR/night/2 persons; 3rd/4th person: 199 EUR/person/night; Children (4-14 years old) 99.5 EUR/person/night
Polar Sky Suite:
689 EUR/night/1-2 persons; 3rd/4th person: 199 EUR/person/night; Children (4-14 years old) 99.5 EUR/person/night
Holiday Rates: [20.12–07.01] & [05.02–20.02]
Aurora Cabin:
509 EUR/night/1 person, 659 EUR/night/2 persons; 3rd/4th person: 229 EUR/person/night; Children (4-14 years old) 114.5 EUR/person/night
Polar Sky Suite:
759 EUR/night/1-2 persons; 3rd/4th person: 229 EUR/person/night; Children (4-14 years old) 114.5 EUR/person/night
Included in the Price:
One night stay at the Northern Light Village in the chosen accommodation type, a Lapland-themed dinner on the night of arrival, and breakfast on the following morning.
Not Included in the Price:
Other personal expenses and any fees listed under "Not Included", including transportation and other related services.
Aurora Cabin Description:
The Aurora Cabins are located next to natural hills and forests, where you can experience the pristine beauty of Lapland's snowy landscapes. The cabins are just 500 meters from the town center, which has restaurants, shops, and a spa, providing easy access during your leisure time. Each cabin is equipped with a heated skylight, a mini-bar, a kettle, a hairdryer, a private bathroom, and Wi-Fi.
Polar Sky Suite Description:
The Polar Sky Suite offers a luxurious retreat with panoramic views over Saariselkä, allowing you to enjoy stunning scenery. Located on the top of Kaunispää mountain, the suite features partial glass ceiling, giving you the opportunity to stargaze and view the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. From this high vantage point, you can also admire the magnificent views of Saariselkä village and the surrounding hills. Each suite has its own private sauna, bathroom, and kitchen. The spacious interior is designed for relaxation. The Polar Sky Suites are located 2 km from the resort’s main building/glass cabins. The resort offers a free shuttle service between the main building and the Polar Sky Suites for easy access to dining and activities.
Cancellation Policy for Northern Light Village:
Cancel more than 121 days before arrival: 30% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
Cancel within 120 days before arrival: 50% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
Cancel within 60 days before arrival: 100% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
Note:
After booking accommodation at Northern Light Village, transportation between the resort and Saariselkä town center will be at the guest’s own arrangement and expense. Assistance can be provided in booking the resort shuttle service between the resort and Saariselkä town center at a cost of EUR 6 per adult per way and EUR 3 per child per way.
Santa Claus Village
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Saariselkä's Log Cabin - 4
Day 4 — Saariselkä(Including reindeer farm, with optional Husky sledding & Polar snowshoeing)
In the morning, we'll head to the [Reindeer Farm] (price included) in Lapland, where you can learn about the Sami culture, feed the reindeer up close, and interact with them. You’ll also have the chance to take a 15-minute reindeer sleigh ride (available only when snow conditions permit; if there is insufficient snow, the visit will be limited to a farm tour only. Please note). Experience the transportation method of Santa Claus! The reindeer will lead the way as you sit in the sleigh, enjoying the unique beauty of the polar landscape.
In the afternoon, you will join the [Husky Safari] (optional), where you will race through the snow with the energetic huskies, surrounded by the enchanting snowy scenery. After a brief rest and dinner, you’ll embark on an adventure in the national forest park, where you'll experience [Snowshoeing] (optional) in search of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Finally, return to your cozy cabin in Saariselkä for the night.
Please note: Husky safari must be booked in advance and is subject to availability. Snow activity order may be adjusted depending on actual conditions.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Saariselkä's Unique Cabins - 5
Day 5 — Saariselkä - Kirkenes - Saariselkä (Optional: King Crab Safari including Lunch)
In the morning, guests who join the optional King Crab Tour (including lunch) will depart from Saariselkä and travel to Kirkenes, the renowned destination for king crab fishing.Upon arrival at the camp, you will ride in a sled pulled by a snowmobile across the frozen fjord to the ice holes where crab pots are placed, and visit the king crab catching site. A king crab lunch will be served during the experience. After the activity, return to Saariselkä and check in to your local-style wooden cabin hotel.
*Guests who do not join the optional king crab excursion will have free time in Saariselkä.
Please note:If you choose to drop off in Kirkenes, the King Crab experience is a mandatory paid activity. The drop-off point is approximately 10 km from both the airport and the town center, and transportation is at your own expense.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Saariselkä's Unique Cabins - 6
Day 6 — Saariselkä - Rovaniemi - Helsinki
In the morning, head to Rovaniemi and visit the [Polar Museum] (optional). The museum showcases a wealth of information about the development of the Arctic Circle region today, as well as exhibitions on the history, culture, and nature of Lapland. After the visit, board the overnight VR sleeper train back to Helsinki, staying in a 2-berth sleeper cabin.
VR Train Schedule Reference: 17:52 Rovaniemi - 06:27 Helsinki
Please note: Single-room supplement does not include accommodation on the VR sleeper train. The VR train is booked with a default 2-berth sleeper cabin.
Polar Museum
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Polar VR Train (2-person Sleeper) - 7
Day 7 — Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki in the early morning, tour ends.
VR Train Schedule Reference:
Rovaniemi - Helsinki 17:52 - 06:27 OR 21:00 Rovaniemi – 09:15 HelsinkiMeals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Accommodation: 2 nights at local 3-4 star hotels, 3 nights in Finnish-style cabins(No accommodation is provided on the last day of the tour)
- Vehicle:coach or car (Note: depending on the number of applicants)
- Train: Helsinki-Oulu VR train economy class seats, Rovaniemi-Helsinki twin sleeper (this train ticket is only included for the group joining and departing from Helsinki; it is not included if joining the group from Oulu/Kemi/Rovaniemi or departing from Kirkenes/Rovaniemi)
- Driver/Guide: driver + tour guide (Note: If a car with 9 seats or less, there will be only driver)
- Meals: 2 breakfasts
- Luggage: 1 piece of luggage weighing 23 kg and 1 piece of carry-on luggage
- Activity: 1.5-hour reindeer farm visit (includes tour, feeding, and a 15-minute reindeer sled ride if snow conditions permit)
Not included
- Admission fees to the attractions listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities: 10€/day per person for the driver and guide
- Single room supplement: Required for guests who prefer not to share a room; must be purchased for the full tour. If requested mid-tour, a double supplement will apply
- Lunches and dinners: Optional; your guide will provide recommendations
- Personal travel insurance: Strongly recommended for international travel to cover illness, loss, or other emergencies
- Costs or losses due to force majeure (e.g., weather, strikes) or transportation delays/changes (flights, trains, buses, ferries)
- Personal expenses such as hotel phone calls, laundry, pay TV, minibar, alcoholic drinks, luggage handling, etc., and any other services not explicitly listed (e.g., visa fees, airfare, insurance)
- All personal expenses and any items not mentioned under "Included."
Additional Notes:
- No guided commentary inside attractions; licensed local guides may be arranged on-site for a fee.
- If you are concerned that sharing a room with a roommate may affect your rest, it is recommended to pay a single room supplement in advance.
- For some tour dates from January to March, individual cabins will be upgraded to a four-star hotel. Please refer to the actual arrangements.
- Optional activities are non-refundable and non-changeable within 16 days prior to departure.
Important Notice!
(1)Snow activities are not recommended for children under 4 years old!
(2)Ice and snow activities involve life safety, so please take them seriously!!! Except for snowmobiles, king crab fishing, and icebreaker boat floating, which provide warm gear, other snow activities (reindeer sledding, husky sledding, and polar snowshoeing) require you to rent your own professional warm gear (such as coats/overalls, gloves, boots, etc., expected to cost 5-10 EUR per item per day). If you do not wear sufficient, warm, waterproof, and cold-resistant clothing, our guides have the right to refuse your participation in snow activities on-site for your own safety, and no refund will be provided!
Meeting & drop-off
Departure points
- Kemi railway station · D1 KemiPickup at 16:00:00Kemi
- Santa Claus Village · D3 RovaniemiPickup at 10:30:00Rovaniemi
- Starbucks at Helsinki Central Station · D1 HelsinkiPickup at 08:00:00Helsinki
- Oulu Railway Station · D1 OuluPickup at 14:30:00Oulu
Cancellation policy
Read the full cancellation terms
[Cancellation and Change Policy]
1. Tour Cancellation
If the Customer cancels the tour, the following cancellation fees shall apply based on the number of days prior to the scheduled departure date:
33 days or more prior to departure (inclusive): 15% of the total amount due as stated in the booking invoice shall be charged.
17 to 32 days prior to departure (inclusive): 25% of the total amount due shall be charged.
10 to 16 days prior to departure (inclusive): 50% of the total amount due shall be charged.
Within 9 days of departure (inclusive): No refund will be provided, as transportation and accommodation arrangements will have been finalized.
If the Customer changes the departure date and later cancels the revised booking, the cancellation fee shall be calculated based on the original departure date.
2. Tour Change / Rescheduling
This clause applies only to changes made between multi-day tours operated by the same local service provider.
33 days or more prior to departure (inclusive): First rescheduling: €10 per person handling fee, Second rescheduling: 5% of the total amount due
17 to 32 days prior to departure (inclusive): 10% of the total amount due
10 to 16 days prior to departure (inclusive): 30% of the total amount due
Within 9 days of departure (inclusive): Changes are not permitted. No refund will be issued.
"Total amount due" includes both the base tour fee and any charges for additional accommodation (“extra nights”).
3. Optional Cancellation (days before departure refers to the tour start date, not the excursion date):
33 days or more before departure (inclusive): No cancellation fee will be charged;
17-32 days before departure (inclusive): 10% of the total amount due for the optional excursion will be charged;
10-16 days before departure (inclusive): 25% of the total amount due for the optional excursion will be charged;
Within 9 days before departure (inclusive): All bookings have been confirmed, and no refunds will be given for optional excursions.
4. Cancellation Policy for Northern Light Village:
Cancel more than 121 days before arrival: 30% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
Cancel within 120 days before arrival: 50% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
Cancel within 60 days before arrival: 100% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
Important info
Special notes
* Travelers aged 70 or above must be accompanied by a family member and complete a "Travel Participation Statement." If no companion is present and the traveler insists on joining, the company reserves the right to decline the booking based on circumstances. The traveler will bear full responsibility for any issues arising from their own condition during the trip.
* The company reserves the right to adjust accommodations, travel routes, attractions, and departure dates as necessary.
* In cases of low enrollment, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (e.g., issues with flights or cruises), the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the tour. If canceled, a full refund will be provided, or a similar alternative will be offered. The company holds no further liability for the cancellation.
* Additional costs caused by force majeure—such as traffic delays, strikes, weather, mechanical failure, flight cancellations or schedule changes—are the responsibility of the traveler.
* All times listed in the itinerary are for reference only. Actual arrival times may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, such as weather, traffic, accidents, holidays, events, or strikes. If you have connecting travel plans, we strongly recommend allowing at least a 3-hour buffer. The company is not responsible for any losses caused by insufficient buffer time in your personal travel arrangements.
[Arctic Circle Tour – Important Notes]
1. Meals
In order to guarantee a competitive price, we chose to live in a fully equipped cabin with kitchenware. The tour fare does not include breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a supermarket not far from the wooden house, you can buy the ingredients yourself and enjoy cooking. Of course, hotels, restaurants, etc. near the camp will also provide meals, and visitors can choose to try local cuisine on their own. Some of the optional items will also include some meals and snacks, as described in the event content.
2. Other notes and frequently asked questions
We recommend that you prepare the following items during your trip:
Very warm clothes
Bathing suits needed for sauna
Cash change and essential medical supplies/drugs
Bank card, credit card, etc.
Pillows, travel pillows, etc. required for overnight buses
High quality camera for shooting Northern Lights
[FAQs]
Is the Arctic Circle very cold?
According to our feedback from the guests, the Arctic circle's somatosensory temperature is not as cold as its theoretical temperature. Due to the lack of wind and weather, the body temperature is similar to the domestic body temperature in Beijing.
Will the Arctic Circle not snow?
All of our Arctic Circle destinations are at least 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The reason is that the higher the latitude, the greater the probability of aurora and snow. However, we cannot guarantee the weather conditions at the time you came to the Arctic Circle. Generally speaking, heavy snow will come to the Arctic Circle in early November each year. If the snow is not deep and some items cannot be carried out, we will provide alternatives or a full refund for the project.
Is there no day in the winter night in the Arctic Circle?
In the Arctic Circle, the sun rises from 9 to 10 am and the sun falls below three to four in the afternoon. The sunshine time is about 6 hours. It is exactly normal daytime look!
Can you guarantee to see the aurora?
At the northernmost point of Lapland, the Northern Lights can be seen almost every night, as long as it is dark and the sky is clear. In the Saariselka region, you can witness the frequent occurrence of the Northern Lights, although the clouds may weaken the visibility, just as the summer night affects the light. On average, the northernmost point of Lapland can see the Northern Lights for up to 200 nights a year.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* The single room supplement does not include the VR train experience on the 6th night. For the 3rd to 5th nights, the cabin upgrade to a single room is only for the single room within the suite!
* about accommodation
3-8 person cabin
The chalet includes: cutlery, dishwasher, fridge and freezer, stove, microwave, oven, bread machine, electric kettle, dryer, TV, radio, CD player, fireplace and wood. There is a small attic and there is also a standard double room.
Dishwasher: Please open the water inlet valve or the dishwasher will not work.
Water heater: The bath water heater can boil up to 200 liters of bath water at one time. Please be careful not to use all the boiled water at once, otherwise others will wait at least 1 hour for bathing.
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 2047
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from
$1553
NPR 2,09,692